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Monday February 17, 2020 $1 VAT Inclusive High cost concern MINISTER of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy,Kirk Humphrey says he is concerned about the high cost of some of the eco-friendly food-grade products available on the local market. He made the comments after touring COT Holdings at Newton Industrial Estate, Christ Church, stating that it is imperative that a way is found to reduce the cost of the inputs so that the products can be sold more competitively. “Some of the costs that you see on some of these items are not in sync with what they have had to pay, so that what you see reflected as the final price has no bearing to the ban that we have put on single use plastics. I have said before and I am saying it now, we have persons in Barbados, the corporate companies [who] have a responsibility to engage in practices that are in sync with Barbadian values,” he said. He continued, “There is an ethical kind of behaviour that should bind all of us.” Haynesville Youth Group Dancers and Dancin’ Africa performing at the Holetown Monument. Minister Humphrey said in the process of some of his ministry’s investigations, when the cost of the containers and the selling price were compared,“it was insane”, hinting that the latter was extremely high. With that in mind, he said they have BIGGER, BETTER also heard that there are some persons who are Holetown Festival attempting to sell the banned single use plastics quietly, despite the fact off to grand start that it is illegal to do so. THIS year’s Holetown Gospel Artist Israel J. “Now that for me is a no, Festival is set to be Allen, among others. no. Now I am giving even bigger and better. Minister of Tourism and another warning, which is Yesterday evening’s International Transport, now the last and I think opening ceremony at the Kerrie Symmonds that I have already Holetown Monument in assured the large instructed that we send St. James featured a gathering which included letters reminding people stirring display of culture, the 2020 Holetown what the law says, but this a taste of things to come Festival Ambassador is the final warning.I over the next seven days. Damien “Hypa Sounds” think it has gotten to the Locals and visitors alike Etienne, and Queen of the point where you are very, were entertained by Festival Sheryl Forde that very, very aware of what Haynesville Youth Group Government will try to do the legislation says, you Dancers; Dancin Africa; everything in its power to also understand the the 2019 Calypso reinvigorate the festival, damage that you are Monarch, Classic; Spirit of and make it the best it can the Nation Parish Talent possibly be. CONCERN on Page 4 winner Ariel Brathwaite, FESTIVAL on Page 3 Spirit of the Nation Parish Talent winner, Ariel Brathwaite. 2 • Monday February 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate The Barbados Advocate Monday February 17, 2020 • 3

The Beating of the Retreat by the Barbados Defence Force Band in Zouave Uniform. ‘Recognise the symbolism of our national festivals’ FESTIVAL from Front do so by having a year and equally we will do so unique Holetown brand. Page designated as the ‘Year of with Crop Over,” The 2020 Festival In fact, he disclosed that National Festivals’. So, Symmonds said. Schedule includes the plans go beyond that wherever you go in The Holetown Festival Alfred Pragnell Memorial Holetown, “The the Caribbean people are was started in 1977 by Mr. Talk; Bus Tour of Historic Government of Barbados doing a similar type of Alfred Pragnell, Mr. Keith Holetown; Celebrity is committed to doing that thing, recognising the Simmons and Trents Mixologist Competition; for all of the national culture, craft, cuisine, and Northern Youth Group to Grand Floodlit Tattoo;The festivals that this country more importantly celebrate the 350th Michael Parravicino has.” recognising all those small Anniversary of the first Memorial 5K Road Walk; “Indeed I have gone to business people. English settlement of The Sagicor/HIV AIDS the Council of Tourism “There has already been Barbados. Commission 5K Road Ministers meetings across an approach taken re- The Festival which is Run, the annual Street the region and urged that envisioning what is performed on the site of Fair and Courtesy Garage we as a region recognise happening in Oistins, and the first Settlement has Ltd, Street Parade the symbolism of our we are in the process of grown over the years and featuring vintage and national festivals and to doing so with Holetown has developed into the classic cars.

Member of Tourism and International Transport, the Hon. Kerrie Symmonds. Canadian Prime Minister cancels trip to Barbados THE much-anticipated Government of the visit by Prime Minister of Caribbean Community Canada Justin Trudeau to (CARICOM) which will Barbados today has been take place from tomorrow cancelled. Tuesday February 18 to News broke of the Wednesday February 19 cancellation yesterday at the Lloyd Erskine reportedly amid criticism Sandiford Centre. over his government’s It would have been his handling of a series of anti- first visit to Barbados as pipeline protests that have Prime Minister. disrupted rail service in Foreign Affairs Minister parts of Canada. Francois-Philippe Prime MInister Champagne will represent Trudeau was expected to Canada in Trudeau’s be the Special guest at the place, clearing the way for Locals and Visitors alike gathered at the Holetown Monument for the opening ceremony of the 2020 31st Intersessional the prime minister to Holetown Festival. Conference of Heads of handle the protests.

4• Monday February 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

No further extension on single-use plastic bags ban CONCERN from his attention to the about to implement the that consumers will Front Page pending April 1, 2020 ban, the resin was not have ban to be imposed available on the interna- to adapt to the doing, but you are now on petro-based single- tional market, it was just change. making a deliberate at- use plastic bags, he gone, because the world “I know Chickmont has tempt to do so for profi- said there will be no had suddenly determined put out a chicken and teering purposes. That is further extension on that this is the way it is going, meat in a bag that not going to work for us,” date. and it didn’t even is vacuum sealed, where he maintained. “We extended that have the capacity to they use absolutely no The Minister’s com- for three months only respond at the time,” he styrofoam at all, and the ments came as he said because the manufactur- said. more I can see persons that overall the ban on ers had asked me to do Asked about the making this adjustment, plastics is moving well, so, to give them the continued use of then eventually I will be with support from the opportunity to make Styrofoam trays for the able to pull styrofoam public in general, but he those plastic bags from poultry industry,the min- [trays] off that list admitted that there are that resin and we have ister said in time those of things to be still some kinks to work done so. The point was trays will also be banned. allowed too,” he said. out. Meanwhile, turning that at the time we were To that end, he said (JRT) Entrepreneur and co-owner of Pizza Bums, Rodney Prescod. Positive outcome ENTREPRENEUR that he wanted people Rodney Prescod has to see the Barbadian an incredible story to connection to his food. tell about his recovery from a path of poor Unique food creations health to one of recov- coming in his book ery. Prescod is better known He is currently the co- as the Principal of owner of the food busi- Windsor High School but ness, Pizza Bums which he is preparing to launch specialises in stone-baked his book, “Break Free” at pizza. Yesterday, The the end of the year. He Barbados Advocate will illustrate unique food spoke to Prescod who creations including how revealed that he is people can use quinoa to currently working on make sushi which is usu- launching a healthy food ally made with sticky product brand and he rice. Prescod noted that intends to publish a book his journey into the food on nutritious recipes. industry was inspired by Prescod said that in his family and his father 2016, he was faced with who was a baker. high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, Healthy sweets high cholesterol and vita- In addition to nutritious min deficiencies. After recipes, Prescod also this diagnosis, he decided revealed that he working to make significant on ways to make toffee changes to his diet, from sweet potatoes and lifestyle and nutritional use monk fruit to sweeten intake and his efforts paid diabetic jams. Prescod off when he returned to wants to dismiss the idea the doctor. The physician that people do not have congratulated on his the time to prepare their improved medical results own healthy meals and and encouraged him to noted that it only takes a write a book. few minutes to make their own food. Creating his recipes He also suggested that To reach this stage, people be selective about Prescod said he had the foods that go on their created a number of his plate. The businessman own recipes. He has highlighted that through learned to create his own reading and research, he flour and ice-cream from found that there are a lot whole foods.The business, of unusual ingredients Pizza Bums is in its sec- in basic items like ond year and Prescod ex- cheese and milk. Prescod plained that he has stressed with people unique toppings including dealing with failing smoked fish and ham and health, it was important Blackbelly lamb. Also, he to take control by manag- has plans to bring gluten- ing the food that they eat. free pizza products using “In the long run, it is you local items soon. He told who pay the price,” said The Barbados Advocate Prescod. The Barbados Advocate Monday February 17, 2020 • 5

Testing being AT LEFT: Executive Chairman of COT Holdings, Nigel Worme, done on showing Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, Kirk Humphrey (far left) containers one of their new THE possibility that the the entire package bio- products. food-grade containers degradable and under the currently being im- right conditions, even com- ported into the country postable. AT BOTTOM: Monique since the ban on plas- During the tour, Worme Forde packing some of tics was introduced, are expressed concern that a the new food-grade not all meeting the re- lot of the products, while containers. quired standards, has cardboard-based, have a not escaped the notice polyethylene coating in the of stakeholders in form of a thin film of lami- the industry or the nate. He said unlike the Ministry of Maritime box, that laminate will not Affairs and the Blue disintegrate and “there is Economy. no real way of successfully While things appear to addressing that”. be above board, Minister of “We believe those prod- sons who are importing makes a claim does not Maritime Affairs and ucts don’t successfully ad- biodegradable containers. necessarily meet the claim the Blue Economy, Kirk dress the intention of And they would have to get that they make... So for the Humphrey, said testing is Minister Humphrey’s min- that from the Ministry of persons who have been im- being done and he will also istry and we also see a lot Commerce and state ex- porting products that seem be putting a case to of products which look to actly what are the compo- to suggest that they fit that Cabinet to move the the eye to be plastic [and] nents of every single prod- which we allow under the penalty for bringing in the claim to be plant-based, uct that they bring into the new legislation, then the banned plastics from but with no means of being county,” he said. warning from the govern- $50 000 to $100 000. He ex- able to recycle them, our He continued, “But the ment will be clear. If you plained the aim is to bring concern is they will also be reality is also, we do have have violated the legisla- that law in line with the a problem for the landfill to test because there are tion there are penalties as- fine imposed under an- going forward,” he said. some products that meet, sociated with that and we other piece of legislation for Reflecting on his as Mr.Worme said, by just intend to enforce those persons who import con- comments, Minister looking at it they meet all penalties,” he said. (JRT) traband into the country. Humphrey said that his the necessary standards”. The matter was raised ministry is carrying out The Minister,noting that recently when Humphrey various tests on the con- the tests are costly, said and officials of his ministry tainers being brought into that his ministry is seeking took a tour of COT the island, and in collabo- to have it undertaken by a Holdings, at its Newton ration with the Barbados testing body within the Industrial Estate offices, to National Standards Caribbean to help bring see first-hand the new Institution is working to those costs down, as the “Ecotogo” products that fine-tune the standards for testing will be done on a COT Holdings is offering. the containers. consistent basis. The According to Managing “In the amendments you Minister said that the pos- Director of COT Holdings, will see very soon, certainly sibility of products which Nigel Worme, it is a fully before April, we have very do not meet the standard recycled board and that clearly identified the dif- slipping through is real, as has a grease guard coating ferent HS codes which the products may look the on the inside, which meets would determine which part and so, he said, unless the highest European stan- area these products fall they are tested it is hard to dards for direct food con- under and the licence that know. tact.This, he added, makes would be necessary for per- “...Every person who 6 • Monday February 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Seaweed to be tackled GOVERNMENT is to say we have recently ac- seeking to minimise quired a seaweed har- the challenges posed vester which is like a very by Sargassum seaweed big seaweed boat, that in this country. would allow us to clean So says Minister of seaweed straight off the Maritime Affairs and the water,” he said. Blue Economy, Kirk That machine, which he Humphrey. Speaking to revealed cost just under the media recently on the $200 000, will be put to sidelines of a tour of use along with a conveyor COT Holdings, Minister belt to send the seaweed Humphrey said that his directly on to the shore. In this 2018 file photo Sargassum seaweed blankets the beach along the East Coast of the island. ministry has acquired a Additionally, he said they seaweed harvester to col- have invested in a tractor, it; but it has to be fresh. So dicated that if the har- dress the challenges posed year and they hope to un- lect the potential menace which is being modified to we are working now to be vester works, they hope to by the seaweed annually. pack it soon and put it to before it even reaches our be able to pull the seaweed able to do that,” he stated. acquire another or two or He said the harvester ar- use. shores. off the sand. He indicated Minister Humphrey in- three of them to help ad- rived on island earlier this (JRT) “I am convinced it is be- that those other pieces of cause of the nutrients in equipment together with the water, the nitrates the harvester pushed the from the runoff in bigger cost to just over $200 000. countries, the rising acid- He explained the goal is BWA experiencing low levels ity in the water, as well as to “capture the seaweed THE Barbados Water by these systems will be Our customer service currently consists of the rising temperature in when it is still fresh and Authority wishes to advise experiencing lower than team has received reports seven, of which all but one the water,that we are see- when it is best able to be Barbadians that as the ex- normal water pressure of outages in some areas has a maximum capacity ing this rapid growth in reapplied, or redirected, or treme regional drought and/or water outages. and water tankers have to carry 1200 gallons of the Sargassum seaweed, reused into something conditions continue, water The BWA team wishes been dispatched to assist. water, the BWA is unable to the point where these else”. levels at some of its reser- to remind persons who In this regard, the BWA to fill personal water things have almost be- “We still have people voirs continue to read have water to be mindful Team wishes to advise the tanks at this time. In come an existential threat making methane gas, we lower than normal. and use this resource con- public that due to heavy these circumstances there to the Caribbean in a real have people making fer- As a result, some of our servatively so that every- demand and the fact that will be delays in the serious way. I am pleased tiliser from it, soap from customers being supplied one can benefit. our fleet of water tankers tanker service. The Barbados Advocate Monday February 17, 2020 • 7

