Minister Has Ence to Building and Structural Addressing the Storage and His Comments Came As He Having Many Growing Com- Any Idea Or to Any Extent Any Development

Established October 1895 Government seeking legal opinion in G4S matter Page 4

Wednesday December 9, 2020 $1 VAT Inclusive CHEMICALS CONCERN OPPOSITION Leader Bishop Atherley queries safety of chemicals, pesticides We have protected water zones Bishop Joseph Atherley is in Barbados and we have clearly, calling for greater focus to (Amendment) Bill 2020, Bishop and will serve well to strengthen water; even in the absence of firmly enforced laws with refer- be placed on the types of Atherley also queried if there is the institutional framework of heavy downpours, we have had ence to those protected water chemicals being used by em- any knowledge of pesticides po- the Ministry of Agriculture. complaints in rural Barbados zone areas. ployees indoors and also in tentially getting into the island’s According to Bishop Atherley, and not only rural Barbados. “We have done so with refer- the agricultural sector. groundwater supply. “In recent years we have been “I wonder if the Minister has ence to building and structural Addressing the storage and His comments came as he having many growing com- any idea or to any extent any development. That is the con- disposal of chemicals and pesti- joined the debate in the Lower plaints about discolouration of knowledge as to the level of construction of buildings. I wonder cides on human health on the House yesterday, where he the water.Even in the absence of tamination of our groundwater what is the level of collabora- environment during the noted that the adjustments in temporary outages, which may by the use of chemicals and pes- tion and the level of scrutiny Pesticides Control the legislation will be important impact the colouration of the ticides. This is very important. SAFETY on Page 2 Change in name proposed for St. Leonard’s Boys’ Secondary School By Marsha Gittens

THE name St. Leonard’s Boys’ Secondary School in future could be no more. Rather, the sixth form school could be called the St. Leonard’s Boys School. Principal, Stephen Scott said an adjustment to the school’s name is among that educational institution’s forthcoming plans. He was speaking at Tuesday’s Speech Day and Prize-Giving Ceremony held in the school’s auditorium. “Our goals for the upcoming years are to transform the St. Leonard’s Boys School, and I want you to notice that I have left out the word ‘Secondary’.We will be known very soon as long as I can instil that the powers that be agree, that we will be called the St. Leonard’s Boys School and not the St. Leonard’s Boys’ Secondary School. We have moved past that and therefore, we will be looking to transform our school into a centre of excellence for the arts, sports and vocational training and we look forward to engaging all stakeholders in attaining this Principal of the St. Leonard’s Boys’ Secondary School, Stephen Scott (left) standing with the school’s Independence task.” Honours recipients (left to right) Joseph Maynard, Reverend Jamal Medas, who is an old scholar and was the day’s feature In the Principal’s report, Scott speaker, and Michael Allman. Not pictured are George Ward and Russell Clarke who also received the award. highlighted the successes of the school in many areas for the ac- to 2020, 27 subjects were exam- Speaking about the CAPE areas mentioned above.” 1.While 92 per cent gained sim- ademic years 2018-2019 and ined at the CSEC level. There level, he stated “In 2018 to 2019, The St. Leonard’s Boys’ ilar qualifications in 2019 to 2020. Putting the spot- were 554 entries with 44 stu- there was a pass rate of 100 per Secondary School Principal also Commercial Food Preparation light on the academic areas, he dents receiving grade 1s, 211 recent in Building and Mechanical spoke about the Caribbean and Cookery Level 2 and 100 said “In 2018 to 2019, 27 sub- ceiving grade 2s and 152 receiv- Engineering and Physical Vocational Qualifications per cent of students entered for jects were examined at the ing grade 3s. Thus, there was a Education and Sport with an 80 (CVQs). He stated “100 per cent Furniture Making received CSEC level with a total of 436 20 per cent increase in these re- per cent pass rate in of students entered in 2018 to statements of competence”. entries. Of these, 34 students results overall.” Communication Studies and a 2019 received full qualifications Students entered for 2019 to ceiving grade 1s, 123 receiving He further made special men- 60 per cent pass rate in in Metal Work, Engineering, 2020 are presently completing grade 2s and 171 students re- tion “of the third formers who Caribbean Studies”. He further Electrical Installation, General their CVQs in these areas as ceiving grade 3s. However as we entered in several subjects and said in 2019 to 2020 “there were Construction and Food well as in Barbering, Auto continued to aim higher in 2019 received 100 per cent passes”. 100 per cent passes in all the Preparation and Cookery Level Mechanics and Crop Production. 2 • Wednesday December 9, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Questions for cleaners

SAFETY from Page 1 posal of chemicals, is im- pleted and we make rejected because they are pacting our groundwater course back there. That forced in their work to that obtains across system. That is seriously place has to be main- use pesticides and other Ministries with re- a concern of mine.” tained, cleaned. But what elements which may in spect to the matter of He said while great is being used to clean?” fact be detrimental to pesticides and chemi- focus is placed on the im- he asked. their health. cals used in farming pact of the coastal and “Are cleaning enter- “I want to know if there and agriculture and marine environment as a prises, those who have is any concern at any that impact upon the result of chemicals used pesticide, insecticide level of the Ministry of groundwater system inland, there is also a companies, ...are they Agriculture or any rele- in Barbados. need to what is happen- governed by protocols vant ministry as to what “I see farming opera- ing in buildings across and prescriptions based has befallen poor black tions either in what I be- the country. on studies and research people who work on es- lieve to be protected “We contract various which establish the tate in Barbados and who water zone areas or quite cleaning enterprises to soundness of what is have every day to use near protected water come into our various ed- used and the unwisdom chemicals. Are they pro- zones in Barbados and ifices, whether it is a of what otherwise is vided, is it mandatory? Is whereas we are fairly church, business house, used. or is it left to man- the law enforced? Are forceful in terms of how whether it is the institu- agement to determine they being allowed to pro- we apply the law with tion of parliament, but what they use when they tect themselves through reference to protecting what level of attention is apply the chemicals to use of protective gear? Is water zones from con- paid to the elements your property.” it something that falls struction, I am not too which constitute the ma- It is against this back- into the realm of the sub- sure we are as diligent terials used for cleaning drop that Bishop jective? Is it one that the Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley when it comes to the mat- and what are their likely Atherley suggested that manager sees fit. Is it ter of agriculture. impact upon those who there are some employ- what the estate can af- “I just wonder if any- occupy those spaces.” ees who are being ex- ford? Is it what the where in the Ministry of “We are in the process ploited on the job. worker chooses to wear? Update on former Agriculture, or anywhere of doing some environ- “But I wonder what is “The question of proper in the mind or anywhere mental cleaning and re- the situation on agricul- protective gear especially in the mind, of the arrangement in the tural and farm lands in as you deal with chemi- Mobil Refinery Minister, any idea, any Parliament of Barbados. Barbados with respect to cals and pesticides is an knowledge of any extent But then that space has the level of exposure to issue for me,” Bishop of agricultural efforts, to be maintained after which poor black people Atherley reiterated. site requested pursuits through use, dis- those repairs are com- in Barbados are sub- (JH) OPPOSITION Leader highly chemically com- Bishop Joseph Atherley is posed. The event of a by- calling for an update on election brought this into the cleaning of the former focus again. It should not site of the Mobil Refinery take such events and obvi- at Needhams Point. ously there is a problem His comments came in there which government the Lower House yester- has committed to address- day during the debate on ing in the shortest possible the Pesticides Control time. (Amendment) Bill 2020 “The standing of the where he used the oppor- problem is that though tunity to raise the con- there is no dumping going tentious issue which has on there now,the fact that been in the works since you have not properly the Owen Arthur adminis- sealed what was once a tration. dump, or used as a dump, Bishop Atherley, who left persons exposed to noted that he raised this various health threats and question last year, said, “I other discomforts as a re- don’t know if that is a job sult of chemicals still being that’s done, but my under- able to reach them in the standing of the situation privacy of their homes. then was that it was some- When it comes to the mat- thing that was very, very ter of disposal of toxic urgent and it was a mas- wastes, chemical waste, I sive public health disaster don’t know in a small waiting to happen. What space like Barbados we is the latest on that mat- can be lax on that.We have ter?” to be very muscular on He noted that it consti- that. tuted a threat because it “I am sure the Ministry was not properly secured of Agriculture is of that and was a massive load of disposition. There are waste left behind and some things the govern- posed a threat to the im- ment may play a little mediate area and by ex- with, but there is some- tension to the wider thing that the government Barbadian community. absolutely cannot play The Opposition leader with, the disposal of chem- said the recent “goings-on” ical substances. Toxic at the Lower Estate dump, waste is not something we brings into focus the need can let continue to happen to be vigilant and robust in in the dark of night, in the dealing with matters of gullies of Barbados and in disposal of waste. the unseen spaces of “Especially waste that is Barbados,” he said. (JH) The Barbados Advocate Wednesday December 9, 2020 • 3

‘Solution coming to curb praedial larceny’

MINISTER of seeks to give farmers a barcode, you would know Agriculture and Food chance to track their pro- which farm it came from, Security, Indar Weir is duce. The legislation that when it was harvested, giving the assurance was passed in 2017 spoke what chemicals were used that Government is of giving people receipts, and you would have a looking to put new sys- we do not believe that re- tremendous amount of in- tems in place to address ceipts are an effective tool formation before you.That praedial larceny in this because you can get all Sir, makes it difficult for country. types of forging and copy- people who are stealing Speaking yesterday ing of receipts etc. and we crops to be able to sell morning in the House of have moved to certificates them, unless people are Assembly as he piloted the or barcodes that are driven prepared to encourage a debate on the Pesticides by technology which are black market system Control (Amendment) Bill, not very easy to replicate. where crop theft is allowed he revealed that his min- And so you would find that to prevail.” istry is in conversation farmers now would have The agriculture minis- with the Chief the protection of traceabil- ter made the comments Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Indar Weir. Parliamentary Counsel to ity through blockchain while indicating that his have the previously en- technology where their ministry is working in con- to be able to commit to added. outbreaks are taking acted legislation regarding crops can be traced from junction with the Food and Barbados, at no cost to us, According to Minister place. the theft of agricultural the field straight through Agriculture Organisation there is no cost at the back Weir, that system would “The repeal of the bill produce repealed. He to the end users or the con- (FAO) to introduce track- end either; so that our an- also help to determine that seeks to address prae- made the disclosure while sumer,” the minister ex- ing systems for livestock imals, we can do a map- what chemicals were being dial larceny would put us indicating that Cabinet plained. animals through the use ping of all the livestock... used and to track diseases, then within a 21st century has given that repeal the He added, “When you of chips. and be able then to do a should there be an out- existence and bring green light. use your mobile phone in “The FAO has commit- meaningful tracking right break. He said through the greater protection for “We will now be intro- the supermarket or by a ted through the Technical across Barbados of all the chipping system they are farmers in Barbados,” he ducing technology that vendor’s stall to check the Cooperation Programme animals we have,” he able to track faster where stated. (JRT) Protect marine environment Help on the way for USING common items like soap with micro-beads can have a negative im- St. Philip farmers pact on the marine environment. HELP is coming for the dams at River to capture Agricultural Development And the Ministry of farmers at River,St. Philip the water and to bring re- and Marketing Maritime Affairs and the who have for too long been lief to the farmers so that Corporation] in order for Blue Economy will be tak- plagued with water chal- they do not continue to us to be able to manage ing a closer look at these lenges. lose their crops,” he stated. that effectively,” he ex- going forward as the is- That’s the word from Meanwhile, he said that plained. land moves to protect this Minister of Agriculture the Government intends He added, “You would precious natural resource. and Food Security, Indar to repeal the Three have the stream still func- Opining the country Weir. Speaking in Houses Spring Act and tioning and equally the had to go further than the Parliament yesterday also to put a management dams as well to give a con- ban on plastics, Minister morning as he led off the structure in place for ac- tinuous supply of water Kirk Humphrey said debate on the Pesticides cessing that water coming and we should reach the micro-beads contained in Control (Amendment) down stream. point where they would cosmetics, detergents and Bill, he said that among “So that all farmers have a year round supply”. other cleaners often ended some of the steps to be would also have access to Once these measures up in the sea and as they taken are the provision of water coming from that are put in place, the did not degrade, often dams and a repeal of the stream. What currently Minister is confident that were eaten by fish and Three Houses Spring Act. happens is that you would River will be a “winner”. other marine life. Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue His comments came as find that there is He also anticipates that “We need to have a con- Economy , Kirk Humphrey. he said that the concerns damming taking place farmers will come back to versation daily with of the farmers are two-fold along the stream and the area, he spoke to that Barbadians so that they balloons you enjoy them ternative solutions to the – there are times they those further downstream while noting that some could understand what we for a moment and then chemicals, but also how have limited water and do not get any water, and farmers have been leaving are doing and why we are these balloons and these we celebrate, the things times when the rainfall is so you do not have an eq- out of frustration, faced doing it. We only have one plastic things stay in the that we eat from, the so heavy that it causes uitable distribution.When with the challenges of Barbados…and we must air for a bit but then they things that we eat, all to- flooding in the area. In the we repeal the Act we praedial larceny, floods do all that we must to pro- end right back up in the gether, I just feel that the case of the latter, he said it would then make it easier and prolonged droughts. tect it,” he stressed. sea. Sir, I believe that the time has come for us to is vital that they see how for farmers to access water “It is not easy and this Speaking on the prac- time has got to come when start thinking differently,” water harvesting can be coming down stream by solution speaks to how se- tice of persons releasing we look at these balloons Humphrey noted. used to try to capture using sluice gates and a rious we are as a balloons into the sky at too and have to start He was speaking in the some of the runoff water management system that Government and how seri- celebrations, he sought to thinking seriously about Lower House yesterday as which would otherwise would obviously involve ous we are about empow- discourage persons from how we manage this it debated the Pesticides flood fields and cause the Barbados Water ering and enfranchising such practices. space. Control (Amendment) Bill damage to crops. Authority and the people,” he stated. “When you release those “So we have to find al- 2020. (JMB) “In 2021 we will see BADMC [Barbados (JRT)

