Established October 1895 Prime Minister: Disconnections to be restored – Page 4

Sunday March 22, 2020 $2 VAT Inclusive

‘WEFRUSTRATED residents WANTin President of the Democratic Labour ANSWERS’signed, to date, by well over 100 residents water,as neighbouring communities have Sherbourne and Wilson Hill, St. John Party (DLP) and resident of Sherbourne, asking for their plight to be addressed not been having those challenges. are seeking answers as to why for St. John, Andre Worrell, said the letter with the utmost urgency. He further stated that in the almost a year their taps have been will be sent to the General Manager of According to Worrell, next month will correspondence that will be emailed to virtually dry, and they have drafted the Water Authority, Keithroy be a full year since water outages have the aforementioned persons and agencies a letter to be sent to the relevant Halliday by tomorrow. Worrell further been going on in the area, which he noted no later than Monday, they are authorities seeking to have their indicated that a copy of the letter will be worsened in June last year. He went on requesting a meeting by April 3, 2020 to concerns addressed. forwarded to the Fair Trading to say that while they appreciate the hear from the BWA why the outages Speaking to The Barbados Advocate Commission, the Office of Public Counsel country is experiencing drought persist and hopefully to hear from them yesterday afternoon at a shop at and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. conditions, in December they recognised what measures will be employed to assist Sherbourne No. 2, where several Also, he stated that accompanying that that the areas of Sherbourne and Wilson the residents. residents had gathered, the 3rd Vice letter, will be a petition that has been Hill were the ones consistently without WATER on Page 6

Third from left: 3rd Vice President of the Democratic Labour Party and resident of Sherbourne, St. John, Andre Worrell, along with other frustrated residents of Sherbourne and Wilson Hill, St. John who are plagued with prolonged water outages. Barbados steps up to COVID-19 alert Stage 2 BARBADOS is officially in Stage 2 of its number of persons who would have been for a visitor who tested positive,” Minister “Contact tracing is one of the cardinal fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. into direct contact with some of the Bostic revealed. things we do in public health, in order to This upgrade comes after the island’s confirmed cases that we have identified Though any increase in the numbers of contain the spread of contagions such as COVID-19 cases reached double digits, a few days ago. As a result of that, the cases is troubling, the Minister also the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. with 14 individuals testing positive to Public Health Laboratory was able to stressed that numbers are expected to We have many different public health the virus as of Saturday. Minister of conduct about 20 tests of which eight rise, as officials fervently conduct contact teams based at the polyclinics Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey tests returned as positive. So there are tracing amongst those who were close to throughout the island who are engaged Bostic, gave this update during a brief now eight new cases in Barbados, as a persons who are known to have the virus. in contact tracing. So you take your index press conference held at Ilaro Court, with result of the testing that has been The Acting Chief Medical Officer stressed case, and you find out all of the persons COVID-19 Czar, Richard Carter, and conducted. Of these eight cases, seven that contact tracing in such a situation who that one person came into contact Chief Medical Officer (ag) Dr.Anton Best. are directly related to two of the was critical in the efforts to slow the with,” Best stated. “We have been able to identify a previously confirmed cases, and one is spread of the coronavirus. STAGE 2 on Paga 5 2 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 3 Residents desperate for water “WE need water!” unable to bathe them as needed, wash community as a matter of urgency. The That’s the desperate cry of the down their pens and give them adequate St. John resident also noted that the residents of Sherbourne and Wilson Hill water to drink. distance persons have to walk to get to St. John who have been experiencing “All that little money is what was the tanks and back to their homes with prolonged water outages since April last helping to pay the same water bill. Now buckets of water,was too far especially for year. The residents voiced their you ain’t seeing no water, but you seeing the elderly member of the communities. frustration at the lack of access to this the bill coming in all the time and I seeing According to Searles, the tank at the top basic human right, contending that it it in red, due for disconnection. Now you of Sherbourne No. 1 was frequently was not only disrupting their daily lives, ain’t seeing no water but you seeing it due running dry, as the demand for water but their livelihoods as well. for disconnection. It is hard up here in St. was high and they need to refill that tank Some residents who were gathered at John, it ain’t easy,” McCollin lamented. on a more consistent basis. a shop at Sherbourne No. 2 yesterday Another resident, Selwin Searles also Meanwhile,Wilson Hill resident, Faith afternoon, were willing to share their expressed his frustration contending that Smith described the situation as experiences over the last several months. the situation is unfair. He said that with ridiculous, explaining that she is forced One resident who preferred not to give the Covid-19 threat, persons should be to leave home every weekend in order to his name, indicated to The Barbados constantly washing their hands, but the wash her children’s clothes for school. Advocate that it was now too much to residents of these two rural communities She also expressed frustration that the bear as he could not get water for his five do not have the running water necessary water tankers come during the day when cows, and his persistent back pain made to do so. Searles also said many residents residents are at work. Smith is also it difficult for him to carry buckets of were forced to stay home from work concerned about the spread of the water to and from his home. because there was no water for them to coronavirus in this country and in Fellow Sherbourne resident Cudjoe bathe. particular that community, should the McCollin said his household is He went further, maintaining that the water outages persist. struggling. Many days, he said, he goes to three water tanks in the area are not When The Barbados Advocate was work only to come home and hear the sufficient to meet the demands from leaving the community, a water tanker water tanker passed when he was out. residents and as such, he called on from the Barbados Water Authority was Wilson Hill resident, Faith Smith says McCollin said he was also forced to get rid government to place additional in the area supplying residents with the lack of water is taking a toll on her of the pigs he was rearing, as he was community water tanks in the water. and her family.

The community water tank which has been placed at the top of Sherbourne No. 1 This Sherbourne, St. John resident had their buckets lined up outside awaiting which residents say frequently runs dry. the arrival of a tanker.

The Barbados Water Authority tanker providing water for a resident at Sherbourne, St. John yesterday.

4• Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Prime Minister: Disconnections to be restored THE over 3 000 persons Word of this has come debate in the House of discussions she had with PM Mottley said that talk about money, when in this country who have Prime Minister and Assembly on the the Minister of Energy and these persons have been people are at risk, as a had their water service Minister of Finance, Appropriation Bill to a close Water Resources, Wilfred disconnected for a variety result of the rapidly disconnected, will have Economic Affairs and on Friday night. Mottley Abrahams and Chairman of reasons, but she said her spreading coronavirus that service reinstated Investment, Mia Amor indicated that the decision of the Barbados Water Government is the view around the world. with immediate effect. Mottley,as she brought the was taken following Authority,Leodean Worrell. that now is not the time to However, in making the announcement, PM Mottley said that the service would not be restored indefinitely,but for the next three to six months.With that in mind, she is urging those customers to make payments, no matter how small. “Fair is fair,fair is fair and even if it is a little piece and a little piece... We accept that in some instances people can’t pay the full amount, but you got a 20 dollar, go and put it down there for me at the Water Authority and let us perform even if we are not asking you to clear you arrears, at least stay current in the months going ahead,” she urged those who will benefit from the measure. Earlier, she told the House of Assembly that the Barbados Water Authority will be undertaking major work to replace mains across the island, to reduce the 50 per cent of non- revenue water that is loss on a daily basis. “In other words for every gallon of water you pump out of the reservoir you losing half of it before it gets to the houses. And this hasn’t happened by any one government, this happened through the process of time because the pipes are old, the pipes in some instances are rusty,” she said. She added that through the multi-million capital works programme, the BWA will start laying mains on Highway 1 and Highway 7, as repairs are done on those roads. Mottley maintained that it makes no sense doing the road repairs and the mains replacement as separate projects, which would increase the cost. Her comments came as she revealed that her government is in conversation with a “friendly bi-lateral government” to fix the “rollercoaster” roads on the East Coast of the island. “That includes all of the other roads in St. John. We have given a commitment to the Member of St. John that we will do right by him with respect to a lot of the roads, because in spite of being represented at the highest level in this country, St. John has some of the worst roads in Barbados,” she stated. (JRT)

The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 5 DLP requests clarity WHILE praising the million it was getting for appealing to the 5 200 on hotel room tax and efforts of Government a number of years. The households with an departure tax; and SSA to protect the most increase that this is annual income of over depends on monies vulnerable families on likely to cost us is just $100 000 as well as transferred from BWA. the island, in the face under $10 million and companies which could Will they be brought back of the anticipated therefore will see an afford it, to help those onto the books to be impact of COVID-19, additional amount to the living close to or below financed from the Democratic Labour department to help it be the poverty line by consolidated fund? Party (DLP) President able to deal with the making contributions to The DLP President Verla DePeiza has increase in fees,” she the initiative. also asked about the level asked for clarity from said. “A country which of protection of the most the Government on In addition, Mottley knows what it is to carry vulnerable who rent certain key said government’s plans each other, cannot now National Housing announcements which to identify and help the watch others suffer in Corporation (NHC) units. were announced by 650 most vulnerable this environment,” she “Will there also be debt Prime Minister Mia families will be extended said, noting the forgiveness by the Amor Mottley, in to 1 500 families, and programme would be National Housing Parliament on Friday noted this would not only chaired by the Director of Corporation during this evening. be those provided for by Finance and Economic disruptive period?” she PM Mottley during her the Welfare Department, Affairs. added. wrap up of the but those the Household Already, she disclosed, Finally, DePeiza asked Appropriations Bill at Mitigation Department the Massy Foundation about the level of the Worthing Corporate identified as retrenched has agreed to seed fund transparency related to Centre announced a workers. $200 000 immediately. the advancement of programme, which is With $10 million to be DePeiza queried the tourism related projects part of the government’s used for such a purpose, shift in the focus of the during this time. response in seeking to the PM said while the tourism sector. “In light “Regarding the last cushion vulnerable amount was not large, “it of the shift in focus in the minute commencement families from fall-out was an amount that is tourist industry from of various capital works from the Covid-19 still intended to help service to construction, it projects, given that the Democratic Labour Party, President Verla DePeiza. pandemic. “We will people and is larger than is expected that there contracts were awarded support the likely the initial welfare will be lay-offs and outside of the tendering Barbados through this speech – will in some increase and demand for grants”. terminations on an process, will there be the difficult period. It is our large measure improve the Welfare Department “The amount will be unprecedented scale. promised transparency hope that attending to our outcomes on as a result of Covid-19 $600 a month by 1 500 What are the provisions and accounting to the these fundamentals – the other side of this and immediately families works out to in place to ensure the people of Barbados, given which seemed overlooked period.” announce here, an $900 000 a month and capitalisation of the NIS that our limited in the Prime Minister’s (DB) increase of 40 per cent in will allow them to be able to enable it to service the resources will be strained all rates and fees paid by to feed their families. demand for severance even further by this the Welfare to the These funds must be the and unemployment crisis?” clientele that it services subject of urgent action,” benefits?” Depeiza also The DLP President on an annual basis. “In she stated. asked about the indicated that the party 2018, this government Mottley also said an structure of the island’s is ready to assist where it increase the Welfare ‘Adopt Our Families’ tourism efforts. “Funding can. “The DLP stands Department’s vote by $5 programme would be of Barbados Tourism ready to assist the million on top of the $15 launched, while Marketing Inc., depends government as it pilots BWA Stations at Alleynedale Asthma patients and Lamberts still offline THE Barbados Water Coconut Hall, Spring Authority (BWA) wishes to Garden, Salmonds, urged to call ahead update residents of St. Rockfield, Lowlands, St. STAGE 2 from Front facilities or Accident and Lucy that the Alleynedale Clements, Round Rock, Page Emergency Department, and Lamberts Pumping Chance Hall, Well Road , Though because of if you call ahead you will Stations are still offline as Pie Corner,Little Bay,Cove patient confidentiality be directed as to where to a result of low reservoir Bay, Fosters, Swampy reasons Dr. Best was go. Currently, all nine levels. The Authority’s Town, Trents, Mount unable to say where polyclinics can manage crews are making Poyer,Harrises & Harrises exactly these persons and see respiratory cases adjustments to the system Tenantry, Durhams, would have been to on the and so can the hospital, in an effort to help the Jemmotts, Chance Hill, island before they tested but you have to call ahead situation. Mount View, Glendalough positive, he gave the first so that we can know Customers in the Road, Josey Hill , Peterses, assurance that teams how to manage you,” he following areas may Rock Hall, Lamberts, were frantically trying to said. continue to be affected by Mount Gay, Oxford, find as many persons who With the Stage 2 of the low pressure or water Church Hill, Luke Hill, may have been in contact National response Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey outages as a result. Alexandria and with these affected currently being Bostic. Colleton, Checker Hall, surrounding districts in St. individuals. implemented, COVID-19 Shermans,Half Moon Fort, Lucy. The Queen Elizabeth Czar, Richard Carter said dedication and protect ourselves lies in Clinketts, Sutherland Hill, Water tankers will Hospital currently cannot that public gatherings of commitment Barbadians avoiding mass gatherings Fustic, Bourbons, continue to assist residents receive asthma patients 25 or more should be have given to following of 25 persons, then we Broomfield, Maycocks, in the affected districts as as normal, however,Dr. limited or avoided, as to public order. We have expect people to self- Husbands,Friendly Hall, a temporary measure. Best reassured that plans limit the human-to- always being an ordered police,” Carter noted. Content, Archers, Crab Crews are also ensuring had already been put in human spread and and disciplined country. Though he hoped this Hill, Grape Hall, that the Community tanks place to deal with these appealed to Barbadians to We are facing a public warning would be Salmonds, Greenidges, are being replenished. persons in the interim. take the warnings health emergency, not of followed, the Government Cluffs, Spring Hall, Bright The Barbados Water “What we are seriously. our making, [but] we are stands ready to sign these Hall, Connell Town, Authority apologises to our recommending to persons “We have come to this facing a global pandemic. requests into law to retain Northumberland, Hope, valued customers for the is to call ahead. Please do point in our history If the advice is given that the safety of the general River Bay, Bishops, inconvenience. not go to your health care through the level of one of the measures to public. 6 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Organic produce possible THOUGH organic produce from make their way onto another without farms is worth millions of dollars in either farmer being aware. That to me is overseas territories, farmers in our a big stumbling block we would have for Caribbean region have yet to expand organic work,” she said. purposely into the growing market. Currently, the organic market has This is not from the lack of initiative, grown in the , to an more so the delicate nature in the art estimated $52.5 billion in value. of producing organic foods. Customer interest in these products This revelation came from Bernice continue to rise as health officials Chase, Co-Director of J&P Farms, as she repeatedly to warn citizens of the dangers sat down for an interview recently to of fast foods and other unhealthy food discuss a wide array of topics choices. Chase believes, that as this trend surrounding the current state of continues to rise, more locals will see the agriculture on the island. When asked to benefits in natural plant-based foods, whether her farm will be able to produce thus influence farmers and retailers to fully organic crops soon, Chase was invest heavily in the new space. hesitant to say yes, as she was well aware “Organic farming was practiced by our of how environmental factors tend to older folk, who for the most part led affect possible organic crops. healthier lives than we do now. If we as “We would love at some point to call our a people, can get back to the roots of those crops completely organic, however, I do farming techniques, and improve on not believe anywhere in Barbados can them with modern technologies, the have a completely organic space because agriculture sector on the island will see of the proximity we all are to farms which massive wins ahead in its future.We only still heavily use pesticides. With the need investment, and to educate farmers shifting of wind conditions and other and consumers, on the benefits they will natural factors being around, it’s quite receive,” Chase explained. easy for pesticides from one farm, to (SB) Bernice Chase, Co-Director of J&P Farms. Clarification of Fire Service (Fees) order 2020 THE Barbados Fire Service (BFS) has example, it does not apply to backyard Meanwhile, the second new provision, According to the new Order, on the sought to provide an explanation for new barbecues. Repeat Responses to False Alarms, third occasion and every time after that aspects of the revised Fire Service (Fees) In a statement issued by the BFS to applies to instances where the BFS is in the same month, the occupier/owner Order 2020. explain the Order, it was noted that the required to respond to a facility more will be charged. Under the new Order, Permits to Burn Burn Permit applied to burning in than twice a month, as a result of To view the full Order, persons should do not relate to domestic activities among situations where the public’s health and malfunctioning or poorly maintained fire visit the Barbados Fire Service’s website family and friends at their homes.For safety would be of concern. alarm systems. www.fireservice.gov.bb. Increased need for every household to have running water WATER from Front Page contended that their situation is even water services be reinstated in light of providing drinking water to the elderly, “Obviously we will have to take into more urgent, with the threat of the Covid-19 threat, Worrell said the disabled and children in the community consideration all the protocols with community spread of the coronavirus in residents in Sherbourne and Wilson Hill to do so,” he said. regard to Covid-19 and understand that this country. He insisted that with who have not been receiving water, but He made the point while noting that they may not all be able to meet with several cases recorded here, it reinforces still getting water bills every month, need too often the water comes on during the everyone, but they can meet with a the need for every household in this an ease too. day when the majority of residents are at representative group, all we want is to be country to have running water so “We are asking that at least for a few work and unable to fill their containers heard and to hear from them what is that persons can keep their hands clean hours every day we can have water with the drinking water that is required. being done to address our situation,” he and safeguard themselves against the running through our taps and at times Worrell said while there are water tanks said. virus. that are convenient for persons to be able in the community, persons do not feel Worrell, who is the DLP’s spokesperson While commending the Prime Minister to catch that water. And until then we comfortable consuming that water or on agriculture, environment and water, for instructing that all disconnected appeal to those who can assist in using it for cooking purposes.