Former Barbados fast bowler Pastor Courtney Selman (second from left), who heads the Prayer Warriors International Foundation, speaks about the We Gatherin’ for Prayer event. Accompanying him was (from left), PRO Ernie Young, Rev. Lloyd Blackman and former senator, Apostle David Durant of Restoration Ministries International. Spotlight to be placed on social ills during We Gatherin’ for Prayer event A NUMBER of ills eleven parishes. We plan touching our society to invite 20 children from will be brought into selected schools to attend focus when the Prayer and to post their prayer re- Warriors International quests. We have also in- Foundation holds its vited 20 students from the We Gatherin’ for UWI, so that they can post Prayer event, slated for their prayer requests, one March 4 in Jubilee for each one of the Gardens, as part of the Caribbean islands. Flags country’s We Gatherin’ representing each 2020 activities. Caribbean island will also Former Barbados fast be posted on top of the bowler, Pastor Courtney Prayer Wall,” Pastor Selman, who heads the Selman revealed. Prayer Warriors Inter- He added, “We have in- national Foundation, said vited the Hon. Mia Amor that Prime Minister Mia Mottley to post a prayer Amor Mottley and on behalf of the people of Minister of People Barbados and to post a Empowerment and Elder prayer on behalf of her Affairs, Cynthia Forde, constituents. We are also who is the Member of awaiting her reply.” Parliament for St. He went on to note that Thomas, along with other the Consul General of Ministers of Government, Barbados in New York and dignitaries, members of the High Commissioners the clergy and schoolchild- of England and Canada ren, have been invited to have all been invited to participate.A special high- email their prayer re- light will be the erecting quests on behalf of of a Prayer Wall, on which Barbadians residing in prayer requests concern- those countries. Heads of ing social issues will be the print and electronic placed. media have also been in- “Our theme for this year vited to send prayer re- in support of We Gatherin’ quests for their companies 2020 is We Gatherin’ for and their staff. Prayer in one Accord, “We have invited March 4th, 2020 and we Ministers of Government plan to set up a 4x8 Prayer to post prayers on behalf of Wall to give persons the their Ministries and on be- opportunity to post their half of the constituents prayer requests. We plan they represent. We have to have prayers given by extended invitations to leading clergy on CBC and heads of churches to post VOB and at Jubilee their prayers on behalf of Gardens, from 7:20 a.m. their denominations and and throughout the day, members.We have also in- until 5:20 p.m,” Pastor vited heads of clubs, Selman revealed, at a unions, organisations and press briefing held re- institutions, to come and cently at the Caribbean post their prayer re- Media Corporation quests.” (CMC). During the event, “We Gatherin’ Barbados Sister Margarita Marshall 2020 will be focusing their and others will be minis- activity in the parish of St. tering in song, whilst for- Thomas during the month mer Government minister of March. To this end, we Rawle Eastmond, along have invited the represen- with Collis Marshall will tative for St.Thomas,Hon. give testimonies. Cynthia Forde, to post a The first 20 persons to prayer for her parish. We post requests on the are now awaiting her Prayer Wall will be issued reply,” he added. with a food hamper and a We will have 11 leading Bible each as part of the clergy,each one designated give-aways. to pray for one of our (RSM) 8 • Monday February 17, 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 Iran’s president claims Trump AgroFest must will avoid war ahead of 2020 vote IRANIAN President He said that Persian Rouhani reiterated that elections are seen as a test Hassan Rouhani has Gulf nations like the the US should rejoin the of the popularity of claimed he doesn’t believe United Arab Emirates, nuclear deal if it wants to Rouhani’s relatively be linked to the US will pursue war Bahrain and Qatar stood return to negotiations. moderate and pro-reform with his country, because a lot to lose if conflict “We will finally get the bloc led. it will harm President between Iran and the US enemy to sit at the His government, agriculture Donald Trump’s 2020 turns to war. negotiating table however, has mostly reelection bid. Tehran and Washington someday, like before,” struggled to deliver on IN another 12 days the 2020 edition of AgroFest will Rouhani said that came close to an open Rouhani said, referring to campaign promises to be held at the Queen’s Park.AgroFest is a three-day Trump knows that war conflict in January,when a the US. improve people’s lives as exhibition which has become a very popular event with Iran will “ruin” his US drone strike killed Rouhani also Iran’s economy buckles as the organisers attempt to promote not only the chances of winning the Iran’s top general, Qasem encouraged Iranians to under the weight of US activities and the associated events which are held 2020 US presidential Soleimani, outside turnout in large numbers sanctions. to make up the show,but to engender the thrust the election. Baghdad. for parliamentary Iranian authorities sector requires to give new meaning to Agriculture. The Iranian leader Iran retaliated with elections on Friday, as a have also barred At the end of 2019 there was nothing significant added that war would be missile strikes on a base show of defiance against thousands of for the Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados harmful to US interests housing US troops in Iraq. the US. parliamentary candidates to report on when it came to the agricultural sector. and those of its regional Tensions have been “Americans will not be from running, mainly Like construction, and manufacturing, agriculture allies, as well as Iran. escalating steadily since happy with a high reformists and moderates. continues to fare badly in a country where there is “I think the Americans Trump pulled the US out turnout,” he said. Friday’s elections could no shortage of hands and interest to help lift the aren’t after war since they of Tehran’s 2015 nuclear “Surely they will be strengthen the hand of sector. know what harm it could deal with world powers, happy with a low-turnout Iranian hard-liners, who Nowadays everyone is talking about the need for do them,” Rouhani said in and reimposed crippling election.” champion confronting the the country to achieve positive economic growth and a news conference. sanctions on Iran. Iran’s parliamentary West. represented across a number of economic sectors. The story that is being told is that tourism or construction, or both must lead the growth the country is seeking .This ought not be the case since once that happens Barbados is short changing itself Bomb cyclone storm with its economic development model. It the meantime we have a food import bill which allows consumers to relish other people’s products some of which can be grown here. Even in the rips across UK projections for this year nothing was said about the AN explosive winter “Agencies are continuing to deal with emergency service sector. storm roared across multiple floods and landslides, and have workers are working AgroFest showcases agricultural production and Britain on Sunday, tirelessly to put measures just about everything that farmers in this country packing high winds and been required to evacuate residents from in place to ensure the are doing to promote agriculture.Whether there are heavy rain that prompted houses ... Some communities have been safety of residents.” livestock or foodcrop farmers, or those engaged in a record number of flood cut-off as a result, but emergency service The Met Office said the retailing agricultural commodities it can be seen warnings in England. workers are working tirelessly to put highest wind gust from their participation that they want to be there. The Met Office, Britain’s recorded was 91 miles per Every year thousands of patrons visit the three- meteorological service, measures in place to ensure the safety of hour at Aberdaron in day exhibition and they too add variety to the said Storm Dennis was residents.” north Wales on Saturday. programme thus signifying how vital the exhibition expected to dump 5 1/2 A total of 6.1 inches of rain has become to the Barbadian public. inches of rain in south in 24 hours, becoming one searches off England’s fell at Crai Reservoir in Unfortunately,Barbados seems not to be creating Wales before gradually of the five strongest non- south-eastern coast. the Welsh county of Powys the template to bring this industry in from the cold easing. tropical cyclones on record Another man died over 48 hours. and to have it performing similar to what other The weather service in the North Atlantic. yesterday after falling into Flood warnings could countries across the Caribbean are doing with their issued a rare “red As the storm system the River Tawe in south remain in place for a while agriculture. warning” for life- punished the UK, flood Wales, according to police. since much of Britain is Grant you, the interest is there among many threatening flooding in warnings were in place Wales appeared to be still saturated from last people as they see opportunities in farming and an that region. Numerous yesterday from northern bearing the brunt of the week’s Storm Ciara, which avenue for them to earn money in an environment rescues were reported Scotland to southwest two-day storm after a left eight people dead which calls for serious action. throughout the area. England. month’s amount of rain across Europe. Quite recently several farmers and other The storm was dubbed a John Curtin, director of fell in just 48 hours. Major “Whilst the heaviest prospective ones have signalled their interest in “bomb cyclone” after flood and coastal risk incidents were declared by rain has cleared from going to Suriname to become involved in farming rapidly intensifying near management at the emergency services in Northern Ireland and which gives the lie that people are reluctant to do Iceland Friday before Environment Agency, south Wales and parts of Scotland, England and agriculture. slamming Britain over the tweeted yesterday that England as police and Wales continued to see For a more sustained farming programme to take weekend. there were 594 flood firefighters worked to heavy rain yesterday,with off in Barbados, the authorities have to be serious Bomb cyclones drop warnings and alerts in rescue people trapped a risk of severe flooding in about it by giving farmers the tools to get on with some 24 millibars (or effect in England – more after rivers burst their places,’’ said Andy Page, the job. It can be a worthwhile exercise once the atmospheric pressure) “than any other day on banks, Reuters reported. the Met Office’s chief farmers know that their efforts will be rewarded over a 24-hour span, record.” “Agencies are meteorologist. and they are able to find markets for their produce. according to the National That number reached continuing to deal with Hundreds of flights It is no point cultivating and when it is time to Oceanic and Atmospheric 600 later in the day, Sky multiple floods and were cancelled due to high go to market they find a lot of cheap imported goods Administration. A typical News reported. landslides, and have been winds, while train service on the market thereby putting the farmers at the range in millibars is The fourth named storm required to evacuate was disrupted by flooding, mercy of importers. around 10 to 15. of Europe’s winter season residents from houses,” affecting tens of So they must be protected from imports which The National Weather has already been blamed South Wales Police said in thousands of passengers can be frustrating to the domestic producers. The Service Ocean Prediction for the deaths of two men, a statement. “Some as British families leave farmers also want tough action to be brought to Center said Storm Dennis who were pulled Saturday communities have been for the mid-winter school bear on crop thieves who are in the habit of reaping deepened by 40 millibars from the water in separate cut-off as a result, but break. what they do not sow much to the annoyance of those who are cultivating food crops and vegetables. AgroFest must be linked to agriculture and the Executive Editor: Allison Downes Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan two must coexist. Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke E-mail Address: [email protected] Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan

The Barbados Advocate Monday February 17, 2020 • 9

Construction Guideline resumes in Xiongan amid aims to help more orphans epidemic FOR years, children whose parents were either incarcerated or undergo- prevention efforts ing drug rehabilitation have strug- A BUNCH of projects are resuming con- gled in the care of other struction in Xiongan New Area, a new relatives, who are often poor and economic zone near Beijing and located in negligent. Hebei province, while work on prevention But because their parents are alive, and control of the novel coronavirus is they can’t live in orphanages or receive strengthening. government money for orphans, which is More than 20 key projects, including a four times the basic living allowance they business service centre, highways and a get as impoverished people. concrete plant, have resumed operations In extreme cases, some of them feel with workers coming back gradually from helpless and commit suicide. the Spring Festival holiday, according to But things have started to change since China Xiongan Group, a State-owned a guideline aimed at boosting company that manages a number of proj- An aerial view of Baiyangdian Lake in Xiongan New Area, Hebei province. welfare for an estimated 500,000 de facto ects in the area. [PHOTO/XINHUA] orphans took effect on Jan 1. “We made overall plans to ensure both “De facto orphans” is a vague term that the virus-prevention work and construc- construction of the railway station, from worked during the holiday, said Zhai has long been used by media and advocacy tion tasks be conducted well during the which a high-speed railway will link with Ruiming, one of the project’s managers. groups when referring to children without special period,” Chen Gang, secretary of Beijing. It is expected to start operation “Workers coming back need to provide actual guardianship. the Xiongan New Area Communist Party by the end of the year. testimonials on health conditions, and But the guideline made the term more of China Working Committee and The local government has ordered busi- they are advised to lower the infection specific, referring to children whose director of the area’s administrative com- nesses in the area to hand in applica- risk by not taking public transport,” he parents have severe disabilities or illness, mittee, said recently during a conference. tions for employees looking to return to said. are in jail or under detention, are in com- Although no confirmed or suspected work. According to Wang, the applica- Workers can either return by private pulsory isolation for drug rehabilitation or cases of the pneumonia were reported in tions include specific information on each cars or the company will send charter restriction of personal freedom or cannot Xiongan, area authorities have of their workers’ health conditions and a buses to pick them up, the manager said. be contacted. demanded project managers check work- history of their whereabouts during the According to Zhai, each worker will be The designation also refers to children ers’ health daily and conduct closed-off past holiday. given a face mask each day and be tested who have one parent who is dead or management on construction sites in A total of 400 workers will return for fever twice a day. missing while the other falls under the order to prevent infections and ensure after their applications are approved, he His construction site, covering 11 aforementioned criteria. workers’ safety. said. hectares, has continued to operate since To curb fraud, the document warned of “Workers will come back in batches The project was not halted over the the novel coronavirus outbreak that oc- punishments if parents pretend they are after government approval,” said Wang holiday, as more than 100 workers stayed curred in January but has put entry and not capable of raising the child. Law Xingyun, Party chief of the Xiongan on-site throughout the period, he added. exit restrictions in place. enforcement officers can revoke guardian- Railway Station project department of Elsewhere, at the Nanjuma River flood A total of 25 temporary dormitories ship of parents who defraud child wel- the China Railway Construction control project in Rongcheng county, were set up to accommodate workers so fare, and civil affairs authorities can Engineering Group. about 200 workers will be in position by that they could live on site and avoid risk charge those parents child-rearing fees, The company is partly in charge of the Feb 20, including more than 70 that of infection. the guideline said. The guideline is expected to entitle hundreds of thousands of minors to enjoy benefits equivalent to those of orphans – including a monthly allowance of about WHO offers urgent rallying cry over novel coronavirus 1 200 yuan ($171), student grants and THE head of the World Health has failed to raise sufficient funds to com- to do that, as I would for any country government-paid healthcare, experts Organisation has called on the interna- bat the outbreak. that fights an outbreak aggressively said. tional community to address the “We’re concerned by the lack of urgency at its source to protect its own people But many expressed cautious optimism misinformation,“stigma and hate” gener- in funding the COVID-19 response,” he and the world, even at great cost to as the new rules have listed only the most ated by the ongoing novel coronavirus said. “We’re concerned about the severe itself.” common types of de facto orphans. pneumonia outbreak, and called on disruption in the market for personal He added: “It’s easy to blame. It’s easy In impoverished rural areas, many chil- governments to increase funding and protective equipment, which is putting to politicise. It’s harder to tackle a prob- dren have been reduced to de facto or- preparedness for the epidemic. front-line health workers and carers at lem together, and find solutions together. phans after their poor, widowed mother Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, risk.” We will all learn lessons from this remarries, in most cases into a family that director general of the World Health Ghebreyesus condemned the cycle of COVID-19 outbreak. But now is not the is not so better off, according to Kang Organisation, or WHO, said that there re- “panic and neglect” that the international time for recriminations or politicisation.” Yongzhong, who leads a non-profit organ- mains an emergency situation in China community finds itself in during and be- Ghebreyesus said the WHO is worried isation in Changsha, Hunan province. due to the disease, which is called tween outbreaks. about the level of misinformation online The organisation has helped more than COVID-19. “We throw money at an outbreak, and regarding the virus, and confirmed 1 500 de facto orphans since 2011. “We are encouraged that the steps when it’s over, we forget about it and do that the organisation has been working “I’ve known many cases in which moth- China has taken to contain the COVID- nothing to prevent the next one,” he said. with major tech companies including ers are really helpless, but their children 19 outbreak at its source appear to have The world spends billions of dollars Facebook, Youtube, Google, Tencent and cannot be counted as de facto orphans by bought the world time, even though those preparing for a terrorist attack, but rel- Tiktok to ensure that credible health in- the official criteria,” he said. steps have come at great cost to China it- atively little preparing for the attack of a formation and advice is promoted on the Kang said de facto orphans are a self,” Ghebreyesus said from the Munich disease, which could be far more deadly web. volatile population that is small in num- Security Conference in Germany on and far more damaging economically, po- He also called on governments to ber,and their eligibility for benefits varies Saturday. litically and socially. This is frankly dif- improve coordination in epidemic pre- over time, as some parents could be incar- He added:“Let me be clear: it is impos- ficult to understand, and dangerously paredness and response. cerated repeatedly, making it difficult for sible to predict which direction this short-sighted.” “It is not a job for the health minister local officials to identify them. COVID-19 outbreak will take.What I can Ghebreyesus criticised those that use alone,” he said. “It takes a whole-of-gov- The challenges facing de facto orphans tell you is what encourages us, and what epidemics to forward political agendas, ernment approach. garnered nation-wide attention in 2015 concerns us.” and also warned against prejudice. But that approach must be coherent after a 14-year-old boy led three of his sis- Ghebreyesus said the WHO is con- “The greatest enemy we face is not the and coordinated, guided by evidence and ters – aged 10, 8 and 5 – to commit suicide cerned by the continued increase in the coronavirus itself – it is the stigma that public health priorities. In many coun- by drinking pesticide in rural Guizhou number of COVID-19 cases in China, as turns us against each other.We must stop tries, measures have been taken by one province. well as recent reports from China about stigma and hate,” he said. part of government without appropriate Parents of the children were found to be the number of health workers who have “Too much has been written and said consultation with the health ministry,or violent and negligent and had spent years been infected or who have died. He also about my praise for China. I have given consideration of the impact of those working away from home, leaving the said that the international community credit where it’s due and I will continue measures. children to fend for themselves.