4• Wednesday December 9, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Government seeking legal opinion

THE Barbados the lengthy meeting at of worker called a “secu- ees – 300 of the 640 em- to further industrial ac- treaties to which it has Workers’ Union (BWU) Ilaro Court on Monday rity steward”, than they ployees who are responsi- tion for the 36 hours,” she become signatory. has been asked to re- night with the Executive would have paid to a “se- ble for guard duties. The disclosed. “This government has strain from proceed- Council of BWU and curity officer” they re- other 340 are in fact secu- “Because this is not a already stated that we ing with industrial ac- management of the secu- fused to correct this situ- rity officers who receive case of the government or will not under any cir- tion against G4S rity company, no further ation and have only of- the sum of $8.79 per the state-owned enter- cumstances condone dis- Secure Solutions progress was made with fered to do it on an in- hour, and security stew- prises or the people of crimination in any form,” Barbados as govern- the ongoing unfair salary terim basis, which clearly ards get the sum of $7.24 Barbados trying to con- she stressed. ment seeks a legal dispute. is unacceptable,” she told per hour…No security spire with anyone to pay “The bottom line is that opinion on the matter. “Regrettably, the talks members of the media. guard or security steward anybody less than what we will not under any cir- The request which have once again broken “It is inconceivable that has received any increase they deserved, or to act cumstances contribute to came from Prime down. The regrettable sit- a company can concede in rate of pay since in a discriminatory man- a situation where work- Minister Mia Amor uation is that in spite of that since 2014 they have 2014.” ner against a category of ers rights are being un- Mottley was able to avert G4S conceding that they continued to act in a way Mottley therefore re- worker who is perform- dermined, and where the strike proposed for have in fact been paying that is discriminatory to vealed that the governing equal work and hence there is discrimination Tuesday. However, after lower wages to a category a number of its employment of Barbados will would expect equal pay against anyone. Equally, seek a legal opinion dur- for the same persons.” we are not a country ing the next 36 hours. Prime Minister Mottley where people act rashly She asked that Attorney further made it clear that and to that extent General Dale Marshall principles and conven- therefore, we have asked not only present one on tions of the International for the legal opinion, behalf of central govern- Labour Organization but are equally going to ment, but also the State- (ILO) are not to be ig- put Barbadian workers Owned Enterprises. nored. She added that first before we put the in- “It is against this back- Barbados is governed by terest of those who would ground that we have also the rule of law and gov- want to exploit asked the Barbados erned by a constitution Barbadians workers if Worker’s union to stay and is equally governed that were indeed their their hand with respect by the international motivation.” Two more positive COVID-19 cases

TWO visitors to the island on Virgin Atlantic on lation to 19. went into isolation yester- December 5, while the Barbados has now day after returning other, a 52-year-old recorded 289 confirmed COVID-19 positive re- woman, was diagnosed cases, comprising 149 fe- sults, from the 612 tests after coming into contact males and 140 males. Of conducted by the Best-dos with a known case. these, 263 persons have Santos Public Health Additionally, three per- recovered. Laboratory. sons were released from To date, the public One of them is a 21- isolation bringing the total health laboratory has year-old man, who arrived number of persons in inso- completed 50,369 tests. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday December 9, 2020 • 5

Minister: End gender-based violence!

MINISTER of Home Corporate Centre to pres- Affairs, Information ent each Member of and Public Affairs Parliament with a ribbon, Wilfred Abrahams is and literature to raise appealing to awareness to the issue of Barbadians “not to gender-based violence. turn a blind eye” to Minister Abrahams, acts of gender-based vi- pleased to see both male olence. and female students em- “Violence against brace the campaign ex- women is a serious issue,” pressed, “You are not just he stressed. pinning pins, you are “For the bulk of my legal making a statement.” career I probably did more He also urged them to domestic violence cases spread the word about than any other lawyer in this important topic of Barbados, and most time I gender-based violence, “I did it for free because I need you to at least start don’t believe that anybody talking to people who are Minister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs Wilfred Abrahams speaking with students who is stronger than any- your age – talk to people outside of Worthing Corporate Centre, yesterday. body else, should ever use in your communities; your that strength to force their families”. out your phone to take a opinion or their will, or to “Also, any time you see picture, try to help; it is subject somebody to inhu- somebody bullying some- very important…At some man and undignified be- body else – it doesn’t even point in time you may do haviour.” have to be gender-based – a simple thing that might Minister Abrahams’ re- once you see a stronger actually save somebody’s marks came after he was person taking advantage life – force somebody to presented with an orange of a weaker person, it is think about what they are ribbon in recognition of your duty to speak-up and doing, and save somebody the United Nation’s 16 do something about it.You else’s life,” he said. Days of Activism to End have to help those who are President of SIJ Andrea Gender-Based Violence less able to help them- Farmer extended grati- “Say No to Violence selves because at some tude to the Canadian Against Women: An point in time, someday, Government funded IM- Orange Presence”. you might be in that posi- PACT Justice Project and Yesterday, Soroptimist tion and somebody may the Pan American Health International of step in to help you – bully- Organisation (PAHO) for Jamestown (SIJ) ramped ing takes many forms”. coming on board to make up its activities for the “So, always do what is the initiative a reality. 2020 campaign by invit- right…When you see In addition to attending ing students of The St. something happening Parliament, she disclosed Michael School, Ellerslie sometimes you shake your that three teams of School, Princess Margaret head and say you can’t be- Soroptimists also lined Secondary School, and the lieve it’s happening and Broad street for a similar Girl Guides Association of then people whip out their exercise to raise aware- Head girl of The St. Michael School, Adrienne Thorpe pinning a ribbon onto Barbados to Worthing phone. Before you whip ness. (TL) Speaker of the House of Assembly Arthur Holder.

Shanna Bennett, Senior Ranger of the Girl Guides Association of Barbados Deputy Head Boy of The St. Michael School Akil Howell pinning the ribbon pinning Minister John King. onto Minister Marsha Caddle. 6 • Wednesday December 9, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Head of the Barbados Community College’s Music Department, Roger Gittens. Members of the Kirk Layne Combo as they sing heartily a Christmas carol. First, second-year students lauded MUSIC on Page 6 had to follow the protocols and yet, these during lunchtimes and I would like to students have done marvellously well. thank both the first and second-year Lead singer of the Cuban Ensemble, time to operate under and we have had They have on their own created some students for doing this.” Jessica as she sings Guantanamera. to reduce the spaces that we use. We spaces, used their initiative to rehearse (MG)

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday December 9, 2020 • 7

China leads Premier Li stresses strengthening in global intellectual basic research, innovation PREMIER Li Keqiang on Monday called for boosting basic research property and application innovation to make China a country of innovators. development Premier Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political THE patent office in China received the Bureau of the Communist Party of China highest number of patent applications (CPC) Central Committee, made the globally in 2019, according to a latest remarks while presiding over a meeting of report released by the World Intellectual the National Science and Technology Property Organization (WIPO) Leading Group which he heads. on Monday. Calling innovation the primary driving The World Intellectual Property force for development, Li said China’s in- Indicators 2020 report showed that novation-driven development strategy China National Intellectual Property had been well implemented in the past Administration received around 1.4 mil- five years, resulting in many outstanding lion patent applications last year. This is scientific and technological achievements. more than twice the amount received by Meanwhile, it is necessary to be aware the United States Patent and Trademark that the nation remains weak in fields Office (USPTO), which ranked second such as basic research, indigenous with 621 453 applications. innovation, and some key technologies, Premier Li Keqiang speaks at a meeting of the national leading group on science This is the third time China has ranked he said. and technology in Beijing, December 7, 2020. first in the patent applications since 2017. He asked for more efforts in strengthen- However, China’s patent applications saw ing basic research and its application, involved in basic research, he called for phase out outdated regulations and its first decline in 24 years. The change stimulating the vitality of innovators greater support for the development management systems, letting sci-tech was reportedly attributed to both an through reforms, and making research of basic disciplines, such as mathematics, workers have a say over their work and optimisation of application procedure and results better serve the economy and to lay a solid foundation for innovation. allowing them to concentrate on research, improvement of application quality in the support the country’s high-quality The premier pledged efforts to deepen adding that China will endeavour to make country. development. the reform of streamlining administra- breakthroughs in some key and core According to the report, the number of While making optimal use of govern- tive approvals, delegating power to lower technologies. patent applications worldwide registered ment funds, universities, research levels, improving regulations, and He called for a clear understanding of more than 3.22 million in 2019, but fell by institutes, enterprises, and private upgrading services, with the aim of the gap between China’s sci-tech 3 percent in comparison of that in the sectors should also be encouraged to encouraging scientists and researchers to innovation and the world’s advanced level previous year, marking the first decline increase investment in basic research, be more devoted to and creative in their in the fields of basic research and applied since the 2009 financial crisis. Li said. work. basic research, and urged international Asia took up 65 percent of all patents Emphasising better welfare for those Premier Li said the government will exchanges and cooperation. filed worldwide, up nearly 15 percent from 2009. Asia is still the main engine of growth for patent applications in the world, said Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO. Vaccination won’t save US: analysts He added that “the annual indicator showed that the development of intellec- AS a deadly surge in COVID-19 cases has University data shows. pressure could refuse to vaccinate. tual property propels the global economy led to more than 283 000 deaths in the US, The USA Today reported on Monday Political conflicts could also barricade going toward more and more globalised US media reported yesterday that that Trump is expected to hold a summit anti-epidemic work. No coronavirus and digital.” President Donald Trump nears signing an at the White House yesterday to vaccine will cure the political conflicts China also performed well in the other executive order to vaccinate all Americans highlight the rapid development of a that have hampered the US response to categories listed in the report. For exam- against the coronavirus. COVID-19 vaccine he is eager to take the virus, analysts said. ple, in terms of the patents in force, China However, “Vaccination cannot save the credit for, as well as the administration’s After Joe Biden takes office next month, recorded 2.7 million patents in force in US,” as Chinese experts warned, as it’s ambitious plan to vaccinate all the new US administration would strive 2019, ranked just behind the US at 3.1 m. unrealistic to inject 60-70 percent of the Americans. for rational and scientific epidemic China’s performance reflects the coun- population in a short period of time to The summit comes two days before the prevention and control work, said Li. try’s determination and progress in generate herd immunity, given the review of Pfizer and BioNTech’s However,Biden’s proposal is highly likely strengthening its innovation capability country’s social divisions, partisan con- application for emergency authorisation to face a boycott in some states which in recent years.Since the Trademark Law flicts and loose anti-epidemic measures. of their COVID-19 vaccines, and back the Republican Party, leading to a published in 1982, China has introduced “Vaccination cannot save the US from distribution is expected to begin within 24 complicated and tough situation and adopted a series of laws and regula- the epidemic. It is unrealistic to inject hours of authorisation. in fighting COVID-19, Li noted. tions, which aim to protect intellectual more than 200 million people in the However, some pharmaceutical giants Biden is likely to shape his own policy property and encourage innovation. US in about two or three months due to showed a cool reaction to the summit. for obtaining and distributing vaccines During the 14th Five-Year Plan period the current production and distribution Moderna and Pfizer, the two US compa- after taking office, possibly limiting the from 2021 to 2025, China will create a capability of vaccines,” Wang Guangfa, a nies behind the vaccine candidates, told impact of Trump’s order, CNBC reported national plan for intellectual property respiratory expert at Peking University USA Today that their employees will on Monday. rights (IPR) protection and application, First Hospital, told the Global Times not attend the summit. CNN reported that Biden said which will strictly protect IPR and create yesterday. Even if the vaccine is developed, many Thursday he had asked Dr.Anthony Fauci incentives for innovation. Using vaccines to curb the epidemic is Americans, especially Trump’s support- to be his chief medical advisor. The annual report gathered and to generate herd immunity. However it ers, would question the vaccine or even Li said the US is likely to show analysed the intellectual property data works only when about 60-70 percent of not receive vaccination as the US is mired significant signs of improvement in from the intellectual property adminis- the population are injected with the in an anti-science trend, Li Haidong, a anti-epidemic work in April or May when trations in more than 150 countries and vaccine - meaning more than 200 million professor at the Institute of International Biden’s policy takes effect. regions to provide information for policy people in the US must be vaccinated in a Relations of the China Foreign Affairs However before that, the country has to makers, businessmen, investors and short period of time, Wang explained, University, told the Global Times continue to suffer from the raging experts. adding vaccine efficacy would then take yesterday. epidemic, especially as winter and the In Tang’s opinion, COVID-19 encour- another one to two weeks. Although the US federal government Christmas holidays approach, when ages the application of new technology The US has been suffering from the encourages people to vaccinate, whether people usually gather to celebrate, and accelerates the digitisation of daily growing coronavirus crisis in recent the states will follow the plan remains while the coronavirus becomes more life. “Because intellectual property weeks with a surge in infections and a uncertain as many states and their active in low temperatures, the experts has close relations with technology, mounting death toll that has surpassed residents’ neglect continues, Li said. warned. innovation and digitisation, intellectual 2 000 fatalities a day. The country Li predicted that after the vaccine is They also emphasised that the key to property will be more important for many reported 175 663 confirmed cases on put into use, the US is not likely to provide fighting the pandemic is have countries in post-pandemic era,” said Monday, lifting the total to 14 954 329 free vaccination for all its citizens. So international cooperation and share Tang. with 283 743 deaths,Johns Hopkins many people who suffer from economic anti-epidemic experience.

