Established October 1895 Family upset over shortcomings in system, privacy breach PAGE 5

Wednesday February 17, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive CALL FOR BAILOUT

THE Democratic Labour pay double. Party (DLP) is calling on the DLP says public transport sector needs help “They are now required to pay Government of Barbados to the Road Tax while also paying also consider offering some “The Prime Minister has seen dustry has been severely hit by extra taken at the pump. He re- more for diesel due to the petrol economic relief to both it fit to offer assistance to other the COVID-19 pandemic. called that in 2018, the tax. I am making a call for a re- workers and owners in the ailing sectors, and this one is no He insisted that there needs Barbados Labour Party (BLP) moval of this levy at the pump to public transport sector, different,” said DLP’s spokesper- to be a bailout package and sug- administration introduced the give some economic relief to this during this period of na- son on Labour,Courie Cox, as he gested that Government can ‘petrol tax’ to replace the road ailing sector.” tional lockdown. declared that this important in- start with the removal of the tax, with PSVs being made to BAILOUT on Page 3

KEEPING FIT: Barbadians have made the most of what have been trying times during this COVID-19 lockdown. One way to escape the reality of staying at home, is to make use of the early morning hours for exercise. Some use the beaches between 6 am to 9 a.m., but others have taken to walking along the highways, and the Mighty Grynner Highway is one of the more popular venues. The Barbados Advocate was on hand to see these persons in action one morning. Businesses told: Now is the time to get creative ONE Caribbean filmmaker is Advocate that although the sit- tained their distance during old Anna who has a frightening dance student (a total of urging businesses to use this uation has been difficult, she this period. foretelling dream of 2020, in $50 000) by showing “Anna”. moment in time to get creative. and her team are still working. which she sees the worldwide The funds will assist students The business owner of Step “We will continue to tell our ‘Anna’ premieres virtually, chaos and receives divine mes- who need help with tuition to by Step Productions, Marcia messages through film,” said proceeds to aid dancers sages for mankind. acquire their CXC and CAPE Weekes, shared this view Weekes. On Sunday,Weekes hosted her Weekes pointed out that for subjects, and also help them to during an interview with The filmmaker indicated first virtual red carpet and film this particular production, all purchase tablets for online The Barbados Advocate via that the shooting of her latest premiere via the Zoom plat- of the technical support for the learning during COVID-19. WhatsApp on Tuesday. film, “Anna”, started in form. Guests from Barbados, film came from local talent, in- Weekes promoted the young Weekes, who is known for her November 2020 and finished Ghana, the United Kingdom, cluding Stephen “Kermit” talent, 16-year-old Cherisse award-winning film “Barrow: by early January 2021. She ex- Turks and Caicos Islands, The Maughan. Codrington, who starred in Freedom Fighter”, has contin- plained that the film was shot Bahamas, and the USA “Anna”. She explained that ued to produce movies despite mainly outdoors, actors and watched the locally produced Fund-raising drive dance is Cherisse’s passion and the national curfews and lock- other members of the crew show. The film company is trying to she has Imperial Society of down. She told The Barbados wore their masks and main- The story is about 15-year- raise $1000 per year for each CREATIVE on Page 4 2 • Wednesday February 17, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Cultural $150 million loss rally to THE month long Straughn, to meet with numbers, Mottley outlined national lockdown the financial sector to plans are afoot to help re- will cost this country have these discussions. build the country’s econ- push some $150 million, says In addition, Straughn is omy, including several Prime Minister Mia expected to have a conver- capital works projects, Mottley. sation with utility compa- stating these are ready to Caribbean However, she explained nies to encourage the go when the infection rate it will not lead to a col- arrangement of payment falls. unity lapse of the economy, plans over the next three These among other while noting the island’s to four months for persons projects include: works import cover stands at who may be experiencing at the School Meals ONE local organisation $2.6 billion or around 30 difficulties in paying Department and the would like to see the gaps weeks. their bills due to cash flow Welfare Building in being bridged and for In giving an address to problems. Country Road, the there to be greater unity the nation to announce an The PM assured the as- Barbados Water Authority among the countries of 11-day extension to the sistance programmes put Gate House, the Court the region. national pause, Mottley in place for small busi- Buildings in the City, To assist in seeing this however said some level nesses and vendors will be the British American become a reality, it will of aid would be given extended and that a building in Magazine be staging an online cul- to business owners re- meeting will be held with Lane. Also work will re- tural rally. garding retail and com- fisherfolk to discuss the sume on the Golden General Secretary for mercial loans, as she has way forward. Square and Fairchild the Caribbean Movement directed Minister in the As the island works to Street projects. of Peace and Integration, Ministry of Finance, Ryan reduce its COVID-19 case (JMB) Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. David Denny, said this event will be on the last Saturday in this month. He spoke during a recent virtual ‘Solidarity Sagicor reaffirms commitment Meeting and Press Conference in solidarity with the people of Haiti’. “We want to organise a major activity on to clients and communities February 27th to express our solidarity with the SAGICOR, the leading executing a variety of ad- tained during lockdown. Haitian people, and this financial and insurance ministrative moves, sys- The new president activity will be online be- company of the Carib- tem and technological roll- pointed to the fact that cause many of our bean, has entered 2021 outs, especially during the very early in the pan- Caribbean nations are committed to further early stages of lockdown, demic, Sagicor committed presently locked down be- improving the experience which allowed us as a US$1 million to support cause of the COVID-19 of its clients and the lives company to achieve pleas- the fight of the Caribbean situation.” of those in the communi- ing results in 2020,”said governments against the He further outlined ties within which it Trestrail. spread of the virus, along the cultural event will be operates. “Despite the many, with providing assistance a mixed presentation. It This focus was recently significant challenges to those individuals and is being organised by highlighted by Robert posed by the pandemic, we families who were most local Pan-Africanists Trestrail during his first continued to meet and, in vulnerable to the nega- along with those from official address to the com- many cases, exceed the ex- tive, and in many cases, across the Caribbean. pany as the new President pectations of our clients, crippling impact of the He extended an invita- and CEO of Sagicor Life which will once again be virus. This assistance, tion for there to be per- Inc., a position he took up the focus of all that we do which varied from coun- formances from Haitian effective January 1, 2021. in 2021.” try to country, included artistes. Speaking during the an- He added that “the the donation of “walk “We are organising an nual, motivational team global and regional envi- through” and handheld online cultural rally meeting of the company, ronment will continue to scanners to assist with de- which will fall within called “Ignite”, which was evolve, and we are pre- tecting potential carriers Black History Month for held virtually this year pared to evolve with it.We of the virus; personal pro- us to be able to demon- due to the ongoing impact look forward to getting tective equipment for use strate our solidarity with of the COVID-19 pan- into new markets that we by frontline workers; the people of Haiti. So we demic, Trestrail delivered haven’t penetrated in the along with critical medical are going to be coordinat- a message to team mem- past, bringing new prod- supplies to help fight the ing this programme with bers of Sagicor in ucts to the market, along virus. you [Coordonnnateur Aruba, Barbados, Belize, with embracing and con- “Moving into 2021, we General Central National Curacao, the islands of the tinuing to lead the innova- at Sagicor will continue to des Ouvriers Haitens Eastern Caribbean, tion that will be coming seek out ways in which we CNOHA from Haiti, Trinidad & Tobago and through the various digi- can improve the lives of Dominique St Eloi] so Panama, which focused on tal frameworks being President & CEO of Sagicor Life Inc, Robert Trestrail. those in the communities that you can make a soli- the meeting’s theme of worked on.” within which we operate,” darity statement in the “Stronger Together”. Regarding the therefore squarely focused across the region to supply said Trestrail, noting online rally and you can He made the point that Corporate Social on ensuring that our groceries and other essen- that much more needs to also invite Haitian throughout 2020, Sagicor Responsibility response of clients, team and the tial items. Their commit- be done to aid the artistes to participate in pulled out all the stops to Sagicor to the challenges wider community of indi- ment to education and Caribbean in defeating our rally.” ensure the company con- created throughout the re- viduals and families in youth development was the pandemic and for its He added, “We want to tinued to deliver on its gion by the COVID-19 each territory that we call also displayed through its citizens to return to a life use this as a means of promise to its clients. pandemic, Trestrail said home, received critical donation of electronic de- of normalcy. helping to build our “Our various teams and that their efforts came as support to help them vices to facilitate remote “We will continue to Caribbean unity so that departments came to- a natural response and make it through and over- learning for those without focus on our communities, we can continue to gether to ensure we could helped to live out the come the challenges pre- the equipment, in addition because when we grow demonstrate our solidar- indeed make good on our Group’s Vision. sented,” said Trestrail. to creating its own our communities and im- ity with the Haitian peo- promises, quickly transi- “Supporting our com- Sagicor partnered with Sagicor branded online pact them positively, the ple, especially during this tioning to a work from munities is a major part of several NGOs and com- programmes to keep chil- rewards that come from period.” home environment, while our DNA. Our efforts were munity organisations dren engaged and enter- that are unimaginable.” (MG) The Barbados Advocate Wednesday February 17, 2021 • 3

BARVEN backs extended pause By Marsha Gittens began on February 3, will pull together as a country ment has offered financial now end on February 28 to fight this thing and to assistance to them, actu- PRESIDENT of the rather than on February see it defeated.” ally accessing those funds Barbados Association 17 as originally slated. Alexander stated that has been somewhat a little of Retailers, Vendors, “The adult in us needs BARVEN’s members problematic, especially to and Entrepreneurs to come out and not the registered with the the most vulnerable…The (BARVEN) says that or- child at this critical time. Commerce Ministry to re- funds can be accessed ganisation is in favour We have a killing pan- ceive the financial assis- through electronic means of government’s deci- demic and therefore we tance offered of $250 a and sent to an account, sion to extend the have to understand that week for the February 3rd but many people…do not National Pause. government has to do to 17th period that they have those facilities.” Speaking to The what is necessary to pro- were prohibited from ply- He continued, “So we Barbados Advocate yes- tect the population, [they] ing their trade. However, would want a situation terday,Allister Alexander have to.” he said some vendors have maybe through the stated the organisation He added, “Every citi- had difficulties accessing Market Division where all understands the decision zen, even those in the op- the funds. of the names that we have is for the greater good. position party with their submitted… that they His comments come a beliefs, should be backing Issues accessing prepare how they can day after the announce- government and being funds [deliver] those financial ment by Prime Minister constructive. Even if they “There are a lot of packages and devise a way Mia Amor Mottley that have criticism, let it be vulnerable people in our to get them out to the the National Pause, which constructive. We have to group and while govern- affected people.” BARVEN President, Allister Alexander. Tough going for PSV owners, workers BAILOUT from coaches to ply public sec- Page 1 tor routes, as well Cox said the virtual as pirating by other shutdown of the country’s taxis which is occurring tourism source markets with absolutely no moni- has significantly reduced toring. the demand for travel, re- “This industry has been sulting in no tourists for saturated for years and taxis to transport. He presently it is over- also noted that owners whelmed with service are suffering a combina- providers, while its mar- tion of the record high ket size has declined level of unemployment rapidly in a short space of plaguing Barbados; time,” he lamented. persons working from The DLP’s spokesper- home; as well as some son said that despite the previous passengers now low ridership, owners walking. are still required to serv- “All these elements ice their contractual DLP’s spokesperson on Labour, Courie Cox, says that with over 800 ZRs and mini-buses combined, have contributed to low agreements with finan- Government’s inability to help out this sector will severely affect many owners and their employees. ridership on the cial institutions and meet Transport Board and pub- their tax obligations. fact that numerous pri- “It is now feared that “The transport sector With over 800 ZRs and lic service vehicles,” he He is therefore of the vately owned vehicles more vehicles will be plays a vital role. This is mini-buses combined, said, further pointing out, view that “it appears that have been taken off the forced by the wayside, re- how the hundreds of Government’s inability “This problem has been Government has turned a road, leaving many work- sulting in a few more hun- workers employed in this to help out this sector further compounded by deaf ear and a blind eye to ers unemployed and with- dred persons being made sector maintain a roof will severely affect many the callous dumping the plight of the indus- out assistance from unemployed or under em- over their heads and owners, but more impor- of numerous ZM taxis and try”, as he reflected on the Government. ployed,” Cox warned. support their families. tantly, their employees.” No need to fear vaccines, says UWI professor THOSE persons who are post vaccination, there is nity. by the World Health into a person that is going disease and the third goal concerned or reluctant the belief that the vaccine “Now so far, we are not Organisation to aid in the to prevent them from hav- is to reduce transmission. about getting immunised caused it, but he said that sure if there is going to be fight against COVID: ing either the infection or In respect of the latter, he against COVID-19, are is simply a misconception. immunity beyond about these are Oxford a severe form of an infec- said the aim is to break being given the assurance “So that must be cleared six to eight months. We AstraZeneca, Pfizer- tion, which could be life the chain of transmission that the vaccine does not up that the vaccine is not don’t know that yet be- BioNTech, Moderna, threatening, and we have by reducing the pathogen infect them with the virus. going to transmit COVID, cause we’re still within the Sputnik V, Johnson and several of these that are burden and the risk of It has come from and neither will testing do first year of vaccine devel- Johnson and Sinovac. commonplace. Maybe part transfer. Professor of Molecular that,” he stated while try- opment, especially in re- Highlighting the impor- of the thing that person “That means that when Biology at the University ing to address some myths lation to COVID. And the tance of vaccines, he said needs to remember is that somebody is vaccinated, of the West Indies, Mona associated with vaccines. other aspect is that with all except Johnson and most, if not all, children they on the one hand will Campus, Professor Paul His comments came as the variants that are de- Johnson require two doses are vaccinated and consid- not come down with the Brown. he explained that persons veloping, that is another to be administered. ered fully vaccinated by disease, and on the other Speaking during can contract COVID-19 complexity,” the university “The primary goals of the time they are about hand, will not be able to a recently held panel dis- after their first shot of the professor said. vaccines are to prevent in- two or three, given the transmit the virus or the cussion hosted by the vaccine, explaining that Touching more on the fection, and by doing this, WHO requirements,” he bacterium since we’re Democratic Labour Party, full protection comes after vaccines which are avail- we are talking about ster- said. talking more generally the professor explained the second shot, after able, he said there are cur- ilising or neutralising im- The Molecular Biology about vaccines in case that sometimes if a per- which they will hopefully rently about six vaccines munity. So it means that Professor said that the they would have been ex- son contracts the virus develop long-term immu- that have been recognised we want to get something second goal is to prevent posed,” he stated. (JRT) 4• Wednesday February 17, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