10 • Monday February 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Trinidadian elected president of CSHAE THE Caribbean Hotel and Tourism national hotel and tourism Association (CHTA) says that associations. Trinidadian Brian Frontin has been The organisation serves as a network elected president of the Caribbean for the region’s associations by support- Society of Hotel Association ing the professional development of the Executives (CSHAE). staff and voluntary leadership; facilitat- For his 2020-2022 tenure, Frontin is ing the gathering and flow of informa- supported by an Executive Committee tion; advancing programs in support of comprising Stacy Cox (immediate past regional advocacy and product i president/chairman), who serves as chief mprovement efforts; and serving as a executive officer of the Turks & Caicos two-way conduit with CHTA in achieving Hotel & Tourism Association; Noorani mutual goals. Azeez (vice president/president-elect), Frontin, the Group Chief Executive who is executive vice president of the Officer of the Trinidad Hotels, St. Lucia Hospitality & Tourism Restaurants & Tourism Association Association; Miles B. M. Mercera (treas- (THRTA) and the Trinidad and Tobago urer), chief executive officer of the Hospitality and Tourism Institute Curaçao Hospitality & Tourism (TTHTI), disclosed that human capital Association; and Véronique Legris development, governance and sustain- (secretary), executive director of the ability are the priorities he will tackle as St. Martin Hotel Association. he takes over the reins from Cox. CSHAE is an independent organisa- Over his two-year term, Frontin said, tion established by CHTA to support “considerable emphasis will be placed on the professional development of enhancing the profiles of CSHAE and all Brian Frontin (centre) with (from left) Miles B. M. Mercera of Curaçao, Véronique national hotel and tourism association of its Association Executive (AE) Legris of Saint Martin, Stacy Cox of Turks & Caicos, and St. Lucia’s Noorani executives from the 33 CHTA-member members.” Azeez.

JDF probed disappearance of two firearms from HQ

THE Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) on Saturday confirmed that two weapons were unaccounted for at its Up Park Costa Rica has seen a surge in drug traffickers using the country to move co- Camp headquarters after reports of the caine to the US and Europe. disappearance of the firearms first surfaced on social media. At midday Radio Jamaica reported that Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant General Rocky Meade confirmed the re- Costa Rica makes biggest port and said the camp was on lockdown. The Jamaica Observer sent questions to the JDF which responded with the following terse statement: ever cocaine haul “The Jamaica Defence Force is POLICE in Costa Rica have made the Central America is one of the main currently conducting a weapons biggest seizure of illegal drugs in the routes for cartels moving drugs from inventory check. During this country’s history – finding more than South America to the US and Europe. morning’s check, there was an anomaly five tonnes of cocaine in a shipping con- When the authorities searched a discovered suggesting that two weapons tainer. suspicious shipping container on were unaccounted for. The Standard The drugs were hidden in a consign- Saturday, they discovered 202 suitcases Operating Procedure (SOP) for ment of flowers headed for the containing a total of 5 048 packages of missing weapons was immediately Netherlands, AFP news agency quoted cocaine weighing around 1 kg (2.2 lbs) initiated. This includes restricting move- Interior Minister Michael Soto Rojas as each, AFP reports. ment in and out of Up Park Camp saying. The arrested suspect is a 46-year-old Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant while we complete these inventory A suspect has been arrested. Costa Rican. General Rocky Meade. checks.”

Fair to occasionally cloudy and breezy with brief occasional showers.

High: 10:35 a.m. and --:-- p.m. London: 07°C PARTLY CLOUDY Yesterday: 0 mm Boston: 07°C OVERCAST Low: 4:14 a.m. For the month: 19.6 mm Max: 29.6°C Montreal: 02°C CLOUDY and 5:58 p.m. For the year: 82.1 mm Min: 24.9°C Toronto: 03°C CLOUDY New York: 05°C/OVERCAST Miami: 27°C/PARTLY CLOUDY 6:20 a.m. 6:05 p.m.

The Barbados Advocate Monday February 17, 2020 • 11 Jamaica Fire Brigade to get 30 fire trucks THE Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is and capacity of the JFB to enhance to be provided with 30 fire trucks in emergency response. the new fiscal year, as Government Meanwhile, also under the Local continues to equip the fire service Government Ministry,a total of J$28 mil- to adequately respond to emergen- lion has been set aside for the Assistance cies. to Homeless (street people) initiative, A sum of J$1.9 billion has been which is aimed at constructing drop-in earmarked for the project in the centres for homeless persons in all 2020/2021 Estimates of Expenditure, parishes that are without this facility. now before the House of Representatives. Targets for this year include the Over the last four years the JFB has building of two facilities in the parishes been provided with four fire trucks, two of Westmoreland and St. Catherine. water tankers, six emergency command Up to December 2019, six centres were vehicles and one body box truck to constructed in St. Ann, St. Mary, The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is to be provided with 30 fire trucks in the new support operations. Hanover, St. Elizabeth, Trelawny and fiscal year The objective is to increase the fleet St. Thomas.

Electronic glitch triggers Dominican Republic vote suspension DOMINICAN REPUBLIC’S nationwide Dominican Republic’s electoral body,said on cities and regions with high the failure and called for a dialogue of all municipal elections were suspended only nearly half of the electronic devices population density, accounting for 62.4 political sectors to find a solution and four hours after voting began yesterday did not work properly and many per cent of the electorate. Paper hold new elections. due to a glitch in the electronic voting virtual ballot papers did not load, ballots were due to be used Luis Abinader, leader of the opposition system, officials said. leaving citizens unable to cast their elsewhere. Modern Revolutionary Party, said the More than 7.4 million voters were due votes. Castanos said that the failures only suspension of the vote was “outrageous to vote to elect 3 849 positions in 158 mu- “We are going to initiate a thorough in- occurred in the 18 municipalities that and unjustified”. nicipalities across the Caribbean nation. vestigation of what happened and why used electronic voting. Several opposition parties, such as the The failure of the system is likely to those ballot papers did not load correctly,” Eduardo Frei, president of the observer People’s Force, of former President Leonel raise concerns ahead of the May 17 Castanos said in a press conference. commission from the Organization of Fernández, objected to the use of elec- presidential elections. The electronic system was used in American States (OAS), recommended tronic voting due to fears software could Julio Cesar Castanos, president of 18 of the 158 municipalities and focused an exhaustive audit to determine be manipulated.

Venezuela holds military exercises as Maduro attempts to show force VENEZUELA’S military on Saturday held exercises that deployed civilian mili- tia and armored vehicles in the capital Caracas and around the country,an effort by President Nicolas Maduro to show strength as Washington prepares to esca- late sanctions. Maduro accuses the United States of preparing an invasion of the OPEC na- tion, which in 2017 US President Donald Trump described as a possibility. Since last year the United States has ramped up economic sanctions against his govern- ment. The exercises were launched days after Maduro formally incorporated the civilian reserve, a group of some four million vol- unteers with limited military training, into the armed forces alongside the army, navy, air force and National Guard. “We have proven the level of command and control of the Bolivarian militia, com- plemented by the National Bolivarian Armed Forces,” said Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino in statements broad- cast on state television. In one exercise seen by Reuters along a highway in eastern Caracas, a group of several hundred people including soldiers and militia members participated in a ten-minute drill that involved blocking “invaders” from entering the capital. Members of the Venezuelan army and the Bolivarian Militia take part in a military exercise in Caracas, Venezuela They were joined by civilian members February 15, 2020. of the ruling Socialist Party dressed in red shirts who served as look-outs, while sol- flation that has made Venezuelan salaries you, we know about those malnourished ernment and has urged the armed forces diers drove armored vehicles. – including those of soldiers – insufficient soldiers.” to turn against him. The “invaders” were represented by a to buy basic food. Maduro has held on to power despite State Department officials this month group of cars that blocked the highway. “It’s a propaganda exercise by the dic- the country’s economic crisis in large part said they plan new measures to increase Maduro’s adversaries dismiss such ex- tatorship today,” opposition leader Juan because of support from the military. the pressure on Maduro, who says the ercises as theatrics meant to disguise the Guaido said in a press conference. The United States has implemented a sanctions are to blame for the country’s decay of the armed forces amid hyperin- “I say to the armed forces... we are with broad sanctions program against his gov- economic problems. 12 • Monday February 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate British TV presenter dies at 40 FORMER “Love Island” host called “The Surjury”, featuring Flack as the same month and was released on bail Caroline Flack has been found dead the host, will no longer air. on the condition she did not contact in her London flat, her family have Many fans grew up with Flack since her Burton. confirmed. breakthrough co-hosting Saturday Her solicitor made an application to A lawyer for the family said the star morning show “TMi Friday” with Sam have these bail conditions lifted, arguing had taken her own life. and Mark on CBBC in 2007. that they remained a couple and wanted She stood down from the dating show From there, she went on to front to spend Christmas together. after she was charged with assaulting “Gladiators” on Sky One, ITV2’s “I’m A In a statement, her management com- her partner in December and was due to Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!” spin-off pany criticised the Crown Prosecution stand trial next month. and “The Xtra Factor”, before moving to Service for pressing ahead with what it As well as presenting ITV’s Love Island The X Factor itself with Olly Murs in called her “show trial”, even after her she had co-hosted “The X Factor” and won 2015. boyfriend said he did not support it. “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2014. She cemented her popular appeal when Francis Ridley, of Money Talent The family said in a statement,“We can she won Strictly Come Dancing in 2014 Management, said, “In recent months confirm that our Caroline passed away with partner Pasha Kovalev. Caroline had been under huge pressure today, the 15th of February. She is credited with making Love because of an ongoing case and potential “We would ask that the press respect Island one of the biggest shows on British trial which has been well reported. the privacy of the family at this difficult TV and was the one to pick up the award “The Crown Prosecution Service pur- time and we would ask they make no at- when it won the Bafta for best reality sued this when they knew not only how tempt to contact us and/or photograph show in 2018. very vulnerable Caroline was but also us.” The same year, Flack made her West that the alleged victim did not support the Confirming last Saturday night’s Love End stage debut as Roxie Hart in prosecution and had disputed the CPS Island episode would not be broadcast, an “Chicago” and even appeared on the version of events. ITV spokeswoman said, “Everybody at celebrity version of “The Great British “The CPS should look at themselves Love Island and ITV is shocked and Bake Off”. today and how they pursued a show trial saddened by this desperately sad news. that was not only without merit but not A lawyer for the family said the star “Caroline was a much loved member of Assault charge in the public interest. And ultimately re- had taken her own life. the Love Island team and our sincere Flack was charged with assaulting her sulted in significant distress to Caroline.” thoughts and condolences are with her boyfriend with a lamp after police were In response, the CPS said its “deepest “Given the tragic circumstances, we will family and friends.” called to her home in December. sympathies go to the family and friends not comment on the specifics of this case Channel 4 announced their TV series She pleaded not guilty in court later of Caroline Flack”. at this stage,” a spokesperson added.

Stormy Daniels’ ex-lawyer Michael Avenatti guilty over extortion MICHAEL AVENATTI, who represented tion about Nike unless it paid him was suffering while being held in solitary porn star Stormy Daniels in a lawsuit between $15 million and $25 million. confinement and under 24-hour lockdown against President Trump, has been found At the time he approached Nike, in the same Manhattan prison cell that guilty of attempted extortion. Avenatti had been representing his then- housed Mexican drug lord Joaquin The lawyer was accused of seeking client Gary Franklin, who ran a youth “El Chapo” Guzman. to extort up to US$25 million (£18.9 mil- basketball league in Los Angeles. Avenatti formerly represented Stormy lion) from Nike. Court papers said Avenatti threatened Daniels, who tried to sue the president to He had threatened to release informa- to hold a press conference alleging Nike get out of a non-disclosure agreement she tion that might be harmful to the had made illicit payments to young had signed before the 2016 presidential popular sports brand. basketball players in Los Angeles. election. Avenatti emerged as a vocal critic of Revealing this would wipe billions from The non-disclosure agreement related Trump two years ago when he began Nike’s stock value, he had suggested. to an affair she said he had with Trump representing Ms Daniels, and even Nike immediately reported the matter in 2006, but the case was eventually dis- suggested he might run for president. to federal prosecutors. Avenatti was missed. He was found guilty by a jury after a arrested shortly after announcing he In May last year,Avenatti was charged three-week trial and could face up to would hold a news conference about a with defrauding her of book proceeds, and 42 years in prison when sentenced in scandal surrounding the company. faces trial in New York in April. He denies June. “This was an old-fashioned shake- all the charges. Federal prosecutors in New York said down,” prosecutor Geoffrey Berman said He also faces another trial in Avenatti, 48, met a lawyer for Nike in at the time. The jury heard that Avenatti Los Angeles in May on accusations he March 2019. During their meeting, he had been at least $11m in debt. defrauded clients and others of millions of Michael Avenatti could face more than threatened to release damaging informa- Last month, Avenatti’s lawyers said he dollars. 40 years in prison.

US passengers disembark from coronavirus cruise ship US passengers have disembarked from a 2009 new coronavirus cases yesterday, Mi said the proportion of confirmed health services are under enormous cruise ship off Japan to fly home after down from more than 2 600 new cases the cases who were critically ill had fallen to pressure,” he said. two weeks in quarantine, as China says previous day. 21.6 per cent on Saturday, from 32.4 per Declining numbers of reported new its measures have at last slowed the The new cases brought the total cent on January 27. infections could mean that the virus was spread of the coronavirus. infections to 68 500 in mainland China, He said this showed that the authori- being contained, but could also mean it After being held on board the Diamond with 1 665 deaths, including 143 reported ties were able to treat patients more was simply running out of susceptible Princess since February 3, American yesterday. quickly, preventing cases from becoming new hosts in Wuhan, he added. passengers were told to get ready for Outside China, more than 500 cases critical. The coronavirus, thought to have evening charter flights home from the have been confirmed, mostly of people Mark Woolhouse, Professor of emerged at a wildlife market in the ship yesterday (local time). who travelled from Chinese cities, with Infectious Disease Epidemiology at central province of Hubei, has presented Passengers wearing masks could later five deaths. Britain's University of Edinburgh, said if the ruling Communist Party with a huge be seen waving through the windows of Chinese Health Commission the numbers suggested the epidemic has challenge. buses parked near the ship. spokesman Mi Feng said the slowing rate peaked in Hubei, “then this would be Its response has included putting Hubei Canadian, Italian, South Korean and of new cases was proof that curbs on encouraging news for the rest of the world and its capital Wuhan – a city Hong Kong passengers were expected to travel and other drastic measures were too”. of 11 million people – on virtual lockdown. follow, after their governments also an- having an impact at last. “We should be cautious though; it could International health officials say they nounced plans to repatriate passengers. “The effect of the coronavirus controls simply be that reporting is not keeping up have no way of knowing yet how far the Within China, authorities reported is appearing,” Mi told reporters. with events in circumstances where the epidemic is going to spread.

