Established October 1895 Help coming

for those studying nursing PAGE 3

Saturday March 20, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive UNCTAD 15 to occur online GOING VIRTUAL in October THE United Nations Conference on that it will be online not only allows for Trade and Development (UNCTAD) different demographics to be reached, 15 to be hosted by Barbados later but “we recognise that we can get into this year will be done virtually. more homes, and more offices and more Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and boardrooms than we could if people were UNCTAD’s Acting Secretary-General, simply coming here”. Isabelle Durant, announced this Mottley also used the occasion to make yesterday as they provided an update the point that “if ever there was a time about the conference. that the developing world needs clarity, UNCTAD 15, which was rescheduled certainty, to be seen, to be heard last year from its previously announced especially after what it has gone through dates, is to be held from October 3 to 8, with this pandemic and continues 2021, with pre-conference events set to to go through with the inequitable occur from October 1. distribution of vaccines, it is now and Mottley stated the decision to go the therefore, we believe that meeting route of having the conference online virtually in October will allow us to meet was based on multiple factors. These the needs of the developing world while included “the intensifying global spread at the same time allow us to protect of COVID-19, the appallingly inequitable those persons who need to be protected distribution of vaccines globally, the until the world can pass the worst of uncertainties of international travel and this pandemic. It is regrettable that of likely participation numbers, and the we don’t appreciate that until there is reality of protecting our own population safety everywhere, there is truly safety here” in Barbados. nowhere”. She said the island looks forward to hosting a virtual UNCTAD 15. The fact UNCTAD 15 on Page 4 Barbados’ Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley. Minister Bostic: Cabinet reviewing costing study THE matter of healthcare financing has to do with education, so it is not just is still commanding the attention of the health,” Atherley said. Mia Amor Mottley Administration, with He continued, “This Government Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. right now is constructing a survivalist Jeffrey Bostic, revealing that a recently platform, rather than a growth platform, conducted study is currently being and in the absence of the growth platform, reviewed by the Cabinet. and constrained as we are in terms of Bostic’s comments came as he using the historical models of revenues responded to a question posed by to support these services, then the Opposition Leader, Bishop Joseph Government ... should be in a position to Atherley, in the House of Assembly tell us how it plans to finance these yesterday morning, as the Ministry of things.” Health and Wellness’ $252 million budget In response to the Opposition Leader, came up for discussion during the Minister Bostic said Government has Estimates Debate. started the first step towards addressing Atherley told the Lower House that not healthcare financing, in the form of a only is the current model not sustainable, costing study which was performed but it will not take us where we need during the current financial year. He to go. His comments came as he said indicated that this study was conducted that the various challenges facing the by the Health Economics Unit of healthcare system, including rising The University of the West Indies, St. non-communicable diseases, equipment Augustine Campus. deficiencies, ageing plants, all help to “We would have employed a healthcare create the “perfect storm”. Adamant that commissioner to assist in this process. a solution must be found, he queried Those reports are in, those studies are whether it was time to contemplate the in, [and] we’ve had some discussions, introduction of some form of national preliminary discussions at Cabinet. The health insurance to deal with healthcare studies have been very, very informative financing. to be honest with you, when we were able “The current model is not properly to compare the cost of the provision addressing the immediate problems of services, for example, at QEH with in the health sector and the health of comparable services in the private sector. Barbados that we now face and is not We were able to see, even within the likely to be viable in the face of new Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic. challenges, which will come. The same COSTING STUDY on Page 3 2 • Saturday March 20, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Health Ministry experiencing difficulty in providing dental services THE Ministry of point none are actually Thompson Health and Health and Wellness working, Griffith said. Social Services Complex has been finding it “The issue of providing with respect to dental difficult to provide comprehensive dental services and the equip- comprehensive dental services for all ment that is there and services for Barbadians remains dif- what we will do, we will Barbadians, given that ficult for the Ministry of undertake again to re- most dentists seem to Health. What we have view and see how we can favour private prac- tried to do is to maintain provide a service. I won’t tice. a national service. We be able to guarantee a Chief Medical Officer have consolidated our daily service, but cer- of Health, Dr. Kenneth dental teams and our tainly a service that will George, spoke to the issue, dental programmes to be helpful to the people as Member of Parliament specific polyclinics, based of St. John.” for St. John, Charles on a reflection that our With reference to Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Kenneth George. Griffith, raised questions human resources are not a question posed by in relation to the services optimal at this time,” Dr. Chairman of Committees George revealed that ness to work in the gov- to the private sector. being offered to residents George said in response. and Member of this approach is being ernment sector. Please However, there have been of St. John, via the poly- He however stated, “We Parliament for St. Philip explored. note that dentistry in a few that have indicated clinic there. Two spaces will endeavour to review North, Dr. Sonia Browne, “So these matters are Barbados is very private their willingness to work have been allocated for our systems. We are as to whether some pri- being explored. There are sector driven. We only with us, and I’m sure that the dental department at aware that there is hard- vate dentists can provide a few dentists that have have about three to four we can have a service in the polyclinic, but at this ware there at the David pro bono services, Dr. indicated their willing- per cent of dentists within short order for the people the entire Barbados serv- of St. John,” the Chief ice, in the public sector. Medical Officer com- Vaccine ruled as ‘safe and effective’ They seem to be drawn mented. (RSM) THERE has been a lot of safe and effective and have the vaccine, based on the been quite strong in its re- speculation on the safety been licensed in 2020 and precautionary principle es- sponse because of the co- Vaccinating older of the Oxford-AstraZeneca 2021. pecially, because the real herence of the leadership, COVID-19 vaccine since He explained that vac- world impact of the vac- particularly CARICOM the release of a European cines have always been cine was more successful. and its organs like the adults essential, article that stated the sus- between benefit and risk “Today the European Committee on Human and pension of the rollout of and highlighted that a Medicines Agency ruled Social Development on the programme. However, few weeks ago, Denmark that the AstraZeneca Health and Education and says WHO official recently, the vaccine has suspended the use of the COVID-19 vaccine is safe also the technical agencies. been ruled as safe and ef- AstraZeneca vaccine be- and effective. And they They have been doing a By Cara L. Jean- who are of highest risk of fective. cause of concerns that it ruled in all languages wonderful job,” he said. Baptiste getting COVID and if Speaking during The caused blood clots in per- across Europe,” he said. “They are all working they get infected when UWI and the Lions Club sons who the vaccine was Landis went on to together seamlessly. And THE vaccinations of they are pre-sympto- webinar ‘The Scoop on administered to; and then report on the state of the our hypothesis is that the older adults should be matic or have mild COVID-19’, Professor the majority of European Caribbean and believed reason we have done well paramount. symptoms, they may un- Clive Landis, Chair of The countries followed with that the region was doing is that our responses This is the view of knowingly pass it on to University of the West this suspension of the vac- relatively well, despite the are mapping onto the Peter Figueroa, member their patients who are Indies COVID-19 Task cine. fact that some islands WHO Health Systems of the WHO working not infected. So it is re- Force, highlighted that He noted that as a scien- were suffering from out- Framework, so all the group on COVID-19 vac- ally important to get the COVID-19 Oxford- tist, he could not under- breaks. components seem to be cines. During The UWI them vaccinated as soon AstraZeneca vaccine was stand the suspension of “The Caribbean has there.” (CLJB) and the Lions Club as possible,” he said. webinar ‘The Scoop on “The other rationale COVID-19’, Figueroa that is clear is the need reported that the case to vaccinate older adults fatality rate of COVID- because when you look Review of Governance Report under way 19 increased with age at the case fatality rate and by the time a person and the infection fatal- THE UWI Regional Justice, the Commission review said recommenda- Chancellor’s Commis- reached the age of 80, it ity rate, it increases Headquarters – The – comprised of an inde- tions and to put forward sions convened by former was estimated that one steeply by age.” University of the West pendent and diverse to Council those for adop- Chancellors, Sir Shridath in four persons may die He noted that the dis- Indies (The UWI) has group – engaged with tion and subsequent Ramphal, and Sir George from the disease and cussions were usually noted the public expres- internal and external implementation. That Alleyne, that reported in when they reached the centred around persons sions on the Report of the stakeholders in the dis- Review Committee com- 1996 and 2006, respec- age of 70 that one in six with comorbidities, but Chancellor’s Commission charge of its mandate. prising members of tively. Like its preceding persons died from the stressed that comorbidi- on Governance, which The resultant report Council has since been reports, it is anticipated disease. ties also increased with have been widely venti- from the Commission constituted, and will pres- that the adopted recom- “We know the meas- age. lated particularly in the completed in July 2020, ent its evaluations for- mendations of the 2020 ures that we have to It is against this back- regional media through contains several recom- mally at the next sitting Commission on take to avoid the spread drop that Figueroa is of various editorials and mendations. of the University Council, Governance will help of COVID-19 and we re- the firm view that per- articles. At a special meeting carded for April 30, 2021. to improve the overall ally have to encourage sons who are healthcare In December 2018, convened on January 20, As the highest office- efficiency of the univer- each other to stick to workers and other es- Chancellor of The UWI, 2021, the University holder in The UWI, the sity. these non-pharmaceuti- sential frontline workers Robert Bermudez, estab- Council considered the Chancellor has tradition- The UWI remains com- cal measures. And when should be vaccinated lished the Commission on recommendations of ally been responsible for mitted to the process of it comes to the use of the first. However, the next Governance to review the The UWI Chancellor’s establishing this high detailed dialogue, engage- vaccines, there is a clear group of persons to be University’s operations. Commission on level Commission, con- ment and institutional rationale and justifica- vaccinated should be the Chaired by Sir Dennis Governance. The Council ventionally instituted strengthening to better tion for vaccinating the older adults first and Byron, former President agreed to the establish- in 10-year cycles. There fulfil its mandate to the healthcare workers. then come down to the of the Caribbean Court of ment of a Committee to have been two previous Region. These are the persons younger adults. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 20, 2021 • 3

Nursing shortage being addressed SIGNIFICANT headway has been believe have been contributing to the been able to rationalise the offerings at that a period of service to this country made in respect of the nursing shortage and have to a large extent been the Barbados Community College with must be necessary before persons could shortage in this country, and plans able to rectify them. He further stated what is required by the nurses to pass think of going off,” he stated. are on stream to start a new pro- that the goal is to continue work on this the regional exam, and after a series of Meanwhile, turning his attention to gramme to develop a cadre of nurse issue in the coming financial year. meetings involving all stakeholders, we training, the minister revealed that practitioners. The health minister’s comments came were able to provide a programme to steps are being taken to create specialty That’s according to Minister of Health as he said the major reason for the rectify this and obviously,we are seeing nurses in this country, in keeping with and Wellness, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic, shortage over the years had been the re- the results of our efforts,” he stated. the Government’s 2018 manifesto who said his ministry is cognisant of gional nursing exam. Minister Bostic pledge. He indicated that they the need to have the requisite human explained that the percentage of passes Specialty nurses to be created have signed a Memorandum of resources to provide optimum health- among the graduates from the Bostic’s remarks came as he disclosed Understanding with Chamberlain care in this country. He made the point Barbados Community College (BCC) that Government intends in the next University, which is an affiliate of while noting that to assist with that, taking the exam was not at the level it financial year to again give nursing stu- Adtalem Global Education and Ross they recruited 95 registered nurses needed to be. But, he said since 2019, dents a stipend, noting that this would University School of Medicine, and the from Ghana who have been working at the number of persons passing that assist them in completing their stud- BCC where the training will be facili- the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) exam has been on the increase. He ies. The health and wellness minister tated. Under that MOU, he said, the and other facilities that fall under the indicated that in April 2019 when con- went on to say that for these students, first cohort will commence the two-and- Ministry of Health and Wellness. crete action was taken to address the the Government will also be introducing a-half-year programme in the upcoming Bostic’s remarks were made in the problem, the pass rate was 55 per cent. a bond of service to this country. financial year. He indicated that the House of Assembly yesterday morning It increased to 62 per cent in October “...Not that we don’t want persons to first cohort will be 10 nurses drawn when the budget for his ministry, $252 2019; 73 per cent in July 2020 and 75 be able to go abroad, because that is in from across the healthcare system – million, came up for discussion during per cent in November 2020. With that keeping with the Government’s quest four from the primary healthcare sector; the fourth day of the debate on the pass rate increasing, he stated, it is for us to be able to produce global citi- two from the QEH; one from the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure. helping to build out the complement of zens with Barbadian roots, but at the Psychiatric Hospital; one from the He told fellow Members of Parliament nurses required. same time, since persons are benefit- St. Philip District Hospital and two that they have identified the areas they “That has happened because we’ve ing from the public purse, we believe from the Geriatric Hospital. (JRT) Help coming for those studying nursing Projects GOVERNMENT will soon be reintro- ducing a stipend to be offered to persons reducing need pursuing studies to become nurses and this may also aid those seeking to get into the geriatric system. for curative Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Janet Phillips, made mention of the matter during yes- interventions terday’s Estimates debate, as Minister COSTING STUDY from Page 1 of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs, Cynthia Forde, queried what polyclinics, where we could make some assistance is being given to those who changes that are necessary in relation wish to study nursing or get into the to where the polyclinics that offer geriatric system to assist the elderly. certain services in a greater catchment “I first want to remind you what area, and are doing more in that regard Minister (Jeffrey Bostic) spoke about than other polyclinics, so we can earlier, the intention of the Ministry of rationalise services in polyclinics as Health and Wellness to reintroduce the well,” he stated. payment of stipend to nurses who will Asked also by Bishop Atherley about be pursuing studies at the Barbados curative primary healthcare, Minister Community College. I know when I was Bostic said that his ministry, in collab- growing up for sure that the nurses oration with the Queen Elizabeth would get the stipend and it helped Hospital, have embarked on projects to them in a lot of ways, because a lot of reduce the need for curative interven- them found that going into the nursing tions and also reduce the costs of serv- services was a way for them to pull ices. One such initiative, he said, is the themselves up by the bootstraps,” she 24-hour service at the Winston Scott noted. Polyclinic, to give persons an alternative “So that will be introduced shortly. to the Accident and Emergency So that those who go to Community Department and private facilities, when College and cannot work because in need of emergency care. (JRT) they’re there full time will be able to get some assistance for bus fare, lunch money,if it’s books that you need to buy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Janet Phillips. – an avenue will be there for them,” Registration Phillips added. Minister Forde’s call for more attention you that the ones who helped to build “I just also want to indicate that to be paid to the area of gerontology,for the society, now that they are elder persons who attend the BCC (Barbados the benefit of the elderly. ages, should be able to get the level of begins at Good Community College) or the SJPI “Only this year when we were speak- care that is required,” Phillips said. (Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute ing to the principal nursing officers in “So there are plans, Madam Minister, Shepherd Primary of Technology) and they study for the respect of providing relevant training to ensure that those persons who want nursing auxiliary, they can use it as a for nurses, the area of gerontology was to come into the system would be able REGISTRATION is ongoing for admis- stepping stone to get into the nursing flagged up as one of the areas where the to come in, because the incentive would sion to the Good Shepherd Primary care system, because those persons can training is not being provided to the ex- be the stipend to persons who already School for the 2021-2022 school year. be recruited as trainee nursing assis- tent that is required. And so, we’ll be have qualifications in nursing auxiliary Persons interested in enrolling their tants in the geriatric system. That is working with the BCC to ensure that and we are currently recruiting them in children are advised to email the school where we find most of them and they they have a cadre of nurses who can be the geriatric system to provide the level at [email protected] no are encouraged after that to pursue trained in gerontology and I’ve indi- of care that is required and three, em- later than Friday, April 30. further studies at BCC and we make cated to all of my heads of sections, es- phasis will be placed on granting train- To attend the institution, children allowances for that,” the Permanent pecially the ones who deal with nursing ing for those who want to pursue stud- must be three years old by August 31, Secretary also indicated. facilities, that this will be a priority for ies in gerontology,” Phillips assured. 2021. She meanwhile acknowledged the Ministry, because I do agree with (RSM) 4• Saturday March 20, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Scouting continues despite impact of pandemic EVEN though the each association had to impact of COVID-19 adapt and manage their has been significant, programmes to meet the Trevor Jones, Chief changing needs of the Commissioner of the communities while com- Barbados Boy Scouts plying with the govern- Association, has stated ment protocols where they that the entity has resided. adapted and made im- One of the moves made provements overall. on the group level is that Due to the arrival of the most groups have been pandemic on the shores of meeting virtually to con- the island, life changed duct activities, allowing significantly for the scouts, them to meet and work according to Jones. He ex- with their members. plained that most groups “This has not been easy could no longer meet phys- as transforming a mostly ically, activities were lim- physical and team-based ited and with increasing programme to a virtual unemployment because one requires a level of cre- of the initial island lock- ativity most of us did not UNCTAD’s Acting Secretary-General, Isabelle Durant. down, more and more consider before,” acknowl- members were unable to edged Jones. be subs, even if there was Trevor Jones, Chief Commissioner of the Barbados ‘Essential messages a physical meeting. Online resources Boy Scouts Association. Further shedding light He highlighted the effort will be accessible to all’ on the situation, Jones of the World Organisation ing virtually due to a lack of adult training activities, stated that fund-raising of Scout Movement of access to equipment, a to help strengthen the UNCTAD 15 from Page 1 of our planet”. also ground to a halt and (WOSM) to make a num- stable Internet connection skills of the adult leader- Durant stated in scouting as they knew it ber of resources available or technical skill by some ship of the association to Meanwhile, the Acting Geneva, they have ground to a halt on the dis- online early in the pan- leaders and members.The better deliver the youth Secretary-General, in her “started negotiating the trict, national, regional demic and now an increas- scout leader said that it programme and to im- remarks, said this will be text that will be adopted and international levels. ing number of resources was a situation which the prove their administrative the first time since the in October as a tangible “However, like true were consolidated under scouting world would con- operations,” said Jones. birth of UNCTAD that it outcome of the conference. scouts, we rose to the the scoutship. The com- tinue to tackle throughout The local governing will not be able to hold The member states are challenge and found new prehensive, fully online the rest of the year. body has encouraged all a physical conference. motivated, working dili- ways to scout in a rapidly resource is available to Also referenced was the adults to take advantage However, because it will gently and constructively changing environment. all the leaders of each availability of online train- of the resource as this type be online,“a virtual UNC- on the negotiations”. The movement has been national association, free ing resources for most of of training is usually done TAD 15 and its essential She also shared that “on adapting over the last year of cost. the scouting adults, which overseas where spaces messages will be accessi- the table is a transforma- to ensure that we are able Despite this, Chief again are free of cost, no have been limited. Access ble to all, from heads of tive agenda addressing to deliver our programme Commissioner Jones iden- matter the level within the to such training is a sig- states to small business the biggest gaps and chal- to our youth members,” tified that there was still scouting organisation. nificant benefit to all owners to young girls and lenges that COVID-19 said Jones. the unfortunate situation “WOSM and the Inter those involved to further boys preparing their fu- has revealed and exacer- The Chief Commis- where some groups have American region have also the level of scouting in ture as well as the future bated”. (MG) sioner went on to say that been unable to start meet- made available a number Barbados. (AS)