NOTICE NOTICE

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The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 7 PM: Arrears coming down THE Barbados Labour Party Administration has made a serious dent in terms of clearing payment arrears owed to individuals and businesses in this country. That’s the word from Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Investment, Mia Amor Mottley. During a presentation to wrap up the debate on the Appropriation Bill in the House of Assembly on Friday evening, Prime Minister Mottley re- Prime Minister and Minister of vealed that between April 2019 and Finance, Economic Affairs and January 2020, Government paid $145 Investment, Mia Amor Mottley. million in Value Added Tax (VAT), Income Tax and Corporation Tax refunds. “If I can remind you, at the start of the This, she said, brought the total of BERT [Barbados Economic Recovery and amount of arrears paid since her Transformation] Programme the State Government came to power to $1.1 bil- Owned Enterprises of Barbados owed lion. $755 million,” she said. “... Effectively eliminating 85 per cent Meanwhile, PM Mottley spoke of the of arrears accumulated during the pe- revenue earned during this financial year riod 2008 and 2017 especially from VAT, which comes to an end on March 31. She Income Tax and Corporation Tax refunds. revealed that fees like the health service I want to repeat myself, by paying that levy have performed well thus far at just $145 million in this fiscal year in VAT re- over $5 million a month in intake, while funds, Income Tax refunds, Corporation indirect tax revenues have continued to Tax refunds, this Government has paid improve. She said there is a $40.3 million back since May 28th, 2018, almost $1.1 improvement in VAT, which helped to off- billion to Barbadian companies and set the reduction in intake from Barbadian citizens – monies owed to Corporation Tax. She added that prop- them over a decade easing them,” she erty taxes improved by $54 million – this, said. she said, was the result of a shift away Mottley told the Lower House that from taxation on work, to taxation on as- there is still $163 million outstanding in sets and transactions. terms of Central Government arrears “We kept the foreign exchange fee from and she gave the assurance that they are the last Government but we capped it, committed to making those payments as and we also in this year benefitted from well. She went on to indicate that State improved non tax revenue as the result Owned Enterprises (SOEs) have also of receipt of just about 11 or 12 million been able to pay down their arrears, dollars with respect to the signature having repaid and cleared to date $145 bonus for the oil and gas contract that we million in arrears during this fiscal year. have with BHP Billiton for the blocs off She explained that this has reduced the Barbados,” she stated. amount owed by SOEs to $49 million. (JRT)

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8 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial Via Dolorosa LENT. I expect many have Jesus falls the second A modern been praying the Stations time: the Seventh Station. of the Cross in their local (Isaiah 53: 8, 10) churches. The devotion We’re not invincible, arose in Jerusalem in the though sometimes we pestilence Middle Ages when pil- think we are. No. We fall – “The coronavirus doesn’t fit the old templates, which grims retraced the Via and then we fall again. It’s explains the reluctance of government officials and Dolorosa, the Way of what it is to be human. citizens to do what has to be done. Its arrival in the Sorrows, which Jesus trod We’re still children and, as United States was only a matter of time, but weeks went from the Praetorium, St Therese says, children by without serious action…” – Steve Chapman, Chicago where he was condemned, fall frequently.But it’s not Tribune, March 13, 2020 to Calvary. others; or crosses of truth Sure, not everyone who the end of our story. It’s We mustn’t think the which teach us something calls himself ‘friend’ is one. the beginning, the story of “In Italy we waited too long, these countries should re- Stations speak only of of ourselves and the world; We know that – but it getting up again and ally start implementing aggressive containment meas- Jesus. They speak to all of or crosses of resurrection doesn’t take the upset again, of punching the air, ures now,” – Silvia Mercer, Italian researcher, 2020 us of the ups and downs of proclaiming that light will away when it happens.Yet of exclaiming ‘I’m alive! life, of our world with all ever penetrate the dark- then another door opens.A I’m me! I’ll never surren- THE recently WHO-declared pandemic, the novel coro- its sadness, tears and in- ness. stranger comes with an der!’ It’s a story which will navirus, or COVID-19, as it has been officially dubbed, justice, as well as its Jesus falls the first time: honest heart. New oppor- last till our lives’ end. poses a clear and present threat to a globalised world joys and hopes. The Way the Third Station. (Isaiah tunities for love arise. The Crosses? Yes, but they’re with its established deleterious impact on so many of the Cross isn’t just a 53:4) ‘new’ can happen any- like roses with thorns. facets of human existence; the personal, the familial, historical journey.It’s a life We all fail and fall in one where and, typically,when Their scent continues long the financial, the economic, the social, the political, the journey for you and for way or another. We don’t we least expect it. The after the thorns have done industrial and the commercial, among others. me. live in vacuum flasks.Will hurt fades and becomes a their work, long after the When we consider that these consequences are being Jesus is condemned to falling end our journey? memory, for we’re not bleeding stops. effected simultaneously at both the local and interna- death: the First Station. Will we give up or get up? alone any more. Think of In this journey of ours tional levels, Marshall Mc Luhan’s global village is (Luke 23:22-25) It’ll take courage and be- their courage and trust in there’ll be times we expe- swiftly becoming de-populated as the portals to more The crowd screams lief in ourselves. Jesus is standing with us, in walk- rience fear. Some fears and more countries are daily slammed shut; mass gath- ‘Crucify! Crucify!’ Are you there, by our sides. He got ing by our side. we’ve carried since child- erings are discouraged and people are being warned not there – in the crowd? Are up. What will we do? Veronica wipes Jesus’ hood. Others arise when to stand within three to six feet of each other; the cur- YOU a crowd person? Jesus meets his Mother: face: the Sixth Station. we don’t understand rent phenomenon of social distancing. Have you lost your indi- the Fourth Station. (Luke (Isaiah 53:2-3) what’s happening to us As major international sporting events are either viduality? Is your voice the 2: 34-35) Sometimes from and so can’t control it. cancelled or deferred with the confident expectation lost voice of a thousand Give thought to our nowhere, even from the There’ll be those who’ll try that all will soon be well in some uncertain future and others? In condemning mothers now who accom- crowd, someone comes and to oppress us; and inhu- most educational institutions go on unscheduled fur- Jesus, this crowd con- pany us on our lives’ jour- pulls us up, wipes our man conditions which loughs, we sense with each passing day that life as we demned itself, lost in the ney, even from beyond the faces, and gives us the ten- threaten to overwhelm us, knew it as recently as three moths ago may have been dirge of banshees droning grave. This week, observe derness we so desperately everyone. ENOUGH. We irrevocably changed. ‘Death. Death’, lost to the the young mothers with need at this moment. It’s a may feel we can’t fight Meanwhile, as daily news reports inform of the jubilant hallelujahs of all their kids .Wish them gesture rooted in natural back. Fear isn’t weakness. steadily rising infection and death rates from the virus creation urging ‘Life! Life!’ well. Bless them, and all love, the spontaneous love It’s human-ness. Even in other countries,including some of our neighbours, we in all the lives of you and those who wish us well. which underneath we’re Jesus suffered it at have so far been thankfully spared any further incidence me. How about con- Imagine what they’d suf- all capable of – because Gethsemane. We begin by of the disease within our shores beyond the few cases fronting the crowd and fer if they knew those they we’re HUMAN.We witter naming our fear, exploring announced so far.While we are of course grateful for this saying ‘NO’? Do we have love will die in only a few so much about SIN, origi- it.Thus we begin to control actuality, it would be foolhardy to believe that none of that kind of courage? hours. If our mothers were nal sin, this or that sin, as it, and wait for an answer. our citizens will ever be affected at all, given, as an anal- Jesus receives his cross: to see what we’ve become, if that somehow defines Eventually it will come. ogy, the rate of contraction of influenza locally during the Second Station. (Mark would they weep or re- us. But far stronger and Meanwhile: evil in our the annual ’flu season. 8:34-35) joice? What can we do to more real than sin is midst – BEGONE. It is for this reason that we have a philosophical dif- At various times in our make them rejoice? LOVE, original love. You Go safely, then – until ficulty with the official refusal to take more aggressive lives we’ll carry our own Simon of Cyrene helps have it. I have it.We must- the next time. precautionary measures such as the statutory prohibi- crosses. They’re unavoid- Jesus carry his cross: the n’t be afraid to show it – Walking the Way, from tion of mass gatherings and the temporary closure of our able. Maybe we should Fifth Station. (Luke 23:26) EVER. Showing it, giving the boundary: Remember courts and churches as has been the case elsewhere. think of them as crosses of It’s always upsetting it, is our gift to ourselves, this, “God is the sphere Indeed, it required a spectacular U-turn by the author- liberation which reveal when ‘friends’, those our true selves, the selves whose centre is every- ities the other night to close the nation’s schools. the best in us; or crosses of you’ve trusted, you’ve sup- which Jesus knows. We where and whose circum- Moreover, a national over-reliance on the fact of our hope and experience ported, you’ve stuck your need no other gift for ference is nowhere” (Eric current fortunate status, while others daily report in- which we can share with neck out for, abandon you. him. Butterworth). fections, is likely to lead to a near blasphemous compla- cency, more frequently observed during the regional hurricane season, that ascribes a Barbadian national- ity to God simply because we are less frequently affected by these natural phenomena than some of our neigh- PM orders security bours. It might be, in that particular context, that this island lies in a providential geographical position, but the se- forces to enforce virus curbs quelae of COVID-19 appear to have little to do either BEIRUT – Lebanese He called on the to 230, Diab said. Four peo- crisis and dollar shortages with geographical location or with seasonal occurrence. Prime Minister Hassan Lebanese to go out only ple have died in the past have for months drained Unsurprisingly, this circumstance of emergency has Diab asked the security if absolutely necessary and month. it of critical supplies. paralleled that of an impending hurricane, leading to forces yesterday to enforce warned that the rising Lebanon’s government “The interior ministry the usual incidence of panic buying, price gouging, stricter measures to keep number of infections declared a medical state of and army command ... will hoarding and a regrettable incivility.We can and must people at home and pre- “foreshadows an imminent emergency earlier this announce binding plans do better. vent gatherings to rein in danger threatening soci- week and ordered most of that will protect the health We should remind readers that this is scarcely a time the coronavirus outbreak. ety”. the country closed, includ- of the Lebanese,” Diab said for selfishness, since one’s own freedom from infection In an address to the The health ministry ing the airport. on Saturday. depends primarily on that of his or her “neighbours”; nation, Diab said this recorded yesterday a 29% Experts warn the coun- “It is a very difficult and defined in our paraphrase of a celebrated dictum as would include patrols and rise in cases from the day try’s healthcare system is tough period. Let us re- those who are so likely to come into infectious contact checkpoints. before, bringing the total ill-prepared, as a financial duce our losses.” with you that you ought reasonably to have them in con- templation when you are seeking to avoid personal con- Executive Editor: Allison Downes Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan traction of the virus. For now, that may include every Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke other current resident of Barbados. Stay safe, readers. E-mail Address: [email protected] Editor: Corey Greaves Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 9

Lockdown, the door to enlightenment “Yes there is fear. They say that a hotel in Richard Hendrick, a hence, it is impossible to Yes there is isolation. the West of Ireland Capuchin Franciscan know how many cases we Yes there is panic buy- Is offering free meals Brother. have on the island. ing. and delivery to the house- But that notwithstand- Yes there is sickness. bound. SOMETIMES only expe- ing, Barbadians must re- Yes there is even death. Today a young woman I rience can produce certain member who we really are But, know works. Were it not for the at our core. Our history They say that in Wuhan is busy spreading fliers coronavirus, the reflective has been brutal, but we after so many years of with her number soul of this author might have survived because we noise through the neighbour- never have found the are, in essence, a people of You can hear the birds hood To how little control we But there can always be depth that produced these faith. We survived lack again. So that the elders may really have. a rebirth of love. words of hope. and hardship by drawing They say that after just a have someone to call on. To what really matters. Wake to the choices you This is a dark moment on our faith and each few weeks of quiet Today Churches, To Love. make as to how to live now. for the world. I dare say,in other. Now, we need to The sky is no longer Synagogues, Mosques and So we pray and we re- Today, breathe. Barbados’ case, the worst draw on each other again. thick with fumes Temples member that Listen, behind the fac- may be yet to come. The It may be fair to say that But blue and grey and are preparing to wel- Yes there is fear. tory noises of your panic world has seen the ap- we have often used reli- clear. come But there does not have The birds are singing proach of Donald Trump gion as a crutch. Now,reli- They say that in the and shelter the homeless, to be hate. again who decided that the way gious gatherings could streets of Assisi the sick, the weary Yes there is isolation. The sky is clearing, to suppress the coron- cost us our lives. It is now People are singing to All over the world peo- But there does not have Spring is coming, avirus was to suppress the that we must separate re- each other ple are slowing down and to be loneliness. And we are always en- truth by limiting testing. ligion from God, and across the empty reflecting Yes there is panic buy- compassed by Love. If you do not test, no one search within for the true squares, All over the world peo- ing. Open the windows of would be able to say that source of our existence. keeping their windows ple are looking at their But there does not have your soul you have high numbers. And while introspection open neighbours in a new way to be meanness. And though you may not You could claim to have might disclose some empty so that those who are All over the world peo- Yes there is sickness. be able to across the few cases, but you will suc- squares within us, we may alone ple are waking up to a new But there does not have empty square, ceed in exposing the entire also find a song that may hear the sounds of reality to be disease of the soul. Sing.” population to harm. Our reaches across the empti- family around them. To how big we really are. Yes there is even death. “Lockdown” by Brother testing has been limited, ness. Sing.

Mount Gay taking measures Call for CARICOM to protect employees and to ban bushmeat assist in fight against COVID-19 COVID-19 which is mak- cilitate social justice; and diversity, the eating of IN its efforts to protect the ing the global news big reduce animal cruelty”. It bush meat ought to be health of its employees time at present, began in has Ms. Cheryl Haynes banned outright as and customers, as well as China from the eating of [Yoga Teacher] as its being a severe danger to assist in the national fight bush meat that had the President; Ms. Zalika human health. It is not against the spread of the virus, which then jumped Hanoman-Van-Sluytman just the participants of novel coronavirus COVID- the species boundary, as [Environmental Consul- this abhorrent practice 19 in Barbados, Mount did Swine and Bird Flu, tant] as its Treasurer; who are at risk, we all are Gay Distilleries Ltd. has SARS, Ebola, MERS, and and Mr. Lalu Hanuman being exposed to danger implemented and under- HIV. [Attorney-at-law] as its as a result of their myopic taken a number of meas- The influenza pan- Secretary. actions. We need to learn ures and activities. demic of 1918–19 killed The media has gener- the lessons from the The company closed its an estimated 50 million ally concentrated on the COVID-19 and Ebola Visitors Centre and people worldwide. This effects rather than the viruses. Distribution Store earlier pandemic was the most causes of COVID-19, in “Guyana and Suriname this week and as of March severe pandemic in re- particular the devastat- both have a huge bush- 20 closed other depart- cent history. It was ing implications it is hav- meat trade.CARICOM ments including Bottling, caused by an H1N1 virus ing on global public should as a matter of ur- until April 6. Additionally, with genes of poultry ori- health and economies. gency ensure that the some employees will work gin. The initial epicentre of bushmeat trade is staggered hours as neces- The glaring link be- this virus was in the banned within CARI- sary, while others will tween all of these viruses Chinese city of Wuhan, an COM, before we have work from home. is a meat-based diet. A important hub in our own regional viral The company has also meat-based diet has also the lucrative trade in animal to human trans- provided all its employees been linked to environ- wildlife. The outbreak is mission, which might with care-packs for their mental destruction in- believed to have origi- be even more virulent homes which include hand cluding global warming, nated in a market in and devastating than sanitiser and cleaning obesity, and non-commu- which bushmeats are COVID-19. Further, agents, while at the na- Managing Director, Raphael Grisoni. nicable diseases. Yet widely available, includ- CARICOM should ur- tional level, Mount Gay many people persist in ing peacocks, porcupines, gently raise the issue of a has donated highly con- the spread of COVID-19. and safety of our employ- meat being central to bats, and snakes. The global bushmeat trade centrated alcohol He said, “This pandemic ees, customers and the their diet. spill-over event involved ban, in international to Government agencies requires a unified ap- general public. The CVVC Charity the crossover of the virus fora”. for the production of World proach and we at Mount “I want to urge all of our aims to raise awareness from animals to humans, For further information Health Organisation Gay are ready and willing loyal customers, our busi- as to the health and envi- similar to the situation please phone: (246) - (WHO) grade hand sani- to assist in any way possi- ness associates and indeed ronmental benefits of a with previous contagions 420-2022 or visit our tizer. ble. the entire country to con- plant-based diet. It has as like Ebola and SARS Facebook and Instagram Managing Director, “We have been watching tinue to take all safety its mission statement: viruses. Pages. Raphael Grisoni, ex- the developments unfold precautions and follow the “The promotion of a Lalu Hanuman, com- Submitted by The plained that the company internationally and here instructions from the au- plant-based diet to im- mented “Leaving aside Caribbean Vegetarian is doing all it could to at home and as a result, thorities as we continue to prove human health; pro- animal cruelty concerns, and Vegan Community protect its employees and have made the decision in work together as a nation tect the environment; fa- and the threats to bio- (CVVC) assist in the fight against the interest of the health during this time.” 10 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • F:AX 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected]