Barbados Advocate

February 17, 2020 IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS DO BUSINESS ‘PPP’ THE WAY FORWARD PUBLIC Private Partnerships (PPP) backed or guaranteed by the state. Corporation) which is very helpful in are perhaps the best way forward for The projects include roads, airports, ports, assisting governments to structure these Barbados and other Caribbean and renewable energy among other others. PPP deals in the right way,” said Sammuel, governments wanting to tackle the “So there is a lot of potential for this himself a former IFC employee. issue of infrastructure development country (Barbados) and others in the entire The IFC is the private sector arm of the at a time of scarce resources. Caribbean with the right policies and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). That is according to Brian Sammuel a right technical assistance to do these The Barbados government is looking to get Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) investments,” said Mr. Sammuel. private sector investments into the GAIA to Specialist in that area, during an exclusive He explained that the structure of these build air bridges, and to extend the interview with the media. PPPs projects some of them lasting between terminal. He said that all the Caribbean islands 20 years and 40 years can be very “So the IFC is on the case, I attended have fiscal challenges and issues with complicated. “You need to have a lot of their investor conference a couple of months funding of infrastructure investments. “So technical input, these projects cost a lot of ago,” he noted. the whole point with the PPP environment money to undertake and to do them right However, Sammuel maintained that is to select the private sector to become and to get value for money. So I think the governments need to understand it is a confident in investing in projects,” the CDB potential is huge. Moving here to Barbados different way of project development which official declared. I know the Government has taken a calls for detailed studies, a significant Sammuel pointed out that Jamaica leads decision to get private sector investment amount of homework and involves the way in the Caribbean in that area of into the (Grantley Adams International) technical consultants who know what they embracing the private sector since that Airport,” he remarked. are doing. country has received over US$1.5 billion “I know also they have done a very good “This is what the CDB is trying to get (Bds$3.0 billion) in investment which is thing to ask the IFC (International Finance across,” he added. Brian Sammuel

The Barbados government is looking to get private sector investments into the Grantley Adams International Airport to build air bridges, and to extend the terminal.

Central Bank of Barbados Air for Trade to support ECONOMIC VIEWPOINT announces further ease small countries Will there be growth? of exchange controls PAGE 3 PAGE 4 PAGE 5 2 • Monday February 17, 2020 Business Monday

New financial service bringing together companies LOCAL and regional entities period, a mix of institutional and of capital for a client. It augurs well for seeking to offer or find investment high-net-worth investors, had PBD’s future,” Callender said. opportunities in the bond market responded to and agreed to finance the The portal also allows companies across the Caribbean in a more bond issue,” he said. based locally the opportunity to raise timely and seamless way, now have (US dollar) funding beyond its local a new financial service they can Increased acceptance of Fintech in borders. “It provides access to a broader use. raising capital base of investors. This illustrates Private Bond Desk (PBD) matches Callender noted that raising capital in another main benefit of the service, the public or non-public companies wanting this way was significant because it in- reach across borders,” Callender to raise capital with investors keen to dicated increasing acceptance of the use explained. provide it. Headed by seasoned and of Fintech to access capital among the “We’re extending investment opportu- qualified finance professional, Chris business community. “Private Bond nities from the population of Barbados Callender, PBD offers a one-stop-shop Desk is able to take the hassle out of a to 6 million across the wider Caribbean. web portal where investing opportuni- process that traditionally occurs by This is key since growing a country’s ties, or “issues”, displayed by users can calling and negotiating with multiple wealth is not done by investing solely in be previewed by interested potential in- investors and buyers on an individual that country. This is especially true for vestors. basis. It is time-consuming and not as small developing states like Barbados,” In a recent coup for the emerging efficient as it could be. With PBD as Callender, who’d always wanted to run service, it has successfully raised BBD soon as an offer is ‘live’ on the portal, all his own business, added. $9 million for Cave Shepherd & users in the database receive an email The former portfolio manager with Company Limited, one of Barbados’ old- alert immediately indicating the new over 20 years’ experience in regional PBD founder, finance professional, est and highly respected publicly listed opportunity. Then they log in to access and global asset management, Chris Callender. companies. the information,” he said. The portal explained that he saw an opportunity Callender explained that Cave is available only to sophisticated for the creation of Private Bond Desk company but at the same time I did not Shepherd had expressed interest in investors. because of current conditions in capital want to later regret not pursuing the raising financing to fund its growing The founder of PBD added that the markets in the Caribbean including PBD idea,” he continued. credit card business. “Within a couple successful raising of capital for Cave potential corporate issuers and bond “I also want to bring a bit more logic days of being given the mandate to Shepherd was also noteworthy for buyers not knowing about or being able and math to the process of raising place the issue we’d made all informa- Private Bond Desk. “It is significant to find each other.“The idea came out of capital and determining potential yields tion on the offer available to the data- that within the first six months of our the blue while working on a global fund in a way that proves useful for issuers base of registered members through the operating a new business we’ve been project for my former employer. It was and potential investors,” the business portal. And by the end of the offer able to raise such a meaningful amount hard to make the decision to leave the founder concluded. Prime Minister Mottley: Share the project data PRIME MINISTER Mia Amor Mottley nature made no sense. lows us to assess the hazards and the where houses should go and how houses believes that there are many projects “We feel that there is no sense in vulnerability and the risk. The extent to should be built. The other thing that we amongst the CARICOM countries and it individual countries developing project which we can now be prepared to did was that we took a decision to change would be wise and beneficial to all, to proposals and it being unique to the determine what is a specific vulnerability how we build houses,” she continued. share that data across the board so that individual country. We are facing the in a specific district. Is it to floods? Is it to That initiative by the Ministry of each country would be better prepared same challenges.For us to have to go each wind? Is it to coastal wave action? It is a Housing was to provide resilient housing and could grow individually. time to repeat the process of project tremendous tool,” she stated. for low income earners as well as those She said that in response to the com- preparation is a waste of time, rather Mottley went on to say that the project without work to be safe in their homes ments made by the President of the Inter- than having a clearing house, particu- was due to finish this month and she during any disasters. The leader con- American Development Bank (IDB), Luis larly in the constituency office, that would would be putting forward that the project tended that after Hurricane Janet, Moreno, during a discussion at the IDB’s allow us to share and for countries to unit remain as a permanent part of the Barbados was unable to rebuild enough IX Annual Consultation of Caribbean make decisions. Is this applicable to me? public service of Barbados. The Prime wind resistant roofs and it was her fear Governors meeting recently, about the Can I use this ‘Roofs to Reefs’ project in Minister highlighted that the only way that there would be significant housing grant facility made available to the the Bahamas? Can I use the renewable the tool would be useful was with real damage due to inadequate roofing, if a countries for disaster preparedness, that energy project in Guyana?” she said. time data and believed it could help all hurricane or strong storm were to make was hardly used, and the issue of build- Mottley explained, regarding hazard Caribbean nations. landfall. ing codes and infrastructure not being up assessments, that Barbados was in the “I believe that that tool should be She added that as soon as the house to scratch.The guest speaker,PM Mottley, process of searching for contemporary shared with every single Caribbean coun- design research project is concluded in put forward the point that each country building designs. try because at the macro level, it allows us Barbados, her administration is prepared taking on individual projects of the same “The IDB has given us a tool which al- to make better decisions in planning on to share the information. (AS) Business Monday Monday February 17, 2020 • 3

WTO members advance new Aid for Trade work programme BARBADIAN Ambassador support rural economic economy, which involves Blackman. the Committee since farmers connect to global to Geneva, Chad Blackman transformation. over half of the world’s Blackman invited communicating to WTO and regional value chains, wants World Trade Aid for Trade is a multi- population. The discussion delegations to help finalize members its withdrawal and the importance of Organization (WTO) stakeholder initiative focused on rural the biennial work plan, from the EU. The UK also services that women members to push for a new seeking to mobilize development and with the objective of highlighted outcomes of the entrepreneurs and farmers deal on the aid for trade resources to address the transformation, a theme agreeing to it ahead of the UK Africa Investment provide to the rural (AfT) programme. trade-related and supply- that emerged as a priority General Council’s next Summit and its hosting of economy. This comes as the body side constraints identified for developing countries meeting on 3 March. the UN Climate Change Farmers’ integration into moved closer to finalizing by developing countries and and financing partners in Several WTO members Conference (UNFCCC value chains is hampered the new AfT work least-developed countries the 2019 WTO-led Aid for reported on their AfT COP 26) scheduled to take by demanding quality and programme for 2020-2021 (LDCs). Trade Monitoring and activities. place from November 9 to safety standards, said Iris at a meeting of the An Aid for Trade Evaluation Exercise. Russia and the United 19. Krebber, Head of the Committee on Trade and workshop held on the Members welcomed the Kingdom reiterated their Jamaica highlighted the Agriculture and Land Team Development dedicated to margins of the committee draft AfT work programme support for the AfT Micro Investment at the UK’s Department for AfT on February 11 2020. meeting explored the role for 2020-2021, entitled initiative and the funding Development Agency, International Delegations also Aid for Trade can play in “Empowering Connected, it provides to various AfT through which JMD 620 Development. discussed at a workshop transforming and Sustainable Trade”, tabled mechanisms. This was the million (USD 4.4 million) Recalling Asia’s how Aid for Trade can help promoting the rural by the chair, Ambassador UK’s first intervention in was raised to promote job experience of rural creation in the micro development since the enterprise sector. 1970s, Takashi Yamano, Updates by the Senior Economist at the Central Bank of Enhanced Integrated Asian Development Bank, Framework, the Standards highlighted the importance and Trade Development of public policy and Barbados announces Facility and the productivity growth in International Trade Centre agriculture. His call for on Aid for Trade activities public policies that promote further ease of were warmly welcomed by well-functioning markets members. was echoed by Madhur Key points emerging Gautam, Lead Economist exchange controls from the AfT workshop at the World Bank. Gautam THE Central Bank of Special attention has included the central role of said there is scope for Barbados has further liber- been paid to making it agriculture in the rural promoting productivity alised foreign currency much easier for economy and the need for growth in agriculture if transactions, continuing Barbadians to access for- governments to focus policy public policy is the movement toward eign exchange for educa- on productivity growth and appropriately tailored to more relaxed exchange tion and medical purposes. enhancing the direct impact promoting the adoption of controls that it began in Under the new policy of agriculture and rural new technologies and if 2019. guidelines, Authorised development on poverty market failures are The new policy, which Dealers may remit pay- reduction. The workshop addressed – a task made will impact several types ments abroad for these also underlined the more pressing by the of foreign currency trans- transactions without the essential role of public need to adapt to climate actions, goes into effect prior approval of the policies, notably in helping change. from today (Monday). Central Bank. “Authorised dealers can The Authorised Dealers now approve and execute in Barbados are The Bank larger foreign currency of Nova Scotia, CIBC BANK RATES transactions, which will FirstCaribbean, Citicorp Ian Collymore, Director of Foreign Exchange and Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of mean faster turnaround Merchant Bank, Export Credits at the Central Bank. business on Friday by the Central Bank of Barbados. times and increased effi- Consolidated Finance, ciency,” said Ian Collymore, First Citizens Bank, RBC doing business in creased to BDS$20 000 Valid for February 17, 2020 Director of Foreign Royal Bank, Republic Barbados. They are built and BDS$60 000 a year, re- Notes: Exchange and Export Bank, and SigniaGlobe on the start made last year spectively. Currency Buying Selling Credits at the Central Financial Group. with the travel allowances A full list of the changes Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 Bank.“This will benefit the Collymore commented and the foreign currency and the circulars that au- Canadian Dollar 1.49003 1.53411 average Barbadian, busi- that the changes are wide accounts. In July 2019, the thorise them can be found East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 nesses and current and po- in scope and are intended allowances for holiday and on the Central Bank of Euro 2.12408 2.21352 tential investors.” to improve the ease of business travel were in- Barbados’ website. Pound Sterling 2.55452 2.66208 United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 Demand/Sight: Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.49852 1.53176 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Wisdom in privatization Euro 2.15525 2.19978 By André Springer Bank (CDB) Annual News “If there is a good deal infrastructure did need Guyana Dollar 0.00940 0.00946 Conference, the director and it is structured well for some investment. Pound Sterling 2.59200 2.64556 THE idea of privatizing addressed the question of a public and private “When you have the United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 the Grantley Adams the possible privatization partnership, it can only private sector involved for Telegraphic Transfer International Airport of the local international augur well for the economy example, the airport, the Currency Buying Selling has been a key point in airport. “We think that of Barbados. We have seen incentives are all correct Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 some conversations governments need to look successful PPP’s (Public- because they are trying to Canadian Dollar 1.50135 1.53276 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 over the last 18 months at areas where they are Private Partnerships) in make a profit. They can Euro 2.15930 2.19978 and Director of involved and consider Jamaica, the Montego Bay make a profit if more Guyana Dollar 0.00940 0.00946 Economics, Dr. Justin where the private sector International Airport,” visitors come through that Pound Sterling 2.59688 2.64556x Ram says that the involvement could provide highlighted Dr. Ram. airport. The more visitors United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 Caribbean Develop- greater efficiencies and The Director then coming through the airport ment Bank believes that improvements in contended that the upkeep means that you have more INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL likely path by the productivity.” and standard of the service visitors to the island and CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE current government Ram said that it was the may improve at the therefore it is good for the RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS administration could be belief of the CDB that Grantley Adams economy and economic N.B.: These rates are not meant to be used for trading. a good one. airports and seaports in International Airport, activity. In addition to that, BDS$ Guyana Dollar 0.00943 During comments made the region, were the perfect being a source of revenue the airport is run in a very Jamaica Dollar 0.01414 to the media after the 2020 opportunity for for the private entity. He efficient way and very well T&T Dollar 0.29734 Caribbean Development privatization. also admitted that the maintained.” 4 • Monday February 17, 2020 Business Monday