CAREER OPPORTUNITY COVID-19 update: 20 new positives, 25 recoveries TWENTY people – seven males and 13 females – have gone into isolation after testing positive for St. Winifred’s School is a Government Approved Private COVID-19. Co-Educational three-tiered School with a roll of approximately The new cases were 570 pupils who are prepared to sit the BSSEE and CSEC identified among the 480 Examinations. The Committee of Management of St. Winifred’s School invites applications for the post of: tests conducted by the Best-dos Santos Public DEPUTY PRINCIPAL Health Laboratory on Thursday, March 18. Applicants must possess: There are now 184 active . A Degree from an approved University cases on the island. Twenty-five persons . AND at least one (1) of the following qualifications in Education or Educational Administration and Supervision were released from isola- tion, bringing the total O A Diploma in Education OR recoveries to 3,282. O A Certificate in Education or Education Administration and Thirty-nine people have Supervision died from the viral ill- Applicant should provide evidence of satisfactory teaching and ness. administrative experience. Since the start of the pandemic, Barbados has The successful applicant will be expected to assume duty with recorded 3,512 confirmed effect from September 1st 2021. cases, comprising 1,834 Applications together with full Curriculum Vitae, photocopies of males and 1,678 females. Twenty-five persons were released from isolation, bringing the total recoveries certificates, evidence of teaching experience, names of two (2) The public health lab- to 3,282. referees and two (2) recent testimonials should be sent to oratory has so far con- The Secretary-Treasurer, Committee of Management, St. Winifred’s School, Pine Hill, St. Michael ducted 135,501 tests. under the National 18. pleted, comprising no later than Wednesday 31st March, 2021 Meanwhile, 2,189 peo- Vaccination Programme To date, 58,214 vacci- 24,297 males and 33,917 ple were vaccinated for COVID-19 on March nations have been com- females. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 20, 2021 • 5