Behaviour of talk show moderator leaves a lot to be desired SINCE the early days of show programmes appear a talk show to voice con- off. shall be hindered in the interference and freedom local talk shows and call- to have lagged behind the cerns and an opinion Such behaviour and enjoyment of his freedom from interference with his in programmes, many various developments about a sports pro- treatment of the caller of expression, and for the correspondence or other changes have taken over the years, with both gramme not being post- was unnecessary,is tanta- purposes of this section means of communica- place in relation to tech- callers and listeners suf- poned on the basis that mount to disservice and the said freedom includes tion”. nology, how information fering a diminution of in- young children are in- disrespect as well as a the freedom to hold opin- As part of the Fourth is received and dissemi- formation and knowledge cluded in one of the two breach of the caller’s con- ions without interference, Estate, information and nated, and the increasing as a result of how a few groups most likely to be stitutional right to free- freedom to receive ideas news agencies must con- number of information moderators conduct the severely impacted by the dom of expression as set and information without stantly maintain their media available to mem- talk shows. Covid-19 pandemic, but out in Section 20 (1) , that interference, freedom position at the vanguard bers of the public. Some days ago, a he was constantly inter- states, “Except with his to communicate ideas and towards the preservation Unfortunately, talk health professional called rupted and eventually cut own consent, no person information without of democratic mores and the upholding of the con- stitutional rights of our citizenry. Barbadians deserve What haven’t you done for me lately? – Part 1 nothing more, nothing “Black Swans and tail cheque, are being quickly parts of the government, are not high probabilities ance that results will be less. events run the socio- stung.” A hotel house- all institutions in the in our Gaussian Statistical far from perfect”. However, Furthermore, the economic world. ... keeper,mother of four,“has banking system, and a world.” (More on that he also adds, “We should Barbados Broadcasting Economists are the most been transition to ‘on call’ broad cross-section of later). In Antifragile, Mr. also take the Hippocratic Authority must cease Black-Swan-blind species status” after occupancy small businesses, large Taleb introduces the med- oath: “First, do no harm.” to be the little known en- on the planet.” – Nassim dropped. She hasn’t corporations and house- ical concept of iatrogenic As one commenter put it, tity and rubber stamp Nicholas Taleb worked a day this week holds.” harm (harm caused by “We really need to inhibit within the Ministry and says, “I have family. I Antiviral shots from healer). the impulse to “do some- of Broadcasting and NOT everyone will become have bills I have to pay.” economic hotshots, who re- We do well to remember thing, anything” that Information, but a watch- infected with COVID-19, It comes as no surprise main silent about the pre- (finally admit?) that the seems to have infected too dog over entities that but we will all be affected that the policy fragilista is existing condition, will concept is not unique to many lawmakers.” But, breach the democratic by the economic fallout anxious to “do something, worsen the patient’s condi- medicine, “A main source alas, we are biased against and constitutional rights from the pandemic. A fall- (anything!)”. In Let the tion. As the Editorial of the economic crisis that negative advice. of Barbadians. out made more severe due Fed Administer an Board of the Wall Street started in 2007 lies in the As Mr. Taleb points out, If we are all in it to- to pre-existing conditions Antiviral Shot, Mr. Kevin Journal (The Economic iatrogenics of the attempt “Linked to this need for gether, then let partisan- that plagued the global fi- Warsh (former member of Rout Continues) note,“You by Überfragilista Alan positive advice is the pref- ship cease and let all nancial system before this the Federal Reserve know you have a big eco- Greenspan – certainly the erence we have to do some- opinions contend for the crisis. A report from Board), spoke to the recent nomic problem when you top economic iatrogenist of thing rather than nothing, good of all. Jamaica hinted at the moves from the financial roll out your grand solu- all time – to iron out the even in cases when doing MICHAEL RAY economic fallout being physicians aimed at com- tion and markets tank an- “boom-bust cycle” which something is harmful.” spawned by COVID-19. bating the economic fall- other 6%.” This is sicken- caused risks to go hide If you are wondering:“So The report introduced us out from the pandemic. He ing on several levels. under the carpet and accu- wait, you expect de guv-a- to Wayne Smith, a cloth- writes, “The novel coron- However, what is most sig- mulate there until they ment not to do something ing and shoes vendor in avirus has been moving nificant about Mr.Warsh’s blew up the economy.”The (anything!)?” I leave you downtown Kingston. Mr. faster than the world’s eco- piece is a phrase he used: question we should be ask- with Mr.Taleb’s summary We need Smith is not worried about nomic policy makers, skin in the game.A phrase ing our financial physi- of his take on intervention: getting sick from COVID- threatening to shut down that doubles as the title of cians, as counterintuitive “I do not have a political af- 19, he is worried about his the global economy as it a book by Mr. Taleb. as it sounds, is this: What filiation or allegiance to a more inability to provide for his approaches.” More noteworthy still.A haven’t you done for me specific party; rather, I am family. Unfortunately, there is commenter referenced an- lately? It is the decades introducing the idea of than He was “told by his su- no mention of pre-existing other title from Mr. Taleb: long culmination of “doing harm [done by healer] and pervisor to not return to conditions, but he admits The Black Swan. The something (anything!)” fragility into the vocabu- work until Friday” and ex- monetary policy won’t poster cited the paragraph that got us here. lary so we can formulate prayer pressed anxiety about how “help” this time:“The mon- where George W. Bush To be clear, this is no appropriate policies to en- IN the face of the coron- he will feed his family “as etary arsenal of 2008-09 warned policy makers in “blame game”. In Coro- sure we don’t end up blow- avirus threat, Prime the wheels of commerce will likely be of only mod- 2008, “‘to be prepared for navirus Imperative: Do ing up the planet and our- Minister Mottley has de- grind to a halt”. A report est help this time around. other types of crises and No Harm, Senator Ron selves.” clared today, Sunday, from the US focused on The old weapons must be the use of other types Johnson notes that in the If our financial physi- March 22, a day of prayer. low-wage workers who paired with new ones fit of policy tools, not to de- midst of a national crisis, cians (and policy fragilista) If people got well share the same fate as Mr. for the 2020 pandemic.” pend on history and old “officials are making tough blow up the economy by praying, the world Smith: “As coronavirus He proposed “a new policy tools to solve all decisions and taking deci- again, it is the Mr. Smiths wouldn’t be in the case shutdowns halt commerce Government-Backed problems.’ But, I imagine sive action to limit the of this world that I am that it is, with so many across the US, low-wage Credit Facility” which one has to understand that spread of the coronavirus. most concerned about. people desperately sick. workers, many of whom “would require everyone to Black Swans are highly They deserve our collective ADRIAN CHARLES live paycheque to pay- have skin in the game: all improbable events, and support and our accept- SOBERS KNIGHTON

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Muriel Strode (1875–1964) Norman Vincent Peale “ Keep my decrees and follow American poet (1898–1993) them. I am the LORD, who “I may not overcome the in- American minister and ATTITUDE makes you holy.” evitable, but O, it is mine to see author – Leviticus 20:8 that the inevitable does not over- If you have nothing to be come me.” “Change your thoughts and grateful for check your you change your world.” pulse.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 11

A post virus economic recovery strategy requires thought now THE Caribbean is about nation in the region re- per cent decline in 2020 gramme, as assuring com- to experience a crisis of a ported externally intro- and that between 12 and petitiveness will be essen- kind that no one in the re- duced cases of the virus. 14 per cent of industry tial if the Caribbean is to gion or anywhere else in What it noted was that jobs are at risk on a world- retain its present role as a the world could have pre- the magnitude of impact wide basis, it suggested fa- major tourism destina- dicted. will depend crucially on cilitating travel by mak- tion. COVID-19, the corona- the virus’ spread, dura- ing it seamless and secure; Once the coronavirus virus, which is now pres- tion, and the measures alleviating pressure at has passed, it will be ent across the Americas, that countries in the re- ports and airports; reduc- necessary to deliver a will for a while challenge gion and elsewhere under- ing or removing taxes on well-financed and thought the economic and social vi- take to insulate them- travel including airport, through, sustained re- ability of nations small selves. appreciable magnitudes tage the region’s land- port and other related sponse. This may be hard and large and their gov- It also observed that the for Barbados and based hospitality sector, taxes; and providing fiscal to contemplate now but ernment’s ability to be outcome will vary by the Jamaica. which directly supports relief and incentives that governments in conjunc- proactive, science-led, nature of a country’s de- Policymakers, IDB’s onshore economic growth, support smaller tourism- tion with the private sec- competent, and trusted. pendence on tourism, es- economists warn, should employment, consumer related businesses nega- tor and representatives of If the practical, public pecially if the global crisis work towards developing demand and government tively impacted by the other parts of civil society health, logistical and eco- extends into the 2020-21 contingencies and identi- revenues. virus. should be exchanging nomic challenges now winter high season. fying low-cost near-term Although the industry It also proposed, in due views online to consider being faced in Europe or The authors of the supplemental financing in the Caribbean and else- course, that destinations what a creative long-term the US are examples of six-page document – options, including those where is understandably and the industry increase post coronavirus economic the difficulties govern- Henry Mooney and Maria available from interna- preoccupied with the im- their budgets and re- recovery strategy might ments in liberal societies Zegarra – suggest that the tional financial institu- mediate impact of the sources for promotion, look like. are having when trying to five countries they re- tions. A failure to do so, virus, the World Travel & marketing and product David Jessop is a con- address a fast moving epi- viewed will experience a they say, could have ad- Tourism Council, an in- development, and develop sultant to the Carib- demic of uncertain propor- shock if, as is likely,impor- verse implications for dustry body representing stronger public-private bean Council and can tions, much of the tant sectors including the longer term fiscal and debt some of its biggest global partnerships and greater be contacted at david. Caribbean will also strug- commodities trade, sustainability and put at players, recently sug- international cooperation. jessop @caribbean- gle. tourism, and cross border risk the gains achieved gested some more general When the moment council.org This is because public financial flows are af- over recent years. responses of relevance to comes, these are all Previous columns can health requirements fected. What the IDB report in- the Caribbean. ideas worthy of considera- be found at https://www. apart, almost every Carib- They noted that produc- dicates is that as Observing that global tion as elements of a caribbean-council.org/ bean nation will have to tivity from workers falling hard as it may be for gov- travel could be hit by a 25 Caribbean recovery pro- research-analysis/ address at the same time, ill or being asked to stay at ernments and industry in complex domestic issues home will have implica- the Caribbean to be plan- including a rapid rise in tions for national output, ning other responses in unemployment, particu- and that as the crisis deep- parallel to the epidemic, it larly in the hospitality sec- ens, the governments of is essential that economic tor, the possibility that the six countries reviewed recovery strategies are multiple businesses may will likely face increased considered now. go under as a consequence financing needs driven by What it does not say is of illiquidity, falling gov- the direct cost of that this may be unusu- ernment revenues, and mitigation and falling rev- ally difficult as the more fundamental issues enues. region’s major interna- of trust in a political class The two economists tional partners will be who must now lead and went on to warn that in in recession, heavily in- deliver positive results in The Bahamas, Barbados, debted, and less focused real time. and Jamaica, where on early global economic The next six months will tourism receipts account stimulation as a result of indicate which govern- for between 34 and 48% of the need to achieve re- ments have done their total output (GDP) and newed growth in their best, anticipated problems similarly large shares of own economies. before they arose, have overall employment, the This suggests that been honest and provided effect may be severe, above all, Caribbean re- detailed, factual informa- particularly if the crisis covery should focus on in- tion rather than hoping globally remains acute creasing self-sufficiency, inaction or half-truths will past September. particularly incentivising somehow see them To demonstrate this, the agriculture in order for the through. report contains initial region to be able to feed it- A few days ago, the illustrative scenarios. self, incentivising the Inter-American Develop- They indicate that a growth of new high value ment Bank (IDB) pub- long-lived high-impact cri- services exports, and lished a first paper sis on tourism-driven out- adopting a well thought containing rough projec- put could result in a 75% through long-term tions of the impact reduction in visitors over tourism response aimed at of COVID-19 on The the last three quarters of ensuring Bahamas, Barbados, 2020 and could reduce global competitiveness. In Guyana, Jamaica, GDP relative to the pre- particular,this ought to in- Suriname, and Trinidad. crisis baseline expecta- clude serious thought The Caribbean Develop- tions by between 11% to about removing the de- ment Trends paper was 26% in the case of mand dampening fiscal in- published as almost every Bahamas, and by other equities that disadvan- The next six months will indicate which governments have done their best, anticipated problems before they arose, have been honest and provided detailed, factual information rather than hoping inaction or half-truths will somehow see them through. 12 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Guyana: Future leader or outcast? GUYANA is in grave dan- organisations that the lent in its claim to two- United States”. That is ger of being ostracised in Government invited to ob- thirds of Guyana. usually a first step the regional, hemispheric serve those elections, Therefore, in the OAS, before the US unleashes and global communities. Guyana could face suspen- Guyana will have left the sanctions against the op- As I write, the General sion from the Common- OAS field clear for the erations of state-owned Elections, which were held wealth and from the Venezuela opposition to companies and their oper- on March 2, still have no Organisation of American sow its seeds. ations. Guyana would be final count, and certainly States (OAS) – two of the Similarly,if the Guyana hurt by actions taken not one that international most important organisa- elections are condemned against individual states observers have declared as tions to which it belongs by the international com- from the EU, the credible, transparent and – for breaches of the munity, Guyana’s high Commonwealth and the lawful. Commonwealth 1991 terms of trade, aid and in- this case. moral standing in its case OAS. I have seen many com- Harare Declaration on the vestment relations. The And, those who might against Venezuela at the Sadly, the Caribbean ments, statements and as- protection and promotion latter will have an imme- say that suspension of International Court of Community (CARICOM) sertions from some who of the fundamental diate effect that will be Guyana from the Councils Justice, on the border con- countries – 12 in the should know better, and political values of the immediately apparent in of the OAS and the tention, will be weakened. Commonwealth and 14 in those who seem to have Commonwealth, and the Guyana. Commonwealth is of no Based on the recom- the OAS – that would nor- adopted a herd mentality, Inter-American Demo- Of great significance is account, it is worth re- mendations of the mally defend and fight for that international ap- cratic Charter that guides that both the Common- minding that these two Commonwealth Minis- the interests of Guyana, proval is unnecessary and the OAS. wealth and the OAS Organisations have been terial Action Group and as they have consistently international disapproval, Once the machinery of Observer missions were extremely important to the OAS Permanent done in the past, will be however demonstrated, is the Commonwealth and led by two former Guyana in defence of its Council, members of the stopped from doing so by both unimportant and in- the OAS are invoked – as Caribbean Prime sovereignty and territorial 55 nation Commonwealth the shabby treatment ac- capable of harming the it certainly will be – sus- Ministers, Owen Arthur of integrity in face of and the 34 nation OAS corded to CARICOM in its country. Nothing could be pension of Guyana from Barbados and Bruce claims by Venezuela. will be strengthened in attempt to help to resolve further from reality. the councils of both organ- Golding of Jamaica. When Guyana does not taking any individual ac- the general elections Should the Guyana gen- isations will assuredly fol- Therefore, those who look have a voice in these or- tions against Guyana that process at the request of eral elections be declared, low. The European Union to racism to blame for po- ganisations, it is in no po- they consider appropri- both President Granger and a government estab- will also take separate ac- sitions of these organisa- sition to argue its case and ate. and Opposition Leader, lished, without the bless- tion that will be directed tions that don’t suit them, to secure the support it Mike Pompeo, the US Bharat Jagdeo. ing of the international at suspending normal are hardly able to do so in has received in the past. Secretary of State, has al- Current CARICOM Note should be taken ready said that “individu- Chair, Mia Mottley, the that, in the OAS, the als who seek to benefit Prime Minister of ostensible representative from electoral fraud and Barbados, led a high-level of Venezuela is Juan form illegitimate govern- team to Guyana of four Guaidó’s nominee, and the ments/regimes will be sub- other Prime Ministers opposition in Venezuela ject to a variety of serious that included three of the has been especially viru- consequences from the CONT’D on Page 13

The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 13

What steps will Mexican president passes CARICOM coronavirus buck to allies, take now? CONT’D from Page 12 transparent by any of the international Observers, rivals and businesses longest-serving leaders, including CARICOM. AS Mexico scrambles Dr. Ralph Gonsalves of Evens the continuation to contain the coron- St. Vincent and the of the CARICOM avirus outbreak, many Grenadines, Dr. Keith Secretariat in Guyana initiatives aimed at Mitchell of Grenada, could come into question. tempering the threat Roosevelt Skerrit of No one in CARICOM have come not from Dominica and Dr. Keith wishes this fate for the president, but Rowley of Trinidad Guyana. At a moment in lesser officials, busi- and Tobago, Guyana’s im- history when Guyana’s nesses and ordinary mediate CARICOM fortunes are set to people. neighbour. In good faith, be transformed by the Mexico’s peso has the leaders thought they exploration of oil and gas, plunged to record lows had brokered an agree- all in CARICOM were against the dollar and an- ment with President looking forward to a alysts expect the economy David Granger and vibrant Guyana, taking- to suffer a major hit. Opposition leader,Bharat up the leadership role President Andres Jagdeo. it played in the Manuel Lopez Obrador Essentially, it was Community’s original says there is no cause for agreed that the tabulation formation. alarm, and is continuing process had been widely By the time this com- to hold regular public viewed as not being trans- mentary is published in rallies around Mexico. He parent or credible, and some places (it was argues the country must CARICOM was invited to written on 19 March), keep going to limit dam- supervise a recount as an measures may have been age to the economy lest it independent body and one taken to take the action hurt the poor and the that wanted Guyana necessary to tabulate the elderly. to come out of the votes in Guyana through “If I was worried, if President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. situation, boasting legiti- a transparent and credi- things were out of control, macy of the electoral ble process – with I would tell you, because I cutting off all physical presidency did not reply process. CARICOM re-invited to always tell the truth,”he contact with family and Outsourcing to a request for comment ACARICOM team, dis- supervise it. said on Friday in a video friends. Lopez Obrador has lashed from reuters. patched to supervise tab- If that happens, Guyana posted from his seat on a “It bothers me a lot out against criticism of his Businesses, meanwhile, ulation of the votes on will enjoy international plane as he prepared to when I hear the presi- response to the global are taking cues from March 15, was forced to respect amid its take off for a weekend dent,” said Alfaro, 35, who pandemic by saying his abroad. leave the country after new-found wealth; tour. “But that’s not how fears for his elderly adversaries are seeking to Ana Lopez Mestre, three days of patiently if it doesn’t, the path things are.” mother.“I can understand exploit fears to undermine director general of the waiting in vain. Mottley ahead will be strewn Others are taking worries about the econ- him. American Chamber of was compelled to conclude with difficulties and precautions anyway. omy and (the poor), but if On Monday,he justified Commerce, said many in- that, despite CARICOM’s hardships. The lower house of you’re putting many ignoring his own health ternational companies valiant efforts, “It is clear Congress this week people at risk, it’s some- ministry’s public advice to had begun to act because that there are forces (Sir Ronald Sanders is passed a bill to create a thing that’s also bad for reduce direct human they saw what was that do not want to Ambassador of Antigua 181 billion peso emer- the people.” contact by saying his happening in other see the votes recounted for and Barbuda to the United gency fund. The central Late on Thursday, job was to keep up countries. whatever reason”. She States and the bank made an unsched- Mexico City Mayor the spirits of the popula- “This is something very did not end there, she Organisation of American uled interest rate cut on Claudia Sheinbaum, a tion. positive that has come out pointedly added, “Any States. Friday. close ally of Lopez At the same time, he has of society,” said Lopez Government which is He is also a Senior Streets and offices in Obrador,delivered a video shifted responsibility for Mestre, who is now sworn in without a Fellow at the Institute of major cities are emptying message in which she some actions to others, working from home. credible and fully trans- Commonwealth Studies at as bosses and local leaders urged inhabitants of the saying he would wind At Mr.Tofu, a vegan parent vote count the University of London urge people to reduce capital to stay at home. On down the mass rallies shop in the capital’s process would lack legiti- and at Massey College in social interaction. Friday, traffic flowed when a deputy health Condesa neighbourhood, macy.” the University of Toronto. Some fear that failure freely in a city notorious minister standing next to a young shop attendant So, there is now the The views expressed to do enough may end up for its gridlock. him told him to. wearing rubber gloves matter of what CARICOM are entirely his own. hurting the very people The same day,governors A government source stopped customers from will do. Given all these Responses and previous the president says he of three opposition-run said Sheinbaum’s “stay at entering and took orders circumstances, it is un- commentaries: wants to protect. northern states unveiled home” broadcast had been at the door. likely to be business as www.sirronaldsanders. Javier Alfaro, an em- a joint plan to tackle the coordinated in advance “I proposed this meas- usual with a government, com) ployee of an international virus, readying steps that with the presidency, ure,” she said, declining to established on the back Responses and drinks firm, went into would enable them to which a spokesman for give her name. “My of elections that are not previous commentaries: self-isolation with his girl- close public spaces, includ- the mayor confirmed. A whole family is old, and deemed credible and www.sirronaldsanders.com friend several days ago, ing bars. spokesman for the they’re very vulnerable.”