ECLAC urges economic recovery based on environmental sustainability, equality EXECUTIVE Secretary of (UNEP), Bárcena asserted tion. the case of the Caribbean, sectors, such as tourism, countries of the region dur- the Economic Commission that the prevailing devel- “The scientific commu- where more than 50 per have been heavily affected ing the 38th session held for Latin America and the opmental model is extrac- nity has consistently cent of the population live and, above all, women. in October 2020. During Caribbean (ECLAC), tive, creates disparity and warned us about the sever- five meters below sea level The levels of indebtedness that session, the Com- Alicia Bárcena wants re- promotes the culture of ity of the environmental and are very exposed, are already high, at an av- mission recommended se- gional countries to imple- privilege and the concen- issue. We have surpassed along with Central erage of 70 per cent of lecting dynamic sectorial ment a post-pandemic tration of wealth. critical planetary thresh- America, to growing ex- GDP, and debt servicing systems through explicit economic recovery based While participating as olds, outstripping the load treme weather events. costs reached 30 percent of industrial, environmental on environmental sustain- special guest on the high- capacity of the natural She cited as an example income in 2019. and fiscal policies that ability and equality. level ministerial panel, world that sustains us. the cases of Hurricanes “The region needs finan- coordinate public and The United Nations “The Environmental Forty-seven percent of our IOTA and ETA, which cial help on a scale capable private investments and high official said this could Dimension of COVID-19 natural ecosystems are de- caused damages and of confronting the impact generate massive formal be achieved through new Sustainable Development teriorated, 25 percent of losses reaching some of the crisis. I reaffirm our employment. internal and international Recovery,” led by Prime species are in danger of ex- $2.163 billion in Honduras commitment to ECLAC’s “This is what we call 'the political coalitions and un- Minister Mia Mottley,and tinction, and perhaps the and $772 million in Caribbean First strategy," big environmental push,'” precedented forms of coop- Inger Andersen, Executive most concerning of all is Guatemala, according to she expressed. she underscored. eration to sustain the Director of UNEP, she the destruction of the eco- ECLAC’s calculations. The ECLAC senior rep- Finally, Alicia Bárcena change in development added that COVID-19 has logical integrity of key sys- “We join UN Secretary resentative emphasized urged the implementation style. magnified the structural tems, putting future food General, António Gu- that the environmental of a new agreement and fi- Addressing the XXII problems and pre-existing supply at risk,” she terres, in calling for financ- issue is crucial for connect- nancing compact for the Forum of Ministers of vulnerabilities of this warned. ing to increase from 20 ing the health emergency development and refund- Environment of Latin model in Latin America The Executive Secretary per cent to 50 per cent to recovery and the decade ing of the Bretton Woods America and the Carib- and the Caribbean, aggra- affirmed that Latin for the adaptation,” she of action to confront the Agreement, in order for it, bean, organized by the vating the cross-cutting in- America and the Carib- said. planet’s primary chal- once and for all, to focus Government of Barbados equalities, mediocre bean faces a double asym- She underlined that the lenges. on debt in a collective in its capacity as president growth, low productivity, metry in that it is a region pandemic is generating She also highlighted the manner, redistribute the of the forum, and the high level of informal that emits less than 8.3 multiple economic impacts strategy of Building a New liquidity of the north to the Regional Office for Latin work, insufficient diversifi- percent of greenhouse in the Caribbean, includ- Future: Transformative south, capitalize on devel- America and the cation of exports, little gases but is highly vulner- ing a 6.9 percent fall in Recovery with Equality opment banks and in- Caribbean of the UN fiscal space and growing able to climate change. She growth and the expansion and Sustainability, pre- crease financial support Environment Programme environmental deteriora- underscored in particular of the fiscal deficit. Key sented by ECLAC to the for the adaptation. Film to be Families shown via encouraged to be ‘virtual more prudent in cinema’ their spending CREATIVE from BARBADIAN families produce, wholesale, and Page 1 are being encouraged distribute them amongst to be more prudent yourselves,” Pastor Teachers of Dancing and frugal in their Selman advised. (ISTD) certification in bal- spending, working to- “Now, tell me if this let, modern theatre, jazz, gether to buy and dis- makes financial sense to and street dancer. The virtual red carpet and film premiere of the film ‘Anna’ was held via Zoom. tribute food items as you? Let us assume, hy- The Queen’s College needed. pothetically,that you are student is currently pur- Chemistry and Biology. The film will be shown pm, including Saturday The advice has come spending $200 a week on suing six CSEC subjects Cherisse is one of the per- through a “virtual cin- and Sunday. Moviegoers from Pastor Courtney food for you and your and despite her perform- forming dancers in the ema”, between February can donate to the scholar- Selman, founder and family. Of course, it ing arts background, she film who will benefit from 19-24, 2021, with two ship fund via bank trans- leader of Prayer Warriors would vary by the size of has an interest in the scholarship. shows at 1 pm and 6:30 fer and paying online. International. your family. That’s ap- He shared with mem- proximately $800 per bers of the media a na- month. Multiplied by 12 tionwide address he months in the year, made recently, during a that equals $9 600.00 programme to celebrate yearly. Now if by getting 18 years of preparing together and buying and presenting “Quarter groceries wholesale, Hour of Prayer Power” you can possibly save, I over the radio, given that wish to respectfully sug- his Foundation was not gest a minimum of able to celebrate that 30% on your food bill, you milestone with a church will save a whopping service because of the on- $2 880 yearly” he ex- going pandemic. plained. “During this challeng- “Am I speaking finan- ing COVID-19 pandemic cial sense? (If so,) this period of time, I wish to can be done in homes suggest to families under and even workers can get the hearing of my voice, together and do the same that the time is right for in their workplaces, and you to join together and churches as well can do be proactive, prudent this to help the poor and and frugal with your needy members of their spending. I wish to sug- congregation,” Selman gest that you get to- said, as he urged people gether in groups of fives, to look for ways to save Guests from Barbados, Ghana, the United Kingdom, Turks and Caicos Islands, The Bahamas, and the USA tens or even more and more and spend less. watched the locally produced film ‘Anna’. purchase food items and (RSM) The Barbados Advocate Wednesday February 17, 2021 • 5

Family upset over shortcomings in system, privacy breach THERE are questions being they revealed that it was then asked of the authorities as administered after the original it relates to the operation family member’s rapid test of the COVID-19 response came back positive due to them machinery in Barbados. being linked to a primary con- With members of the pub- tact. At which point, all rapid lic apprised of the numbers tests were returned as positive. and the vaccination rollout, With that being the case, these queries are coming they were told that they could concerning the behind- not leave the gymnasium and the-scenes running of the were forced to make arrange- system. ments to have their vehicle Speaking to The Barbados collected and luggage packed Advocate, a small group of for them. The family was taken to the isolation facility at Harrison Point in St. Lucy. persons, who happen to be “We went from the Gym- members of a household, told nasium to a hotel because they that we were only just having lated via social social media. posed to explain to me why my the story of their extremely told us that Blackman and breakfast and she said that the The list, which caries the health status is being publi- eventful experience since be- Gollop was full and they were bus was there and we had to name, age and sex of 146 per- cised. So if I can’t trust them coming ‘wards of the state’. making room for us. And from come. We did not get to eat and sons, is titled ‘Outstanding with something as simple as a With yesterday marking Day the hotel to here at Harrison’s before we could finish packing, Notifications’ and the family COVID-19 result, if I were to 5, they explained that there is Point.” someone was outside the door said that they received it from get AIDS, what would happen? some tightening up needed in Where things began to get in- knocking and telling us that a civilian friend yesterday If someone has AIDS, is it no the flawed system. teresting was in the middle. we had to go. When we asked if morning. longer confidential? I don’t Noting that it all started last After being called by an official he knew where we were going, Stating that they reached know where the list came from Friday, it was stated that the from the Ministry of Health to he said ‘No’.” back out to the same Ministry and I can’t get it figured out family made their way to the conduct contact tracing on They were then taken on of Health official who con- because it is titled Outstanding Sir Garfield Sobers Complex to Saturday, and with no other what they called an “island ducted their contact tracing, Notification. How is it an out- be tested after one member had communication since then, the tour” as they went through St. they were told that the standing notification if I have done a test since February 6 family was given a rude awak- Philip, St. Andrew, St. George Ministry is aware of the situa- been in the system from Day 1? but with no result returned. ening on Monday this week and finally St. Lucy,picking up tion and that the police is I am very annoyed because I “We got up Friday morning when they were told, without other persons from their looking into it and that it is did not get to go back home and and we all went to the any prior prompting, that homes, before arriving at the being dealt with at a higher nobody knew we had COVID. Gymnasium because our friend transportation was there to facility after 4 p.m. They had level. They surely know now,” they told us to go and explain the take them to Harrison’s Point not eaten breakfast or lunch “I don’t know how being dealt said. situation and request to have a from the hotel. but were lucky enough to be with at a higher level is sup- (MP) rapid test done and a PCR,” The call came around 10 a.m. presented with packed lunches they said. just as they were about to sit after 5 p.m. Going on to say that the re- down for breakfast. The plot thickens even more maining members were not “As soon as our breakfast as they were asked questions COVID-19 update: allowed to do the rapid test came, front desk called and yesterday about their names originally because they were said that the bus was there. We being circulated in a spread- not linked to a primary contact, told the lady at the front desk sheet which was being circu- 63 new positives, 21 recoveries, one death THE island recorded 63 new prise 29 women and 34 men. positive COVID-19 cases on Four of them had been at the Sunday, February 14. Harrison Point Isolation These new positives include Facility undergoing assess- results of samples dating back ment to determine whether to February 1. their positive PCR test result The Best-dos Santos Public showed that they were in Health Laboratory is in the fact newly positive, or whether process of reducing the back- they had COVID-19 in the past log created by the temporary and were no longer infectious. use of manual extraction in the The 59 other cases include processing of samples. 57 Barbadians and one non-na- The lab conducted 534 tests. tional. There were 21 recoveries, The total number of persons bringing the number of active diagnosed as positive at Her cases to 646. Majesty’s Prisons Dodds is 363. One person, a 51-year-old Of these, 361 have recovered Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the remaining two inmates Nursing Assistant, passed are included in the active cases. away from COVID-19 on Barbados has recorded 2,331 Sunday. She was a patient at confirmed cases – 1,032 fe- the Harrison Point Isolation males and 1,299 males – and Facility for nine days. The 1,660 persons have recovered. number of deaths from the The public health laboratory virus is now 25. has so far completed 114 562 The Covid-19 Situation Report. The 63 positive cases com- tests. 6 • Wednesday February 17, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

WTO: 2020 worst year in tourism history WHILE much has been tional arrivals dropping many of them in small done in making safe by 74%. and medium-sized enter- international travel Destinations worldwide prises. a possibility, the crisis welcomed one billion is far from over, fewer international ar- Recovery outlook Secretary-General of rivals in 2020 than in the remains cautious the World Tourism previous year, due to an The latest UNWTO Panel Organisation unprecedented fall in de- of Experts survey shows a (UNWTO) Zurab mand and widespread mixed outlook for 2021. Pololikashvili warned. travel restrictions. This Almost half of respon- He said the harmonisa- compares with the 4% de- dents (45%) envisaged tion, coordination and cline recorded during the better prospects for 2021 digitalisation of COVID- 2009 global economic compared to last year, 19 travel-related risk crisis. while 25% expect a simi- reduction measures, in- lar performance and 30% cluding testing, tracing, Loss of USD 1.3 trillion foresee a worsening of re- and vaccination certifi- According to the UNWTO sults in 2021. cates, are essential foun- World Tourism Baro- “The overall prospects dations to promote safe meter, the collapse in in- of a rebound in 2021 seem travel and prepare for the ternational travel repre- to have worsened. Fifty Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Zurab recovery of tourism once sents an estimated loss of per cent of respondents Pololikashvili. conditions allow. USD 1.3 trillion in export now expect a rebound to His comments came revenues – more than 11 occur only in 2022 as com- October 2020 survey – based tourism activities, a return to pre-pandemic during last week’s launch times the loss recorded pared to 21% in October 79% expected recovery in with domestic tourism levels happening before of UNWTO’s latest data, during the 2009 global 2020. The remaining half 2021. As and when and ‘slow travel’ experi- 2023. In fact, 43% of re- which revealed that economic crisis. The cri- of respondents still see a tourism does restart, the ences gaining increasing spondents point to 2023, global tourism suffered sis has put between 100 potential rebound in UNWTO Panel of Experts interest”. while 41% expect a return its worst year on record and 120 million direct 2021, though below the foresee growing demand Looking further ahead, to 2019 levels will only in 2020, with interna- tourism jobs at risk, expectations shown in the for open-air and nature- most experts do not to see happen in 2024 or later. Women’s total contributions not being captured, says UN official THERE is a view that “What we knew at the global level was while said that the Agency women’s total contribu- has integrated gender con- tion to social and economic that, on an average pre-COVID-19 day, siderations into the development is not being women spent about three times as many Damage Assessment and captured, given that more hours on unpaid domestic work and care Needs Analysis (DANA) people are at home due to work as men…” process. the impact of COVID-19 Ms. Riley also high- lockdowns and given the our societies and to the care and domestic work lighted specific areas for fact that responsibilities economy. It includes was not sufficiently priori- data collection, noting that in the home have in- looking after children, eld- tised and therefore CARICOM Member creased. erly people, and those with scarce,” Brodber added. States are encouraged to Just recently, measur- physical and mental ill- She further pointed out collect data pre- and post- ing unpaid domestic and nesses and disabilities, as that women’s dispropor- disaster on unpaid care care work was the focus of well as daily domestic tionate unpaid care work work. a UN Women-hosted sem- work like cooking, clean- burden in times of ‘nor- “This would also allow inar, which included rep- ing, washing, mending, malcy’, increases after for exact measurements resentatives from the and fetching water hazards, whether environ- and comparability inform- CARICOM Secretariat, and firewood in some com- mental or health ing policy and pro- OECS Commission and munities still in the related. Using an example grammes. Data collection CDEMA, as well as re- Caribbean.Without some- from the Post Disaster on the impact of disasters searchers from the one investing time, effort Needs Assessment for on infrastructure for care University of the West and resources in these Dominica after Hurricane service provision such as Indies and international essential daily tasks, com- Maria in 2017, it was day care centres should be research consultants spe- munities, workplaces, and noted that elderly women specific, with a view to de- cialising in this area. A whole economies would were found to be doing the termining the possible im- summary of the seminar grind to a halt,” she said. majority of the care work, pact on increasing unpaid was issued by UN Women “What we knew at the especially in the shelters. care work,” she noted. Caribbean. global level was that, on They were spending at She added, “Post-disas- Representative for the an average pre-COVID-19 least 18 hours per week ter assessments must con- UN Women Multi- day, women spent about on unpaid care work, sider if women’s participa- country office in the three times as many hours which represented a sig- tion in Cash for Work Caribbean, Ms. Tonni on unpaid domestic work nificant increase after the Programmes is affected by Brodber stressed that un- and care work as men. hurricane. childcare responsibilities paid care work must be Prior to COVID-19, data CDEMA Acting and if so, should include Representative for the UN Women Multi-country counted. on how much time women Executive Director, Ms. measures to address office in the Caribbean, Ms. Tonni Brodber. “Care work is crucial to and men spent on unpaid Elizabeth Riley, mean- this.” The Barbados Advocate Wednesday February 17, 2021 • 7

