Established October 1895 Schools undergoing clean up Page 2

Friday May 29, 2020 $2 VAT Inclusive ALL RETAIL STORES Public warned, ‘Social distancing protocols still in place’

TOAS of Monday June 1st, REOPEN all remaining retail businesses will be al- lowed to reopen and conduct business. This was announced by Attorney General Dale Marshall yesterday evening at a press confer- ence at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. However, with June 1st being Whit Monday and a bank holiday, the full ef- fect of the further reopen- ing of Barbados will be felt next Tuesday,when all re- tail stores are cleared to reopen and curfew hours reduced. The new lock- down hours will be from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Fridays to Sundays. The alphabet system for retail entities, supermar- kets and banking institu- tions will also be discon- tinued, come Monday. Services such as photo studios, real estate agents, car rentals, animal groom- ing, trucking and trans- port of goods, storage, car valet, well cleaning and re- cycling will be allowed to operate as of June 1st. Churches and other faith- based entities will be happy to hear that they also will be allowed to con- duct services with mem- bers in attendance, with The top officials were present during announcements made last night, regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic Recovery Plan. (From left) Lt the established health Col Hon Jeffery Bostic, Minister of Health and Wellness, Senior Economic Advisor Dr Kevin Greenidge, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, REOPEN on Page 3 Attorney-General Dale Marshall and Richard Carter, COVID-19 Czar. Access to funding crucial for countries THE ability of a country Amor Mottley reiterated Underlining the impact ready reeling. health systems more than open back up safely and to to access financing from this view yesterday while of the COVID-19 pan- “We have many middle- ever, when we need access ensure that our popula- multilateral agencies addressing the High- demic on the Caribbean, income countries in our to credit to be able to off- tion is not exposed in a must be based on its ac- Level Event on Financing with unemployment fig- region, and in fact among set the dislocation that way that is injurious to tual needs rather than for Development in the ures trebling in some the small states of the has come from zero rev- them, simply because we “simple definitional crite- Era of COVID-19 and countries and govern- world, and many of us are enue from tourism, zero want them to have their ria that makes it easier Beyond, organized by the ment revenues being cut excluded from access to revenue from air travel. livelihoods in tourism,” for economists to cate- United Nations under the in half, she insisted the concessional funding even “And what we are not she stressed, noting it is gorise where persons co-chairmanship of the shut out from conces- in the midst of this pan- assured of is early access time for more action than should go”. Prime Ministers of sional funding would do demic, when we need ac- to rapid tests that will words. Prime Minister Mia Canada and Jamaica. more harm to a region al- cess to money to boost our allow our countries to FINANCE on Page 4

2 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Schools undergoing clean up A “DEEP CLEAN” of Barbados Secondary ting grass and power ment (PPE).In fact, she schools across Schools’ Entrance washing the corridors … explained, “The thing Barbados is currently Examination, now slated We anticipate that by about it is that the jani- under way in prepara- for Tuesday, July 14th, June 15th the schools tors themselves would be tion for students’ re- after being postponed should be up and run- working mainly by them- turn. from its original date of ning. selves and not in groups”. Chief Education May 5th, because of the “At the secondary “A lot of schools have Officer, Joy Adamson said COVID-19 pandemic. schools they have esca- provided and I was that the Education In addition, some sec- lated the areas where speaking to a principal Technical Management ondary school students they will be using for the where they have made Unit (ETMU) is monitor- would be returning to practicals and which the sure that they have the ing the cleaning process, school to complete or sub- students will be occupy- gloves and wherever pos- which started at both pri- mit their Caribbean ing... So, we are satisfied sible if they require mary and secondary Examinations Council that it has started and masks. But, most persons schools last week. (CXC) CSEC and CAPE it’s an ongoing process,” have their own All class four students School-Based Adamson said. masks…And we are or- will be back to classes Assessments, which were Moreover, the Chief has dering those stuff, so by from Monday, June 15th interrupted due to the assured that school jani- the time the children are to allow for four weeks of abrupt end to the last tors will be equipped in school everybody face-to face teaching school term. with the necessary per- should be well equipped,” prior to the 2020 “We have persons cut- sonal protective equip- Adamson said. (TL) COVID-19 update: No new cases for fourth straight day NO one tested positive for The Best-dos Santos 5,201. Ninety-two people have COVID-19 in Barbados Public Health Laboratory No one will be released been confirmed with the yesterday, the fourth performed 163 tests, from isolation today so the viral illness, 76 have re- straight day that no new bringing the total number number of isolated per- covered and seven have cases were recorded. of tests carried out to sons remains at nine. died. (BGIS) Chief Education Officer, Joy Adamson. The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 3 Trim from the top, says De Peiza A DISSERVICE to the intellect belled Finance Minister at the equation because you are spe- either one of the two of them. De Peiza reiterated that per- of Barbadians. same time. cial and you are set apart.” Whenever we are hearing any- sons at the top should lead by That’s how President of the “We are a small country, The DLP president opined thing about the buses we tend to example. “Show us that you re- Democratic Labour Party Verla 280 000 persons. We have 26 very few of the Cabinet hear about it from the Prime ally mean it. Do it like other De Peiza described the sugges- Cabinet Ministers, we actually Ministers have distinguished Minister. We have to ask our- countries, New Zealand has cut tion made on Sunday night by have more than the United themselves to the point that selves, can they justify their po- their earnings. They’ve also cut Minister in the Ministry of Kingdom. We do not have a they can be considered to be in- sitions? And the answer so far in their size of Cabinet.We need to Finance, Ryan Straughn, dur- sound argument for the fluff dispensable. the last two years is ‘no’.” be very serious about the image ing a publicly televised discus- that is at the top in Barbados. “We have had portfolios cut in “We get the majority of the that we project especially when sion that trimming the 26 mem- We do not have a sound argu- half, for instance between the talk and the conversation from we are in the public eye and it ber Cabinet would be a disserv- ment for it.” Attorney General and the one person. So they have not in cannot be that we feel that we ice to the country. She added, “It is very disre- Minister of Home Affairs. The good times justified their exis- are more special than anybody De Peiza dismissed his ration- spectful to be speaking to aver- division of labour is unequal,” tence and I submit they cannot else because that is definitely ale, saying, never in the history age Barbadians about cuts and she argued. justify it in hard times when we an insult to the intelligence of of Barbados has there ever been trims and then you don't see the “We have two Ministers of are speaking about saving the people of Barbados,” she five persons who could be la- need to include yourself in that Transport. We don’t hear from money.” said. (JH) AG Marshall: ‘Not unconditional openings’ REOPEN from Page 1 will not only be able to order Marshall, Minister of Legal reopenings. These openings are will be lifted, outside of the and collect their favorite de- Affairs, was adamant that de- subject to the strict compliance lockdown hours, but again protocols in place. Marshall lights, but now can eat in their spite the ease in restrictions, of the various protocols that Marshall reminded the outlined that the international favorite food establishment as there was still a need for cau- are established and some en- public to be responsible and density protocol is to be en- the restrictions for restaurants tion and adherence to the social terprises will have to use tem- maintain physical distancing. forced at these congregations, regarding dining-in will also be distancing protocols and for the perature measurement devices Gyms and the sports which are which is a 40 sq ft radius for lifted as of Monday. No stand public to understand that so- and there will have to be some still restricted are being dis- each person. He also stated alone bars are allowed to oper- cial gatherings were not kind of screening and various cussed according to the attor- that attendance registers must ate, however restaurants with permitted outside of the speci- entities are going to be sub- ney general, but he explained be taken to aid in contact trac- bars are allowed to serve fied guidelines. He also spoke jected to more rigorous proto- that it would take time to go ing and temperatures must be beverages with the food orders directly to all the businesses cols in relation to distancing,” through all the various sports taken before entry. but there is to be no social gath- and services now allowed to re- warned Marshall. and health protocols which The “foodies” in Barbados ering at the bar for drinks open. Also from Tuesday June 2nd, would need to be established. will smile once again as they alone. “These are not unconditional all time restrictions on beaches (AS) Public workers jobs safe, savings optional JOBS in the public sector Government to temporarily shift “We believe that if we can re- are safe says Prime Minister a portion of its wage bill to cap- purpose close to $100 million of Mia Amor Mottley, however ital expenditure. recurring expenditure in capi- members of the public serv- “The programme is intended tal works, there would be a ice will have the option of to be able to benefit the needs of greater multiplier that would playing their part in the plan the government where we can allow more Barbadians to work,” of the government to create recaste some of our reoccurring said Mottley fiscal space by participating expenditure and put in place of The projects include the con- in the Barbados Optional it capital expenditure so that we struction of roads, water mains, Savings Scheme (BOSS). can aggressively undertake a the cleaning up the country Prime Minister Mottley rolled number of projects,” explained (beaches, lots and derelict build- out the savings scheme of the Mottley. ings)and the repairing of government, which was created The Ministry of Finance has schools. Also the digitisation of in order to prevent further recognised that the Public government records, retraining destabilisation of government Service can play a key role in of workers as well as the en- revenue. Mottley announced the stabilization efforts during hancement of agricultural pro- that the plan was completely op- this challenging time, and de- duction. tional to public workers, but it vised the programme to achieve The worker would still receive was indeed a win-win situation this without in any way disad- their full salary but a portion of for all those involved where all vantaging these workers. The the salary is paid in a bond, needs are met.The pressing con- Barbados National Savings which can be easily and seam- cern is the burden which the Scheme (BOSS) is like any lessly converted into cash if COVID-19 pandemic has cre- “meeting turn” but with an at- needed, once the public officer ated through the mass unem- tractive rate of interest on the exercises that option. However ployment in Barbados. The money which would be saved the government has provided an prime minister presented that every six months and accumu- attractive five percent interest as of May 27th, 41,836 employ- lated over four years, the period rate on the bond which would ment claims had been filed and of each bond, before given back allow the worker to save on top Barbados’ Prime MInister, Mia Amor Mottley so far the National Insurance to the worker along with the of the savings generated Scheme had paid out $26.4 mil- total value of the bonds. through the bonds. The worker tunity. workers in the Net Monthly lion.With only five hundred per- The idea is to pay workers a could also at any time choose to “If you can save just $200 a take-home pay bracket (includ- sons so far back at work and portion of their salary in cash draw down on the bond at any month in bonds, then over an ing allowances) of $1-$3,000 will making no further claims on the (the majority) and the remain- time. 18-month period you would have not be included in the bond scheme, the Ministry of Finance der (about 10 per cent on aver- Senior Economic Advisor Dr saved $3,600 and earned inter- scheme but can opt-in at a per- team outlined a proposal. age) in a government bond. By Kevin Greenidge highlighted est of $720 over the four years.” centage of their choice. The The bond programme is de- doing so, only the portion paid in the stark reality that the cur- said Greenidge. $3,001-$4,166 band will see 7% signed for public servants to op- cash is recorded as an item of ex- rent interest rates in commer- The bond process will be ap- of their pay converted to bonds timize on an investment oppor- penditure on the books of the cial banks and other financial plied in bands in order to calcu- while the $4,167-$8,333 bracket tunity in light of the current government but not the portion institutions were low, however late the percentage of net take- will have 12% converted and market conditions for interest paid as a bond, which is recorded the proposal presented to public home pay which will be con- 17% will be applied for the rates while allowing the as debt. workers a great savings oppor- verted to bonds. Those public $8,334+ bracket. (AS) 4• Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

PM: Plan Missing person THE Royal Barbados Police pretty colour slippers and wear- Shooting incident Force is seeking the assistance ing a stocking cap on her head. POLICE are conducting inves- years of Claybury, St. John to avoid of the public in locating a miss- tigations into a shooting inci- while he was walking along ing person. Circumstances: dent which occurred about Wilson Hill Road, St. John. He Missing is: Tianna Worrell 13 She left the residence of her 7:45 pm on Wednesday 28th sustained a bullet wound to his a debt years of 4C Field Road, Wildey, mother Tia Worrell of the same May 2020 at Wilson Hill, St. right upper arm and was trans- St. Michael. address on Wednesday,May 27, John where a male was re- ported to the QEH by ambu- 2020 and has not been seen or ported to have sustained in- lance. Description: heard from since. juries. crisis She is 5 feet 7 inches tall, has a Anyone with information rel- Anyone who can provide any FINANCE from page 1 round head with a protruding ative to the whereabouts of Circumstances information that can assist with forehead, light complexion, slim Tianna Worrell is asked to con- On Wednesday May 28, 2020 this investigation is asked to Mottley also argued the need build, medium nose, brown eyes, tact District ‘A’ Station at 430- Police received reports of shots contact District ‘C’ Station at for more certainty regarding small mouth, small breasted 7242, Emergency number 211, being fired at Wilson Hill, St. 416-8200, Emergency number debt instruments. and speaks in an abrupt man- Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS John. On arrival it was revealed 211, Crime Stoppers at 1-800- “If we don’t, we will have a ner.At the time she was dressed (8477), or the nearest Police that an assailant shot Kadeem TIPS (8477), or the nearest disorderly unravelling of debt in a black shirt, black tights, Station. Diego Orlando Collymore 27 Police Station. and a sovereign debt crisis when in truth and in fact, as Barbados has shown, if we in- clude certainty in our debt instruments, as we just did com- ing out of a debt restructuring, Government Analytical Services we now have natural disaster clauses that will allow us to sus- pend our principal payments on debt and to capitalize the inter- Lab reopens to customers est so that when we get out of MEMBERS of the public are required to observe the [email protected]; outside the main laboratory this pandemic period or the cri- advised that sample analysis following measures, imple- • Persons will be advised on area; sis coming from a natural disas- has resumed at the mented to keep the labor- the time and date for sample • Entry into the main labora- ter I should say, we are then in Government Analytical atory personnel and visitors submission or collection of tory will be limited. a position to resume our obliga- Services Laboratory. safe, in adherence with the sample receptacles; The Government Analytical tions to debt in an orderly man- The Laboratory will operate COVID-19 public health direc- • Persons visiting the lab Services Laboratory is also re- ner.These things are too simple on Mondays to Fridays from tive: must wear the appropriate face minding customers to observe and we wonder why there has 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. • Requests should be com- mask; physical distancing at all times been no decisions being made Individuals desirous of municated to the laboratory by • Samples will be received in and practice good hand and on it,” Mottley queried. utilizing this service will be calling 535-1740 or emailing a sample receipt area located respiratory hygiene.

The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 5

Young Democrat calls for clearer picture of the economy PRESIDENT of the country,he argued that by move like that would es- months. As I said we had Young Democrats entering a programme sentially send the econ- those issues within the Kemar Stuart says gov- with the International omy into a deeper reces- economy and we had a lot ernment must give the Monetary Fund, the coun- sion.” of feel-good impressions as full picture on the try basically signed away He stated that the gov- it relates to the facts. the “true” state of the econ- its ability to effectively re- ernment actually agreed current financial policies omy and outline a plan spond to shocks within the to cut the public sector two of the government and the for growth. economy. years ago. “But the BLP BERT will continue to ex- He was speaking dur- “We have not been bor- did not put that informa- acerbate serious hopeless- ing a press briefing where rowing from sources other tion out there especially ness among Barbadians. he voiced his concerns than the IMF and we def- as it relates to the wage Stuart argued that the about the economy as he initely think given the cur- bill. The government BERT programme was gave an assessment of the rent situation we cannot agreed to a 30 million cut never a growth plan, Barbados Labour Party’s borrow anymore money which is 0.3 percent in rather a fiscal consolida- IBLP) two years at the from the IMF. We placed wages two years ago but tion programme. ”...which helm of the country. hand cuffed on our hands the COVID gives them meant to increase taxation “As it stands right now as it relates to our ability prime opportunity to be and make cuts to govern- the government must tell to respond to crises. able to brush over that in- ment expenditure which President of the Young Democrats Kemar Stuart Barbadians how they plan “Before the COVID the formation. I think it is includes wages and which to fill a billion dollar hole economy registered eight high time that the govern- includes the sale and di- devise strategies on how curity and being able to in its finances. The gover- consecutive periods of eco- ment comes clean and put vestment of some govern- to move forward. feed themselves first as nor of the Central Bank nomic decline. there was the facts here as it relates ment assets. So we must “I think the same en- opposed to a more focus on predicted an 11 percent no growth plan before the to the economy and let look forward to the sale of ergy that is being dispense tourism oriented projects.” drop of in economic activ- BERT (Barbados people know what is really some government assets towards rebuilding “The DLP supports the ity and that is a panic of it- Economic Recovery and going on within their coming up in the future,” tourism should be put to view that food comes be- self. and we must find Transformation) pro- livelihoods.” he warned. agriculture...Food security fore the building of hotels. means and ways to fill gramme came into plan “I would urge govern- With some 40 000 un- is very important for The massive increase in that gap.” and up to now the govern- ment not to use the crisis employment claims on the Barbadians and i think debt- 1 billion in debt since Saying that the govern- ment did not put a growth as a disguise of the deep fi- books, and with Barbados’ the government must use the administration came ment has been giving a lot plan in place but is seek- nancial issues which we two main source markets programmes like the Feed to Office, we think that is of “feel good” impressions ing to cut wages. As was are experiencing right for tourism being hard it Programme in order to a very serious situation as it relates to the eco- said publicly before by in- now and which we will ex- during COVID 19, Stuart empower, to enfranchise which must be spoken nomic situation of the dependent economists, a perience in the coming says Government must Barbadians into food se- about,” he said. (JH)