New lease on health Editor’s “Say to him: Long life to has overcome the world you! Good health to you and brings peace to all and your household! mankind. Notebook And good health to all Intellectual stimulation, that is yours!” - 1 provided we still have our Samuel 25:6 wits about us, can be nurtured through our SEVEN years ago to the smart phone, tablet or Aid for Trade day, as a CARICOM computer which provide citizen, I decided to unlimited access to data, relocate from Barbados sequence of events that led how long we will remain information, knowledge, to support to Trinidad. I was to this new apartment on earth, but we want to understanding, insight officially retired; it was lease. A fortuitous enjoy as high a quality of and wisdom, in the a journey into the meeting, a secure location, life as possible. We must comfort of your home. unknown without any a compact but comfortable therefore focus on health Emotional relationships small countries specific endgame in space on one level, issues related to spiritual at all levels can be AID for trade is one of those issues which the World mind. beautiful surroundings upliftment, intellectual nurtured by creating Trade Organisation (WTO) has taken on to assist Seven is a spiritual and a congenial landlord stimulation, emotional friendships, exuding love, small countries who have found the global trading number and these last and landlady. A beautiful relationships, physical accentuating the positives regime to be challenging. seven years, from the time foundation from which to well-being and financial and eliminating the In promoting the concept the WTO has recognised we began our partnership begin the next seven years. flexibility. negatives. that small states and least developed ones at that, in an apartment in the We are now motivated, Spiritual upliftment can Physical well-being can are unable to compete effectively with the power western suburbs of Port of in this new environment, be nurtured by cloaking be nurtured through good brokers in that Geneva-based. Spain, to our move last to use it as a launching oneself in a spiritual nutrition, appropriate Also participating in WTO meetings is also costly week to another pad for a new lease on blanket – a virtual exercise, sound sleep, to these states.When it comes to market opening for apartment, this time closer health. creation which exudes a peace of mind and hugs. imports again these small states are up against it. to the heart of Port of My responsibility for tranquil, serene and idyllic One of the important Liberalising their markets means giving up trade Spain, we have had many business health is environment and allows things to guard against as taxes which these countries can ill afford to lose divinely inspired virtually over, except one who is spiritually you get older is slipping since taxes on trade account for a substantial experiences. Not the least perhaps in an advisory attuned to receive the and falling with the amount of revenue to finance government of these experiences is the capacity. We do not know whispers from God who consequence of broken or operations while meeting some of the social needs cracked bones. I had a of citizens. scare last week getting out It is also a fact that while these states fling open of the shower.I missed the their markets by cutting taxes and removing other mat and slipped. I was non-tariff barriers to trade, they do not have the waiting for the pain. I was luxury of seeing the markets in the big countries lucky, it did not come, and being opportunities as they are closed. I was able to rise again All of these issues have guided the WTO to come and continue. In a split up with aid for trade to support small countries. It second, the next seven is therefore necessary to keep the support flowing. years could have been different. Financial flexibility can be nurtured by good forward investment planning, including retirement plans and real estate, so as to avoid having to work too hard as a retiree and avoid dependence on your children for support. There is a tide in the affairs of men. Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in • The 31st Intersessional shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we meeting of CARICOM Leaders now afloat, And we must take the will start tomorrow. current when it serves,Or lose our ventures (Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 3). If we are fortunate to • There will be a town hall have the opportunity to pursue those golden years meeting on Wednesday to together, let us strive to unearth a new lease on discuss a proposed cruise ship health lest we find facility for Speightstown. ourselves stranded in miserable shallows.

(Dr.Basil Springer GCM • Kooyman will on Friday is a Change-Engine Consultant. His email open its spanking new outlet address is basilgf57 @gmail.com. His columns at Kendall Hill, Christ Church, may be found at www.nothingbeatsbusin starting at 6 p.m. ess.com and on www.facebook.com/basilg f).

Business Monday Monday February 17, 2020 • 5 Will there be growth? Economic Viewpoint By Jewel Brathwaite tion when Dr.Delisle Worrell was is that several of the techniques the Governor and which turned can be used to identify elements ters.Agriculture (both sugar and after the Governor’s news con- A LOT is being considered in out not to be the case on quite a of past patters of growth or no non-sugar), construction, and ex- ference the Prime Minister connection with the eco- few occasions. growth: seasonality, trend, port manufacturing, registered warned that she could give no nomic growth forecast the The impression coming across cyclicity and randomness in a declines last year. Furthermore, guarantees there will not be Governor of from those assessing the Bank’s more systematic and objective throughout 2019, the Bank had layoffs or additional taxes. the Central Bank of forecast is that it is too generous manner. Against this back- raised the possibility of at least Governor Haynes stated that Barbados, Cleviston Haynes since the prevailing economic ground and without trying to be minimal growth for the year. while public finances strength- gave in his January 29 eco- conditions are not that rosy, too technical, one may therefore This was not to be. ened at the end of December last nomic review for 2019. economic sectors with one excep- get a better picture of the As shown in the past the IMF year, it reflected government’s Haynes told the media that the tion, are not performing, and responses to the bank’s has never gotten its growth out- commitment to pursue the pri- economy will “expand within a fiscal consolidation is still very forecast and in light of how the look right, and even the CDB mary balance equivalent to the range of 1.25 per cent to 1.75 per much with us. economic sectors have been which last week revealed that its six per cent of GDP.Up to the end cent in 2020.” This outlook, he Forecasting economic growth doing. 2019 growth forecast for of 2019, the primary balance was explained, hinges on continued has become a very troublesome The sectors which tradition- Caribbean economies, was off approaching five per cent. growth in tourism and the task and you can bet that posi- ally lead to growth in the target. Therefore the job of fiscal recovery of private investment. tive growth results given in one Barbados economy are the ex- So where does this leaves us? consolidation is far from over. He went on to note that special period are adjusted downwards port of goods and services The Government is banking on Right now everyone wants to events including the “regather- in another. (Manufacturing, Tourism, and construction which fell over four see growth returning to the ing and the 15th United Nations Central Banks and other agen- International Business), invest- per cent last year on top of seven economy.Having benefited from Conference on Trade and cies forecasting growth usually ments (which also covers growth per cent in 2018, to boost growth. sizeable inflows of capital from Development (UNCTAD) confer- look to quantitative approaches of the country’s capital stock) and The Kooyman project has come the multilateral and regional ence to be held in Barbados to the subject at hand as opposed construction which is related to to an end, and so too is the new agencies, and the apparent should play a part in the to qualitative which is based a lot investments. It is found that a Police Station at Hastings, restoration of some degree of projected economic growth. on a judgmental approach and booming construction sector thereby taking two big chunks confidence as is being made out, That forecast has come in light can be questionable. brings along wholesale and re- out of construction activity going Barbados ought to be showing of the 0.6 per cent expansion the Years ago the late Central tail. forward. more for these gains. IMF gave for this year. The ex- Bank of Barbados Economist, Dr. Of all the sectors in Barbados, Under the prevailing It is hoped that the forecast pressed view by the Governor Roland Craigwell, put forward Tourism is the only one perform- IMF Barbados programme, put out by the Governor is on and the one per cent growth by the view that quantitative meas- ing. The others have been strug- Government is committed to target. If there is growth there Dr.Justin Ram of the Caribbean ures are divided into five broad gling to do justice to growth. For watch its spending if the country will be rejoicing. It will Development Bank is that that areas: time series, associated or 2019, as reported by Governor is to achieve the six per cent pri- allow consumers, businesses and once construction projects get causal, probabilistic, monitoring Haynes, the economy declined mary balance by the end of next investors to move ahead with going, growth will follow. Many among others. Dr.Craigwell had for the second consecutive year month and beyond.This suggest their plans based on a growing will recall a similar theme under said further that the main ad- meaning that Barbados remains there is very little the state can economy. If not there will be the previous DLP administra- vantage of quantitative methods, in recession and for eight quar- do in stimulating activity. Days disruption and disappointment.

A love for ‘Sweet Ice’ An Interview with Entrepreneur, Graphic Artist, Reeka-Lynn Selman By Krystal Penny Bowen wanted to be a part of the culture but she noted that a lot of people HAVE you ever had a love for in the industry did not do any something that could become a branding. With her creative business? For 31-year-old, background and graphic design Reeka-Lynn Selman she did just training, she thought that if she that by turning her passion into started a business, she wanted an exciting venture. her product to be more promi- If you are in Bridgetown and nent and to have a presence. visit the Colonnade Mall, on the “It just started with a name first floor at the top of the esca- and then it just snowballed from lator, you will find a cart called there and I decided that I wanted “Sweet Ice”. For many shoppers, to have flavours that were you will be fortunate to find a natural and made from the snow cone vendor in the City as fruit,” said Selman. they often move around. However Selman’s business is From fruit to candy toppings stationary and her prominent She also caters to persons who and trendy branding will be hard cannot use sugar by providing a to forget. limited line of sugarless syrups Entrepreneur and graphic artist, Reeka-Lynn Selman took her love of snow cones and created the Recently, Business Monday for her snow cones. Those who business “Sweet Ice” which sells snow cones made with natural flavours. caught up with the young entre- buy her snow cones can also get preneur, a graphic artist by fun toppings like pineapple, venture in 2019. Yet, she has cial media platform, Instagram – profession who owns and oper- strawberry and gummy worms. dreams of expanding her A love for food, good family her main space to reach her ates a snow cone business. She Her unique flavours (snow cone business to other locations and support clients and fans. As to how she explained that the idea for the syrups) include sorrel, coconut, providing more flavours. As to Selman revealed that she does manages her hectic work and business started through her strawberry, bayleaf, lemon-lime her decision to not be mobile, not have a culinary background family life, Selman said she does love of snow cones. with basil, ginger, coffee with Selman explained that it was but she likes the art of food and not know how she does it but she She admitted that her sweet milk and soursop. The about creating an atmosphere her mother is an entrepreneur. gets it done. favourite flavour was coconut young creative came up with that is different from what most The young single mother also “I just try, if I have to stay up with condensed sweet milk but over 20 different flavours. people would usually expect highlighted that she has received until three in the morning she was not drawn to the other Her business, “Sweet Ice” is from other snow cone vendors. significant support from her fam- making syrups or working flavours available despite their still in its nascent stage as She also said she has catered to ily and her friends. Selman’s on a design – then so be it,” she bright colours. She said she Selman said that she started the outdoor events in the past. business can be found on the so- said.

6 • Monday February 17, 2020 Business Monday Kirk King appointed new GM of Berger Paints Barbados BERGER PAINTS BARBADOS King, is a graduate of both the ten years working his way up the corpo- LIMITED, a major force in the paint University of the West Indies and rate ladder of SOL Caribbean Ltd, where industry has been manufacturing Durham University Business School in he previously held the position of and distributing a wide range of the United Kingdom. He is an exception- Commercial Development Manager. high-performing decorative, ma- ally experienced Mechanical Engineer Nicholas Mouttet, CEO ANSA McAL rine and industrial paint products with an MBA in General Management (Barbados) commented, ‘We are thrilled in Barbados and across the Eastern and over fifteen years of senior manage- to have Kirk join our team. He has a Caribbean since 1957 recently ment practise within the energy field, as unique skill set and a wealth of experi- announced a new local General well as the areas of mechanical engineer- ence to bring to the table and we look for- Manager, Kirk King who will head ing, project management, business de- ward to continuing our journey of growth up the company with immediate velopment and strategic planning. He is and business development with him at Newly-appointed Berger Paints effect. well known locally as he spent the last the helm.” Barbados Ltd. GM Kirk King.

BARP, FLOW educating seniors about Internet safety By Shamar Blunt plained. Online scamming which has seen a BARBADIAN senior citizens are worrying increase in Barbados over the being warned about the do’s and last few years has not gone unnoticed don’ts of online safety best prac- for the Internet service provider. tices, as misinformation and fraud- According to Morris, persons must not ulent activities continue to affect take any strange e-mails or notifica- the age demographic. tions at face value, but instead This caution came from President of do research through reputable the Barbados Association of Retired channels. Persons (BARP), Marilyn Rice-Bowen, “These are some of the scams we have as she opened up frank discussions with seen in Barbados; you’ve received an e- online safety representatives from Flow mail saying you owe someone money, Barbados on Tuesday, for BARP mem- online dating scams, someone having a bers. Rice-Bowen revealed that its personal emergency, or your computer members’ age group is often targeted by has been infected with a virus. Now online scams according the data. In see- that last point, is one of the most preva- President of BARP, Marilyn Rice-Bowen, joined by FLOW representatives ing the need to address this growing lent that I have seen, and that is the one Alan Harris (right) and Greg Morris. concern, BARP is using the year 2020, that usually catches a lot of persons. as a time to inform and educate its They will use words that will make it Morris advised persons to be mindful e-mail, or text, to always check with members on issues to be on the lookout feel as though it’s a true emergency, of their actions online, and if they see or relevant authorities or businesses to for. and that you need to take action now,” hear any seemingly important confirm these notifications as “All the research as revealed that sen- he warned. information through social media, misinformation is often easily spread. iors are the most vulnerable. Hackers just love to hold onto us, thus this pres- entation this morning. What I want to say is that this is just the beginning; our membership is 27 000, so we are barely just touching the tip of the iceberg here. Build resilience, says Dr. Justin Ram This is just the beginning. We at BARP By André Springer ing of all projects for better resilience and place by governments, so they would also are committed to insuring that our sen- Climate Vulnerability Assessment. So we be resilient. iors and our communities are safe. We REGARDING the concern over climate ensure that all capital projects funded by “One is that they need to have the are not only looking at safety on the change and the effect on the Caribbean the CDB, there are climate benefits to our correct level of coverage from the road or in the home, but safety as you and how the Caribbean Development Borrowing Member Countries and Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance use the Internet,” she said. Bank (CDB) could aid countries in our beneficiaries,” he said. Facility (CCRIF) and secondly we think Educating all persons on the safe use protection and mitigation, Director of Best also announced that the CDB had that our governments need to consider of the web, especially the older citizens Economics of the CDB, Dr. Justin Ram taken the position to move disbursements building up some of their own buffers, in our society, is a responsibility that said that building resilience was key. more aggressively and be more responsi- having some resources put aside so that Flow takes very seriously. Recognising Speaking to the media after the CDB ble, especially in the building of resilience it is not a matter of if these disasters that these persons are the most at risk Annual News Conference, Dr. Ram said in the region. happen, it is a matter of when,” said Ram. users currently using the web, Flow has that the CDB encouraged territories to Dr. Ram reiterated that his organisa- These measures are important taken steps to partner with BARP to build their resilience. tion advocated for countries to make contended Ram because when situations help spread more awareness. “We harp along the lines of building important changes including good land occur, the country and region is able to Tech Expert at Flow Barbados, Greg resilience, that’s very important for our use rules in place so as to not construct bounce back quicker. Referencing the Morris, led the morning session at countries. The Multidimensional properties in less than ideal areas. taking of new debt, due to the need to BARP headquarters, by first telling Vulnerability Index that we published Another advacation was for good building rebuild infrastructure, Ram stated that it those who were present, about the im- last year is a means for countries to look codes to be put in place and adhered created a serious problem of debt build up, portance of using strong passwords and see where they are vulnerable. Not to along with getting the indemnity which CDB wishes to avoid. while being online, especially for finan- only in the natural environment but also insurance market moving. Also recommended was that cial transactions. on the social and on the economic front so “It is really important that we get the governments look at other financing in- “Things to do while using any that countries can then determine where indemnity insurance market going, so struments, using the example of the Inter- Internet service, is to use strong and their priorities should be in building that all those who own properties within American Development Bank, which has unique passwords. Strong passwords is resilience.” our countries are well insured. We have a credit risk facility to access resources in not your name, your address or license Dr. Daniel Best, Director of Projects, found that in many of our countries, we the wake of a disaster, something that plate number. It is not things that are CBD explained that at the 2020 World are either very much under-insured or the CDB is looking into as well. Dr. Ram easily guessed or easy to find out. Economic Forum, in the global report, it not insured at all and so that delays the said that he believed as well that Strong passwords are generally a mix of was identified that the top five risks in amount of time we can bounce back from resilience was needed at all levels – the characters involving something ran- terms of likelihood of occurrence were all these disasters,” he said. individual, household and business dom, and something that is only mean- climate change related. On the fiscal side, Ram believed that regarding insurance and at the govern- ingful, or memorable to you,” Morris ex- “The CDB has undertaken the screen- the correct fiscal measures must be put in mental level, to put policies in place.