After a few early morning showers, it will become mostly sunny and breezy after mid-morning.

High: 3:17 a.m. and 3:08 p.m. London: 06°C CLOUDY Yesterday: 0.1 mm Boston: 05°C FAIR Low: 8:57 a.m. For the month: 28.5 mm Max: 29.5°C Montreal: -02°C FAIR and 9:21 p.m. For the year: 137.4 mm Min: 23.0°C Toronto: 00°C PARTLY CLOUDY New York: 11°C FAIR 6:01 a.m. 6:10 p.m. Miami: 28°C PARTLY CLOUDY

14 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate China’s imported coronavirus cases soar as students, expats flock home SHANGHAI/BEIJING – China re- “Since March 11, when the World Infected people have also entered ported a record rise in imported Health Organization characterised the China through the major transport hub coronavirus cases on Friday as stu- epidemic as a pandemic, the cumulative of Shenzhen, including people making dents and expatriates returned number of imported cases (in China) has their way back to the mainland from home from the United States and risen from 85 to 269, up by 216% and Hong Kong by land. Europe, sparking fears of a second outpacing the 98% increase in the wave of infections just as the cumulative worldwide confirmed cases Recovery country recovers from the initial during the same period,” Mi Feng, While the influx of infections from outbreak. spokesman of the National Health overseas remains modest, they present a All 41 of the new confirmed cases in Commission, said at a regular press potential threat to Chinese authorities China were imported from overseas, the briefing. keen to restart factories and get country’s National Health Commission China must strictly prevent the consumers to spend again. said yesterday,bringing the total number import of the virus from overseas and a Analysts have slashed forecasts for of such cases to 269. There were no rebound in cases, Mi said. China’s first-quarter gross domestic prod- locally transmitted cases for the third Of the 14 new imported cases in Beijing uct to levels not seen since the Cultural consecutive day. on Friday, five were Chinese students Revolution ended in 1976, with all sectors Beijing and Shanghai were the main returning from abroad. Among of the economy hammered by the Mi Feng, spokesman of the National entry points for the returnees, many of Shanghai’s record nine cases, five were coronavirus outbreak this year. Health Commission. whom are students studying abroad. students flying back from Britain, France The total number of confirmed cases in They have come back after many and . mainland China stood at 81 008 at the residential communities and villages campuses in the United States and The southern provinces of Guangdong, end of Friday, the health authority said. without existing cases of virus can Europe shut down to stem rapidly rising Fujian, and the eastern provinces of The death toll was 3 255, up by seven, a resume business, citing the municipal infection rates there. Shandong and Zhejiang, as well as much slower rate than at the height of bureau of commerce. Also returning in a flight to safety were Shaanxi and Sichuan, all reported cases. the crisis. The first phase of a clinical trial of a China-based expats, as businesses begin Guangdong’s health commission said The lack of locally transmitted cases for vaccine has kicked off, state-backed to reopen. yesterday travellers who enter the third day running underscored a Science and Technology Daily reported While there is no reported transmis- Guangdong province from abroad will be recovery that has prompted officials to yesterday. sion of the virus from people arriving subject to a 14-day quarantine on arrival relax restrictions, even in the virus The first batch of 36 volunteers, from abroad to local communities, either in personal residences or at epicenter of Wuhan. comprising Wuhan residents aged authorities across China are tightening a centralised quarantine centre at the Yesterday, the official Xinhua news between 18 and 60, will undergo a 14-day public health measures. expense of the traveller. agency said commercial outlets in quarantine at a centralised location.

Beijing’s rules on quarantine grow stricter BEIJING has tightened up quarantine measures for inbound travellers to contain the rising risks of imported COVID-19 cases as the epidemic worsens overseas. From Thursday, all travellers from overseas have to be put under quarantine in designated places for 14 days when they arrive in Beijing, according to the capital’s virus prevention leading group on Thursday. “For those who are over 70 years old or under 14 years old, as well as pregnant A staff member checks information of a woman on her arrival to China at the China International Exhibition Center (new women and those with diseases who are venue), eight kilometres away from the Beijing Capital International Airport, in Beijing. not suited to be quarantined with others, they can apply for a 14-day home Those found to have concealed their travel passengers to hospitals for further testing Southeast Asian countries, the local observation with strict assessment,” said history will face legal punishment. since Feb 29, with a daily average of health commission said. Xu Ying, a senior official with the city A total of 149 quarantine sites have 127 people, according to Pang. Starting Thursday, all people entering government. been set up in Beijing, Xu said. Over the past few days, the daily the province are required to receive Previously, inbound passengers were Beijing has reported 65 imported average soared to 288 with a peak nucleic acid tests and undergo allowed to be quarantined at home COVID-19 cases-the most in China, with of 479 on Wednesday, she added. quarantine for 14 days, according to a provided they have independent 22 newly confirmed between Wednesday China for the first time reported no new notice by the provincial disease residential apartments in Beijing. If not, and noon Thursday, according to the confirmed locally transmitted prevention and control task force on they had to be isolated at designated city’s health commission. cases on Wednesday, according to the Thursday. places for14 days. Overseas Chinese students account for National Health Commission on The tests are free for all passengers Moreover, people who return to the nearly half the imported cases in Beijing, Thursday. entering the province, but they are country through other city ports but with the majority coming from European However, Beijing, Shanghai and required to pay for centralized isolation or arrived in Beijing also must report their and North American countries, said Pang Guangdong province are the top three medical treatment, the notice said. detailed health information to local Xinghuo, deputy director of the Beijing areas facing high risks of cross-border Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong, has authorities. Center for Disease Control and infections. designated 40 hotels as sites for Accommodation and dining fees at Prevention on Thursday. In Guangdong, 28 imported cases were centralised medical observation for designated isolation places need to be Beijing customs at the international reported by midnight Wednesday, with returnees, according to the city municipal paid for by the travellers themselves. airport have transferred 2,417 inbound cases mainly from European and government.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 15

Consumption stimulus to drive economy in first half of 2020 HOUSEHOLD consumption will take coupons for sports, restaurants and books job market, especially for the lower- with lower income levels.” a bigger share of the total economy to 270 000 of its citizens, with a total income population. According to data from the Ministry of in the first half of 2020 amid coron- worth of 50 million yuan ($7.05 million). “Smaller businesses in retail and cater- Commerce, the total number of market avirus concerns, as total economy is With exports hit hard by diminished ing sectors might not be significant entities in domestic trade surpassed feared to show negative growth international orders and halted produc- enough to stand out in terms of GDP con- 70 million in 2018 and, according to Tian, during the first quarter, according tion, consumption is expected to play a tribution,”Tian said.“But they are an im- the number in 2020 is expected to be even to experts. crucial role in resuming economic vitality, portant job provider for the population larger. According to Liu Xuezhi, an economist especially during the first half of 2020, at the Bank of Communications, the coun- Tian Yun, vice director of the Beijing try’s economic performance is under pres- Economic Operation Association, told the sure due to the effects of the coronavirus, Global Times yesterday. and economic growth might be negative, “Although production is being quickly Finger-pointing at China will not and the lowest on record for the first resumed domestically, export figures are quarter of the year. still expected to be grim as the pandemic “The impact of the epidemic is in other countries and regions is currently unite the global community especially felt in the manufacturing on the rise, especially in the US and IT’S not a good time to finger point dur- sector,” Liu said, “and the services sector Europe which are our major trade ing the pandemic, especially discriminate is showing significant slowdown.” partners,” Tian said. against Chinese and its country due to Consumption has also been hit hard in Private consumption has been a major fear and ignorance. Instead, the world the first quarter, with the exception of driving force behind China’s booming should work together to combat the crisis, consumption of medical supplies, Liu said, economy in recent years, in addition to in- said a US teacher who has witnessed but noting government measures are ex- vestment and exports. In 2018, China’s China’s battle against COVID-19 over the pected to be introduced to resume growth private consumption accounted for 38.7 past two months in Hubei province. and upgrade the consumption level. per cent of the country’s nominal GDP, At a time when China and its people Several provincial governments have according to statistics from the National face groundless accusations and stigma- started rolling out measures to stimulate Bureau of Statistics (NBS). tisation’s,Thomas Ramsey who teaches at local consumption. East China’s Jiangxi That figure is still well below the inter- Three Gorges University’s School of Province will trial a 2.5-day weekend in national average of 60 per cent, and has Foreign Languages in the city of Yichang the second quarter of this year, in the significant room for growth as Chinese in Hubei province decided not to sit by but hopes it will encourage customer spend- household income increases. In 2019, av- to speak up. “Let the authorities do their ing in hard-hit sectors such as tourism erage disposable income per capita hit due diligence after this virus is under con- and catering. over 30 000 yuan ($4 227), increasing trol so that we can prevent it in the future, Other local governments are handing 8.9 per cent year-on-year. but it never was a China Virus,” he said. out digital coupons to ensure consump- However consumption stimulus will not “I was getting a little sick and tired of tion. Nanjing, capital of East China’s only boost consumer confidence,Tian said. seeing officials, especially in the US, point- Thomas Ramsey who teaches at Three Jiangsu Province, has issued digital It is also a significant move to stabilise the ing their fingers at China,” said Ramsey. Gorges University’s School of Foreign “It’s not a ‘Chinese Virus’, it’s a virus that Languages in the city of Yichang. knows no borders. Stop blaming China.” Thomas Ramsey first came to Yichang fed up with some western media’s tricks in 2010 and had since become attached to to “put a wrong picture of what China China spurs funding for project the city which is about five hours’ drive and the Chinese people really are”, which from Wuhan, which suffered most in could amount to more ignorance. Ramsey China during the epidemic. Yichang stressed that it’s the fear and ignorance construction as virus hits activities closed all its exits on Jan 25 due to the which commonly hide behind ideological BEIJING – China’s Ministry of Finance ated to the China State Railway Group then severe coronavirus outbreak. views that lead to discrimination. (MOF) has taken multi-pronged efforts to Co., Ltd. to support work resumption on “It’s a tough decision,” said Ramsey.“But If certain US officials continue to blindly spur funding for infrastructure construc- the railway network, according to Song. it was the right decision.” According to blame China without actually making the tion as the government seeks to restore So far, the MOF has allocated 1.85 him, the quarantine measures were nec- attempt to understand China, “you’re economic activities that had taken a trillion yuan worth of new local govern- essary strategies that had to be adopted making yourselves and the country look heavy blow from the novel coronavirus ment bonds quotas ahead of schedule this to save lives. He chose to stay in the cam- really bad.” He believes the only way to outbreak. year to shore up the economy,along with pus and “has been treated with nothing break prejudices down is to continue to The ministry has quickened fund a wide range of tax cuts to reduce but respect during the epidemic”. With have open exchanges, dialogue and build allocations to local authorities for public business burdens. good coordination in the university, he mutual trust. infrastructure construction including As of Friday, local government bond was able to “lay back, catch up on his read- Instead of judging through quick im- roads, ports and airports, MOF official issuance reached 1.4 trillion yuan, ing, exercise and get the house cleaned”. pressions, Ramsey said one has to come Song Qiuling said at a press conference on accounting for 76 per cent of the allocated Meanwhile, he marveled at the deeds of and see the country firsthand. yesterday. quotas, Song said. many courageous Chinese people, includ- “Let’s try and work together as a people It has allocated more than 250 billion The MOF also pledged to take further ing doctors, nurses, police, governmental on this planet for a change, rather than yuan (about 35.2 billion US dollars) of efforts to stimulate the participation of officials, who rushed out to the front line putting each other down and ripping vehicle purchase taxes, seven billion yuan the private capital. to guarantee people’s safety. “They put everybody apart,” Ramsey said. “That of port construction fees and 24 billion Earlier MOF data showed China’s their lives on the line for the rest of us,” he serves no purpose at all.” The United yuan of development funds for civil fixed-asset investment declined 24.5 per said. States and China are so interconnected to aviation ahead of schedule. cent year on year in the first two months Having spent nearly a decade living be always fighting against each other, he Over 20 billion yuan has been appropri- of 2020 partly due to the epidemic. and working in China, Ramsey has been noted. Sources: CVC backs $1.3 billion bid for Chinese games developer Leyou Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners with Leyou, while CVC would have a “The Lord of the Rings”. A representative for iDreamSky said is backing a bid by Chinese game firm significant minority stake, said two of the Gaming is widely seen as a steady the company would disclose the latest iDreamSky Technology to take over its people. revenue source as users tend to keep progress to the Hong Kong Stock rival Leyou Technologies Holdings in Leyou’s controlling shareholder, playing popular titles for years. Exchange in a timely manner and a $1.3 billion deal, said four people with Charles Yuk, who owns 52.4% of China’s gaming industry, the world’s declined to comment further. knowledge of the matter. the company, may retain a small stake biggest, has also received a boost in recent CVC declined to comment. Leyou The consortium plans to make a after any deal, said one of the weeks after the coronavirus outbreak did not respond to a request for binding HK$3.3 per share offer to take sources. forced many Chinese residents to comment. Hong Kong-listed Leyou private as soon The move comes as iDreamSky, a large stay at home, driving up game iDreamSky on March 12 said it had as early April, the sources said. mobile game publisher, is investing to downloads. entered into exclusive talks with Leyou The price represents an almost 30% develop its own games, a specialty of iDreamSky has been in talks with and Yuk about a possible pre-conditional premium to the HK$2.56 average price of Leyou which has developed the popular Leyou’s Yuk since the second half of 2019, offer to acquire Leyou. Leyou’s shares since January. On free-shooting games Warframe. said one of the sources. The same day, Leyou announced an Thursday, its shares closed at HK$1.58. Leyou is also working with More recently, the prospective buyer exclusivity agreement in a stock Tencent-backed iDreamSky aims to Amazon.com to co-produce an online has been seeking co-investors to help exchange filing without naming the hold a majority stake after it combines game based on the fantasy literary work finance a deal. potential buyer. 16 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 17 Expert says new COVID-19 symptoms could be loss of taste or smell ONE of the UK’s lead- that may mean that people clinical work from people said infections that nor- ing Ear, Nose and without other symptoms who did not show any mally occur through the Throat consultants has but with just the loss of symptoms. “nose or the back of the told Sky News there are this sense may have to Professor Nirmal throat” often lead to a loss new signs for detecting self-isolate – again to Kumarm consultant in sense of smell and taste, COVID-19 in patients. reduce the spread of the otolaryngologist and head but cautioned that re- The British Association virus.” and neck surgeon, said the search around the new of Otorhinolaryngology Current Public Health nose was main entry point symptoms for COVID-19 (ENT UK) say asympto- England guidelines say for the virus when we isn’t yet widespread in the matic patients – ones who that a high temperature or breathe in droplets medical community. do not have a fever or a new continuous cough are infected with coronavirus. In the wake of the new cough – could show a loss the only symptoms to trig- He said, “In young pa- symptoms, ENT UK has of smell or taste as symp- ger self-isolation and tients, they do not have also requested full toms after contracting stop the spread of COVID- any significant symptoms personal protective equip- coronavirus. 19. such as the cough and ment (PPE) is distributed It said in a statement, It comes after the organ- fever, but they may have to frontline staff that “Evidence from other isation revealed that two just the loss of sense of examine patients up close. countries that the entry of its consultants are on smell and taste, which Professor Kumar added, point for the coronavirus ventilators and are being suggests that these “At the present time PPE is often in the eyes, nose treated for COVID-19. viruses are lodging in the is available only in limited and throat areas. It said the ENT special- nose.” quantities and will be “We have also identified ists “most likely” con- Dr. Nathalie Mac- reserved for use only when Consultant Otolaryngologist-Head & Neck Surgeon a new symptom (loss of tracted the coronavirus in Dermott, clinical lecturer patients presenting as and Director of Medical Education, Professor Nirmal sense of smell and taste) the course of their daily at King’s College London emergencies show up.” Kumar.