Government has big plans for ‘Focus on housing sector, says minister medicinal THE Ministry of Housing, ing and the School Meals build- we will be having conversations cannabis’ Lands and Maintenance is ing. So we have quite a few with the people of Barbados and pushing towards an “ambi- buildings we have identified in particular those who are in By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste tious” 100 per cent realisa- that we are hoping to rejuve- conveyance and attorneys-at- tion of all of its objectives nate them, put them back into law and the surveyors to find MEDICINAL cannabis should through its programmes of good use and rather than rent- ways and means in the new, be the focus of anyone looking rejuvenation, relocation, ing accommodation for govern- more technologically advanced to get involved in the cannabis registration, reconstruction ment agencies, these buildings world how we can execute and industry in Barbados. and reposition. will be put into use,” he stated. implement a faster registration This was stressed by Sheldon Speaking during the annual Speaking on the relocation to make every property a regis- Straker, Founder of the Estimates debate in the Lower project, he said the ministry is tration area,” he stated. Mindful Alchemy, LLC, who House, Minister Dr. William moving full steam ahead to He added that the software was speaking during the Duguid outlined the rejuvena- relocate those persons at the at the land registry will be Barbados Medicinal Cannabis tion aspect will be completed by Rock Hall squatter settle- reconstructed to be able to do Licensing Authority’s taking over all of those identi- ment. conveyances of land in a faster, (BMCLA) recent virtual fied derelict properties that can “We have already started com- more seamless and if possible, BAJCAN Connect: Processor be put back into good use for ing out of the ground for several less expensive way for Forum. Government. of those houses and we antici- Barbadians. “The medical version of the “A shining example of this pate to get that project complete “We intend to reposition the product should be our focus. that we have almost completed in another couple of months,” National Housing Corporation These are things like capsules, is the gatehouse at the old he added. to get back to building units for Minister of Housing, Lands topicals, things that are easy Barbados Water Authority Duguid announced for the people to rent and houses for and Maintenance, Dr. William for people to quantify into a facility. After that we will first time in 20 years, there will people to buy. Many people in Duguid. dose,” he said. expect to hand over to the be a registration district. Barbados need housing and “My philosophy about Ministry of Innovation, Science “And we will go further than there is a great demand for base to ensure the information cannabis is that the minimum and Technology the former have a registration district, as such,” Duguid continued, noting collected is correct, he said effective dose should be your Sanitation Service Authority we are looking at a away that we the database for applications houses will be built through var- goal. So whatever is going to building.Then after that, we will can have the whole of Barbados remains in the thousands. ious programmes, including allow you to get the efficacy be doing the warehouse building become a registered area within Saying the corporation is cur- joint ventures with the private that you are seeking from the at the BWA, the Welfare build- the next five to seven years.And rently going through the data- sector. smallest amount of consump- tion possible should be the focus.” He noted that smoking may 40% drop in electricity bills possible: Haynes not be the best objective for people who were looking for CHIEF Project Analyst in the sector in a way that creates to all involved,” Haynes said. Saying this was the aim, medicinal relief. Research and Planning Unit in an environment where we can At the time, he was speaking Symmonds stated: “The simple He believed that although the Ministry of Energy, Ryan remove the fluctuations in oil during Monday’s debate on the answer is that is the intention there were some people who Haynes, stated by embracing prices that produce energy and 2021/2022 Estimates in the and one of the reasons why we found vaporisation to be a renewables, this island can see we have the opportunity to bring House of Assembly. have paid exceptionally close at- faster mode of effectiveness as up to a 40 per cent drop in its it down by I dare say, as much Earlier, Christ Church South tention and detail to the negoti- well as smoking, it seemed electricity bills. as 40 per cent. But it means that MP and Queen’s Counsel, ation with the Barbados Light counter-intuitive to be putting As Government pushes the we have to be very strong in our Ralph Thorne, had questioned and Power, in an effort to create smoke into your lungs if you island towards being ‘green’ by regulation, we have to be very Minister of Energy,Kerrie the licences which will allow for are trying to treat another 2030, he outlined there would strong in our market monitoring Symmonds, on whether alter- there to be a new competitive medical condition. be several benefits to both in- to ensure that we get prices that native energy would lower arena for generation of electric- Wayne Isaacs, Founder and vestors and consumers using are at a level that is worthwhile electricity bills. ity in Barbados.” CEO of Green Stripe Naturals power from wind, sun, waves Ltd., echoed Straker’s senti- and bio-energy. ments and added that his com- Pointing out that prices in pany did not prescribe “smoke- Barbados tend to go up quickly BMCLA in discussions with BNSI ables” products. but take a long time to go down- “We have a lot of oil-based wards, he stated that within the THE Barbados Medicinal the processing guide and to ment were also areas persons products that we prescribe be- electricity sector there has been Cannabis Licensing Authority make sure they were following needed to put their attention cause as far as smoking raw a variation of oil prices and “that (BMCLA) is working closely the specific standards that they on. cannabis is concerned, you volatility has often resulted in with the Barbados National had outlined for the industry He explained that in could be trading one medical the price of electricity going up- Standards Institute (BNSI) to here in Barbados. Barbados, it seemed that per- condition for another,” he said. wards as we are moving through develop a set of standards for “That is a particular niche sons were favouring the use of “We tend to stay away from the fuel clause adjustment”. the medicinal cannabis indus- that we want to be able to stress ethanol and it was against this that and we do have some “The challenges therefore with try. on, the quality of our product backdrop that he encouraged vaporised products, but for renewables once we can get the This was revealed by CEO and the quality control that will persons to be thinking about the most part all of our pre- balance, is that we have to make of the BMCLA, Dr. Shantal be in place to ensure that we their emergency procedures in scriptive products tend to be sure that the use of a domestic Munro-Knight. She highlighted are producing a high quality the event that there was a spill oil-based products.” resource in the form of the sun, that they were working to de- and safe and efficacious prod- or accident that occurred. CEO of the BMCLA, wind, wave and bio-energy,that velop the testing parameters uct,” she said. “Quality control is also im- Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, that comes to market at a price that will be a requirement Sheldon Straker,Founder of portant. Know what is in your expressed that the focus of that is beneficial to the entire throughout the group system the Mindful Alchemy, LLC, be- material,” he said. the regime was medicinal economy. It has to be beneficial that they had within their li- lieved that this was a step in He also noted that batch cannabis. to those that are consumers and censing system. the right direction and went on tracking and understanding “However, in the context of those who are the investors. “So that before anything can to stress that good manufactur- where your materials came the therapeutic facility,there is “But that balance has to be go to market or even be ex- ing processes were important. from were important. So that the possibility that you can be struck, so that at no point in ported, you will be required to For persons looking to get in the event there was a need to able to consume your medici- time there is obscenity in prof- have a Certificate of Analysis involved in the medicinal recall your product, you knew nal cannabis through perhaps itability, whereas the benefit of (COA) and to be able to show cannabis industry, Straker ad- exactly where to go, which vaporising and we are looking the investment redounds to all that COA and then the author- vised them to ensure that their batches were affected and who at that and trying to get some including the investor. So there ity will have the right to do fur- finished product was at the you needed to notify to let them consensus around that. But we is an opportunity for us here ther inspections,” she said. highest quality possible. know that that batch of product are very much focused on those to bring prices down, if we ap- She encouraged everyone to Following that, he believed needed to be disposed of. medicinal products at this proach the renewable energy make sure they had access to that safety and risk manage- (CLJB) point,” she said. 6 • Saturday March 20, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Queen’s Commonwealth Message focuses on technology and connectivity IN our everyday lives, society has grown new vaccines and treatment. accustomed to connecting and commu- nicating via innovative technology A need to social distance which has been new to some people. The Head of the Commonwealth em- This was the main focus of the phasised the need to maintain greater Queen’s Commonwealth Day Message social distancing or to live and work read by Governor General of Barbados, largely in isolation, even though it has Dame Sandra Mason, on March 8 on been an unusual experience. But it was the Royal Commonwealth Society’s noted that online communication has (RCS) Observance for Commonwealth facilitated Commonwealth meetings, en- Day. abling people to stay in touch with fam- Under the theme of “Delivering ily,friends, colleagues, counterparts, and a Common Future: Connecting, conversations at communal gatherings. Innovating, Transforming”, the “Increasingly,we have found ourselves Governor General said that the testing able to enjoy such communication as it times experienced by so many have led offers an immediacy that transcends to a deeper appreciation of mutual sup- boundaries or division, helping any port and spiritual sustenance by being sense of distance to disappear,” said Governor General of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, shared Her Majesty The connected to others. Dame Sandra. Queen’s Commonwealth Message. In her missive, she communicated The patron of the RCS Barbados that the Queen acknowledged the Branch ended that it is hoped that courage, commitment, and selfless the renewed sense of closeness and dedication to the duty of frontline community will be maintained. The Self-care a need, not a luxury workers who have delivered healthcare relationships with others across the and other public services in all Commonwealth will remain important By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste During his presentation on Commonwealth nations and territories. as territories strive to deliver a common ‘Understanding Dementia’, Lennox The Queen is encouraged by the future that is sustainable and more CAREGIVERS are reminded that self- Rochester, Qualified Occupational “remarkable advances” in developing secure. care is a need and not a luxury. Therapist, highlighted that caregiver burnout was real and outlined a few symptoms for persons to take note of. He noted that some general things Inclusion and technology will be key to that usually happened to indicate care- giver burnout were lost of interest in ac- tivities you previously enjoyed, feeling improving social services, warns IDB down, irritable and hopeless, losing or gaining weight, changed sleep patterns, WILL the world change or not after improving social services in each area, and the Caribbean: the private sector getting sick more often, and feeling like the pandemic? With this question, what is needed to make them truly must be the engine of sustainable recov- you want to hurt the person that you the discussion panel of “Lessons for inclusive and what changes they have ery, and it must be green and inclusive,” are caring for. the post-pandemic: Rebuilding in made during the pandemic. Juliana he said. Once you acknowledge that you an inclusive way” was opened at the Londono-Velez, professor at the are experiencing caregiver burnout, Annual Meeting of the Boards of University of California in Los Angeles Solutions for inequality Rochester encouraged persons to find Governors of the Inter-American and a GiveDirectly contributor, talked The panellists also talked about inequal- someone they trusted – whether it be a Development Bank (IDB) and IDB about the impact of technology on cash ity in the region and presented possible friend, co-worker or neighbour – and ex- Invest. transfers, taxes and the type of services solutions to reduce it from the social press and be candid about your feelings The event addressed the challenges that should be considered after the pan- services. Londono-Velez explained the and frustrations. posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in demic. “The pandemic has forced us to importance of correcting the failures of “Set reasonable goals and accept that the social services and how to improve renew the social contract,” she said. the tax benefits that generate unequal you may need help from others.You can’t their quality to move towards recovery Cecilia Gordano, General Manager of treatment. “A tax reform that promotes do it alone because especially if it is a in the region. Latin America and the Mercer for Argentina, Uruguay and equity is necessary,” she said. loved one, it is an emotionally wrecking Caribbean has been hit harder by the Paraguay,talked about the impact of the Suárez raised the need to create an experience because this is the person coronavirus than any other region, and pandemic and the use of technology entity that establishes intersectoral pro- who would have guided you, cared for the impact on social services has been in the private sector, and how it can be grammes that allow the elimination of you, helped you and now they are in a enormous. Only four countries in the applied to the public sector. “We have to inequality barriers, both in governments state that is difficult and what we find region have fully open schools. Women look at who, what, how,where and when and organisations. “It is essential that difficult is that sometimes your loved have lost twice as many jobs as men, you can design a hybrid organisation,” all organisations incorporate a person one can be lucid and remember every- and they are getting them back at a she explained. dedicated to implementing elements of thing and then 10 minutes after it is much slower rate. Lucia Dellagnelo, President of the equality at all levels,” he explained. back to confusion,” he said. However, new opportunities have also Centro de Inovação para a Educação In education, Dellagnelo talked about “This is a serious thing. And so with emerged to redesign social services and Brasileira, focused on the lessons for the how moving towards a hybrid system that in mind you have to set aside some help solve problems that plagued the re- education sector and learning systems. that facilitates access to technology could time for yourself, even if it is just an gion long before, such as inequality, low “The region cannot afford to miss the help improve access and quality. “From hour or two; it is worth it. Remember, quality of social services, and lack of good opportunity to redesign education sys- public policy,we have to commit to mak- taking care of yourself is a need, not a job opportunities. tems to make them more inclusive and ing public schools a place where every- luxury.” “We have to take advantage of this relevant,” she emphasised. one can have access to technology – that Rochester encouraged caregivers to moment to develop solutions that give us And, Walter Suárez, Executive would reduce inequality,” she said. use respite care services in order to give greater access and better quality to serv- Director of Kaiser Permanente, talked Meanwhile, Gordano talked about the themselves a break. ices such as health, education, labour about the growth of health technologies importance of including gender equality “This may range from a few hours of markets and social protection. The time as a tool for inclusion and the need to in organisations’ business strategies and in-house care or a short stay at a nurs- to redesign more inclusive public policies move towards a health financing system as a priority for boards of directors to ing home just to give yourself a break. is now and, at the IDB, we are prepared with a more equitable, accessible and ef- close gaps. “We have to work on a holis- Know your limits and make sure that to help the governments of Latin fective management approach. tic approach for diversity and inclusion you give yourself a reality check and America and the Caribbean to advance In addition, James Scriven, General to achieve equality,” she explained. don’t push yourself too hard,” he said. in this transformation,” explained Manager of IDB Invest, called on compa- Since the start of the pandemic, the He reminded persons to continue to Marcelo Cabrol, Social Sector General nies to work together on these changes. IDB has made more than US$1 billion educate themselves about the disease Manager at the IDB. “We have the opportunity, and the re- available to respond to the emergency that the person they are caring for has, At the event, experts from different sponsibility,to build back better.There is caused by COVID-19 and reformulate as this helps enhance the care they are areas presented the main challenges of a clear path to recovery in Latin America social services in the region. able to give. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 20, 2021 • 7 Imported China: Steel industry may bumblebees hit CO2 objectives early expected to Nation aiming to make upstream carbon emissions and is key to reducing The guideline also asked the steel boost yields suppliers, downstream applications like China’s carbon emissions,” said Xu industry to reduce pollutants and energy THREE thousand queen bumblebees construction, appliances more sustainable Xiangchun, information director and consumption by more than 20 percent and from Belgium that arrived in Qingdao, analyst at Mysteel, an iron and steel 5 percent by 2025, respectively. Shandong province a few days ago are IN THE post-COVID-19 era, eco- industry consultancy. Water use intensity per unit of steel expected to give a boost to greenhouse friendly steelmaking is essential to “Under the country’s commitment to production should be reduced by more crops in northern China, as spring the quality development of China’s peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and than 10 percent by then, while the reuse plowing gets into full swing across the steel industry, and as the country achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, the steel rate of water resources should reach more country. stands firm on transforming the steel industry is likely to peak carbon emissions than 98 percent, it said. The insects are now undergoing 30 industry toward low carbon growth in 2025,” Xu said. Li Xinchuang, chief engineer and Party days of customs quarantine. Upon pathways, the sector is expected to A draft guideline on promoting the high- secretary of the Beijing-based China completion, they are expected to form hit a carbon dioxide emission peak quality development of the steel industry, Metallurgical Industry Planning and nearly 3,000 bumblebee swarms, which as early as 2025, five years ahead of released by the Ministry of Industry and Research Institute, expects steel demand could pollinate 300 hectares of the nation’s commitment, according Information Technology at the end of 2020, in China will peak in the near future, and greenhouse crops, including tomatoes, to industry experts. also said the steel industry should strive to the industry is currently undergoing a strawberries and blueberries. At the general debate of the 75th session achieve a peak in carbon emissions by development phase featuring gradual “The market has seen an increase in of the United Nations General Assembly 2025. output reduction, increasing mergers and demand for imported bumblebees in via video in 2020, Chinese President Xi According to the guideline, more than 80 acquisitions and strengthening emphasis recent years, as the swarms’ pollination Jinping announced that China aims to percent of China’s steel mills, in terms of on green development. efficiency is usually five to 10 times faster have CO2 emissions peak before 2030 and capacity, are expected to realize an ultra- The industry is faced not only with than that of honeybees,” said Wei achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. low carbon emission upgrade by 2025, and opportunities presented from such a high- Hongjiang, sales manager at Biobest “As the largest source of carbon all steel mills in key regions for air quality quality developmental transformation but China, a biotech company.The company emissions among 31 manufacturing improvement, including the Beijing- also challenges arising from strict deals with the importing of queen sectors in China, the steel industry Tianjin-Hebei area and the Yangtze River environmental protection and low-carbon bumblebees and is based in Shouguang, accounts for about 15 percent of national Delta, must accomplish that goal by 2025. development requirements, Li said. Shandong, the country’s major vegetable The China Iron and Steel Association producer. said the steel industry is key amid China’s Biobest, headquartered in Westerlo, attempt to reduce carbon emissions, and it Belgium, has 30 years of expertise in is urgent for the sector to reduce energy using bumblebees commercially. and resources consumption, ease Wei said his company has been bottlenecks in carbon emission reduction importing the queen bumblebees from efforts and shore up low-carbon Belgium since 2014, and the business development. has grown at an average of 40 to 50 He Wenbo, CISA’s executive chairman, percent annually.The clients are mainly said green and low-carbon development farms in Shandong, Liaoning and Hebei has become a universal mindset among provinces, as well as in Beijing and China’s steelmakers, and some domestic Tianjin, and include some large players have led the world in using agriculture projects, such as high-tech advanced pollution treatment facilities and greenhouses and major blueberry reducing carbon emissions. producers in Yunnan province. The association released an initiative in “The imported queen bumblebees have February calling on the entire industry to strong reproductive capabilities and the further carbon emission reductions. swarms they form are usually of high Accelerating the steel industry’s carbon vitality,” said Wei, adding that efficient emission reductions and making pollination can improve the quality of contributions to deliver on China’s crops. In addition, he added, they save commitment to peaking carbon emissions labour. by 2030 and realizing carbon emission Zhang Zhiguo, a farmer in Dongying, neutrality by 2060 are obligatory duties Shandong, grows tomatoes. Five years and responsibilities of the industry, the ago, he started using bumblebees for A worker at a steel plant in Dalian, Liaoning province. initiative said. pollination, instead of traditional hormone treatment. “With the help of the bumblebees,I can produce more tomatoes than before, China’s first vaccination vehicle to hit the streets in April with good taste and better shape.They’re SINGAPORE – A vaccination vehicle easier to sell at a good price,” Zhang said. developed by Chinese automotive firm Wei said he is looking forward to Foton Motor Group will hit the streets business expansion in the coming years, in April in Beijing and North China’s as China encourages tech-savvy and Hebei province, Singapore’s Chinese- environmentally friendly agricultural language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao has production methods. reported. “Our company plans to offer solutions China’s first such vehicle will allow for natural crop care in the near future, people to receive COVID-19 shots near aiming to help growers achieve quality their residence without travelling to and residue-free produce,” he said. “For vaccination stations, according to the example, we will introduce natural report published last Friday. enemies for pest control, and that means The interior of the vehicle resembles growers can cultivate more healthy that of a bus, but with fewer seats. vegetables.” Citing Foton, the report said that the Customs officers are now closely vehicle is equipped with a facial watching the physical condition of the recognition system that can also check queen bumblebees and will conduct the body temperature of visitors, and is laboratory tests to determine whether covered by onboard Wi-Fi to transmit they carry diseases. real-time data. “We will continue to monitor the use of According to Foton, the manufacturer bumblebees after they are handed over can produce 12 such vehicles in one day, to importers or growers,” said Zhan Yifei, allowing for large scale testing in the China’s first such vehicle will allow people to receive COVID-19 shots near a Customs officer at Qingdao Liuting future, the report said. their residence. International Airport. 8 • Saturday March 20, 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 Scientist behind coronavirus shot Waste says next target is cancer BERLIN – The scientist worldwide have received “how important has grown during the who won the race to the shot since December. cooperation and pandemic, so has its value, deliver the first widely “It pays off to make bold collaboration is providing funds the management used coronavirus vaccine decisions and to trust that internationally.” company can use to pursue says people can rest if you have an Tureci, who was born in its original goal of assured the shots are safe, extraordinary team, you Germany to Turkish developing a new tool and the technology behind will be able to solve any immigrants, said the against cancer. must be it will soon be used to fight problem and obstacle company, which has staff The vaccines made by another global scourge – which comes your way in members from 60 BioNTech-Pfizer and U.S. cancer. real time,” Tureci told The countries, reached out to rival Moderna uses addressed Ozlem Tureci, who co- Associated Press in an medical oversight bodies messenger RNA, or founded the German interview. from the start, to ensure mRNA, to carry IN A few years time, Barbados may need to start company BioNTech with Among the biggest that the new type of instructions into the looking at new options for its disposal and her husband, was working challenges for the small, vaccine would pass the human body for making management of waste, as our landfill reaches on a way to harness the Mainz-based company rigorous scrutiny of proteins that prime it to maturity. body’s immune system to that had yet to get a regulators. attack a specific virus.The The truth is, that Barbadians are generating tackle tumors when they product to market was “The process of getting a same principle can be too much waste and seemingly not recognising learned last year of an how to conduct large-scale medicine or a vaccine applied to get the immune the role they could play in significantly reducing unknown virus infecting clinical trials across approved is one where system to take on tumors. the level of garbage pile ups across the island. people in China. different regions and how many questions are asked, “We have several Reports suggest that Barbadians generate an Over breakfast, the to scale up the many experts are involved different cancer vaccines average of 1,000 tonnes of waste per day, of couple decided to apply the manufacturing process to and there is external peer based on mRNA,” said which domestic waste accounts for between 30 technology they’d been meet global demand. review of all the data and Tureci, who is BioNTech’s and 40 per cent and much of this 300 to 400 researching for two Along with Pfizer, the scientific discourse,” she chief medical officer. tonnes of domestic waste can be recycled. decades to the new threat, company enlisted the help said. Asked when such a However, Barbadians may be in the habit of dubbing the effort “Project of Fosun Pharma in China Amid a scare in Europe therapy might be simply tossing what they believe to be trash, Lightspeed.” “to get assets, capabilities this week over the available, Tureci said without giving full consideration as to how they Within 11 months, and geographical footprint coronavirus shot made by “that’s very difficult to could engage in a waste sorting process. Britain had authorized the on board, which we did not British-Swedish rival predict in innovative The concept of the 3Rs is still relevant today, use of the mRNA vaccine have,” Tureci said. AstraZeneca, Tureci development. But we but may be lost in the midst of this COVID-19 BioNTech developed with Among the lessons she dismissed the idea that expect that within only a pandemic, where the emphasis may be on U.S. pharmaceutical giant and her husband, any corners were cut by couple of years, we will also tossing away and disposing, rather than seeking Pfizer, followed a week BioNTech chief executive those racing to develop a have our vaccines (against) to save or reuse. Some say the pandemic has had later by the United States. Ugur Sahin, learned along vaccine. cancer at a place where we a direct impact on waste management and by Tens of millions of people with their colleagues was As BioNTech’s profile can offer them to people.” extension the recycling process.We may need to hear just how COVID has impacted on waste management or the recycling industry here, but until then, we can argue that the concept of the Putin’s offer of a call with 3Rs is still relevant to us as a nation, than ever before. The first R- Reduce, can be said to be the most effective of the three R’s and the place to begin. Biden was to save ties It may however be the hardest concept for MOSCOW – The Kremlin was a “killer.” Russia intended to prevent him with approval. Barbadians.We are constantly buying and said yesterday that responded by recalling its Biden’s statement from White House press acquiring a host of consumer products covered President Vladimir Putin’s ambassador in Washington inflicting irreparable secretary Jen Psaki said in packaging that is in no way environmentally offer to speak by phone for consultations and Putin damage to the already- Biden would continue to friendly and with COVID in effect, we are with U.S. President Joe on Thursday pointed at the frayed ties. look to cooperate on efforts tossing more than ever. Gone from our Biden was intended to U.S. history of slavery, “Since Biden’s words to stem Iran’s nuclear vocabulary are words such as “maintain” and prevent bilateral ties from slaughtering Native were quite unprecedented, program and, more “repair” and instead “replace” and “acquire” are completely falling apart Americans and the atomic unprecedented formats broadly, nuclear words that sit well with most of us. The second over the American’s bombing of Japan in World can’t be excluded,” Peskov nonproliferation. But she R-Reuse suggests that before a decision is made remark that the Russian War II in an “it-takes-one- said. “President Putin said Biden did not regret to discard anything, we should decide whether leader was a killer. to-know-one” response. proposed to discuss the referring to Putin as a it has some life left in it. Consider that reusing Putin made it clear that At the same time, Putin situation openly because it killer and pushed back keeps new resources from being used for a while “it makes sense to have a noted that Russia would would be interesting for the against suggestions the longer and old resources from entering the waste talk to maintain Russia- still cooperate with the people of both countries.” rhetoric was unhelpful. stream. The third R- Recycle, speaks to the U.S. relations instead of United States where and Peskov said the Kremlin Russia’s relations with process of collecting and processing materials trading barbs,” and he when it supports Moscow’s hasn’t heard back from the the United States and the that would otherwise be thrown away as trash wanted to make it public interests, adding that “a lot White House on the offer of European Union already and turning them into new products. This to help defuse tensions of honest and decent people a call, adding that it wasn’t had plunged to post-Cold concept has caught on the best. However, greater over Biden’s “very bad in the U.S. want to have going to repeat the War lows after Moscow’s effort can be made to actively engage remarks,” said his peace and friendship with proposal. 2014 annexation of in the process of recycling here in Barbados. spokesman, Dmitry Russia.” In taking a tough stance Ukraine’s Crimean The call has gone out time and time again for Peskov. He proposed the phone on Russia, Biden has said Peninsula, meddling in Barbadians to generate less garbage per week Asked by reporters call with Biden in the next the days of the U.S.“rolling elections, hacking attacks for the Sanitation Service Authority to pick up. yesterday if he’ll take Putin few days to discuss the over” to Putin are done. and, most recently, the How many householders to date have taken that up on his offer to have a coronavirus pandemic, And he has taken pains to jailing of Russia’s to heart however and how many actively sort call, Biden said, “I’m sure regional conflicts and other contrast his style with the opposition leader Alexei their garbage properly? Yes, there are many we’ll talk at some point.” issues, and he suggested approach of former Navalny after his items that are disposable which we can never In an interview that the conversation be President Donald Trump, poisoning, which he reuse, but there are others that become fit for broadcast Wednesday, open to the public. who avoided direct blamed on the Kremlin. purpose once again, if we only find new ways of Biden replied “I do” when Peskov said Putin’s offer confrontation with Putin Russian authorities using them. So let us give some consideration to asked if he thought Putin to make the call public was and frequently spoke about rejected the accusations. this whole matter of waste management and within that wider picture, the matter of Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes recycling, even in the midst of this COVID-19 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 pandemic. Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 20, 2021 • 9