Coronavirus China’s inclusive finance loans balance up 24.2 per cent origin-tracing BEIJING – The outstanding 1.75 trillion yuan more than the previous year to 15.1 balance of these loans for RMB loans in inclusive the previous year, central bank trillion yuan. The growth rate farmers was 5.99 trillion yuan, mission in financing stood at 21.53 trillion data showed. was 7.2 percentage points up by 11.5 per cent year on yuan (about 3.34 trillion US Small businesses and higher than that at the end of year. The growth rate was 5.1 dollars) at the end of 2020 in farmers received more 2019. percentage points higher than Wuhan is China, up by 24.2 per cent year inclusive financing last Small businesses got 3.52 that at the end of 2019. on year, data from the People’s year. trillion yuan of new inclusive Inclusive finance lending independent: Bank of China showed. The outstanding inclusive finance loans last year, 1.43 includes loans to micro, small In 2020, the country issued finance loans to small trillion yuan more than the and self-employed businesses, 4.24 trillion yuan of new businesses climbed by 30.3 per previous year. farmers, students, and people WHO inclusive finance loans. It is cent by the end of 2020 from At the end of 2020, the living in poverty. GENEVA – The World Health Organisation (WHO) said recently that the international expert team on the COVID-19 origin-tracing mission in Wuhan was “independent” and Migrants stay home to had no affiliation. “So many times I hear that this is a WHO study or investigation. It’s not,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros stay safe during holiday Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual press conference from New wave of novel coronavirus prompted many people to forgo traditional mass migration this year Geneva, stressing that it’s an independent study which is ABOUT two weeks before On January 10, when she risk of spreading the virus Hebei. On January 5, five areas composed of independent the Spring Festival holiday made the decision to remain in during the traditional mass in Hebei, including Xingtai and individuals from ten began recently, Zhang Yuxi Shanghai, Zhang said the idea migration. Most appeared to Shijiazhuang, the capital, institutions. had started planning in her of “spending New Year’s alone accept the situation as fair. announced they were in “a state At the recent press head the food and in a rented room far from home” Zhang, who works for an of war” after 14 new cases were conference, Dr. Peter Ben ingredients she needed to sounded miserable. Internet company, returned reported the previous day. Embarek, head of the buy for a special dinner. However, as the holiday home on January 1 during the On January 8, the provincial international expert team in This New Year’s Eve was approached, she decided it three-day holiday for the New government advised residents Wuhan, said that their report special for Zhang. It was the wasn’t a big deal. “Basically, all Year. to stay in the two cities unless would be a “consensus first time the 26-year-old had my colleagues and friends During the visit, her mother their journey was essential. The document”. celebrated the holiday in stayed in Shanghai for New suggested that she wouldn’t be following day, it ordered all “The international teams Shanghai rather than Year’s,” she said. able to return for Lunar New locals to stay home for seven and the Chinese counterparts returning to her hometown of Like Zhang, many people Year because of the coronavirus. days. have already agreed Xingtai in Hebei province, chose to stay in the city where Those words were prophetic. Last month, the province saw on the summary reports,” he which had reported a growing they work during Spring Shortly after Zhang arrived more than 900 new cases, said. number of cases of the novel Festival, China’s most back in Shanghai, a major compared with about 400 last The expert team, composed coronavirus. important holiday, to avoid the outbreak was reported in year. of 17 international scientists and 17 Chinese counterparts, are working together to publish an interim joint report, in which they would “make recommendations for future studies,” said Embarek. He said that longer studies would be needed to “explore some of the hypotheses and advance our understanding about the origin of the virus”. In this respect, Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of WHO Health Emergencies Programme, warned of the difficulty to find complete consensus at the press conference. “Achieving an absolute consensus around every point is almost an impossibility in science. What we can do is reach conclusions based on the evidence before us,” he said. Earlier last week, the international team concluded People enjoy Spring Festival on Sunday at Laobeishi pedestrian street in Shenyang’s Heping district, Liaoning province. The holiday their month-long research in atmosphere is enhanced by operas, performances and tasty local snacks. Wuhan and presented their initial findings at a press conference in China, ruling out China’s box office receipts boom during Spring Festival holiday the hypothesis that the virus escaped from a BEIJING – China’s box office Data showed that 34.5 million “Hi, Mom” ruled the holiday box millions of Chinese avoided laboratory. takings topped five billion yuan people went to cinemas on office grossing 2.3 billion yuan travel and stayed put for the A WHO source said (774.5 million US dollars) during February 12, the first day of the and 900 million yuan, Spring Festival in response to that the team is working on a the first four days of the Spring Lunar New Year, creating a box respectively. the government’s call to reduce summary report which is Festival holiday that started on office revenue of 1.7 billion yuan. The week-long Spring Festival the risk of COVID-19 infections expected to be published this February 11, according to figures Both figures were the highest in holiday is usually a busy during the travel rush. China week, and that a full final released by the China Movie China’s film history. moviegoing period in China. has brought sporadic COVID-19 report will come out in the Data Information Network at Chinese comedy hits People have been more keen to cases under control during the coming weeks. 11:50 p.m. Sunday. “Detective Chinatown 3” and go to cinemas this year as holiday. 8 • Wednesday February 17, 2021 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial Question time! By Dorian Bryan reduction in wages and Does anyone fathom the catastrophe salaries, through Personal AS the initial lockdown which a preponderance of the abdication terminations within of 2021 is slated to end government’s workforce, today – February 17, my of real critical consistent analysis of cuts to budgets of question is – do you feel Government action has levelled on the statutory Boards, decision – better? Who did not see Government even with this extension coming? good people of this country, by an all these measures and No I am serious – do Executive which continues to push the pre-Covid was not in a you feel better? Check limits of its authority under the law – position to claim that it The choice your temperature, check had rescued the the ‘curtiledge’ of your under restriction of movement? Barbadian economy. THERE is still more information the public should home, check your wallets That is a myth and I have before making a decision on whether or not and purses, cupboards, I asked myself this Did you not think that would caution that the they want to take the Oxford AstraZeneca refrigerators, those who question as I have those individuals cannot IMF never states that its Covishield vaccine now available in Barbados. use online banking and mentioned before, I am a afford to shop monthly, policies fail. The IMF at Some persons have expressed a feeling of pressure then look in the mirror student of politics and but can only afford to buy the end of 2020, called for to take the vaccine, not necessarily from the and ask yourself, do you often find myself what they need, as the action to be taken on Government but from society in general such as feel better? challenging information need arises? pensions… remember social groups and business places who would like Believe me, I am not our sources of However, I had another that in a few weeks we to use the availability of the vaccine as an being mischievous or information and what is thought as I watched the await the Estimates… I opportunity to return to the old state of normal invidious in any way or the intent. So like the Prime Minister’s clearly wonder if this will be a which they believe is most productive and fashion, but after a period Prime Minister rushed press conferences Budget wrapped in a economically beneficial. of ‘pause’, which is the mentioned, I too engage on January 26, then Second Reading speech International news outlets have suggested that latest attempt to avoid with people around the again on February 15, the during the Estimates. the confusion surrounding this type of vaccine is the word ‘lockdown’ or country, as I entered passion and the call for Barbadians continue to taking away from the fact that it is a viable and any attempt to take businesses or visit my mysterious figures to ‘leff ask questions and do not reasonable option which persons can use to protect blame for the calamitous barber or pharmacist, out de politics’ while in deviate from holding this themselves from Covid-19. policy debacle which doctor, speak to people on the same breath, Minister of Finance There have however been concerns about the government subjected the telephone in office, swinging those who accountable. Defenders initial lack of data about the Oxford Astra Zeneca the people of this country interact with colleagues opposed her seeming will argue about the vaccine’s efficacy in persons over the age of 65 to after the COVID-19 and the consensus is that omnipotence. global impacts of COVID- who are in the group most vulnerable and likely Post Christmas spike the Barbados which the I am tired of saying it 19 on this country, but to experience severe illness.This lack of data is not …does anyone feel Prime Minister and other but the Central Bank ironically these surprising however, due to the speed with which better? While political figures espouse Governor delivered one of defenders forgot that the the vaccine had to be evaluated to receive Government blames the about is not just beyond the worst financial previous Government emergency use authorisation, drugs are often public and insists that the horizon, but reports in this country’s was blasted for using the tested on young healthy persons first before tests bad actions by some in completely out of reach. history one day later. global financial crisis are done on children or the elderly. our community have led People working long That report as the reason for the According to Reuters, after the initial roll out of to an increase in cases hours for little pay and encapsulated the slow decline in the the Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine in Norway it was which are manifested being subjected to very admission that this economy. decided that the vaccine would no longer be given from a backlog in cases... rude customers. country’s economy is in This government has to persons over the age of 65. Other countries also read that again, because Businesses unable to freefall and we await the highlighted its adoption restricting the use of the vaccine to younger people it does not make sense. plan their financial years responsibility to be taken of an IMF Programme until more research can be done are Denmark, Does anyone believe because of haphazard by Government by the and borrowing of Belgium, France, Germany,Austria and Sweden. that our leaders have and often, self-serving Minister of Finance. Yet, significant foreign Switzerland had not yet approved the vaccine for learnt the lessons of what policies by an the country can sustain reserves. What is the use among any age group citing a lack of hubris can cause? Administration primed a lockdown until highlight of 30 plus information. The stance taken by these countries Does anyone fathom for the spotlight and February 28. weeks of import cover, was disputed and rebutted by UK scientists who the catastrophe which a continues to want to be If another Minister of when you are facing a support the use of the vaccine in older people preponderance of the the centre of interest Finance had presided hole in our current reporting that blood tests showed that it had abdication of real critical especially in this health over this systematic accounts yet revenues similar effects in older persons to that shown in consistent analysis of crisis. Many continue to shrinking and decline of increased due to taxation younger people.This information does not suggest Government action has ask, what was the rush the economy, many who hikes, less payments into that taking the vaccine would cause any harm to levelled on the good to close down from are currently muted NIS, due to people being the elderly, just that the vaccine may not be as people of this country, by February 3, and not on would be calling for that out of work, rising prices efficient in offering them the necessary protection an Executive which January 2, when the person to be fired. facing consumers, a from illness. continues to push the potential super- This island’s economy recent lockdown and yet There have also been further questions on how limits of its authority spreaders started to take has been in recession this country should the vaccine will affect people from different ethnic under the law – under shape? since August 2018 and believe that we should backgrounds and these are valid questions as the restriction of movement? What they have despite the projections of feel comfortable. vaccine was initially tested in the UK, South Africa Schools closed, received are long-winded potential growth based The Prime Minister,in and Brazil.The testing therefore had no clear look businesses shuttered, speeches which lack focus on developmental the January 26 speech, at a mostly Afro-Caribbean population like people struggling to put or are completely out of projects and investments, took time to highlight her Barbados. food on the table, yet the touch with the realities we are in a holding Government’s rescuing of This, in addition to our editorial Personal country is being told to of the average pattern and this the Barbadian economy, Decision – The Vaccine is just a brief summary of hold strain and brighter Barbadians. What did country’s economy and stated that they will the information available on the Internet about the days are ahead. Forgive you expect would happen continues to stall. have to start from Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine. Each individual or me if I am behind all of for single mothers for Where are those who scratch. By deduction, head of a household should do further research to the latest jargon which is instance, who are paid pestered the previous was this an admission, make a decision for their family. Remember that espoused by our political weekly, when their Minister about debt to hours before the Central some media outlets and even scientific or health figures, but at some children are facing online GDP and growth figures? Bank Governor spoke, and wellness organisations may have particular point, we have to look learning, because of the The debt to GDP is now that the economy was biases that have little to do with the efficacy of the ourselves in the mirror pandemic, now having to 144 per cent which trashed and in serious vaccine itself. and ask, Do I feel better keep food on the table, means that despite the trouble? Hmmm! For us here in Barbados, we do not have the today,February 17, 2021, inclusive of snacks, to introduction of painful More questions have to luxury of access or choice at this moment to the than I felt before? feed hungry children? fiscal consolidation, be asked! other types of vaccines on the market, as we are but a small nation fighting on a global market, as Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes such we must decide if something is better than E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves nothing, not just for us but for our loved ones as Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan well in the war against Covid-19. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Wednesday February 17, 2021 • 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • FAX: 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] The Minority Unemployment Act

“Many things that are Wage Act Of 2021, comes implications heading our most light. Brandon about the minimum wage roundly condemn it as one supposed to help blacks as a timely reminder of way, and while this is the James’s comment is the magnitude of its or a combination of the actually have a track the dangers of policies place, now is not the time. reminded me (again) why effect.” usual suspects: systemic record of making things that sound good but have The CBO says the policy John F.Cogan’s book – The The point is not that it is racism/oppression, greedy worse. Minimum wage the opposite effect in would increase the High Cost of Good purely academic, but to capitalists, and so forth. laws have had a reality. A more accurate cumulative budget deficit Intentions – was so aptly frame it as greedy This is, of course, complete devastating effect in title for this act would be: for 2021–2031 by $54 titled. Mr. James opens, capitalists vs. the nonsense. It will never making black teenage The Minority billion. Additionally, “As Thomas Sowell and poor/oppressed (as is often occur to them that the unemployment several Unemployment Act. To be “Higher prices for goods other economists have the case in minorities who they are times higher than it once clear, the issue is not with and services – stemming long pointed out, the true politics/culture) does not supposedly fighting for are was,” – Thomas Sowell the apparent nobility of from the higher wages of minimum wage is, and correspond to reality. reaping the high costs (in intent but the fact that we workers paid at or near always has been, zero.” Truth be told it is: good the form of unemployment THE analysis from the need a lot more than noble the minimum wage, such “In aggregate, it results intentions vs. reality. Mr. rates and prices) of their non-partisan intentions to help people. as those providing long- in some people getting a James ends, “And what good intentions. What Congressional Budget The CBO’s analysis also term health care – would raise but many more are the demographics of “hurted” me the most Office (CBO, cbo.gov) hints at deeper contribute to increases in people getting replaced the workers getting though, is the new concerning the Raise the macroeconomic federal spending.” with a machine or their shafted by a minimum abnormal economic A Wall Street Journal jobs shipped overseas or wage increase? It is pre- context in which this is report mentioned the themselves replaced by a voting age teens, being proposed. Not the other side of the analysis, more experienced worker especially low-income economic fallout from the Enough is enough noting that it would who can produce output inner city kids, trying to pandemic, but a factor “deliver raises for 27 truly worth $15/hr. This gain work experience.” that will accelerate said ENOUGH is enough. We given. It is perfectly safe, million workers and lift has been proven so many Bluntly, and to use a fallout. have had indulgent health and unless the great 900 000 Americans above times that it’s barely even popular racist category: The most important officials and call-in majority of adults receive the poverty threshold”. controversial.” The great young, black Americans. thing to note about programme moderators the vaccination we will However, the CBO also economist Walter E. Professor Williams also macroeconomic factors allowing every Tom, Dick, live under siege with said the “policy would cost Williams echoed this asked this question: “Who that move at glacial pace, Harry and Mabel to air increased suffering for 1.4 million Americans sentiment in a 2014 are these workers?” “For is that they move. During their views on vaccines, many for a very long time. their jobs over the next column: Politics and the most part,” he writes, the period from the 1970s echoing the uninformed or So enough is enough. We four years”. Which brings Minimum Wage. “they are low-skilled teens to 2000, world economies the malignant conspiracy understand the fears of me to the crux of the “There’s little debate or young adults, most of (especially China) theories and anti-vaccine anything new, but let us matter. It is not just any among academic whom are poorly educated benefited from a growth in lobbies on social media of go forward based on the Americans that will lose economists about the blacks and Latinos.” Mind the labour force and the eccentrics in the USA, science and the evidence. their jobs, it will be mainly effect of minimum wages. you, these same political improved dependency on the mostly imaginary God-speed to the Americans of the minority University of California, masters (aided and ratios. This demographic risks of the Covid-19 government in getting variety: Latinos, and Irvine economist David abetted by the Social sweet spot is now souring vaccine and indeed any enough vaccines here closer to home, those of Neumark has examined Justice Brigade), will turn and the implications do vaccine, when vaccines quickly.Meanwhile, folks, African descent. more than a hundred around in a few years (or not make for pleasant have in fact saved millions please wear your mask The Journal’s Editorial major academic studies on the very next day,for they reading. Thomas Sowell of lives from so many properly – preferably Board formally the minimum wage. He have plenty of gall) and once said that it doesn’t infectious diseases, from double mask or add a face commented in Reality reports that 85 per cent of denounce the “inequality” matter how educated you small pox, polio, shield, sanitise, keep your Check for a $15 Minimum the studies ‘find a negative in the unemployment rate are if you don’t stop diphtheria, whooping social distance, use your Wage, but, as per usual, employment effect on low- – that they created – and think. It is time to do cough, tetanus, common sense and get out knowledgeable skilled workers’. […] The among minorities. both. tuberculosis, measles, into the sun for your commenters shed the only significant debate They will loudly and ADRIAN SOBERS rubella, pneumococcal generous daily dose of pneumonia, et cetera .. sunshine with its Vitamin even ebola. D, or vitamin D Do not let others force you into violating your conscience It is time to make it supplements for the “shut- absolutely clear that a ins”. This has not been SINCE I am supposed to 2. If you must leave 4. If you have concerns oppressors. They will little tenderness at the emphasised, be an Influencer, then let home, then please mask- about the vaccine, then do always be among us – do site and occasional small unfortunately, but it me do my part. up, frequently sanitize, according to your not fear them. They are a rise in temperature are greatly reduces your risk 1. Peoples, over the next and keep a minimum six- conscience, and live plague on social media. the only common side of infection, of severe 11 days, please stay foot distance from people. peaceably with your They are simply the worst effects. Anaphylaxis has illness and of death from home – but spend some 3. Try not to talk to decision. of us, and need to wise- not been reported in any Covid-19. time in direct sunlight people outside. Tell them 5. Do not let others up. of the many doses of the PROFESSOR SIR within your property’s that you will call them on force you into violating GRENVILLE Astra Zeneca vaccine HENRY FRASER boundary. the phone. your conscience. They are PHILLIPS