Spanish authorities to boost coronavirus testing as deaths surpass 1 300 SPANISH authorities said week ago by the govern- mostly been conducted on robots that could bring the yesterday that they would ment, which declared a people in hospital, mean- daily number of daily BARBADOS boost coronavirus testing, 15-day state of emergency ing there are far more tests to 80 000. That potentially with the help nationwide barring people cases than registered. would be up from 15 000- NO. 75 OF 2019 of robots, as the toll in the from all but essential However testing is 20 000 a day at the country kept climbing, outings. set to increase – the moment. IN THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE surpassing 1 300 deaths “We believe the social government announced Robots are helpful THE HIGH COURT and reaching close to 25 distancing measures are yesterday it had acquired as they can conduct 000 cases. going to have an effect,” over 640 000 testing automated testing, FAMILY DIVISION Europe’s second-worst Maria Jose Sierra, a devices and said that she said. outbreak showed no sign top official at ’s number could quickly Authorities also said RENEE SHAHAIDA GRIFFITH APPLICANT/WIFE of improvement as the sin- health emergency commit- reach a million. they were acquiring Welchman Hall gle-day death toll jumped tee, said at a press Raquel Yotti, director of more medical equipment, St. Thomas over 300 people from the briefing. Carlos III Public Health including 700 ventilators. previous day. Intensive The death toll jumped to Institute, said the first de- Around 1.3 million AND care units kept filling up at 1 326 from 1 002 the day vices were being distrib- protective masks were STEVEN LENNOX GRIFFITH RESPONDENT/HUSBAND a hectic pace in some before, according to Health uted yesterday and added distributed yesterday Block 4 Haynesville hospitals. Ministry data released the government was work- across Spain for health- St. James Health officials said yesterday. The number of ing on acquiring four care staff and patients. cases were likely to keep cases rose to 24 926 from DATE OF FILING: increasing and said they 19 980. FILED ON BEHALF OF: APPLICANT/WIFE did not know when a The death rate is around BARBADOS peak would be reached. five per cent, Sierra said, APPLICANT’S ADDRESS FOR FILING: C/o Mechelle Forde However they praised but she suggested the real Attorney-at-Law BY ORDER OF THE MORTGAGEE the undersigned will offer ‘Alexander House’ restrictions imposed a rate is lower as testing has Pinfold Street for sale at the offices of Fitzwilliam Stone & Alcazar, Pine BRIDGETOWN Plantation Road, St. Michael on Aprll 2, 2020 at 2:00p.m. the following:- NOTICE NOTICE LAND TO: STEVEN LENNOX GRIFFITH ALL THAT freehold vacant land situate at St. Silas Block 4 Haynesville St. James On instructions received from the Mortgagee, the Heights, St. James containing by admeasurement undersigned will offer for sale by public auction at her 1301.7 square metres and being the Lot numbered 12. TAKE NOTICE that an Application for Other Relief in a Matrimonial This lot is located at the end of a cul-de-sac. Cause with Supporting Affidavit has been commenced against you in office at RUDPES Chambers, El Paulanstone House, the Supreme Court of Judicature of Barbados entitled Suit No. 75 of 2019 by RENEE GRIFFITH of Welchman Hall in the parish of Saint Cnr. Pinfold Street & Bachelor’s Lane, Bridgetown on ALL THAT freehold vacant land situate at St. Silas Thomas in this Island and comes on for hearing on the 9th day of May 29th of April 2020 at 2:30 pm the following:- Heights, St. James containing by admeasurement 2020. 1198.8 square metres and being the Lot numbered 13. AND THAT it has been ordered by the High Court that service of the ALL THAT land situate at Lot 5 Dunlow Saint This lot is located at the end of a cul-de-sac. said Application for Other Relief in a Matrimonial Cause and Affidavit on you be effected by way of this advertisement. Michael in Barbados containing 1998.9 square metres (inclusive of road, footpath and Right of Way) ALL THAT freehold vacant land situate at Welches AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that you may within twenty-eight (28) Terrace, St. Thomas containing approximately 1129.05 days from the publication of this advertisement inclusive of the day of or thereabout together with the building thereon.. such publication file a RESPONSE to the said Application for Other square metres and being the Lot numbered 86. Relief in a Matrimonial Cause a copy of which may be obtained from the Registration Office of the Supreme Court of Barbados. For information on viewing please contact Paulette E. Terms and Conditions of Sale may be obtained from the If you fail to file a Response the Court may proceed with the Application Sealy at (246) 427-5611, (246) 429-7251 or (246) undersigned. in your absence. 284-1086. Dated the 22nd day of March 2020 AMANDA MOHAMMED-PARSONS PAULETTE E. SEALY Attorney-at-Law ______MECHELLE C FORDE ATTORNEY-AT-LAW FITZWILLIAM STONE & ALCAZAR Attorney-at-Law for the Applicant/Wife

18 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate PM outlines new coronavirus alert system NEW ZEALAND’S Prime tial domestic travel to be seriously, saying they In her first ever address erings would be cancelled community transmission. Minister Jacinda Ardern curtailed. should think about their to the nation today, she and public venues Ms Ardern said the alert is asking all people over She had a stern mes- friends and family and also introduced a four-tier closed. system could be changed 70 or with compromised sage for New Zealanders consider that their blithe alert system based on the Level four means the quickly to put those immune systems to stay who were not taking the approach could imperil spread of the virus. New disease was not contained regions into lockdown – if at home and all non-essen- threat of COVID-19 people’s lives. Zealand is currently at and people should stay at necessary. level two. home and non-essential “We are constantly Level two means the businesses would be monitoring these set- disease is contained but closed. tings,” Ms Ardern said. the risks are growing, and Public experts have There are 528 000 peo- contact with other called for alert four ple aged 70-plus in New people should be reduced already but Ms Ardern Zealand, including Deputy through cancelled events, has stood her ground. Prime Minister Winston increased border meas- Public health officials Peters, who is 74. ures, and people working are currently investigat- New Zealand now has from home. ing two confirmed cases – 52 confirmed cases of Level three means there one in and one COVID-19, including the is a risk the disease is not in the Wairarapa – that two cases which have no contained and mass gath- could have come through link to overseas travel.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 19

Coronavirus: Seven essential tips if you have to work from home ou may find yourself regularly and call people to speak, as well as working from home over the pick up again when the speaking is Ycoming weeks as employers finished. attempt to limit staff exposure to the Ideally the call can be done using coronavirus outbreak. software which allows people to signal Not going into the office is an effec- to the chair that they would like to tive way of preventing the spread of speak without interrupting someone COVID-19, the disease caused by the else, but if that isn’t the case then the novel coronavirus, because it min- chair needs to set up a system to let imises the risk of you coming into people ask to speak without the line contact with someone carrying the descending into chaos - asking people disease. who want to speak to state their Many companies are suggesting names and then calling on them to workers who can get the job done from talk afterwards is a good tactic. home do just that. Some technology All of the other participants need to companies which produce software join the call at the right time, and most used by remote workers, including crucially - their phones need to be on Zoom and Slack, have subsequently mute when they’re not talking. received a bump in share prices in recent days. Have a space to work in However working from home comes I’m sorry to say you will need to get with negatives which you may need to dressed and get out of bed. Maybe not prepare for: as early as usual – the lack of a commute is always something to re- How to handle conference calls joice over – but having a space to work Group meetings in-person can be in is crucial for your state of mind, and difficult, but over the phone they can not just in terms of being in a “work- be absolute chaos. ing” mindset but also so you’re able Without any visual cues to signal to turn off when the working day is Prepare ahead of the conference calls. where attention is focused, partici- over. pants on group calls can end up speak- If you have children then you will already; a desk, a laptop, a work phone out security precautions could mean ing over each other for minutes on end. need to realise that you cannot both – you don’t want to be running up your that hackers go unnoticed too. This can be compounded by any lag parent and work at the same time. own phone bill if you need to make an If there are software packages on on the line which amplifies misunder- Working from home is not a cheap international call – but take stock of your work terminal then you’ll need to standings about who is speaking and alternative to getting a babysitter, you what is available in the office and what see if you can access them at home or if who is listening. simply won’t manage to get any work isn’t. you will need to find some way to do It is absolutely vital that someone is done. If you need access to your company’s without them. chairing the meeting. This person Most of the essentials for working intranet, figure out how to access it needs to determine the speaking order from home are things people have securely. External connections in with- HOME WORKING on Page 20

You need to get out of bed for a working day. You can’t work and parent at the same time.

20 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Plan your lunch ahead of time. Remember to take breaks

HOMECommunicate WORKING from Page 19 with your team some shops, but working from home This means you need to take a bit of The worst aspect of remote working Have time to work in can disrupt the most considerately a longer break to make the lunch. That can be feeling ignored. You need to clock in and clock out. stocked larder. is perfectly reasonable, and because Hopefully there will be lines of The working day for anyone in an office If the food in the fridge is meant to you’ve planned your lunch in advance communication open to your managers, has commutes either side of it, but cover tonight’s dinner then you’re going it’s not going to take as long as you colleagues and subordinates, but to these aren’t there if you’re working to find yourself caught very short for thought. However at the same time, make sure these are there requires from home and the risk is that the lunch., you need to... forward-planning. time between when you’re on-shift and Most adults should have mastered There should be clear expectations when you’re off will merge into each the skill of forward-planning their Remember to work about how performance will differ from other. meals, but the interruption to normal Although you really shouldn’t put a normal day, whether because the Whatever kind of communications plans by working from home can undo yourself under ridiculous pressures, office processes are a bit different or system you’re using to keep in touch that for even the most competent. you are still working. because particular jobs are going with your team, turn it on when you Get ready to have something healthy Working from home isn’t an to be delegated to different start and turn it off when you stop. for lunch. opportunity for friends to come round. teams. Working outside of these hours will You don’t have the time to run errands One of the tactics to avoid loneliness just grind you down. Remember to take breaks during the day that you wouldn’t be (although some workers could well We can worry that we’re not being able to do normally. crave it) is to set up a video call with a Remember to eat seen as productive when we’re working Some experts suggest working in colleague while you’re working on a Remember to eat properly.This from home, but nobody is productive short bursts in order to maintain your shared project. takes planning if you’re not going when they’re hungry. sanity, this means regular breaks but it You might spend the majority to find yourself dipping into the cookie Without access to a canteen, shops requires working too. of your time working in silence, but the jar. or market stalls selling something tele-presence of a colleague and the Usually we don’t do much planning nutritious you’re almost certainly Keep in contact with your managers, familiar taps of their fingers on the when it comes to our meals at the of- going to have to make yourself and ask them to keep in contact with keyboard might offer some pleasant fice. We have canteens or we’re near to something for lunch. you companionship.

Don’t forget you’re still working. Try and keep in touch with colleagues. The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 21

Help! I’ve got children, what do I do? Tips for parents ITH schools ting goals as well. But how do I get any virus. closed, many Get younger children work done? Schedule small blocks working from home Wparents are involved by having them Working from home of time. Ask them to play And importantly, if you turns with the children. wondering how the propose foods and activi- with children is hard. It’s with Lego or another ac- say you will be back to One scheduling possibil- whole family will sur- ties they like. For older even more difficult when tivity and set a timer for play with them at a cer- ity is having one parent vive the coming weeks children, ask them what there is uncertainty 15 minutes, so you can tain time, stick to it. work uninterrupted one with social distancing, they would like to do on around how long the sit- answer three e-mails, for “Children need time day, while the other par- and schools, daycares, their own and what they uation will last. Adding example. Set bigger with us. If the only way ent spends intermittent camps, and extra-cur- would like to do together. to the challenge are the blocks of time, such as an they can get time with us time with the children, ricular activities Write it down and post changes to our normal hour, for older children. is by not doing some- and then switch roles the closed, postponed, or it somewhere visible. For support system – day- “If you’re going to put thing and misbehaving, following day. cancelled – in some younger children, the cares, play centres and your children in front of they’ll do it,” Freedman The reality, however, is cases, indefinitely. schedule can be in pic- libraries may be closed, a screen to watch a Smith said. “Don’t put it that productivity will be First, go easy on your- tures. Revisit after a few while back-up help from movie or to watch a se- off, it will bite you in the impacted working from self and manage your ex- days to see if the plan grandparents may no ries of shows, use your butt.” home with children. pectations, advised Julie works or needs adjusting. longer be an option due time wisely, but be realis- If you are fortunate to Set realistic expecta- Freedman Smith, co- Find a balance be- to the health risk con- tic about it,” Freedman have a partner working tions and work that into founder of Parenting- tween inactivity, activity cerns associated with the Smith added. from home as well, take your child’s schedule. Power.ca, a parent and social interaction. education company This means breaking up based in Alberta. “It’s not inactive time on the the end of the world if schedule with something you take a few days to active. Take a walk figure everything out.” around the block or play The idea of spending a card game that re- 24/7 at home with your quires family members to children while juggling do a physical activity, for work can seem over- example. whelming and extremely Schedule quiet time. stressful. And as tempt- This can be colouring, lis- ing as it is to park your tening to calm music, or children in front of a even screen time. screen all day so you can “With everyone in the get work done, children same space, it can be- need structure and social come really overwhelm- interaction. ing,” said Freedman One of the first and Smith. most important things Food, sleep, and time parents can do is find with parents are all es- and prioritise coping sential parts of the strategies, said Dwayne schedule that need to be Matthews, an education consistent. strategist. Whether it is Build chores into the mindfulness, exercise, or schedule so the children putting aside spiritual can pitch in. If possible, time, make sure these you can split responsibil- coping methods are a ities and alternate the part of your daily routine following day. For exam- and do not get neglected. ple, one child and a par- If you are not sure ent will make dinner what kind of mindfulness while the other child activities you can do as a helps with clean-up. family, a quick Google Include reading time search can be a source of together, especially for inspiration. younger children. For older children who Routines and schedules are always on a device, You might have seen the try to incorporate time jokes circulating on so- where they are creating cial media in recent days: with technology – for ex- earnest schedules for ample, writing or making children being photo- music – instead of just shopped into all-day iPad consuming it. However, time or coffee and drink- also make sure they have ing. time away from the “Children in school or screen – exercising, read- child care are used to ing, helping with chores. having a schedule,” It’s also easy to allow Freedman Smith told older children to be com- CTVNews.ca, so main- pletely independent, but taining that consistency that could mean being on and structure is essen- the screen all day con- tial. It can also help de- suming scary news about fuse some of the stress the pandemic. So another and conflict that comes consideration is schedul- with parenting – instead ing how often the family of bossing your children checks for COVID-19 up- around all day, they have dates. a schedule to follow. Other suggestions in- Sit down with your clude loosening screen children and let them time allowances for have a say in the sched- younger children, and ule so they are buying making sure limits are into it, experts recom- set for older ones. mend. Some suggest set- 22 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 •23 Around 10% of the world population can’t get clean water Here’s how you can help on World Water Day ight now, almost 780 million projects whose donors are always people live without access to connected to their impact Rclean water, and more than 2.5 Water.org focuses on providing billion need improved sanitation. That’s funding so communities can maintain according to the World Health access to clean water and sanitation. Organization. Today is World Water The nonprofit organization was Day, an annual UN observance founded by actor Matt Damon and spotlighting something so basic – and engineer Gary White. yet so scarce for so many.There are some simple things you can do at home Keep water clean that can help care for the global water It starts at home, and it’s not just supply. about the water coming out of the tap; Here are organisations you can it’s also about the water sent down the support that are making a difference drain or into the ground. Here are some where water is insufficient around the ways to help keep water clean. world: • Never flush expired or unwanted WaterAid promotes clean water, medicine down the toilet or drain reliable toilets and good hygiene. • Avoid flushing fats or oils down the Through logistical, educational and kitchen sink drain policy work, the organization has • Fix any leaks from cars and collect provided more than 26 million people oil by putting liner on driveway with clean water and reliable toilets • Pick up after your pets to prevent Today is World Water Day, an annual UN observance spotlighting something since 1981. waste entering drains, spreading so basic – and yet so scarce for so many. Charity: Water has a unique bacteria etc approach to investing in their water because it’s simple doesn’t mean people • Shorten the length of showers projects. This non profit organization Conserve at home do it. Using water more efficiently in • Use low-flow toilets works with local partners to implement It’s an easy concept to understand: daily life can go a long way. • Water plants by hand rather than sustainable, community-led water Don’t waste water. However just • Turn off faucets when not in use hose