Jamaica Constabulary Force body-worn cameras being rolled out BODY-WORN camera systems are now Minister Andrew Holness said that the strategic approach to security and crime conditions and mobility for members of being rolled out for members of the cameras will provide protection for reduction”. the police force. Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). members of the JCF and the public “Our strategy is multidimensional, He informed that more than 116 A body-worn camera is a wearable through the provision of an objective practical, and citizen-focused. Through police facilities have been programmed audio, video, or photographic recording view of incidents. our steady and deliberate efforts, we for repair, refurbishment, and system used to document images of “This will have a positive impact on have been seeing results and I am construction over the last three years, activities. the speed at which incidents are confident that we will overcome the while there has been significant Making his contribution to the investigated and disposed of,” he noted. crime monster in Jamaica,” he said. investment in building a more 2021/22 Budget Debate in the House of Holness said that the administration Holness said the Government is standardised, fit-for-purpose, and newer Representatives on Thursday, Prime is taking “a carefully studied and committed to improving the working transportation fleet. World Bank World Bank Board approves US$25M credit for Dominica provides WASHINGTON – The World Bank Board Dominica’s partners to assist in the island’s of Executive Directors approved on recovery after the devastating 2017 Thursday the US$25 million First COVID- hurricane.Today,we are pleased to provide 19 Response and Recovery Development the first-ever World Bank development US$150 M Policy Credit.This is Dominica’s first World policy financing to support the country’s Bank budget support operation, and it is efforts to recover from the extraordinary the first in a series of two quick-disbursing socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 to help J’ca credits. The operation aims to support pandemic.” Dominica’s COVID-19 response to save This Development Policy Credit includes lives, livelihoods, and jobs, while laying the measures to support the eventual foundation for longer-term economic reopening of the tourism sector while in COVID recovery. It is aligned with the country’s protecting public health, including the National Resilience Development Strategy adoption of standardized COVID-19 and COVID-19 response strategy. testing protocols, and the approval of recovery “The pandemic has once again health protocols for the tourism and highlighted the importance of increasing hospitality industry. Initiatives to protect KINGSTON, Jamaica – The World our country’s resilience. The Government jobs include tax reforms that encourage Bank on Thursday approved of Dominica is focused on first saving lives, companies to commit to retaining their financing of US$150 million for the protecting livelihoods, and preserving jobs, employees. The operation also includes Jamaica COVID-19 Response and and next on strengthening fiscal policies, policy reforms to strengthen the country’s Recovery Development Policy public financial management and debt recovery by enhancing fiscal policies, public Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Loan. transparency for a strong and resilient financial management, and debt Dominica The sum will help the government recovery,” said Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime transparency for a resilient recovery. protect the poor and vulnerable, support Minister of Dominica.“The government is The financing, which is from the are increasing disease surveillance, sustainable business growth and job fully committed to the reforms under this International Development Association improving public health interventions,and creation, and strengthen policies and operation, which is timely and will help (IDA), is interest-free with a maturity of 40 helping the private sector continue to institutions for resilient recovery. Dominica to build back better in a years, including a grace period of 10 years. operate and sustain jobs. Over the next 15 The COVID-19 pandemic has led to sustainable way.” months,we will be deploying up to US$160 Jamaica’s deepest economic contraction “The COVID-19 pandemic struck at a World Bank Group COVID-19 Response billion in financial support to help in decades due, in part, to the drop in time when Dominica’s economy was still The World Bank Group, one of the countries protect the poor and vulnerable, tourism earnings, which account for recovering from past natural disasters,” largest sources of funding and knowledge support businesses, and bolster economic more than 30 per cent of Gross said Tahseen Sayed,World Bank Country for developing countries, is taking broad, recovery,including $50 billion of new IDA Domestic Product (GDP), and one-third Director for the Caribbean. “The World fast action to help developing countries resources in grants or highly concessional of jobs. Bank was proud to be the first among strengthen their pandemic response. We terms. “COVID-19 has had widespread socio- economic impacts and affected every Jamaican, especially the most vulnerable. This financing contributes Tougher COVID-19 measures to Jamaica’s efforts to manage the impact of the crisis and move forward towards a resilient recovery,” said Ozan Sevimli, World Bank Resident coming: Prime Minister Representative for Jamaica and JAMAICA– Prime Minister, the Most mortality rate,” he noted. Guyana. Hon. Andrew Holness, has advised that Bed capacity has increased from 15 in “The operation supports the he will be announcing new and stronger March 2020, when Jamaica’s first expansion of the country’s social coronavirus (COVID-19) infection confirmed COVID-19 case was reported, protection programmes to benefit prevention and control measures, when to 600 currently. women and men disproportionately the current provisions expire on March The Prime Minister said that the affected by the crisis and introduces a 22. stronger measures to be introduced are social pension for the elderly. It also He was making his 2021/22 Budget intended to “protect our healthcare supports measures for the recovery of Debate presentation in the House of system and save lives in the short-term, affected businesses.” Representatives on Thursday (March 18), which eventually protects and preserves The new loan supports the under the theme ‘Recovery: Faster, our economy and livelihoods in the long- government in providing emergency Stronger, Better’. term”. financial assistance to the vulnerable Mr. Holness said the decision to Meanwhile, Minister of Local population impacted by the pandemic. strengthen the measures comes against Government and Rural Development, It also includes initiatives to help the background of COVID-19 Hon. Desmond McKenzie, on Thursday firms cope with the economic shock, hospitalisations now exceeding the tabled amendments to the Disaster Risk such as through measures like the number of beds available by as much as Management Act to implement a new provision of grants and cash transfers to 15 per cent in some instances, the daily ticketing system for enforcement of affected businesses. COVID-19 positivity rate averaging 30 infection prevention and control “The operation supports reforms to per cent “and our estimated infection measures. strengthen financial institutions for Prime Minister, the Most Hon. reproduction rate continuing above 1”. Mr. Holness said the Government is sustainable economic recovery and Andrew Holness, making his “This means that someone who needs prepared to have the Bill reviewed by a greater climate resilience.The financing 2021/22 Budget Debate presenta- to be taken in on a ward may not have a Joint Select Committee over the weekend supports Jamaica’s climate change tion in the House of Representatives bed readily available and may have to and debated and passed next week. priorities, including the adoption of on Thursday (March 18), under the wait. This places great strain on our “This would make the new stronger commitments on greenhouse theme ‘Recovery: Stronger, Faster, already overburdened doctors and nurses measures to be announced more gas emissions,” the World Bank added. Better’. [and] could potentially impact on the effective,” he noted. 10 • Saturday March 20, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

PM Browne asks US President for AstraZeneca vaccines for CARICOM ANTIGUA and Barbuda’s Browne asserted that “the detriment of our countries and of Prime Minister Gaston vulnerability of states must the US. Inevitably, there will Browne has written to US become an important criterion also be a surge of refugees”. President Joseph Biden, in the provision of vaccines, and Browne implored President requesting that CARICOM the Caribbean region is among Biden “to take account of the countries be included in the the most vulnerable in the Caribbean – the third border of provision of AstraZeneca world”. Describing the the US – in his plan to make the vaccines to Canada and economic impact of the US safer by contributing to the Mexico. pandemic as “overwhelming”, safety of its neighbours. “For Pointing out that the Browne said: “Many Caribbean instance,” he said,“it would take Caribbean is the third border of countries are in danger of only a few hundred thousand the United States, Browne collapsing from a massive vaccinations to inoculate 80 per argued that as the safety of the economic sclerosis”. cent of the seven countries of the US would be imperilled if The Caribbean leader added Organisation of Eastern Canada and Mexico are not that “If these conditions are not Caribbean States (OECS). inoculated to achieve herd addressed soon, we face a Reaching herd immunity would immunity, similarly the US crumbling of our security also be an excellent testing would remain at risk if systems from which drug ground by which the US could Bermuda’s Health Minister Kim Wilson CARICOM countries are traffickers, money launderers, judge the efficacy of herd neglected. people traffickers, and organised immunity”. Prime Minister Browne crime will take The Antigua and Barbuda explained to President Biden advantage Prime Minister stressed to the Bermuda records surge that the Caribbean region “is to the US President that some among the worst affected by CARICOM countries have been the COVID-19 pandemic”. able to inoculate a small in COVID-19 cases Consequently, he said “our percentage of our population HAMILTON, Bermuda – virus we were dealing with economies have only because of the kindness of Bermuda’s Health Minister before.” experienced shrinkage of the Government of India that Kim Wilson has expressed The island has recorded 767 up to 30 per cent; provided 500,000 doses of concern after officials reported infections since the pandemic unemployment has risen vaccines. And, he emphasized 18 new COVID-19 cases – the hit last March, with 12 deaths. to over 50 per cent in that “negotiations with vaccine highest single-day total for Minister of National Security some cases; poverty has producers are difficult because three months – among the Renee Ming told the House of expanded everywhere; and supply is limited, and prices are latest batch of 519 test results. Assembly on Friday that our revenues have declined high”. Of the new cases, 15 were prosecutors have received more precipitously, forcing us to Prime Minister Browne has logged as on-island than 20 files about COVID-19 increase debt which we advised his colleague Heads of transmissions with a known breaches for review. have had to incur at Government of CARICOM contact. One case was a She said recent breaches of high rates of of his letter to the returning resident on the Delta the COVID-19 regulations, interest”. US President, Air Lines flight from Atlanta which limit gatherings to 25 urging them to on March 8, and the other two people, were similarly write in a were listed as under worrisome. similar investigation because they had One party that police broke vein. no known links to existing up had more than 100 people in cases or recent overseas travel. attendance. Wilson said the latest surge “Through traditional news – just days after the Atlanta- media and social media, many based US Centres for Disease of us have seen the evidence of Control lowered the island’s parties and gatherings that COVID-19 risk assessment to exceed the approved group “moderate” – meant there are gathering limits,” Ming said. now 48 active infections. “The fact that the attendees She added: “Most of our new of these events also violated cases are being spread by local the health and safety protocols residents and the number of by not wearing masks or people infected is growing. It is practising physical distancing worth repeating that the UK further compounds the variant on island now is much recklessness of hosting these Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne more transmissible than the events.” Cuba approves second homegrown COVID vaccine for late phase trials HAVANA – Cuba’s drug vaccinating against COVID, as trials for Abdala, named after a The study is to be completed respectively remain well below regulatory authority on it is counting on its own poem by 19th century Cuban in July, with first results due for the global averages per capita. Thursday approved a second candidates. independence hero Jose Marti, publication in August. The government has vowed to COVID-19 vaccine candidate for This month, Cuba started which like Soberana 2 targets Cuba is going through its vaccinate the entire population late-stage clinical trials as the late-phase trials of its most the spike protein of the novel worst coronavirus outbreak this year with one of its five country races to secure a advanced experimental vaccine, coronavirus. since the start of the pandemic experimental shots in homegrown shot to quell its named Soberana (Sovereignty) Authorities will start after opening its borders late development. worst outbreak since the start of 2, reflecting national pride in its recruiting about 48,000 last year. Critics argue any vaccine the pandemic and sell abroad. relative self-reliance in areas volunteers between the ages of The island of 11 million development is a gamble and it The Communist-run like healthcare despite the 19 and 80 in Cuba’s eastern inhabitants is registering 600- should be acquiring shots Caribbean island nation, which decades-old U.S. trade provinces for a randomized, 1,000 daily cases, well above the already approved to start has long experience with embargo. placebo-controlled trial of the scores or a handful per day for immunizing the most developing and exporting On Thursday, the Cuban three-shot vaccine next week, most of last year, although its vulnerable sectors of the vaccines, is one of a handful in regulatory authority gave the according to Cuba’s official cumulative tallies of cases and population while it awaits the region that have not started green light for it to start such registry of clinical trials. deaths at 64,414 and 384 results from its own trials. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 20, 2021 • 11 Mexican town rocked by bloody ambush that killed 13 cops COATEPEC HARINES, common there, but Thursday’s Mexico – Bullet casings still ambush was particularly littered the ground harrowing for local people, with yesterday in Coatepec bullets strafing some of their Harinas, a troubled homes. municipality southwest of The convoy of security Mexico City, a day after 13 personnel was attacked in broad police officers on patrol daylight by gunmen as it were brutally murdered in patrolled the area about 40 an ambush by suspected miles (64 km) south of the city of gang members. Toluca, authorities said. Forensic teams and dozens of The attackers rounded up the heavily armed police and bodies of the fallen police officers military officials gathered at the into a pile and continued to cordoned off crime scene with spray them with bullets, checkpoints in place after what according to a local officer at the was one of the worst mass scene on Friday. Forensic teams and dozens of heavily armed police and military officials gathered at the slayings of Mexican law “They finished them off,” said cordoned off crime scene. enforcement officials in years. the officer, who declined to give Some residents looked on from his name. He had lost colleagues lives, took the child and hid at on the cement wall of her home. “We are filled with sorrow their homes, shaken by the in the ambush, he said. the back of the house until the Men cursed loudly at each other about what happened in the violence that rocked the small Local resident Guadalupe violence was over about a half in her driveway during the State of Mexico,” he said at a town nestled between verdant Flores, 26, said she heard the hour later. shooting, she said. regular news conference, hills and corn fields, where most shooting directly outside her “I was terrified for my girl... It Mexican President Andres referring to the state where the people make their living window when it started. sounded horrible,” Flores said, Manuel Lopez Obrador killings occurred. cultivating crops. She had just finished feeding pointing at the bullet casings in yesterday vowed to bring the There would not be “impunity” Local police said crime is her baby and, fearing for their her driveway and bullet holes killers to justice. for anyone, he added. COVID-19 strikes Brazil’s Congress as third senator dies BRASILIA – A third senator union, tightened access on have tested positive for the became infected, setting off a has died of COVID-19 in Brazil, Thursday by allowing coronavirus in the past 12 transmission chain that led to raising questions around lawmakers just one staffer in months, along with 31 of 81 15 of Bolsonaro’s 22-member precautions taken in the their offices and declaring a senators, according to a survey cabinet of ministers contracting country’s Congress where as return to fully remote voting. by news portal Poder360. the virus. many as one-in-three Brazil had its second While voting in both Bolsonaro, who has lawmakers has been infected deadliest day on Thursday,with chambers has been remote downplayed the gravity of the with the virus devastating 2,724 lives lost to COVID-19, since last year, measures were virus and opposed lockdowns to Latin America’s largest nation. just two days after a record relaxed as the pandemic stop its spread despite the Senator Major Olimpio, a 2,841 coronavirus deaths. appeared to be retreating. worsening pandemic, said on former policeman who backed Brazil has become the But in January, most Thursday that 200 people in the and later fell out with far-right epicenter of the pandemic, with representatives attended the presidential palace where he President Jair Bolsonaro,was by far the highest current daily voting of a new Speaker, a works have had COVID-19. An declared brain dead on death toll anywhere in the “catastrophic” decision that army sergeant who worked in Thursday by doctors at a Sao world. resulted in a superspreader his office died from the illness. Paulo hospital where he had “People are very scared, and event, according to Trad, a member of the PSD been in intensive care for three they are afraid to go to work,” Congressman Fabio Trad, who party allied to Bolsonaro’s weeks. said Silvio Ribas, a press has been working from home government, said the president The two oldest senators in secretary for Senator Lasier following a bout with COVID- had contributed to the tragedy Congress, aged 87 and 83, also Martins, a 78-year-old politician 19. Brazil is living by not wearing succumbed to COVID-19. But who was released from hospital His father, Senator Nelsinho a mask in public, encouraging FILE PHOTO: Senator Major the death of Olimpio, just 58 on Thursday after two weeks Trad, was the first lawmaker to gatherings of his supporters Olimpio attends an interview and the senator who won the fighting COVID-19. test positive in March last year, and failing to promote with Reuters in Brasilia most votes in the 2018 election, Many aides work in basement after accompanying Bolsonaro vaccination against COVID-19. shocked Brazilians and the offices along tunnels with no to Florida, where they dined “Imagine a country where the tragically seeing today,” he said. legislature. windows or air circulation, with then U.S. president Donald president publicly condemns The office of Brazil’s The lower chamber, where 21 Ribas said. Trump at his Mar-a-Largo crowds and encourages social president did not immediately staffers have died of COVID-19, At least 145 of the 513 mansion. distancing. We would not have respond to a request for according to the employee members of the lower house Half the Brazilian delegation had so many deaths that we are comment.