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Lewis Thomas (1913 - 1993) Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. “You did not choose me, but I US author, biologist, physician (1841 - 1935) US jurist chose you and appointed you DEFEAT that you should go and bear “The cloning of humans is on most fruit and that your fruit of the lists of things to worry about “A word is not a crystal, You can take from every should abide, so that whatever from Science, along with transparent and unchanging, it you ask the Father in my behaviour control, genetic is the skin of a living thought experience what it has to name, he may give it to you.” engineering, transplanted heads, and may vary greatly in colour offer you. And you cannot computer poetry and the and content according to the be defeated if you just keep – John 15:16 - ESV unrestrained growth of plastic circumstances and time in taking one breath followed flowers.” which it is used.” by another. 10 • Wednesday February 17, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

IDB President, CEOs launch historic partnership for Latin America and Caribbean recovery YESTERDAY, Inter- Caribbean has been hit private-sector companies enshrines our shared vi- from the following com- American Develop- harder by the pandemic to promote investment sion and an action plan panies: AB InBev, AES, ment Bank (IDB) than any other region and and create the type of jobs for future investment, Amazon, AT&T, Banco President Mauricio deserves a robust re- that will help the region’s growth and prosperity in Santander, Bayer, BNP Claver-Carone hosted sponse. post-pandemic economy our countries. I look for- Paribas, Brookfield, the inaugural Private- President Claver- thrive. This is the first in ward to working with Cabify, Cargill, Central Sector Partners Carone presented the a series of collaborations every one of these compa- America Bottling Roundtable on the vision and priorities of the that the IDB plans to host nies and incorporating Corporation, Cintra, Future of Latin IDB. These include eco- with the private sector. them into our work- Citibank, Coca-Cola America and the nomic empowerment for “When I look at stream to help generate FEMSA, Copa Airlines, Caribbean. women, digitalisation, Latin America and the job creation and sustain- DOW, Engie, Google, This coalition of 40 integration and moving Caribbean, I see a region able economic develop- Grupo Sura, IBM, Itaú global corporate execu- value chains to the re- brimming with opportu- ment.” Latam, JP Morgan, tives has pledged to con- gion. Business leaders nities – but it is time to Following the coalition Mastercard, tribute to the recovery signed a Partnership turn rhetoric into action,” event, the IDB Group is MercadoLibre, MetLife, of the region. Leading Declaration and pledged said Claver-Carone. now convening action- Microsoft, Millicom, private-sector executives to work with the IDB to “The gathering of today oriented working groups NEC Corp., NTT Data discussed the historic mobilise resources in with leaders from 40 of with corporate partners everis, PepsiCo, Pimco, President of the challenges and the these three critical areas. the most innovative to solidify partnership op- Salesforce, Sacyr, Inter-American unique opportunities to The meeting was the start global and regional com- portunities in each of the Scotiabank, SoftBank, Development Bank drive growth and in- of an intensified effort to panies of the world, and priority areas identified. Softtek, Telefónica, (IDB), Mauricio vestment in the region. strengthen collaboration the signing of this historic The Roundtable was Unilever, Visa, and Claver-Carone. Latin America and the between the IDB and top Partnership Declaration, attended by participants Walmart. Bitcoin smashes through $50,000 as mainstream charge gathers pace LONDON – Bitcoin soared gains coming after electric money managers starting tive interest rates across above $50,000 on Tuesday carmaker Tesla said it to buy the coin. the globe. to an all-time high, adding had bought $1.5 billion in Such mainstream The meteoric rise of steam to a rally fuelled bitcoin. moves, some investors bitcoin, which traded at a by signs that the world’s The move by Tesla, said, could help bitcoin be- few hundred dollars only biggest cryptocurrency is which also said it would come a widespread means five years earlier, has also gaining acceptance among accept bitcoin as payment, of payment – something it led major investment mainstream investors and was the latest in a string of has so far failed to achieve banks to warn of a specu- companies. large investments that at any large scale – and in lative bubble. Bitcoin hit a record have vaulted bitcoin from turn further bolster prices. Bitcoin’s rise “blows the $50,602, and was last up the fringes of finance to “The more people that doors off prior bubbles,” 2.7% at $49,100. It has company balance sheets adapt it and use it as BofA said last month. risen around 70% so far and Wall Street, with US money, then the greater Even as bitcoin laps into this year, with most of the firms and traditional the chances of it perhaps the mainstream, cryp- being taken on board as a tocurrencies remain sub- mainstream currency,” ject to patchy oversight BANK RATES said Russ Mould, invest- around the world, with the A representation of virtual currency bitcoin is seen ment director of AJ Bell. lack of regulatory clarity in front of a stock graph in this illustration taken on Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of “That would feed further and associations with January 8, 2021. business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. speculative interest.” crime keeping many larger The rush in 2021 by re- investors leery of expo- sight of bitcoin due to volatility, bitcoin lacks Valid for February 17, 2021 tail and institutional in- sure. concerns over its use for many of the established Notes: vestors comes on top of a US Treasury Secretary criminal activities such qualities that make up Currency Buying Selling 300% rise last year as in- Janet Yellen and as money laundering. ‘money’, such as being a Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 vestors searched for high- European Central Bank Some believe the ex- stable store of value and Canadian Dollar 1.55629 1.60232 yielding assets and alter- President Christine treme volatility is a cause unit of account,” said East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 natives the dollar amid Lagarde both called last for concern. George Lagarias, chief Euro 2.37304 2.47296 rock-bottom or even nega- month for tighter over- “We feel that, due to its economist at Mazars. Pound Sterling 2.72630 2.84110 United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 Demand/Sight: Currency Buying Selling Firms forced to halt operations as freeze grips parts of US Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.56515 1.60092 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 FEDEX and General Green, Kentucky; Fort suspended production at its Dallas hub in Texas Euro 2.40786 2.45761 Motors were among sev- Wayne, Indiana; and its Toledo assembly com- and Worldport air hub at Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 eral companies whose op- Arlington,Texas factories, plex in Ohio. Louisville International Pound Sterling 2.76630 2.82347 erations were stalled by which make some of its GM’s smaller rival Ford Airport were back to nor- United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 bone-chilling weather most profitable pickup Motor said it had stopped mal after being suspended Telegraphic Transfer that has caused power trucks and sport utility production of one if its overnight. Currency Buying Selling outages and gas shortages vehicles including best-selling F-150 pickup The company also said Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 in parts of the United Chevrolet Silverado and trucks at its Kansas City it did not have any coron- Canadian Dollar 1.56812 1.60092 States. Escalade. assembly plant until Feb. avirus vaccine shipments East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.41239 2.45761 A rare deep freeze “We will be making de- 21 to conserve its supply in its network on Monday Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 swept the southern North cisions at the respective of natural gas. night. Pound Sterling 2.77151 2.82347 America over the three- plants later this morning Some other Ford facili- UPS rival FedEx said United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 day Presidents Day holi- regarding their produc- ties to suspend operations severe weather was affect- day weekend, leaving tion status for 2nd shift include Hermosillo as- ing its ability to deliver INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL millions without power today,” a GM spokesman sembly plant in Mexico, packages in certain cities. CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE and sending front-month said. Flat Rock factory in The freeze also wreaked RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS. gas futures to an over Japan’s Toyota Motor Michigan and Ohio as- havoc on the US energy N.B. These rates are not meant to be used for trading. three-month high. and Nissan Motor also sembly plant in Avon sector, bringing operations BDS$ General Motors Co. joined GM in scrapping Lake, Ohio. to a halt at the Houston Guyana Dollar 0.00945 Jamaica Dollar 0.01340 said it had cancelled the the first shift at some of Package delivery Ship channel, while T&T Dollar 0.29748 first shift at its Spring their US plants. Jeep company United Parcel several oil refineries Hill, Tennessee; Bowling maker Stellantis said it Service said operations at remained offline. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday February 17, 2021 • 11 Bahamas bans travel from Haiti THE BAHAMAS the decision was made in being cautious here. This is just technical experts make the call Government has banned all response to concerns about a precautionary step taken by and the government listens and commercial flights and Haiti’s Carnival activities, the government to avoid any we react accordingly.” vessels from Haiti beginning which are seen as super potential untoward activities As it stands now,the minister Monday in a move, officials spreader events. after.” said there are no current plans said, was done as a Haiti’s Carnival, which began The announcement might to stop flights or vessels from precautionary measure to on Sunday,is one of the nation’s cause some observers to entering The Bahamas from prevent the risk of imported biggest cultural events each question the government’s other countries. coronavirus cases from year. It was cancelled last year rationale for implementing a It is not clear how many Haiti now that the country after several violent protests travel ban solely against Haiti Bahamians in Haiti have been has entered its Carnival disrupted the first day of the and not other countries, affected by the latest travel season. planned festivities. especially where COVID-19 restriction, with Mr Henfield The embargo on all travel However, this year’s events cases are rising and other more telling The Tribune that those from Haiti was announced in are being held in Port-de-Paix infectious variants are also said affected will be assisted by the latest amendment to despite ongoing political unrest to be spreading. officials as necessary. COVID-19 Emergency Powers and COVID-19 concerns. Asked about this on Sunday, He told The Tribune: “There Orders released over the “The reason for the ban or the North Abaco MP replied: are no plans for repatriation weekend. what we call the embargo on “My answer would be very flights and I have no knowledge According to the order, the flights between us and Haiti at simple. Carnival like of any Bahamian who may have Foreign Affairs Minister ban will be enforced for a period the moment is because Haiti atmospheres, we believe, can been inadvertently cut off or Darren Henfield of 21 days. has entered its Carnival season pose as a potential spread of the impacted immediately but it’s It states: “Entry into The today or tomorrow and I think it virus. My answer would also be likely that there will be and you Bahamian citizens, in a bid to Bahamas of any vessel or lasts for a couple of weeks and that if in The Bahamas, we know in this day and era of the prevent the COVID spread. person, who has departed from we were concerned about didn’t do our beloved Junkanoo pandemic, these things happen International commercial Haiti, whether by direct mitigating potential spread of season. Trinidad didn’t do its and we try to work through travel resumed on July 1, but a transport routes or by transiting course with COVID,” Mr beloved Carnival season them as best as we can.” travel ban was later reimposed through another jurisdiction, Henfield said yesterday. because of the potential risks The government has issued on all international flights and and whether arriving by air or “You know in The Bahamas, associated with the pandemic travel bans in the past in vessels with the exception of sea shall be prohibited for a we didn’t do our Junkanoo which we face now.” response to the ongoing those coming from a few period of 21 days commencing at season in the way that we “Our health officials continue pandemic. countries, after the country saw 12.01 am on Monday.” normally do. Trinidad didn’t do to monitor the spread of COVID In March 2020, the country’s a spike of new cases. The travel Foreign Affairs Minister its Carnival in the way that it and the variants from those borders were closed to all restrictions were lifted later last Darren Henfield said yesterday normally does and so we’re just various countries and the incoming travellers, including year.