Caribbean region the best place to be during a pandemic POST-COVID-19, the “The Caribbean has has shone in the pan- Caribbean region may be been reasonably un- demic, in terms of our able to market itself as scathed by the pandemic. ability to deliver health- the best place to be, in the If we compare our infec- care at a reasonable cost, event of any other pan- tion rates and lower mor- to all of our citizens. And demic. tality rates to our rich it has certainly shone in Wayne Chen, President neighbours to the North terms of our management of the Caribbean or our rich neighbors in of the pandemic. And I Employers’ Europe, the impact has put forth something that Confederation and a been miniscule,” he ob- might be controversial, member of the CARICOM served. but in the future,we Human Resource “Yes, (we have had) eco- should be marketing our- Development nomic disruption to our selves as the best places Commission, suggested economies due to preven- to be in the event of a fu- the above as he noted tative measures (to avoid ture pandemic.” that the Caribbean to the spread of the virus). Pointing to an article date has been relatively But our brands as safe that came out last year unscathed by the present havens have been en- highlighting the safest COVID-19 pandemic, as hanced,” he suggested. places in the world to be healthcare systems have Chen further pointed during a pandemic, Chen been able hold up really out that one of the areas noted that the Caribbean well. of growth that was of countries were declared His comments came as focus during a previous as the safest places in the he spoke on the topic, future of work discus- world to be. “Jobs,Work and sions, was the area of re- He therefore said, “We Opportunities in the post tirement communities should use that brand, COVID Caribbean”, dur- and healthcare and this use that label, because in ing the CARICOM Girls is an area which the re- the future, when we mar- in ICT Partnership 2nd gion may be able to capi- ket ourselves as retire- Digital Dialogue, which talize on in the future. ment havens, that should was held online earlier He then stressed, “The be a part of our market- this week. Caribbean by and large ing.” (RSM) 6 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Duddy Mental health high on the urges books during COVID-19 RESIDENTS of Barbados proved management of with before and it is not carried out in India since and the Caribbean are mental health and to also always easy to deal with the onset of COVID-19, being urged to pay atten- give more subsidy and that type of adjustment,” 66% of women reported CARICOM tion to their own and the more entitlement to men- she said. being increasingly mental health of others at tal health generally across During her presenta- stressed as opposed to this time as the effects of the world,” she said. tion, she highlighted that 34% of men. The women COVID-19 continue to be With health being de- it was important to pay at- identified having the chil- felt across the globe. This fined as a state of physical, tention to what she dren at home full time, to speak as Dr. Ermine Belle, a re- mental and social wellbe- termed ‘special popula- homeschooling, taking tired Consultant ing, Dr.Belle thought that tions’ as these persons care of older family mem- Psychologist, delivered the it was critically important were more exposed to fac- bers, these all add to the feature address titled to address mental health tors that could lead to is- stress factors some of out! ‘Mental Health and issues during pandemic sues with their mental these women are encoun- FORMER United human rights situation.” COVID-19’ during a since it has triggered an health during and after tering,” she said before States Ambassador to Despite this, the am- Kiwanis Barbados South earth-shattering assault the pandemic. With adding that violence Venezuela, Patrick bassador acknowledged online meeting to mem- on the world, brining groups such as persons against women was also Duddy, yesterday the respect which he had bers from Barbados and shock, fear, worry,anxiety contracting the virus, fam- on the increase. urged CARICOM to seen the CARICOM re- across the region on and distress as it gifted ily members of infected Going on to state that speak out to the world gion employ when deal- Tuesday night. the world with many ques- persons, first responders positive, consistent and about the sad and seri- ing with the notion of Prefacing her address tions and few answers. and frontline workers, comprehensive communi- ous humanitarian sit- sovereignty, where they by noting that mental Stating that persons older adults and persons cation was necessary uation occurring in did not interfere with the health was being referred worldwide were greeted with pre-existing condi- going forward to ease the Venezuela. internal affairs of terri- to by some as a pandemic with social distancing, tions, adolescents and fears of many, Dr. Belle The ambassador, who tories within the region. within the pandemic, Dr. staying confined to home, young people being listed said that much like the ar- is also the Director of the Duddy put forward the Belle cleared things up by the wearing of masks, and she noted that issues such rival of HIV, Swine Flu, Centre for Latin point that the crisis was stating that it was not so, heightened levels of per- as loneliness, fear of aban- H1N1, which all struck up American and Caribbean no longer an internal but a integral issue within sonal hygiene, to name donment, financial wor- uncertainty in the world, Studies at Duke issue but it had the pandemic. Going on to only a few items of ‘the ries, fear of infection or re- this too will pass and that University, was speaking escaped the borders of highlight the fact that new normal’ Dr. Belle infection, impacts on fam- we had a lot to learn.“One during the Lunchtime Venezuela and could be mental health has always noted that the abrupt ily members, fear of death, of the things that we re- Lecture Series felt by the region, espe- been an issue in different transition had a major worries surrounding edu- ally do have to appreciate Approaching the one- cially as it relates to the degrees and is often ig- role to play in presenting cation were just a few of is that change will happen year anniversary of the refugees. nored and or avoided until problems in the mental the factors that could pose and we have to learn how UN Human Rights The ambassador con- it becomes a major prob- health of members of soci- problems. “There are so to adjust and to adapt to Report on Venezuela, tended that the real lem, she explained that it ety. “We have had to deal many questions. All very change.We must be kind hosted by the United situation was that of a was something that prac- directly and indirectly tantalising.All very stress- and caring to each other States Embassy country which had basi- titioners have had to suf- with ourselves and others ful. All causing worry and because we don't know (Bridgetown), and ex- cally ceased to function fer throughout all our because of loss and dis- this worry might reach the when the time will come pressed sadness at the and could be described as lives as it was never con- placement from work, point of agitation, anxiety that we will need to reach dire situation which the a failed state, ruled by an sidered to be on par with school other and higher and even depression.” out to each other.We must people of Venezuela were authoritarian regime. physical health. “There education institutions.We Also naming women as adjust to, people say the facing and the decline of Duddy made the last has been some respect have had to deal with de- one of the groups, she said new normal, I say 'the the country. comment based on the shown in recent times tachment from friends that females could also other normal' because this “What has happened support of the findings of however, and I speak to and family, changes in prove very vulnerable at normal is not going to over recent years is that the United Nations (UN) the last 30 to 40 years, be- routines and the known this time. “The situation completely go away. It is the economy has essen- report which was pre- cause a strong mental stability that we sere ac- of one-parent female-led going to be adjusted to suit tially collapsed, hyperin- sented by UN High health reform plan has customed to. All of these homes, which is another whatever is necessary as flation has destroyed the Commissioner Michelle been put in place, and this things are realities that very common situation in the disease comes under national currency, oil pro- Bachelet in 2019. is an international thrust we now have to deal with our Caribbean context. In better control,” she said. duction has fallen to a The report alleged that – to try to develop im- that we didn't have to deal a recent study which was (MP) seventy-five year low, the country had been criminal violence has plagued with incidences spiked and the country's of torture and extrajudi- infrastructure has essen- cial executions. In fact, in tially crumbled," ex- 2018 the President plained Duddy. Nicolás Maduro-led gov- Wickham: Wood/Weir Tackling the question ernment registered over of what CARICOM could five thousand persons ex- do to aid in ensuring the ecuted on the grounds of world knows of the resisting authority. issue a ‘family squabble’ Venezuelan plight, “It (report) suggests a Duddy asked the region range of repressive meas- THE move by former St. ration of Mr.Wood I saw tive for the St. Philip South tails behind the action, to speak out further. He ures which have rarely Philip South MP Anthony there is essentially angling constituency, is useful to only promising to reveal explained that he be- been seen in the western Wood to disassociate him- for something specific that the BLP, “he is not indis- these in the upcoming lieved the voice of CARI- hemisphere and cer- self from the incumbent he wants to achieve, be- pensable”, and not in a po- months. COM was a significant tainly in recent decades. Indar Weir is a “family cause if he were not doing sition to take the seat away And it is this stance, one on the UN and The suffering of the squabble which will be set- that he would have come from Weir if indeed this is which is leading Wickham Organisation of Venezuelan people is al- tled in due course”. out and said ‘this is my a future intention. to believe that the informa- American States (OAS) most without precedent,” This is the belief of issue with the government Wood, who had recently tion was not “earth shat- platforms. said Duddy. Political Scientist Peter and with Mr. Weir’…He resigned from the post as tering”. “I would like to see The ambassador added Wickham, who outlined has not to my knowledge Chairman of the Barbados “When a politician is CARICOM speak more, that over five million peo- that Wood’s refusal to give raised concerns with the Agricultural Development waiting and they say ‘I and more forcefully on ple had fled the country details behind the decision management of the affairs Management Company, have something to say but the need to restore as refugees, accounting to distance himself from of the BLP, but this is a publicly withdrew his sup- I won’t say it just yet’ usu- democracy to provide hu- for five percent of the Weir, the current Minister personal one with Mr. port from Weir in an adver- ally it is a bid for a negoti- manitarian assistance population and at least of Agriculture and Food Weir,” stated Wickham. tisement carried in one of ation of some sort,” he said, and to restore the respect seven million needed ur- Security, meant the issue The pollster said while the daily newspapers on while speaking on the for the rule of law, which gent humanitarian assis- was “personal”. Wood, who served two Sunday. Down to Brass Tacks pro- in turn will help with the tance. (AS) “When I read the decla- terms as the representa- He did not give any de- gram. The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 7 Poised for great development TWO decades after the levels between the eastern and launch of the Western western regions, has not Development Strategy, the drastically changed even till the Central Committee of the end of the 20th century. Communist Party of China At the beginning of this recently announced a millennium, the central significant new step in government established a promoting the large-scale leading group for the Western development of the western Development Strategy to region in the new era. It is improve economic and social regarded as an updated development levels in the region, version of the Western narrow the regional Development Strategy, development gap between the which opens a new round of western and eastern regions and development and opening- strengthen national defense. up of the western region. In the following two decades, For decades, the western the central government has region made up of 12 successively made several five- Workers make slipcovers at a company in Yuping Dong autonomous county, Guizhou municipality, provinces and year plans for the region and province, which is supported by a poverty alleviation project funded by Taicang, Jiangsu autonomous regions has lagged launched a series of favourable province, on May 7, 2020. [Photo/Xinhua] behind the eastern region in policies and measures to terms of social and economic enhance infrastructure “In the past two decades, the situations.” counties are all in the western development. construction, business Western Development Strategy The guidance stated that the region. Now, overcoming the Though the region accounts for environment, ecology and has mainly focused on development gap between the negative impacts of the novel more than 70 percent of China’s employment. infrastructure construction as eastern and western regions still coronavirus outbreak and land area, it is home to only 27 Since the 19th CPC National well as environmental protection exists, making the western accelerating development in the percent of the country’s total Congress, the central in the first 10 years, and region “a weak link” in building region to help the impoverished population. The region’s GDP government’s Western development of key industries as a moderately well-off society in are top priorities for the western was also only about 17 percent of Development Strategy began to well as social undertakings in an all-rounded way and region. the country’s overall GDP by the focus on “forming a new pattern” the next 10 years,” said An achieving socialist To further promote end of the last century. to suit changing global and Shuwei, economic professor at modernization. development of the western The well-known Hu Line, domestic situations. A new the Capital University of As this year is the final year of region, the new guidance puts which was drawn by famous guidance was eventually Economics and Business. “And China’s poverty alleviation forward 36 specific measures for population geographer Hu launched to clearly mark the the new guidance answers the campaign, the western region deepening reform, high-quality Huanyong in 1935 to mark direction and road map of the question on how to further faces great pressure in reaching development, the Belt and Road striking differences in population western region development in develop the western region in the this goal, given that the Initiative, environmental distribution and urbanization the new era. following 15 years under new remaining 52 poverty-stricken protection and employment. Bigger role for TCM urged in disease control TRADITIONAL and modern promoted quickly,” said Zhang, Traditional Chinese Medicine, medicine should be given ‘equal also president of Tianjin in Guangzhou, Guangdong importance’ University of Traditional province. More efforts should be made to Chinese Medicine. Li Yanping, an NPC deputy enable traditional Chinese “TCM has played a very and vice-president of Chongqing medicine (TCM) to play a bigger important role in epidemic Traditional Chinese Medicine role in the prevention and control in Wuhan, capital of Hospital, said more investment control of infectious diseases, top Hubei province, and the good is needed to improve legislators and political advisers practices should be summarized infrastructure at TCM hospitals have suggested. so they can contribute to an so they can play a more Zhang Boli, a deputy to the improved response to public important role in prevention and National People’s Congress, the health emergencies in the control of infectious diseases, top legislature, said legislation future.” with many TCM hospitals in less should be improved to give more Due to the lack of a vaccine developed areas in western importance to the role of TCM in and effective Western drugs to China still poorly equipped. the prevention and control of combat COVID-19, some TCM Major county-level TCM infectious diseases and coping drugs and therapies were used to hospitals should set up standard with major public health fight the disease in Wuhan, the fever clinics and wards equipped emergencies. Chinese city hit hardest by the with proper emergency The existing Infectious pandemic. Later,they were used treatment facilities so they can Disease Prevention and Control universally for patients in be transformed into wards Law and regulations on coping combination with modern capable of receiving patients with major public health medicine and were clinically with infectious diseases, she emergencies should be revised proved to improve patients' said. A pharmacist weighs traditional Chinese medicine on scales to eliminate healthcare conditions more quickly and In addition, authorities should at a TCM hospital in Haian, Jiangsu province, on May 11, loopholes, and the revisions reduce mortality rates, he said. give more support to TCM 2020. should give TCM and modern Despite having been practiced research in fighting infectious medicine equal importance in for thousands of years,TCM has diseases to improve their control said more efforts should be made TCM and modern medicine the prevention and control of been sidelined by rapidly and prevention, Li said, to strengthen the building of a should be set up to combine the infectious diseases, he said. developing modern medicine in suggesting the Ministry of TCM national emergency resources of hospitals, institutes “In case of public health China in recent years. TCM Science and Technology carry system to cope with infectious and pharmaceutical companies emergencies,TCM practitioners hospitals only comprise about 15 out a series of major programs in diseases, including establishing to improve research and should also be able to appear on percent of the country’s the area so scientific and a high-standard emergency capabilities in coping with the front line at the earliest time, hospitals, and less than 9 technological breakthroughs can medical team and improving infectious diseases, said Jiang, and TCM hospitals should also percent of healthcare be made in TCM solutions to related information-monitoring also a member of the National be included as designated professionals in China are infectious disease prevention and warning systems. Committee of the Chinese hospitals so patients can be involved in TCM, according to and control. Key research centers on the People’s Political Consultative treated with TCM therapies, so Lu Chuanjian, vice-president of Jiang Jian, a TCM doctor at prevention and control of Conference, the country’s top effective experiences can be Guangdong Hospital of Shuguang Hospital in Shanghai, infectious diseases that integrate political advisory body.