Mostly sunny with a few brief isolated light showers.

High Tide (First) 7:15 High tide (Second) 21:19 New York: 06 Fair Yesterday: 0.0 mm Miami: 27 Cloudy Low Tide (First) 1:06 For the month: 19.6 mm Max: 28.7 °C Toronto: 03 Clear Low tide (Second) 14:45 For the year: 194.7 mm Min: 22.6 °C Montreal: -01 Clear London: 06 Cloudy 6:02 a.m. 6:09 p.m. 12 • Saturday March 20, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

US and China trade angry words at Alaska talks US and Chinese officials their most strained for official, Yang Jiechi, and Kong, Taiwan, cyber at- tions of national security principles for our people, have exchanged sharp re- years. foreign minister Wang Yi. tacks on the United to obstruct normal trade and for our friends.” bukes in the first high- The US pledged to raise However, a US official States, economic coercion exchanges, and incite The exchange, which level talks between the contentious issues such as said the subsequent talks of our allies". some countries to attack took place in front of the Biden administration and Beijing’s treatment of behind closed doors had “Each of these actions China,” he added. world’s media, went on for China, taking place in Uighur Muslims in been “substantive, serious threaten the rules-based Mr Yang said human more than an hour. It Alaska. Xinjiang. and direct” and ran over order that maintains rights in the US were at a came at the start of three Chinese officials ac- The ill-tempered talks the planned two hours. global stability,” he said. low point, with black sessions, which are due to cused the US of inciting in Anchorage involved In a blunt opening In response, Mr Yang Americans being “slaugh- end on Friday morning. countries “to attack Secretary of State Antony statement before the talks accused Washington of tered". It is the first high-level China”, while the US said Blinken and National in private, Mr Blinken using its military might Mr Sullivan hit back, meeting between the US China had “arrived intent Security Adviser Jake said the US would “dis- and financial supremacy saying Washington did and China since last June on grandstanding". Sullivan on the US side, cuss our deep concerns to suppress other coun- not seek a conflict with - during the administra- Relations between the facing off with China’s with actions by China, in- tries. China, but added:“We will tion of the previous US two superpowers are at most senior foreign policy cluding in Xinjiang, Hong “It abuses so-called no- always stand up for our President, Donald Trump. First female president urges Tanzanians to unite after death of COVID sceptic Magufuli NAIROBI – Tanzania’s new President Samia Suluhu Hassan said on Friday the country should unite and avoid pointing fingers after the death of John Magufuli, her COVID- 19 sceptic predecessor, urging the east African country to look for- ward with hope and confidence. Wearing a red hijab, she took her oath of office on the Koran in a ceremony at State House in the com- mercial capital Dar es Salaam. She is the first fe- male head of state in the country of 58 million. Vice president since 2015, Hassan gave a brief and sombre address after she was sworn in, address- ing a heavily male crowd that included two former presidents and uniformed officers. “This is a time to bury our differences, and be one Tanzania’s new President Samia Suluhu Hassan inspects a guard of honour mounted by the Tanzanian People’s Defence Forces as a nation,” she said.“This after she was sworn into office following the death of her predecessor John Pombe Magufuli at State House in Dar es Salam, is not a time for finger Tanzania. pointing, but it is a time to hold hands and move for- not obtain any vaccines himself, analysts say. an attack by unknown brash populist who earned made many Tanzanians ward together.” until the country’s own ex- Tanzania’s main opposi- gunmen in Tanzania’s ad- the nickname ‘Bulldozer’ happy. “This is just not The remarks appeared perts had reviewed them. tion leader Tundu Lissu, ministrative capital for muscling through poli- some kind of token ap- aimed at dispelling a na- World Health living in exile in Belgium, Dodoma in 2017 and un- cies and who drew criti- pointment. She’s a compe- tional mood of uncertainty Organisation (WHO) head said without providing ev- derwent treatment in cism for his intolerance of tent woman, she’s been that developed after Tedros Adhanom idence that Magufuli had Belgium where he went dissent, which his govern- working for four decades Magufuli, criticised by op- Ghebreyesus tweeted con- died of COVID-19, and into exile. ment denied. in a public capacity,” she ponents as a divisive and gratulations to Hassan called his death a caution- She praised the late said. authoritarian figure, dis- and said he looked forward ary tale. ‘My mentor’ leader in her remarks, de- Rights groups say appeared from public view to working with her to Lissu cited medical, Government spokesman scribing him as her men- Magufuli’s six-year-rule for 18 days before his keep people safe from diplomatic, and security Hassan Abbasi did not im- tor, but also thanked the was marred by arbitrary death was announced. COVID-19. Tanzania sources in Tanzania and mediately respond to a opposition for their arrests, suspension of crit- His absence from na- stopped reporting coron- Kenya for his information. phone call and text mes- “wishes of strength, com- ical television and radio tional life drew speculation avirus data in May last “Populism can be very sage seeking comment on fort and solidarity” after stations and the blocking he was critically ill with year,frustrating the WHO. dangerous ... when it is Lissu’s remarks. Magufuli’s death. of social media and other COVID-19. Magufuli died Hassan will also have anti-science,” he told Described as a soft-spo- She later visited abuses. of heart disease, Hassan the task of healing a coun- Reuters in an interview, ken consensus-builder, Magufuli’s widow Janet. DaMina Advisors, a po- said when announcing his try polarized during the pointing to other world Hassan will be the first Lawyer Fatma Karume litical risk advisory firm, death on Wedneday. Magufuli years, analysts leaders who have played president born in said Hassan’s remarks predicted the new presi- Among the first chal- said. She may face chal- down the virus, such as Zanzibar, the archipelago suggested she was taking dent was likely to make a lenges facing Hassan, 61, lenges building a political Brazil’s President Jair that forms part of the pains to sound conciliatory public U-turn on her pre- will be a decision on base to govern, given com- Bolsonaro and former U.S. union of the Republic of and not to isolate decessor’s policy of whether to procure peting factions in her rul- President Donald Trump. Tanzania. Magufuli’s supporters. COVID-19 denial and his COVID-19 vaccines. ing party jostling for pri- The opposition leader, Her leadership style is Elsie Eyakuze, a colum- generally negative atti- Under her predecessor,the macy after Magufuli cen- who lost last year’s elec- seen as a potential con- nist and consultant, said tudes toward foreign in- government said it would tralised power around tion to Magufuli, survived trast from Magufuli, a Hassan’s inauguration vestors. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 20, 2021 • 13

Myanmar garment workers urge global brands to denounce coup

NEW YORK – Tin Tin toward democracy after chandising exports come Wei used to toil 11 decades of military rule from textiles and apparel, hours a day, six days and started to set some worth $4.59 billion in week sewing jackets at labor standards, Western 2018. That’s up from 9%, a factory in Myanmar. brands looking to diversify or $900 million, in 2012 as But she hasn’t stitched their sourcing were at- international sanctions a single garment since tracted to the country’s were dropped, according a coup in February. cheap labor. Broad sanc- to the latest data from the Instead, the 26-year-old tions now would cripple European Chamber of union organizer has been that burgeoning clothing Commerce in Myanmar. protesting in the streets – industry, which has been Myanmar’s apparel ex- and trying to bring inter- growing rapidly in recent ports mostly go to the national pressure to bear years before the coron- European Union, Japan Myanmar workers, mostly from garment and shoe factories, take part in a on the newly installed avirus pandemic cut or- and South Korea because May Day march in Yangon, Myanmar. junta. ders and eliminated jobs. of favorable trade agree- Her union, the Comprehensive sanc- ments. The US accounts counts for a tiny share – taking a wait-and-see leave. Furthermore, some Federation of Garment tions could wreck the for 5.5% of Myanmar’s ex- less than 0.1% – in US and stance when it comes to argue Western companies Workers in Myanmar,and livelihoods of more than ports, with clothing, European Union fashion any long-term decisions. play a role in reducing others have been staging 600,000 garment workers, footwear and luggage rep- companies’ total sourcing Experts note it’s not easy poverty by giving workers general strikes to protest but some union leaders resenting the bulk of that, networks. And there are to shift products to a dif- in Myanmar opportunities the coup and are urging say they would rather see according to garment plenty of other alterna- ferent country, nor is it to earn an income while major international massive layoffs than en- trade expert Sheng Lu. tives for brands. easy to return to also helping to improve brands like H&M and dure military oppression. But Myanmar still ac- Despite this, many are Myanmar once companies labor standards there. Mango, which source some “I need to do some sort of of their products in sacrifice in the short term Myanmar, to denounce the for the long term for our takeover and put more next generation,” said Tin pressure on factories to Tin Wei, who is the sole protect workers from breadwinner in her fam- being fired or harassed – ily and has been receiving or worse arrested and food donations. killed for participating in The civil disobedience the protests. movement, or CDM as it is “If we go back to work known, has included rail- and if we work for the sys- way workers, truck driv- tem, our future is in the ers, hospital, bank em- darkness, and we will lose ployees and many others our labor rights and even determined to stifle the our human rights,” said economy. Tin Tin Wei, who has been The aim is “no partici- a clothing factory worker pation with the junta at since age 13. all,” Sein Htay, a migrant The response from com- labor organizer who re- panies so far has been turned to Myanmar from mixed. Only a few have Thailand said in an said they would curtail emailed comment.“We be- Anti-coup protesters abandon their makeshift barricade and run as policemen charge in Yangon, their business in lieve that CDM is really Myanmar, Friday, March 19, 2021. Authorities in Myanmar arrested a spokesman for ousted leader Myanmar. Most others working. So we are moti- Aung San Suu Kyi’s political party as they intensify efforts to choke off the spread of information have put out statements vated to continue.” about growing protests against last month’s military takeover. that stop short of taking But violent crackdowns action, saying that while by Myanmar security they denounce the coup, forces against protesters they want to support the including garment work- Two journalists detained as junta workers by providing ers are escalating. Troops them with jobs. shot and killed at least 38 Tin Tin Wei’s union and people Sunday in an in- clamps down on press the Confederation of dustrial suburb of Yangon Trade Unions in – an area dominated by YANGON, Myanmar – ice, were detained by men years of slow progress to- internet access has been Myanmar have also been clothing factories – after Two more journalists who appeared to be plain- ward democracy after five severely restricted, pri- demanding comprehen- Chinese-owned factories were detained in clothes security agents decades of military rule. vate newspapers have sive international sanc- were set on fire. Tens of Myanmar on Friday, part outside a court in the cap- In the face of persistent been barred from publish- tions — not the targeted thousands of workers and of the junta’s intensifying ital of Naypyitaw. The strikes and protests ing, and protesters, jour- sanctions some have im- their families were seen efforts to choke off infor- journalists were there to against the takeover, the nalists and politicians posed — to bring down the fleeing the area in the mation about resistance cover legal proceedings junta has responded with have been arrested in junta that ousted the civil- days that followed. to last month’s coup. against Win Htein, a de- an increasingly violent large numbers. ian government of Aung The garment industry Mizzima News reported tained senior official from crackdown and efforts to About 40 journalists San Suu Kyi. plays a key role in that one of its former re- the National League for severely limit the infor- have been arrested since As international sanc- Myanmar’s economy, par- porters, Than Htike Democracy, the party that mation reaching the out- the Feb. 1 coup, with tions were dropped in the ticularly the export sector. Aung, and Aung Thura, a ran the country before the side world. Security roughly half still in deten- mid-2010s when Roughly a third of journalist from the BBC’s takeover. forces have fired on tion, including Thein Zaw Myanmar began shifting Myanmar’s total mer- Burmese-language serv- The coup reversed crowds, killing hundreds, of The Associated Press. 14 • Saturday March 20, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Sea goddess, air force C-130s called upon to fight Taiwan drought