COVID-19: C’bean Airlines announces operating loss of US$109.2M in 2020 PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – million). positive EBIT of TT$76 million “We also provided support travelled on the domestic air State-owned carrier Caribbean “The first two months of 2020 (US$11.2 million) on revenue of through repatriation flights for a bridge between Trinidad and Airlines said yesterday that the continued our upward trajectory TT$3 billion (US$440 million) for number of Caribbean nations and Tobago), in comparison to 2019 global COVID-19 pandemic had of the previous three years and the 12-month period. resumed operations in some when the airline carried negatively impacted its earnings the next phase of our strategic Operating expenses for 2020 destinations outside of Trinidad 2,595,526 persons. in 2020, leaving it with a more plan was commencing strongly. were TT$1.54 billion (US$228 and Tobago where borders are “2020 was the worst year on than US$109 million operating However, COVID-19 has taken a million), 47 per cent lower than open,” he said. record for the global travel loss. sledgehammer to international 2019 due to fewer flights and At times during 2020, industry and specifically for The airline announced its travel and tourism for the past strict cost controls. passenger flights were 90 per cent aviation. Regrettably, Caribbean unaudited financial results for the 10 months and our financial Despite the pandemic and lower than the same period for Airlines was hit hard. year to the end of December 2020, results for last year fully reflect reduced flying, Medera said, the previous year as a result of From a promising period of which showed an operating loss this new reality,” said Garvin Caribbean Airlines managed to international border closures progress and profitability, we (Earnings Before Interest &Taxes Medera, CEO of Caribbean add new destinations to its from March 2020 onwards. were severely negatively – EBIT) of TT$738 million Airlines. network and expanded its cargo Passenger numbers for 2020 fell impacted,” Caribbean Airlines (US$109.2 million) on revenue of The 2020 results were in stark offerings to include charter substantially by 71 per cent to a chairman S Ronnie Mohammed TT$802 million (US$118.6 comparison to 2019, which saw a services. mere 741,676 (371,549 of which lamented. Trinidad special police units to start wearing body cams PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – Griffith said after the meeting. the Police Service and the PCA. Bharatt’s kidnapping and death, Lawmen within special units The disclosures came as the For persons to be making false and they should be commended. within the Trinidad and Tobago police commissioner also and misleading accusations, it is He added that no one had Police Service (TTPS) will be announced the probe being not helping the situation in any asked about the well being of the equipped with body cameras, conducted into the deaths of way.It is inappropriate for people officers who were injured when Minister of National Security suspects Andrew Morris and Joel to be making accusations and they went to arrest suspects in Stuart Young said on Monday as Balcon. who by their accusations, have the matter. it was also announced that a full- Officers from SORT are among already found police officers Griffith said he had also taken scale investigation is being those now subject to the guilty without getting the facts,” note that a newspaper had conducted into the circumstances investigation. Griffith said. published over the weekend that surrounding the deaths of two Griffith said in a statement “These would include the Law it had video footage of an incident suspects while in police custody. that apart from the TTPS Association, an Opposition relating to this matter, but the Young said he had been conducting an investigation, the Senator, and a person who TTPS had no such video footage. informed by Commissioner of Police Complaints Authority received one per cent of the votes He therefore asked anyone with Police Gary Griffith at a meeting (PCA) is conducting a parallel in an area he contested in an information who could assist in earlier in the day,that the Special probe. election. I have heard comments this matter to come forward and Operations Response Team Morris and Balcon were about a prisoner dying after present it to the TTPS. (SORT), the Inter-Agency Task suspects in the kidnapping and falling from a chair.At no time did Commissioner Griffith insisted Force and Guard and Emergency subsequent death of 23-year-old any police officer or myself say there would be no cover-up, Branch would be among the first court clerk Andrea Bharatt, who that an individual died because noting that since he became top to get uniforms with special clips went missing on January 29. Her he fell from a chair. That never cop in August 2018, 96 police for body cameras and radios and decomposed body was found took place.” officers were charged with a belt with pepper spray and down a precipice on February 4. Commissioner Griffith insisted various offences including tasers. “People are reaching a final that excellent work was done by kidnapping, human trafficking, “The body cameras will now conclusion without knowing what the various units of the TTPS in robbery with aggravation and Commissioner of Police Gary defend my police officers when has transpired. We are doing a their investigations by finding the assault, while another 86 were Griffith they are wrongfully accused,” thorough investigation both by four persons responsible for suspended. 12 • Wednesday February 17, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Brazil reports 528 new COVID-19 Jamaica reports new deaths, close to 10 million cases record high 468 COVID SAO PAULO – Brazil coronavirus cases, the Brazil has suffered deaths since the outbreak cases in 24 hours recorded 528 new COVID- Health Ministry said on nearly 9.9 million cases began, ministry data NEW COVID-19 daily Monday, meaning that the 19 deaths and 32,197 new Monday. and close to 240,000 shows. cases in Jamaica hit overall coronavirus death another record high toll in Jamaica remains at Monday,with 468 reported 378. However, two deaths across the island. of COVID-19 patients There were 1,503 during the day are under samples tested during the investigation. day. The 468 newly Of the newly confirmed confirmed COVID-19 cases cases, 293 are females and bring the total number of 170 are males, with ages cases on record for the ranging from three months island to 19,773. There to 89 years. The gender were also 49 recoveries, involved in five of the cases meaning 12,684 persons are awaiting confirmation. have now recovered from There are 49 moderately the virus in Jamaica. ill patients and 19 critically There were no deaths ill patients among the 6,513 attributed to the active cases now under respiratory illness on observation in Jamaica. Mexico says local AstraZeneca vaccine lab almost rebuilt to meet standards MEXICO CITY – The In partnership with the packaging and Mexican and Argentinean distribution of governments, Astra AstraZeneca’s COVID- Zeneca plans to produce 19 vaccine in Mexico millions of doses of the A vessel located approximately 8 miles south of Long Key, Fla. was recovered and is pictured in an had been held up due vaccine,developed with image posted to the U.S. Coast Guard official Twitter account on Feb. 15, 2021. The boat was used by to a complex Oxford University, for the 10 people who went missing south of Key West. certification process distribution throughout that led to major the region. The plan has changes at a factory, significant funding from Makeshift vessel found off Florida coast Mexico’s foreign the foundationof Mexican minister said yesterday. billionaire Carlos Slim. Mexico had not finished Mexico has received at as search goes on for 10 Cuban migrants producing doses of the least two shipments of the vaccine from the vaccine’s active ingredient, U.S. Coast Guard officials Sector Miami’s Twitter being located off Long Bimini, Bahamas,” Coast shipments of active which were to be packaged said there were no signs page. The vessel Key, Coast Guard search Guard officials said in a ingredient that already locally for about seven of 10 Cuban migrants appeared to be crudely planes and boats were statement, adding that arrived to thecountry million doses that are not believed to be on a rickety constructed and made scouring the area off the the man spent two days because its health yet ready, according to homemade boat last seen out of Styrofoam blocks coast of Key West for in the water before he regulator had to first government data. floating in the water off and wood. signs of life on Sunday. was rescued. inspect a local lab and Looking to speed up its the Florida Keys. A vessel located Key West is a little over It remained unclear on certify that the batches vaccine campaign, which As the search for the approximately 8 miles 80 miles from Havana. Monday where the boat were pure and without is now focused on older missing migrants south of Long Key, Fla. was headed when it defects, Foreign Minister adults, Mexico also continued on Monday,the was recovered and is Search for 6 suspended flipped over. Bimini is Marcelo Ebrard said. imported on Sunday the Coast Guard announced pictured in an image A separate search for about 200 miles from Fort He said COFEPRIS, the first 870,000 doses of a that it has suspended a posted to the U.S. Coast six people missing in the Pierce,Florida . regulator, had made 185 planned two million doses second ocean rescue Guard official Twitter waters off the coast of A 45-foot Coast Guard “observations” during a of AstraZeneca’s vaccine effort for six people who account on Feb. 15, 2021. Fort Pierce, Florida, was rescue boat was visit to local manufacturer from India. also vanished over the The boat was used by the suspended late Sunday immediately sent to the Laboratorios Liomont, Shipments of the Pfizer- weekend off the Florida 10 people who went night. scene, officials said. The which previously made flu BioNTech vaccine also coast. missing south of Key The rescue effort was rescue crew took the jabs and is expected to restarted after global Both searches began on West. also launched on Friday survivor to shore and start shipping thedoses by delays, with a flight Friday. The 10 people believed after a good Samaritan transferred him to a early April. “They almost landing yesterday in On Sunday evening, to have been aboard the found a man described as hospital, officials said. had to make another Monterrey and another the Coast Guard vessel left Havana, Cuba, a Jamaican national alive Capt. JoAnn Burdian, factory,” Ebrard, speaking due later in capital Mexico announced on Twitter on Friday, and went 23 miles off the coast of commander of Coast at a regular government City.The government said that a good Samaritan missing somewhere off Fort Pierce, Florida. Guard Sector Miami, said news conference, said yesterday’s shipments boater found a “six-foot the coast of Key West, “The survivor reported the search was about Liomont. “You are would provide about makeshift vessel” floating authorities said. Coast to the Coast Guard that suspended after rescue talking about health, life 494,000 doses. in the water empty about Guard officials said it there were six other crews, including a Florida ... so you do have to be very Argentina’s President eight miles south of Long remains unclear what people who were in the Wing Civil Air Patrol strict in any medicine, with Alberto Fernandez would Key, Florida. Photos of caused the watercraft to water after their boat crew, spent more than a vaccine more, and even visit Liomont’s plant the vessel were posted on vanish. capsized last Wednesday 140 hours searching more when the vaccine is during an upcoming trip the U.S. Coast Guard Prior to the vessel after they departed from 10,694 miles of ocean. so recent.” to Mexico, Ebrard said. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday February 17, 2021 • 13

Tornadoes, historic cold across US kill seven NEW YORK – Killer torna- ter cold. The others were identi- does in the US Southeast and fied as a homeless person and historic subzero cold as far two carbon monoxide poisoning south as Texas were blamed victims, said Houston Police on Tuesday for seven deaths Chief Art Acevedo. and massive power outages In the Southeast, a low-pres- that cancelled COVID-19 in- sure system that developed oculations and threatened to along the Arctic front created disrupt vaccine supplies. fuel for storms that unleashed Treacherous weather will at least four tornadoes, said maintain its grip on many meteorologist Jeremy Grams parts of the United States from of the weather service’s Storm Tuesday through Friday,with up Prediction Center in Norman, to 4 inches of snow and freezing Oklahoma. One ripped through rain expected from the southern the Florida Panhandle and two Plains into the Northeast, fore- through southwestern Georgia casters said. on Monday. “We’re calling it Storm System The fourth, most severe No. 2, with very similar place- twister left three dead and ment to the previous storm,” said homes flattened after it swept meteorologist Lara Pagano of overnight through North the National Weather Service’s Carolina’s coastal Brunswick Weather Prediction Center in County in the state’s southeast- College Park, Maryland. She ern corner between Wilmington was referring to a system that and Myrtle Beach, South blasted the nation through the Carolina, the local sheriff’s of- long Presidents Day holiday fice said early on Tuesday. weekend, dumping snow and ice James Derrick, who is suffering from homelessness, peeks out of his tent during record-breaking After a brief lull on Tuesday from Ohio to the Rio Grande. cold weather in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US on February 15, 2021. that may allow authorities to An Artic air mass that de- assess damage, rough weather scended over much of the coun- (minus 27C). Crippled by more than 4.4 Lina Hidalgo said. Doses were – including potential twisters try pushed temperatures to his- In typically toasty Dallas-Fort million power outages in Texas rushed to area hospitals and – was expected to return on toric lows on Tuesday, Pagano Worth, minus 1F (minus 17C) alone, authorities shut down in- Rice University to be injected Wednesday into Thursday, said. In Lincoln, Nebraska, a broke a record set in 1903 of oculation sites and scrambled to into the arms of people already Grams said. reading of minus 31 degrees 12F (minus 11C). use 8,400 vaccines that require at those locations and who didn’t “Those very same areas could Fahrenheit (minus 35 degrees “That’s what people are wak- subzero refrigeration before they have to travel on slick roads. be impacted – that will include Celsius) on Tuesday shattered a ing up to this morning: It’s just spoiled after a backup genera- Icy roads were blamed for one tornadoes and damaging winds,” record set in 1978 of minus 18F dangerous,” Pagano said. tor failed, Harris County Judge of the four deaths tied to the bit- he said. ‘We are like captives’: life in Britain’s quarantine hotels LONDON – Mohamed Noor tion programme and guard faces 10 days in COVID-19 against new coronavirus vari- quarantine in a hotel room near ants. London’s Heathrow Airport People returning from any of after falling foul of new border 33 “high-risk” countries where controls because of a flight delay. travel to Britain is banned must “I don’t have a book. I don’t pay 1,750 pounds for a 10-day have a Koran. I don’t have noth- quarantine hotel package. ing here,” Noor, a 55-year-old After being taken by bus to Muslim, said by phone after his government-contracted hotels, arrival on Monday, a day later they must spend most of the than planned, landed him with time in their rooms and have a 1,750-pound ($2,400) bill. meals delivered to their door. In another hotel nearby, Noor, a postal driver, was vis- 61-year-old Sole, who declined iting Somalia after his brother to give her surname, said she died and feels he is being pun- realised too late that the new ished for going to look after his rules would kick in before she mother. He spent four hours at A person holds a sign from a window of the Radisson Blu Hotel at Heathrow Airport, as Britain returned from visiting friends the airport arguing his case and introduces hotel quarantine programme for arrivals from a ‘red list’ of 30 countries, amidst the in Chile. says he will refuse to pay. coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in London, Britain, on February 16, 2021. “We are like captives in these “My family was waiting out- rooms,” she said. side the airport and you can’t talking to friends, watching tel- punished after taking a holiday “Why has this happened? The Britain says the measures, ef- see them. My 11-year-old son evision and doing online classes following a stressful year work- new variant is in South Africa fective since Monday,are needed was waiting,” he said. and yoga. ing in a hospital where she has and it’s going to spread anyway,” to protect its COVID-19 vaccina- Sole plans to spend the time She also feels she is being treated COVID-19 patients. she said.

Mostly sunny with a few brief isolated light showers, mainly during the early morning period.

High: 7:21 a.m. and 7:47 p.m. New York: 09°C Yesterday: 0 mm Miami: 26°C Low: 12:53 a.m. For the month: 9.4 mm Max: 28.9°C Boston: 02°C and 1:36 p.m. For the year: 136.7 mm Min: 24.5°C Toronto: -07°C Montreal: -03°C London: 08°C 6:20 a.m. 6:05 p.m. 14 • Wednesday February 17, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

US forces in Iraq hit by rockets, contractor killed ERBIL, Iraq – A rocket ble retaliation against attack on US-led forces those found responsible, in northern Iraq killed White House press secre- a civilian contractor tary Jen Psaki said that on Monday and in- the president “reserves jured a US service the right to respond in the member, the US coali- time and the manner of tion in Iraq said, in the our choosing.” deadliest such attack “But we’ll wait for the in almost a year. attribution to be con- The rockets landed in cluded first before we take and around a military air any additional steps... I base operated by the coali- will convey to you that tion at Erbil International diplomacy is a priority Airport. with this administration,” The attack, claimed by a Psaki added. little-known group that The attack comes just some Iraqi officials say three weeks before a has links with Iran, raises March 5-8 visit to Iraq by tensions as Washington Pope Francis, which is due explores some degree of to include Erbil, the capi- détente with Tehran. tal of Iraq’s Kurdish au- The coalition tonomous region. spokesman tweeted on US Secretary of State People stand next to a roof damaged after a rocket attack on US-led forces in and near Erbil International Tuesday that the dead Antony Blinken said the Airport last night, in Erbil, Iraq on February 16, 2021. contractor was not United States was “out- American, but did not raged” by the attack. serve a secure and stable under al-Kadhimi has elaborate. He said three In a statement, Blinken Iraq, and the United sided with the United French Assembly passes bill 107 mm rockets had said he had contacted States remains committed States but has found it landed inside the base. Kurdistan Regional to supporting our Iraqi hard to bring the groups aiming to curb Islamism Of the nine other people Government Prime partners in their efforts to under control. hurt, eight were civilian Minister Masrour Barzani defend Iraq’s sovereignty,” Most of the incidents PARIS – France’s left as an attack on Islam contractors and one a US to “pledge our support for a Pentagon readout of the have caused no casualties, National Assembly on and as too weak by the service member, a coali- all efforts to investigate call said. but they have kept up Tuesday approved legis- far-right and some con- tion spokesman said.A US and hold accountable Powerful paramilitary pressure on US troops and lation designed mainly servatives. official who declined to be those responsible”. groups aligned with Iran US allies in the early days to counter a rise in The legislation repre- named said the US serv- Blinken spoke to Iraqi in Iraq and Yemen have of Joe Biden’s presidency. Islamism in towns and sented a “powerful offen- iceman had concussion. Prime Minister Mustafa launched attacks against A group calling itself cities which the govern- sive” by the secular state, In Washington, the Al-Kadhimi on Tuesday. the United States and its Saraya Awliya al-Dam ment says threatens na- Interior Minister Gerald White House said the In a call with his Iraqi Arab allies in recent claimed responsibility for tional unity. Darmanin said. “It’s a United States was still counterpart, US Defence weeks, including a drone the Erbil attack, saying The legislation did not tough text...but neces- working to determine who Secretary Lloyd Austin attack on a Saudi airport it was aimed at the single out any particular sary for the Republic,” was responsible for the condemned the attack, the and a rocket attack on the “American occupation” religion, but it cracked Darmanin told RTL radio attack. Pentagon said. US Embassy in Baghdad. in Iraq, but provided no down on practices such ahead of the vote. When pressed on possi- “The Iraqi people de- Iraq’s government evidence. as forced marriage and The bill passed by virginity tests. 347 votes to 151 in It included tough meas- parliament’s lower Anthony Fauci wins Israel’s ures against online apol- house, where President ogists for acts of violence, Emmanuel Macron’s cen- Dan David $1m prize stricter surveillance of trist ruling party and its religious associations, allies hold a majority.The and tighter restrictions legislation now moves to for ‘defending science’ on educating children the Senate, where the THE US top infectious dis- crisis”, the awards commit- outside mainstream centre-right opposition eases expert, Anthony tee said in a statement. schools. dominates. Fauci, has been awarded He “is the consummate France’s Muslim popu- The debate around a prestigious $1m model of leadership and lation is estimated to the law became more (£717,000) Israeli prize for impact in public health,” it number about five mil- charged after the Oct. 16 his commitment to science. added. lion people, many whose beheading of a school- Dr.Fauci, who was often “As the COVID-19 pan- family origins lie in teacher, Samuel Paty, by at odds with former demic unravelled, [he] Algeria or other parts of a teenage Islamist who President Trump over how leveraged his considerable its former empire. said he wanted to punish to handle the pandemic, communication skills to The country has suf- him for showing cartoons was given the Dan David address people gripped Dr. Fauci has been the director of the National fered a wave of Islamist of the Prophet Prize for “defending sci- by fear and anxiety and Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases since militant attacks in recent Mohammad in a class on ence”. worked relentlessly to in- 1984. (PHOTO: EPA) years, and tackling reli- free speech. He was also praised for form individuals in the gious extremism, French Far-right leader advocating for COVID vac- United States and else- Dr. Fauci has been the outbreak of the Trump and identity and domestic se- Marine Le Pen has ac- cines, and for his leader- where about the public director of the National now Biden eras. curity will be big issues cused Darmanin of not ship on HIV research and health measures essential Institute of Allergy and The Dan David Prize in next year’s presiden- tackling radical Islam AIDS relief. for containing the pan- Infectious Diseases since was established in 2000 by tial election. head on. Dr. Fauci, 80, has ad- demic’s spread. 1984. the late international busi- Presented to parlia- “You are restricting vised seven US presidents. “In addition, he has been He helped to found nessman Dan David. It ment on the 115th an- everyone’s freedom to try He was recognised for widely praised for his George W. Bush’s US gov- gives $1m awards in three niversary of the law that to modify the freedoms of “courageously defending courage in speaking truth ernment AIDS initiative in categories each year for enshrined the separation a few Islamists,” she told science in the face of unin- to power in a highly Africa and now serves as contributions addressing of state and religion in Darmanin in a debate formed opposition during charged political environ- explainer-in-chief to the the past, present and fu- France, the bill has been last week, referring to the the challenging COVID ment.” public amid the COVID-19 ture. branded by some on the curbs on home-schooling. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday February 17, 2021 • 15