Business Monday Monday February 17, 2020 • 7

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline INSURANCE CORPORATION OF B’DOS LTD 708 $3.20 $3.20 $3.20 $0.00 February 14, 2020 GODDARD ENTERPRISES LIMITED 22 $3.25 $3.25 $3.25 $0.00

Two securities traded firm as 730 shares traded on the Regular Market, with a total value of $2,337.10. Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited was the volume leader trading 708 shares at $3.20. They were followed by Goddard Enterprises Limited which traded Fixed Income Market 22 shares at $3.25. Security Volume GOB SERIES B 18,934

Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $21.87 $21.96 $0.09 BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Friday February 14, 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 February 13, 2020 February 12, 2020 Local 3,233.83 3,236.00 (2.17) ABV Investments Incorporated 26-Jun-19 - - - $0.02 $0.02 - $0.02 $0.15 8,080 1,000 Cross-list 1,348.28 1,348.28 - BICO Limited 30-Jan-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 11,885 - Composite 789.94 790.46 (0.52) 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 - - - - - February 13, 2020 February 12, 2020 Local 6,886.97 6,891.59 (4.63) Barbados Farms Limited 07-Dec-19 - - - $0.40 $0.40 - $0.40 $0.50 8,636 10,899 Cross-list 172.16 172.16 - Composite 7,059.13 7,063.75 (4.63) Cable and Wireless Barbados Limited -+ 21-Sep-17 - - - $2.29 $2.29 - - - - - MUTUAL FUND Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 07-Feb-20 - - - $4.66 $4.66 - $4.66 $6.53 2,710 1,000 February 14, 2020 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV FirstCaribbean International Bank 06-Feb-20 - - - $2.65 $2.65 - - $2.65 - 26,432 CHANGE 07-Feb-20 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.2679 0.0076 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 11-Feb-20 - - - $0.16 $0.16 - - $0.16 - 56,873 07-Feb-20 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.1951 0.0003 - Dev Fund 07-Feb-20 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6955 -0.0004 07-Feb-20 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.4320 6.4320 6.4320 0.0925 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 13-Feb-20 - - - $0.60 $0.60 - $0.58 $0.62 3,000 24,445 07-Feb-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.0245 0.0075 -Value Fund 07-Feb-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0137 0.0038 31-Dec-19 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.6891 5.6891 5.5753 0.1841 Goddard Enterprises Limited 14-Feb-20 22 $3.25 $3.25 $3.25 $3.25 $0.00 $3.01 $3.25 20,000 27,602 31-Dec-19 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 1.0293 1.0293 1.0087 0.0123 31-Dec-19 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6145 1.6145 1.5822 0.0098 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 14-Feb-20 708 $3.20 $3.20 $3.20 $3.20 $0.00 $3.20 $3.23 42 7,679 14-Feb-20 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.78 0.01 14-Feb-20 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.60 0.01 One Caribbean Media Limited 28-Jan-20 - - - $2.60 $2.60 - - $2.70 - 8,464 14-Feb-20 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.99 0.00 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 ---- - * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - - - $2.80 $2.80 - - - - - FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. West India Biscuit Company Limited 12-Feb-20 - - - $32.75 $32.75 - $30.00 $32.75 100,000 487 m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly Emera Deposit Receipt 10-Feb-20 - - - $21.87 $21.96 $0.09 $20.84 - 35 Fixed Income

Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD 730 Date Close Close Price Price Size Size GOB Series B 14-Feb-20 $65.00 $65.00 $65.00 $70.00 481,066 9,074 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 $50.00 $65.00 300,000 300,000 * = Security is Trading X-Div GOB Series F 05-Feb-20 $89.00 $89.00 $89.00 6,847,619 *+* = Security is Suspended GOB Series I 23-Jan-20 $54.00 $54.00 $80.00 540,056 ** = Rights Issued WEEK IN REVIEW This week, the Regular Market traded a total volume of 85,238 shares. The top three companies traded were Goddard Enterprises Limited with 73,182, Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC - Value Fund with 6,000 and Eppley Caribbean Property Fund NOTICES SCC - Development Fund with 5,345. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NEWS BICO Limited – Notice is hereby given that the 135th Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on February 25th, 2020 at the Cricket Legends of Barbados, Herbert House, Fontabelle, St, Michael, at 5:00 p.m.

ABV Investment Incorporated – Notice is hereby given that the 29th Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on March Tesla: German court halts 4th, 2020 at the Massy Stores Training Room, Massy Stores SuperCentre Complex, Warrens, St, Michael, at 1:30 p.m.

Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC Limited – Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Company will be work on new ‘Gigafactory’ held on March 5th, 2020 at Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael at 5:00 p.m. TESLA has been ordered to known as a “gigafactory” in temporarily halt prepara- Grünheide, in the eastern FirstCaribbean International Bank – Notice is hereby given that the 26th Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held on tions for a car factory in state of Brandenburg. March 6th, 2020 in Ball Room 3, Hilton Barbados Resort, St, Michael at 10:00 a.m. Germany after environ- But the factory has be- mentalists won a court in- come a flashpoint between DIVIDEND DECLARATION junction yesterday. environmentalists and Cave Shepherd and Company Limited - Directors have declared a final dividend of ten ($0.10) cents per share to be paid on February 21st, 2020 to Shareholders on record at close of business on February 7th, 2020. The electric carmaker Germany’s pro-business had been clearing forest Christian Democrat and Goddard Enterprises Limited – Directors have declared a third interim dividend of one point five ($0.015) cents per share to be paid land near the capital, Free Democrat parties, on February 28th, 2020 to Shareholders on record at close of business on January 31st, 2020. Berlin, ahead of building its who fear the issue could BSE NOTICES first European car and bat- damage the country’s TRADING SUSPENSION tery plant. image as a place to do busi- The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section The court emphasised ness. 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. the injunction was tempo- The dispute highlights rary and subject to further the risks for the US car- The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section hearings, probably this maker, which has not been 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited week. officially granted permis- were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. Protesters say the factory sion to build the factory. The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by way is a threat to local wildlife Tesla was, however, of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor and water supplies. granted permission by Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited. To much fanfare, Tesla’s Germany’s environment The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that, as a result of the approved amalgamation of Cable and Wireless boss Elon Musk announced ministry to begin site (Barbados) Limited (CWBL) and Cable & Wireless West Indies Limited (CWWI), trading in the security - Cable and Wireless plans last November to preparations “at its own (Barbados) Limited - has been suspended with immediate effect. build a European facility risk”. Barbados Advocate

IT’S OUR BUSINESS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS DO BUSINESS CONDUCT BACKGROUND

CHECKS!THE relevant authorities are some people who up to now still range of skilled nationals that being urged to conduct full have more to do and once they could move here and live was a background checks on those are coming here and now have to commendable one, he also noted seeking entry to work on take a course in order to get that it would improve inter-island these shores. valid piece of certification, let travel as relatives of those work- This advice came from Deputy them do it before they reach ing here visited. President of the Upper Chamber, these shores. Highlighting that the Senator Rudolph Greenidge, Greenidge later added, “I Caribbean has to unite its people while making a contribution to would also like to urge associa- or perish, he nevertheless stated the debate on the Caribbean tions such as Barbados Asso- that government could not be Community (Movement of ciation of Medical Practitioners dismissive of the belief of its Skilled Nationals) (Amendment) and the Bar Association to be in citizens that Barbados could not Bill, 2020 recently. constant contact with the similar continue to be the main country Deputy President of the Upper Chamber, Senator Rudolph “As you know, a doctor or association in the other countries to pick up the slack for others Greenidge. lawyer would be able to provide because there will always be peo- within the region. convincing qualifications and ple who want to move from one “People ask why is it that every example for Caribbean unity and the time.We cannot keep striv- sometimes we wonder how gen- place to the next for reasons time LIAT looks like it is going to you cannot dismiss what the peo- ing to be the nicest country in uine are things like the barbers’ other than work too, and there- crash – not literally – that ple are saying.You have to listen the Caribbean to our detriment. or carpenters’ qualifications fore we have to be very very Barbados is the first one to put to them that someone else must People are saying it and we have going to be. Barbados has put its careful with them.” out its hands to bail out LIAT? pick up the slack some of the to pay attention,” he added. house in order, but there are Saying the move to widen the Yes we want to be seen as a good time. It cannot be Barbados all (JMB) Strong finish to a strong year for Fortress Fund Managers LEADING fund manager, ings, the Fortress International in November, so the Caribbean next two years. As a result, ments had a very strong quarter Fortress Fund Managers Equity Fund and Fortress Growth Fund benefited from Fortress does not expect any new while bonds were little changed.” achieved “a strong finish to a Emerging Markets Fund, were this uplift in its holding of government bonds in the near- The Fund commentary em- strong year” across its suite of up 10.3% and 14.1% respectively Sagicor.” term. “During the quarter we phasised that money was not the Barbados and US dollar funds in in the fourth quarter and 25.7% The Fund reached “new highs” made new investments in short- only aspect of retirement plan- 2019. and 18.9% in 2019. in its share price and net assets term secured deposits and added ning that benefits from a sound In its fourth quarter report Closer to home in the as net assets grew to $527 mil- marginally to our GOB Series F long-term plan. It encouraged in- shared recently with investors, Caribbean, returns in the stock lion, up from $447 million this holdings.” vestors to consider areas such as Fortress highlighted success in markets were mixed. In time last year. In 2019 the Fund In the global arena, bond mar- health and wellness, legal provi- its three Barbados dollar funds, Barbados the announcement of became fully open once again to kets showed modest returns dur- sions including making a will, the Fortress Caribbean Growth GNB Financial’s acquisition of all new subscriptions from in- ing the quarter as medium and adequate insurance cover espe- Fund, the Fortress Caribbean a 67% stake in FirstCaribbean vestors. This follows the limit- long-term yields rose slightly. cially against expensive medical High Interest Fund, and the International Bank from CIBC ing of new subscriptions to “For now,yields are low globally emergencies, and using their Fortress Caribbean Pension at a substantial discount, led monthly saving programmes and this will limit returns for skills to give back to society after Fund. to a 22% decline in First- and pensions only, since early bond investors.The Fund’s gross they leave the workforce. Caribbean’s price on the 2017. yield is currently 3.34%, a good Double-digit growth for Barbados Stock Exchange estimate of its medium-term Future returns look growth fund (BSE). High Interest Fund up 4.4% return potential.” substantial The flagship Fortress Caribbean During the fourth quarter, the for 2019 The High Interest Fund is The fourth quarter report ended Growth Fund gained 7.2% in the acquisition of Sagicor Financial In the Fortress Caribbean High open only to monthly investment by saying that “while no one can fourth quarter of last year and by Canadian company Alignvest Interest Fund, gains of 1.0% programmes and pensions cur- predict the future – and we cer- was up 14.9% for all of 2019.This was also completed. As part of were made during the fourth rently and remains closed to the tainly don’t try to – the potential was due in large part to interna- this transition, Sagicor delisted quarter.The Fund is up 4.4% for lump sum investments. future returns across our re- tional and emerging markets eq- its shares from the BSE so in- the full year 2019. gional and global equity invest- uities showing substantial gains, vestors must now trade the The Fund’s net assets were Up to double-digit gains in the ments still look substantial, even along with some shares in shares in Canada, and Barbados $135 million, up from $132 mil- Caribbean Pension Fund though 2019 may prove to be a Trinidad. “Returns were strong has one less share listed in its lion this time last year. The three classes of shares of the hard act to follow.” in the Fund’s global investments market. The Fund’s commentary ex- Caribbean Pension Fund gained The Barbados-based invest- as well-valued international and On the plus side, “The shares plained that Barbados was likely between 1.6% and 6.1% in the ment manager, manages more emerging markets shares led the in Canada were quoted approx- to continue obtaining its financ- fourth quarter. It returned be- than $700 million across 11 dif- way,” the report noted. The imately 20% higher than where ing from multilateral organisa- tween 5.2% and 13.1% over the ferent funds with regional and Growth Fund’s two largest hold- they ended trading on the BSE tions such as the IMF for the full year 2019. “Equity invest- global investments.

Printed and Published by ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC. Fontabelle, St. Michael. Telephone 467-2000, Fax 434-2020/434-1000

The Barbados Advocate Monday February 17, 2020 • 13 Trump takes lap around track to open Daytona 500 PRESIDENT Donald oath to put their lives on the Trump has welcomed line for our country”. NASCAR fans to the start of A portion of the presidential this year’s Daytona 500 motorcade took a lap around with a lap around the the track before pulling aside Florida race track in his just before the start of the race. presidential limousine. The first couple was riding the “There is no greater thrill car known as “The Beast”. than to join you at the world Trump also served as the centre of racing for the 62nd Grand Marshal, commanding, Daytona 500 – so exciting,” “Gentlemen, start your en- Trump said in opening re- gines”. He is the second marks to the crowd. American president to do so, “To all of the drivers, techni- behind George W.Bush who at- cians and pit crews here today, tended the Daytona 500 in good luck and may the best 2004. team win. Multiple people associated “God bless you, God bless our with NASCAR, manufacturers military, God bless our veter- and race teams made versions ans and God bless America. of the same joke repeatedly Have a great race.” over the past two days, saying Trump also thanked Gold that “it’s starting to feel more “There is no greater thrill than to join you at the world center of racing for the 62nd Daytona 500 Star families, who were in at- like a race is breaking out at a – so exciting,” Trump said in opening remarks to the crowd. tendance at the race, “whose Trump rally than the other loved ones made the supreme way around”. ive of the President and said it race for political reasons. long race features 40 drivers sacrifice to honour our freedom The tone in which the joke with some reverence, while Considered the Super Bowl on the track of the Daytona and our flag”. was delivered varied, accord- others were frustrated either of stock car racing,s the International Speedway in “Your fallen warriors will live ing to CNN’s Dianne by the President seemingly Daytona 500 has served as the Daytona Beach, Florida. The in our hearts forever,” he said, Gallagher. overshadowing the biggest race NASCAR season opener since winner takes home a replica of before thanking new military In some cases, the people of the year or because they dis- 1982. the Harley J. Earl Trophy and enlistees who “took a solemn making the joke were support- agreed with him being at the The 200-lap, 805-kilometre- about US$1.5 million.