24 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

World Water Day Don’t wash your hands of the problem – UNDP OpEd he most repeated water is as necessary as wars will be fought. The Now experiencing our adequate clean water public health advice the air we breathe and the Caribbean islands are no fourth drought spell since supplies has dire Tsince the outbreak of food we eat. It is the basis exception to a planetary 2009, it may be more implications for health, the New Coronavirus has of human society.Most tension. Low pressure, accurate to say drought is hygiene, sanitation and been “wash your hands human settlements have outages, dry taps. Empty the normal condition with food security. thoroughly with soap”. developed in locations reservoirs, dry streams, a few scattered hurricanes. The IPCC also states Most governments who where water was available withered crops. This The Intergovernmental that small islands and have decided to close down and disappeared with the situation is unfortunately Panel on Climate Change economically schools have done so liquid element that all too familiar in the (IPCC) in their 2018 disadvantaged populations because, in addition to the sustained their lives and region. Barbados, Saint Special Report asserted are particularly at risk for social distancing strategy livelihoods. Lucia and St Kitts and that limiting global multiple and compounding to avoid community spread Today’s water Nevis are among several warming to 1.5°C above climate risks which will through children and management situation countries in the region that the pre-industrial era “is exacerbate vulnerabilities Magdy Martinez Soliman teachers, colleges in poor shows all symptoms of have been under drought- expected to substantially in the energy,food and districts had little to no stress and depletion of a triggered restrictions or a reduce the probability of water sectors. In October access to drinking water, scarce and precious perpetual lack of water extreme drought, 2019, the Ministers with making the advice to wash natural resource around access across segments of precipitation deficits, responsibility for water in one’s hands a moot one. which, the foresight the country for the last few and… water stress”. the Caribbean, Wherever we look, analysts have bet, future years. The prolonged lack of unanimously endorsed the Regional Strategic Action Plan for the Governance and Building Climate Resilience in the Water Sector (RSAP).* Unequivocally,climate resilience is articulated as the cornerstone for securing the sector’s future, being embedded in Danielle Evanson every pillar – governance, resource management, Physical development decision support systems, planning must carefully services and capacity consider its impact on, for building. instance, biodiversity,air Antigua and Barbuda, quality,waste adept in dealing with management systems and water scarcity,has water resources, especially desalination as a key tourism ventures which source of potable water.As are notoriously water a capital and energy intensive, using 2,000- intensive technology, the 7,500 litres per tourist per feasibility of desalination day.We must also be ready has significant financial to capture those inevitable considerations, which is deluges from tropical among the factors systems to ensure influencing Barbados’ availability in the decision regarding a aftermath. Atmospheric second plant. With the water extractors (or majority of agriculture in similar technology) the region being rain-fed, literally condense water irrigation, water storage vapour from the air to and controlled produce drinking water. environments must be One such was on part of the sector’s climate demonstration at the 2019 resilience strategy to Renewable Energy Expo in secure water supply and Barbados and is available guard against crop failure. commercially. UNDP continues to We must also intensify partner with several and accelerate our actions farming communities in to combat the climate Grenada, Dominica, St crisis and keep Vincent and the temperatures below 1.5°C. Grenadines and Saint Already having reached Lucia to expand the 1°C, the window is availability of irrigation narrowly closing before the systems, water storage world reaches an facilities, greenhouses, irreversible tipping point. hydroponics and drought- What we have learned resistant varieties of crops from the COVID-19 crisis and livestock to strengthen is that, among other this critical sector. things, we can’t survive Similarly, many without water. So please communities are either use it frequently with soap entirely reliant on to kill the virus, but don’t rainwater storage, such as wash your hands of the Mayreau in the problem! Grenadines or suffer By Danielle Evanson, perpetual limited supply Head of the Sustainable such as Clarendon in Solutions and Jamaica. In such cases, Energy Cluster and UNDP has supported Magdy Martinez community storage Soliman, Resident systems to give more Representative, UNDP reliable access to this Barbados and the precious resource. Eastern Caribbean.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 25 Use of agrochemicals without great care a major challenge ndiscriminate use of and its effects on the the water to flow deep by the government to toxic synthetic environment. There are into the soil and when it support policies towards Iagrochemicals is a also practices used reaches the compaction regenerative land major challenge for domestically and within zone the huge volume of practices. He added it is climate change and there agriculture which also water can no longer go not a case where people is a need for regulation of affect access to water and down through the soil but do not care about the this issue. water usage in food instead has to flow across environment but many do These were the production and security. the land into the roads, not know what is the comments of local our homes and other correct way to easily work agripreneur, Joshua Forte Several challenges areas causing havoc,” said with the environment. during a recent telephone in Barbados Forte. Making reference to the interview. He also added Forte noted that there He also highlighted the use of synthetic chemicals that the lack of are several challenges the large levels of pollution on the land, Forte said he widespread regenerative island is facing which on the land which would like to see a land management is include a lack of eventually end up in the banning of major toxic another problem that management of oceans, contaminating agrochemicals (weed should be addressed. agricultural land in an the marine environment killers) which are used at March 22 is World efficient way. He said and additional food a household level and Water Day and the theme this is land used for supply. work against the is “Water and Climate farms, crops and grazing. He noted that farmers country’s resilience CEO of Red Diamond Compost, Joshua Forte Change” with messages He explained that have a bigger against climate change. shared his views on the environment and climate focused on adapting to climate change over the responsibility to manage He suggested that change for World Water Day recently. the water effects of years can intensify and the land in addition to there should be climate change to protect increase the occurrence of growing food and raising programmes about the Long term problems by climate change. health and save lives and prolonged drought and livestock and much inputs we use and the worsened by climate He spoke about the using water more this can result in the greater support of our effects on health, change sargassum coming in efficiently to reduce severe drying out and farmers is needed from environment and The Chief Executive large quantities, smaller greenhouse gases. The compaction of land. He society. teaching people about Officer (CEO) of Red fish, declining quality and region is particularly said when this is followed how their food is grown. Diamond Compost quantity of sea eggs, vulnerable as many by a burst of heavy Policies needed for He explained that these pointed out that coral reef bleaching islands are facing rainfall experienced regenerative land practices affect not only problems relating to all correlating to poor drought, severe hurricane during hurricane season practices the land but the marine agriculture, fisheries land practices, seasons, rising sea this can lead to flooding. The business owner environment. and environment are all both locally and temperatures, sea levels “It is more difficult for said that there is a need related to and worsened abroad. 26 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Coronavirus and water/wastewater A round-up of global advice HE outbreak of a respiratory released in early March for water and illness, known as COVID-19, sanitation practitioners and providers. Tcontinues to spread around There is no evidence about the sur- the world. vival of the COVID-19 virus in drinking With one of the primary pieces of ad- water or sewage, WHO said, adding that vice to regularly wash hands thoroughly the two main routes of transmission are to prevent the transfer of the disease, it respiratory or contact. means more than ever that the provi- As an enveloped virus, COVID-19 sion of clean and safe water by utilities is “not robust”, less stable in the is vital to stop the disease spreading. environment and is more susceptible With one of the primary pieces of advice to regularly wash hands thoroughly to During times of crisis, various ques- to oxidants, such as chlorine. prevent the transfer of the disease, it means more than ever that the provision tions are being asked over whether Conventional, centralised water of clean and safe water by utilities is vital to stop the disease spreading. COVID-19 can be transferred via water treatment methods that use “filtration and wastewater. and disinfection should inactivate the • ‘Drinking water is protected to be low based on data from previous Global water sector professional COVID-19 virus”, the Organisation against coronavirus’ outbreaks of related coronaviruses, such bodies, institutions and associations added. Meanwhile, microbiologist Professor as SARS and the Middle East respira- have been quick to publish fact sheets In areas where centralised treatment Gertjan Medema PhD from KWR Water tory syndrome (MERS). There have and guidance documents to calm any is not present, “household water treat- Research Institute confirmed that the been no reports of faecal-oral transmis- concern and help cut through the sea ment technologies” including boiling, or drinking water in the Netherlands is sion of COVID-19 to date, CDC added. of misinformation and fake news being using high-performing ultrafiltration or protected against coronavirus. produced and circulated. nanofiltration filters, solar irradiation, He had been asked by WHO during • What happens if water treat- Below we have brought together the and, in non-turbid waters, UV irradia- the severe acute respiratory syndrome ment plant operators are quaran- highlights from various sources in one tion and appropriately dosed free chlo- (SARS) coronavirus to assess the risk of tined? place. rine, should be used. the disease spreading through water Answering the question ‘What if The Centers for Disease Control and and wastewater. workers are quarantined at home, will • The facts about COVID-19 and Prevention (CDC) remarked that the He said, “Drinking water utilities that water still be supplied?’, the Water drinking water COVID-19 virus has not been detected produce their water from surface water Services Association of Australia A technical brief from the World in drinking water. sources have all set up multiple disin- (WSAA) responded, “Water utilities are Health Organisation (WHO) was fection barriers for the purpose of re- well prepared to manage their response moving bacteria, viruses and protozoa, to COVID-19.” which are also safeguarded by the In general water treatment plants are Analysis of Microbial Safety of Drinking secure, have back-up power and require Water. Groundwater, in turn, is well few staff to operate them and some protected in the subsurface against all water treatment plants can be operated microbial contaminants, including remotely, the associated said. viruses.” It added that water utilities ensure In a whitepaper, international that multiple staff are able to operate engineering company Stantec said water treatment plants and water sup- that based on published research, ply systems so that if one person is on BARBADOS AGRICULTURAL “water treatment processes that meet leave for any reason drinking water can virus removal/inactivation regulations still be safely and reliably supplied. MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. are expected to be effective for coron- However, the American Water Works aviruses control”. Association (AWWA) said that potential absenteeism could “affect drinking SALUTES AND SUPPORTS • Treatment of coronaviruses in water and wastewater system operators wastewater and their capability to operate and THE OBJECTIVES OF On wastewater treatment, WHO maintain their systems adequately, added that there “is no evidence to date thereby increasing the risks to public that the COVID-19 virus has been health”. transmitted via sewerage systems with WORLD WATER DAY or without wastewater treatment”. • Potential operational challenges The Environmental Protection Agency caused by COVID-19 The BAMC is committed to the drive for food security. (EPA) said wastewater treatment plants A member survey conducted by do treat viruses and other pathogens the AWWA earlier this month asked and that the virus is “particularly about anticipated business operations The BAMC remains part of the drive for food production: susceptible to disinfection”. challenges caused by COVID-19 (results No COVID-19-specific protections are below): • through helping to improve sugar production levels recommended for employees involved in The top results included • through research and development work in food crop production wastewater management operations, “Absenteeism/continuity of operations” • through seeking to reduce the cost of essential inputs, and making these benefits said the Water Environment Federation and “Impacts on field operations (meter available to all farmers (WEF). Workers should follow routine reading, repairs, etc.). • through making technical information and advice available to all farmers practices to prevent exposure to waste- Kevin Morley, federal relations man- • through seeking to diversify the use of sugarcane to include bio-energy production water. ager, said, “As stewards of public health • through the increased production of non-sugar food crops. However, the Federation added that and the environment, water profession- COVID-19 may be transmitted through als are well versed on managing risks The BAMC is seeking to encourage farmers to use cane in their crop rotation and to the faecal-oral route. The virus RNA associated with protecting the water was detected in patient stool after scien- supply and planning for routine and plant currently unused areas with cane. This helps to control weeds; reduces pests and crop tists noticed that some patients infected extreme incidents. The coronavirus diseases; reduces erosion and helps to control mosquitoes. with the COVID-19 virus experienced situation creates potential workforce diarrhoea in the early stages of infection and supply chain issues relative to Congratulations and instead of a fever, the latter being more utility continuity of service.” Best Wishes to all Farmers common. Morley advised utilities to be pre- and to all other persons in Barbados The CDC said that “the risk of trans- pared for “potential impacts to opera- who are helping to feed the Nation. mission of COVID-19 from the faeces of tions”, including staff absenteeism, and THE DIRECTORS, MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF BAMC an infected person is also unknown”. to respond to customer inquiries about However, it added, the risk is expected water safety. The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 27

Joe, the man Jesus

ST. PAUL informsadmired us in Galatians 4:4 the child His nameand ‘Jesus’ at His cir-obeyeding to assume the joy and the dignity of that Jesus, Son of God and reputed son cumcision so that Jesus would always responsible fatherhood. A wife makes Using the letters of his name we can of Joseph, by His Father’s choice (Mt. be known as the son of Joseph and her husband ‘honourable’ when she create a model for men: 1:21), was “born a subject of the Law”. It therefore the son of David. Secondly he makes him a father. But since it is in J: JUST. Loving God as He deserves was therefore His great joy to obey His was to take the place of the Holy Spirit the nature of love to be humble and “the and loving our wives and children as heavenly Father’s will as expressed in as Mary’s spouse by taking her home as child is the greatest” a real man must God commands. the IVth Commandment: “Honour your his wife. Joseph reacts not with fear but have the humility to accept the sacrifice O: OBEDIENT to the will of Our father and your mother”. But it all with faith: He believes and he acts of time, money, love, care, country, pleas- Father whose word is the lamp for our began with Joseph’s dilemma. promptly with total humility. He is no ure and the many resources that father- feet and the light for our path even When his betrothed bride, Mary, was chatterbox; he speaks by his actions. hood entails. Like Joseph. when He commands the unexpected or “found to be with child… before they This awesome dignity, as deputy for Often our own fathers have failed us the unintelligible. came to live together” Mt.1:18, Joseph both the Father and the Holy Spirit, and an alarming number of young men S: STRONG, SILENT, SELFLESS, would have known Mary sufficiently and as the man whom Jesus honoured in prison have not had a father to teach SACRIFICING as a man for others. well to realise that her commitment to the most by His loving and joyful obedi- them how to love, cherish and respect E: EXEMPLARY for his wisdom and God would not have allowed her to com- ence in the Holy Family, catapults others. Hence they resort to violence courage springing from his faith and mit adultery, and yet she was pregnant. Joseph to the highest position among and disrespect of other people’s rights humble unquestioning obedience to Faced with two apparently irreconcil- the saints, second only to his spouse, the and property.Young men of my race God’s message. able facts – on the one hand her honesty Blessed Virgin Mary. seem to see sex as purely for pleasure. P: PRAYERFUL, PRUDENT PRO- and her love of God of which he was To God alone the Church gives the Procreation is a nuisance. And so con- TECTOR + PROVIDER of resources, fully convinced and on the other hand worship called “latria”; to the Blessed traception, abortion, sterilisation and discipline and guidance in all that leads her pregnancy which he could not deny Mother of God “hyperdulia”; to the violence are commonplace. Might is to virtue. – upright man that he was, “he decided saints “dulia”; but to Joseph “protodu- right. Baby is the enemy. But what fu- H: HUMBLE HELPMATE OF to divorce her informally” Mt. 1:19. lia”. And so we take a break every Lent ture do we have if the future of a race is MARY, HEALTHY + HOLY It would take an intervention of God to honour him on March 19. And again its children and its youth? REFLECTION OF GOD, “from whom Himself to resolve the dilemma. on May 1 as model for all workers. In the book of Genesis (41:55), when all fatherhood takes its name” (Eph. First the angel of the Lord reminds Joseph was a “techton” often trans- the people appealed to Pharaoh in the 3:15) and whom Jesus teaches us to Joseph that he has royal blood: he is lated “carpenter”; Jesus was also a ‘tech- famine his advice was “Go to Joseph address as “Our Father”. “Son of David”, though prudence and ton” like His reputed father. Jesus’ eter- and do whatever he tells you!” Mary As we thank God for the life and humility compel him to keep a low pro- nal Father is the Creator of the echoes this advice at the wedding feast witness of Joseph of Nazareth we can file. Next he reveals that it is God’s own Universe and as “the image of the un- of Cana because Jesus, like Joseph and say of him what Mark Antony said of Son that Mary is carrying: “She has con- seen God” (Col. 1:15) Jesus, the 2nd his ancestral namesake, have a knack Brutus: ceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit” Adam, builds a kingdom “not of this for solving crises. Quick, decisive action His life was gentle and all the Mt1:20. And thirdly God is bestowing world” (John 19:36), where the child is by Joseph saved Jesus from Herod but elements so mixed in him that Nature on him a double dignity. the greatest (Mt. 18:1-4) and God is Our Joseph had to accept like a real man the might stand up and say to all the world: As “husband of Mary” Mt. 1:16. He Father by the gift of the Holy Spirit in sacrifice of exile. At Fatima he appeared THIS WAS A MAN! would be the essential link between Baptism. in the final apparition blessing the Shakespeare, Julius Caesar, Jesus and King David. He would In the Caribbean there is a crisis of world. I see him as the answer to the Act V: v 23-25 To God be the glory! deputise for God the Father by giving manhood because too few men are will- question: “What is a real man?” Fr.Leonard Alfonso