HSINCHU, Taiwan – supplies so far are gener- Taiwan is drilling wells, ally continuing uninter- seeding clouds and be- rupted for households. seeching a gold-faced sea Chiang Ming-lang, di- goddess to help the sub- rector of the Water tropical island ride out its Resources Agency’s north- most serious drought in ern region, told Reuters about half a century,after they have been piping in rain-soaking typhoons water from other reser- failed to make landfall last voirs to the main one for year. Hsinchu, but it was still The drought is worst not enough and they were across a band of western now drilling wells. People holding joss sticks pray to sea goddess Mazu to wish for rain amid an island-wide drought. Taiwan, including the “Nobody wants to lack major metropolises of water. But if the heavens In Taichung earlier this sea goddess Mazu, her prayers bring blessings,” Hsinchu rice farmer Hsinchu, home to many of don’t open then that’s not month the Water gold face signifying her di- he said. Tian Shou-hsi, 63, said his Taiwan’s renowned tech something you or I can Resources Agency took the vinity and a popular deity Taiwan’s air force has crops were “suffering terri- firms,Taichung in the cen- control,” he said. “Though unusual step of sending its believed to bring good for- also used C-130 transport bly”. tre of the island, and some people say this is a top official for central tune and end drought. aircraft to seed the clouds, “The spring has begun Tainan and Kaohsiung to short-term phenomenon, Taiwan to a three-hour re- Yen Ching-piao, chair- while water resources offi- but I haven’t seen any the south. it’s hard to deny this has ligious ceremony to pray man of the Jenn Lann cials back up the effort rain. I can’t plant the Water levels in four become a long-term one.” for rain, the first time the Temple where the prayers from the ground by firing three hectares of land I major reservoirs have Officials hope the ‘plum event has been held in 58 were offered, told media it chemicals into the air. have,” he said. “There’s no fallen to around or below rain’ season that starts years. didn’t matter who came, Agriculture accounts for water, so we have nothing one-tenth of capacity. around late spring will Some 3,000 people, only that they were sin- more than 70% of water to do. Apart from tilling Some chipmakers are buy- help, but in the meantime mostly farmers as well as cere in their request for consumption in Taiwan, to the soil and planting ing water by the truckload are taking more drastic Taichung Mayor Lu rain. grow rice and fruit like mulch for the ground, I for their foundries, though steps. Shiow-yen, prayed to the “Prayers give hope, and mango and pineapple. don’t know what to do.” Malaysia orders N. Korea diplomats out KUALA LUMPUR, tion over a nuclear stand- the deplorable assassina- hard line because it thinks eventually seek to return legal bid centered on Malaysia – Malaysia off. Ties between North tion of Kim Jong Nam in it must not back down to diplomacy to find ways Mun’s right to a fair hear- said Friday it will Korea and Malaysia have 2017” and that (over the extradition) as to get sanctions relief and ing and also an injunction order all North Korean been virtually frozen since Pyongyang’s decision was it’ll then have a war of revive its moribund econ- to stop his extradition. diplomats to leave the the slaying in 2017 of the “clearly unwarranted, dis- nerves with the Biden gov- omy. A Malaysian foreign country within 48 estranged half brother of proportionate and cer- ernment in the next four Earlier this month, ministry official said Mun hours, an escalation of North Korean leader Kim tainly disruptive” for re- years,” said Nam Sung- Malaysia’s top court ruled was extradited to the U.S. diplomat brawl over Jong Un at Kuala Lumpur gional peace and stability. wook, a professor at South North Korean Mun Chol on Wednesday. The min- Malaysia’s move to ex- International Airport. Malaysia’s Foreign Korea’s Korea University. Myong could be extra- istry statement said it was tradite a North Korean Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry website said the Nam said North Korea dited, rejecting his asser- carried out only after all suspect to the United Ministry denounced North Korean Embassy is also likely worries that tion the U.S. charge was legal process has been ex- States for money laun- North Korea’s move as led by Kim Yu Song, the similar cases involving politically motivated. Mun hausted. It said it had to dering charges. “unfriendly and uncon- chargé d’affaires and North Korean nationals had lived in Malaysia for a reject a series of North Malaysia’s announce- structive.” It said the gov- councilor, and six other could occur in other decade and was arrested Korea’s demarches for the ment came hours after ernment will order all staff. Southeast Asian coun- in May 2019 after U.S. au- government to intervene North Korea said it was diplomatic staff and their “Yes, we will be shutting tries. thorities requested his ex- in the judiciary process. terminating diplomatic dependents at the North down. We are now dis- Threatening to cut ties tradition. North Korea and ties with Malaysia be- Korea Embassy to leave cussing the plans with our with Malaysia was one of In his affidavit, Mun de- Malaysia established cause it committed a Malaysia within 48 hours. staff here and liaising the North’s strongest op- nied U.S. accusations that diplomatic ties in 1973, “super-large hostile act ... It added that Malaysia with our government,” tions to express its anger he was involved in supply- but their relations suf- in subservience to the U.S. was also compelled by Kim was quoted as saying with the Biden adminis- ing luxury goods from fered major setbacks over pressure.” North Korea North Korea’s decision to by the New Straits Times. tration without jeopardiz- Singapore to North Korea the 2017 killing of Kim called the money launder- shut its own embassy in North Korea has long ing an eventual return to in violation of U.N. sanc- Jong Nam. ing charges an “absurd Pyongyang.Foreign used Malaysia as a crucial nuclear negotiations with tions. He denied that he Two women — one fabrication and (a) sheer Minister Hishammuddin economic hub where it Washington, said Hong had laundered funds Indonesian and the other plot” orchestrated by the Hussein tweeted that all handled trade, labor ex- Min, a senior analyst at through front companies Vietnamese — were United States and warned Malaysian diplomats in ports and some illicit busi- Seoul’s Korea Institute for and that he issued fraud- charged with colluding Washington will “pay a North Korea had returned nesses in Southeast Asia. National Unification. ulent documents to sup- with four North Koreans due price.” after the embassy’s opera- Experts say North Korea North Korea has in- port illicit shipments to to murder Kim Jong Nam It’s the latest develop- tions were suspended in is taking a tough stance sisted it won’t engage in his country. by smearing his face with ment in growing animos- 2017. over the extradition be- talks with Washington un- After that ruling, Mun’s VX nerve agent. The four ity between Washington The ministry said cause it sees it as a pres- less it abandons what family hired a lawyer to North Koreans fled and Pyongyang, as the Malaysia had sought to sure tactic against the Pyongyang’s perceives as challenge the legality of Malaysia the day Kim North ramps up pressure strengthen ties with North. a “hostile” policy. But ex- the extradition. Lawyer died.The two women were on the Biden administra- North Korea “even after “North Korea is taking a perts say North Korea will Emile Ezra said the new later released. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 20, 2021 • 15

Taliban expect US withdrawal, vow to restore Islamic rule

MOSCOW – The Taliban ment they signed in February low Islamic injunctions without warned Washington on 2020, the Taliban have not at- specifying what that would Friday against defying a tacked US or NATO forces, even mean. May 1 deadline for the with- as unclaimed bombings and tar- They have said they would not drawal of American and geted killings have spiked in re- accept a woman as president, NATO troops from cent months. and while women could be Afghanistan, promising a “We hope that this will not judges they could not take the “reaction,” which could happen, that they withdraw and job of the Chief Justice. mean increased attacks by we focus on the settlement, But even without the Taliban the insurgent group. peaceful settlement of the in government in Afghanistan, The Taliban issued their Afghan issue, in order to bring The Georgetown Institute for warning at a press conference about a permanent and compre- Women, Peace and Security in Moscow,the day after meeting hensive ceasefire at the end of Afghanistan said Afghanistan with senior Afghan government reaching a political roadmap was one of the worst places in negotiators and international (for) Afghanistan,” Shaheen the world to be a woman in observers to try to jumpstart a said. 2020. stalled peace process to end He also reaffirmed that the Only one woman attended Afghanistan’s decades of war. Taliban were firm on their de- Thursday’s talks in Moscow,and President Joe Biden’s admin- mand for an Islamic govern- in the two decades since the An Orthodox Christian Tigrayan refugee who fled the conflict istration says it is reviewing an ment. Shaheen didn’t elaborate Taliban were ousted, successive in the Ethiopia’s Tigray reads prayers with his son in front of agreement the Taliban signed on what an Islamic government governments in Kabul have a church at Hamdeyat Transition Center near the Sudan- with the Trump administration. would look like or whether it been unable to ratify a law out- Ethiopia border, eastern Sudan, March 16, 2021. Biden told ABC in an interview would mean a return to their re- lawing violence against women. Wednesday that the May 1 pressive rules that denied girls Meanwhile, the Taliban re- deadline “could happen, but it education, barred women from fused to promise they would not is tough,” adding that if the working, and imposed harsh launch a spring offensive de- Ethiopian leader deadline is extended it won’t be punishments. spite calls from the United by “a lot longer.” Shaheen did not say whether States, Russia and China. “They should go,” Suhail the Taliban would accept elec- “I started Jihad (holy war) to warns fugitive Tigray Shaheen, a member of the tions, but he emphasized that remove foreign forces from my Taliban negotiation team, told the government of President country and establish an Islamic reporters, warning that staying Ashraf Ghani would not fit their government and Jihad will con- beyond May 1 would breach the definition of an Islamic govern- tinue until we reach that goal leaders to surrender deal.“After that, it will be a kind ment. through a political agreement,” of violation of the agreement. In previous statements, the said Khairullah Khairkhwa, a HAMDAYET,Sudan – Ethiopia’s far” and preventing further That violation would not be from Taliban have said their vision of member of the negotiating team, prime minister issued a “final bloodshed. our side. . . Their violation will an Islamic government would who was one of five Taliban notice” Friday to the fugitive No one knows how many thou- have a reaction.” allow girls to attend school, and freed from US prison on leaders of the country’s embat- sands of civilians or combatants He did not elaborate on what women to work or be in public Guantanamo Bay in 2013 in ex- tled Tigray region, saying they have been killed since months of form the “reaction” would take, life. But in every conversation, change for the release of a cap- should surrender peacefully to political tensions between Abiy’s but in keeping with the agree- they emphasized the need to fol- tured US soldier. avoid “severe punishment” and government and the Tigray lead- prevent the “misery of their peo- ers who once dominated ple.” Ethiopia’s government exploded At the same time, Prime in November into war. The re- Minister Abiy Ahmed urged the gion remains largely cut off from untold hundreds of thousands of the world, with few journalists ethnic Tigrayans who have fled allowed in, and only now are their communities over the past steps being taken to allow the four months of fighting to return United Nations human rights of- to their homes within a week fice into Tigray to help investi- and resume “normal lives.” gate allegations of atrocities. Abiy’s notice alleges that some Meanwhile, civilians have suf- civilians took up arms, perhaps fered. Witnesses in Hamdayet under threat of force, but said and elsewhere have told The they “are not the main culprits.” Associated Press of widespread The new warning came as peo- killing and looting by soldiers ple described seeing a larger from neighboring Eritrea, a long- presence of Ethiopian forces on time Tigray enemy which is ac- the way to the place that cused of teaming up with Tigrayans have used to flee the Ethiopia in the conflict. region, the border crossing into Ethiopia’s government has de- the remote town of Hamdayet in nied their presence. Sudan. Ethiopian and allied Witnesses also have described forces for months have allegedly being stripped of possessions blocked people from crossing, and forced from their homes by though more than 60,000 have forces from the neighboring made it into Sudan. Amhara region, another ally of Abiy’s new statement does not the Ethiopian government in the say what exactly will happen if war. Members of the Taliban delegation from the left: Khairullah Khairkhwa, former western Tigray’s fugitive political and For the refugees in Hamdayet, Herat Governor and one of five Taliban released from the US prison on Guantanamo Bay in military leaders do not turn there is little hope of going home exchange for US soldier Bowe Bergdahl, Suhail Shaheen, member of negotiation team, themselves in. It reminds them or even having one to return to, Mohammad Naeem, spokesman for the Taliban’s political office attend their joint news con- to “do their part by learning from no matter what the prime min- ference in Moscow, Russia yesterday. the devastation and damage so ister is now urging. 16 • Saturday March 20, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Armie Hammer’s first accuser Woman says he ‘violently raped’ her: comes forward ‘I thought he was going to kill me’ ARMIE HAMMER’S sexual assault investiga- first accuser, who was tion since February 3. previously anony- That was the month mous, came forward after a social media ac- Thursday, count, @houseofeffie, The woman, whose began posting screen- first name is Effie, was shots of messages they identified as a 24-year- claimed Hammer has old resident of Europe, sent to various women. and appeared at a news They included references conference with her at- to cannibalism and vio- torney, Gloria Allred. She lence, and they were did not give her last posted because the name, but she said she’d women decided collec- had a relationship with tively that it was time to Hammer that was some- speak out, the account times violent and abu- owner said. sive between 2016 and Effie reportedly did not 2020, after they met on disclose whether that Facebook. She claimed was her. that he “violently raped” Since those original ac- her for four hours on cusations, other women April 24, 2017, in Los have spoken out against Angeles. Hammer. He’s since de- Armie Hammer “I thought that he was parted the Jennifer going to kill me,” Effie Lopez movie Shotgun did not want it used. below is just one of hun- said. Wedding, in which he “[Effie’s] own corre- dreds [Effie] sent to Mr. She alleged that had been set to co-star, spondence with Mr. Hammer.” Hammer “repeatedly and Variety reported that Hammer undermines Brettler included a slapped my head against his agency,WME, has and refutes her outra- screenshot of a text, a wall, bruising my face” dropped him. geous allegations. As re- which he said was one of and kept her from run- The star of The Social cently as July 18, 2020, hundreds that Effie sent ning away. Network and Call Me by [Effie] sent graphic texts the actor, in which she At the same time, the Your Name has denied to Mr. Hammer telling was propositioning him. Los Angeles Police the allegations. him what she wanted He also provided an Department’s public in- ‘His attorney, Andrew him to do to her. Mr. image of comments she formation officer con- Brettler, used Effie’s last Hammer responded supposedly made on firmed to Yahoo name in his response to making it clear that he Instagram in which she Entertainment that the latest development, did not want to maintain dismisses the idea that Hammer has been the but we’ve redacted it, be- that type of relationship the encounter was not Bridge suspect in an ongoing cause she stated that she with her. The screenshot consensual. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 20, 2021 • 17 SPORTSSPORTS Dawid Malan backed by Paul Collingwood PAUL COLLINGWOOD has backed England’s Dawid Malan to find the form that led him to be rated as the number one Twenty20 batsman in the world. Malan has managed 80 runs from 77 deliveries across the series against India, which will be decided in today’s fifth and final match. “Dawid hasn’t quite found his rhythm on this tour,” said England assistant coach Collingwood. “You’ve got to remember where he is in the rankings and that’s no fluke.” Left-hander Malan, 33, still leads the International Cricket Council’s batting rankings. In December, at the end of England’s 3-0 series win in South Africa, his rating of 915 was the highest ever attained. Dawid Malan laboured to 14 from 17 balls before being bowled by Yuzvendra Chaha in the fourth T20. Though he has failed to pass 24 in the first four as well as he’d like in the the former England all- England captain when Cup we will be feared by a of their match fee for a matches against India, he first four games but he’s rounder. “It feels like they won the T20 World lot of teams because of our slow over-rate in their still has nine half- got an opportunity another great opportunity Cup in 2010. white-ball form over the eight-run defeat in the centuries and one hundred again to do something to get experience of The only survivor from past four years,” he said. fourth T20. from 23 games, at an special.” knockout cricket.” that team still playing is “We’ve got a India have called up average of 49 with a strike- Collingwood described “Leading into a World current skipper Eoin matchwinners from one to batsman Suryakumar rate of 144. the series decider – the Cup you need these kind of Morgan, who led England 11. Yadav, who is uncapped in “What he’s done with an teams are tied at 2-2 going experiences to see how to 50-over World Cup glory “It’s a totally different ODIs, pace bowler Prasidh England shirt on in T20 into the game – as a “final” players deal with the in 2019. team from 2010, but I don’t Krishna and spin-bowling cricket is pretty much for England as they build pressure. It’s another Collingwood said it was think we could be in a all-rounder Krunal exceptional up until this towards the T20 World experience you can draw “very hard to compare better place to go into a Pandya for the three- series,” added Collingwood. Cup to be held in India in on, to use the memories of, eras” but the class of 2021 World Cup.” match one-day series in “He’ll be the first person October and November. to hopefully have success.” is “more powerful". Meanwhile, England Pune, which begins on to say it hasn’t gone quite “It’s a huge game,” said Collingwood, 44, was “Going into this World have been fined 20 per cent Tuesday. Tokyo organisers expected to Djokovic pulls out discuss foreign spectators today of Miami to spend TOKYO Olympics meeting. unclear when restrictions will likely be restricted to time with family organisers will meet with Organisers face tough will be lifted. certain areas. Japanese government decisions on whether to Hashimoto has said Yet it could mean that WORLD number one “I decided to use this officials today, the local allow international fans repeatedly that nothing athletes would not have Novak Djokovic will precious time at home to organising committee into Japan and on how was decided yet and that family members watching delay his comeback to the stay with my family.With said, with discussion of many spectators to allow she was hoping to reach a in person if it were a ATP Tour following a all restrictions, I need to whether to allow in foreign into venues, as they design decision with the other blanket ban on all foreign muscle injury after find balance in my time spectators expected to be health protocols aimed at main organising bodies spectators. deciding to skip the on tour and at home.I on the agenda. hosting a safe Games before the start of the torch It would also raise new Miami Open starting look forward to coming The meeting, from 6 during the COVID-19 relay on Thursday next questions about finances. next week to spend more back next year.” p.m. (0900 GMT), will be pandemic. week in Fukushima. Figures released in time with his family. Djokovic, who won his held by the Tokyo 2020 The Japanese A decision not to accept December had projected Djokovic sustained a 18th Grand Slam title at organising committee, the government has concluded international spectators ticket sales would provide muscle tear that Melbourne Park, eclipsed International Olympic that welcoming fans from would assuage fears $800 million for the Tokyo hindered him during his Roger Federer’s all-time Committee, the abroad would not be among the Japanese organising committee, or successful Australian record for most weeks as International Paralympic possible given public public, with media polls about 12 per cent of its Open title defence last the men’s world number Committee, the Tokyo concern about the showing a majority oppose budget. Local ticket sales month and the 33-year- one on March 8 when he Metropolitan Government coronavirus and the letting in overseas visitors. have typically accounted old planned to return at moved past the Swiss to and the central detection of more It would also enable for 70-80 per cent of total Miami before playing the hold the top ranking for government of Japan, contagious variants in organisers and the local sales at past Olympics. Monte-Carlo Masters the 311th week. Tokyo 2020 said in a many countries, two authorities to keep track The Olympics, and the ATP 250 Serbia He said at the time statement yesterday. sources told Reuters more easily of visitors’ postponed by a year Open. that his focus would be Tokyo 2020 President earlier this month. movements, given that because of the pandemic, “Dear fans, I’m very on winning more majors, Seiko Hashimoto and The country’s borders foreign athletes will be in are scheduled for July 23 sorry to announce that adding he would make Chief Executive Toshiro remain closed to tourists Japan for short stays to August 8 and the this year I won’t travel to necessary adjustments to Muto will hold a news as a COVID-19 centred on their Paralympics from August Miami to compete,” his playing schedule to conference after the countermeasure and it is competition periods and 24 to September 5. Djokovic tweeted. achieve that goal. 18 • Saturday March 20, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Liverpool face Real Madrid in Champions League last eight LIVERPOOL will face Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Manchester City have been drawn against Borussia Dortmund, while Chelsea play Porto and defending champions Bayern Munich take on Paris St-Germain, the team they beat in last year’s final. In the semi-finals, the winner of the Real Madrid v Liverpool tie will face Porto or Chelsea and Manchester City or Dortmund will take on Bayern or PSG. The two-legged quarter-finals will take place on 6-7 and 13-14 April. The first legs of the semi-final will be on 27-28 April with the return ties on 4-5 May. Liverpool and Real Madrid met in the 2018 Champions League final with the Spanish club, who have won the competition a record 13 times, winning 3- 1. The two teams have played each other six times in Europe’s top competition, with both winning three games apiece, including Liverpool’s 1-0 victory in the 1981 final. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah had to go off with a shoulder injury after a Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel guided PSG to last year’s final, while Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola won the title twice as challenge with Sergio Ramos during the Barcelona manager and Jurgen Klopp won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2019. first half of the 2018 Champions League final against Real Madrid English side drawing 1-1 at home and Norwegian striker Erling Braut now at his age. Their only previous meeting in a losing 1-0 in Germany. Haaland, the son of former City midfielder “I know the quality of this player,I think knockout tie came in the last 16 in 2009, City, who are aiming to win the Alf-Inge Haaland, also plays for Dortmund everybody knows.” with Liverpool winning 5-0 on aggregate. competition for the first time, remain on and he has scored 20 goals in just 14 On speculation linking City with a move Premier League leaders Manchester course for an unprecedented quadruple Champions League appearances. for the 20-year-old, Guardiola added:“He’s City have only met Dortmund twice.Those and could face England winger Jadon "The numbers speak for themselves,” a player for Dortmund, I don’t like it when games came in the group stage of the Sancho, who left the club in 2017 to join the said City boss Guardiola on Haaland. “He people talk about our players, you Champions League in 2012, with the German side. is one of the best strikers in the world right understand I cannot answer this question.” Slavia to file ‘brutal attack’ complaint with police