8 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial Sources: US planning to cancel visas of Chinese graduate students Spotlight on WASHINGTON – The US China are at loggerheads Chinese nationals are Deliberations on the is planning to cancel over China’s decision to go suspected of engaging in visa move have been in the visas of thousands forward with national on US university and the works for months, of Chinese graduate security legislation for college campuses, the the sources said.While not NCDs during students believed by Hong Kong that democ- source said, adding that directly related to the President Donald Trump’s racy activists in the city the administration ex- tensions over Hong Kong, administration to have and Western countries fear pected significant push the timing appears to be pandemic links with China’s military, could erode its freedoms back from those institu- part of “an overall pressure IT has been noted that the response to the COVID- two sources with knowl- and jeopardise its role as a tions because of their campaign” against China 19 pandemic in the region, must include chronic edge of the matter said global financial hub. financial interests in that has intensified in re- disease care, since one in four people are at increased yesterday. Chinese students who Chinese student enroll- cent months, the source fa- risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19, due to The move, first reported are in the United States ment. miliar with discussions underlying noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). by the New York Times, will have their visas Some 360 000 Chinese said. This was highlighted by the Director of the Pan could impact 3 000 to cancelled and will be nationals who attend US On Wednesday, US American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr.Carissa F. 5 000 Chinese students expelled, the source schools annually generate Secretary of State Mike Etienne who has noted that more than 2.4 million and could be announced as briefed on the plans said, economic activity of about Pompeo told Congress cases and over 143,000 deaths have made the Region early as this week, accord- while those already $14 billion, largely from tu- China had undermined of the Americas the epicenter of the COVID-19 ing to the sources, includ- outside the United States itions and other fees. Hong Kong’s autonomy pandemic. ing a current US official will not be allowed to The decision on the visas so fundamentally he could “We have never seen such a deadly relationship and another individual return. is likely to further sour ties not support recertifying between an infectious disease and Non- who was briefed on the The main purpose of the between the world’s top the city’s special pre-1997 Communicable Diseases. Some of the data are truly administration’s internal action is to clamp down on two economies – also at trading status established alarming. Especially for our region, where NCDs discussions. spying and intellectual odds over the coronavirus when it was a British are pervasive,” Dr. Etienne said. The United States and property theft that some pandemic and trade. colony. “We need aggressive preventive measures to protect people with diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases from the new coronavirus. Persons with diabetes are twice as likely to have severe disease or die, and 28 percent of cancer patients who contracted COVID-19 died, compared Trump signs order targeting with 2 percent of overall patients,” she added. PAHO’s Director further stated that stay-at-home measures, disruptions in provision of health care social media after tweets flagged services, as well as the fear of attending care facilities PRESIDENT Donald with fact-check notices, munity by treating them against the private sector have resulted in reduced elective clinic visits and Trump signed an order calling them misleading. as publishers operating in for fact-checking leader- lower access to renal dialysis, cancer care, and delays yesterday seeking to strip “In those moments, part of a “public square”. ship is what we expect in high priority treatments for patients with NCDs. social media giants like Twitter ceases to be a neu- “Twitter,Facebook, from foreign autocracies, Also, lower access to care from disruptions in health Twitter of legal immunity tral public platform and Instagram, and YouTube not the United States.” care services she noted, “puts patients at higher risk for content on their they become an editor with wield immense, if not un- Internet firms have de- of complications and death from diseases which we platforms in a move a viewpoint,” Trump said. precedented, power to nied Trump’s claims of know how to treat,” and health systems must find slammed by his critics as a “And I think we can say shape the interpretation of bias, and point to his mas- ways to respond or we will be faced with a parallel epi- legally dubious act of that about others also, public events; to censor, sive social media follow- demic of preventable deaths of persons with NCDs.” political revenge. whether you're looking at delete, or disappear infor- ing. But the president’s Indeed, the spotlight must be placed on this The executive order calls Google, whether you’re mation; and to control move plays into his narra- matter of tackling NCDs even in the midst of this on government regulators looking at Facebook, what people see or do not tive ahead of his difficult COVID-19 pandemic.We know that in the Caribbean, to evaluate if online plat- perhaps others.” see,” the executive order November reelection the chronic diseases of concern are heart disease, forms should be eligible for Critics said however said. battle that liberal forces stroke, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory dis- liability protection for Trump has no authority to While the Trump order are trying to censor eases. These are caused by biological factors such as content posted by their regulate private internet would not prevent plat- Republicans. high blood pressure, obesity,high blood sugar and high millions of users. operators or change the forms from moderating Senator Josh Hawley, a blood cholesterol.We know also that obesity and over- If enforced, the action law known as Section 230 content, it could open them Republican and fierce weight is an ever-increasing concern and challenge in would upend decades of which backers say has al- up to a flood of lawsuits critic of social media, said almost all Caribbean countries and for example, in precedent and treat inter- lowed online platforms from anyone who claims to that if online firms “are Barbados 1/3 of men and 3/5 of women are over- net platforms as “publish- like Facebook and Twitter be harmed by content going to editorialise and weight, and the incidence of obesity for men is 9% and ers” potentially liable for to flourish. posted online. censor and act like tradi- that for women 13.1%.We have heard before that the user-generated content. The American Civil Critics said the action tional publishers, they human and economic cost burden of these conditions Trump told reporters at Liberties Union called represents a dangerous should be treated like is not sustainable and could undermine the develop- the White House he acted Trump’s order “a blatant effort by the government traditional publishers ment of the region’s small, fragile countries. Now we because big tech firms and unconstitutional to regulate online speech. and stop receiving the have to co-mingle all these issues with the present “have had unchecked threat to punish social “Social media can be special carve out from COVID-19 pandemic. power to censor, restrict, media companies that dis- frustrating. But an the federal government.” Therefore, it is high time that Barbadians citizens edit, shape, hide, alter any please the president.” Executive Order that pay greater heed to all the messages and campaigns form of communication be- Eric Goldman, director would turn the FCC into But Democratic Senator presented to them and take up the challenge of tween private citizens or of the High-Tech Law the President’s speech po- Ron Wyden, one of the leading healthier lifestyles.The situation as it is, is al- large public audiences.” Institute at Santa Clara lice is not the answer,”said authors of the 1996 law, ready out of control. While the authorities are doing “We can’t let this University, said the order Jessica Rosenworcel, a called Trump's order a their share to combat the rise in NCDs, if Barbadians continue to happen,” was “more about political Democratic member of “plainly illegal” political continue to throw caution to the wind where healthy Trump said. theatre than about chang- Federal Communications ploy. living is concerned, then much time, effort and money The move comes a day ing the law.” Commission, one of the “Trump is desperately will be wasted, and we will remain burdened by dis- after an angry tirade from The order “is not legally agencies tasked with en- trying to steal for himself eases, that can be prevented. So let us remain fo- the US leader against supportable – it flies in the forcing the executive order. the power of the courts and cused on tackling this health issue. All we can do Twitter after the platform face of more than 900 court Matt Schruers, presi- Congress to rewrite now is try to ensure that our health systems can han- for the first time labelled decisions,” Goldman said. dent of the Computer & decades of settled law dle any burden that presents for those who have two of his tweets, on the The White House seeks Communications Industry around Section 230.All for NCDs who need treatment, whether they have increasingly contentious to sidestep the provisions Association, a trade group, the ability to spread lies,” COVID-19 or not. But it is clear that post COVD-19, topic of mail-in voting, giving internet firms im- warned that “retaliation Wyden said. we will need to work harder to address this challenge of tackling the NCDs, but for now we can only do the Executive Editor: Allison Downes Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan best we can, with the problem with which we are Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke faced. E-mail Address: [email protected] Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 9 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • F:AX 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] Employees need to be empowered BARBADOS has invested billions in education and must prepare for an educated work force. “Let’s understand human beings a bit better than we currently do, We have traditionally assumed that employees are incapable of making and use that understanding to see if we can shift things so that important decisions and so government has to make decisions for them. But the employees get more take home pay, and have more freedom” record shows that by doing this we in- fringed employee rights and forced bad better than we currently do, and use benefited from their education and can disappear, to the benefit of all. We can investments on them. that understanding to see if we can shift make good economic decisions about also build a Savings Fund into NIS, and Employees add value to the busi- things so that employees get more take how to spend their dollars. On this basis give employees some discretion as to nesses and the business has to pay VAT home pay, and have more freedom. we can allow these employees more how to use these savings. We can also on all that employees earn. If an em- It is well established that when flexibility to save and invest. arrange it so that no VAT is charged on ployee is paid $400 per week and the individuals shop for what they want, Let’s also assume that many employee savings. For example, it business charges its customers just they can do better than having employees are ambitious and want to be would be relatively easy to arrange enough to recover this, it will have to someone else shop for them. How able to change jobs without losing things so that, if an employee pay $70 (17.5% of $400) in VAT. might we change our systems to severance benefits. Right now, commits to saving 10% of their In addition, between employer and permit this? severance binds an employee to a wage, this “value added” can be employee, about $92 (23% of the $400) The current “sick pay” system incen- particular employer. If they want removed from the employers’ VAT cal- is paid to NIS. So out of the $400 a tivises employees to take sick days. It to change jobs and get ahead, they have culation. This would incentivise whopping 40% ($162 = $70+$92) is paid also encourages six days absence from to resign and give up their right to employment. out to government organisations. This is work each year and bonds employees to severance. Many become demotivated Current employment legislation is not an entirely accurate calculation, employers in a way that demotivates. and disenchanted, because they diverting dollars from payrolls to but it is good enough to get the All this may have been necessary in the would like to move on, but can’t risk consultants and lawyers. Very message across – we have very high 60’s when very few employees were ed- losing severance. Suppose they move inefficient “court” procedures are being payroll taxes. ucated, but today employees are much and then get dismissed from their new imposed on businesses, adding This 40% is handed over to govern- better educated. We need to graduate employer? The risk is too much for considerable costs, introducing hostility ment. Some is saved for retirement ben- our employment legislation so that em- many, and they stay bonded to a job and uncertainty, slowing decision efits, but most is used to provide serv- ployees can benefit from being more that they no longer like, dream of making to a crawl, and turning ices that are “free” to employees and to efficient and get more $$ tospend. opportunities that have been forgone, employees and employers into pseudo others that don’t pay VAT or NIS. Our entire nation will be more become demotivated and everyone lawyers. Productivity suffers, stress Education and health are part of the efficient. suffers.We should have learnt by levels increase and exacerbate the “free” services. Let’s assume that employees that now that freedom is much better NCD epidemic we are creating with Let’s understand human beings a bit earn over $2 000 per month have than bondage, even if it is a bit excessive stress. If we make riskier. employment simpler and reduce We can introduce freedoms slowly so some payroll taxes we will reduce stress that we can make corrections as we go. and incentivise employment, to the As a first step we can make it so that benefit of all. Apology may not make a difference employees take severance benefits with It is time to emancipate ourselves DURING former US Vice President tial Democratic candidates, briefly come them when they move. This would from some of the Mental Chains Joseph Biden’s interview, on May 22, around the proverbial masses, at reduce a lot of employee/employer that Bob sang about many years with “The Breakfast Club” co-host churches, civic organizations etcetera, strain and some aggravation will just ago. Charlamagne tha God, in which Biden accompanied by the historical said that if African Americans have “Man with the Whip”, in tow, to to decide between he and Trump, ‘they unsubtly remind prospective voters ain’t Black”, is a classic example of the that their vote belongs to the Democratic utter contempt that most of the party. Democratic leadership has for this voting As reported in the May 25, USA Today block. online edition, Bob Johnson, contrasting procedures All Democratic candidates know that co-founder of Black Entertainment come election day,the majority Black vote Television (BET) was so incensed by ONE does not have to be a legal luminary a motion must be tabled, debated is secured, for them, and the candidates Biden’s statement, that he suggested that to learn that secondary legislation and passed in order to annul the know, that they don’t have to earn this Biden should spend the remainder of his requiring an affirmative resolution legislation. vote. In political parlance, most Black campaign apologising to every black must pass through both the The two are contrasting procedures. people typically vote the Democratic person that he meets. However, Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament Rather than a combobulation concerning ticket, rather than vet the candidates, or Democrats already know that the and get Parliamentary approval before these matters of Law, Contributors compare and contrast them with rivals, majority Black vote is theirs, so Biden’s becoming Law. to the government’s purse need clarity who are also vying for City, State or apology may not even make a difference. However, the Negative resolution pro- instead. Federal office. cedure allows for the automatic passing Every two, four or six years, all poten- Michael Headley of legislation without any debate, though Michael Ray

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Tracy Chapman Alice Walker American singer-songwriter American novelist, short story writer, poet, and social activist STAY IN TUNE “Start children off on the way “I’ve seen and met angels wearing the disguise “It takes so little to make me Some days there won’t they should go, and even when happy: they are old they will not turn Of ordinary people leading be a song in your heart. ordinary lives An hour of planting Sing anyway. from it. ” cucumbers – Proverbs 22:6 Filled with love, compassion, forgiveness and sacrifice squash Heaven’s in our hearts” tomatoes is an hour filled with gold....” 10 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate US layoffs exceed 40 million while others are returning to work More than 40 million US workers have lost THE number of work- early in the last century, ers making new claims for ers filing for jobless and came as a new data unemployment benefits their jobs since the pandemic’s arrival, benefits since the coro- showed the world’s largest in the week ended May 23. navirus arrived in the economy shrinking by The scale dwarfs even but the pace of layoffs is slowing United States passed 5.0 percent in the first the worst week of the voters’ minds. is consistent with Google 43 percent plunge in 40 million yesterday quarter,a preview of much global financial crisis But Labor Secretary search and advance state March. Excluding trans- while manufactured worse to come amid the 12 years ago but is a de- Eugene Scalia acknowl- data, which tentatively portation, total durable goods sales plunged COVID-19 recession. crease from the 2.44 mil- edged the national unem- point to a bigger drop goods sales fell just even as signs emerged The pace of layoffs lion people who filed in the ployment rate could hit next week,” Shepherdson 7.4 percent. that people are return- passed their peak but prior week. 20 percent. said. ing to work. continue in massive And the number of “We do have to, again, A separate Commerce The expansion is over Job losses on that scale numbers, with the Labor people actually receiving acknowledge that this is a Department report The Commerce Depart- have not been seen since Department reporting benefits dropped by 3.86 challenging time for work- showed orders of manufac- ment also reported that the Great Depression another 2.12 million work- million in the week ended ers across the country.But tured goods – a key compo- US GDP fell 5.0 percent in May 16, the first decline we are reopening,” Scalia nent of measuring GDP in the first three months of since the pandemic’s said on Fox Business the services-dominated US the year, slightly worse arrival and an indication Network. economy – plummeting by than the 4.8 percent drop that some people may be 17.2 percent in April, fol- originally reported, put- returning to work. Manufacturing suffers lowing a 16.6 percent drop ting an end to a decade of Even so there are more Florida is one of the states in March. economic expansion. than 21 million people moving most aggressively Sales fell to $170 billion The drop was fuelled by relying on government to resume business, and in April, the first full a collapse in consumer payments, up from 1.7m in posted one of the largest month of the lockdowns, spending and exports, and the same week of 2019. declines in the insured compared to $246 billion was all the more dramatic The White House rate. before the virus struck. given that the business Council of Economic California also saw a Much of the trouble shutdowns did not start to Advisers said on Twitter large decline, but Ian stemmed from struggling take effect until the the decline “suggests a Shepherdson of Pantheon aerospace giant Boeing, final two weeks of the substantial flow from Macroeconomics said that which reported no new quarter. unemployment to employ- was a technicality as orders in April, as com- Federal Reserve Chair ment.” unemployed workers in pared to 31 in March. Jerome Powell said the col- If sustained, it would be the state were not Like other companies lapse in the April-June a positive development for required to file for benefits nationwide, Boeing shut- quarter could be as bad as President Donald Trump, in the latest week. tered its US factories due 30 percent, again in who has cheered on states’ But he nonetheless to the pandemic, but has line with the Great efforts to reopen as he expects weekly claims to since resumed production Depression. faces a November drop below one million by while planning to slash its In an analysis, Oxford re-election battle in which the end of June and slow workforce by ten percent Economics said the Fed’s the health of the economy over the coming weeks. and slow output. moves to inject liquidity is set to weigh heavily on “The dip in initial claims Sales of motor vehicles and Congress’s stimulus and parts collapsed nearly measures have blunted 52.8 percent compared to some of the impact, but March. said “more will be needed BANK RATES All told, transportation and fear that policy Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of orders collapsed by more fatigue could hinder the business on Thursday by the Central Bank of Barbados. than 47 percent after the recovery.” Valid for May 29, 2020 Notes: Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 Canadian Dollar 1.43374 1.47615 East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 Euro 2.17119 2.26261 Pound Sterling 2.41642 2.51818 United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 Demand/Sight: Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.44190 1.47485 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.20304 2.24857 Guyana Dollar 0.00944 0.00950 Pound Sterling 2.45188 2.50255 United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 Telegraphic Transfer Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.44464 1.47485 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.20719 2.24857 Guyana Dollar 0.00944 0.00950 Pound Sterling 2.45649 2.50255 United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL CURRENCIESAS ADVISED BY THE RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS. N.B. These rates are not meant to be used for trading. BDS$ Guyana Dollar 0.00947 Jamaica Dollar 0.01386 Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia acknowledged the T&T Dollar 0.29669 national unemployment rate could hit 20 percent. The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 11

Murdoch shuts 112 Australia print papers in major digital shift RUPERT MURDOCH’S newspaper downturn in the nation’s media sector. business in Australia has said more The executive chairman of the News than 100 of its newspapers will Corp operation, Michael Miller, become digital-only or disappear highlighted how the pandemic had hit entirely. business: “Covid-19 has impacted the From next month it will make sustainability of community and regional 76 regional and local papers online-only publishing. and close another 36 altogether. “Consequently, to meet these News Corp Australia said the move changing trends, we are reshaping News will mean job losses but did not say how Corp Australia to focus on where many roles would be cut. consumers and businesses are moving The coronavirus lockdown has hit and to strengthen our position as advertising revenues, accelerating a Australia’s leading digital news media company.” Under the plan, News Corp’s major daily newspapers, including the Herald Sun and The Daily Telegraph, will become more state focused, drawing content from regional and community journalists. Larger regional papers, such as the Renault will reduce its workforce by 15 000 globally, French Les Echos reported Hobart Mercury or NT News, will yesterday, citing company executives briefed on the matter. The plan, which is continue to be published in their print set to decrease the total number of Renault employees by 8%, will be officially form. announced today. The roots of Murdoch’s global empire are in Australian newspapers. But like much of the rest of the world,Australia’s traditional media industry has come Renault prepares for 15,000 job cuts under under intense pressure in recent STRUGGLING French carmaker 179 000 people in 39 countries. years as advertisers turn to internet Renault is said to be planning 15 000 job Even before the pandemic, the firm was giants such as Facebook and Alphabet’s cuts around the world as it tries to in trouble, with sales down 3% last year. Google. contain losses amid the pandemic. It said last month the number of Several media companies in the The move comes as the virus deepens vehicles sold dropped by 25% in the first country have already made cuts or shut the challenges facing the firm, which saw three months of the year and plunged down completely during the pandemic, its first annual loss in a decade last year. even more dramatically in April. with the latest including Buzzfeed The company,which has pledged to cut The firm is currently in talks with the Australia and 10 Daily, a news website costs by 2 billion euros (£1.8 billion), is French government, which holds a of ViacomCBS-owned broadcaster expected to discuss the plan today. 15% stake in the company,over a 5 billion Ten Network. Almost one third of the reductions are -euro emergency loan package. Earlier this year the Australian expected to occur in France. The French government has also Associated Press, a newswire which was Speaking on French television, a pledged 8 billion euros in wider rescue part-owned by News Corp, announced French labour leader briefed on the plans funds aimed at shoring up the country’s its closure after 85 years. said many of the cuts in France would car industry. News Corp has been leading an come through voluntary layoffs or In exchange President Emmanuel ongoing campaign to make online firms retirement. Macron has said the firm should Rupert Murdoch, Executive Chairman pay for the Australian content they Renault, which claims more than 4% of keep workers and production in the News Corporation. share. the global market, employs more than country.

EasyJet plans up to 4,500 job cuts – about 30% of workforce EASYJET has said it will cut up to 30% ‘Difficult decisions’ so that easyJet can thrive in the future.” arrivals. of its workforce – about 4 500 jobs – as it “To effect the restructure of our business, Other airlines have already announced From June 8, people entering the UK struggles with a collapse in air travel EasyJet will shortly launch an employee job cuts and restructuring programmes from abroad, including returning caused by the virus pandemic. consultation process on proposals as they fight to stay in business. holidaymakers, will be told to isolate The airline did not say exactly how to reduce staff numbers by up to for 14 days or face a £1 000 fine. many jobs would go, but it employed 30%, reflecting the reduced fleet, the These include: In a letter to the Home Secretary, 15 000 people at the start of 2020. optimisation of our network and bases, • British Airways, which is set to cut up Priti Patel, hotels and holiday firms said Pilots’ union Balpa reacted angrily, improved productivity as well as the to 12 000 jobs from its 42 000-strong the policy would reduce visitor numbers describing the move as an “ill-considered promotion of more efficient ways of workforce and could make it harder for Britons to knee-jerk reaction”. working,” the firm said. • Ryanair, which is set to cut 3 000 jobs travel abroad. EasyJet, which has big operations at EasyJet chief executive Johan – 15% of its workforce – with boss Meanwhile, tour operator Tui has said Gatwick and Luton airports, confirmed it Lundgren said,“We realise that these are Michael O’Leary saying the move is “the all its holidays for UK customers will now would restart flights on June 15. very difficult times and we are minimum that we need just to survive the be suspended until at least the end of However, it said that levels of market having to consider very difficult decisions next 12 months” June. It had previously cancelled all trips demand seen in 2019 were not likely to be which will impact our people, but we want • Virgin Atlantic, which has announced up to June 11. reached again until 2023. to protect as many jobs as we can for the it is to cut more than 3 000 jobs in the It has also suspended its Marella It added that in the coming days, it long-term. UK out of a total of 10 000 and end its Cruises sailings until July 30. would launch an employee consultation He said the airline was planning to operation at Gatwick airport. Rival tour operator Jet2holidays has process on the planned job cuts. reduce the size of its fleet and would The travel industry’s hopes of also suspended its holidays until It grounded its entire fleet in continue to cut costs. reopening for business as global June 30. March as global travel came to a “We want to ensure that we emerge lockdowns ease have been dealt a The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth near-halt. from the pandemic an even more blow by the UK government’s plan to Office continues to advise against all competitive business than before, introducea 14-day quarantine for all but essential international travel. 12 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline May 28, 2020

There was no activity today on the Regular Market.

Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $18.87 $19.31 $0.44 BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Thursday May 28, 2020

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

ABV Investments Incorporated 13-Mar-20 - - - $0.15 $0.15 - $0.02 $0.30 8,080 10,500

BICO Limited 11-Mar-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 $3.56 9,260 500 INDICES Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES May 28, 2020 May 27, 2020 Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - Local 3045.85 3,044.44 0.45 Cross-list 1,400.14 1,400.14 - Barbados Farms Limited 4-May-20 - - - $0.40 $0.40 - $0.30 $0.68 10074 25,342 Composite 745.95 745.84 0.11 Cable and Wireless Barbados Limited -+ 21-Sep-17 - - - $2.29 $2.29 - - - - - MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions)

Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 25-Mar-20 - - - $4.62 $4.62 - $2.50 $4.40 700 46810 TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES May 28, 2020 May 27, 2020 FirstCaribbean International Bank 26-May-20 - - - $2.48 $2.40 - $2.40 $2.55 230 2500 Local 6,488.01 6,487.04 0.97 Cross-list 178.78 178.78 - Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 12-May-20 - - - $0.19 $0.19 - - $0.19 - 47,500 Composite 6,666.79 6,665.82 0.97 - Dev Fund MUTUAL FUND May 28, 2020 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 27-May-20 - - - $0.56 $0.58 - $0.55 $0.58 1,055 17708 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV -Value Fund CHANGE 22-May-20 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.2677 0.0269 Goddard Enterprises Limited 26-May-20 - - - $3.25 $3.25 - $3.15 $3.25 9320 82123 22-May-20 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND* w 1.2077 0.0019 22-May-20 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6907 -0.0002 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 17-Mar-20 - - - $3.20 $3.20 - $3.15 $3.20 500 352,240 22-May-20 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 5.3898 5.3898 5.3898 0.0779 One Caribbean Media Limited 06-Mar-20 - - - $2.70 $2.70 - $1.80 $2.70 6264 6,264 22-May-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 1.9948 0.0095 22-May-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 0.9990 0.0048 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 30-Apr-20 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.2851 5.2851 5.1794 0.0347 30-Apr-20 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 0.9159 0.9159 0.8976 0.0085 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - - - $2.80 $2.80 - - - - - 30-Apr-20 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6369 1.6369 1.6042 0.0070 22-May-20 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.52 0.06 West India Biscuit Company Limited 25-May-20 - - - $31.00 $31.00 - $30.00 $32.50 100000 300 22-May-20 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.45 0.04 22-May-20 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.97 0.00 Emera Deposit Receipt 10-Feb-20 - - - $18.87 $19.31 $0.44 $20.84 - 35 - * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD - FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly * = Security is Trading X-Div Fixed Income *+* = Security is Suspended Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask ** = Rights Issued Date Close Close Price Price Size Size GOB Series B 17-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 - $65.00 - 148822 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 GOB Series F 05-Feb-20 $89.00 $89.00 $89.00 1,847,619 NOTICES GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 $75.00 103,713 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NEWS Barbados Farms Limited – Directors of Barbados Farms Limited (BFL) hereby notifies its valued Shareholders that it wishes to withdraw the previously published record date of March 26th, 2020 for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company. Once the country returns to some degree of normalcy and BFL is in a position to have its Annual Report together with the notice of meeting printed and mailed within the statutory timeframe, it will advertise a new record date for determining Shareholders entitled to receive notice of the 35th annual meeting of shareholders. Stocks trade mixed as Sagicor Financial Company Limited – The Board of Directors, of the parent company of Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited, has fixed May 1st, 2020 as the record date for those shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company to be held on June 15th, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this will be a virtual meeting, details of which will be tensions with China rise included in the shareholder package. DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS STOCKS were mixed So far this week, Goddard Enterprises Limited – Directors have declared a final dividend of point five ($0.005) cents per share to be paid on May Thursday amid new investors have been 29th, 2020 to Shareholders on record at close of business on April 30th, 2020. developments that could weighing signs of raise tensions between the stabilizing US economic COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE U.S. and China, and a activity after last month’s In light of the ongoing COVID-19 contagion affecting the island, the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central deluge of new economic deep downturn, along with Securities Depository Inc. (BCSDI) have been instituting several procedural changes. data, much of which was hopes of a vaccine or Kindly note that effective May 18th, 2020, the BSE and BCSDI re-opened and will resumed normal office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 still consistent with a treatment, against p.m. Please also note that we have implemented digital temperature checks for all persons entering the building. These checks are contraction but at least concerns that relations being conducted on both staff and clients alike by trained personnel. While we acknowledge that every person with fever may not be COVID-19 positive and that some individuals may present without signaled some with China were set to symptoms, please note that any person with a temperature reading of 100? F (37.8? C) or over will be denied entry to conduct stabilization after an become increasingly business within our offices. initial slump in activity. strained. China approved We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation, however, we must emphasize that this is a necessary step A new report this a draft decision for new for the protection of staff and clients alike. morning showed new national security BSE NOTICES unemployment claims legislation that would TRADING SUSPENSION totaled a slightly greater impose on freedoms in The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section than expected 2.123 Hong Kong, in a move that 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were million last week, though would encroach on the suspended effective December 10th, 2019. continuing claims for the autonomy of the region The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section prior week pulled back and jeopardize its special 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited from a record high and fell trade status with the U.S. were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. for the first time during President Donald Trump The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by the pandemic. Meanwhile, is set to hold a press way of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor first-quarter gross conference today on China, Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation domestic product (GDP) just days after Secretary Limited. was downwardly revised of State Mike Pompeo said to show a 5.0% annualized Hong Kong no longer The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that, as a result of the approved amalgamation of Cable and Wireless (Barbados) Limited (CWBL) and Cable & Wireless West Indies Limited (CWWI), trading in the security - Cable and Wireless decline, from the 4.8% could be considered (Barbados) Limited - has been suspended with immediate effect. previously reported. autonomous from China. The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 13 Holness calls for urgent action from world leaders to deal with COVID-19 fallout KINGSTON, Jamaica– most inclusive gathering of in place a bold, innovative and and restore the balance between Prime Minister Andrew countries to focus on the socio- resilient system to address the the economy and nature. Holness has described the economic recovery and financing profound structural issues that “The pandemic has COVID-19 pandemic as a needs from the pandemic. impact our economies and our demonstrated our fragility,” said wake-up call for the “The COVID-19 pandemic people,” added Holness. Guterres. “We are in an international community demands that we take The prime minister also unprecedented human crisis, to reinvigorate a immediate action to address its welcomed the six thematic areas because of a microscopic virus. comprehensive system of impacts on the economies of all of focus of the meeting, including We need to respond with unity global economic countries, in every region of the the “necessity to address the and solidarity, and a key aspect governance that can cope world and at every stage of urgent need for increased of solidarity is financial with global disruption development,” said Holness in liquidity, particularly for low- support.” while promoting inclusive his opening remarks which were and middle-income countries”. Fellow co-convener Trudeau development. delivered late in the meeting The six areas identified for argued that all countries are Holness was addressing a because of technical issues from discussion at the meeting target being tested by the COVID-19 high level meeting which he co- the UN’s end. actions to mobilise the financing pandemic, and it threatens to convened with United Nations “This pandemic has needed for the response and undermine our hard-won Secretary-General António demonstrated that every recovery after COVID-19. development gains. Guterres and the Prime country and every citizen is These include expanding “We know the best way to help Minister of Canada, Justin vulnerable. To build economic liquidity across the global all our people and economies Trudeau, yesterday morning. and social resistance we must economy; addressing debt rebound is to work together as a With more than 50 heads of rethink the traditional indices of vulnerabilities; stemming illicit global community. We want to state and governments vulnerability,” declared Holness. financial flows; increasing support collective and participating, the digital “This crisis represents a external finance for inclusive individual actions to enable a meeting, dubbed, “High-Level unique opportunity to remedy growth and job creation; and recovery that leads to more Event on Financing for socio-economic disparities.We strategies for countries to inclusive, sustainable and Prime Minister Andrew Development in the Era of have a duty to ourselves, and recover better, achieve the resilient economies, where no Holness COVID-19 and Beyond” was the succeeding generations, to put SDGs, address climate change one is left behind,” said Trudeau.

Not-guilty verdict in first virtual judge-alone murder trial TRINIDAD – A Verdict of not- Martinez to not only be careful electronically. shooter replied, “You holding guilty was on Tuesday of the covid19 virus, but also It was because Martinez was meeting to get mih partner delivered in the first virtual the choices he makes. The in quarantine that the verdict killed. Ah not taking dat.” judge-alone murder trial. judge said the one in-person was also not delivered at the Martinez, who was Quincy Martinez was hearing “caused no small Hall of Justice. The court’s represented by attorneys charged with the murder of measure of anxiety in the emergency direction, which Raphael Morgan and Kyle Otym Abdul Claverie who was courtroom” although safety restricts the number of people Fortune, did not testify at the shot and killed in an protocols of physical entering the nation’s courts trial. Instead, his defence was apartment at Building 13, distancing, sanitising and the and which allows for virtual or that the evidence against him North Maloney Gardens, wearing of masks were telephonic hearings, ends on was a fabrication. D’Abadie, on March 29, 2008. followed. Those in the court June 15 unless amended In assessing the evidence, The verdict was delivered by that day had to take off their before. Ramsumair-Hinds held that Justice Lisa Ramsumair-Hinds masks for a short time so that The trial began on May 15, Samuel’s evidence was fraught in keeping with the court’s the dock identification could and evidence was taken on with frailties, conjecture, emergency practice directions take place. May 19 from two prosecution speculation, assumptions, and for Covid-19. Martinez was at She said the decision by the witnesses. There was the a host of inconsistencies and the Santa Rosa facility under Commissioner of Prisons – one formal admission of the discrepancies. She said while quarantine because of one in- which she said she would not evidence of ten witnesses and it was evident Samuel suffered person hearing he attended at interfere with – to quarantine the trial lasted three days. a loss the day his brother was the Hall of Justice, Port of Martinez was because the According to the killed, condolences aside, she Spain, during the trial for the former “simply couldn’t trust prosecution’s case, Claverie did not believe him to be purpose of a dock identification that in exposing the prisoner to was roused from sleep, walked truthful and there was no other to take place. the court, the free public, he out of the apartment, and had evidence connecting Martinez Justice Lisa Ramsumair- An in-court or dock would return unaffected to the a verbal exchange with his to the murder. Hinds identification is where a MSP (Maximum Security killer, who then pulled out a In her decision, the judge witness identifies the prisoner Prison).” gun, pointed it at him, and also urged attorneys in the cannot persist.” in the courtroom as being the However, she said the fired a shot. criminal division, to adhere to The trial before Ramsumair- perpetrator they allegedly saw hardship by the prison Claverie ran back inside the the Criminal Procedure Rules. Hinds also, for the first time, at the scene of a crime. The authorities caused her to apartment and, while kneeling “The rules are not without saw the main witnesses taking State’s main witness was question the need for the in- on the floor, was shot three purpose,” she said as she the new oath which was Claverie’s brother, Ukomo person hearing. She said her more times by the shooter who observed that the absence of recently introduced where Samuel who allegedly preference, so long as there is a stood at the doorway. sanctions results in disregard witnesses and jurors are no identified Martinez as the public health threat involved, Samuel testified that he for deadlines. longer required to swear on a shooter. especially where there is little heard his brother say, “Dan. “If the rules are to bear holy book. In ordering his release, open ventilation, will be that Stop calling up mih name in similar fruit to those in the State attorney Stacy Laloo- Ramsumair-Hinds told trials should be done yuh mouth,” to which the civil division, this culture Chong prosecuted.

Generally cloudy, hazy and breezy with a few brief isolated showers.

High Tide (First) 08:13 HRS High tide (Second) 21:46 HRS London 14 Clear Yesterday: 0.0 mm Boston 24 Overcast Low Tide (First) 02:01 HRS For the month: 23.7 mm Max: 30.4 °C Montreal 28 Overcast Low tide (Second) 15:02 HRS For the year: 186.7 mm Min: 26.5 °C Toronto 20 Overcast / Light Rain / Mist New York 18 Overcast / Mist Miami 29 Fair 5:31 a.m. 6:21 p.m. 14 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Spread of coronavirus fuels Salvadoran leader says he corruption in Latin America FROM Argentina to Panama, a takes drug number of officials have been forced to resign as reports of fraudulent purchases of ventilators, masks and touted by other medical supplies pile up. The thefts are driven by price-gouging from manufacturers and Trump for profiteering by politically connected middlemen who see the crisis as an opportunity for graft. coronavirus “Whenever there’s a dire situation, SAN SALVADOR – Salvadoran spending rules are relaxed and there’s President Nayib Bukele said on always someone around looking to take Tuesday he takes hydroxychloroquine, advantage to make a profit,” said José an antimalarial drug that U.S. Ugaz, a former Peruvian prosecutor who President Donald Trump has promoted jailed former President Alberto Fujimori as a way to ward off the novel and was chairman of Transparency coronavirus, though experts have International from 2014-17. warned about its safety. Coronavirus clusters are still spreading Bukele told reporters that El in Latin America, fueling a spike in Salvador was not promoting it anymore deaths, swamping already-precarious as a treatment, following the hospitals and threatening to ravage recommendation of the World Health slumping economies. Organization, though patients would Against this backdrop, reports of fraud still be able to take it as a preventative have proliferated. measure if they wished. On Tuesday, police in Rio de Janeiro “I use it as a prophylaxis, President raided the governor’s residence as part of Trump uses it as a prophylaxis, most of a widening probe into the alleged In this May 21, 2020, file photo, a man rides a bicycle in front of the government the world’s leaders use it as a embezzlement of part of the US$150 house during a government-ordered lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19 in prophylaxis,”Bukele said. million in public funds earmarked for Buenos Aires, Argentina. Even amid a global pandemic, there’s no sign that cor- Bukele’s forceful response to the building field hospitals. ruption is slowing down in Latin America. From Argentina to Panama, a number coronavirus, including moving to extend In Colombia, 14 of 32 governors are of officials have been forced to resign as reports of possibly fraudulent pur- a national state of emergency without under investigation for crimes ranging chases of ventilators, masks and medical supplies proliferate. congressional approval, has prompted from embezzlement to unlawfully criticism that the 38-year-old has awarding no-bid contracts. In Argentina’s undermining state measures to fight the But abuse multiplies in emergencies shown authoritarian tendencies and capital of Buenos Aires, prosecutors are virus.Witzel denied any wrongdoing and like natural disasters. He said the risks exceeded his powers. probing a politically connected crony for accused Bolsonaro of ordering the raid as are even higher in the pandemic, as Speaking at an event with Bukele, buying 15,000 N95 surgical masks that, political retribution. officials compete for limited supplies, the U.S. ambassador to El Salvador, despite having expired, cost the city 10 To be sure, disasters breed corruption disrupting established price mechanisms. Ronald Johnson, suggested that he times their listed price. all over the world, not just in Latin “If you don’t stop at the red light, and approved of the leader's handling of the Perhaps the biggest fallout is in America. Spain, Italy and other countries nothing happens, or you can bribe the pandemic. Bolivia, where the health minister was also have been rocked by revelations of policeman and get away with it, then “I believe that in crisis situations, arrested amid allegations that 170 impropriety during the pandemic. In the more people will have incentives not to oftentimes people must give up a little ventilators were bought at inflated prices. U.S., an estimated 16% of $1 billion in aid stop at the red light,” said de Michele. bit of their freedoms in order to favor The breathing machines were purchased spent after Hurricane Katrina was lost in “That’s institutional design, not culture.” the rights and freedoms of the majority for nearly $28,000 each. But their potentially fraudulent payments. In one Latin America countries consistently and of the whole,” he said. Spanish manufacturer said it sold them example, the Federal Emergency rank among the most corrupt. The latest “This is only a temporary moment.” to a distributor for only 6,000 euros Management Agency paid one individual survey by Berlin-based Transparency ($6,500). Making matter worse, the rental assistance as well as $8,000 to International found that more than half machines aren’t suitable for longer-term stay 70 nights at a hotel – in Hawaii. of the region’s residents think the care. But stealing state funds is especially problem is getting worse, with 1 in 5 The probe threatens to derail the vexing in Latin America because of admitting to paying a bribe to public presidential candidacy of interim leader gaping poverty and a tattered social officials in the past year. Scandals Jeanine Anez. She assumed power in safety net. More than half its workers involving officials caught stealing from November, promising a clean break from toil in the informal sector without health school lunch programs, passing briefcases 13 years of leftist rule by Evo Morales, care or social security. full of cash or placing lovers in cushy jobs who resigned amid vote-rigging “That’s the real scandal,” said are frequently in the news. allegations. Argentine writer Martín Caparrós, co- Still, de Michele is optimistic that social Similar accusations of over-billing have editor of a book about the region’s most pressure will bring change. shaken Panama, where a top aide to shameless stories of graft called “We Lost: A turning point came in 2016, when President Laurentino Cortizo quit and Who Won the Americas Cup of Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht his vice president is under pressure to Corruption?” (Spoiler alert:An Argentine admitted to paying $788 million in bribes resign after prosecutors last month began vice president convicted of buying a stake across Latin America over more than a investigating the planned purchase of in a money-printing company while decade. That led to the jailing of former 100 ventilators at nearly $50,000 each. overseeing its bankruptcy proceedings presidents in Peru and Brazil. In Brazil, which has the world’s second- was voted the worst offender by readers). Technology can also help protect state highest number of confirmed cases, police Acceptance of corruption dates to the funds, de Michele said. in one state created a task force to Spanish conquest, when powerful He cited Paraguay, which unveiled a investigate pandemic-related crimes. Its viceroys gave extensive land holdings to platform allowing users to track in nickname, “Corona Jato,” is a nod to the friends, and forgiveness of sins could almost real time the status of 110 region’s biggest recent corruption literally be bought from the Roman emergency contracts worth $26 million in scandal, the “Lava Jato,” or “Car Wash,” Catholic church, Caparrós said. spending tied to COVID-19. Finance probe that uncovered billions stolen from Roberto de Michele, the top Minister Benigno López said the state-run companies. transparency expert at the Washington- platform will empower citizen groups to Tuesday's surprise search of the based Inter-American Development monitor how resources are spent. governor's mansion and 10 other Bank, disagrees, saying that even in “The solution to corruption is punitive addresses in Rio has rattled Brazil's normal conditions, an estimated 10% to justice,” López told The Associated Press. political establishment because Gov. 25% of global spending on health care is “But at least this tool puts all public Wilson Witzel is a fierce critic of lost to corruption – hundreds of billions officials on notice that our actions will be President Jair Bolsonaro, accusing him of of dollars every year. under the microscope.” Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 15 English court to weigh recognition of Maduro, Guaido in Venezuela gold case CARACAS/LONDON – Venezuela for decades which Britain does not support of Venezuela's An English court stored gold that makes up recognize. armed forces and allies yesterday said it would part of its central bank Earlier this month, Russia and China, calls need to decide which of reserves in the vaults of Venezuela’s central bank Guaido a U.S. puppet Venezuela’s dueling foreign financial made a legal claim to try seeking to oust him in a political factions to institutions including the to force the bank to release coup. recognize before ruling Bank of England, which 930 million euros ($1.03 Lawyers at Zaiwalla & on President Nicolas provides gold custodian billion) in gold to fund Co, which represent the Maduro’s request for services to developing Venezuela’s coronavirus central bank of Maduro’s the Bank of England to countries. The bank since response.The government government in the case, hand over gold the 2018 has refused to says it has a deal with the called the result “a fair country has in its transfer the funds to UN Development and good outcome.” vaults. Maduro’s government, Programme to administer Guaido's chief overseas the funds. legal representative But according to confirmed the contents of statements from both the ruling and said “the Trinidad: Rowley visits parties, the court said it Maduro regime’s true aim would begin hearings no is to use central bank earlier than June 22 to resources outside of manufacturers as determine which party parliamentary controls.” could represent Venezuela The Bank of England production resumes in the case: Maduro or declined to comment. TRINIDAD – Prime to stem the spread of the Juan Guaido, the leader of ($1 = 0.9019 euros) President Nicolas Maduro Minister Dr Keith Rowley novel coronavirus. On May the opposition-controlled has visited Caribbean 21, the entire National Assembly. Packaging Industries, manufacturing sector was Dozens of countries, Nestle, TYE given the all-clear to return including Great Britain, Manufacturing and to work. recognize Guaido as VEMCO as the During Wednesday’s Venezuela’s interim manufacturing sector has visit, the Prime Minister president, arguing resumed operations. heard from manufacturers Maduro rigged his 2018 This comes a few days regarding the measures re-election. Guaido has after the Government they have enforced in appointed a parallel entered phase two of a six- response to COVID-19 and central bank board of tier plan to ease the strides they are making directors. restrictions implemented to ensure production. Maduro, who retains the 16 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Regional court orders Panama to protect migrants’ health PANAMA CITY – A regional respond to requests for comment With more than 4,000 human rights court has yesterday. confirmed infections and at least ordered Panama’s This week the Inter-American 315 deaths, Panama has the government to immediately Court of Human Rights ordered highest reported figures in provide medical care and the government to safeguard the Central America. more sanitary conditions wellfare of the migrants held in The government of President for some 2,000 migrants Peñitas and Lajas Blancas. Laurentino Cortizo has detained near the The migrants come from Haiti previously denied any Colombian border. and Cuba, as well as African and mistreatment of the migrants Prior to the novel coronavirus Asian nations.About 80 infected and insisted that their detention pandemic, Panama had with the virus were moved to since late March is only due to practiced what it called a Lajas Blancas, the second camp the pandemic. “controlled flow,” which allowed along the route. Dozens of others Vice-Minister of Foreign migrants emerging from the with symptoms or who had Affairs Federico Alfaro Boyd dangerous Darien jungle to rest contact with the infected have noted earlier this week that at camps before boarding buses been sent there as well. Costa Rica and Nicaragua had FILE - In this June 19, 2018 file photo, a Panama border po- and continuing their journey up The court said the Peñitas closed their borders as well, lice officer points as he begins to patrol in the Darien through Central America. shelter was still far beyond its making it impossible for the Province, on the border with Colombia, in Yaviza, Panama. Now border police are holding capacity with nearly 1,700 migrants to advance. migrants in those same centers people there including more He said a strong effort was Panama closely since a 2002 Panama’s compliance. The as COVID-19 infections build. than 400 children. It ordered being made to provide the case about human rights center says that migrants Panama’s government and the immediate “access to essential migrants with the medical care, violations of an Ecuadorean crossing the Darien face a policy International Organization for health services without as well as basics such as cots to migrant in Darien. The non- of automatic and arbitrary Migration, which aids Panama discrimination to all of the sleep on and water. governmental Center for Justice detention and overcrowded in the area, did not immediately people” in the camps. The court has watched and International Law monitors conditions.