8 • Wednesday December 9, 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 What comes next? By Dorian Bryan prominence on a some days of the week and stain on our history, when Remain alert plantation was seen Mondays were the worst. our leaders still preside AFTER the fanfare and praying by a sacred tree She got to work before over a system which has the triumph in some for her ‘master’, who was 8am and proceeded to not addressed institutional against threat quarters that the despised ill, when she surprised by clean the entire building. under-development and statue of Lord Horatio the ‘master’s son’, who Some people left cups with mistreatment for sectors Nelson has been lowered clearly had contempt for coffee or tea on their desks, in this society. and removed (at her, despite the two being over the weekend, or in the Many live cheque to of mosquito taxpayers’ expense), what raised together. kitchen – seriously, you cheque and are at the BARBADIANS are being encouraged to stay alert comes next? The smug and rude could not wash a mug. whims and fancy of and not become careless in safeguarding their health Before I delve into the character told the lady, The bathrooms were employers, yet silence. We when it comes to protecting against the aedes egypti stunning gap in the that he could not wait until disgusting, but she started move into Christmas and mosquito and its associated illnesses, like dengue. overflowing passions he was in a position to ‘sell’ singing hymns and got to those still lucky enough to For the majority of the year, the public’s attention which engulfed the debate her. That point was work, on her knees have jobs are having the – and indeed that of most of the world’s nations – has into the removal of the enhanced after ‘Harriet’ scrubbing toilets for grown hard thoughts and been on the threat of the novel coronavirus (COVID- statue itself, let me pause. had a vision of the ‘master’ people. When she was sleepless nights of how to 19) and the ensuing pandemic. However,as the rainy I remember getting a dying, only to see the evil finished, and finally took enjoy the season and still season settled upon this island and the country series of calls from friends son, put up a sign – too vile a break to make some tea pay their bills. experienced days of continuous wet weather, with and some colleagues who to describe, offering her for of her own, she got actual While we focus on a more than a few flood watches, the annual threat of opined that the ceremony sale. Another scene which calls from people to make statue, the economic toil at the aedes egypti vector, which is responsible for not was overspun and focused bugged me, was one slave, tea and bring for them. the individual level is only dengue fever, but chikungunya virus and the on personalities and who decided to snitch on That was Barbados, just exhausting. It is not just zika virus, looms again. sought to make it seem the others. He then offered about three decades ago. about foreign reserves, For those who may doubt the impact of dengue that Barbados was a new to sell information to the Do we realize that this because for many there is when compared to COVID-19, the Minister of Health country, all because a aforementioned white is the treatment which no institutional and and Wellness Minister Lt. Colonel Jeffrey Bostic, statue was removed from a slaveowner’s son. several maids and others generational wealth being revealed that there have been approximately spot which it occupied for We exist in a world suffer across this island handed down, much as my between 250-300 suspected cases of dengue over generations. where the concept of ‘crabs still? While we equate grandmother’s generation the last several months.This is comparable with the One person remarked in a barrel’ becomes a Nelson with slavery,many did, despite their limited 289 confirmed cases of COVID-19 cases to date (most that the ceremony was too prevailing theme. of our workers are treated educational achievements. COVID-19 cases originate outside of Barbados in long. One argued why was Everyone is in it for like this daily. They had houses and land visitors to the island). It is evident then that, though there a need for a Prime themselves and to hell Despite this, my to leave, but we exist dengue is not being widely reported, it is as Ministerial address, when with others who are of the grandmother’s generation within a space, where prevalent as COVID-19 at present. another address was same standing as them. and those before hers, wealth generation is Thankfully, preventing dengue is very easy to do earmarked for The attraction of never felt daunted and fleeting for most of the as environmental factors and personal practices can Independence Day. Rather information to be provided pressed on. Along with my population. help to eliminate the risk to oneself. Health officials than answer, I sat back to management with the grandfather, they built a So where is the focus? have always highlighted the role of homeowners in and smiled and thought, perceived promise of house, bought land, sent Much has been made in safeguarding their health, appealing to all wow, people are actually advancement, even if it children to school and fed a the lead-up to households to inspect their premises on a weekly starting to pay attention means the degradation of family of over 15, and still Independence of the basis to make sure that there are no places where to the notion of words, other workmates. had smiles on their faces. benefits of that water can settle and to eliminate all potential more words and carefully The ‘news carriers’ Yet, we focus on Nelson attainment. I heard that mosquito breeding places i.e. no containers which spun words, but we soldier emerge and sneak around while this country is still we have to the right to inadvertantly capture water, like discarded bottles on. looking for information to hiding from real make our own decisions.I and used tyres, or water storage tanks and plant I was inspired to write undermine and share. conversations of the work would like a list of those saucers. Homeowners should also seek to debush this column, during a They look for the which people have to do to decisions, since we can areas surrounding their homes. Members of the moment of relaxation, combination of personal survive. determine our leaders, but public are further advised to spray inside their where I happened to come and work-related We see it in banks. The if we borrow money, we are homes with insect repellent or use one on their skin, across the film ‘Harriet’ information to share, not assumption is that colour under the control of the and wear light-coloured, long pants and long sleeved which spun the tale of the realizing that this of skin equates to wealth. lenders. shirts when outdoors. These, according to them, are Underground Railroad behaviour reduces them in I have seen people We are parties to several some of the more effective solutions which and the struggles of the eyes of the recipient of dressing normally,but are international treaties individuals can take to prevent the spread of these African Americans during the information, because wealthy and you would which determine policy,so mosquito-borne viruses. their struggle for freedom they are deemed as never know. again I ask, when we In addition to this, the Health Ministry is also from the oppression of untrustworthy. The deeper question we seriously look at how we assisting by ramping up their fogging programme slavery in the United I remember my should be addressing operate, how free are we? with areas across the country being targeted weekly. States. grandmother (who died involves how we move this Continue to blame The minister further pointed out that his Having never watched four years ago) and the job country forward. It cannot Nelson, when we as a department was now in the process of completing the the film, I watched a scene which she had as a maid at be the feel good one-off country, gloss over the Action Plan for Dengue, which included the where the lead character, the Nutrition Centre. I speech which speaks of limitations which hinder acquisition of additional fogging machines and who had a position of some spent summers with her, decisive action to remove a our development. personnel. It is unfortunate that in the midst of fighting a global pandemic, Barbados and other Eastern Caribbean countries must also battle a dengue Brexit: UK and EU reach deal on outbreak. This has resulted in an additional significant health burden and increase in the demand for resources, required for an effective Northern Ireland border checks response, noted PAHO/WHO Representative Dr. THE UK and EU have has been found for issues Separate negotiations to period. Yitades Gebre.We therefore need everyone to play reached agreement on including border control reach a post-Brexit trade The new border their part in reducing and eliminating dengue cases how rules in the Brexit posts and the supply of deal are still ongoing. arrangements will apply by getting rid of the vector. Whether through divorce deal will be medicines. The UK left the EU in regardless of whether the educational campaigns or by use of the law to punish implemented, particularly Details of the agreement January but has two sides agree a deal to those who facilitate breeding grounds for the aedes in relation to Northern have not been published continued to follow the govern their trading egypti mosquito, something more needs to be done Ireland. but are expected to be same rules and relationship after the and everyone must step up to the plate. The government says an rubber stamped in the regulations during what is Brexit transition period In the final analysis, if you are doing the right “agreement in principle” coming days. known as the transition ends on 31 December. thing and your neighbour is not, then you are still at risk.Therefore you have to become your brother’s Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes keeper and either approach them yourself or E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves highlight the situation to the relevant authorities. Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan Help make Barbados a healthier place to live. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Wednesday December 9, 2020 • 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • FAX: 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] The Good Economist: Walter E. Williams “The bottom line: We love living; and of course, Professor Williams was from two of the world’s Sweden’s Government most academics, government because it human life. The world lost also a friend of the public, finest, Thomas Sowell Healthcare (2009); and including economists, at enables us to accomplish a friend on Wednesday one of the few persons we and his friend Walter The Financial Mess in the our universities, who are things that if done December 2 after can count among that Williams, elicit a response United States and arrogant enough to privately would lead to Professor Walter E. rarest of species: good eerily similar to that of Europe (2011). believe that it’s possible arrest and Williams passed away, economists. In Good Jesus’ disciples in John He ended the latter for a few people in imprisonment.” – (Walter one day after teaching his Economists (2012), he 6:60, “This teaching is column with a difficult Washington to have the E. Williams) final class at George opens, “To be a good difficult; who can accept task that is still before us information and Mason University. The economist, one has to deal it?” Reality,as it turns out today, “I wouldn’t knowledge necessary to How bad has 2020 first time I heard about with reality.” He (and especially of the recommend cold turkey manage the economic been? Let me not count Professor Williams was continues, “Affordable economic variety), does for a heroin addict, lives of 313 million the ways. It will forever through Thomas Sowell, housing and health care not care about our neither would I people.” (Then there’s the be remembered as the no doubt taking the costs are terms with feelings. recommend cold turkey reliance on pretentious year of loss: careers, familiar form: “my friend considerable emotional As he said elsewhere, for all those people who models.) businesses, our way of Walter Williams”. appeal that politicians “If we wish to be have been addicted and “Walter was a scholar’s exploit, but have compassionate with our made dependent upon scholar,” ends Professor absolutely no useful fellow man, we must government handouts. Boudreaux. “He was one meaning or analytical learn to engage in We must find a of America’s most What is God’s worth.” This harms the dispassionate analysis.In compassionate way to courageous defenders of very group politicians other words, thinking wean people off free markets, insist they care the most with our hearts [poetry], government.” As for the constitutionally limited about, namely, the most rather than our brains aforementioned Good government and kingdom? vulnerable. [prose], is a sure-fire Economists, he ended individual responsibility. Good economists, he method to hurt those with another gem. I will miss him as a MILLIONS of persons government. once said, recognise their whom we wish to help “Americans” he wrote, friend. The world will around the world say the Isaiah 9:7 states: “Of limitations which makes [the most vulnerable].” “have been miseducated miss him as a tireless “Lord’s Prayer” regularly. the increase of his them not nice people to be Many of Mr. Williams’ into thinking that champion of American Matthew 6:9-13. This government… there around. Unsurprisingly, columns should be Roosevelt’s New Deal values.” Indeed it means that they utter shall be no end.” Luke the response (in some required reading: Slavery saved our economy. That will. May he rest in peace. the expression, “Thy 1:33 mentions a similar quarters) to the columns Reparations (2014); miseducation extends to ADRIAN SOBERS Kingdom come” also. expression, “there shall Matthew 6:10. be no end,” but uses When Jesus taught another word for his apostles this government. It says: “of prayer, showing them his kingdom there shall The nature of precedents important subjects they be no end”. should pray about, he Hence, Luke uses the “Precedents are Not very long ago, a severance and made Former British Prime certainly wanted word, “Kingdom” in place dangerous things; let the number of business arrangements for the Minister Benjamin them and us today, to of “government” that rein of government then establishments failed to National Insurance Disraeli once gave a know what God’s Isaiah used; both of them be braced and held with pay sums of value-added Scheme (NIS) to pay full resounding yes to the Kingdom is. saying God’s Kingdom or a steady hand.” – George taxes into the Treasury severance to be recouped foregoing question by So what is God’s Government will not Washington (1732-1799) and therefore breached at a later date; a saying, “Precedent Kingdom? Isaiah 9:6 end. So both inspired Founding father and 1st the rules relating to how departure from the way perpetuates the states in part, “For unto Bible writers tell us that President of the United such payments should be things are normally principle.” us a child is born, unto us God’s Kingdom is a States of America. made. done. In other words, he was a son is given: and the government. The businesses were An arrangement has saying that precedent government shall be Therefore, when one ALLOW me from the exonerated and the VAT been brokered between prevents the action, upon his shoulder.” says, “Thy kingdom outset to give a definition remained unpaid – a the NIS and the business situation or belief Thus, this verse come,” he is praying for of the word precedent as precedent had been entity to finalise how the from going out of indicates that God’s God’s government to stated by Oxford set. severed workers are to be existence and to be Kingdom is a come and carry out God’s Languages, a leading Recently, a business compensated and how around for some time to government. Christ is will for the Earth as dictionary publisher: establishment has failed the NIS is to be come. the main ruler in that Matthew 6:10 also speak “Something done or said to honour its legal reimbursed – another Then, it does not seem heavenly government. (2 about. Better conditions, that may serve as an obligation to staff precedent has been set. difficult to agree with the Timothy 4:18) When we like conditions in example or rule to severed since the month The question can be first president of compare Isaiah 9:7 with heaven, will exist on the authorise or justify a of March this year. reasonably asked: Will America and say, Luke 1:33, it further Earth when Matthew subsequent act of the The business entity these precedents become “Precedents are proves that God’s 6:10 is fulfilled. same or an analogous has claimed they can custom and practice in dangerous things...” Kingdom is a SIMEON JAMES kind.” only pay a part of the future? MICHAEL RAY