More than 1100 ex-prosecutors, officials call on Trump-appointed Attorney General to resign MORE than 1110 former Department. Department had acted appro- Justice Department officials In just one week, career priately,and, without explana- who served in Republican as prosecutors withdrew from a tion, suggested prosecutors’ well as Democratic administra- case after Barr overruled their recommended sentence for tions posted a statement sentencing, the attorney Stone was too harsh. calling on Attorney General general pushed back against In an interview with ABC Bill Barr to resign. the President in an unusual News, Barr defended the “Mr Barr’s actions in doing interview and separately department’s rank-and-file. the President’s personal ordered an examination of “I cannot do my job here at bidding unfortunately speak politically charged cases the department with a constant louder than his words,” involving those close background commentary that theofficials wrote in a to President Donald undercuts me,” the attorney statement. Trump. general said. “Those actions, and the dam- The statement went on to say It was a notable zag for Barr age they have done to the career attorneys should report after days of mounting Department of Justice’s reputa- any troubling actions they see scrutiny, and on Friday, the tion for integrity and the rule of to the department’s Inspector Justice Department informed law, require Mr Barr to General. former FBI Deputy Director resign. The upheaval at the Justice Andrew McCabe – a frequent “But because we have little Department began when all target of Trump’s ire – it expectation he will do so, it falls four federal prosecutors who was dropping charges against to the Department’s career took the case against Roger him. officials to take appropriate Stone to trial withdrew from At the time, Barr ordered a action to uphold their the case Tuesday afternoon re-examination of several oaths of office and defend after Barr overruled their sen- high-profile cases, including nonpartisan, apolitical tencing recommendation hours that of former national justice.” after the President criticised it security advisor Michael The rare statement from the on Twitter. Flynn, US officials briefed on officials – mostly former career Barr on Thursday claimed he the matter say. prosecutors, but also some couldn’t do his job with Trump The move could bring fresh former political appointees – publicly commenting on scrutiny of the political motives came in the wake of an extraor- sensitive investigations, but behind actions at the Justice Trump-appointed Attorney General Bill Barr. dinary week at the Justice insisted the Justice Department.

14 • Monday February 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Fire Fight Australia relief concert puts on $9m super show TENS of thousands of people have “Our volunteers across this entire poured into Sydney’s ANZ stadium country,they are the ones who saved us,” for a star-studded relief concert, in Barber told the crowd. a massive show of support for those “They are the ones who cancel holidays affected by the summer’s bushfire to stay here and look after us, and I will crisis. speak now very confidently on behalf of More than 70 000 people were expected a nation when I say to those volunteers: at the Fire Fight Australia concert yester- Thank you.” day, which according to organisers sold Barber also fired a shot at government out within 24 hours of tickets going on handling of the bushfire crisis. sale. “As Aussies, we band together because Hosted by comedian Celeste Barber, we have to look after each other – because Fans in the crowd during the Fire Fight Australia bushfire relief concert at ANZ who has raised more than $50 million for it turns out people at the top don’t,” she Stadium in Sydney, yesterday, February 16, 2020. (AAP) bushfire relief, all ticket profits will go to said to cheers from the crowd. groups which are helping fire-ravaged Rock behemoths Queen + Adam in Queensland, flew into the country es- tween the Red Cross’ disaster relief and communities get back on their feet. Lambert reprised the band’s iconic 1985 pecially for the concert. recovery fund, rural and regional fire Donations had topped $9 million as of Live Aid set for the roaring crowd, with Popular Australian acts spanning gen- services and the RSPCA’s bushfire ap- 11 pm (local time)yesterday. Alice Cooper, Irish favourite Ronan erations were also on the line-up, includ- peal. Barber became emotional when she Keating and singer-songwriter k.d. lang ing 5 Seconds of Summer, Amy Shark, Donations to the Foundation for Rural thanked the volunteer firefighters who also performing. Daryl Braithwaite, Delta Goodrem, and Regional Renewal were also accepted sacrificed their time to battle devastating Lambert said their involvement was a Grinspoon, John Farnham, Lee during the concert, to fund grants for blazes, saying “you will never know how “no-brainer” while Keating, whose Kernaghan, Olivia Newton-John. community-led projects needing support grateful we are”. brother-in-law is a volunteer firefighter Fire Fight’s profits will be shared be- in the bushfires’ aftermath.

Locust swarms: Uganda’s ‘Queen of UN says 13 million Katwe’ star dies aged 15 people in East Africa AN actress who starred in the “Queen of teacher. Katwe”, a Disney film about a chess Waligwa played the role of Gloria, a prodigy from a Ugandan slum, has died friend of Phiona who explained the rules aged 15, Ugandan media report. of chess to her. could face food crisis Nikita Pearl Waligwa had been She was first diagnosed with a brain tu- THE United Nations has warned if “Preventing a catastrophe in East diagnosed with a brain tumour. mour in 2016 and Queen of Katwe direc- the locust swarms spreading across East Africa is a far better investment than re- The 2016 film was based on the true tor Mira Nair reportedly mobilised people Africa are not stopped now it could affect sponding to its consequences and impact story of Phiona Mutesi, who took up chess to help fund her treatment in India, with millions of people and cost more than on the lives of millions across the region.” aged nine despite not being in school and Ugandan doctors quoted as saying they US$1 billion (£766.5 million). The FAO has so far raised US$22 mil- went on to compete in international did not have the necessary equipment. In a stark warning to the world’s lion (£16.8 million) out of the US$76 mil- tournaments. She was given the all-clear in 2017 but governments, the UN’s World Food lion it has appealed for to launch a large It starred Lupita Nyong’o as her last year was found to have another Programme (WFP) said it will be vastly scale response to the locust infestation. mother and David Oyeslowo as her chess tumour. more cost effective to raise the Desert locust swarms are now multiply- $76m (£59m) needed to stop the swarms ing across Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia now instead of dealing with the and more have already been observed in consequences if it turns into a plague. Eritrea, Djibouti and northeastern It said up to 13 million people’s food Uganda, the regional Food Security and security could be further threatened if Nutrition Working Group warned on the pests are not tackled imminently. Friday. The desert locust swarms were first “Looking forward, given favourable spotted in December in Kenya, Somalia forecast weather conditions, swarms are and Ethiopia and reached Uganda on expected to increase in areas already Sunday, prompting its government to affected, as well as spread to neighbour- deploy military forces to help with ing areas,” the update said. pesticide spraying. “There is also a high risk that locusts It is the worst locust invasion Kenya will spread to South Sudan.” has seen in 70 years and the worst in Several million people in South Sudan Somalia and Ethiopia in 25 years, with are already facing hunger as the country crops destroyed as the insects exploit wet struggles to emerge from a civil war. conditions after unusually heavy rains. The FAO also expects locusts to breed Aerial spraying is considered the only and spread in coming months as the effective control. March-April start of the long rains is fore- The WFP’s executive director, David cast to encourage the locusts to breed Beasley, said, “The Food and Agriculture again and spread even further. Organisation of the United Nations This is the second warning this week, (FAO) needs US$76 million to help stop after the UN’s humanitarian chief Mark the locusts. Lowcock said a region where 13 million “Do nothing now and WFP will need up people already face severe food insecurity to 15 times that amount – more than cannot afford another jolt. US$1billion – to assist people devastated The UN warned, “We simply cannot Nikita Pearl Waligwa played Gloria, a friend of the protagonist Phiona, who ex- by losing crops and livelihoods. afford another major shock.” plained the rules of chess.

The Barbados Advocate Monday February 17, 2020 • 15 Facebook boss urges tighter regulation FACEBOOK boss Mark Zuckerberg not always fact-checked as part of the has called for more regulation of company’s free speech policy either. harmful online content, saying it At the conference he said he supported was not for companies like his to regulation. decide what counts as legitimate “We don’t want private companies free speech. making so many decisions about how to Citing China, Zuckerberg also balance social equities without any more warned excessive control risked stifling democratic process,” he said. individual expression. The Facebook founder urged govern- He was speaking at the Munich ments to come up with a new regulatory Security Conference in Germany. system for social media, suggesting it Social media giants like Facebook are should be a mix of existing rules for Facebook is under increasing pressure to curb the spread of disinformation on- under increasing pressure to stop the telecoms and media companies. line. spread of false information. “In the absence of that kind of Facebook in particular has been criti- regulation we will continue doing our also becoming better at covering their During his time in Europe, Zuckerberg cised for its policy on political advertising. best,” he said. tracks by masking the IP addresses of is expected to meet politicians in Munich The company launched new policies “But I actually think on a lot of these users. and Brussels to discuss data practices, for political advertising in the US in 2018 questions that are trying to balance dif- To tackle this, Zuckerberg said regulation and tax reform. and globally the following year. These ferent social equities it is not just about Facebook had a team of 35 000 people Despite public backlash over issues rules require political ads to display who coming up with the right answer, it is reviewing content and security on the like political advertising, Facebook says had paid for them, and a copy of the ad about coming up with an answer that platform. With assistance from AI, the number of users on its family of apps is kept in a publicly-searchable database society thinks is legitimate.” he said more than a million fake accounts – Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and for seven years. Zuckerberg also admitted Facebook are deleted every day. Instagram – continues to grow. However this week Facebook said it had been slow to recognise the develop- “Our budget [for content review] is big- Earlier this month, WhatsApp would not include sponsored political ment of co-ordinated online “information ger today than the whole revenue of the announced that it is used by two billion posts by social media stars in its campaigns” by state actors like Russia. company when we went public in 2012, people worldwide, more than a quarter database. Posts by politicians are not are He added that malevolent actors are when we had a billion users,” he said. of the world’s population.

Apple Watch outsold entire Swiss watch industry in 2019 THE Apple Watch outsold the entire Swiss watch industry in 2019. The Apple Watch sold 31 million units worldwide, while all Swiss watch brands combined sold 21 million units, according to research from consulting firm Strategy Analytics. Analysts are divided on whether this spells trouble for the Swiss watch indus- try, with some saying the end is near. Others point out that the mechanical watches certified in Switzerland are still bringing in more revenue than the Apple shipped 31 million Watch units in 2019 globally in comparison to the 21 million units for all Swiss brands combined. Apple (AAPL) Watch. “The Apple Watch has emerged as and fashion accessories. in the smartwatch competition. customers and gadget lovers,” said a status symbol of its own, and offers a “Yet these two value propositions are “I would argue it is not really compar- Thielke.“For these groups, it may be more competitive alternative to mid-range much stickier than fashion and glamour, ing Apples to apples,” said Vincent important to adopt a smartwatch Swiss watches,” Steven Waltzer, senior which is how we get to today,” she said. Thielke, a research analyst at market for technological or health reasons rather analyst at Strategy Analytics, told CNN “Nobody else in the wearable market has research firm Canalys. “Unit shipments than because of an appreciation for Business.“Apple’s massive customer base been able to find the right formula and get do not paint the entire picture.” ‘timeless timepieces.’” means that converting just a small anywhere near Apple.” Thielke pointed out that Swiss watches The Swiss watch’s position as a status percentage of iPhone users to Apple Watch The company also benefits from its are about twice as expensive as symbol is safe, given its luxury pricing users yields volume in the millions.” greater ecosystem of iPhone, iPad and Apple watches on average ($1 000 versus and different watch faces and designs to The Apple Watch, which can track other Apple-branded products. While $500), and in terms of absolute choose from, said Kaul, the Omdia fitness levels and link to apps for faster Swiss companies also sell smartwatches, US dollars generated, the Swiss watch analyst. “The only way to increase the check-ins at the movie theatre or the gym, they operate in the Android ecosystem. industry outperformed Apple Watch last uniqueness or status of the Apple Watch appeals to younger generations, while “Apple has an existing consumer year. is to invest in a designer band.” analogue watches are popular among an electronics-based relationship with the Looking at unit sales alone doesn’t tell Ramon Llamas, research director at older demographic, Strategy Analytics vast majority of its Apple Watch the full picture.Apple Watches might need market research firm IDC, said that Swiss pointed out in a report. customers,” said Rishi Kaul, media and to be replaced more frequently than Swiss watches personified “luxury,position and “People have embraced the Apple Watch consumer tech analyst at Omdia, a tech watches to upgrade their technology and affluence.” as a solution that brings tech and fashion research service. Kaul pointed out that boost battery life, all of which could bump “Does this spell the end of Swiss together,” said Carolina Milanesi, a tech Swiss watchmakers use Google’s Android- up Apple’s unit sales number, said watches? I doubt it. There will still be analyst at research firm Creative based WearOS software, which might Thielke. He added that the Apple Watch interest and demand, and in fact a Strategies. mostly appeal to people who already use could also be attracting newer audiences number of younger users still aspire to Milanesi noted that Apple’s emphasis Android phones. who might never have purchased a own one some day,” he said, “Meanwhile, on health and fitness positioned its Still, analysts said that this doesn’t spell Swiss watch. today’s smartwatches – and yes, even the watches differently from the Swiss the end of the Swiss watch as a luxury “Apple Watches cater to a much broader Apple Watch – will look quaint in just timepieces that are marketed as jewellery status symbol, even if it is falling behind consumer base, including young a matter of years.”

16 • Monday February 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Noisy neighbours causing such as Airbnb; If so, check whether a nuisance DEAR CHERISE there are any rules Organise another and regulations they DEAR JANE parties. Sometimes they Neighbourhood Watch should be adhering My neighbours have continue all through the meeting and get every- to concerning their recently started renting night up until 4 am the body to voice their con- guests and noise out their home to short- next morning. Nobody can cerns. Ask for some pollution. Because you stay guests. At our last get to sleep and we all ground rules to be put live in a cul-de-sac Neighbourhood Watch have to work the next day in place for your neigh- it would be very meeting they led everyone and get our children to bours’ visitors. I’m sure unpleasant to fall out to believe it would be school. Also trash is left this can be communi- with your neighbours tourists attending events blowing around and peo- cated amicably rather but if they are not will- such as weddings and ple park their cars block- than causing trouble or ing to show you respect family reunions who only ing everyone’s driveways. getting the police in- or compromise then needed accommodation What do you suggest we volved. Also you don’t unfortunately you may for a long weekend or do without turning our mention whether this have to get the law people arriving to go on quiet cul-de-sac into a is something they are involved and seek cruises departing from warzone? doing privately or some legal representa- Barbados. However that is – CHERISE through a company, tion. – JANE not the case and there is now a major problem. It seems that most of the guests visiting are doing so to party for solid days at a time! Need Advice? This is becoming such a nuisance. Yes! They are Write to Ask Jane having parties and there is going to be some noise c/o Advocate Publishers 2000 Inc but because of the way the house is designed the front veranda is the Fontabelle, St. Michael Bridge location of choice for these [email protected] The Barbados Advocate Monday February 17, 2020 • 17 SPORTSSPORTS Alexandra shooting for the stars in 2020 THE ‘Beacon of the North’ will be looking to the stars this year when the Barbados Secondary Schools Athletic Championships (BSSAC) gets running in a few weeks. The Alexandra School has promised all and that they will have to fight for every point this year as they intend to give them all a run for their money. These are the words on athletics coach Natalie Scantlebury who works closely with the St. Peter school. Speaking to The Barbados Advocate on the sidelines of their annual inter-house championships just last week, Scantlebury explained that the other schools had to expect that Alexandra would not be a pushover as they had been showing a marked improvement.“We are Alexandra athletics coach Natalie Scantlebury (right) going over logistics for the school’s sports with Physical Education going to have quite a presence in the teacher Renaldo Parris during the event this past week at the Usain Bolt Sports Complex. junior divisions I believe – especially in the Under-15 Girls and Boys.We have an a better mix when the athletes also joined that are like-minded and that will greater things in the future. “We have a influx of athletes that have been trained clubs and recommended it to all of them. encourage them. And they will get lot of strength in the junior divisions on which is a difference for our school this “I would call myself a nursery opportunities for more exposure as some the track and in the seniors we have a year. In previous times, I found the programme. I would have the young ones of the clubs travel and most of them better mix in terms of track and field. athletes were not training training as and I will start teaching them the basics compete in the local meets on weekends.” We have a Carifta medalist in Shanice well as they should have or as much as and once I see them develop past a Making mention of some of the school’s Hutson in the field events and we have they should have. I find now that a lot of certain level, I would encourage them to top talents, such as Ashlyn Simmons, some standouts in the jumps in the senior children are going to clubs and would join clubs with coaches that have a Kadia Rock, Jamarion Mapp, all of whom boys. We have people like Deshon Boyce credit that to the success on the track,” specialty in the area they would like to did well in primary school at the National that will be a standout on the track and she said. train in. I think it is important for them Primary Schools Athletic Championships in the jumps. We have Tyrique Norville, Going on to say that she works closely to go out there and when they are (NAPSAC), Scantlebury said that she he is also our Headboy, he will be a with the students during school time, involved in clubs they can have a higher expected an improved performance from standout on the track. So it’s a good mix Scantlebury added that she found it to be quality of training and be around people her team over last year and hoped for in the seniors.” she said. (MP)