SLAVIA Prague say they have Steven Gerrard. match assault on Kudela was “thought 1 on aggregate to exit the tournament in lodged a criminal complaint over a A statement explains that the Czech out, including deliberately covering the the last 16. “brutal attack” on Ondrej Kudela at Embassy in London will officially file the cameras at the scene of the incident”, Ibrox manager director Stewart Ibrox. club’s grievance but a Police Scotland adding that the “brutal attack was Robertson said his club expect a “robust The Czech club claim Kudela was set spokesperson said: “No reports of carried out with full intensity in order to and unequivocal response” on the matter upon after their 2-0 Europa League win criminality have been made by either injure and cause physical damage”. from European governing body Uefa. on Thursday. club in connection with last night’s They say Uefa delegates and members Kudela has admitted swearing at Rangers allege that Kudela racially match. of their own staff witnessed the incident, Kamara while covering his mouth but abused Glen Kamara in the closing “Police Scotland has contacted club along with Gerrard. denied the “disgusting accusation” of stages of the game, which led to an on- officials and assured them that should The Rangers manager said after the racism. pitch altercation. any allegation be received it will be game he was “angry and upset” when Uefa has already confirmed that it will Slavia say their complaint details a list investigated thoroughly.” Kamara told him he was racially abused conduct an investigation into events at of witnesses, including Rangers manager Slavia assert that the alleged post- during the match, which Rangers lost 3- Ibrox. Manchester United to play Granada and Arsenal face Slavia Prague MANCHESTER United have been The Gunners were involved in the last drawn against Granada in the Europa all-English Europa League final against League quarter-finals, while Arsenal will Chelsea in 2019, with the Blues winning face Slavia Prague. 4-1 in Baku. Ajax have been drawn against Roma, Granada are playing in Europe for the while Dinamo Zagreb play Villarreal. first time and their last-eight tie against In the semi-finals, the winner of the Manchester United will be their first Granada v Manchester United tie will meeting with English opposition. play Ajax or Roma and Dinamo Zagreb or The Red Devils are one of only two Villarreal will play Arsenal or Slavia previous winners left in the competition Prague. along with 1992 champions Ajax, who The two-legged quarter-final ties will United beat in the 2017 final. be played on 8 and 15 April. Slavia Prague meanwhile have been The semi-finals are scheduled for 29 drawn against a British club for the third April and 6 May. time this season having beaten Leicester The draw means Manchester United and Rangers in the previous rounds. and Arsenal could play each other in the Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb final, which will take place in Gdansk, reached this stage after a remarkable 3- Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny and Manchester United’s Paul Pogba were on target Poland on 26 May. 2 aggregate victory against Tottenham. in the last 16. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 20, 2021 • 19

Khabib Nurmagomedov ‘100% officially retired’, says Dana White KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV has and enjoy whatever is next my friend.” “100% officially retired”, says UFC Nurmagomedov is touted by some as president Dana White. the greatest MMA fighter of all time not Nurmagomedov, 32, announced his just because of his perfect record, but the retirement after beating Justin Gaethje sheer dominance of those victories. at UFC 254 in October to retain the Opportunities for lucrative further lightweight title and extend his perfect fights, including rematches with Conor professional record to 29. McGregor and Georges St-Pierre, were White has previously said he hoped undoubtedly there, but Nurmagomedov the Russian would return to seek a 30th had promised his mother the Gaethje win, but accepts his career is now over. fight would be his last. That vow was “He is 100% officially retired,” he made following the death of his father, added. “It was incredible to watch you coach and mentor Abdulmanap last work Khabib. Thank you for everything summer. Some believe Khabib Nurmagomedov is the greatest UFC fighter of all time. Minella Indo wins from A Plus Tard for historic Henry De Bromhead treble MINELLA Indo won a thrilling legs and broken collarbones will heal. It’s The 2018 winner Native River was has been riding out of his skin. Cheltenham Gold Cup under Jack obviously unfortunate, but you have to fourth and long-time leader Frodon fifth, He has had some horrible injuries over Kennedy to deny Rachael Blackmore get on with it. while last year’s RSA Chase victor the years but is a great Irish talent and aboard A Plus Tard in a 1-2 for trainer “It’s definitely the best day of my life. I Champ and 2020 Gold Cup runner-up really deserves this. Henry de Bromhead. know I’m still young, but I suppose I have Santini were pulled up. Everyone felt Rachael went for the Victory sealed a historic hat-trick for been in the position where I could have Blackmore was given a two-day right horse in A Plus Tard but Minella the Irish trainer, who also landed the been winning them for a couple of years, suspension for “using her whip above the Indo operates well around here. Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase. so to get it done is brilliant.” permitted level from turning in". The final day of the 2021 Festival The 9-1 chance Minella Indo won by De Bromhead is the first trainer to win Twelve runners went to post, and followed the pattern of the previous three one and a quarter lengths with two-time the Champion Hurdle. Champion Chase Bryony Frost led from the front on the days with Irish horses dominating. champion Al Boum Photo in third. and Gold Cup at one Cheltenham six-time Cheltenham winner Frodon. As well as Minella Indo, there were Blackmore – top 2021 Cheltenham Festival meeting The 2019 and 2020 victor Al Boum five other Irish-trained victories to leave rider with six wins – was hoping to Delighted De Bromhead, who won Photo was one of several travelling Ireland 23-5 winners over Great Britain become the first female jockey to Wednesday’s Queen Mother Champion smoothly, along with his Willie Mullins- in the battle for the Prestbury Cup. triumph. Chase with Put The Kettle On, was left trained stablemate Kemboy, as the race Only the Will Biddick-trained Porlock Picking A Plus Tard ahead of Minella to take in what he had achieved. developed. Boy (16-1) in the Festival Challenge Cup Indo was probably trailblazing “It’s all come together here and it’s Blackmore, who was the first female Open Hunters’ Chase could deny the Blackmore’s only wrong decision of the fantastic,” said the 48-year-old, who jockey to win the Champion Hurdle after Irish on another day of success. week, but it was an emotional success trains in Knockeen, County Waterford, victory with Honeysuckle on Tuesday, Blackmore’s sixth win of the Festival for Kennedy. “To win a Cheltenham Gold Cup is was another going well on A Plus Tard. came on the 2-1 chance Quilixios, trained “I can’t believe it. This is what I have something you dream about. I think I’m Frodon began to fade two fences from by De Bromhead, in the Triumph Hurdle. dreamed of as a child,” said the 21-year- still in my hotel, it’s Monday evening and home and Minella Indo, second to Champ But De Bromhead missed out on the old rider, who has already broken his leg I’m about wake up and nothing’s even at Cheltenham last year, hit the front leading trainer’s trophy after Mullins four times in his short career. started yet. That’s where I’m at the and could not be caught up the hill. claimed a double in the last two races to "It could always be a lot worse – broken moment, it’s brilliant.” Jack Kennedy is a fantastic jockey and win on countback. Derek Chisora and Joseph Parker bout confirmed BRITISH heavyweight Derek Chisora and former world champion Joseph Parker’s bout has been confirmed for 1 May as part of an exciting card. Undisputed world lightweight champion Katie Taylor will also defend her titles against Natasha Jonas. New Zealand’s Parker was poised to face Chisora in October 2019 but withdrew after being bitten by a spider. “I’m looking forward to the fight, I cannot wait to get back in the ring,” said 37-year-old Chisora. A venue is yet to be announced but Parker, who held the WBO world heavyweight title before a points defeat to Anthony Joshua, said the fight would take place on British soil. The 29-year-old, who continues to seek a route back to a shot at one of the heavyweight division’s champions, Chisora and Parker were originally set to meet in 2019. added: “I’m excited to start this new chapter in my career with a new coach wins and two defeats, while Chisora lost fights you want to be part of,” said light-heavyweight world champion and some fresh ideas. to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk in October Taylor, who has a 17-0 professional Dmitry Bivol will put his title on the line "Chisora and I have unfinished and has 32 wins from 42 fights as a record. against London fighter Craig Richards. business and inside the ring one of us professional. “People still talk about our fight in the “This is one of the strongest shows will get the job done. Ireland’s Taylor and Liverpool fighter 2012 Olympics and I think that proved we’ve promoted and there is still even “I am well aware that a win on British Jonas will face a rematch of their bout in to be a real eye opener for people in more to come,” said promoter Eddie soil and on world-wide television will the quarter-finals at the London 2012 terms of what women’s boxing is all Hearn. put me in pole position whereas a loss Olympics, which Taylor won on her way about.” “Chisora versus Parker is a brilliant will be catastrophic.” to claiming the gold medal. Chris Eubank Jr also meets Marcus style match up that has been brewing for Parker overcame compatriot Junior Fa “It’s a fight that people have been Morrison in an all-British middleweight years and Taylor versus Jonas is one of on 27 February to take his record to 28 asking for and those are the type of tussle and Russia’s undefeated WBA the biggest fights in women’s boxing." 20 • Saturday March 20, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