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Ralph Waldo Emerson Laurence J. Peter “Moses was faithful as a servant (1803 - 1882) (1919 - 1988) in all God’s house, bearing US essayist & poet US educator & writer witness to what would be spoken TEMPTATION by God in the future. But Christ “Wit makes its own welcome, “Humility is the is faithful as the Son over God’s embarrassment you feel The only way to get rid of a and levels all distinctions. No temptation is to yield to it. house. And we are his house, if dignity, no learning, no force of when you tell people how Resist it, and your soul indeed we hold firmly to our character, can make any stand wonderful you are.” confidence and the hope in against good wit.” grows sick with longing for which we glory.” the things it has forbidden to – Hebrews 3:5-6 itself. 10 • Wednesday December 9, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Japan announces new COVID-19 stimulus for economy JAPAN’S Prime avirus-induced economic quarter, many analysts Minister Yoshihide slump. expect Japan’s recovery to Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. Suga has announced a Japan’s economy has be muted due to a fresh round of stimulus started to rebound in the third wave of COVID-19 It will also include a measures to maintain yesterday. for the Japanese econ- third quarter after a cases. $19.2 billion fund to employment, sustain busi- It will bring the com- omy. dismal second quarter. About $384 billion of the promote carbon neutrality ness and restore the bined value of coronavirus- The 73.6tr yen ($708bn; However revised data stimulus package will by 2050, $9.6 billion economy and open a way related stimulus to about £530bn) package is released yesterday shows come in the form of direct to accelerate digital to achieve new growth in $3 trillion. expected to include subsi- that the Japanese econ- spending. transformation and $14.4 green and digital areas, so Earlier this year, Japan dies for green investment omy suffered its worst The package will include billion in subsidies to as to protect people’s lives unveiled two stimulus and spending on digitali- post-war contraction in the extensions of subsidy support restaurants hurt and livelihoods,” Suga told packages worth a com- sation. second quarter, shrinking programs aimed at pro- by shortened trading a party meeting. bined $2.2 trillion, includ- The additional spending by 8.2%. moting domestic travel hours during the Suga’s cabinet was ing cash payments to is aimed at pulling the Although the economy and spurring consump- pandemic. expected to endorse the households and small country out of its coron- grew by 5.3% in the third tion. “We have compiled these stimulus package late business loans. Uber sells self-driving cars to focus on profits

UBER is selling its the future of the firm. Uber will invest $400 aftesr one of its cars was boss of Uber in 2017, has months of 2021, Uber said. driverless car subsidiary Aurora, founded in million in the Amazon- involved in a deadly crash refocused the firm on taxi Aurora, led by veterans to start-up Aurora 2017, said the deal will backed company, giving in Arizona, though and food delivery services of driverless car efforts at Technologies, abandoning help it “accelerate” its it a 26% stake. officials blamed human as he pushes to make Google and Uber, says it a unit that Uber’s founder mission to make self- Its chief executive Dara error for the accident and Uber profitable. has previously received once hailed as critical to driving cars a reality. Khosrowshahi will also declined to bring criminal The deal with Aurora “significant investment” serve on Aurora’s board, charges against the values Uber’s Advanced from Amazon, which is following closure of the company. Technologies Group at known to be exploring BANK RATES deal. The driverless car unit roughly $4 billion, down the possibility of driver- Despite the sale of its was also tangled up in from the $7.5 billion it was less delivery vehicles. Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of driverless car subsidiary legal fights over allega- estimated to be worth last South Korean carmaker business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. known as Advanced tions of technology theft. year, according to Reuters. Hyundai has also backed Technologies Group, Uber Khosrowshahi, who re- It is expected to be com- Aurora ,which has offices Valid for December 9, 2020 said it remained inter- placed Kalanick as the pleted in the first three in four US cities. Notes: ested in the sector, with Currency Buying Selling plans to collaborate with Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 Aurora when it comes to Canadian Dollar 1.53977 1.58532 launching driverless cars East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 on its network. Euro 2.37098 2.47082 “Few technologies hold Pound Sterling 2.61778 2.72802 as much promise to United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 improve people’s lives Demand/Sight: with safe, accessible, Currency Buying Selling and environmentally Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.54854 1.58392 friendly transportation as East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 self-driving vehicles,” Euro 2.40577 2.45548 Khosrowshahi said. Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 “For the last five years, Pound Sterling 2.65619 2.71108 our phenomenal team... United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 has been at the forefront of Telegraphic Transfer this effort – and in joining Currency Buying Selling forces with Aurora, they Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 are now in pole position to Canadian Dollar 1.55147 1.58392 deliver on that promise East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.41030 2.45548 even faster.” Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 Pound Sterling 2.66119 2.71108 Push to profitability United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 Developing driverless technology was a key pri- INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL ority when Uber’s founder CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE and former chief executive RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS Travis Kalanick was lead- N.B.: These rates are not meant to be used for trading. ing the ride hailing firm, BDS$ since he saw it as a way to Guyana Dollar 0.00945 Jamaica Dollar 0.01390 reduce costs. T&T Dollar 0.29581 However the pro- Uber’s self-driving car programme met with setbacks after a deadly crash in gramme hit setbacks Arizona in 2018.

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday December 9, 2020 • 11

Prime Minister of Belize returns to work after contracting COVID-19 BELIZE – Prime Minister of Ministry of Health went to do “free to move around, I will not and Cabinet Secretary, Stuart Belize, John Briceño says he two things, give me the PCR test get anybody sick”. Leslie, has also been declared has made a full recovery and also to clinically examine me. “That is why I am out working clinically recovered, so too has from the coronavirus As I said I had no symptoms. I but it is also important wear your the chief executive officer in the (COVID-19) even as other had no fever, no headache, no mask at all times. You never Prime Minister’s Office, Narda members of the ruling pains, no diarrhoea, nothing. No know who will have it. Ironically Garcia. People’s United Party (PUP) loss of smell or taste.” it seems that I did not get the “Minister of State Mike Espat, were reported to have con- But he said after the test was virus from the campaign. I they refer to him as iron mike. He tracted the virus. administered “she then declared thought if it was going to happen had a very bad accident about 15 Briceño says that his last PCR me clinically recovered, that I it was going to happen on election years ago and he was in a coma test results were positive but doc- could have moved around…but night. But it seems that I got it about 30 days or so and then tors have declared him clinically my wife insisted that you are right here from this office,” he when we found that he had Prime Minister of Belize, recovered. going to do your 14 days”. said. COVID, well he is a fighter. He John Briceño “Two weeks ago as you all “I stayed until Sunday so today The PUP, which won the does not give up. He is at work.” know I was found to be positive is the first time that I am really general elections last month, also “He seems to be moving into trouble. So Dolores yes she with COVID-19. It is just like al- out and I am here back to work. reported that some legislators in- around and seems to be to doing is also positive but she is asymp- most an impulse I decided to go I must tell you that my PCR cluding the Toledo East Area fairly well. Now Jorge Milin tomatic.When I spoke to her she and check because I had no came back and it is still positive. Representative Mike Espat and Espat gave us a little scare for a said she has no symptoms that symptoms. I was found that I was But when I talk to the doctors the Cayo West Area little while because he was strug- COVID-19 will give you. So she is positive and then I was in self- and as we all know the CDC and Representative Jorge “Milin” gling for a while but fortunately doing well.” quarantine for two weeks.” all in Europe they are saying Espat have recovered from the we got the medication and once Prime Minister Briceño said “I stayed in my bedroom and once you pass that period where virus, while Dolores Balderamos we had it to him then he started that while his Chief of Staff got followed all the strict protocols. I you are infectious, once you pass Garcia, the Area Representative to improve rather quickly.” sick also, “he is recovered also, must tell you that my family and that period you can continue for Belize Rural Central, is in “But he was never intubated so clinically recovered. So is Miss I had to follow the protocols. On with your life” self-isolation. that is the big thing. Once they Narda Garcia, she is now at work Friday last a doctor from the Briceño said that while he is He said that his Chief of Staff intubate that is when you get today in Belmopan”. Guyana signs historic open skies agreement with Suriname ON THE day set aside globally for aviation, Guyana and Suriname signed a historic agreement, which will allow for easier travel between the two neighbouring States. The agreement was signed Monday afternoon in the Savannah Suite of the Pegasus Hotel. Signing the Agreement on behalf of Suriname was Albert Jubithana, Minister of Transport, Communication and Tourism and on Guyana’s front, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill. The agreement will improve production and economic growth between the two countries. Moreover, it will connect communities, create economic growth and contribute to sustainable development, as was pointed out by Minister Jubithana. The Suriname Minister of Guyana’s Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill (seated at left) and Suriname’s Transport Minister Albert Jubithana signing the Transport quoted the famous agreement on Monday. saying “without connectivity, there is no productivity”. Minister Edghill during brief The Minister added that not pricing to create for a more open Given that Suriname has good Against this backdrop, he remarks said the day was only will individuals be able to market and to give route rights connectivity to Europe and the pointed out that the framework “fitting” for the occasion. He move by a new bridge soon, but to our respective airlines,” Dutch Caribbean and Guyana has been set for productivity. said, “This agreement is truly a also via air transportation. Minister Edghill added. is connected to the Caribbean The agreement will release historical agreement and it is “In this Open Skies He noted that this initiative is and North America, the airlines restrictions on aircraft time and an unimpeded move to ensure Agreement, we have agreed to in keeping with the operating in both countries can restrictions on aircraft cargo that there is collaboration remove all restrictions on Government’s goal of connecting benefit from traffic and growth among others. between both countries.” Market Access, capacity and Guyana to the rest of the World. opportunities.

Partly sunny with a few brief isolated light showers.