Why COVID-19 does not scare me LET me begin by thanking Archbishop path and the lamp for my feet in this utters one word: “COME!” And Peter to whom shall we go? You have the Charles Jason Gordon for the excellent Lenten season and especially in these gets out of the boat and walks towards message of eternal life and we believe; article of Sunday March 15, 2020 last days of my life’s journey? The Jesus on the sea until he pays attention we have come to know that You are the entitled Coronavirus and the Holy psalmist warns that we are allotted on to the wind and the waves, reacts with Holy One of God”! Peter believes in the Eucharist explaining the rationale an average “three score and ten” years fear and starts to sink. Jesus saves him Eucharist even before he understands behind the Church’s response to the for those who are healthy. I am living, with a gentle rebuke: “You have so little it, simply on the word of Jesus. pandemic of COVID-19. As someone as my mother would say,“on borrowed faith; why did you doubt?” So what does this have to do with approaching his 82nd birthday I was time”. Thank God. In Luke 8 we encounter a woman my lack of fear of COVID-19? especially touched by the solicitude In Luke 5 we see the “beginning of a with a haemorrhage whom the experts Probably the most important lesson expressed for the elderly and the need wonderful friendship” to quote have fleeced for 12 years with empty my mother taught me was: “Make Jesus to protect us from the virus. Humphrey Bogart, Rick in the all-time promises. She approaches Jesus in fear your best friend! I can’t be with you But as was candidly acknowledged, favourite film “Casablanca”. Jesus in- and trembling because she knows that everywhere but He can. And you will “The virus is less of a threat than the structs a tired Simon, “Put out into deep she is “unclean”. But her faith is always find Him in the Blessed common cold, heart attack, suicide, ve- water and pay out your nets for a stronger than her fear: she wants only Sacrament!” This Jesus, as the author hicle accident or stroke. At this time all catch.” Simon replies somewhat irrita- to touch the hem of His cloak. And of Hebrews assures us, (2:14) set aside of these are more likely to kill you.” And bly,“Master, we worked hard all night when she does, she is cured immedi- the devil who held the power of death so I am not going to be driven by panic and caught nothing!” Pregnant pause. ately. “Who touched Me?” says Jesus. “and set free all those who had been into buying all the toilet paper I can, “But if you say so, I will pay out the Peter is amazed at the question held in slavery all their lives by the lest people draw the wrong conclusions nets.” As it was at Cana, so it is here. because the crowd is pressing around fear of death.” about what fills me! The miraculous result surpasses all Jesus. But when the woman admits And so every morning remembering Shakespeare puts on the lips of a expectations and Simon filled with a that she is the culprit, Jesus says to Jesus’ last words in Matthew 28: “And noble pagan, Julius Caesar, those mem- sense of his own unworthiness blurts her affectionately,“My daughter, look, I am with you always; yes to the orable words: Of all the wonders that I out, “Leave me Lord, I am a sinful your faith has saved you; go in end of time”, I rise in confidence and yet have heard, it seems to me most man!” A reaction of fear. Jesus replies peace.” gratitude because I know He always strange that men should fear, when to this humble, honest declaration, As the months passed Peter would keeps His promises! Panic would be an death, a necessary end, will come when “Do not be afraid; from now on I will witness many such miracles at the word insult to Him! St. Padre Pio is right: it will come! Act 2 make you a fisher of men!” of Jesus. And as his admiration and “Pray, trust and don’t worry!” Why? On Ash Wednesday I began Lent with In Matthew 14:21+ Jesus comes to genuine attachment to the Lord grew, “God is your Father, Mary your mother, the healthy reminder from Our Father the disciples walking on the sea and the the friendship blossomed until he the Holy Spirit the gift of all gifts and that I am “dust” and to dust I will re- disciples react with fear. “But at once passes the test of faith with flying Jesus the best of all friends! Their love turn in a few short years. The ashes are Jesus called out to them: ‘Courage! It is colours when the crowds leave Jesus in is our treasure! But it must not make us gone but the loving advice remains in I! (Yahweh in Hebrew)!” Peter shows John 6:67-69: “Then Jesus said to the proud because “it is all God’s work” 2 this Year of the Word. How then is the confidence: “Lord, if it is YOU, bid me 12, ‘What about you, do you want to go Cor. 5:18. To God be the glory! Word of God, aka Jesus, the light for my come to you across the waters!” Jesus away too?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord Fr. Leonard Alfonso

28 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

ARIES (March 21-April 19). LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Your Don't believe everything you tastes are changing as you hear. Some around you will HOROSCOPES become exposed to a wider range be speaking out of school. of experiences and options. Ask There's no reason to attach a distorted significance the questions that will help you understand why and to this. People are sometimes just plain where things fit into the larger context. misinformed. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Some around you TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Words are strongly have a cool demeanor that prevents them from linked to destiny today. There may be a bit of showing too much enthusiasm. You're not bound to vocabulary that needs clarification. Does your the same rules and values. Give out that infectious definition of terms match up with someone else's? If and energizing joy! you're not sure, ask! SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You have been GEMINI (May 21-June 21). When you're committed successful without knowing why. Ask around, to the right goal, you really won't need to motivate though, because you've also been observed. It will yourself through the imposition of consequences. be interesting to hear what others think of your Reward and punishment will be unnecessary. Just process. lighten up and do your best. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). One project will CANCER (June 22-July 22). One way to feel like a take most of your focus. Up until now, progress has superstar is to surround yourself with people who will been slow and gradual. You've been happy with this obey, flatter and comfort you. That's not your style. approach, but now you've built up so much You want to be inspired, pushed and challenged, so momentum that from here until the weekend you'll you seek those with equal and/or superior skills. be chasing the action. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). An exchange of two very AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Though you were not different kinds of goods or acts may work out trying to impress anyone, you did. Part of the reason brilliantly, so long as both agree they are getting an is that you listen better than anyone else around and equal value. Spend time sorting out a mutually therefore will pick up on hints that others miss. agreeable system of evaluation. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). One needn't know VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You will be susceptible more than you know to be able to teach you. For to a special combination of alluring language and instance, many Pisces will learn spiritual lessons intriguing ideas and will likely follow their suggestion through caring for children or interacting with into a bit of lighthearted afternoon fun. animals. Bible Challenge 1. What did Paul D. three tribes say kept him from being conceited? 3. How long was A. his peers Moses on Mount B. a thorn in his Sinai with God to flesh get the Ten C. his wife Commandments? D. his inability to A. 12 days communicate B. 40 days and 40 nights 2. Because of his C. 44 days sin the Lord told D. 7 days and 7 Solomon that his nights son would have part of his king- 4. Fill in the dom torn away blanks: "He that from him. What hath the Son hath number of tribes ____; and he that would God give hath not the Son of him to rule? God hath not ____." A. seven tribes A. family, family B. ten of the twelve B. riches, wealth tribes C. life, life

C. only one tribe D. hope, hope Answers: 1. B, 2. C, 3. B, 4. C C 4. B, 3. C, 2. B, 1. Answers: The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 29

Country music legend Kenny Rogers dies aged 81

AMERICAN country plaining that he be- best-selling male artist music legend Kenny lieved his songs “say in US history in terms Rogers has died aged 81. what every man wants of album sales. A family representa- to say and that every He collaborated with tive said he “passed woman wants to hear”. other country music leg- away peacefully at home After growing up in ends during his career, from natural causes”. poverty on a federal including Dolly Parton Rogers topped pop and housing estate in and Willie Nelson. country charts during Houston, Texas, Rogers In 2007 he unexpect- the 1970s and 1980s, began recording with a edly found himself back and won three Grammy string of bands, includ- in the limelight in the awards. ing Kenny Rogers and UK when The Gambler Known for his husky the First Edition, before became the unofficial voice and ballads includ- launching his solo ca- World Cup anthem of ing “The Gambler”, reer in 1976. England’s Rugby “Lucille and Coward Of He was never a Team. The County”, his career favourite of music crit- The song became so spanned more than six ics, but became one of popular that during his decades. the most successful pop- 2013 Glastonbury He once summed up country crossover acts of Festival legends slot his popularity by ex- all time, and the tenth Rogers played it twice. That same year, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Country Music Association. In their statement his family said he had “left an indelible mark on the history of American music”. Kenny Rogers, whose legendary music career spanned six decades, has died at A keen businessman, the age of 81. Rogers led several ven- tures over the years, shows, including star- with the BBC in 2013, than Bjorn Borg in the mainly in property and ring as a race car driver he recalled his “obses- ATP’s doubles table. the restaurant sector. in the 1982 movie “Six sion” with tennis, and He was married five He also acted in sev- Pack”. said he became so good times and had five A scene from ‘If Loving You Is Wrong’. eral movies and TV During an interview that he ranked higher children. OWN announces ‘If Loving You Is Wrong’ premieres its fifth, and final season OWN: Oprah Winfrey entertaining seasons,” Network’s popular said Tina Perry, presi- drama “If Loving You dent OWN. “We can’t Is Wrong” will pre- wait for fans to see the miere its fifth and jaw-dropping storylines final season on that are going to Tuesday, March 31 at unfold this season. It 10 pm ET. Tyler delivers all the juicy Perry’s seductive drama like only Tyler series chronicles the Perry can.” lives of friends and “If Loving You is frenemies that love Wrong” had its original and live in the same series premiere on neighbourhood. OWN in September The much-anticipated 2014. The series stars final season promises to April Parker-Jones, be explosive and sexier Amanda Clayton, than ever before while Edwina Findley revealing some long- Dickerson, Zulay Henao, awaited answers to Heather Hemmens, viewers’ burning ques- Charles Malik tions. Life-changing Whitfield, Eltony catastrophes will leave Williams, Joel Rush and the town reeling and Aiden Turner. It is pro- changed forever. duced for OWN by Tyler “We are grateful to Perry Studios and Tyler Perry and the tal- created, written and ented cast and crew for executive produced by giving us five incredibly Tyler Perry. 30 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 31

SSununddaayy A Addvvococatatee C Comicsomics 32 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

SSununddaayy A Addvvococatatee C Comicsomics The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 33 SPORTSSPORTS Boardi, aiming for the stars By André Springer

IN a time where the focus of the world is on a virus, there are still dreams being chased world-wide and one of those shining lights chasing his dream is Chikosi Boardi. Chikosi ‘Clutch’ Boardi, a student of Harrison College, is one of the young, local phenomenons of today. At the age of 15, the young sharp shooter has been making moves towards his goal of becoming an NBA player. Speaking to The Barbados Advocate, Boardi spoke about his recent journey to NBA Academy Latin America in Mexico, with the help of Johnathan Weekes and Mario Davis of Caribbean Hoops. The academy sought to instil the skill in Sharp shooter Chikosi Boardi of Station Hill shows the young players which ‘Clutch’ Boardi of the Station Hill Cavaliers blows by Pinelands forward Charles text book ‘follow through’ form on this jumper. would be needed to take Vanderpool. them to the next level of playing in college and leaving the island and keeping my Boardi had the unique immediately after composure,” it was further opportunity of being completing his CXCs to pointed out. invited. head overseas to a prep In fact the youngster “It helps me to not only school and then on to a recently helped the see where Barbados is but Division 1 college. He Cavaliers defeat KFC also where I am as a player offered words of Orange 3 Pinelands 76-74 compared to the rest of the encouragement to those in a nail-biter in which world because I was youngsters who also have Boardi put up 12 points among top players from that dream. including three of five from the western world. I know “Keep working. There behind the arc. what I have to do to get to are people out there that Never forgetting his that level, I know I have to want the same spot you do roots, Boardi thanked his work hard,” he pointed out. and are willing to work for coaches including Dario When asked about the it. So you have to keep McCollin, his main coach players which he working harder so that you through the Harrison interacted with, Boardi get and keep that spot.” College programme and all gave a glimpse of what ‘Clutch’ has a love for the other coaches he local players would sports science, an area he played under such as experience when they wishes to follow overseas, former national player attain basketball but has been studying a Zahir Motara and Adrian scholarships. wide variety of subjects at Craigwell for his "The guys were tall school including advanced development. ‘Clutch’ also there, definitely a lot of mathematics, English highlighted that his skilled players that are literature, geography, teammates Simeon headed to Division 1 physics, chemistry and Maynard and Kyrone colleges. From all over the French. ‘Melo’ Alexander are Western world, Canada, Most schoolboy highly skilled and would Mexico, Argentina. The basketballers tend to push be a force to be reckoned truth is that players in to play for the Combined with against overseas Barbados are not that far Schools Tridents and while players. behind but the guys are Boardi played with the Lastly Boardi thanked taller and bigger and get team in the Barbados his parents, Ajamu and into the gym and are more Amateur Basketball Karen Boardi for their physical,” he further Association First Division support, especially his pointed out. previously, he elected to father who has missed but While Boardi take his talents to the one of his games in the acknowledged that he Station Hill Cavaliers at many years of court time. would need to hit the gym the higher Premier League These days even before to improve his physical level. COVID-19 showed itself, game, he was happy about “I like how Station Hill there was an outcry for the his shooting ability being plays. I believe I have a lot cessation of gun violence an asset at the camp, to offer, being faster than among the youth. Boardi allowing him to level the the majority of players in is an excellent example playing field on the court. the league and I know my that with the right The young baller is coach has a lot of faith in guidance and passion, the working hard on and off me. I need to work on my future of the youth is still the court with a vision of mid-range pull up a promising one. Boardi listens intently at one of the training sessions.

34 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Segway Clamour grows to reschedule Tokyo Games LONDON – Calls from sporting organisa- tions for this year’s Tokyo Olympics to be postponed because of the coronavirus pan- Barbados demic gathered pace yesterday with USA Track and Field (USATF), the French Swimming Federation and Brazil’s Olympic Committee the latest to join the Cup throng. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Tokyo 2020 organisers still insist the July 24-August 9 showpiece will postponed go ahead as planned despite Europe and THE Segway Polo Club of the US struggling to control the spread of Barbados (SPCB) has been closely the flu-like virus. monitoring the COVID-19 (coron- Their optimism that the show will go The Olympic rings are pictured in front of the IOC in Lausanne, Switzerland. avirus) situation that is impacting on, however,is looking increasingly out of the global community, and more step with countries in lockdown and ath- world. political boycotts of the Games in Moscow directly, our region and country letes around the world unable to train. “The Federation believe that the prior- in 1980 and Los Angeles in 1984. in recent days. In a letter to United States Olympic & ity is to fight the spread of the epidemic Norway’s Sports Federation and In light of these developments, the Paralympic Committee (USOPC) chief and that the current context does not Olympic and Paralympic Committee SPCB has today taken a decision to executive Sarah Hirshland, USATF urged allow us to calmly envisage the smooth (NIF) said it had written to IOC chief postpone the 2020 Segway Polo in USOPC to use its voice to “speak up for running of the 2020 Olympics Games,” it Thomas Bach calling for the Games to be Paradise – Barbados Cup originally athletes”. said, adding that it was impossible to en- postponed, even if the pandemic was scheduled for May 29-June 3, 2020 to a Chief executive Max Siegel said the sure equity in competition when athletes under control in Japan by the summer. date to be announced in the near USTAF understood the ramifications of were prevented from training because of “Given the highly unresolved situation future. postponing the Games for the first time efforts to contain the spread of the virus. in Norway and in large parts of the world, We apologise for the disruption this ever in peace time but moving forward A day earlier UK Athletics said the it is neither justifiable or desirable to send may result in with previously arranged was not in the best interest of athletes. Olympics should be called off to spare Norwegian athletes to the Olympics or travel plans and other arrangements “We acknowledge that there are no athletes the stress of trying to train in the Paralympics in Tokyo until the world in preparation for this event. perfect answers, and that this is a very grip of a pandemic which has killed community has put this pandemic However, out of concern for the complex and difficult decision, but this around 12 000 people since the virus sur- behind them,” sports president Berit Kjoll well-being and safety of players, their position (to postpone the Games) at least faced in China. said. supporters, officials and the public at provides athletes with the comfort of Brazil’s Olympic chief Paulo Wanderley The and Rights Alliance (SRA) large, our decision to postpone the event knowing they will have adequate time to echoed those thoughts on Saturday, say- and the World Players Association (WPA) has become necessary. properly prepare themselves physically, ing athletes would not be able to arrive in said a “deep review and broader consulta- Should there be a positive turn of mentally and emotionally to participate in Tokyo in top form because of the impact tion” with athletes was required regard- events regarding flights and the spread a safe and successful ,” of the crisis. ing the decision over whether the Games of the virus, players would be more than he wrote. “It’s clear that right now maintaining could run as planned. welcome to come to Barbados to play USA Swimming wrote to USOPC on the Games for this year will impede (the “The IOC needs to elevate its dialogue with us. Friday calling for a delay of one year, with athletes’) dream from being realised,” he with the full range of those most affected We would continue to be guided by CEO Tim Hinchey saying, “We have said. beyond sponsors and governments to an the Barbados government and the watched our athletes’ worlds be turned open multi-stakeholder process that University of the West Indies, Cave Hill upside down”. Political boycotts brings to the table as equals player Campus, and as soon it has been The French Swimming Federation is- Suggesting a year’s delay,he said the IOC associations as the representatives of deemed safe to play again, we will be sued a statement saying that sending its was experienced in dealing with obsta- athletes and others most at risk,” WPA offering Segway Polo sessions to all athletes to the Games was “untenable” in cles, citing the cancellations in 1916, 1940 executive director Brendan Schwab said players. light of the health crisis sweeping the and 1944 because of World Wars and the in a statement.