Myanmar military promises new election; Suu Kyi faces additional charge MYANMAR’S military the junta’s first news they were in detention, government. junta promised on conference since over- saying they were in their As well as the demon- Tuesday that it would throwing Suu Kyi’s gov- homes for their security strations in towns and hold an election and ernment. while the law took its cities across the ethnically hand over power as po- The military has not course. diverse country,a civil dis- lice filed an additional given a date for a new Suu Kyi, 75, spent obedience movement has charge against toppled election but has imposed a nearly 15 years under brought strikes that are former leader Aung state of emergency for one house arrest for her ef- crippling many functions San Suu Kyi. year. Zaw Min Tun said forts to end military rule. of government. It also defended its Feb. the military would not She faces charges of The unrest has revived 1 seizure of power, deny- hold power for long. illegally importing six memories of bloody out- ing it was a coup even as “We guarantee ... that walkie-talkie radios and breaks of opposition to al- protesters took to the the election will be held,” is being held on remand most half a century of di- streets again in support he told the nearly two- until Wednesday. Her rect army rule that ended of Suu Kyi and other ar- hour news conference, lawyer said on Tuesday in 2011 when the military rested leaders and China which the military broad- police had filed a second began a process of with- Myanmar’s military spokesman, General Zaw Min dismissed social media ru- cast from the capital, charge of violating drawing from politics. Tun, attends a news conference in Naypyitaw, mours that it had helped Naypyitaw, live over a Natural Disaster Police have opened fire Myanmar on February 16, 2021. with the military’s action. Facebook, a platform it Management Law. several times, mostly with “Our objective is to hold has banned. The army spokesman, rubber bullets, to disperse protesters had thrown intimidation of civil ser- an election and hand Asked about the deten- Zaw Min Tun, said protesters. A protester stones at police, injuring vants. power to the winning tion of Nobel Peace Prize Myanmar’s foreign policy who was shot in the head some officers. “We will wait patiently. party,” Brigadier General winner Suu Kyi and the would not change, the in Naypyitaw last week is Zaw Min Tun said a After that, we will take Zaw Min Tun, spokesman president, Zaw Min Tun country remained open not expected to survive. policeman had died of action according to the for the ruling council, told dismissed the suggestion for business and deals Six people were injuries sustained during law,” Zaw Min Tun said. would be upheld. wounded in the central a protest in Mandalay on The army has given it- The military will be town of Maungmya on Monday. self extensive search and Charges dropped against hoping its reassurances Tuesday when police fired He said the protesters detention powers and has will dampen the cam- rubber bullets to break up were starting violence made penal code amend- white New York woman who paign of daily opposition a protest over an arrested while the campaign ments aimed at stifling to its rule and to the re- teacher, a witness said. of civil disobedience dissent with tough prison falsely accused Black man moval of Suu Kyi and her An army statement said amounted to the illegal terms. NEW YORK – A misde- ing my life.” meanour charge was The New York Post re- dropped on Tuesday ported that Manhattan against a white New York Assistant District City woman who became Attorney Joan Illuzzi- an Internet video sensa- Orbon said a judge tion last spring when she granted prosecutors’ re- falsely claimed a Black quest to dismiss the case man threatened her in against Cooper after she Manhattan’s Central completed five therapy Park, her lawyer said. sessions “designed for in- Amy Cooper was ar- trospection and progress.” raigned in New York in Video of the incident, October on a charge of which was viewed more falsely reporting an inci- than 30 million times by dent in the third degree, a the next day, drew out- misdemeanour punish- rage, coming on the heels able by up to one year in of several other widely jail. Prosecutors said she seen incidents of white also falsely accused the people calling police on man of trying to assault Black people without her. cause. After “a thorough & The widely viewed inci- honest inquiry,” the dent occurred on May 25, charge was dismissed, the same day George attorney Robert Barnes Floyd, a Black man, died said on Twitter. on a Minneapolis street “Others rushed to the while his neck was under wrong conclusion based the knee of a white police on inadequate investi- officer, sparking nation- gation & they may yet wide street demonstra- face legal consequences,” tions against racism and Barnes added. police use of excessive The now famous force against Black peo- People lie down on the floor as they take part in a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, on incident erupted when ple. February 16, 2021. Cooper took her dog to New York’s Central Park last May, and a bird- Spain betting on vaccine passports to revive summer tourism watcher, Christian Cooper (no relation) MADRID – Spain hopes “We support the vacci- The government has the official added. 1969. asked her to follow park the introduction of vacci- nation certificate but no plans to introduce Over 2020, as global The industry’s contri- rules and put the dog on nation passports com- not as the only way to quarantines on foreign travel was dramatically bution to gross domestic a leash. bined with pre-travel recuperate mobility, visitors, and was also curtailed by the coron- product tumbled to “I’m going to call the COVID-19 testing will rather as one of the counting on a wider avirus pandemic, foreign between 4% and 5%, cops,” Amy Cooper tells allow British tourists to means within a portfolio agreement to be ham- tourism to Spain – one of according to estimates Christian Cooper on a return to Spanish desti- of measures including mered out between the world’s most visited from Funcas think-tank video. “I’m going to tell nations this summer,a social distancing, pre- Europe and Britain countries – fell 80% to analyst Maria Jesus them there’s an African- tourism ministry source travel tests, mask-wear- to remove restrictions just 19 million visitors, Fernandez, from a 12% American man threaten- told Reuters on Tuesday. ing,” the source said. on non-essential travel, a level not seen since share in 2019. 16 • Wednesday February 17, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Harry and Meghan to be interviewed by Oprah Winfrey THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex are to talk about their decision to step away from the monarchy in a TV inter- view with Oprah Winfrey, to air next month. Oprah With Meghan And Harry: A CBS Primetime Special has been described by the US tel- evision network as an “intimate conversation”. The “wide-ranging” interview will be broadcast on 7 March. The news follows the an- nouncement that the royal cou- ple are expecting their second child. According to CBS, Meghan will Oprah Winfrey’s interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be be interviewed about “stepping broadcast on March 7. (PHOTO: DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/WPA POOL/GETTY IMAGES; STEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGE) into life as a royal, marriage, motherhood” and “how she is household about their plans to be parently been “angling” for the handling life under intense interviewed. Buckingham Palace interview “for some time”. public pressure”. declined to comment. It is also He added that their conversa- She will then be joined by not known which broadcaster, if tion was unlikely to be a “hostile” Prince Harry, and the couple will any, will show the interview in interview like the one between speak about their move to the the UK. the Duke of York and United States last year and their Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis last future plans. ‘Frantic speculation’ year. The decision to speak publicly Jonny Dymond, the BBC’s royal Meanwhile, press reports on comes just over a year after the correspondent, said there would Tuesday suggested the duke couple announced they had de- now be “three weeks of frantic and duchess are set to lose their cided to “step back” from life as speculation” about the contents remaining royal patronages. senior royals and work to become of the interview. It is claimed that Harry will financially independent. They “We wait to see what it will also lose his three honorary mili- carried out their final formal be and what kind of secrets are tary titles – Captain General of royal duties last March. revealed about the past two or the Royal Marines, Honorary Air Winfrey is a personal friend three years,” he told BBC Radio Force Commandant of the Royal of Meghan and attended the 4’s Today programme on Tuesday. Air Force Base Honington, and couple’s wedding in 2018. Dymond described Winfrey as Honorary Commodore-in-Chief It is not known whether Harry “a very close acquaintance” of the of the Royal Naval Commands’ Bridge and Meghan informed the royal royal couple and that she had ap- Small Ships and Diving. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday February 17, 2021 • 17 SPORTSSPORTS International Cricket to return to the Caribbean, as CWI confirm Sri Lanka Tour ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Cricket team tries to qualify their co-operation in honouring West Indies (CWI) yesterday automatically for the 2023 ICC their obligation to tour under the confirmed the all-format Cricket World Cup in India. ICC FTP Agreement.We are also tour between West Indies and The two Test matches will be extremely grateful for the Sri Lanka starting in March, played at the same venue with support we received from the signalling the return of the first match starting on Governments of Antigua & international cricket to the Sunday,March 21 and the second Barbuda, and St. Lucia in Caribbean. The two teams starting March 29, providing the planning this tour. But it is will play three (3) T20Is, three West Indies with another regrettable that we are unable to (3) One-Day Internationals opportunity to win points and include St. Lucia as part of this (ODIs) and two (2) Test climb the ICC World Test home series as we had originally matches in a bio-secure Championship table following hoped to due to the delay in Sri environment in Antigua from the recent fantastic series win in Lanka arriving and the need for Wednesday, March 3 to Bangladesh. the tour to end before the start of Friday, April 2. The last International West the Indian Premier League.” The T20I Series will create Indies Men’s Home Series CWI has been working closely history as the first official featured Ireland in January last with the Ministry of Health and International matches to be year.Since then West Indies men the Ministry of Sport in Antigua played by the West Indies Men’s have made three overseas tours & Barbuda to orchestrate all team at the Coolidge Cricket to England, New Zealand and the logistics and agree the CWI President Ricky Skerritt Ground (CCG) and the first West Bangladesh as part of the ICC’s safety and medical protocols for Indies Men’s T20Is to be played in Future Tours Programme (FTP). the tour. All players, support Bangladesh. A lot of detailed • March 7: 3rd T20I at Antigua since 2013. As reigning As a consequence of the staff and match officials will planning has gone CCG – 6pm ECT/5pm JT ICC T20 World Cup champions, COVID-19 pandemic, both be kept in a bio-secure into the hosting of this tour and • March 10: West Indies will use these teams will stay and play in bio- environment, with we are confident it will be a 1st CG Insurance ODI at SVRS – matches as secure bubbles with all the regular COVID-19 PCR testing success.” 9:30am ECT/ 8:30am JT important preparation for matches being held in Antigua to taking place with assistance from • March 12: the defence of their T20 World accommodate a later arrival date the local Ministry of Health and 2nd CG Insurance ODI at Cup title which is scheduled to by Sri Lanka. Fans will not be CARPHA. Full match Schedule SVRS – 9:30am ECT/8:30am JT be held in India later this year. able to attend matches, but will CWI CEO Johnny Grave, CCG – Coolidge Cricket • March 14: The CG Insurance ODI Series be able to follow on TV,radio and commented:“We are delighted to Ground 3rd CG Insurance ODI at will played at the Sir Vivian through CWI’s digital channels. be able to re-start international SVRS – Sir Vivian Richards SVRS – 1:30pm ECT/12:30pm Richards Cricket Stadium on CWI President Ricky Skerritt cricket in the West Indies, with Stadium JT (day/night) March 10, 12 and 14 – with the stated:“We are pleased to be able the announcement of the tour by ECT – Eastern Caribbean • March 17-18: two-day third being a day/night encounter. to finally confirm this tour.A Sri Lanka. We have a full Time warm-up match at CCG The CG Insurance ODIs form number of COVID-19 related schedule featuring all three JT – Jamaica Time • March 21-25: 1st Test at part of the ICC Super League and logistic hurdles have now been formats, which is sure to attract • March 3: 1st T20I at SVRS – 10am ECT/9am JT these three matches provide the overcome and I want to thank Sri lots of attention from our fans, CCG – 6pm ECT/5pm JT • March 29 to April 2: opportunity for West Indies Lankan Cricket President, especially following on from the • March 5: 2nd T20I at 2nd Test at SVRS – 10am to secure their first points as the Shammi Silva and his team, for terrific Test Series win in CCG – 6pm ECT/ 5pm JT ECT/9am JT Coach Walsh pleased with first women’s training camp in Antigua ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Head to wanting to work harder was qualification tournament, Coach of the West Indies highlighted to me.” scheduled for Sri Lanka later Women’s team, Courtney Walsh, He added: “We did everything this year. says he is extremely pleased with to look at where we are now, Cricket West Indies, Director of the players’ performances during what we need to do and how we Cricket Jimmy Adams also the recent high-performance are going to go about achieving offered his comments to CWI camp in Antigua. things. The players have Media on the camp: The fast-bowling legend added accepted that a lot of work needs “It was good to get our women’s that it served a chance to do to be done… so I’m very happy programme re-started after its assessments of all the for that. We’re hoping to get the suspension due to Covid. The participants and he was happy regional tournament played so programme relies heavily on with the general attitude on and we can further assess how they time spent working at their base off the field. The players had are progressing.” here in Antigua and they got three weeks of intense work During the camp Walsh was much needed work done. It was where they focused on fitness assisted by follow coaches, Corey also Courtney Walsh’s first and their core cricketing skills. Collymore, Robert Samuels, opportunity to meet his squad Walsh said: “I was very happy Ryan Austin, Steve Liburd and and support staff in person after to get the first camp out the way Samantha Lynch. One of the assuming the Head Coach’s role and for me it was a success, in main goals the West Indies in October last year. Hopefully terms of having a chance to see Women’s team is working on is the entire squad will get the the players and being able to preparations for the next ICCC chance, Covid notwithstanding, assess them. The support staff Women’s World Cup, slated for to play their regional One of the main goals the West Indies Women’s team is were all good but the players New Zealand early next year. tournament next month to build working on is preparations for the next ICCC Women’s World themselves, their attitudes were Before that they are due to on the work done here in Cup, slated for New Zealand early next year. very good and the commitment participate in the World Cup Antigua.” 18 • Wednesday February 17, 2021 The Barbados Advocate Australian Open: Serena Williams beats Simona Halep SERENA Williams produced a stunning Set to face performance to beat second seed Simona Naomi Osaka Halep and set up an in semi-final Australian Open semi- final with Naomi The Japanese third Osaka. seed, who won the second The 39-year-old of her three Grand Slam American, bidding for a titles at Melbourne Park record-equalling 24th in 2019, beat the Grand Slam title, won 6-3 Taiwanese 6-2 6-2. 6-3 against the Romanian. Now Osaka will face “I think this is the best 10th seed Williams – a match I’ve played this seven-time champion in tournament,” said Melbourne – tomorrow for Williams, who moved well a place in Saturday’s Serena Williams produced a stunning performance. and hit 24 winners. final. Earlier yesterday, It will be the first That saw Osaka win her “thief” in some of the Osaka cruised past Hsieh meeting between the pair maiden major title after most dramatic Su-wei in just 66 minutes since their infamous 2018 Williams accused umpire scenes at a Grand Slam Hero CPL T20 partners to reach the last four. US Open final. Carlos Ramos of being a final. with Brave Bison to England’s Moeen Ali optimise & grow their to return home, miss YouTube channel Brave Bison are entertaining the existing delighted to announce they audience of 823k third test v India have partnered with subscribers with the sports ENGLAND all-rounder for him. It’s come to a leading cricket content they love most and Moeen Ali is to fly home to point where he feels he organisation, Hero at the same time will be with his family and will needs to get out of the Caribbean Premier League identify opportunities to miss the third test against bubble. I’m sure it wasn’t (CPL). reach new, broader India in Ahmedabad, an easy decision.” audiences. Brave Bison will skipper Joe Root said Fast bowler Jofra THE partnership will see also act as a consultant on yesterday. Archer, who missed the Brave Bison help lead the best practices and creative Moeen took eight second test due to an management of content, and innovative content wickets and scored 49 elbow injury, will return channels, rights, strategies. runs in the second test in for the third match while monetisation and audience Rich Pilcher, Head of Chennai, which India won batsman Jonny Bairstow development for the Sports at Brave Bison, by 317 runs to level the and pacer Mark Wood are organisation across stated:“We’re really excited four-match series 1-1 also back after being YouTube. Hero CPL will to be partnering with CPL earlier in the day. rested for the first two join the already established T20 and to be adding one of The 33-year-old, who tests. community of leading the premier events in had tested positive for Top-order batsman Zak sports organisations that World Cricket to our roster COVID-19 ahead of the Crawley also returns to Brave Bison manages of major global sporting Sri Lanka series last the squad after missing across YouTube, including events. We were really month, felt he had spent the first two matches with Australian Open, US Open impressed by CPL T20’s enough time in a a wrist injury and fast & PGA TOUR. growth in 2020 and can’t biosecure ‘bubble’, Root bowler James Anderson First started in 2013, the wait to scale new heights said. has been included too. England’s Moeen Ali Hero Caribbean Premier with them in 2021!” “Moeen has chosen to go The third test, a day- League (CPL) is a “Hero CPL has seen home. He obviously feels night contest, will be (captain), James Foakes, Dan Lawrence, franchise-based T20 format phenomenal growth across he wants to be with his played at Ahmedabad’s Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, cricket tournament that our digital channels in family and we have to Sardar Patel Stadium Jonny Bairstow, Dominic Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, combines two of the most recent years, delivering respect that,” he added. from Feb. 24. Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, compelling aspects of hundreds of millions of “It’s been a tough tour Squad: Joe Root Burns, Zak Crawley, Ben Mark Wood. Caribbean life – dramatic views and gaining over 6.5 cricket and a vibrant million followers. It is Carnival atmosphere. exciting to take forward our Cricket: India beat England by 317 runs to level series There was a combined YouTube strategy in broadcast and digital conjunction with Brave INDIA thrashed England their second innings with a match haul of eight Skipper Joe Root made viewership of over 500 Bison as it is a very by 317 runs in the second No. 9 batsman Moeen Ali wickets to go with his scin- 33 before falling to Patel million during the 2020 important channel for us. test to level the four- their top scorer with a tillating century in India’s in what effectively season to make it one of the Brave Bison’s expertise match series 1-1 at breezy 43. second innings. marked the end of fastest growing leagues in and portfolio of clients are Chennai’s M A India’s left-arm spinner Moeen smashed five England’s resistance on a world cricket. hugely impressive and we Chidambaram Stadium Axar Patel (5-60) claimed sixes, included three in a turning track. Brave Bison and CPL look forward to starting an yesterday. a five-for in his debut test. row off Patel, in his 27-ball England had been on T20 will work closely exciting journey with Chasing a record victory Spin colleague blitz before he was the last the back foot after being together to grow and them,” said Chris Watson, target of 482, England Ravichandran Ashwin re- man dismissed on the skittled out for 134 in optimise the organisation’s Head of Marketing at Hero were all out for 164 in turned 3-53 to finish with penultimate day. their first innings. YouTube channel by CPL. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday February 17, 2021 • 19