High Tide (First) 11:11 High tide (Second) 23:40 London 03 CLOUDY/ LIGHT RAIN Yesterday: 0.0 mm Boston -01 CLOUDY Low Tide (First) 4:43 For the month: 15.5 mm Max: 29.2 °C Montreal -05 OVERCAST Low tide (Second) 17:37 For the year: 1303.9 mm Min: 22.2 °C Toronto 01 FAIR New York 02 FAIR Miami 17 CLEAR 6:10 am 5:32 pm

12 • Wednesday December 9, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Minnis holds on to Ministry J’ca: Chinese embassy hits New minister of state announced back at US over 5G assertions of Finance JAMAICA – The Chinese slandering China’s cooperation BAHAMAS – Prime Embassy in Kingston says it with Jamaica and other Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis firmly rejects assertions Caribbean countries in the has assumed the position of posited by John McIntyre, area of telecommunication. Minister of Finance after he chargé d’affaires at the United “For quite some time, the accepted the resignation States Embassy in Kingston, United States has been last week of K Peter about China’s growing abusing state power to bring Tunquest amid allegations presence in the Caribbean and down Chinese high-tech that he helped to defraud its drive in telecommunication. companies under the pretext of two companies of an At a press briefing on national security, to which estimated US$28 million. Monday,McIntyre underscored China is firmly opposed. Turnquest, who was also the US concerns about Chinese “Such practice has no factual deputy prime minister, has technology giant’s Huawei 5G basis at all and is sheer denied the allegations. technology. malicious slander and political Minnis said that Public While stressing that the US manipulation in an attempt to Works Minister Desmond would not dictate to any maintain its high-tech Bannister will serve as deputy sovereign country what monopoly,” the statement read. prime minister with Thompson decisions should be made The embassy says it believes as his minister of state in the regarding adopting the that Jamaica and other Ministry of Finance. technology, McIntyre said Caribbean countries will “To help advance these America wanted to make it continue upholding an economic goals and to boost very clear the dangers China objective and unbiased position jobs, for the remainder of this poses in this area, which is the and make independent term, I will continue to serve as future of telecoms. decisions which serve their the minister of finance,” Minnis He disclosed that this was national interests as it regards said during his nationwide among issues discussed at 5G technology. radio and television broadcast recent bilateral talks between “In the era of globalisation, on Sunday. Jamaica and the US. 5G development should follow “As minister of state for The Jamaican Government the concept of extensive finance, I have asked him to has been mulling the consultation, joint contribution, focus on the economic needs introduction of 5G mobile and shared benefits. and recovery of Grand technology. Politicising relevant issues or Bahama, Family Island The Chinese embassy, in a creating cliques won’t be development and the ongoing statement, accused McIntyre of conducive to 5G progress.” digital transformation of The Bahamas and the government,” Minnis said, naming also former RBC Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis managing director Nathaniel Beneby as a special economic announced that J. Kwasi of the Government have helped advisor. Minnis said his team Thompson will be the new the country to maintain fiscal will also include former Minister of State in the stability, investor confidence Central Bank Governor Wendy Ministry of Finance. and minimum levels of Craigg,Financial Secretary In a statement, Thompson domestic consumption as we Marlon Johnson, and Kenneth said that while he is humbled mitigate the economic fallout. Kerr, who co-chaired the to have been appointed to the “The government’s Economic Recovery Committee post, he is prepared to play his prioritization of citizen welfare with Johnson. role in revitalising the has meant a focus on feeding “My economic and financial economy. programs, income replacement, team will meet regularly to “As we navigate our way employment retention and help chart and guide our through this public health small business development, economic recovery,” Minnis crisis the country remains in a even as we have had to cut said. vulnerable position. However, back in many areas. The public The Prime Minister also the timely and decisive actions can be assured of our continued focus on these critical areas.” He said he intends to focus on the revitalization, development and full recovery of Grand Bahama and the Family Islands as a part of the National Recovery Strategy. “I intend to work closely with the competent team of experts and professionals who have been providing policy advice John McIntyre, Chargé d'affaires at the United States and administrative support Embassy in Kingston. throughout this administration and long before. This will allow the Ministry’s work to continue without interruption. I have Brazil to offer COVID-19 confidence in their work and plan to jump right in to continue implementing the vaccine for all at robust and transparent fiscal and economic policies of the government,” Thompson said, no cost, says president promising to follow his BRASILIA – Brazilian legal approval. predecessor who “made a habit President Jair Bolsonaro said In a post on his Twitter of engaging in broad on Monday the government will account, Bolsonaro also said the consultation with stakeholders offer COVID-19 vaccines to all economy ministry has pledged J. Kwasi Thompson will be Minister of Public Works through public education and Brazilians, without cost or there will be no shortage of the new Minister of State in Desmond Bannister will serve other forms of direct obligation, once health regulator resources for everyone who the Ministry of Finance as Deputy Prime Minister engagement”. Anvisa gives it scientific and wants a vaccine to get one.

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday December 9, 2020 • 13

France seeks long jail terms in Paris trial FRANCE’S anti-terror prosecutors have called for defendants on trial for a series of militant Islamist attacks in Paris to be given long jail terms. The January 2015 attacks on Charlie Hebdo magazine, a policewoman and a Jewish supermarket left 17 people dead. Fourteen people are appearing in court and three are being tried in absentia. One of those being tried in absentia is Hayat Boumeddiene, the fugitive partner of Amedy Coulibaly who was killed after attacking the supermarket. Two brothers are also being sought. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence for Ali Riza Polat, the main defendant, who is in court. All three actual participants in the 7- 9 January 2015 attacks were killed and the defendants, who went on trial in early September, are accused of obtaining weapons or providing logistical support. All 14 in the dock deny the charges and verdicts are expected on 16 December. Prosecutor Julie Holveck told the court that all the defendants had “their share of responsibility” for the deadly process Boumeddiene was Coulibaly’s partner who fled to Syria days before the January 2015 attacks. that led up to the attacks and she called for a “firm and balanced” response. It was tried in absentia are even alive, but As for the other two defendants being Boumeddiene escape. not a question of making the living pay prosecutors say Hayat Boumeddiene tried in absentia, prosecutors want Of the other defendants present in for the crimes of the dead, she insisted. should be given a 30-year sentence with Mohamed Belhoucine, a close friend of court, prosecutors want 11 to face heavy “They are the kingpin and backbone of a minimum of 20 behind bars. Coulibaly, to be jailed for life with a jail terms of 13 to 20 years for helping the this plot.” She fled France for Syria via Turkey a minimum tariff of 22 years behind bars three killers. Ali Riza Polat, described as Coulibaly’s week before the attacks. Prosecutors say for complicity in his attack on the Hyper Nezar Mickaël Pastor Alwatik was right-hand man, had a pivotal role in she took part in preparing the attacks Cacher supermarket which left four with Coulibaly in jail and his DNA was preparing the attacks and had a “precise and used a variety of methods to buy the people dead. Belhoucine is suspected of found on two pistols at his home, while knowledge of the terrorist plan", even if weapons. She was thought to have died giving the killer the most significant Amar Ramdani and Saïd Makhlouf are he disputed that, prosecutors allege. He in a US air strike last year but a female operational support as well as acting as alleged to have provided weapons. The has admitted taking part in “scams” but jihadist told French security services she his religious mentor. Prosecutors want trio are described as being part of a denies any knowledge of the plot. had escaped from a camp for militant his younger brother, Mehdi, to face 20 support group based in Lille in northern It is unknown whether the three being detainees late last year. years in jail for helping Hayat France. Tesla: German court halts factory plan over snake and lizard TESLA has been ordered again to suspend Tesla has not publicly commented on the operational by July 1, 2021. The aim is to of trees. preparations for a car factory in Germany latest ruling, resulting from an ongoing produce 500 000 cars a year. Yet, Tesla’s permission to start after a successful court injunction by legal dispute with the Nature and Mr Musk has also said the company is construction hinges on approval by local environmentalists. Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) looking at building the world’s largest authorities, who have to consult The electric carmaker has been clearing and Green League. A final decision on the battery factory at Grünheide, alongside its environmental groups and the local forest land near the capital, Berlin, for its case is still pending. car plant. community. Building work was also set first European car and battery plant. The environmentalist groups say Tesla’s However,the site has become a flashpoint back after seven bombs dating from World However, opponents argued this will deforestation will destroy the habitats of between environmentalists, and Germany’s War Two were discovered on the site. endanger the habitats of lizards and sand lizards and smooth snakes, both of Christian Democrat and Free Democrat Tesla held a consultation process with snakes. which are protected species.They have also parties, who fear the issue could damage local residents and groups in October, and A court in Frankfurt an der Oder ordered expressed concern that the building work the country’s attractiveness to businesses. over 400 complaints and observations were forest clearing to be halted, pending further will disturb these reptiles during their The dispute has also highlighted the lodged. examinations. winter hibernation. risks for the US carmaker, which has not After concerns about the impact the A similar court order was made earlier “Even Tesla cannot and must not place been officially granted permission to build factory could have on local water resources, this year about Tesla’s plans for what it itself above the law,” said Heinz Herwig the factory. the firm agreed to cut its water calls the Gigafactory in Grünheide, in the Mascher,chairman of the Green League in Tesla has been granted permission by consumption. eastern state of Brandenburg. Brandenburg, in a statement. Germany’s environment ministry to begin Tesla currently has two Gigafactories in The earlier ruling was in response to To much fanfare,Tesla’s boss Elon Musk site preparations “at its own risk.”This has the US and one in Shanghai, China. Earlier concerns about wildlife and the water announced plans for the factory last involved clearing about 91 hectares (225 this year,Tesla overtook Toyota as the supply. November, and said he aimed to have it acres) of forest and the felling of thousands world’s most valuable carmaker. France’s Macron calls for ‘urgent’ police reform following protests POLICE clash with protesters in Paris It follows weeks of nationwide Four officers involved face charges of bodies. over new security law demonstra-tions over a controversial “intentional violence by a person holding “It is urgent to act to beef up the trust French President Emmanuel Macron draft security law. authority”. between the French and the police,” Mr has said there is an “urgent need” to The bill, as initially introduced last In response to the backlash, President Macron wrote in a letter to the Unity- reform the security forces, following month, prohibited taking and sharing Macron’s governing party said the draft SGP-FO police union. weeks of protests over police violence. photos of police “with malevolent intent”, article on filming police would be “[We must] give police and gendarmes He will hold a summit next month to but opponents said this would make it rewritten. Mr Macron also the means to meet their commitments review community relations and the difficult to document police brutality. acknowledged “some officers” were and the expectations of our citizens,” he working conditions of the police. Demonstrations over the draft law violent and that they “must be added. “I will intervene personally.” “I want to move quickly and intensified after footage emerged of punished”, in an interview with the Mr Macron has been criticised by concretely,” Mr Macron said in a letter to white policemen beating a black music youth-focused news website Brut – unions for saying “there are police who a leading police union on Monday. producer last month. prompting angry criticism from police are violent” 14 • Wednesday December 9, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Safety data Saudi Crown Prince on Pfizer jab released Mohammed bin by US US regulators have Salman denies sending confirmed the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine is 95 per cent hit squad to Canada effective, paving the way for it to be approved for SAUDI Crown Prince However Jabri is suing which was filed in emergency use. Mohammed bin Salman the crown prince under of Washington DC in August, The Food and Drug has rejected allegations the Alien Tort statute and accuses the crown prince Administration (FDA) that he sent a hit squad the 1991 Torture Victim of attempting to murder found no safety concerns to kill an exiled Saudi Protection Act, which allow Jabri because he possessed to stop approval of the former intelligence foreign nationals to file “damning information”. vaccine. It is the first time officer. complaints in the US over The document says this this level of detail for the In a lawsuit filed in a US alleged human rights includes alleged corruption jab, which the UK has court, Saad al-Jabri has abuses. and overseeing a team of already started using for claimed that the Lawyers for the 35-year- personal mercenaries mass vaccination, has assassination attempt took old prince said Jabri’s labelled the Tiger Squad. been published. place in Canada, where he complaint was “steeped in Saad al-Jabri (circled) The FDA will meet on fled three years ago. drama, including an was welcomed by then UK Thursday to make a He says Mohammed bin introduction that likens Home Secretary Theresa Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is considered formal decision. Salman wanted him dead the crown prince to one of May (right) during a visit the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia. The agency is yet to because he knew too much. Shakespeare’s greatest to London in 2015 approve the vaccine, but The crown prince – villains”. Members of the Tiger after he fled to Canada in department as the man has published a document regarded as Saudi Arabia’s “But, regardless of its Squad were involved in the 2017. accused of dismembering stating the trial data was de-facto ruler – said Jabri merits as literature, the murder of dissident Then, less than two Khashoggi – were carrying “consistent” with the was trying to conceal his complaint fails as a legal journalist Jamal weeks after the murder of two bags of forensic recommendations set out own crimes. pleading,” they said. Khashoggi, who was killed Khashoggi, Jabri says the tools. in its emergency use He pointed out that he is Jabri, 61, was for years inside the Saudi consulate Tiger Squad travelled to However, Canadian guidance. immune from prosecution the key go-between for in Istanbul in 2018, it says. Canada with the intention border agents “quickly The UK’s regulatory as a head of state. Serving Britain’s MI6 and other Jabri alleges that of killing him. became suspicious” of the body,the MHRA, approved foreign leaders are also Western spy agencies in Mohammed bin Salman The court filing says the group and refused them the vaccine last week. normally immune from Saudi Arabia. made repeated efforts to group – which included a entry after interviewing Both countries have had civil suits in the US. The 106-page complaint, return him to Saudi Arabia man from the same them, it says. advanced rolling access to the information on the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. Last week Dr Anthony Fauci, the top US infectious disease expert, apologised for remarks that seemed to criticise the UK’s vaccine approval process. He told the BBC then that the US process was “one that takes more time than it takes in the UK. And that’s just the reality. I did not mean to imply any sloppiness even though it came out that way.” The in depth material, published by the FDA, shows the vaccine is 95 per cent effective against Covid-19, in keeping with the headlines published by Thousands of farmers are protesting against the reforms at the Delhi border. the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. Although two doses are needed to Bharat bandh: India farmers protest against law offer full protection, the first jab prevented 89 per A COUNTRY-WIDE under house arrest after laid siege to capital Delhi weeks, thousands of them Their campaign has found cent of the most severe strike by farmers in India he visited the border for the last 12 days, marched upon Delhi, in a resonance on social media, cases. And the vaccine has begun amid a stand- where farmers have choking almost all the convoy of tractors and on and among the influential gave similar levels of off with the government gathered. entry points. There is also foot. They were met at the Sikh community in protection to people who over new farm laws. “No one has been heavy police deployment border by barricades and Punjab and overseas. had already had a Covid Yesterday’s strike permitted to leave or enter along border checkpoints. clashes broke out when Although they were infection. The document, follows three rounds of his house,” the Aam The governing police and paramilitary later allowed to enter the published ahead of the inconclusive talks Aadmi Party’s said in a Bharatiya Janata Party troops tried to stop city, thousands of them are FDA’s meeting on between the two sides statement. Delhi police (BJP) has said the them from entering the still at the borders, vowing Thursday,stated the most over laws that farmers say denied the claim saying it reforms, which allow capital. not to leave until the common side effect are against their interests. was a general deployment private players a greater Most of the protesting government rolls back the experienced by people who Another round of talks to avoid any clashes. role in the farming sector, farmers are from the reforms. The protest sites received the vaccine was is due today. At least 15 opposition will not hurt farmers’ northern states of Punjab have since turned into pain, redness or swelling Delhi Chief Minister parties have backed the incomes. and Haryana, and belong camps, with entire at the injection site Arvind Kejriwal’s party call for the strike. Tens of However, farmers are to the country’s richest families cooking and (generally the arm). alleges he has been put thousands of farmers have unconvinced. In recent agricultural communities. sleeping in the open. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday December 9, 2020 • 15