Bolsonaro signs into law Brazil US$11.3B aid to states registers record 26,417 and municipalities SAO PAULO – Brazilian between states, municipalities coronavirus President Jair Bolsonaro has and the federal signed into law 60-billion-real government, as well as credit (US$11.3 billion) of federal restructuring operations amid cases in a day: government aid to states and the state of emergency decree municipalities affected by the triggered by the ministry coronavirus pandemic, but pandemic. RIO DE JANEIRO –- Brazil re- vetoed a section on public According to the bill signed ported a daily record of 26,417 servants’ wages, according to an into law, only healthcare and new coronavirus cases yester- official gazette publication social assistance professionals day, according to the Health yesterday. involved in the fight against Ministry,bringing its total tally The freeze on civil servants’ COVID-19, the disease to 438,238, second only to the salaries was the counterpart caused by the new coronavirus, United States in confirmed negotiated by the economic will have salaries raised cases. team during the discussion of throughout the end of Brazil’s death toll rose 1,156 the bill. 2021. from a day earlier to 26,754 con- Besides the transfer of 60 The proposal approved by firmed fatalities from the billion reais for four months, the Congress also included other COVID-19 respiratory disease, bill also addresses the public servants and military, but just shy of a record 1,188 deaths suspension of debt payments Bolsonaro vetoed this section. Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro registered on May 21.

UK’s Johnson eases lockdown as furore over aide rumbles on LONDON – The coronavirus drive 400 km (250 miles) during their hands, provided everybody lawmakers from his a majority of Britons think lockdown will ease next week lockdown. exercises common sense.” Conservative Party called for Cummings should resign for – in for most of Britain’s population, “These changes mean that Johnson stressed that the Cummings to quit. their view – breaking the Boris Johnson announced on friends and family can start to changes were “small tentative The prime minister also faces lockdown rules, but Johnson yesterday, as a row persisted meet their loved ones, perhaps steps forward”, and health criticism for his handling of a has said he acted with over the prime minister’s closest seeing both parents at once or experts warned the situation pandemic that has left Britain integrity. adviser taking a long-distance grandparents at once,” he said, remained finely balanced with with the world’s second-highest At the news conference, journey during lockdown. adding that outdoor retailers new cases declining, but not very death toll. Johnson blocked questions from In England, up to six people and car showrooms would also quickly. Cummings travelled from journalists put to his top will be able to meet outside and be able to open from Monday. The devolved governments in London to the northern English medical and scientific officials schools will gradually reopen “You could have meetings of Scotland, Wales and Northern city of Durham in March with about Cummings’ behaviour. from Monday,Johnson said at a families in a garden, you could Ireland are responsible for their his four-year-old son and his Johnson said he wanted to news conference where he was even have a barbecue provided own public health policy. wife, who was sick at the time, to “protect them from ... an unfair again challenged over his aide you did it in a socially distanced Johnson’s announcement be close to relatives. and unnecessary attempt to ask Dominic Cummings’ decision to way, provided everybody washes came hours after more A YouGov opinion poll showed a political question”. The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 17 EU plans permanent stockpile of essential drugs, medical gear BRUSSELS – The European intensive care drugs and other China. Commission said yesterday vital items. EU lawmakers urged it wanted to set up a The EU is seeking to stockpile subsidies to encourage permanent reserve of disinfectants, testing and relocation, but health essential drugs and medical diagnostic reagents, protective commissioner Stella Kyriakides equipment to address gear and essential medicines, declined to comment on the shortages that have dogged according an EU document. matter on Thursday. the EU for years and The extra funding, which She said incentives would be worsened throughout the needs to be approved by EU addressed in proposals for an COVID-19 pandemic. governments and lawmakers, EU pharmaceutical strategy The stockpile would be would also be used to acquire due at the end of the year - a funded from a new health vaccines, which are often in timetable that raised some budget worth 9.4 billion euros short supply in the EU and are eyebrows in the industry in ($10.3 billion) which the EU mostly manufactured outside view of the risks of a second executive commission proposed the bloc. wave of the epidemic in on Wednesday. The Commission said it autumn. The reserve would wanted to offer incentives to In a draft report, the Health commissioner Stella Kyriakides complement a 380-million-euro pharmaceutical companies to Parliament also urged the emergency stockpile created at develop and produce vaccines creation of one or more been looking to build up the the onset of the COVID-19 in Europe, and relocate “European nonprofit ability to produce drugs and pandemic after many countries manufacturing capacity of pharmaceutical undertakings” their raw materials at home Moscow in the 27-nation bloc faced medicines and their chemical to manufacture priority after the pandemic exposed the acute shortages of face masks, ingredients which are now medicines. industry’s dependence on China testing kits, ventilators, mostly imported from India and The United States has also and India. court jails journalist for Reopening one-person schools in protest MOSCOW – A Moscow court yesterday jailed a prominent Denmark did anti-Kremlin journalist for a one-person protest during the city’s coronavirus lockdown, not worsen sentencing him to 15 days in prison. outbreak, Ilya Azar, a journalist at the Novaya Gazeta newspaper, which is critical of the Kremlin, data shows was detained by police on COPENHAGEN – Sending Tuesday as he stood alone children back to schools and outside the Russian capital’s day care centres in Denmark, police headquarters to protest the first country in Europe to do against the criminal prosecution so, did not lead to an increase in of a popular blogger. coronavirus infections, Such one-person protests are according to official data, usually legal in Russia, but confirming similar findings Sergei Sobyanin, the city’s from Finland yesterday. mayor,has banned public events As countries across Europe during the coronavirus epidemic make plans to exit months of and said that people only have lockdown aimed at curbing the the right to leave their homes for virus outbreak, some parents specific tasks, which do not worry that opening schools first include political protests. might put the health of their A court yesterday found Azar children in danger. guilty of repeatedly breaking Following a one-month protest legislation and ordered lockdown, Denmark allowed FILE PHOTO: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen meets with students at Stolpedal him jailed for 15 days. children between two to 12 school as part of her tour to different places in Jutland, eastern part of Denmark, as the At least three other years back in day cares and country went into phase two of its reopening, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) out- journalists, including Tatyana schools on April 15. Based on break, in Aalborg, Denmark May 18, 2020. Felgengauer,deputy chief editor five weeks’ worth of data, of the Ekho Moskvy radio health authorities are now for In Finland, a top official immediately after the children or in the society in station, were detained yesterday the first time saying the move announced similar findings on reopening of schools. general,” Andersen said and for staging their own did not make the virus Wednesday, saying nothing so But this was too early to have called Denmark’s reopening one-person pickets in Azar’s proliferate. far suggested the coronavirus anything to do with the strategy “prudent”. support. “You cannot see any negative had spread faster since schools reopening and could be A steady drop in daily “Lone pickets are not a crime,” effects from the reopening of reopened in mid-May. explained by an increase in infections, hospital admissions read a sign held up by schools,” Peter Andersen, doctor The number of infected tests performed, he said. and deaths since early April Felgengauer, before she was led of infectious disease children aged between one and “Based on preliminary has led Denmark to continue away by police. epidemiology and prevention at up to 19 has declined steadily experiences, it does not look like its reopening, with shopping Moscow is in its ninth week of the Danish Serum Institute since late April, Andersen said, there has been a negative effect malls, bars, restaurants a lockdown. All of the detained said on Thursday told Reuters. following a slight uptick on the spread among school allowed to reopen in May. journalists were wearing masks. 18 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate French coronavirus cases jump by 3,325 due to better tracking PARIS – The number of 149,071, the biggest increase allow for more complete 0.2%, to 28,662, the same intensive care fell by 72, or coronavirus infections in France since a 4,183 increase on May 6, tracking. increase as on Wednesday and 4.8%, to 1,429. Both numbers jumped on the same day the when data from a new The ministry did not specify the eighth day that the number have been on a downtrend since government announced an laboratory were included. how much the case count had of deaths remained below 100. mid-April. easing of lockdown rules, but “The increase compared to increased on Thursday. On In the first half of April, The slowdown in the infection the increase reflected the yesterday is due to more Wednesday, the number of France reported over 1,000 rate and reduced pressure on inclusion of new data rather efficient tracking, not to the confirmed cases rose by 191, or deaths per day on several days, France’s health system were than a rise in daily infections, epidemiological situation in 0.1%, to 145,555, a lower daily with a peak of 1,438 on April key factors in the government’s the Health Ministry said. France,” the ministry said in a rate of increase than the 0.2% 15. decision to announce further The inclusion of data from a statement on Thursday. average seen the previous seven The ministry said the number easing of the lockdown rules on new tracking system boosted It said that from now on days. of people in hospital fell by Thursday, including the the number of confirmed France would use a new The ministry said the virus’ nearly 500, or 3%, to 15,208, and reopening of bars, restaurants coronavirus cases by 3,325 to monitoring system that will total death toll rose by 66, or the number of people in and beaches. France to open bars and With no deaths, beaches in second phase Namibia to further ease coronavirus lockdown WINDHOEK – Namibia, which tracing of people who came into of easing lockdown has so far recorded no contact with those two. PARIS – France will allow coronavirus deaths, said President Hage Geingob restaurants, bars and cafes yesterday it would within days urged public vigilance despite to reopen from June 2, further ease restrictions on the easing of restrictions which though with more social and economic activities. will allow schools to resume restrictions in Paris than Most of the desert nation in face-to-face classes and elsewhere, Prime Minister southwest Africa, which has restaurants to receive sit-down Edouard Philippe said received international praise customers. yesterday as he announced after recording only 22 Non-contact sports and the next phase in easing the confirmed COVID-19 infections gatherings of up to 50 people at country’s coronavirus with 14 recoveries, will ease weddings, funerals and other lockdown. restrictions to level three of its events will be allowed. The government is also lifting four-level lockdown system But clubs, casinos and a nationwide 100 km (60-mile) from June 2. gambling houses will remain travel restriction and will However, the harbour town closed as they are considered reopen beaches and parks from of Walvis Bay will revert to high-risk areas while truck next week as it seeks to level one, the most restrictive, drivers arriving in Namibia resuscitate the euro zone’s for seven days after two will be screened, tested on second biggest economy ahead residents tested positive. The arrival and quarantined for no of the summer tourism season. government has stepped up less than 14 days. “Freedom will become the rule, bans the exception,” Philippe said in a televised address. More than 28,600 people have died of COVID-19 in France. Yesterday the death toll rose by less than 100 for the eighth day running. The spread of the virus is slowing quicker than hoped for French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe looks on during a and Paris is no longer deemed a session of questions to the government at the French “red zone” coronavirus hot spot, National Assembly in Paris, France May 26, 2020, as France Philippe said. But danger still eases lockdown measures taken to curb the spread of the lurked and there was no room coronavirus disease (COVID-19). for complacency, he added. The greater Paris region is our morale.” places of more than 10 people now an “orange” zone, meaning remains in place for now, and it is not as virus-free as almost Saving summer major sporting events will also all other regions designated The rebound of France’s be suspended until at least June “green”, and the easing of hospitality sector will depend in 21, Philippe said. restrictions will be more part on how quickly tourists Cinemas will be allowed to cautious. return. Nearly 90 million foreign open from June 22 unless the Across the country, tourists visited France in 2018, spread of the virus quickens restaurants, cafes and bars will making it the most visited once again. have to ensure a minimum one- country in the world. Health Minister Olivier Veran metre (three-foot) gap between Philippe said he was in favour said the virus’ reproduction rate, tables and all staff must wear of removing border restrictions known as the “R” rate, is below face masks. In “orange” zones within Europe’s Schengen area 1 across almost the whole they will only be permitted to without quarantine rules from country, meaning that on open outdoor seating areas. June 15. average each infected person is Paris bistro owner Alain France and its European infecting less than one person Fontaine watched Philippe’s neighbours have been and so the epidemic is address surrounded by empty progressively easing regressing. tables and upturned chairs. unprecedented restrictions on A contact-tracing app, Without an outdoor terrace, his public life in the past month, allowing health authorities to kitchen will remain closed. desperate to revive battered identify people who have been “Those who don’t have a economies but mindful of exposed to a COVID-19 carrier, terrace are the fall guys,” he unleashing a second wave of will go live on June 2, Philippe said. “We’re exhausted by an infections. said. President Hage Geingob urged public vigilance despite the invisible enemy that has broken A ban on gatherings in public easing of restrictions. The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 19 National Guard called to respond to Minneapolis violence MINNEAPOLIS – Minnesota than a dozen stores were enforcement and those they’re Gov. Tim Walz called in the smashed, and firefighters were charged to protect,” Walz said. National Guard yesterday putting out a handful of small Yesterday morning in as looting broke out in St. blazes. Minneapolis, smoke rose from Paul and a wounded St. Paul spokesman Steve smoldering buildings in the Minneapolis braced for Linders said authorities were Longfellow neighborhood. In a more violence after rioting dealing with unrest in roughly strip mall across the street over the death of George 20 different areas. from the police’s 3rd Precinct Floyd, a handcuffed black “Please stay home. Please do station, the focus of the protests man in police custody, not come here to protest. Please on both nights, the windows in reduced parts of one keep the focus on George Floyd, nearly every business had been neighborhood to a smoking on advancing our movement smashed, from the large Target shambles. and on preventing this from department store at one end to The Minneapolis unrest ever happening again,” tweeted the Planet Fitness gym at the ravaged several blocks in the St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, other. Only the 24-hour Longfellow neighborhood, with who is black. laundromat appeared to have scattered rioting reaching for Erika Atson, 20, was among escaped unscathed. miles across the city.It was the several hundred people who “WHY US?” demanded a second consecutive night of gathered outside government large expanse of red graffiti violent protests following offices in downtown scrawled on the wall of the Floyd’s death Monday. In Minneapolis, where organizers Target. A Wendy’s restaurant footage recorded by a called for peaceful protest. across the street was charred St. Paul spokesman Steve Linders said authorities were bystander, Floyd can be seen Atson, who is black, described almost beyond recognition. dealing with unrest in roughly 20 different areas. pleading that he can’t breath seeing her 14- and 11-year-old as an officer kneels on his neck. brothers tackled by As minutes pass, he slowly Minneapolis police years ago stops talking and moving. because officers mistakenly Dozens of stores in presumed the boys had guns. Minneapolis and the suburbs She said she had been at “every closed early, some boarding up single protest” since Floyd’s their windows, fearing more death and worried about strife. The city shut down its raising children who could be light-rail system and all bus vulnerable in police encounters. service out of safety concerns. “We don’t want to be here Around midday yesterday, fighting against anyone. We the violence spread a few miles don’t want anyone to be hurt. away to St. Paul’s Midway We don’t want to cause any neighborhood, where police damages,” she said. “We just said 50 to 60 people rushed a want the police officer to be Target attempting to loot it. held accountable.” Police and state patrol squad After calling in the Guard, cars later blocked the entrance, Walz urged widespread but the looting shifted to shops changes in the wake of Floyd’s along nearby University death. Avenue, one of St. Paul’s main “It is time to rebuild. Rebuild commercial corridors, and other the city, rebuild our justice spots in the city. By early system and rebuild the Dozens of stores in Minneapolis and the suburbs closed early, some boarding up their evening, the windows of more relationship between law windows, fearing more strife.