REAL ESTATE Football: Brilliant Mbappe scores three as PSG outclass Barcelona in Champions League BARCELONA – Paris St complete a flowing team denied a third goal of his Germain’s Kylian Mbappe move also involving own by Barca keeper TEL 572-1452 fired in a stunning hat- Marco Verratti and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Cel: 253-6319 828-4800 trick as his side overcame Layvin Kurzawa. he completed his treble in Email: the absence of Neymar to Mbappe, who had not the 85th minute by caribbeanpropertiesltd thrash Barcelona 4-1 scored in the Champions curling the ball past the @gmail.com away in their Champions League knockouts for two German into the top League last-16 first leg years before Tuesday, corner. yesterday (Feb 16) to smashed PSG into the Barca overcame a 4-0 PROPERTIES move within full view of lead in the 65th minute defeat to PSG in a last-16 the last eight. while Moise Kean took first leg in 2017 by Kirtons, St Philip 3 bedroom plus Lionel Messi had advantage of some woeful winning the second leg at 2 bedroom apt blasted Barca ahead with Barca marking to head in home 6-1 but the Catalans Land 4,790 sq ft $685,000 a penalty in the first half a third goal for the visitors now face another but Mbappe pulled the in the 70th. daunting task in turning Amity Lodge, Ch Ch French champions level The insatiable Mbappe this tie around when they 3 bedroom plus REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE with a classy piece of looked hungry for more visit the Parc des Princes 1 bedroom apt control and finishing to though and after being on March 10. Land 6,646 sq ft $650,000 Haggatt Hall, St. Michael Bagatelle, St. Thomas Land 6336 sq ft Land 62000 sq ft into 2 lots Gibbons, Ch Ch $126,000 $520,000 each 3 bedroom plus 2 bedroom apt Cane Garden, St. Thomas Marley Vale, St Philip Sir Curtly hails Land 9,835 sq ft $765,000 Land 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft Land 21,780 sq ft Private entrance. From $275,000 Breezy Hill, St Philip $187,681 3 bedroom, 2 bath Sandford, St Philip The Mount, St. George Land 16,356 sq ft Brathwaite, Cornwall reduced to $298,000 Land 6544 sq ft $305,000 Black Rock, St Michael $110,000 3 bedroom, 1 bath Land 6732 sq ft Shop Hill, St Thomas COMMERCIAL final day heroics $360,000 Land 11,735 sq ft $258,000 Mount Standfast, St James Two properties on ST JOHN’S, Antigua – 17-run victory to complete unbeaten double hundred Enterprise, Christ Church Fast bowling legend Sir a 2-0 series whitewash, in the fourth innings of 3 bedroom, 2 bath Ragged Point, St. Philip 22,714 sq ft Land. Land 5062 sq ft Land 8,267 sq ft Asking $1,200,000 Curtly Ambrose has following their first Test the first Test while $390,000 (reduced) $166,000 singled out interim win in Chattogram. Nkrumah Bonner hit 86 Black Rock, St. Michael captain Kraigg Regarding Cornwall, as West Indies chased Golf Club Road, Rolling Hills, St. George Warehouse/Factory Brathwaite and off- who finished the match down 395 to win on the Christ Church Land 12,000 sq ft 4000 sf space spinner Rahkeem with nine wickets, Sir final day. 3 bedroom, 1 bath $315,000 (negotiable) Land 23,861 sq ft Cornwall for special Curly said he had not Bonner went on to score fixer upper $900,000 (reduced) Ocean City, St. Philip praise, following their been surprised by his 90 and 38 in the second Land 4,000 plus superb contributions on fellow Antiguan’s Test to earn Man-of-the- UNDER OFFER Land 6150 sq ft Foul Bay, St. Philip $123,000 Approved for condos, the final day which performance. Series honours. The Belle, St George Land 39,242 sq ft helped West Indies win “Rahkeem Cornwall “[It was an] exceptional Plantation style House Fortesque, St Philip $1,600,000. the second Test against has been doing well for a performance from the Standing on 4 acres Agricultural Land Bangladesh last Sunday. number of years, whether young players,” said Sir UNDER OFFER 494,500 sq ft Dover, Christ Church Brathwaite drew it’s been Leeward Islands Curtly. $1,100,000 Hotel 18 rooms fully plaudits for his inspired cricket, West Indies or A- “[There were] so many Frere Pilgrim, operational $2,950,000 neg Silver Sands, field settings, rotation of team cricket for that debutants when of course Christ Church bowlers and overall matter, he’s always been not too many people gave 3 bedroom, 2 baths with Christ Church Dalkeith, Christ Church two bedroom apartment. Land 7,129 sq ft Land 17,371 sq ft approved decision-making, which producing with the ball. them a chance of Land 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 $160,000 for shops and offices also saw him snatch three “He’s still, in my competing, let alone $495,000 wickets in an inspired opinion, the best off- winning, and to have won Hanson Heights, St George Bushy Park, St. Philip spell of off-spin. spinner in the Caribbean the series 2-0, I’m very, 3 bedroom, 2 baths Land 24,000 sq ft Roebuck Street, Meanwhile, Man-of- and nine wickets was a very happy for the guys.” Land 8321 sq ft $200,000 Bridgetown the-Match Cornwall tremendous effort and a And after failing to win $595,000 Shopping Mall/Office space Apes Hill, St. James $8,100,000 negotiable grabbed four wickets and few catches as well.” two Tests away from three sharp slip catches, The tour had been home for nearly a decade, Ealing Grove, Land 31,000 sq ft upward Christ Church Large lots at $15 per sq ft Batts Rock, St Michael as the Caribbean side overshadowed by the Sir Curtly said the 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths Guest House, produced a magnificent withdrawal of 10 first success in Bangladesh Land 9320 sq ft Mount Wilton, St. Thomas Land 12,078 sq ft effort to stop Bangladesh choice players across both had special significance. $565,000 Land 15,500 sq ft $2,850,000 negotiable reaching an the one-day and Test “[The victory in the and 22,066 sq ft uncomplicated target 231 formats, leaving selectors second Test] may not have $300,000 and $220,000 Cane Garden, St Thomas in Dhaka. with no choice but to send been as exciting as the LOTS FOR SALE 3.6 acres approved Union, St. Philip Roadfront land “I thought the captaincy an inexperienced unit. first one because chasing was good. Kraigg But while West Indies 395 on a fifth day wicket Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Land 7560 sq ft $1,650,000 negotiable Land 14,876 sq ft. $150,000 Brathwaite he was were soundly thrashed in is always a big challenge,” $110,000 Fitts Village, St James innovative, rotated his the three-match one-day he pointed out. Cottage, St George Guest House, 4 Suites bowlers quite fell and he series after trotting out 10 “But nevertheless, the Bushy Park, St. Philip Land 5000 sq ft Land 6,135 sq ft followed his gut feeling debutants, the Test side importance about the Land 17,000 sq ft $110,000 $850,000 negotiable from time to time and played outstandingly to second Test is that we $10 sq ft Morningside, St Philip Mason Hill Street The City generally as a West win the first Test by three won it and we won the Indian I am happy for the wickets before following series 2-0, which is Inchcape, St. Philip Land 4567 sq ft 26,500 sq ft with buildings Land 4355 sq ft $133,000 $4,500,000 negotiable guys,” Sir Curtly said here up with another shock important. $ 96,000 during the ongoing win in the second Test. “It has been years we Jupiter Gardens, St Philip All enquiries to Super50 Cup where is a Two of the three haven’t done that in that Belle, St. George Land 7312 sq ft (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 member of the television debutants in the Test side part of the world so I’m Land 4 acres $133,000 (246) 572 1452 commentary team. featured prominently in happy for the guys … and $400,000 or In the end, West Indies the series. Kyle Mayers can’t wait to see them (246) 247 4469 pulled off a nerve-jangling struck an historic next series.” 20 • Wednesday February 17, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline February 16, 2021

There was no activity today on the Regular Market. Fixed Income Market GOB SERIES B 14,422.31

Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $20.20 $20.21 $0.01 SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Tuesday February 16, 2021

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

ABV Investments Incorporated 15-Oct-20 - - - $0.05 $0.05 - $0.02 $0.30 8,080 10,498

BICO Limited 21-Sep-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 70 - INDICES Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES February 16, 2021 February 15, 2021 Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - Local 2,445.97 2,445.96 0.01 Barbados Farms Limited 22-Jan-21 - - - $0.40 $0.40 - $0.35 $0.40 1,000 6,561 Cross-list 933.43 933.43 - Composite 596.00 596.00 - Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 28-Jan-21 - - - $4.10 $4.10 - - $4.10 - 1,100 MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) FirstCaribbean International Bank 05-Feb-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 - $1.80 $2.00 239 707 TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES February 16, 2021 February 15, 2021 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 05-Feb-21 - - - $0.16 $0.16 - - $0.16 - 10,146 Local 4,916.34 4,916.32 0.02 - Dev Fund Cross-list 119.19 119.19 - Composite 5,035.53 5,035.51 0.02 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 18-Dec-20 - - - $0.57 $0.57 - $0.55 $0.57 1,600 7,427 MUTUAL FUND -Value Fund February 16, 2021 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV Goddard Enterprises Limited 11-Feb-21 - - - $2.16 $2.16 - $2.15 $2.20 5,975 5,880 CHANGE 12-Feb-21 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.1972 -0.0056 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 22-Jan-21 - - - $2.00 $2.00 - $1.78 $2.00 78 9,700 12-Feb-21 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2679 0.0001 12-Feb-21 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6726 -0.0004 One Caribbean Media Limited 27-Jan-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 - - $1.80 - 375 12-Feb-21 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.6328 6.6328 6.6328 0.0857 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 12-Feb-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.1045 0.0035 12-Feb-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0244 0.0017 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - - - $2.80 $2.80 - - - - - 31-Jan-21 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.5698 5.5698 5.4584 -0.0020 31-Jan-21 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 1.0241 1.0241 1.0036 0.0000 West India Biscuit Company Limited 05-Feb-21 - - - $31.55 $31.55 - $31.25 $31.40 100 500 31-Jan-21 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6429 1.6429 1.6100 -0.0006 12-Feb-21 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.78 0.03 Emera Deposit Receipt 14-Aug-20 - - - $20.20 $20.21 $0.01 $30.00 - 50 - 12-Feb-21 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.70 0.03 12-Feb-21 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.99 0.00 - TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS * = Security is Trading X-Div ENTRY COSTS. m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly *+* = Security is Suspended Fixed Income ** = Rights Issued Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask Date Close Close Price Price Size Size GOB Series B 16-Feb-21 $60.00 $60.00 $60.00 $80.00 35,378 34,828 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 NOTICES GOB Series F 03-Nov-20 $89.00 $89.00 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 $70.00 19,617

FirstCaribbean International Bank – Directors have fixed February 1st, 2021 as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on March 12th, 2021. NEWS

DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS JetBlue pilots reject tentative