Ethiopia Tigray crisis: UN team fired at ‘on way to refugee camp’ ETHIOPIAN troops shooting occurred. shot at and detained There has been much UN staff after they concern about the fate of drove through check- the refugees following points in the conflict-hit unconfirmed reports that northern Tigray region, Eritrean troops had The government says it is carrying out a ‘law enforcement’ operation in Tigray. government crossed into Tigray, and spokesman Redwan had taken some of them eight million. were shot at and detained,” the two countries since has continued in parts of Hussein has confirmed. back to Eritrea. “Some of the UN staff he added. their 1998-2000 border the region. The UN team ignored Both governments deny were actually detained and The UN has not yet war. “There are a few instructions not to be in the that Eritrean troops are in some were shot at,” commented on the Critics say the deal has remnants of the militia or area, he added. Tigray to help defeat the Redwan was quoted by incident. turned out to be a “security special forces not yet Government forces have TPLF. AFP news agency as Why are there refugees pact” with thousands of controlled,” Redwan said. been battling the Tigray The UN has appealed to saying. in Ethiopia? Eritrean troops entering A former guerrilla People’s Liberation Front the Ethiopian government “They broke two check- Many Eritreans have Ethiopia to help defeat the movement, the TPLF had (TPLF) in the region since to give it “unfettered points to drive to areas fled across the border to TPLF. been the governing party November 4. humanitarian access” to where they were not Tigray over the years to Reuters news agency in Tigray since 1991, with The UN team was Tigray amid concern about supposed to go, and that escape military quoted a US government about 250,000 fighters reportedly trying to visit a food shortages and medical they were told not to go. conscription and political source as confirming that under its control. camp for Eritrean refugees supplies in a region with a When they were about to persecution. Eritrean forces were in Abiy ordered the on Sunday when the population of more than break the third one, they Eritrea is a highly Tigray,despite the denial of military to oust it from militarised one-party state the two governments. power after it attacked a that has been ruled by “There doesn’t appear to federal military base in President Isaias Afwerki be a doubt anymore,” it Tigray. Denmark apologises to since it gained its quoted the unnamed It followed sharp independence from source as saying. political differences over Ethiopia in 1993. The TPLF also fired a reforms that Abiy had children taken from Greenland Ethiopia’s Prime barrage of rockets into introduced since taking Minister Abiy Ahmed won Eritrea after the conflict office in 2018. in a 1950s social experiment the Nobel Peace Prize last started. More than 40 000 people year for making a deal Ethiopian troops have fled across the border DENMARK’S prime population, was published were placed in foster with Isaias to end the “no captured Tigray’s capital, to Sudan and many others minister has apologised to yesterday. homes. war; no peace” situation Mekelle,from the TPLF on may have been forced from 22 children who were It was in 1951 when Helene only discovered that had existed between November 28, but fighting their homes. removed from their homes Danish authorities why she had been taken in Greenland in the 1950s decided that one way to away in 1996 when she in a failed social modernise Greenland was 52 years old, and she experiment. would be to create a new never rebuilt her They were taken to type of Greenlander. relationship with her Denmark to be re- Teachers and priests mother. educated as “little Danes” were asked to identify She said she had spoken who could later return to children who could be re- to some of the other foster cultural links. educated and given a children at times and they However, when 16 did “better life” in mainland “felt a sense of loss and a return they were put in an Denmark, and then lack of self-belief”. orphanage and many did return to be role models What did Denmark say? not see their families for Greenland-Denmark The apology has been a again. Only six are now relations. long time coming, with alive. Many families were previous governments One of the children, reluctant but some gave feeling they had not been Helene Thiesen, who told way, and in May 1951, the responsible for the her story to the BBC in ship MS Disko set sail original scheme. 2015, said the apology from Nuuk with 22 However, Prime meant everything. children on board. Minister Mette Greenland is now an Helene Thiesen, now 75 Frederiksen changed that, autonomous territory but seven at the time, said saying in a statement:“We within the kingdom of that her mother, who had cannot change what Denmark and relies on been left alone with three happened. But we can Copenhagen for children after their take responsibility and management of currency, father’s death, told her apologise to those we foreign relations and that Denmark was “just should have cared for but defence, as well as the like paradise. You don’t failed to do.” provision of a large annual have to be sad”. She said she had sent a subsidy. On arrival the children letter to each of the six A report on the case of were deprived of contact children still alive with the children, who were with relatives, had “an unreserved and long- from Greenland’s Danish-Greenlandic awaited apology on behalf indigenous Inuit language difficulties and of Denmark”. 16 • Wednesday December 9, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

‘Top Boy’, ‘Bulletproof’ star Ashley Walters becomes grandfather at 38

ACTOR Ashley Walters is celebrating becoming a grandfather at the age of 38. The star of Netflix’s “Top Boy” and Sky’s “Bulletproof” posted about the birth on Instagram. “Wow, How good is God,” he posted “Meet my granddaugh- ter guys. Neveah Jade Walter 6/12/2020/ Well done Son. I’m so proud of you and T. More life.” Noel Clarke was one of the first to congratulate him, with Walters’ Bulletproof co-star having a cheeky dig, posting: “You’re a granddad now. You will never hear the end of this from me!! Love ya man.” Chelsea star Tammy Abraham and musicians Walters said he became a granddad on Sunday. Giggs and Michael Dapaah (Big Shaq) were older sons and a daugh- Seconds”. year after rapper Drake also among those sending ter with former partner In recent years he’s said he was a fan and their love. Natalie Williams. been highly praised for helped resurrect the Walters did not say He also shares two his role as Dushane in show. which of his sons had be- daughters with another Top Boy – which first Walters also stars come a dad. former partner. aired on Channel 4 nine alongside Noel Clarke The Peckham-born star Walters first found years ago. in Sky One’s Bulletproof, has two children and a fame in the group So The series – about with the pair playing stepson with actress wife Solid Crew, best known London drug gangs – maverick detectives Danielle Isaie, and two for their 2001 hit “21 moved to Netflix last Bishop and Pike. Bridge The Barbados Advocate Wednesday December 9, 2020 • 17 SPORTSSPORTS Neil Corbin is provisional Champion Driver NEIL Corbin is the Britain’s Rob Swann claims second crowd-pleaser. Esuf’s Barbados Rally Club’s participation in the event (BRC) Champion island victory in BRC Winter Rally was tribute to an all- Driver elect, following nighter worked by his last Sunday’s Saturday and we have Mallalieu and Geoff crew after he left the road (December 6) delayed never spent an Goddard in their Fiesta during Saturday’s final round, the BRC anniversary apart!” after an event-long tussle. Motoring Club of Winter Rally. Victory in Panton added: “Rob drove Corbin’s second Barbados (MCBI) event, his SuperModified 1 brilliantly and it took a Champion Driver title seriously damaging the Toyota Starlet with co- long time to get close to also adds a sixth Class rear of the car. That he is driver Matthew his times with some Championship to his cv, now the Modified 3 Staffner maintained aggressive driving; kudos all achieved in the Starlet, Champion-elect at the end their 100 per cent win to him as he was the which has been steadily of his debut season is just rate in the 2020 better driver today. I still developed over the years; reward for his and his Driver’s and Class don’t feel as confident at he dominated M6 on his team’s efforts. Championships and high-speed as I should, so way to the 2012 title, then It was also close in earned the crew their some testing next year won the class again twice Clubman 2, where Jason second overall will be important to find in the next three years Downey could maintain Fast bowler Kemar Roach championship, adding the right setup.” and again in 2016, the his advantage over early- to that won in 2012 Barry Mayers and Ben first year it was renamed season pace-setter Stuart from Modified 6. Norris (SuperModified 2 M1. Since a successful Garcia by finishing Roach and Dowrich Britain’s Rob Swann Ford Fiesta) placed sixth move to SM1, and another second, even if the former won the Winter Rally in overall and top 2wd in class crown in 2017, class champion were to miss 2nd Test with his Ford Fiesta WRC in a Sunday’s eight-stage Corbin has had a couple win. With ever-increasing total elapsed time of 16m event, but Andrew Jones of lean years: “It’s been a seat time boosting her 41.09s, his second victory and Lindsey Pilkington long time since being in confidence, however, DaSilva added to the with former BRC are provisional 2wd and contention for the Natya Soodeen was Champion Sean Gill as co- SM2 Champions in their championship and they fastest in the battle of the driver; they previously Ford Escort MkII. While are hard to win. This year BimmaCup cars on the West Indies squad won the Sunoco Mayers said he was has been challenging for first stage, although ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Shakedown Stages in pleased with the win many persons and at one Garcia moved ahead on The Cricket West Indies 2016 in Swann’s Subaru “given the disappointment point I wasn’t going to SS2 to claim a class lead Selection Panel has Impreza WRC S12B. of Sol Rally Barbados”, drive, but when things he was not to lose. advised that fast bowler Sunday’s win confirmed Jones was equally happy opened up, I found some Soodeen was ahead of Kemar Roach and wicket- Swann as provisional 4wd after a battle with Josh motivation. I didn’t have a Downey after the morning keeper/batsman Shane and WRC Champion, Read’s Toyota Starlet: highly competitive group stages, but he punched in Dowrich are unavailable beating Jamaica’s Jeff “The main focus was the this season, but a a time nearly 3secs for the second and final Panton to both titles; with 2wd championship and we consistent year of fun and quicker on the first Test Match against New Bajan Jason Cozier on the were able to maintain a entertainment was reversed stage after lunch Zealand. Both players will notes, Panton finished good margin on that. welcome, so a to move up to second and return home – Roach due second on Sunday, just Today we planned to championship is icing on go on to claim the title. to the death of his father under 6secs behind in his make it to the end in a the cake.” Having clouted the and Dowrich for personal Fiesta, with FIA R5 class- decent position so it being Of the class battles left Vaucluse Raceway reasons. winners Stuart and Justin a high-scoring event I had to resolve, that in chicane hard in the Additionally, left- Maloney (Skoda Fabia) to be quick but careful.” Modified 3, where the previous weekend’s hander Shimron Hetmyer third, another 10secs While the Maloneys BMW M3s of Ahmed Esuf BimmaCup final, is still under concussion adrift. topped the R5 times on all and David St Hill were Downey’s car had protocols following the Swann said: “Finally eight stages in the final tied for the lead before the required a major front- blow to his head sustained everything came together. round – they even split weekend, failed to end rebuild, so the in the second T20 I knew I had the pace, but Swann and Panton in materialize. St Hill’s car provisional C2 Champion International, while all- Wicket-keeper/batsman still had to put it together their Fiesta WRCs twice developed engine was a happy man: “Natya rounder Keemo Paul is Shane Dowrich to get the win. Normally on the new 3.2-kilometre problems after SS1, on jumped us all by winning still being treated for a the race-track bits aren’t Stewart’s Hill to Society which he had been just SS1, then I had a big spin groin injury. They are West Indies trail 0-1 after my thing, but we got a stage – Roger Hill and two-tenths quicker than on the new stage and lost both being closely New Zealand won the first good lead in the morning Graham Gittens have tied Kurt Thompson (M3 a lot of time. I thought it monitored by the team’s match by an innings and and managed it for the up the R5 class title in Compact), with Esuf 5secs was all over, until I saw medical staff and 134 runs. afternoon. Big thanks to their Fabia. They finished adrift. Thompson went on the times at the end of decisions on their WI SQUAD FOR 2nd my wife Marie, as we fourth on Sunday, 6secs to win every stage, while lunch. From then, co- availability will be made TEST would’ve celebrated 22 behind Maloney and just Esuf lived up to his driver Kristina kept my at a later date. Jason Holder (captain) years of marriage on 1sec ahead of Andrew growing reputation as a head in the game.” The panel has Roston Chase BRC Winter Rally - Sunday, December 6 called up young wicket- (vice-captain) keeper/batsman Joshua Jermaine Blackwood BRC Driver’s & Class Championships, round 6 DaSilva as a replacement Kraigg Brathwaite Official results: for Dowrich, while middle- Darren Bravo 1st Rob Swann – ENG/Sean Gill (WRC Blue Sky Luxury/Elegant Hotels/raswann.co.uk Ford Fiesta WRC), 16m 41.09s order batsman Nkrumah Shamarh Brooks 2nd Jeffrey Panton – JAM/Jason Cozier (WRC Rubis/Sandals/KIG Ford Fiesta WRC), + 05.40s Bonner and left-arm fast John Campbell 3rd Stuart Maloney/Justin Maloney (FIA R5 VP Fuels/Chevron/Bushy Park Barbados/Rock Hard Cement/Sign station Skoda Fabia R5), + 15.49s bowler Preston McSween Rahkeem Cornwall 4th Roger Hill/Graham Gittens (FIA R5 Esso/MaxMeyer Paints/Motormac/DJ’s Skoda Fabia R5), + 32.13s will remain with the Joshua DaSilva 5th Andrew Mallalieu/Geoff Goddard (FIA R5 Terra Caribbean Ford Fiesta R5), + 33.44s squad as cover. Shannon Gabriel 6th Barry Mayers/Ben Norris - ENG (SM2 Chefette/Rubis/Quality Tyre/Sign Depot Ford Fiesta), + 42.30s The second Test will be Shimron Hetmyer played at the historic Chemar Holder 7th Paul Horton - TCI/Matt Edwards - WAL (FIA R5 Java Island/HO2 Construction/Sky Motorsports Ford Fiesta R5), + 45.68s Basin Reserve in Alzarri Joseph 8th Suleman Esuf/Asif Suleman (FIA R5 Express Imports/SY Adam & Son/Prosales/Y Esuf Auto Clinic Ford Fiesta R5), + 51.46s Wellington, starting on Keemo Paul 9th Andrew Jones/Lindsey Pilkington (F) – ENG (SM2 Herr’s Chips/Gales Agro/Southern Surf Beach Apartments/AP Jones Pharmacy Ford Escort Friday (Thursday 6pm MkII), + 1m 10.70s Eastern Caribbean Standby: Nkrumah 10th Josh Read/Anderson Goddard (SM2 Weetabix Toyota Starlet), + 1m 15.90s etc Time/5pm Jamaica Time). Bonner, Preston McSween 18 • Wednesday December 9, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Hockey goalkeeper international training FOR THE last three for myself at Iconic Goalkeeping, weekends local hockey working with the talented goalkeepers had a rare goalkeepers of the Barbados opportunity for some national junior and senior international training programmes. All of the exposure, as visiting participating goalkeepers put in European goalkeeping a huge amount of energy and coach Tommy Alexander commitment to learning the ran a series of High techniques and the ‘Iconic’ Performance goalkeeper style.” training sessions at the Alexander went on to say, national Hockey Center in “Even with the limited resources Wildey. and funding, it’s clear to see Alexander,who has numerous quickly that there’s gifted ability caps for Scotland as a on the island, which isn’t goalkeeper and plays club surprising with the transferable Hockey for UHC Hamburg in skills of cricket to hockey. It’s an Germany, is one of the founders untapped market of hockey of Iconic Goalkeeping, a Hockey talent here. I hope Barbados goalkeeping coaching company can, through sponsorship, get also based in Germany. more [artificial] pitches spread The local sessions attracted through the island to grow the goalkeepers from the various club game to attract more Barbados national programmes players [into Hockey] and to the and from local clubs. national team.” Commenting on the sessions, In total, Alexander conducted Andre Boyce, captain of the three sessions on Saturday men’s national team and a mornings at various times and goalkeeper himself said, “His he is scheduled to leave the coaching style was well received island this week to return to and he introduced us to new Tommy Alexander (front right) explaining a technique to national goalkeeper Andre Boyce(left). Germany. On finishing up his techniques which can add value last planned session, Alexander to our individual games. Even internationally at FIH was very valuable.” training sessions and visit with thanked the players, the though we haven’t been able to tournaments and general Alexander, whose father and his family in Barbados. Barbados Hockey Federation travel to tournaments recently, expertise, come and give us a sister are currently residing on When asked about the and the public at large for it was refreshing to have fresh perspective on goalkeeping the island, decided to use the sessions specifically, Alexander the warm welcome and hopes to Tommy, with his experience techniques and drills. His input opportunity to conduct the said “This was a new venture return.