Police, experts condemn knee restraint used on George Floyd POLICE around the nation and and seemingly subdued as the “Any officer who abuses their behind his back, as officer Derek place him in an ambulance. law enforcement experts officer trying to arrest him power or stands by and allows it Chauvin, who is white, uses the “He wasn’t actively resisting, yesterday broadly condemned the pressed his knee down on Floyd’s to happen does not deserve to knee restraint on his neck. and he was saying he couldn’t way George Floyd, who died in neck for nearly eight minutes. wear the badge, period,” Chicago Floyd’s head is turned to the breathe,” said Charles P. Minneapolis police custody this Some police officials and Police Superintendent David O. side and he does not appear to be Stephenson, a former police week, was restrained by an officer experts said equally shocking was Brown said. resisting. As the minutes tick by officer and FBI agent with who dug his knee into the man’s something not seen in the video: Floyd, 46, was arrested Monday and Chauvin continues to hold expertise in use-of-force tactics. neck, saying no circumstances Other officers on the scene after an employee at a grocery him down, Floyd’s complaints “You have to understand that warrant such a dangerous apparently did not try to store called police to accuse him about not being able to breathe possibility is there (that Floyd technique. intervene even as Floyd of trying to pass a counterfeit $20 stop as he falls silent and couldn’t breathe), and you release Deeply disturbing video shot repeatedly cried out that he bill. The cellphone video shows motionless.Toward the end of the any kind of restriction you by a bystander shows Floyd couldn’t breathe and moaned in Floyd, who is black, face-down on video, paramedics arrive, lift a might have on an airway handcuffed, lying on his stomach pain. the ground with his hands cuffed limp Floyd onto a stretcher and immediately.” Manhunts after hundreds flee quarantine in Zimbabwe, Malawi BLANTYRE, Malawi – a center at a stadium in reporters they had bribed police. These escapees are becoming a Health Minister Obadiah Moyo Manhunts have begun after Blantyre, jumping over a fence And in Zimbabwe, police serious danger to communities,” told a special parliamentary hundreds of people, some with or strolling out the gate while spokesman Paul Nyathi said Nyathi said. committee this week. the coronavirus, fled quarantine police and health workers officers were “hunting down” Nearly all of Zimbabwe’s 75 Both Zimbabwe and Malawi centers in Zimbabwe and watched. Police and health more than 100 people who new cases this week came from have fewer than 200 confirmed Malawi while authorities worry workers told reporters they escaped from centers where a the centers that hold hundreds cases but regional power South they will spread COVID-19 in were unable to stop them as 21-day quarantine is of people who have returned, Africa, where many in both countries whose health systems they lacked adequate protective mandatory for those returning sometimes involuntarily, from countries go to seek work, has can be rapidly overwhelmed. gear. from abroad. neighboring South Africa and more than 25,000. South Africa In Malawi, more than 400 At least 46 escapees had “They escape and sneak into Botswana. has the most cases in Africa, people recently repatriated from tested positive for the virus. the villages … We are warning The quarantine centers have where the continent-wide total South Africa and elsewhere fled Some of those who fled told people to stop sheltering them. become “our source of danger,” is nearly 125,000.

20 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Chris Rock, Rosie Perez appear with NY Gov. Cuomo, urge mask wearing COMEDIAN Chris Rock and Rock said he was seeing actress Rosie Perez made a about 40 per cent of people in surprise appearance at New Brooklyn wearing masks. York Governor Andrew “It’s the kids who really Cuomo’s daily news conference aren’t wearing a mask, and to underscore his message that you know, it’s sad,” he said. “It’s the public should wear masks sad that our health has to help curb the coronavirus become, you know, a sort of pandemic. political issue ... It’s a status The celebrities, both of whom symbol, almost, to not wear a grew up in the New York City mask.” borough of Brooklyn, said they Perez briefly spoke in would take part in public serv- Spanish. ice campaigns urging New “To mi gente, wear a mask, Yorkers to take the pandemic please,” she said. “The num- seriously, wear masks and take bers in our communities are other steps to prevent the staggering. This is not a joke. Comedian Chris Rock and actress Rosie Perez made a surprise appearance at New York Governor spread of the sometimes fatal This is not a hoax. This is Andrew Cuomo’s (centre) daily news conference. virus. real.” Star Wars actor rails against racism after George Floyd death ctor John Boyega has In the impassioned Minneapolis. delivered an uncompro- Instagram live, he then ex- Beside Boyega, celebrities Amising message plained: “There’s no way that including Beyonce, Ariana against racism after fielding I have the opinion that there’s Grande, Justin Bieber and praise and backlash for no other forms of racism. Of Cardi B have paid tribute to Twitter posts about the sub- course there’s other forms of the 46-year-old and called for ject. racism. justice. The Star Wars actor posted “But a black man was just Cardi B wrote on about his hatred of racists on murdered in cold blood in the Instagram: “Enough is Wednesday following the street Stateside again, while enough! What will it take? A death of an unarmed black saying he can’t breathe. civil war? A new president? man in police custody in the That’s a continuous cycle Violent riots? It’s tired! I’m US. going on. Although I don’t live tired!” He added that “WHITE on in the States, I’m black.” Bieber posted: “This makes BLACK racism” had “ruined ‘You lot can’t rattle me’ me absolutely sick. This the world”, which sparked Boyega refused to back makes me angry this man responses about other forms down, adding: “I said what I DIED. This makes me sad. of racism. said.” Racism is evil We need to use Boyega appeared in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Last He later doubled down He continued: “It’s not our voice! Please people.” Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. against “racist white people” about career, it’s not about in an Instagram live. money, because a lot of people His initial anger was like to bring that up... That’s sparked by the death of got nothing to do with how George Floyd in Minnesota, you treat people. It’s a mad- who was shown in a video ness. groaning “I can’t breathe” as a “So when I say it, I mean it, white policeman knelt on his and you lot can’t rattle me. neck. I’m not the guy to be rattled. I Boyega tweeted his hatred wasn’t raised by no weak peo- of racists before replying to a ple, you understand?” Nigerian man who said he He received widespread broke up with his girlfriend support, including from Glee because she was racist actress Amber Riley, who against white people. called him “a king”; actress The actor replied: “I am Yvette Nicole Brown, from US talking about WHITE on sitcom Community; and Maze BLACK racism. The kind that Runner star Dylan O’Brien. has ruined the world not After Mr Floyd’s death, the caused a lil break up with four officers involved in the your girlfriend.” incident were fired, and there Replying to someone else have been calls for them to who wrote that “racism can face criminal charges. come from anyone”, he The episode has also replied: “I don’t care. That’s sparked clashes between not what I’m talking about.” police and protesters in George Floyd’s death has sparked protests in the US.

The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 21

Ex-America’s Got Talent judge criticises ‘toxic’ show ormer America’s the investigation con- Got Talent judge cluded that Union’s FGabrielle Union claims were unfounded. has spoken about the “The investigation “toxic work environment” has shown that the con- on set, six months after cerns raised by Ms Union she left the show. had no bearing on the de- The LA’s Finest actress cision not to exercise the left the talent show after option on her contract,” a one series, with reports statement said. saying she had been dis- The singer and actress missed. discussed several issues She has now told in her interview with Variety she raised con- Variety, including how cerns with producers but Simon Cowell’s smoking “felt singled out as being allegedly made her un- difficult”. well because she is aller- NBC and AGT’s produc- gic to cigarette smoke. ers said they took her The decision about concerns “extremely whether to complain was Gabrielle Union also stars in LA’s Finest, an offshoot Simon Cowell’s spokesperson said he ‘does appreci- seriously”, and they difficult when someone is of the Bad Boys film franchise. ate and respect feedback’. “had no bearing” on her “coming onto a set and exit. you are literally met with lingered, and turned into added: “Simon does ap- gloves to represent a alike that their experi- Union was on the panel the very definition of a bronchitis, because I preciate and respect feed- black performer in a rou- ence on AGT has had a for the 14th series of the toxic work environment, couldn’t shake it. It im- back.” tine that involved trans- positive impact on their hugely successful show, and it’s being carried out pacted my voice, which forming into various fa- lives.” with an option to stay on by the most powerful per- affects my ability to do ‘Inclusive environment’ mous singers. It concluded: “NBC, for another year. son on the production,” my job.” Union raised the issue of And she reportedly Fremantle and Syco Producers Syco she said. Cowell’s spokesperson hair and make-up being asked for NBC’s human share Ms Union’s dedica- Entertainment and She “hesitantly” raised told Variety that “when inadequate for contest- resources department to tion to diversity and Fremantle told BBC they the problem with produc- he was directly informed ants from minorities. be made aware of an on- inclusion in the industry. and broadcaster NBC en- ers, but was told that of the smoking complaint However, Variety said camera joke made by “We continue to remain listed an external investi- “effectively, nothing was during the first couple roughly half of the hair guest star Jay Leno about committed to having gator to conduct more going to change”, accord- of days of the season, and make-up staff were Korean food. an inclusive environment than 30 interviews to ing to Variety. he immediately changed people of A statement about the for everyone associated review the issues she “I ended up staying sick his behaviour and the colour. producers’ investigation with the show, and to raised. for two months straight,” issue was never raised She also complained into her comments said: upholding AGT as one of They referred the BBC Union said. again”. about one white male con- “We have heard from the most diverse pro- to media reports saying “It was a cold that Cowell’s spokesperson testant wearing black contestants and talent grammes on television.”

France’s movie theatres to reopen on June 22 AFTER being shuttered hibitors in France were 24, even though it leaves Isabelle Huppert. for almost three months, expecting a reopening in us less time than we Bouyssy said he hoped France’s movie theatres early July and will thought, but we ab- more distributors will will be allowed to reopen hardly have any movies solutely need to know play ball and schedule on June 22, France’s to show during the first what the conditions will their films in the early prime minister Édouard week of relaunch. be,” said Bouyssy, who weeks of reopening. Philippe said in a Meanwhile, French ex- added that CGR During the lockdown, televised address yester- hibitors have drafted Cinemas’ 70 theaters France’s National Film day. health guidelines for will be selling tickets at Board tweaked the win- Philippe said cinemas welcoming moviegoers, euro 5 instead of an av- dowing policy to allow will be permitted to re- which were submitted to erage euro 7 during the films whose release had open everywhere across the health minister last first two weeks to jump- been halted or canceled France on June 22 (or week for approval. Some start their activity. to launch on transac- June 24 since releases of the guidelines include Starting in July, tional VOD. The CNC are scheduled every capping admissions to French exhibitors will be also shortened the Wednesday in the coun- 50% of auditorium ca- relying on the releases of transactional VOD win- try), while restaurants, pacities. The resulting “Tenet,” “Mulan” and dow – normally set at bars and gardens will protocols will determine “The SpongeBob Movie: four months – for movies reopen on June 2. how many distributors Sponge on the Run” to that recently hit the- Exhibitors will have just will be willing to have lure patrons. The French aters. under four weeks to pre- their movies released film slate, meanwhile, France boasts more pare for the restart and when cinemas reopen, will include a couple of than 2 000 cinemas and coordinate accordingly and will ultimately be movies that were play- ranks as Europe’s with distributors. crucial to making people ing when cinemas biggest theatrical mar- Jocelyn Bouyssy, manag- comfortable with the closed, notably “How to ket in terms of admis- ing director of CGR idea of returning to Be a Good Wife” starring sions. France’s box office Cinemas, France’s sec- movie theaters. Juliette Binoche, Gabriel broke a 50-year record ond-largest cinema cir- “It’s great news that Le Bomin’s “De Gaulle” with 213 million ticket cuit, said most ex- we can reopen on June and “Mama Weed” with sales in 2019. France’s prime minister Édouard Philippe.

22 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Elton John leads tributes to playwright and Aids activist tars including “Rest in power, King!” Director and producer “You should have seen Sir Elton John, added Ruffalo online. Ryan Murphy, who the faces,” he said of SJulia Roberts and Kramer had made his brought the ground- that meeting. Lin-Manuel Miranda name as a screenwriter, breaking play to the big “We all had friends have paid tribute to US earning an Oscar nomi- screen, remembered who died... If one of playwright, author and nation in 1971 for Kramer as “the single us had it, we all had Aids activist Larry adapting DH Lawrence’s greatest and most im- it.” Kramer. Women in Love. portant gay activist of Kramer died this He also published the all time”. ‘Heart of gold’ week at the age of 84. best-selling but contro- He later formed Act Up, He was a pivotal and versial novel Fa*%ots in ‘Behind enemy lines’ a radical protest group, confrontational figure 1977. Kramer first became and in 1989 learned he during the Aids crisis in At the start of the aware of HIV and Aids was HIV positive him- the 1980s, and depicted 1980s, he put his after friends living next self and suffering from the era in his landmark energies into rallying door in New York died. liver damage. 1985 play The Normal support and awareness “No-one was saying He had a liver Heart. for the fight against anything,” he later transplant in 2001 and Sir Elton John HIV and Aids. said. was given experimental tweeted that it was “the His other plays in- “I often make the com- HIV drugs by Anthony saddest news” and that cluded 1992’s autobio- parison with a war re- Fauci – the medical the world had “lost a graphical The Destiny of porter whose parachute researcher now leading giant of a man who Me. drops behind enemy the fight against the stood up for gay rights Hamilton creator Lin- lines and he realises coronavirus in the like a warrior”. Manuel Miranda posted he’s faced with the US. Roberts, who starred that the “extraordinary greatest story he Dr Fauci told the New Kramer helped found both Gay Men’s Health Crisis alongside Mark Ruffalo writer” touched the lives can tell. I was not a York Times: “Once you and Act Up. in the movie adaptation of all those who saw his political person before got past the rhetoric, of The Normal Heart, work. “Thank you, Larry all this.” you found that Larry related to the Covid-19 me all the time is why told Variety: “He was fe- Kramer,” he wrote. After a meeting of Kramer made a lot pandemic. so few other writers rocious and tireless in “Larry Kramer about 80 people in his of sense, and that Asked by the BBC are. his beliefs. changed my core,” said apartment in 1982, he he had a heart of World Service in 1995 “What annoys me so “A true hero that so actress Ellen Barkin, helped found Gay Men’s gold.” whether it was possible much about England many people owe their who won a Tony Award Health Crisis and began Kramer’s friend and to be both an activist and America is most lives to today. I was hon- in 2011 for her role in a fundraising, campaign- literary executor Will and a writer, Kramer of the writers are oured to spend time in Broadway revival of The ing and writing about Schwalbe said the play- replied: “Why not? The so removed from his orbit.” Normal Heart. the subject. wright’s death was not question that occurs to politics.”

Martin Scorsese reveals lockdown ‘anxiety’ and ‘relief’ MARTIN Scorsese has I didn’t have to go Hitchcock’s The Wrong The film is due to bring spoken about how anywhere or do any- Man. Leonardo DiCaprio and “anxiety” set in during thing. I mean, I had “What’s really clever Robert De Niro together lockdown, after an to do everything, but I is that this great on screen for the first initial “relief” that his didn’t have to do it Hollywood luminary also time in decades. heavy 2020 workload then. gets us to look at “I don’t know how had been temporarily “It was a kind of relief. Hitchcock again afresh much longer I’m gonna lifted. And then the anxiety set through the lens of our be in this room,” the di- The director has shot in.” current predicament,” rector reflected. a new home-made Lockdown Culture she said. “I don’t know when short film about his host Dame Mary Beard “I was absolutely over we are gonna be able to experiences of isolation tweeted a video includ- the moon when he start production on this during the COVID-19 ing a clip from Scorsese’s agreed to do it for film. pandemic. five-minute film. us.” “I do know that given It premiered on Scorsese added: As well as old film the grace of time and Thursday’s edition of “Ultimately I found footage, the interview life we will be in produc- Lockdown Culture on I was… you’re with is edited together with tion somehow.What that BBC Two. yourself, and time takes shots of photographs production is gonna Scorsese, who was on another aspect. and ornaments in be like, I’m not quite nominated for an Oscar “Experiencing that Scorsese’s home, using sure.” for The Irishman earlier time, meaning, whereas shaky handheld camera Deadline has reported this year, said he “didn’t before I thought, you’re work (by the director that Apple has bought realise that the lockdown sitting there doing himself, mostly in por- the rights to Killers of was going to be so in- nothing. But, no, you’re trait) and haunting the Flower Moon. tense”. existing – that’s one music. Scorsese continued: The 77-year-old film- thing. “What I look forward maker said: “We “I have been in this ‘The people you love’ to in the future is had been working room, basically, with no Until the film industry carrying with me what I so hard on so many dif- end in sight – still in was halted by the have been forced to ferent projects, and a sense with no end effects of the coron- learn in these circum- things were spinning in sight, for me anyway, Martin Scorsese: ‘A sense of relief settled in and a avirus, the Goodfellas, stances. and spinning and [and] a sense of relief real sense of freedom.’ Taxi Driver and Wolf of “It is the essential. spinning, and suddenly settled in and a real Wall Street director had The people you love. it was a crash, and a sense of freedom,” he ‘Over the moon’ series”, noting how it been working on his Being able to take care stop. went on. Dame Mary said views isolation “through first-ever Western, called of them and be with “At first, it was a day “Because you can’t do Scorsese’s film “makes the lens” of classic Killers of the Flower them as much as you or so of a kind of relief. anything else.” a wonderful end to the movies like Alfred Moon. can.”

The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 •23

Jamie Foxx defends Jimmy Fallon amid SNL blackface backlash A FELLOW star has come to Jimmy rible decision to do an impersonation of Fallon’s defense. Chris Rock while in blackface. There is This week, the Tonight Show host no excuse for this,” Fallon tweeted. “I came under fire online after footage of a am very sorry for making this unques- 2000 Saturday Night Live skit featur- tionably offensive decision and thank ing him in blackface wile impersonating all of you for holding me accountable.” Chris Rock resurfaced. “He was doing an impression of Chris The backlash was swift as some called Rock. It wasn’t black face,” Jamie Foxx for the late-night host to be “canceled” said in a comment on E! News’ as #JimmyFallonIsOverParty trended Instagram post about the matter. on Twitter while others insisted on a “…I know it’s a tough time right now. public apology and acknowledgement of But this one is a stretch.” his actions. The Oscar winner continued, “On a While the sketch in question spurred show called in living color we played debate over whether it was fair to every race.” criticise Fallon in comparison to other “Let this one go,” he concluded. “We stars who had acted similarly in past got bigger fish to fry ... #changecourse.” roles, he ultimately addressed the Many more comments followed in situation publicly on Tuesday. agreement. As one praised, “Well said “In 2000, while on SNL, I made a ter- sir!!” Jimmy Fallon and Jamie Foxx.