Doping control facing challenges due to coronavirus, says World Anti-Doping Agency MUMBAI – The coronavirus pandemic “But this matter goes way beyond focus on targeted athletes from is restricting the fight against anti- anti-doping and sport – it is a global high risk sports and disciplines,WADA doping, the World Anti-Doping Agency emergency – and our first priority must said. (WADA) has said while issuing new be public health, safety and social The governing body also urged ADOs guidelines to continue testing of responsibility.” to remind athletes they can still be athletes ahead of the Tokyo Olympic WADA said it will continue to tested at any place and any time and Games. provide guidance to the Anti-Doping continue Since starting in China late last year, Organizations (ADOs), who must to provide whereabouts for their the flu-like disease has infected over adhere to restrictions placed by movements to be monitored. 270 000 people and killed more than 11 local health authorities and With several accredited laboratories 000 across the world, bringing global governments. having suspended operations due to the sport to a virtual standstill. The Tokyo “It will also be crucial that the system crisis and more testing facilities ex- Olympics are due to run from July 24- can return to full power as quickly as pected to do the same, WADA instructed August 9, but organisers are under possible once the various restrictions the ADOs to check the governing body’s pressure to cancel or postpone them due are lifted,” Banka said. website to determine the operational to the coronavirus. “During this time, I would like to ones. With most countries going into lock- acknowledge how difficult it is for ath- WADA urged the ADOs to inform the down and closing borders to contain the letes, too, who face disruptions to their agency in case of changes made spread of the virus, WADA said training programs and uncertainty as to to doping control programmes. the anti-doping system was facing what the future holds for their “While there are no plans to change challenges. competitions.” existing requirements under the World “The sports world is dealing WADA said sample collection officials Anti-Doping Programme, WADA fully with an unprecedented situation. must be healthy and have no symptoms acknowledges the complexities of this COVID-19 has forced all anti-doping related to the virus and should be unprecedented situation and will stakeholders, including WADA, to provided with protective medical ensure its compliance monitoring adjust the way daily operations are equipment. programme provides a level of flexibil- conducted,” WADA President Witold If testing opportunities are limited ity and understanding based on WADA President Witold Banka. Banka said. due to local restrictions, ADOs should the circumstances,” WADA said. The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 35

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Christ Church 10) 5922sq ft at Ealing Park from Patrick Mayers, 1) Gibbons - 2 bed, 1 bath, $1.3 million Fixer Upper Christ Church $177,800.00 We shall sell by auction, furnished - $1,600.00 Floor area - 7,008.41 sq.ft. 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, A COLL. OF PLANTS & OTHER ITEMS. 2) Gibbons - 1 bed, 1 bath, 6, 272 sq.ft. Executive Imports & Auc- OTHER PROPERTIES FOR At Taitt Hill, near Gun Hill, furnished - $1,200.00 Price on request tions will offer for sale : OTHER PROPERTIES FOR RENT St. George, SALE LAND FOR SALE "On Minimum Bid" One 2013 On Saturday, 28th. March, 3) Yorkshire - 2 bed, 1 bath, 1) Warrens Park BMW X5 at Downes Garage at 10 am, Viewing 8-10 am. semi-furnished _ $1,500.00 1) Eagle Hall 2 bedroom upstairs apart- 1) St. Philip Hothersal Turning on Tues- Approx 23,000 sq. ft. of land ment $1,300.00 Kirtons day 24th March 11am. DIRECTIONS: Heading to- Townhouses with buildings, in a prime 10,208 sq.ft. wards Gun Hill from St. main road position with park- 2) Ocean City $175,000.00 Terms Cash Georges Church, pass Walk- 1) Clermont Green, St. Mi- ing $1,750,000.00 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Tel: 831-4973 ers and pass road on left to chael - 2 bed, 1 _ bath, fur- house, enclosed, pets wel- 2) Casuarina Estates Flat Rock & Francia. Take nished - $2,500.00 2) Cottage Heights come $1,800.00 9,900 sq.ft. next road on left after Available 1st February 2020. 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom ex- $200,000.00 painted Barbados flags. The ecutve style house on 7,738 3) Oldbury Terrace signpost says Wooddale. Commercial sq.ft. $725,000.00 Executive style 2 bedroom, 2 3) Christ Church The road is narrow & then bathroom, fully furnished Bird's Eye Ridge turn right & go up steep drive 1) Wildey Business Centre 3) Cane Vale apartment $1,800.00 5,449 sq.ft. to house. 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Price on request 8) Horsehill Contact: LOCATION &TIMES ARE 6,000 sq.ft. SUBJECT TO CHANGE ON 58,000 sq.ft. with a large HT Realty ANDY TEMPRO AUCTIONS 5) Disaster recovery facility $220,000.00 THURSDAY house with a 2 bedroom 230-4383 T: 427-8356 in Lower Estate apartment, excellent for con- Terms Draft/ Certified Cheque Follow us on facebook Office #1 - 1,020 sq.ft. - Apartment Building version to an intimate bed Carl/ Trevor Holligan @andytemproauctions $4,800.00 per month + VAT Tel: 850-1818/ 850-2906 36 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

NOTICES NOTICES NOTICES

SAGICOR LIFE INC SAGICOR LIFE INC PAN AMERICAN NBA won’t commit to INTERNATIONAL Sylvester Alleyne of Lot 3A David Rose of No. 5 Rose INSURANCE Wiltshire Land, St. Philip hav- Garden, Golf Club Road, players’ pay beyond April 1 ing made sworn deposition that Rockley, Christ Church having CORPORATION NBA players will get their paychecks as bargaining agreement that permits scheduled on April 1, but the fate of reducing players’ salaries by 1/92.6 per Policy No. B119507 issued by made sworn deposition that salaries beyond that date is unclear, canceled game due to “catastrophic British American Insurance Policy No. C5095932 issued by NIGEL BARKER having made Confederations Life Inc. and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported circumstances”.The list of such conditions Company and assumed by sworn deposition that Policy No. Friday night. includes war, natural disasters assumed by Sagicor Life Inc. on Sagicor Life Inc on his life has 9721974 on his life has been lost The next payday after April 1 would be and epidemics/pandemics, per the his life and having made been lost and having made appli- and having made application to April 15. At that point, it’s possible the report. cation to the Directors to grant a application to the Directors to us to grant a duplicate of same, NBA could cut or suspend salaries with The NBA regular season had been duplicate of the same, notice is grant a duplicate of the same, the league still shuttered due to the scheduled to end April 15.While all teams hereby given that unless objec- notice is hereby given that unless notice is hereby given that unless coronavirus pandemic, according to a have played between 63 and 67 of their 82 objection is raised within one tion is raised within one month of objection is raised within one league memo sent Friday to the teams, games (77 per cent to 82 per cent), ESPN’s month of the date hereof, the the date hereof, the duplicate month of the date hereof, the Wojnarowski reported. Bobby Marks reported that players will duplicate policy asked for will be policy asked for will be issued. duplicate policy will be issued The lost revenue from the shutdown have received approximately 90 per cent issued. reportedly could prompt the league to of their salaries once they get their April Dated: March 18, 2020 invoke a clause in the collective 1 checks. Dated: March 11, 2020 By Order By Order By Order Andrea Latimore (Mrs.) Althea C. Hazzard Althea C. Hazzard Assistant Manager - Brady looking to extend Corporate Secretary Corporate Secretary Client Services legacy in Tampa Bay NOTICES NOTICES NOTICES WHILE Florida is a retirement seasons (210). destination for some, for Tom Brady And achieving the goal of it is the site of his career’s next act winning a championships with his new NOTICE SAGICOR LIFE INC SAGICOR LIFE INC and a place where he could further team would be historic. cement his legacy as the NFL’s best- While other greats have tried, only one ESTATE OF MARJORIE ELAINE Beverley Marshall of No. 8 Patsy Springer-Crookendale of ever quarterback. quarterback, Peyton Manning, has won Oxnards, St. James being the ALS, DECEASED The 42-year-old on Friday made it Super with two different teams – Lot 1 Plantain Walk, Clapham, Administrator of the Estate of official that he would leave the New first the Colts and then with Christ Church having made Frank Marshall (Deceased) PURSUANT TO SECTION 31 OF England Patriots – where he spent 20 the Denver Broncos. sworn deposition that Policy No having made sworn deposition THE TRUSTEE ACT Chapter 250 seasons and won six Super Bowls – to Hall of Fame signal callers Joe that Policy No. 0008844 issued S07348758 issued by Sagicor of the Laws of Barbados NOTICE join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a Montana and Brett Favre both by Life of Barbados and reported one year, $30 million contract. attempted the feat in the twilight of their Life Inc on her life has been lost IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT all assumed by Sagicor Life Inc on and having made application to While the decision to go to the careers but fell short. the life of Frank Marshall persons having any claims against Buccaneers, who haven’t made the If Brady is able to lead the Buccaneers (Deceased) has been lost and the Directors to grant a duplicate the Estate of Marjorie Elaine Als of the same, notice is hereby playoffs in more than a decade, was to next year’s Super Bowl, the team will having made application to the (“the Deceased”) late of #23 initially a head scratcher,the move gives have home field advantage. Directors to grant a duplicate of given that unless objection is Fairview Place, Bayville in the Brady an excellent opportunity to further The Super Bowl is held at a the same, notice is hereby given raised within one month of the parish of Saint Michael in this Island chase history before retiring. predetermined location each year and that unless objection is raised date hereof, the duplicate policy Last season in New England he was next season’s championship game will within one month of the date who died in this Island on the 16th asked for will be issued. frustrated with the receivers available be held at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James hereof, the duplicate policy day of September, 2018 are to him but he’ll have plenty of targets Stadium. asked for will be issued. required to send particulars in with his new squad, chiefly Chris Godwin No team has ever won the Super Bowl Dated: March 09, 2020 writing of their claims to Fitzwilliam, Dated: March 11, 2020 and Mike Evans, who both topped 1 000 in their home stadium, so Brady could Stone & Alcazar, Fitzston House, yards receiving last season. add another first to his resume. By Order Pine Plantation Road, St Michael, By Order The team also has a solid offensive line, The Buccaneers also make sense on a Attorneys-at-Law for Nigel a stout defense and a veteran coach in personal level. Althea C. Hazzard Althea C. Hazzard Christopher Emmanuel Als, the Bruce Arians. Although originally from Northern Corporate Secretary Corporate Secretary Administrator of the estate of the Brady will also reportedly have an , Brady lives with his wife, the Deceased at the said address on or unprecedented level of control over the model Gisele Bundchen, and their team. children in Connecticut, which is about a before the 31st day of May, 2020 NOTICES NOTICES He wants to be included in decisions two hour flight from Tampa Bay. after which date the Administrator about the roster as well as play calling, That’s a much less taxing commute will proceed to convey or distribute according to ESPN, which would give then the arduous cross country trips he SAGICOR LIFE INC SAGICOR LIFE INC the real or personal property of the him an even greater share of the glory if would have endured as a member of the Deceased among the persons he can turn the Buccaneers, who went 7- Los Angeles Chargers or Las Vegas Carmeta Burrowes of No. 7 Mark Campbell of No.1 entitled thereto having regard only 9 last year, into a contender. Raiders, two of the teams that were said Providence Terrace, Christ Begonia Heights Drive, Mt. to the claims of which the And the Buccaneers are certainly to have shown interest. Church having made sworn Parnassus, St George, Administrator shall then have had getting a big upgrade at the quarterback And with his new contract he’ll make position. more in a single season than he ever has deposition that Policy No. Grenada having made sworn notice and the Administrator will not Brady has won more games (249) than in his storied career before he retires – S07144902 issued by Life of deposition that Policy No. be liable for the assets of the Buccaneers’ QBs have in the last 30 perhaps in Florida. Barbados and assumed by 0033431 issued by Life of Deceased or any part therefore so Barbados and assumed by Sagicor Life Inc on her life and distributed to any person or having made application to the Sagicor Life Inc on his life and having made application to the persons of whose claims he shall Directors to grant a duplicate of not then have had notice. the same, notice is hereby given Directors to grant a duplicate of World Ice that unless objection is raised the same, notice is hereby given that unless objection is raised AND all persons indebted to the within one month of the date within one month of the date hereof, the duplicate policy estate of Deceased are requested hereof, the duplicate policy championship cancelled asked for will be issued. to settle their indebtedness without asked for will be issued. THE World Championship “The coronavirus is a global problem delay. scheduled for Switzerland in May has and requires major efforts by government Dated: March 11, 2020 been cancelled because of the coronavirus bodies to combat its spread. The IIHF Dated: March 18, 2020 DATED this 17th day of March, pandemic, the International Ice Hockey must do all it can to support this fight.We Federation (IIHF) said yesterday. have to set sport aside for now and By Order By Order 2020. “This is a harsh reality to face for the support both the government bodies and international ice hockey family, but one the ice hockey family.” Althea C. Hazzard Althea C. Hazzard Nigel Christopher Emmanuel Als that we must accept,” IIHF President The event had been scheduled for May Corporate Secretary Corporate Secretary Administrator Rene Fasel said in a statement. 8-24 in Zurich and Lausanne. The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 37

38 • Sunday March 22, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Caribbean Mix, Belair Stars in final CARIBBEAN MIX and Belair Stars In reply it only took seven overs for an unbeaten 55 runs off 27 balls which Estwick are through to the final of the them to reach the target led by Kadeem included five maximums and three Scorer: Leslay Prescod Maxwell Sports Club T20 Tapeball Alleyne who was unbeaten on 47 runs fours. Tournament to be played to lead his team to a seven-wicket SF2 at Briar Hall. victory as they finished on 67/3. T hursday, March 19 M ark’s Auto Spares Belair Stars beat In their semi-final match Belair Stars In the other semi-final Caribbean Mix SF1 K&R Variety and Blue Integrity Green first bowled out the Green Team for a defeated DIRA’s Bar & Friends by four Caribbean Mix beat DIRA’s Bar & Team by seven wickets. paltry 66 runs as they struggled to get wickets. Friends by four wickets. Green Team 66 all out (17.4 overs) the scoring going and final conceded Batting first Dira’s Bar and Friends Friend 141-6 (20 overs) (Athelbert (Vonrick Nurse 18, Kemar Smith 10; all of their wickets in the 18th over. scored 141/6 led by a quickfire 58 runs Brathwaite 58 (59 balls, 5x4, 1x6), Javon Grosvenor 3-14, Ravendra Leading the attack for off 59 balls by Athelbert Brathwaite Vataly Wilkinson 21 not out, Corey Persaud 2-10, Shakeel Turney 2-19). Belair Stars was Javon Grosvenor who struck five boundaries and one Scantlebury 10; Kamal Sealy 4-17). Belair Stars 67-3 (7 overs) (Kadeem who took three wickets for 14 runs, maximum. Caribbean Mix 144-6 (19.4 overs) Alleyne 47 not out; Ulric Batson 2-19). while Ravendra Persaud 2-10 However Kamal Sealy from (Kamal Sealy 55 not out (27 balls, 3x4, Umpires: Randolph McCollin, and Shakeel Turney 2-19 ably Caribbean Mix hammered their attack 5x6), Akani McCollin 35). Anthony Chandler supported. with a blitz of an innings as he scored Umpires: Ayana Holder, Dwayne Scorer: Leslay Prescod

Players’ body urges IOC to review Games plans during coronavirus crisis

THE International Olympic Committee The IOC and Tokyo organizers have with the full range of those most affected bodies had to be more transparent at this (IOC) should review plans to go maintained that the July 24-August 9 beyond sponsors and governments to an time. ahead with the Tokyo Olympics Games should go ahead as scheduled but open multi-stakeholder process that “The virus is impacting the health, during the coronavirus pandemic and en- WPA executive director Brendan Schwab brings to the table as equals player asso- human rights, employment and sure dialogue with athletes, the Sport and said the IOC must consult more athletes ciations as the representatives of athletes careers of athletes but also the Rights Alliance (SRA) and the World before making decisions. and others most at risk.” well-being of millions whose livelihoods Players Association (WPA) said yester- “With the world in a pandemic, holding Thousands of Olympic hopefuls have are dependent on the sports industry day. mega-sporting events including the been left in limbo with many qualifying and its supply chain,” Worden The flu-like virus, which originated in Olympic Games demands a deep events around the world postponed or said. China last year, has infected review and broader consultations than cancelled. “Sports bodies have a responsibility to over 274 000 people globally and caused are occurring now, including with Minky Worden, the director of global lower risks to athletes, insist on the more than 11 000 deaths. It has also athletes and their representatives,” initiatives at Human Rights Watch which free flow of information, and conduct brought the sporting world to a stand- Schwab said in a statement. is part of the SRA coalition of global non- themselves in an open and transparent still. “The IOC needs to elevate its dialogue governmental organisations, said sports way.” The Barbados Advocate Sunday March 22, 2020 • 39

USA Track and Field calls for Olympics postponement USA Track and Field (USATF), the Neither US Olympic officials nor the governing body of American IOC were immediately available for athletics, yesterday called for comment on USATF’s request. a postponement of the Tokyo The US committee said on Friday Olympics. that athletes should continue their The federation, in a letter to United preparations amid the coronavirus States Olympic & Paralympic pandemic. Committee (USOPC) chief executive Meanwhile, the IOC has pressed on Sarah Hirshland, asked the during the health crisis, saying the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Games will go ahead as scheduled. to postpone the Games which The issue has sharply divided are scheduled to run from July 24- athletes globally and USATF said no August 9. decision should be made at the expense “We certainly understand the of the safety and well-being of our ramifications of this request, and the athletes. realities of trying to coordinate the “We acknowledge that there are no logistics of a postponed Olympic Games perfect answers, and that this is a very around the schedules of other athletes, complex and difficult decision, but this sport federations, key stakeholders etc, position (to postpone the Games) at least but the alternative of moving forward in provides our athletes with the comfort of light of the current global situation knowing that they will have adequate would not be in the best interest of our time to properly prepare themselves athletes (as difficult as that decision physically, mentally and emotionally to might be),” USATF chief executive be able to participate in a safe and Max Siegel said in the letter. successful Olympic Games,” it said. The US track and field federation “We urge the USOPC, as a leader joined another leading U.S. Olympic within the Olympic Movement, to use sport, USA Swimming, in seeking a its voice and speak up for the USATF chief executiveMax Siegel urged the USOPC to support a postponement. delay to the Games. athletes.” Caribbean Mix, Belair Stars in final

Page 38

Sunday March 22, 2020 UWI OPEN CAMPUS

AHEADIN terms of their Sports region to develop OF sports THE CURVE programme, Pro Vice- policies. Chancellor and Principal “So we are working on of the University of the several levels when it comes West Indies Open Campus, to stimulating sport. One Dr. Luz Longsworth be- interesting thing we found lieves that the academic was that many of the institution is ahead of the applicants were perfect curve. candidates for Prior Learning Longsworth expressed this Assessment (PLA)and we are as she gave an update of the working very closely in getting school’s activities in the those candidates in the previous academic term. programme through the prior When asked what the uptake learning assessment method- had been like for their recently ology and we are expecting to introduced Sports programme, see with that applied an the Principal was pleased to even greater uptake in the report that their online Sports next academic year,” she Coaching programme currently continued. had 18 persons registered The Principal went on to note and it is against this backdrop that there were five key areas that she believes they are the Open Campus was going to ahead of the curve in terms of focus on within the upcoming eSports. academic year: cash, care “At this moment we are for our staff and students, developing an exciting proposal commitment to this region, and for eSport,” she said. consistent growth and rooting “In terms of the uptake, we ourselves in the community. had a tremendous uptake in She assured that the campus’ the first year with our online focus will be to continue its programmes, where we also mission but also to ensure that had quite a lot of face-to-face they have plans for the future seminars and courses that in terms of their financial have attracted a lot of interest stability. in various countries, and our She added that they were Sports Academy under the also particularly keen on BRIGHT FUTURE: A shining light in the midst of the storm, Chikosi Boardi has been Faculty of Sports has been developing some exciting blessed with good opportunities on the basketball court, including the NBA Academy Latin very active in working with entrepreneurial activities as America. Boardi is one of the latest emerging phenoms in the local basketball competition. Ministries of Sport across the well. (CLJB) (See inside – Page 33)

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