Cave Shepherd and Company Limited – Directors have declared a final dividend of five ($0.05) cents per share to be paid on February 19th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on February 5th, 2021. agreement for AA partnership JETBLUE Airways Corp. pi- JetBlue did not immedi- Emera Deposit Receipt - Directors have declared a cash dividend of sixty-three point seven five (CDN $0.6375) cents per common share to be paid on February 16th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on February 2nd, 2021. Registered holders of lots have rejected a tentative ately comment. depositary receipts ("Depositary Receipts") issued pursuant to Section 4.1 of the Amended and Restated Deposit Agreement dated agreement that would have The tentative agreement February 2nd, 2016 among Emera, the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. and registered and beneficial holders of depositary given the airline contractual gave some relief from restric- receipts from time to time, are entitled to receive, in proportion to the number of Depositary Receipts held by them, respectively, a relief to implement its tions in 2018 collective bar- distribution in the amount of any cash received by the Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. (net of any applicable withholding taxes) in connection with the Dividend (the "Distribution"). planned partnership with gaining on the types of tie- American Airlines Group ups JetBlue could undertake BSE NOTICES Inc., their union said in a in exchange for an additional statement on Tuesday. pay raise and some enhance- COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE New York-based budget ment in job security, the Kindly note that effective February 3rd, 2021, the offices of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central carrier JetBlue and inter- union said. Securities Depository Inc. (BCSDI) will be closed in accordance with the National Pause – February 3rd, 2021 to February 17th, 2021 national major American American Airlines’ man- – announced by the Government of Barbados. Airlines announced plans agement has told its pilots for a strategic tie-up in July the deal would comply with Kindly note, however, that while our physical offices will be closed, all trading, clearing and settlement operations will remain fully operational as staff will all be working remotely during this period. While our offices are closed, we remain easily accessible via email. to give them more muscle their clauses on scope, or the For Stock Exchange related queries, kindly email us at [email protected] and for Shareholder related queries contact us at in the US Northeast as the amount of flying that can be [email protected]. industry plots its recovery done by other carriers, but from the coronavirus pan- the union is concerned about We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding and trust that all and sundry remain safe during this time. demic. the impact it would have on TRADING SUSPENSION For any agreement to jobs for domestic flights, a proceed, the Air Line Pilots union spokesman said. The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section Association (ALPA) repre- “We’ve never seen a code 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. senting JetBlue pilots said share at American that management must provide has led to more mainline The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section assurances over job safety. jobs,” said Dennis Tajer, 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited “Job security, especially spokesman for the Allied were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. during turbulent points Pilots Association represent- The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by in our industry, is a main ing American’s pilots. way of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor concern of every pilot,” Chris American has said the Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation Kenney, chairman of the deal will help boost its inter- Limited. JetBlue unit of ALPA, said. national flying operations. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday February 17, 2021 • 21

NBA roundup: Jazz topple 76ers for eighth straight win JORDAN Clarkson helped Kyrie Irving established season 3-pointers en route to his game- the Utah Jazz overcome big bests of 40 points and nine 3- high point total. nights by Ben Simmons and pointers and Brooklyn set a It was his 10th straight game Tobias Harris while leading franchise record with 27 treys en with at least 27 points on 50 the NBA’s hottest team to a route to a victory over host percent or better shooting as he 134-123 win over the Sacramento. became the first guard since Philadelphia 76ers in Salt James Harden made six 3- Michael Jordan (1995-96) with at Lake City on Monday night. pointers while recording 29 least 25 points and 50 percent Clarkson came off the bench to points, 14 assists and 13 shooting in 10 straight games. score a team-high 40 points, two rebounds as Brooklyn prevailed Chicago Bulls 120 -- Indiana shy of his career-high and the despite the absence of Kevin Pacers 112 most with the Jazz, to lift Utah to Durant (hamstring). The Nets, Zach LaVine continued to be its eighth straight win and the who attempted 47 treys, shot 57.4 prolific and clutch as he scored a 19th victory in 20 games in a percent from behind the arc and game-high 30 points to lead matchup of the teams with the 57.3 percent overall. Chicago to an overtime victory best records in the West and East. Hassan Whiteside over Indiana in Indianapolis. Playing without Joel Embiid, accumulated season bests of 26 LaVine scored 12 of the Bulls’ a late scratch because of back points and 16 rebounds for the final 15 in regulation and both tightness, the Sixers managed to Kings, who lost their fourth Garrett Temple and Coby White make a competitive contest consecutive contest. Cory Joseph scored clutch buckets in the extra thanks to a near-triple-double added a season-best 22 points period to help Chicago secure its effort by Simmons (42 points, 12 and Buddy Hield made six 3- first road win over the Pacers assists, nine rebounds) along with pointers while scoring 21 points. since March 29, 2016. Feb 15, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard 36 points and 10 rebounds from Golden State Warriors 129 -- LaVine recorded his 12th 30- Jordan Clarkson (00) shoots behind the three-point line Harris. Cleveland Cavaliers 98 point game of the season and Philadelphia 76ers guard Seth Curry (31) in the fourth quar- Harris scored five points in a Stephen Curry had 36 points in eclipsed the 20-point mark for the ter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. row late in the fourth to cut the 30 minutes and Draymond Green 13th consecutive game. Jazz lead, once as big as 16 points, tied his career-high with 16 Washington Wizards 131 -- the field and Davis Bertans sank that sent Wall to Houston, down to 113-109. But Donovan assists, lifting Golden State to a Houston Rockets 119 five 3-pointers to highlight his 18- recorded a triple-double while Mitchell made a driving score and victory over Cleveland in San Bradley Beal scored 37 points point performance for the playing in both games of a back- then Clarkson hit three free Francisco. as Washington spoiled John Wizards, who posted consecutive to-back set for the first time this throws and drained a 3-pointer In a matchup of the NBA Wall’s return to the nation’s wins for just the second time this season. Westbrook had 16 points during an 8-2 run for Utah. finalists for four years in a row capital with a victory over season. – albeit on 8 of 22 shooting from Brooklyn Nets 136 -- from 2015-18, Curry shot 13-for- Houston. Russell Westbrook, who was the floor -- to go along with 15 Sacramento Kings 125 19 from the field and 7-for-11 on Beal made 14 of 24 shots from acquired in the December deal assists and 13 rebounds. 22 • Wednesday February 17, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Novak Djokovic beats Alexander Zverev and meets Aslan Karatsev next

DEFENDING champion The 33-year-old world Novak Djokovic showed number one looked far from yet more mental and comfortable against Zverev, physical resilience to a result of the German’s big beat German sixth seed serving and probing Alexander Zverev and groundstrokes as much as reach the Australian the abdominal injury which Open semi-finals. has bothered him The top seed fought back throughout the to win 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 6-4 7-6 tournament. (8-6) in Melbourne. “Down to the very last The Serb will face shot, it was anybody’s Russian qualifier Aslan match,” said Djokovic, who Karatsev, who beat an could only manage a wry injured Grigor Dimitrov,on smile after taking his Eight-time champion Novak Djokovic stretched his recent dominance at the Australian Open to a 19th con- Thursday. second match point with an secutive match win. Karatsev, ranked 114th ace. in the world, is the first “Emotionally I feel a little between the pair as they tetchiness he showed after Three times he ploughed of producing double faults man in the Open era to bit drained, it was a real split a scrappy opening two allowing the momentum to his racquet into the blue at crucial times. reach the last four on his battle. We pushed each sets, with the fluctuations shift back to Zverev in the court, leaving shards of his Another ferocious roar Grand Slam debut. other to the limit.” continuing as the level third set. frame needing to be swept from Djokovic signified the Few will fancy Karatsev Whether Djokovic would increased in the third and Shortly after sitting at up by a ball girl before play importance of edging – who has largely plied his progress to the last four fourth. the back of the court while could resume. ahead. trade on the second-tier hung in the balance for Afterwards, Djokovic Zverev changed racquets, Releasing his frustration That left Zverev with an ATP Challenger Tour – to most of an enthralling said he was still troubled illustrating his paid dividends. Djokovic uphill task if he was going continue his dream run by match against 23-year-old by the abdominal injury exasperation at the delay, won the next four games to to earn his first victory over beating eight-time Zverev. and that perhaps Djokovic erupted as he turn the set in his favour, a top-ten opponent at a champion Djokovic. Momentum swung contributed to the went 4-1 behind. helped by Zverev’s old habit Grand Slam. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday February 17, 2021 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES: Someone you meet could teach you a great deal N about a foreign culture; keep your eyes and ears open. This D lesson could come in handy sooner than you think. Developing your diplomatic skills helps you to see how your own C behaviour can be misinterpreted. It just goes to show that you O should think twice before judging your others. N S TAURUS: Long distance travel could be in the works for you, possibly related to family or job responsibilities. Shop around for rates before purchasing tickets. You could find a fabulous discount at the last minute. In the meantime, keep an open mind toward an older person who has made some dramatic changes. You may share their opinions in a few years.

GEMINI: Don’t stick your nose into somebody else’s Z business, even if you’re convinced they’re making a terrible I mistake. Otherwise you’ll wind up doing irreparable damage T to a friendship. Besides, you can’t afford to complicate your S own life right now. You have too many good things going for you right now, particularly with regard to your social life.

CANCER: Little white lies have a way of catching up with you, so it’s best to be scrupulously honest with your partner. The best way to correct past mistakes is to change your behaviour. Falling back into your old bad habits won’t only harm your relationship, it will hurt your self-image. Think about the consequences of your actions. R E LEO: Working with a group of friends or like minded folks X toward a common goal is very inspiring, especially if you have a dim view of the world. Just remember for every tragedy are M ten acts of kindness that go unrecognised. You’ll start O recognising those points of light when you get involved with R volunteer work yourself. Its all a matter of perspective. G A VIRGO: Your ability to give and receive love is your secret N weapon against rivals; stay true to your values. Whether you realise it or not, people are jealous of your ability to cultivate rewarding relationships. The next time you encounter hostile behaviour, realise it’s because you possess something they lack. Return their contempt with pity.

LIBRA: Enjoy life’s simpler pleasures, so push work far out of sight. A youngster is anxious to play with you. Spending P time together causes you to remember a long forgotten dream. H Its not too late to realise this goal, especially if you’re able to A keep cynicism at bay. You may be tempted to give a home to N pet, make sure you can afford it or have the time to care for T it. O SCORPIO: You’ll finally get a chance to relax and let your M hair down; arrange to go out with a boisterous group of friends or partake in your favourite pastime. You have a tendency to get too wrapped up in your own problems. Make a commitment to direct your energies outward. Otherwise, you will become so self involved that you could become paralysed by fear. M SAGITTARIUS: Your sex appeal is far-reaching and A attractive right now; if you’re looking for amour, dp the rounds R today. If you’re already in a relationship, try something to cater Y to your sensual side. When you treat yourself like an attractive, desirable person, others will respond to you in kind. Admit it: W you love it when the spotlight is on you! O CAPRICORN: Your future security is of primary importance R now; stop squandering valuable resources on whimsical T purchases. If you’re unsure how to make the most of your H money, meet with a financial consultant. You may be surprised at how a few simple adjustments can radically increase your income. Look after yourself; nobody can do a better job.

AQUARIUS: Fulfilling a social commitment could put a M real crimp in your schedule; keep this visit as brief as possible. O If you don’t understand a set of instructions, speak up now, or T you may do serious damage to a valuable piece of equipment. H There’s a good chance that your instructor isn’t as E knowledgeable as they pretend. Check your information. R G PISCES: Take care of personal correspondence while you O have a few free moments; otherwise, you will soon be O overwhelmed. Its especially important to stay in contact with S people who can advance your career. You never know when E a plum position will open up. Trust your instincts with regard to a relative who has taken advantage of you in the past. International Cricket

to return to the Caribbean, as CWI confirm Sri Lanka Tour – Page 17 Wednesday February 17, 2021 CMPI STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH HAITI GENERAL Secretary this, that the Co-ordinator Haitian brothers and for the Haitian people for the Caribbean General of the Central sisters. We support the because Haiti is the first Movement of Peace National of Haitian struggles of the Haitian free country in the and Integration, David Workers (CNOHA), people and we feel it is Americas and Haiti Denny says that Dominique St. Eloi shared time for the Haitian created the conditions for General Secretary for the Caribbean Movement of organisation stands in the negatives citizens are people to demand that all of us in the Americas to Peace and Integration, David Denny addressing solidarity with the presently experiencing in they are allowed to gain our independence. Monday’s virtual ‘Solidarity Meeting and Press people of Haiti against sections of Haiti. practice democracy in Haiti was responsible for Conference in solidarity with the people of Haiti’. the oppressions being In response, Denny Haiti.” our emancipation even the faced. stated, “We in the He added, “I think it is emancipation for the America that is why we kind of contact between He voiced this support Caribbean Movement for time that the Haitian Americans against the must stand in solidarity our brothers from Haiti, on Monday during a Peace and Integration are people say no to the British. Haiti assisted with Haiti today.” so that the English virtual ‘Solidarity Meeting very concerned about the United States of America persons like Simón He told those present, speaking Caribbean can and Press Conference in situation in Haiti and we and France and that you Bolívar in Latin America “For us your struggle is understand what is solidarity with the people are prepared to stand in force these countries to for the freedom of the our struggle, but I want to happening in Haiti. This of Haiti’. It was during solidarity with our recognise Haiti as a nation persons within Latin be able to maintain that is very important for us.” Planting food crops must become a priority THE planting of food better navigate the irrigation. Research we have this misguided crops should be prioritised present COVID-19 reveals that 20 aloe plants notion that God is a in Barbados, in an effort pandemic. can convert the same Bajan, we are not exempt to cut down on the “Instead of planting a amount of CO2 into from catastrophic events, country’s food import bill mind-altering plant that oxygen as a tree. Aloe diseases or plagues that and great focus can be may have I am told, some plants I am told cleanse have happened in the past placed as well on planting medicinal properties, the earth of tons of CO2. I that decimated and the aloe vera plant, to wouldn’t it be more understand that caused the demise of export. prudent, sensible and Barbados has the right people from reoccurring. The advice has come financially rewarding to climate, and soil to The COVID-19 pandemic from Pastor Courtney plant aloe vera crops potentially produce some is a new one. We need to Selman, founder and instead; a crop that has of the best quality aloe be proactive, like the leader of Prayer Warriors tremendous healing vera. I did not conduct a (Biblical character), the International. properties, and is used in scientific study, but I am man of God, Joseph, and “Our food import bill is many countries across the almost sure most people prepare our country, so at an astronomical eight world?” he added, will opt more for planting that we are able to be self- hundred million a year. suggesting that aloe vera food first, for our own reliant in the future, when Way too high.To this man should be the plant of consumption and aloe we are faced with more of God, it would make choice for planting over vera for export purposes calamities or catastrophic more sense to me to make marijuana. and to earn foreign events.” the planting of various Selman said, “Aloe vera currency.” “I read where people not food crops our first is used in hair products, He meanwhile stated, long ago in Haiti were so priority, to feed our people drinks, for burns and in “This man of God was desperate and depraved and thus, exponentially many other natural given a divine stimulus by such bad conditions, reducing that eight products. Other benefits agricultural and that they made cakes hundred million import of aloe vera is that after husbandry plan, that I from the dirt of the earth food bill, that is like an harvesting, the rinds of strongly believe will to eat. This is no fake albatross around our the aloe vera leaves are transform Barbados’ news, research it for financial necks,” Selman tilled back into the Economy. I shall be yourself. Let us make sure remarked recently, as he ground, to fertilize the releasing it very soon.” that nothing like this ever Pastor Courtney Selman, founder and leader of shared suggestions for soil. It does not need a He added, “Ladies and happens in our country,” Prayer Warriors International. how Barbadians can great deal of attention or gentlemen, even though Selman cautioned. (RSM)

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