Tommy Alexander (secnd right) with the training group from the first session – Cekai Husbands-Forte (left) Andre Boyce (second left) Keenan Knight (right).

Leipzig book knockout spot with 3-2 win over Manchester United LEIPZIG, Germany – RB Leipzig got off to a was again left with far too minute penalty suddenly Leipzig are leading Group H Leipzig scored twice in the sensational start, stunning the much space in the 12th minute sparked urgency in United’s on 12 points, while United are opening 13 minutes but had to visitors in the second minute when he floated the ball across game. eliminated with nine. Paris St survive a late comeback from with Angelino’s powerful for Amadou Haidara to volley Paul Pogba’s header bounced Germain, also on nine, face Manchester United in a 3-2 shot from a Marcel Sabitzer in. off Harry Maguire and into the Istanbul Basaksehir with the win yesterday that sent them cross. Leipzig added a third net to make it 3-2 in the 82nd game still to finish following into the Champions League The Spaniard, on loan from through substitute Justin but United, who needed at an interruption due to an knockout stage and eliminated Manchester City, ran United Kluivert in the 69th minute least a point to advance, could incident involving the fourth the English side. ragged down the left wing and but Bruno Fernandes’s 80th- not get the equaliser. official.

The Barbados Advocate Wednesday December 9, 2020 • 19

FOR RENT REAL ESTATE Hamilton aims to return Rendezvous Terrace Christ Church Fully Furnished Ealing Grove, for season finale Spacious 2 Bedroom Apartment Christ Church LEWIS HAMILTON Hamilton did not say Persons On Welcome Stamp 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths says he is trying to get whether he had tested Accomodation Telephone: 246-427-2118 Land 9320 sq ft in shape to return for negative. $565,000 the final Grand Prix of If Hamilton does not REAL ESTATE the season this week- recover in time, Briton end after contracting George Russell will again LOTS FOR SALE coronavirus. stand in for him at Yas The Mercedes driver Marina, after losing out on missed last weekend’s a debut win for Mercedes Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Sakhir Grand Prix after on Sunday following a pit- Land 14,876 sq ft. testing positive on Dec. 1. stop mix-up and a punc- $110,000 He requires a negative ture. test before he can leave The latest Mercedes can Bushy Park, St. Philip isolation in Bahrain. put Hamilton in the car to Land 17,000 sq ft “It has been one of the enable him to race in Abu TEL 572-1452 $10 sq ft hardest weeks I’ve had for Dhabi is on Saturday. Cel: 253-6319 some time,” the world If he tests negative in 828-4800 Inchcape, St. Philip champion said in a video time, Hamilton still needs Email: Land 4355 sq ft posted on social media. the approval of the caribbeanpropertiesltd “I’ve just been focusing United Arab Emirates $ 96,000 @gmail.com REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE on recovering and trying authorities to travel to to get back in shape.” Abu Dhabi, as F1 person- Belle, St. George Union, St. Philip Roebuck Street, Hamilton said he woke nel were allowed to travel Land 4 acres up yesterday “feeling great between the two countries PROPERTIES Land 7560 sq ft Bridgetown $400,000 and got my first work-out only on specific flights Shopping Mall/Office space $150,000 in [since his positive test]. on Monday as part of a Kirtons, St Philip $8,100,000 negotiable Haggatt Hall, St. Michael “I wanted to let you bubble system set up to 3 bedroom plus Cottage, St George Land 6336 sq ft know I’m OK. I hope I can limit the risks of spreading 2 bedroom apt Land 5000 sq ft Batts Rock, St Michael $126,000 get back in the car soon.” Covid-19. Land 4,790 sq ft $685,000 $110,000 Guest House, Land 12,078 sq ft Cane Garden, St. Thomas NOTICES NOTICES Amity Lodge, Ch Ch Morningside, St Philip $2,850,000 negotiable Land 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft 3 bedroom plus Land 4567 sq ft Private entrance. From 1 bedroom apt $133,000 Cane Garden, St Thomas $187,681 Land 6,646 sq ft 3.6 acres approved $650,000 Jupiter Gardens, St Philip Roadfront land The Mount, St. George Land 7312 sq ft $1,650,000 negotiable Land 6544 sq ft Gibbons, Ch Ch $133,000 $110,000 3 bedroom plus Fitts Village, St James 2 bedroom apt Bagatelle, St. Thomas Guest House, 4 Suites Shop Hill, St Thomas Land 9,835 sq ft $765,000 Land 62000 sq ft into 2 lots Land 6,135 sq ft Land 11,735 sq ft $520,000 each $850,000 negotiable $258,000 Breezy Hill, St Philip 3 bedroom, 2 bath Marley Vale, St Philip Mason Hill Street The City Ragged Point, St. Philip reduced to $298,000 Land 21,780 sq ft 26,500 sq ft with buildings Land 8,267 sq ft $275,000 $4,500,000 negotiable $166,000 Black Rock, St Michael 3 bedroom, 1 bath Sandford, St Philip All enquiries to Rolling Hills, St. George Land 6732 sq ft Land 16,356 sq ft (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 Land 12,000 sq ft $360,000 $305,000 (246) 572 1452 $315,000 (negotiable) or Enterprise, Christ Church (246) 247 4469 Ocean City, St. Philip 3 bedroom, 2 bath COMMERCIAL Land 6150 sq ft Land 5062 sq ft $123,000 $390,000 (reduced) Mount Standfast, St James NOTICES Fortesque, St Philip Two properties on Golf Club Road, 22,714 sq ft Land. Agricultural Land Christ Church Asking $1,200,000 494,500 sq ft 3 bedroom, 1 bath $1,100,000 fixer upper Black Rock, St. Michael Land 4,000 plus Silver Sands, Warehouse/Factory UNDER OFFER Christ Church 4000 sf space Land 23,861 sq ft Land 7,129 sq ft The Belle, St George $900,000 (reduced) $160,000 Plantation style House Standing on 4 acres Foul Bay, St. Philip Bushy Park, St. Philip UNDER OFFER Approved for condos, Land 24,000 sq ft Land 39,242 sq ft $200,000 Frere Pilgrim, $1,600,000. Christ Church Apes Hill, St. James 3 bedroom, 2 baths with Dover, Christ Church Land 31,000 sq ft upward two bedroom apartment. Hotel 18 rooms fully Large lots at $15 per sq ft Land 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 operational $2,950,000 neg Mount Wilton, St. Thomas Hanson Heights, St George Dalkeith, Christ Church Land 15,500 sq ft 3 bedroom, 2 baths Land 17,371 sq ft approved and 22,066 sq ft Land 8321 sq ft for shops and offices $300,000 and $220,000 $595,000 $495,000

20 • Wednesday December 9, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline GODDARD ENTERPRISES LIMITED 3,500 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 $0.00 December 8, 2020

One security traded firm as 3,500 shares traded on the Regular Market, with a total value of $7,000.00. Goddard Enterprises Limited Deposit Receipts was the sole security trading 3,500 shares at $2.00. Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $20.82 $20.92 $0.10

BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Tuesday December 8, 2020 INDICES LAST TRADE VOLUME HIGH LOW LAST CURRENT PRICE BID ASK BID ASK TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES DATE CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE PRICE PRICE SIZE SIZE December 8, 2020 December 7, 2020 Local 2,580.34 2,580.23 0.11 ABV Investments Incorporated 15-Oct-20 - - - $0.05 $0.05 - $0.02 $0.30 8,080 10,500 Cross-list 948.98 948.98 - BICO Limited 21-Sep-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - - - - - Composite 628.19 628.16 0.03 MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - December 8, 2020 December 7, 2020 Local 5,186.73 5,186.51 0.22 Barbados Farms Limited 02-Dec-20 - - - $0.38 $0.38 - $0.35 $0.40 1,000 12,882 Cross-list 121.17 121.17 - Composite 5,307.91 5,307.69 0.22 Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 15-Oct-20 - - - $4.00 $4.00 - $2.00 $4.10 1,000 1,272 MUTUAL FUND FirstCaribbean International Bank 07-Dec-20 - - - $2.00 $2.00 - $1.80 $2.00 739 16,294 December 8, 2020 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 07-Dec-20 - - - $0.17 $0.17 - $0.13 $0.18 800 41,118 CHANGE 4,500 - Dev Fund 04-Dec-20 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.1621 -0.0063 04-Dec-20 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2462 0.0002 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 03-Dec-20 - - - $0.57 $0.57 - - $0.58 - 53,167 04-Dec-20 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6740 -0.0003 -Value Fund 04-Dec-20 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.1717 6.1717 6.1717 0.0453 04-Dec-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.0920 0.0049 Goddard Enterprises Limited 08-Dec-20 3,500 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 $2.00 $0.00 $2.00 $2.10 4,699 8,152 04-Dec-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0184 0.0024 31-Oct-20 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.4569 5.4569 5.3478 0.0457 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 04-Dec-20 - - - $1.78 $1.78 - $1.78 $2.50 78 5,080 31-Oct-20 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 0.9935 0.9935 0.9736 0.0157 31-Oct-20 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6212 1.6212 1.5888 0.0033 One Caribbean Media Limited 19-Nov-20 - - - $1.83 $1.83 - $1.80 $2.00 3,139 825 27-Nov-20 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.63 0.00 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - -- $2.26 $2.26 ---- - 27-Nov-20 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.59 0.01 27-Nov-20 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.99 0.00 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - - - $2.80 $2.80 - - - - - * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE West India Biscuit Company Limited 07-Dec-20 - - - $31.50 $31.50 - $31.50 - 26 - FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. Emera Deposit Receipt 14-Aug-20 - - - $20.82 $20.92 $0.10 $30.00 - 50 - m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly

TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD 3,500 Fixed Income Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask Date Close Close Price Price Size Size GOB Series B 27-Nov-20 $60.00 $60.00 - $60.00 - 60,493 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 - - - - * = Security is Trading X-Div GOB Series F 03-Nov-20 $89.00 $89.00 - --- *+* = Security is Suspended GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 $70.00 103,713 ** = Rights Issued NEWS

NOTICES China bans 105 apps ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS West India Biscuit Company Limited - Directors have fixed January 7th, 2021 as the record date for the determination of including TripAdvisor shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on February 12th, 2021.

DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS CHINA has removed 105 TikTok. West India Biscuit Company Limited – Directors have declared a final dividend of seventy-five ($0.75) cents per share to be paid on apps from its app stores The majority of apps in January 11th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on January 7th, 2021. as part of a campaign to the latest crackdown from Cave Shepherd and Company Limited – Directors have declared a final dividend of five ($0.05) cents per share to be paid on get rid of content related Beijing are domestic ones, February 19th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on February 5th, 2021. to pornography, with authorities saying the prostitution, gambling ban was in response to BSE NOTICES COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE and violence. content the public “deemed In light of the ongoing COVID-19 contagion affecting the island, the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central Most of the banned apps offensive”. Securities Depository Inc. (BCSDI) have been instituting several procedural changes. are Chinese but US travel It is unclear why app TripAdvisor is also TripAdvisor has been Kindly note that effective May 18th, 2020, the BSE and BCSDI re-opened and has resumed normal office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please also note that we have implemented digital temperature checks for all persons entering the building. These checks are included on the list. banned. The BBC has being conducted on both staff and clients alike by trained personnel. According to the contacted the firm for a Cyberspace Administration comment but has not yet While we acknowledge that every person with fever may not be COVID-19 positive and that some individuals may present without of China, all apps violated received a response. symptoms, please note that any person with a temperature reading of 100˚ F (37.8˚ C) or over will be denied entry to conduct business within our offices. one of three cyber-laws, Tensions between the US although it did not provide and China have been We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation, however, we must emphasize that this is a necessary step details. increasingly played out in for the protection of staff and clients alike. It comes as a second US cyber-space over recent TRADING SUSPENSION court rules against the months. The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section planned ban on TikTok. When the TikTok ban was 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were US district judge Carl announced by President suspended effective December 10th, 2019. Nichols said President Trump in the summer, the The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section Trump over-stepped his Chinese authorities accused 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited authority when attempting the US of bullying tactics were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. to ban the Chinese video- and said it would take sharing app on security “necessary measures” to The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by way of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor grounds. He is the second safeguard the interests of Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited. judge to rule in favour of Chinese companies. The Barbados Advocate Wednesday December 9, 2020 • 21

22 • Wednesday December 9, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Argentine senator suggests putting Maradona on banknotes AN Argentine senator has proposed scored in Mexico, on 22 June 1986, on and then going on to score again what putting an image of the late foot- the other”, newspaper La Nación was dubbed as the “Goal of the ball star Diego Maradona on new reports. Century”. banknotes. The senator also suggested The plan is for the banknote to Maradona, who led Argentina to the putting his image on commemorative feature the second goal. 1986 World Cup title, died two weeks stamps. Ms Durango said the final decision ago at the age of 60. “The idea is not just to recognise our would be made by lawmakers, who are Senator Norma Durango presented most important idol, but also expected to hear her proposal early next the bill to Congress on Monday to think of the economic question,” Ms year. to get the late player on the Durango said. “We feel that The 60-year-old football legend died of 1 000-peso ($12, £9) note, the highest when tourists come here they will a heart attack at his home late last denomination. want to take a ‘Maradona’ away with month. It would feature Maradona’s face on them.” Maradona had a successful operation one side and a picture of one of Maradona’s two most famous goals on a brain blood clot earlier his most famous goals on the other, she came in the 1986 World Cup in November and had been said. quarter-final against England. due to be treated for alcohol depend- The bill suggests the notes should The player was captain when ency. “carry the effigy of Diego Armando Argentina won the tournament, He scored 34 goals in 91 appearances Maradona on one side and the moment scoring the first “Hand of God” goal for Argentina, representing them Maradona (pictured above in 1981) of the second goal against England, against England in the quarter-finals in four World Cups. died two weeks ago at the age of 60.

England to host Australia & South Africa at Twickenham in 2021 ENGLAND will host Australia and South who beat Eddie Jones’ side in the 2019 “Australia are rapidly improving, have Springboks is always special,” said South Africa at Twickenham during November World Cup final, on 20 November. a lot of new talent coming through and Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus. next year. “These will be some good games of good coaches like Dave Rennie and Scott “England are an incredibly proud rugby The Autumn International series will rugby and tough tests for us as we work Wisemantel, who we know well.” nation and in Eddie Jones they have an start with England playing an emerging to improve as a team,” said Jones. The Springboks will be playing at astute coach who will no doubt be work- nation on November 6 before a game “South Africa are world champions and Twickenham for the first time since 2018, ing on a plan to outsmart the Springboks against Australia on November 13. we’ll be looking to benchmark ourselves when they were beaten 12-11 by England. at Twickenham. It will require a special England will then face South Africa, against them. “Any match involving England and the performance to match them.” The Barbados Advocate Wednesday December 9, 2020 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES: A colleague or teammate is slowing N everything down in their effort to get a project right. D You’re doing your best to be patient but there will be moments when you feel they could do with a C push. No one will thank you for hurrying them along O so you may have to slow down your own pace in line N with those around you. S TAURUS: You don’t even have to mention that you are hoping to get a joint project finished today. By the way other people are throwing themselves into this job, it seems like others too share this intention. Following your intuition and using your imagination is helping you make your cash go further. GEMINI: Your partner or a relative is getting vexed Z with your careless handling of finances. Prevention I is the best way to avoid getting into financial T difficulties this festive season. Leaving your money at home will prevent you from visiting the shops in S your lunch hour. Although you will joke about it, you are starting to realise you need to be more practical. CANCER:An online get together will be postponed due to a poor video feed that will interfere with the smooth running of the meeting. This will be disappointing as you had spent a lot of time preparing. You’re tempted to splash out on something nice for yourself and why not? R E LEO: You’re planning to meet someone you X recently argued with. You aren’t sure how this will go and you will feel better once it is over and you know that all is forgiven and forgotten. Talking M about old times will trigger some sad emotions as O you miss someone who used to be a big part of your R life. G A VIRGO: Don’t give up if you’re trying to get other N people to see the value of your ideas. You know your suggestions are worth considering. Alternative ideas will be discussed but if you feel yours should be taken more seriously, be sure that others know this too. LIBRA: You’re ready to get started on a new project. You have been waiting until you felt the time is P right to bring your ideas out into the open. Now you H have found the right person to team up with and A you’re ready to broach the subject. They will need time to weigh up the pros and cons of your offer N before giving a definite answer. T O SCORPIO: You long for a little more freedom. A M close relationship is starting to feel as if it is smothering you. You’re tired of receiving text messages asking where you are, who with and what you are doing. A new partner isn’t the person you expected them to be and you will want to give more thought to this relationship. SAGITTARIUS: If people try to steer you away M from your intention to get on with projects already A begun, don’t let them. Someone wants to experiment with new ideas. If you join them and they don’t R work, this won’t reflect well on your overall Y performance. Don’t hesitate about going it alone. This may be the only way you will be satisfied with W your efforts. O CAPRICORN: People are impressed with your R imaginative yet practical ideas. They want to know T more. Don’t keep all your thoughts locked up inside. H Someone could add a few suggestions of their own and a brainstorming session will prove fruitful. Speak out when you are given the chance. AQUARIUS: Taking on a leadership role puts you M in a position of influence. People are interested in O your views and they will be repeated elsewhere. T Choose words carefully and put your point across H with diplomacy. You don’t want to abuse the trust E others are putting in you. R

PISCES: You’re confused by alterations being made G to changes already implemented. You’ve broken so O far away from the old routine nothing feels secure O or familiar anymore. If you’ve been asked to S continue working from home, you’re missing the usual breaks during the day and this is having an E impact on your health. Neil Corbin is provisional Champion Driver Page 17

Wednesday December 9, 2020 TALENT SHOWCASED AT 2020 MUSIC ON THE MOUND

THE talents of students of the Barbados Community College’s (BCC) Music Programme were showcased on Monday during Music On The Mound 2020. The five-hour-plus event was viewed by individuals present at the Performing Hall at Morningside, on campus. It was also watched by those online within the region and further afield. During the event, the 65 first and second-year students performed in their various groups. They were graded on their eight weeks of work as part of their end of semester assessment. Head of BCC’s Music Department, Roger Gittens said the annual activity was impacted this year by COVID-19. In the past, pupils from a variety of secondary schools were invited to be in the audience for Music On The Mound. This was done to not only allow them to support the BCC students but to expose them to the offerings of the College’s Music Programme. This could not occur on this occasion. “Those who of you have been with us over the last 20 years, you would know Members of the Gospel Ensemble as they perform. that in 2019 we would have had possibly around 200 students here from at night. This year, we have COVID and Barbados Community College has to particularly in light of the challenges the various secondary schools, friends because of it we have an opportunity. offer.” faced during the semester. and family and we had a very festive Some of you who are in Russia, Gittens commended the day’s “This has been a particularly difficult atmosphere, and we had lots of music some of you who are in Lima, Peru will performers for the hard work they from 11 in the morning to almost eight get a chance to see what the put in to ensure they gave of their best MUSIC on Page 6 World Bank official addresses corruption A SENIOR official of the World Bank opment fund. As you know the World the increased costs, although that is an Caribbean, and happens everywhere. Group is defending the Bank’s policy to Bank has a couple of development funds increased cost that will ultimately be “But when you have a small space the keep tabs on how the funds it lends to to alleviate poverty and to try and share borne by the borrowers; and it is not so likelihood of people being related to each countries are spent. prosperity and you can’t do that if money much... the reduced quality that some- other or someone in government related Steve Burgess, Senior Operations is being involved in corruption. It under- times happens with corruption, what to someone in a big company is quite pos- Officer, Integrity Vice Presidency, World mines the development goals in that re- worries most of us in the Bank most, is sible... That’s why it is so important to Bank Group was speaking recently dur- spect... It can also seriously undermine the risk to health and safety and security have transparency and as much partici- ing a session on Corruption Prevention, the credibility of government and create of the people in the countries where cor- pation as possible in the process, as these held as part of the Caribbean Conference a security risk for everybody,” he said. ruption is happening,” Burgess stated. things are very difficult and hopefully on Corruption, Compliance and He made the point while noting that He went on to say there is no type of can be prevented,” he said. Cybercrime hosted by the Caribbean the perception of involvement in corrup- corruption that is specific to the The World Bank official went on to say Development Bank and the World Bank. tion is sometimes more important than Caribbean region. Like most places, he that corruption is generally reduced by Burgess told those attending the virtual actual corruption and it is vital that they said, corruption tends to be related to good governance – enhancing accounta- session, that the Bank’s goal is to ensure get it under control, so people know the procurement and contract management. bility, increasing transparency and in- that the funds are used for the intended money is being used efficiently and effec- He added that there are also sometimes creasing participation. He said if they purposes. tively. concerns about conflict of interest or cor- can get those three things under control, “It is not just about the efficient and ef- “At the end of the day though, what we ruption on the government side, which countries will be well on their way to pre- fective use of funds, it is about our devel- are really worried about is not so much again he said is not unique to the venting corruption. (JRT)

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