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The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 20, 2021 • 21 NCAA tourney back with ‘First Four’

WHO are we kidding? “First also made it all the way to the in regulation. Johnny Juzang hit Four” still sounds more like Final Four – Virginia back-to-back baskets to begin an educational toy than the Commonwealth in 2011 – but the extra period and UCLA kept prelude to three of the best survivors tend to punch above its nose in front the rest of the weeks in sport. their weight. Four teams have way. But because of the pandemic, made it to the Sweet 16 and The reward for winning the it’s been 710 days since last we 2019 marked the only year at clash of No. 11 seeds is a short saw the NCAA Tournament – least one of the first four sur- drive to Hinkle Fieldhouse in who’s counting? – so let’s not vivors failed to win a game in Indianapolis, where the Bruins quibble over names and go the big-boy bracket. will face No. 6 Brigham Young. straight to the opening-night re- Michigan State’s brief appear- Drake’s win was a long time view: ance in the tournament was coming – 50 years to be exact – coach Tom Izzo’s 23rd straight, and didn’t go into the books until UCLA’s Mac Etienne, front left, competes for a rebound with Pretty, pretty good but it was small consolation. He a last-second 3-point try by Michigan State’s Joshua Langford during the second half of a In the finale pitting two of col- got into a heated exchange with Wichita State’s Alterique First Four game in the NCAA men’s college basketball tourna- lege hoops’ marquee programs, one of his own players – and not Gilbert clanged off the front rim. ment. UCLA outlasted Michigan State for the first time – after what ap- An early dunk by the Bulldogs 86-80 in overtime. Two other peared to be a defensive mis- 6-foot guard Joseph Yesufu over tage of the sport’s more equi- “They drenched me,” Jones games were decided by a single communication on the final play the Shockers 6-7 Clarence table transfer rules to quickly laughed, “but I’ll tell you what: point: Drake beat Wichita State of the first half. When Gabe Jackson produced the tourna- build an up-tempo attack. He It’s one of the best feelings I’ve 53-52, and Norfolk State Brown turned away, Izzo ment’s first sure-fire poster.But sweet-talked eight talented kids had in cold water in a long time.” squeezed Appalachian State 54- grabbed his arm and then the Drake had to erase a double- from other programs onto cam- Norfolk State won the other 53. In Thursday’s opener, Texas back of his jersey. digit, second-half deficit in a bat- pus, including John Walker III, battle of No. 16s, but did so Southern pulled steadily away “It was a normal nothing. But tle of No. 11 seeds and then hold who had a season-high 19 points drenched in sweat. The from Mount St. Mary’s and won in this day and age, everything’s its breath until the final buzzer. and nine rebounds.The win was Spartans built a big first-half 60-52. got to be something,” Izzo “It’s been a long time coming the Tigers’ 10th straight. lead, squandered it and then The first four games were groaned, then added. “It was and our guys knew that,” said “I feel like I’m on top of the some in the second and had to grafted onto the 64-team main over a missed switch that we Bulldogs coach Darian DeVries, world,” Walker, who was previ- close with a 9-2 run – capped by bracket in 2011, naturally, to talked about.” whose eight-year contract exten- ously at Texas A&M, shouted af- Devante Carter’s free throws pad the NCAA coffers. They The Spartans promptly went sion, signed just a day earlier, is terward. with 8.6 seconds left – to pre- were originally dubbed “play-in” on to hand back the double-digit already paying dividends. Good But maybe not for long. vail. games, and then briefly the lead they held at intermission, thing, too, because he’ll draw No. Texas Southern faces East “We knew what was on the “First Round,” which the NCAA yet still led by six points with 6 USC in the main bracket. Region top seed Michigan on line. Nobody wants to go home. quickly squashed to avoid any four minutes left. Then the Texas Southern simply had Saturday.Jones won’t have long They told me that the flight was confusion with the 16 games house fell in. The Bruins Jaime too much pace for a deliberate to prepare a game plan, but he leaving tomorrow at 9:30 (am),” that begin the tournament in Jaquez Jr., who finished with 27 Mount St. Mary’s squad in a planned to savor the win, which Norfolk State coach Robert earnest Friday. points, banged in a layup and match of No. 16 seeds. TSU his players celebrated by empty- Jones said. “I told them I’m not Only one First Four team has added the game-tying free throw coach Johnny Jones took advan- ing a water cooler over his head. packing.” 22 • Saturday March 20, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

‘No silver bullet’: Torch relay struggles highlight hurdles for pandemic Olympics TOKYO – Gold medal Paralympian media reports of busy singers and actors fans. Elsewhere, spectators need to wear Rina Akiyama pulled out of the complaining about late notifications. masks, socially distance, and the relay Olympic torch relay at the eleventh Hiromi Kawamura, who oversees the could be halted if the course area be- hour this month, worried about relay at the Tokyo 2020 organisers, apol- comes too crowded. drawing crowds that might spread ogised for delays, but said they were jug- The governor of the western prefec- the coronavirus, the latest in a se- gling vast amounts of fast-changing in- ture of Shimane has threatened to can- ries of cancellations that have formation, a shifting pandemic situation cel the relay altogether, saying he would plagued the event. and negotiations with national and local decide only a month before the event ar- The withdrawal by Akiyama and more governments. rives there on May 15. than a dozen celebrities from the relay, “We had to make a comprehensive plan “The sense is it will probably be called which started Thursday,underscores the as the first wave, the second wave, the off, but we’re preparing,” said a Shimane challenges facing organisers of one of the third wave came,” she told Reuters.“That official, declining to be named because of world’s most complex events, hosted by a took a lot of time, we can’t deny it, and I the sensitivity of the issue.“If it comes off, nation where vaccinations have barely do believe that it made people in the local we’ll only have a month to do it, so that begun, in the midst of a yet-untamed areas concerned.” probably means working through the pandemic. The relay will run for four months, tak- night a lot of times.And we’ll have to pull “I’m a former athlete and know how ing the torch across all of Japan’s 47 pre- in people from other offices to help.” important the Olympics and fectures, including far-flung islands, and Tokyo 2020’s Kawamura acknowl- Paralympics are, but life should be priori- will involve about 10,000 runners. edged that it was hard to balance the tised above everything else,” said celebrations usually accompanying a Akiyama, 33, and a swimmer who won Come what may torch relay with the tough circumstances gold in London in 2012. The government pledged to carry out the of the pandemic. “I’m no medical expert, but it doesn’t Games come what may, but officials on “I think there is a feeling about look to me like the situation will end in the ground said there were lingering whether it’s all right to be having fun, just three or four months,” Akiyama fears it could be cancelled anyway. The when there are people who are suffer- added. “We have no silver-bullet medi- Games were postponed last year two ing,” she said. cine or enough vaccine to go around in days before the torch relay began. “On the other hand, this isn’t the kind Japan.” “We knew everything would depend of fun you have riding a rollercoaster. The combination of the pandemic and on the infection risk, so cancellation It’s having people who have contributed an unprecedented postponement of the again was a possibility,” said Kosei Shoji, to the local areas as torch runners,” she Hiromi Kawamura, Senior Director of Games has forced local organisers to an official in Fukushima, where the relay added. Planning and International scramble to pull things together. Three begins. Kawamura pledged to “do it safely,and Coordination for Tokyo 2020 Torch infection surges and lockdowns have The starting ceremony and the first the fun will be appropriate to having it Relay, holding the torch of the Tokyo slowed final arrangements, prompting section of the relay will not be open to take place during the coronavirus.” 2020 Olympic Games. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 20, 2021 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A Aries – A change of scenery would help you get your N problems in perspective. You long for a way to escape real D life troubles. If you can't get away, be an armchair trav- eller. Watch movies set in exotic locales. Read books C that transport you to distant destinations. It will be a re- O lief to have your mind diverted. N S Taurus – Even if it's just the smallest of schemes, you need a plan in place to feel you are keeping up with those around you. All seems to be going in the right direction but you are feeling stuck. That's because you're worried about falling behind so you're trying to keep one step ahead of others working towards the same goal. Z Gemini – Group and community activities will give peo- I ple a reassuring sense of security and belonging. It will be especially rewarding to work with younger people T whose energy and high spirits are infectious. You will be S asked to take the helm of a volunteer effort. You inspire others with your leadership ability.

Cancer – Reach out to others if you are feeling lonely. Conversations within the family will lift your spirits. Connect with others even if it is through technology. Keep the lines of communication open and flowing. Keeping your body active is a good way to give your men- tal health a boost. R E X Leo – You have a lot going on and unreliable colleagues are dumping even more on you. This makes it almost im- possible to complete tasks to a strict deadline. If you M miss a due date don't feel guilty and don't panic. Explain O what's going on. Those in high positions will understand. R G A Virgo – If you are interviewing for a higher position, N promote your communication skills. You will make a good impression. People respect your hard-working ethic and those in high places know what you are capable of. It will take a lot of hard work but you have the ability to land a job with a more prominent title and bigger salary.

Libra – Friendships can be improved by talking about your feelings. You've been bottling things up inside and P this isn't doing your health or your relationships any H good. Bringing your worries out into the open and talk- ing about your hopes and dreams can feel liberating. A Learning to express grief and anxiety can help reduce neg- N ative emotions. T O M Scorpio – A colleague or neighbour who is quiet and shy could turn out to be great at handling a crisis. You're very good at delving into matters to find the root of the prob- lem. You're less patient with people who are fickle and ar- gumentative. Admit your shortcomings and leave it to oth- ers to promote harmony. M Sagittarius – Be generous when praising youngsters who A lack confidence. At this stage in their life, encourage them to experiment and let them know their opinion R counts. Learning that it is better to give something a try Y than to hold back will be a valuable life lesson. We all make mistakes. Help the children in your family look on W the good side of getting things wrong. O Capricorn – You helped a friend out when they were R going through hard times. You did not think twice about T giving your time, resources and regular loans to others. H Now they have the resources to cover their obligations, they don't seem in a rush to pay you back. It is time to have a quiet word with them.

M Aquarius – More work than you can comfortably handle O is being heaped onto your plate. Meetings, deadlines and T business appointments are crowding your calendar. Start H delegating jobs to workmates and housemates. It's impor- E tant that everyone should do their share especially if R things are starting to get too much for you. G O Pisces – A group project will benefit from your expert- O ise. This is your chance to demonstrate your skills in a way that makes everyone sit up and take notice. Be tak- S ing charge of a team, you will set the agenda. People ad- E mire your talents and will be happy to follow your advice. Dawid Malan backed by Paul Collingwood – Page 17 Saturday March 20, 2021 UWI ADDRESSES ARREARS

PRIME Minister Mia Amor Mottley address the mounting arrears owed University Grants Committee (UGC) “It is the beginning of a new era of is working with The University of to the regional institution. which Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir acceptance of mutual responsibility, the West Indies (The UWI), engaging This week, she chaired a high-level sub- Hilary Beckles hailed as ‘very positive’. where it is recognised finally that the contributing governments, to committee meeting of The UWI - He told the media conference of The governments and the universities have UWI Open Campus Council Meeting always worked hand in glove to build this held yesterday, that Barbados’ Prime university up.” Minister was asked to put together with Professor Beckles said it was the university a high-powered team that unfortunate that many critics over the included the Prime Minister and years have used the deficit to make the Minister of Finance of Antigua and argument that somehow the five Barbuda; Ministers of Finance of campus’, and the university itself, are Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago; as being mismanaged,“This was never true; well as consultants to sit on the it was always dishonest. And what this committee to work out a new committee is saying is let us take arrangement. collective responsibility – let us work it “In that discussion there were two out; no finger pointing.” objectives – to recognise finally the The Vice-Chancellor also told the increasing arrears owed to the university Council Meeting that Prime Minister over the decades – the enormous Mottley made it very clear that a solution impairment of those arrears that have must be sought. seen over US$200 million leaked out “It was wonderful to participate in a from the university’s balance sheet.That meeting under the chairmanship of we needed to find a solution to this crisis Prime Minister Mottley who said we need because these matters of arrears, to find solutions to this; that we have to impairments and unfunded pension realise that the governments have a part liabilities, from time to time, when our to play in this scenario and let us together balance sheet is consolidated that they sit down and work out a new partnership would show the driving of a deficit in our model so that these deficit drivers can be finances. And that these matters are taken off the university’s balance sheet. outside of our control, that we have no So that the institution can stand proud in control over arrears and impairments,” a positive financial performance,” it was he stressed. further pointed out. ‘Educate the public’ By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste they would never take the vaccine. “So I always wonder, have we THE scientific community must engage forgotten what vaccines have done?” he more actively in communicating the asked. public health benefits of the COVID-19 “Just look at small pox, this has vaccinations. virtually been eradicated from the face This was stressed by Professor Clive of the earth, the only virus that’s been Landis, Chair of The University of the eradicated by vaccine. And in the West Indies COVID-19 Task Force. Caribbean vaccines have been During The UWI and the Lions Club extremely beneficial. webinar ‘The Scoop on COVID-19’, “Vaccines have been remarkably Landis noted that while vaccines had successful and yet hesitancy is there. I been unmistakably successful, there believe that some of the hesitancy is was still a level of hesitancy on taking very legitimate and much of it is the vaccine present. conflated with much of the unethical It is against this backdrop that Landis human experimentation that took place stated that more work needs to be done on black and Caribbean population in to build the trust of persons. the US. So there are reasons that people He explained that the COVID-19 would be skeptical about medicines vaccine worked well as they generated coming and I understand it.” great T cell and B cell responses in the Landis also recognised that there was real world setting and this suggests that a lot of malicious information on the vaccines were doing their job and vaccines that was constantly being working well. circulated on social media platforms and However, he reported that 60 per cent because of this the Professor strongly of people are willing to take the vaccine, believes that the scientific community 30 per cent of the population do not needs to make more of an effort to help know whether or not they would take educate the public on the topic of Professor Clive Landis, Chair of The University of the West Indies COVID-19 Task the vaccine and then ten per cent say vaccines. Force.

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