Denzel had no idea his son was pursuing acting ohn David Washington didn’t ask his superstar dad, Denzel JWashington, for help breaking into the biz. In fact, he kept his acting aspirations a secret from the Academy Award winner until he was cast in his first role. The BlacKkKlansman and Tenet actor, 35, revealed in a new Esquire pro- file that when he decided to transition from professional football to acting, he did so in secrecy, telling no one – other than mom, Pauletta Washington – that he was auditioning. He finally broke the news to his dad after he had already landed HBO’s Ballers. “There was disbelief,” John David told the magazine of his dad’s reaction. He “kept asking questions like ‘For HBO? Like Home Box Office Entertainment? Who? Really? But what’s it called? The Rock?’ He just kept asking questions like ‘Is this real?’ I guess he had to check it with his agents to make sure it was real, and he was happy for me, and then he said exactly what I was going to do anyway, but ‘As soon as this is over, you gotta go learn. You gotta go learn how to do this.’” He said as a kid he quietly harboured dreams of acting, but kept them to him- John David Washington with his parents, Pauletta Washington and Denzel Washington, at The Book Of Eli premiere in self. His sister Olivia and friends from January. childhood said they barely remember him mentioning acting, instead he was ing very, very loosey-goosey, if you will. I his foot from surgery. going? Does the guy got any chops? ... I a sports fanatic, playing football in don’t feel the most confident. I’m pretty Almost a dozen auditions later, he don’t want to encourage him if he . . .’” college and then professionally, while flammable at this point. I just felt very landed the role of Ricky Jerret on Henderson recalled Denzel asking. “I also spending much of his life not being exposed. And he sends the script and I Ballers, which had him working with said, ‘Well, man, I’ve got to tell you, he’s merely “Denzel’s son.” read it, and I’m like, well, ‘This is cool.’” Dwayne Johnson. It wasn’t until the got some chops. He does. He definitely But after tearing his Achilles in 2013, John David decided that if he really offer was a done deal that he told his does.’ John David understood acting is John David knew his football days – was going to pursue acting, he wanted dad. not so much pretending as really doing including stints on the practice team for to do it right and start by studying the John David started flying back and and really being there with the other the St. Louis Rams and playing in the craft. Finkelstein recommended he forth between shooting in Miami and person. When he got it philosophically, NFL Europe – were over. While recover- audition for that part to kick things up, NYC, where he started acting classes at he was off to the races. That was it. He ing from surgery for the injury, he was saying it would help him get used to the HB Studio. He recalled that during that was off to the races.” in a funk and unsure of what to do next. rejection of acting, and then sign up for starter class, he turned to family friend, Ballers went off the air last fall, but That’s when he got a call from family acting classes. veteran actor Stephen McKinley John David already had crossed over friend Andrew Finkelstein, an agent, Washington, the oldest of Denzel and Henderson, for guidance with various into film. He was a standout in Spike who relayed that casting director Sheila Pauletta’s four children, told only his scenes. Henderson told that magazine Lee’s 2018 BlacKkKlansman – earning Jaffe was looking to cast a role on an mom, also an actress, that he was going that Denzel knew that and would Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild HBO show about pro football players. to try for the role. They secretly ran privately inquire about his son’s Award nominations – and stars oppo- “Now, granted, I’m on a heavy med- lines together – and she drove him to progress. site Robert Pattinson in Christopher ication,”Washington recalled. “I’m feel- his audition because he had a boot on “‘Well, how’s it going, man? How’s it Nolan’s upcoming Tenet.

24 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Ruby Rose cryptically addresses ‘Batwoman’ exit: ‘Those who know, know’ RUBY Rose is speaking out know.” she’s “sure next season will be about her surprise exit from The Australian star fol- amazing also... Hangs up cowl Batwoman. lowed that by saying she and cape.” A week after she announced didn’t want to move on with- On May 19, just after the she was leaving The CW show out acknowledging “everyone first season ended, Rose – after just one season, she involved and how big this was who is also a DJ – announced addressed her departure – for TV and for our commu- she would be leaving cryptically – and promised nity,” referring to the fact that departing the show – that more details are to Batwoman was the first su- shocking fans. come. perhero live-action TV series Warner Bros. TV, The CW Alongside a fan video of her to feature a gay or lesbian and Berlanti Productions on the show set to the song title character. The character thanked Rose “for her contri- “Last Time” by Reece, Rose came out as a lesbian in butions to the success of our thanked fans for “coming on a historic episode in first season” and wished her this journey.” If she had to January. all the best. They promised thank everyone, “it would be The Orange Is the New they are committed to the se- 1,000 tags,” she wrote, so she Black alum, who identifies as ries and announced plans to thanked the cast, crew, gender fluid, concluded her recast with another member producers and studio. post by saying, “I have stayed of the LGBTQ community in She wrote, “It wasn’t an silent because that’s my the coming months.” Ruby Rose, pictured in October, addresses shocking easy decision,” to depart the choice for now but know I Season 2 is still expected to ‘Batwoman’ exit. series, “but those who know, adore you all.” And she said premiere in 2021. Scott Disick, Sofia Richie break up after three years cott Disick and Sofia appear to take part in the fes- Richie are going their tivities. Sseparate ways. In recent weeks, the couple E! News can confirm the real- has tried to adapt as Scott ity star and influencer have seeks help for issues concerning broken up after dating for just his mental health. “They are over three years. A source says, definitely still spending time “They are technically ‘split’ but apart for now,” an insider previ- Sofia has been in touch with ously shared. “Sofia wants to Scott.” make sure Scott gets the help Additionally, the insider re- he needs before they can be in a veals, “there wasn’t a fight or healthy relationship but they anything bad that happened aren’t completely calling it between them,” Sofia simply quits just yet.” wishes to “do her own thing” “Scott is still very upset and while Scott “take[s] care of his angry at what happened. He is health.” trying to stay low key and isn’t “Sofia thinks Scott has a lot leaving the house much,” the on his plate right now and insider added at the time. thinks it’s best for them to be Sources also said that Scott apart so he can focus on him- still wishes to enter a treat- self. She is only looking out for ment facility, but is taking him and his best interest and it his time as he wants to find a was primarily her decision for “reliable” center that wouldn’t them to split. Sofia has been exploit his stay as a previous spending time with her family center did. and has taken majority of her For now, the 37-year-old is stuff out of Scott’s house,” the leaning on the support of ex source explains. Kourtney Kardashian, who he However, this isn’t the first traveled to Amangiri with this time the pair has broken up holiday weekend. “Scott has and it won’t be the last. The been very willing and open to source thinks “it’s very likely get help and wants to continue they will reconcile” in the near treatment. Kourtney knows future. how to handle Scott and he is News of their split comes always in a better headspace after Scott celebrated his 37th when he gets to spend time birthday with the rest of the with his kids,” the insider said. Kardashian family.They en- of the trip. “She has really been joyed their traditional Hansens there for him since his rehab cake and spent some quality exit, and has had a lot of sym- time together. Sofia did not pathy towards him.” Scott Disick and Sofia Richie

The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 25

Pamela Anderson could see herself getting married again amela Anderson isn’t wedding, there was no “I was in India and I went to done with marriage. marriage, there was no any- this panchakarma cleanse, and P thing,” Anderson told the I’d been gone for three weeks Four months after she wed Times. “It’s like it never even in this ayurvedic center, medi- producer Jon Peters in a cere- happened. That sounds tating, just so clear,” she said. mony and decided not to make bizarre. But that’s it.” “I came back and VWOOM, the union legal, Anderson told By Anderson’s count, she’s within 24 hours, I saw Jon. It the New York Times in an in- been married three times. was like this little whirlwind terview published yesterday “People think I’ve been thing, and it was over really that she could “absolutely” see married five times. I don’t quick, and it was nothing. herself getting married again. know why,” she said. “I’ve been Nothing physical. It’s just a “Just one more time,” she said. married three times.” friendship.” “Just one more time, please, She counts her ex-husbands “We’re all wounded people,” God. One more time only. as Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee, she continued. “And I’m a big Only!” singer Kid Rock and producer believer in fate, destiny, all The Baywatch star doesn’t Rick Salomon, whom she tech- those crazy things. So I just – even count her pre-pandemic nically married twice. there’s something about know- saga with Peters, which in- “And that is it. Three mar- ing somebody for so long and cluded a confirmation from her riages. I know that’s a lot,” thinking, ‘Oh!’ It’s – no hearts publicist, as one of her unions. Anderson said, “but it’s less were broken. I don’t know She insisted she “wasn’t mar- than five.” what his intentions were. And ried” to him. As for her relationship with it’s almost like I don’t even “It was just kind of a little Peters, Anderson just so hap- want to think about it too moment. A moment that came pened to come upon her ex much because it’d be probably and went, but there was no from the ‘80s at the right time. too hurtful.” Former Baywatch star, Pamela Anderson.

YouTuber reveals she ‘rehomed’ adopted son with autism YOUTUBER Myka Stauffer pointed out that they wouldn’t and her husband James have want to consume parenting announced that they have content from someone decided to “rehome” their son who would give up their Huxley, who they adopted child. nearly three years ago from “Giving away one of my chil- China. dren isn’t a viable option for Myka and James said that me, though,” wrote one Twitter they weren’t aware of what it user. “Surely there are better would be like to take care of methods of managing the obli- Huxley, who has autism. gations you willingly accepted. “Once Huxley came home, Frankly, I’m not interested in there was a lot more special any kind of advice from anyone needs that we weren’t aware of, who would do this.” and that we were not told,” “Okay but this myka stauffer James said in a video shared stuff makes me really sad bc on Tuesday. I’ve watched her since before “For us, it’s been really hard she adopted Huxley and when hearing from the medical I watched the video it made ab- professionals, a lot of their solutely NO sense?” said an- feedback, and things that have other viewer on Twitter. “Your been upsetting,” he continued. child was too hard to handle? “We’ve never wanted to be in So you.... gave him back? this position. And we’ve been Like.... a gift receipt. That poor trying to get his needs met and sweet thing.” help him out as much as possi- “You’re gross for abandoning ble... We truly love him.” your adopted son because he “There’s not an ounce of our didn’t fit into your cute body that doesn’t love Huxley lifestyle,” another Twitter user with all of our being,” Myka said. “So much this,” another tearfully added. “There wasn’t YouTuber Myka Stauffer and her husband James have announced that they have decided to responded. “He was done mak- a minute that I didn’t try our ‘rehome’ their son Huxley (second left). Also pictured are the couple’s four other children. ing you money or what?!” hardest and I think what Jim Many Twitter users criticised is trying to say is that after guts and our heart into this two-year adoption anniversary. Viewers of the Stauffers were Myka for using Huxley in mon- multiple assessments, after little boy,” she said. “He is “If you are on my channel quick to express their outrage etized content. multiple evaluations, numer- thriving, he is happy, he is and you are here for the upon hearing that Huxley “This adoption hasn’t been ous medical professionals have doing really well, and his new Huxley content, give this video would no longer be part of the the easiest ride,” she wrote in felt that he needed a different mommy has medical profes- a thumbs-up,” she said at the family, with several Twitter the caption for an ad in June fit and that his medical needs, sional training, and it is a very beginning of the video. users using the hashtag “cancel 2018. “We have had so many he needed more.” good fit.” Myka, who has four other Myka Stauffer.” bumps along the way! But it’s “Do I feel like a failure as a The couple asked their sub- children, said in the update “So disgusting. If her biologi- by far one of my favorite jour- mom? Like, 500 percent,” Myka scribers to honour their privacy that the 4-year-old enjoys help- cal kid gets diagnosed with neys I have ever embarked on! said, saying that Huxley was and said that they wouldn’t be ing his dad make coffee in the autism will she abandon that I love everything about this lit- living with a “new mommy” in going into further details about morning and spending time kid too?” one Twitter user tle boy and I wouldn’t trade a “forever home.” why they made the decision outside, and expressed delight wrote. him for anything!” “The last couple months have place their son with another at his developmental improve- “This is sickening,” another A Change.org petition was been like the hardest thing I family. ments over the past year. wrote. “@MykaStauffer you created demanding that the could have ever imagined to Just last September, Myka By Wednesday, Myka had should be ashamed and dis- Stauffer family remove all going to choosing to do because shared another YouTube video changed her Twitter bio to say gusted with yourself.” monetized content of Huxley ultimately, after pouring our to update her fans on Huxley’s she only had four children. Many of Myka’s viewers from YouTube.

26 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Winfrey, Pitt part of Grammys special for essential workers NEW YORK – The Grammys is putting together an event fea- turing Brad Pitt, Oprah Winfrey, Herbie Hancock and Harry Connick, Jr. to honor essential workers across America. The Recording Academy, which puts on the Grammy Awards an- nually, announced yesterday that the two-hour special, “United We Sing: A Grammy Salute to the Unsung Heroes,” will air June 21 on CBS. “United We Sing” will follow Connick Jr. – who is hosting – and his filmmaker-daughter Georgia Connick on a road trip celebrating and thanking essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Winfrey, Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Queen Latifah, Renée Zellweger and Drew Brees will also deliver special messages to workers. The event will also feature per- formances by Hancock, John Fogerty, Jamie Foxx, Cyndi Lauper, Dave Matthews, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Andra Day, Irma Thomas, Trombone Shorty, Rockin Dopsie, Jon Batiste and Connick Jr.

The Grammys is putting together an event featuring Oprah Winfrey, Brad Pitt, Herbie Hancock and Harry Connick, Jr. to honor essential Bridge workers across America.

The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 27 PM pays SPORTSSPORTS tribute to Ralph ‘Bruggadung’ Johnson IT is most regrettable that for the second time today (Wednesday) I Director of Sports at the National feel duty-bound to issue a state- Sports Council, Neil Murrell. ment on the passing of another builder of Barbados – this time Ralph “Bruggadung” Johnson. He was a very successful post- NSC: Larger Independence industrialist of Barbados and would have led the way in exporting Ralph ‘Bruggadung’ Johnson. locally-made products into the Eastern than life Caribbean and beyond, as Chairman always a major beneficiary. tribution to sports and business that led THE Board and Management of the and Chief Executive Officer of the Harris ‘Bruggadung’ has also been president to him being awarded the Gold Crown of National Sports Council extend sincere Group of Companies. of the Barbados Yachting Association, Merit in 1997. condolences to the local sports fraternity Certainly, thanks to his creativity, the Barbados Squash Rackets Above all those though, Bruggadung and Olympic family on the passing of leadership and hard work, Harris Paints Association, the Caribbean Area Squash was Bajan – and you could not miss it Ralph ‘Bruggadown’ Johnson. is today a household name, not just Rackets Association and the Caribbean in the way he interacted with others. He Johnson gave many years of in Barbados, but across the Eastern Yachting Association. In his younger was Bajan by name and by nature and outstanding service in various sporting Caribbean. days, he played basketball, football, water anyone who knew him knew that you endeavours including squash, rally But for all his successes as a manufac- polo and squash and was also known as saw was what you got with him. driving, golf and boxing; and had a turer, you cannot chronicle his life’s an avid motor racing competitor,with his I extend deepest sympathy to the special love for aquatic sports. journey without pausing to consider his colleagues in the Barbados Rally Club Johnson and Straker families – his wife He also served at the level of Vice considerable achievements in, and describing him as a spectacular driver. Isabelle; children Jason, Jade, James, President of the Barbados Olympic contribution to, sports in this country. His business success and love for sports Tracy and Amanda; brother Paul Association (BOA). For more than two decades, starting no doubt contributed to the name Harris Johnson and sisters Joyce Straker, His lasting and important contribution in 1986, he sat as a member of the board Paints being associated with several Rosemarie Smith and Diane Primo. was assisting with the implementation of the National Olympic Committee and teams in a variety of sports as the May his soul rest in peace. and promotion of the Barbados Lottery; was a principal architect in the founding sponsor. where the proceeds have been used to of the local lottery, from which sports was It was this long and distinguished con- Prime Minister’s Office develop hundreds of athletes across Barbados for many years. In 1997, Johnson was awarded the Gold Crown of Merit (GCM) by the Government of Barbados for his West Indies’ Roach eager to tour England despite virus risk outstanding contribution to business and LONDON – West Indies fast bowler training this week and the paceman sports on the island. Kemar Roach says it would be “good” to be made it clear he expects to be heading Director of Sports at the National back in England, indicating that the towards England soon. Sports Council, Neil Murrell, remarked Caribbean side’s tour would go ahead “Going to England will bring back some that “Johnson seemed almost a larger despite the coronavirus. good memories. I love playing in England, than life figure. His exploits on the The Cricket West Indies board was due very good facilities and wonderful yachting and sailing sporting fronts are to meet yesterday in the hope of signing atmosphere,” he told windiescricket.com. legendary, with one record stuffed marlin off on the three-Test trip, originally meant “Even though we won’t be playing in displayed at The Lucky Horseshoe to take place in June but delayed by the front the fans this time, it will still be Restaurant at Bagatelle, St. James as a global spread of COVID-19. quite good. I had a good series last time. testament of his prowess.” The England and Wales Cricket Board “My goal is (to reach) 200 wickets when The NSC Director also said that the remains confident the matches can be we go to England – that’s the personal sports and business world in Barbados played behind closed doors at “bio-secure” goal. The team goal is to win the series.” will be heavily impacted by his passing, venues, with the fixtures now Roach was a key member of the West adding that his contribution was simply provisionally scheduled to start on Indies side that enjoyed a 2-1 series win outstanding. July 8, 16 and 24 at Hampshire’s Ageas at home to England in 2019. The National Sports Council extends Bowl and Lancashire’s Old Trafford. He has 42 wickets in 10 Tests against condolences to his wife Isabelle, children, Barbados-born Roach, 31, returned to England, at an average of 26.59. Kemar Roach. family and friends.

No domestic cricket in England until August, says Cricket Board LONDON – There will be no domestic And even though it will be left with a to maintain social distancing – although “We remain hopeful of seeing both cricket in England until August 1 at the severely shortened season, the ECB said it is expected internationals in England domestic and recreational cricket this earliest, the England and Wales Cricket the “ambition remains to host domestic this season will be played behind closed season and planning with the PGG has Board announced yesterday. men’s and women’s cricket across doors. allowed us to map a number of potential The start of the English season had England and Wales later this Non-televised domestic matches could scenarios for domestic play. already been twice delayed by summer”. be streamed live via club channels for “Whilst traditional formats of our the outbreak of the coronavirus, but the The Professional Game Group will now county members and supporters. competitions are the preference, we are previous start date of July 1 has now draw up plans for the restart of Meanwhile the recreational game not against exploring the unorthodox to been pushed back another month by domestic cricket, with their proposals remains suspended, with the ECB look- ensure that we can return our players the pandemic. going to the ECB board in June. ing to liaise with the British government to the field. England’s postponed Test series Among the ideas the ECB said on a possibly earlier return for lower- “That can only happen though when it at home against the West Indies, yesterday were being considered are level cricket. is safe, and we have said throughout this however, could still take place in July as regionalised groups in for the 18 first- “Naturally we want to see cricket being crisis that the safety and well-being of yesterday’s announcement by the ECB class counties as well as allowing in small played at every level,” said ECB chief everyone involved in the game is our does not cover international matches. numbers of spectators to grounds in order executive Tom Harrison in a statement. key priority.” 28 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

EPL set to restart Boston Marathon on June 17 cancelled for first time LONDON – Premier turn,”he said. League clubs yesterday The Premier League in 124-year history agreed to restart the suspended all fixtures in BOSTON – Organisers ing the virus and recover- 2019/20 season on June March after Arsenal man- cancelled the Boston ing our economy,this kind of 17, provided that all ager Mikel Arteta and Marathon yesterday for event would not be respon- safety requirements Chelsea winger Callum the first time in its history, sible or realistic on Septem- are in place to prevent Hudson-Odoi tested bowing to the social dis- ber 14 or any time this the spread of the coro- positive for COVID-19. tancing requirements of year.” navirus. Jurgen Klopp's the coronavirus outbreak The longest-running an- Aston Villa v Sheffield Liverpool appear certain and ending a 124-year nual marathon in the world, United and Manchester to be crowned champions run that had persisted the Boston Marathon began City v Arsenal – both re- but issues of relegation through two World Wars, a in 1897 when 15 men drew arranged games – will and European qualifica- volcanic eruption and even a starting line in the dirt in take place on that date, tion still need to be another pandemic. Ashland and headed for the the English top-flight said resolved. The race, which draws a city to commemorate the in a statement. Top-flight clubs voted field of 30 000 and already first modern Olympic After those matches, all unanimously on Wednes- had been postponed from Games the previous year.In 20 clubs would have day to return to contact April 20 to September 14, 1918, the format was modi- played 29 matches head- training. will be replaced by a virtual fied to a relay due to World ing into the weekend of So far, just 12 people event in which participants War I; the 2013 race was June 19-21, when the rest have tested positive for who verify that they ran stopped when two bombs of the top flight is sched- coronavirus after 2 752 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometres) exploded at the finish line, uled to be in action. tests across the Premier Ricciardo talked on their own will receive several hours after the win- The last Premier League. their finisher’s medal. ners had finished but while League match before the Germany’s Bundesliga “It became clear as this many recreational runners shutdown was Leicester resumed earlier this to Ferrari before crisis developed that were still on the course. versus Aston Villa on month and La Liga in September 14 was less and Boston Athletic Assoc- March 9, with all English Spain hopes to return less plausible,” Mayor iation CEO Tom Grilk said professional football from June 11, while Italy’s McLaren move Marty Walsh said at a news the race also had to adjust suspended four days Serie A will be back on LONDON – Daniel ground stuff but, yeah, I try conference outside City when temperatures along later. June 20. Ricciardo had discussions not to get emotionally Hall, where runners tradi- the course approached 90 Premier League share- Liverpool are 25 points with Ferrari over a possi- caught up in any kind of sit- tionally gather for a pre- degrees Fahrenheit (32 holders yesterday also clear at the top of the table ble move to the Italian uation.” race pasta dinner. Celsius) in 2012; ten years approved a proposal that while Bournemouth, Formula One team before Ricciardo recognised “This is a challenge, but ago, ash from a volcanic would see all 92 remaining Aston Villa and Norwich opting for McLaren, Sainz, 25, was a good fit for meeting tough challenges is eruption in Iceland matches broadcast live in City are in the relegation the Australian said yester- Ferrari and described the what the Boston Marathon grounded air travel and pre- Britain, including some places. day. Spaniard as “a bit of a hot is all about,”Walsh said, in- vented many European games on the BBC. The leaders could clinch Ricciardo is of Italian property right now”. voking the response to the runners from coming to Planned kick-off times the title with victory in descent and has long been Sainz finished last season finish line bombings seven Boston. would also differ from the their first game back considered an obvious tar- sixth overall, the highest years ago. “It’s a symbol of “There is a pretty rich his- traditional times. should second-placed get for Ferrari, the sport's placed driver from outside our city’s and our common- tory of accommodation and “Today we have provi- Manchester City lose to oldest and most glamorous the top three teams. wealth’s resilience. So it’s addressing reality. This is sionally agreed to resume Arsenal. team. Ricciardo, a seven times incumbent upon all of us to this year’s reality,” Grilk the Premier League on Tottenham manager In the end, Ferrari chose race winner with Red Bull, dig deep, like a marathon said. Wednesday June 17 ,” said Jose Mourinho spoke this McLaren’s Spaniard Carlos had a difficult season at runner, like we did in 2013, “The spirit of Boston and Premier League chief ex- week of his desperation to Sainz as replacement for Renault with a best result of and keep that spirit alive.” the spirit of the Boston ecutive Richard Masters. get playing again after four times world champion fourth last year. Although the title of Marathon is to be strong “But this date cannot be seeing football resume Sebastian Vettel alongside He said there was not one Boston Marathon champion and to be smart. When ne- confirmed until we have elsewhere. Charles Leclerc for event that triggered is contested by a few dozen cessity drives you in a di- met all the safety require- “Honestly, since the mo- 2021. his decision to move to elite athletes, the field in- rection you might not have ments needed, as the ment the Bundesliga “There have been discus- McLaren. cludes more than 30,000 liked, you need to have the health and welfare of all started, the Portuguese sions already from a few “There wasn’t any recreational and charity strength, the wisdom and participants and support- league and Spanish league years back. And that con- moment which was like a runners, with as many as 1 the guidance from public of- ers is our priority. announced a date to start, tinued all the way through light bulb and said, ‘Yes, million people lined up ficials to do what’s right.” “Sadly, matches will I think it is the most to now,” Ricciardo, 30, told that’s what I need to do.’ along the course trek from The race was scheduled have to take place without difficult moment for us, CNN Sports. Equally, there wasn’t Hopkinton to Boston’s Back in April on the state holiday fans in stadiums, so we are because we want to play,” “I won’t deny that. But something I saw in Bay.That presented organ- to commemorate the battles pleased to have come up he told Sky Sports. obviously it's never really McLaren which created izers with a social distanc- in Lexington and Concord with a positive solution for Some players have come to fruition. that or there wasn’t ing problem that won’t be that marked the start of the supporters to be able to voiced fears over their “I don’t know actually and something in Renault which solved by the fall. Revolutionary War. Trad- watch all the remaining safety and that of their I’ve never really chosen to created the moment of “There’s no way to hold itionally, the Red Sox have 92 matches," he added. families due to the virus. dive too deep into it,” added ‘I have to move on.’ this usual race format with- scheduled their first pitch England captain Harry Watford captain Troy Ricciardo on the reasons “The discussions with out bringing large numbers for that morning so baseball Kane, who plays for Deeney has revealed that why. McLaren go back to even of people into close proxim- fans could wander over to Tottenham, tweeted: people have told him they “Everyone says it would before, I guess, 2018, and ity,” Walsh said. “While our Kenmore Square after the “Football is back soon.” want his baby son to con- be a good fit, obviously, with I guess continued over goal and our hope was to game to see the runners tract coronavirus after he my name and all the back- time.” make progress in contain- pass by with one mile to go. Government go-ahead chose not to return to The restart date is condi- training. tional on top-level sport “I saw some comments being given the green light in regards to my son, peo- F1 teams to be limited to 80 people each at closed races to return by the British ple saying:‘I hope your son LONDON – Formula eration (FIA) detailed the said. tions, security or driving government. gets corona’,” Deeney told One’s ten teams will be conditions for such ‘closed “No more than 60 of trucks to and from the Secretary of State for CNN Sport. limited to a maximum events’. these team personnel who event were not considered Digital, Culture, Media “That’s the hard part for 80 people each at races “From the start of a are within the confines of operational personnel. and Sport Oliver Dowden me. If you respond to that, held without spectators closed event until the dec- the circuit may be associ- Formula One is hoping tweeted his support for people then go: ‘Ah, we’ve when the delayed season laration of the official clas- ated in any way with the to start racing behind yesterday’s Premier got him’ and they keep gets going in July. sification of the race, no operation of the cars.” closed doors in Austria in League announcement. doing it.” Revised 2020 sporting competitor may have more It said staff whose du- early July, followed by a “We are still working on Deeney is understood to regulations published by than a total of 80 team per- ties were solely connected number of races in similar govt guidance before we be due to resume training the governing Intern- sonnel within the confines with hospitality,sponsors, conditions elsewhere in green light sports’ re- next week. ational Automobile Fed- of the circuit,” the rules marketing, public rela- Europe. The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 29

30 • Friday May 29, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Tokyo Olympics just beginning race to reset themselves TOKYO – Just two months after the which is estimated in Japan at unprecedented Olympic postpone- $2 billion to $6 billion, how to keep fans, ment, organising committee staff and athletes safe from the CEO Toshiro Muto was asked coronavirus, and deal-making to secure yesterdayabout progress toward the same 43 venues and the same next year’s rescheduled Tokyo competition schedule. Games. “Right now we don’t have any details “If you ask, are we just around the or specific items that we can talk first corner of the 400-metre race, about,” he said. I cannot answer that question,” “We all agree that in addition said Muto, speaking through an to heat countermeasures, we interpreter during an online news will have to have coronavirus The Olympic rings at Tokyo’s Odaiba district. conference. measures.” “But I can tell you this much. I do not In the last week, International we’ve got athletes having to He said that excluded any decision feel we are late in our preparations. I do Olympic Committee President come from 206 different nations,” about “go or not to go” on with the not feel we are being delayed in any Thomas Bach and IOC member Coates said. Olympics. Muto has always said the way.” John Coates, who oversees preparations He ran off the numbers: 11 000 games are on, though Bach and Tokyo However from listening to the for Tokyo, have speculated more Olympic athletes, 5 000 technical organizing committee President Yoshiro limited details that Muto provided, openly on how the games might officials and coaches, 20 000 media, and Mori agree they cannot be delayed preparations seem to be barely out of be held. 60 000 volunteers. again. the starting blocks. In interviews, Bach has suggested a “There’s a lot of people,” Coates said, Another delay will mean a cancella- A former deputy governor of the Bank possible quarantine for athletes, without even adding 4 400 Paralympic tion. of Japan, Muto has spoken cautiously floated the possibility of little fan athletes and staff. “This is a huge undertaking. This is ever since the coronavirus pandemic access, and has not ruled out empty Muto said October loomed – and a big job,” Muto said. caused the postponement and stadiums. Coates said the same thing – as a time “We have to do in one year and a few says little about progress. He said not to Coates, speaking last week at a News when “many thing will come clear in months something that had taken expect much solid news until planning Corp Australia digital forum and the process.” years of actual preparations to do. reaches the “second phase” in reported in The Australian newspaper, “October will be that point when we So there are so many things we have the fall. was very frank. start the detailed discussions,” Muto to review and decide in such a This includes who pays for the delay, “We’ve got real problems because said. short time.”

The Barbados Advocate Friday May 29, 2020 • 31

P R O HOROSCOPES S A Aries – A youngster who needs help with their schoolwork N will benefit from spending this quality time with you. D Instead of trying to maintain your busy schedule, take a break from your professional and volunteer responsibil- C ities. Focus on these lessons instead. Your bond will grow O stronger. N S Taurus – Taking a local trip for exercise will bring you great joy. You enjoy comfortable routines. Being forced to mix things up is good for you. The more flexible you are, the more things you'll find to love about life. Visit a nearby quaint waterside town. A love affair is heating up. The fastest way to your heart is through the brain.

Gemini – Are you looking for work? You can land a po- sition that paves the way for long-term financial security. Z Being able to put a deposit on a home or car will fill you I with excitement. Invest in something that reminds you of childhood. T S

Cancer – Everyone is asking you for advice. While it's flat- tering to be respected for your insight, you don't want to be responsible for other people's decisions. Start encour- aging neighbours and relatives to obey their own instincts. This will let you off the hook for their choices. Good news about an educational matter will reach your ears.

Leo – Listening to your impulses will pay off handsomely, R especially if you're dealing with family. If you sense a rel- E ative feels lonely, arrange to meet them outdoors some time, if they are able and allowed. Send a card or give X them a call if you live far apart. A moneymaking assign- ment is on the way. M O Virgo – Your original ideas attract lots of admirers. While R you enjoy your fans, they are not your friends. Your loved G ones are the people who can tell you the truth, regardless A how it will make you feel. Never forget the difference be- N tween adulation and genuine concern. Use your power- ful charisma to realise a cherished wish.

Libra – Talking to a person in a position of leadership will advance your interests. You know just what to say to get someone's support. Praising a powerful person's family will cause their heart to melt faster than butter in a hot pan. Visiting a peaceful lake and enjoying a tranquil walk will P recharge your batteries. H Scorpio – Learn as much as you can about a culture that A has always fascinated you. Delving into a different way N of life will be liberating. Suddenly, you'll release these be- T liefs and practices no longer serve you. You'll adopt an O outlook that resonates with your spirit. Working as part M of a creative team will be a stimulating challenge.

Sagittarius – You're deeply attracted to someone with a sharp intellect. This particular person can talk about any- thing from politics to culture to sports. When you're to- gether, time flies. Do you already have a partner? Beware of letting your attention stray from your amour. Your pro- fessional prospects are looking good. M A Capricorn – Entering a partnership will set your imagina- tion on fire. You love being able to brainstorm with some- R one who is smart, caring and conscientious. Whether this Y alliance is romantic or professional, it will be beneficial for you both. You balance each other nicely. Have you W ever wanted to write a book? O Aquarius – Keep personal plans a secret. Whether you're R looking for another job, embarking on a fitness regime or T undergoing rehab, it's too early to go public. By making H this programme of self-improvement purely personal, your chances for success will soar. Mum's the word. A new intimate relationship is temporarily on hold.

Pisces – An interest in philosophy, law or higher educa- M tion could prompt you to look for an advanced course. O Studying with a respected teacher will be a welcome T challenge. You'll have to work hard to earn this instruc- H tor's good graces. Cut back your schedule to make time E for study. If you're tired, lean on your best friend or ro- R mantic partner for support. G O O S E

NSC: Larger than life

Page 27

Friday May 29, 2020 WORKING WORLD MUST ADAPT Employers and workers must adjust to changing environment BOTH employers and em- women in particular to enter of the operational costs from ployees must be able to the world of work and women the traditional businesses, to adapt to the changing in particular, because they are the workers’ homes. world of work brought the focus, because of inequali- He therefore queried, “Who about by the current ties,” Lewis said. will be responsible for the pro- COVID-19 pandemic and “Flexible working hours, vision of the tools to function at systems must be put in working from home, working home? If workers get injured place to ensure that decent virtually, must all be centered at home, performing work, will work still remains on the around the ILO’s call for the this be considered a workplace agenda and any inequali- Decent Work Agenda. So every- injury and who will be liable? ties in the working world thing advanced by the differ- “There will be the need to es- are addressed. ent opportunities, it must be tablish boundaries as to the ac- President of the Caribbean guided by that issue of address- cessibility to the employees, Congress of Labour (CCL), ing inequalities. The Decent since there may be this expec- Andre Lewis suggested the Work Agenda includes employ- tation that you are almost and above, as he spoke during the ment creation, that’s the right always within reach. The as- recently held CARICOM Girls to work; rights at work such as pect of work life balance, man- in ICT Partnership 2nd Digital joining a trade union, freedom aging time at home with family Dialogue online, which focused of association; social protection, and domestic responsibilities,” on the topic, “Jobs, Work and a basic level of protection de- he further commented. Opportunities in the post- signed to uphold a decent stan- Lewis stressed that the COVID Caribbean”. dard of living; social dialogue or Caribbean Congress of Labour “It is instructive to remem- genuine and meaningful en- has acknowledged that the ber right before COVID-19, it gagement between the stake- world of work has changed and was agreed and accepted that holders. There is a need to ad- continues to change and there- the world of work is changing. dress some of these challenges fore, all involved in the labour The question of being prepared that may arise,” he added. environment, must be in a po- for those changes was and is a Lewis also noted that in the sition to adapt and there must factor that must be addressed, present COVID-19 environ- be continual learning, even in as we prepare our people and ment, there may be a transfer this environment. (RSM) President of the Caribbean Congress of Labour, Andre Lewis. Pandemic ‘hitting young people’ THE COVID-19 pandemic is in- In addition, not only is the 267 million young people not in especially women – harder and more difficult to re-build a bet- flicting a triple shock on young pandemic destroying their em- employment, education or train- faster than any other group. If ter, post-COVID economy.” people. ployment, but it is also disrupt- ing (NEET) worldwide.Those 15 we do not take significant and The Monitor therefore calls for More than one in six of them ing education and training, and to 24-year-olds who were em- immediate action to improve urgent, large-scale and targeted have stopped working since its placing major obstacles in the ployed were also more likely to their situation, the legacy of the policy responses to support onset, while those who remain way of those seeking to enter the be in forms of work that leave virus could be with us for youth, including broad-based employed have seen their work- labour market or to move be- them vulnerable, such as low decades," stressed ILO Director- employment/training guarantee ing hours cut by 23 per cent, tween jobs. paid occupations, informal sec- General, Guy Ryder. programmes in developed coun- says the International Labour At 13.6 per cent, the youth un- tor work, or as migrant work- “If their talent and energy is tries, and employment-intensive Organization (ILO) Monitor: employment rate in 2019 was ers. side-lined by a lack of opportu- programmes and guarantees in COVID-19 and the world of already higher than for any “The COVID-19 economic cri- nity or skills it will damage all low- and middle-income work – 4th edition. other group.There were around sis is hitting young people – our futures and make it much economies. Printed and published by Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc. Fontabelle, St. Michael. Telephone 467-2000, Fax 434-2020/434-1000