Evans takes world championship lead with Sweden win

ELFYN EVANS opened his account Second place provided a first podium stage to collect five bonus points. Thierry Neuville are tied on 42 points with Toyota by taking a dominant win in for 2019 winner Tanak since the “It was a tricky stage to finish and with Evans leading on a countback. Rally Sweden on Sunday to lead the Estonian, who had a big crash in the with the grip changing so much I didn’t Ogier has 37. world championship for the first time. Monte Carlo opener last month, take any chances. I felt it was a bit Neuville, who claimed four bonus The Welshman, who led from the switched from Toyota to Hyundai at the too much on the edge to take big points from the power stage, was sixth opening stage of a winter event end of last year. chances,” Evans told the official wrc.com in Sweden while Evans finished third in shortened due to a lack of snow and Evans’s only other win was at home in website. the Monte Carlo round won by the unusually mild conditions, beat reigning Wales Rally GB in 2017, with M-Sport “It’s been a big effort trying to settle Belgian. world champion Ott Tanak by 12.7 Ford, the team he left at the end of last into a new team and these guys have Toyota lead the manufacturers’ seconds. season for Toyota. made the job very, very easy and given standings with 73 points to Hyundai’s The victory was the second of Evans’s Young Finn Kalle Rovanpera took us everything we possibly could have 63. WRC career, and made him the first third place for Toyota, ahead of six-times wanted to do this.” Mexico is the next round of the world Briton to triumph in the Swedish round world champion team mate Sebastien After two races of the 13-round championship, on gravel roads around of the championship. Ogier, after winning the final power championship, Evans and Hyundai’s the central city of Leon on March 12-15. Barbados Pride sweep Trinidad and Tobago Red Force KEON HARDING finished with ten trouble as they were already 48/4. players edging the ball to the wickets the visitors were bowled out for wickets in the match, a five-wicket haul Barbados only used four bowlers in the wicketkeeper with three of his wickets 77 with Harding capturing the last in each innings as Barbados Pride innings and only the three fast bowlers ending with the ball in the gloves of wicket of the innings. defeated the Trinidad and Tobago Red on the final day with Harding picking up Shane Dowrich. The man of the match went to Force by 299 runs. all but one wicket on the day to finish The other wicket on the day that wasn’t Barbados opening batsman Shayne Playing at Kensington Oval on the with 5/19 which included five maidens Harding went to Chemar Holder who Moseley who scored an unbeaten 155 fourth and final day in the West Indies and a wicket falling on the first ball of the took two wickets on the third day and runs in Barbados second innings to go First class championships, the Red Force day. ended the innings with three. along with his 23 in the first innings. were chasing 377 and started the day in Harding with his pace up had the Kemar Roach finished with two (CG) 18 • Monday February 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Clapham Bulls handle Tridents IT was a good fight by around the basket. with three threes in the the Combined Schools Romain Lovell, Andrew mix. Simeon Maynard Tridents, but in the end Ifill, Kelan Philips, had 13 points, Adriel the firepower of the Raheem Gibbons and Jae Brathwaite 12 and Kyrone reigning Co-operators Harris all scored four or Alexander 11. General Insurance more points in the fourth It came down to experi- Premier League to help Clapham double ence and the Bulls never champs, the Burger the youngsters’ output panicked, taking the King Clapham Bulls, 22-11. Akeem Marsh and charge to the young play- took care of business. Lovell top scored in the ers in the fourth and mak- The 16-point, 86-70 game, each with 18 points ing sure there was day- scoreline does not tell the – with Marsh grabbing 14 light between the scores full story, but a win is a rebounds and Lovell 10. when the clock wound win and the Burger King Gibbons finished with down. The defence also Clapham Bulls remain un- 15 points and Ifill 13. locked down on the defeated with six victories. Clapham dominated the Tridents top scorer The young Combined paint throughout the Alexander,giving him only Schools matched the game, taking apart the de- eight shot attempts in the tenacity of the Bulls early fence for 52 points and game. (AS) on at the Garfield Sobers also converted well in Sports Complex – in fact, transition with 30 fast Andrew Ifill of the Burger they hung with the break points. King Clapham Bulls heads champs for three full quar- The first quarter and for the ring, well defended ters, only down 64-59 at second quarter were al- by Combined Schools the end of the third. most dead even with the Tridents’ Brandon Ruck. It looked like it could game locked at 19 after possibly be a fight down to the first and 41-40 at the the final whistle, but the half. Brandon Ruck had a competent passing of the great game for the school- Bulls saw points come boys with 18 points, 6 re- from multiple players all bounds and 4 assists along

Silver: NBA, USA Basketball still may play in China in 2020 CHICAGO – The NBA and for Freedom. Stand with USA Basketball are still Hong Kong,” referencing considering playing in several months of China later this year, pro-democracy demonstra- though the complexities of tions in the semi- both the political rift autonomous Chinese caused by a tweet last fall territory. and the ongoing health The tweet wasn’t up for concerns in the world’s long. The fallout was mas- most populous country are sive and continues. A pair making those plans seem of preseason games be- decidedly uncertain. tween the Brooklyn Nets NBA Commissioner and Los Angeles Lakers in Adam Silver said the dis- China were played days cussions in both cases – after Morey’s tweet, though pre-Olympic games for without the support of sev- USA Basketball and the eral sponsors and with preseason games for the both teams playing in si- NBA – are ongoing, and lence - none of the custom- said the decisions are not ary pre- and post-game necessarily linked. It’s pos- media availabilities were sible the US may play held. The Chinese The lanky Adriel Brathwaite attempts to pull in a big rebound. there this summer and the Basketball Association sus- NBA does not send teams pended its relationship turned to CCTV, the gov- toward dealing with also is president of the pended most access to this fall, Silver said. with the Rockets, Chinese ernment broadcaster,” COVID-19, a disease stem- National Basketball Wuhan on Jan. 23. “Those are issues that media giant Tencent and Silver said. “My sense is ming from a new form of Players Association, said Restrictions have ex- haven’t been decided yet,” Chinese state television they will at some point in coronavirus. on Saturday. “A friend of panded to cities with a total Silver said Saturday night pulled some NBA broad- the future. We are not Basketball, understand- mine, Pooh Jeter, plays of 60 million people in the at his annual All-Star casts and Silver said the pressing them. It’s a deci- ably,has been pushed aside over in China, and I actu- broadest anti-disease weekend news conference. NBA quickly began experi- sion that is outside of cer- while the Chinese deal ally wrote ‘Wuhan’ on my measures ever imposed. Things are not back to encing significant financial tainly our control and I’m with a massive crisis. shoes the other night in a Restaurants, shops and normal for the league when losses. often not even sure where “This game of basketball game in New Orleans. other businesses nation- it comes to relations with Silver said it’s possible that decision lies.” is a huge game, and I’ve (But) this isn’t just a wide were ordered to close. China. The strain started the NBA could lose as The NBA and Chinese been blessed and fortunate Wuhan problem. It’s an Through Friday, China Oct. 4, when Houston gen- much as $400 million in officials have been talking, enough to travel to China a everyone problem.” reported a total of 66,492 eral manager Daryl Morey revenue this year because or at least were talking number of times,” All-Star Wuhan is the city at the cases of the virus, officially tweeted an image that read of hits to the China market. until much of the Chinese Chris Paul of the Okla- centre of the outbreak. saying it was responsible “Fight “Our games have not re- resources were redirected homa City Thunder, who China’s government sus- for 1,523 deaths.

The Barbados Advocate Monday February 17, 2020 • 19 Morgan leads England to T20 series win ENGLAND captain Eoin Morgan match of the South African home interna- the contest was effectively ended. went on a six-hitting spree to take his tional season, hit 66 off 33 balls for the Morgan was named man of the match side to a series win in a high-scoring hosts after Temba Bavuma (49) and cap- and man of the series after pipping oppo- third and final Twenty20 interna- tain Quinton de Kock (35) hammered 84 site number De Kock as the leading run- tional against South Africa at for the first wicket off 46 balls. scorer in the series. SuperSport Park yesterday. “When any side posts 220 it’s a tough “We knew it would be a high-scoring Morgan slammed seven sixes in an in- ask but going back to the 2016 World Cup game but we’re a bit disappointed not to nings of 57 not out off 22 balls as England with this group of players we chased down get over the line,” said De Kock. chased down South Africa’s 222 for six 230 against South Africa in Mumbai. So “We had mixed emotions [after the first with five wickets and five balls to spare. we always had this belief,” added Morgan. innings], the guys were confident but we “It’s a nice note to leave this tour on,” Jason Roy was out early but Jos Buttler knew it was a great wicket.” said Morgan. (57) and Jonny Bairstow (64) put on 91 off South Africa won the first game by one However Morgan had sympathy for the 50 balls for the second wicket to put run before England levelled the series bowlers on a day when a capacity crowd England in a strong position. with a two-run victory. were peppered with 28 sixes as the bats- However 78 runs were still needed off It was the last match for England after men took advantage of a true pitch and 38 balls when Dawid Malan was fourth a tour in which they won a four-match the thin air of the South African high- out with the total on 145. Test series and shared a one-day series. veld. Ben Stokes joined Morgan and the pair South Africa will be back in action on “It was a hell of a game,” said Morgan. added 61 off 27 balls before Stokes was Friday when they play Australia in “You have to commend both sides’ caught on the boundary with 17 still Johannesburg in the first of three bowlers. It’s not the easiest ground to bowl needed off 11 balls. Twenty20 internationals, which on, especially with a wicket like this.” Morgan hit two sixes off successive balls will be followed by three one-day England captain Eoin Morgan. Heinrich Klaasen, playing in his first from Lungi Ngidi in the same over and internationals.

MLB announces rule changes, including three-batter minimum MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL made set at 26. official its rule changes for the 2020 • Two-way players: These players season on Wednesday, implementing a may pitch without counting toward the three-batter minimum for any pitcher pitching roster limits. Such players and an expanded regular-season must accrue at least 20 innings pitched roster. in the majors and start at least The new pitching rule is the major 20 games as a position player/desig- change, designed to speed up the game nated hitter with at least three plate by eliminating some pitching changes. appearances in those games. Stats from Any starter or reliever must face 2019 and 2018 can be used to designate three batters, or pitch until the such players. This helps address the inning is over, before coming out of the status of the Anaheim Angels’ game. starter/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani This will, for example, effect the usage and Cincinnati Reds’ reliever/outfielder of a left-handed specialist out of the Michael Lorenzen. bullpen, often brought in to face a • Position players pitching: A left-handed batter before another position player may pitch only in extra Felix Auger-Aliassime is still waiting for a first ATP triumph, but Gaël Monfils has pitching change. An exception to the innings or if his team is losing two in two weeks after winning the Rotterdam Open. three-batter rule is if the pitcher is or winning by more than six runs. injured or ill; he could be taken out with • Extra player rule: Teams previously the approval of the umpires’ crew could call up a 26th player for special chief. circumstances – mostly because of a The three-batter rule goes into effect doubleheader. They can still do Monfils fells Auger-Aliassime to during spring training on March 12. so, temporarily expanding their roster to 27. Other changes: • Injured list: Pitchers and two-way defend Rotterdam Open crown • Roster limits: The active roster players must now spend 15 days on the GAËL MONFILS won his second title in he denied his 19-year-old opponent a through August 31 is increased from 25 injured list. The reinstatement period the space of seven days yesterday as he maiden ATP title. to 26, with teams able to carry a maxi- for position players remains at ten days. swatted aside Canadian teenager Felix “You’re young, you’ll improve fast and mum of 13 pitchers. All teams must • Option period: Pitchers optioned to Auger-Aliassime 6-2 6-4 in a lopsided you’ll win this tournament and other carry 28 players – maximum of the minor leagues must stay there for Rotterdam Open final to retain the tro- tournaments, so keep going,” Monfils told 14 pitchers – from September 1 through 15 days, rather than ten, which phy. Auger-Aliassime. the end of the regular season. is still the minimum for position The 33-year-old Frenchman, who came “I’m super happy...it’s been an amazing Previously, teams could bring up any- players. into the tournament on the back of a week for me.” body on the their 40-man roster in • Challenge time: Managers have record-equalling third triumph in It was a tenth career title for world September, often carrying 30-plus only 20 seconds to challenge a Montpellier the previous Sunday, number nine Monfils, who improved his players. Postseason rosters are play instead of 30. converted four out of 11 break points as win-loss record in the tournament to 14- 1 with his only defeat coming to Slovakia’s Martin Klizan in the final four years ago. It was a disappointing day for Auger-Aliassime, who had made history Linette ends Kung’s dream run to win Thailand Open by becoming the youngest finalist in the event, dropping only one set en route to FIFTH seed Magda Linette ended Swiss The Pole pounced on Kung’s second aggressive and I had that confidence the title clash. qualifier Leonie Kung’s dream run with serve and used her variety to dominate from the matches before and I’m really He made 12 unforced forehand errors a 6-3 6-2 victory in the Thailand Open the 19-yer-old whose inexperience glad that I managed to do what we as Monfils broke early to race to a final in Hua Hin yesterday to claim her showed in her maiden WTA final. planned with my coach.” 4-2 lead before easing through the open- second WTA Tour title. “It was so tough today, I had to keep It was still a good week for Kung in ing set. Linette, a semi-finalist in Thailand it together to the very end,” Linette, her only second main-draw appearance Monfils overcame a minor blip when last year, had dropped just one set who won her first WTA title last year at at a WTA event. he was broken while ahead 5-2 in the sec- heading into the final and she produced the Bronx Open, said in a courtside “I’m just trying to build up my ond, but Auger-Aliassime was unable to another dominant display to reach the interview. ranking even more and play day by day stage a late comeback and force a decider top 40 in the WTA rankings for “I knew I need to be the one leading and just have fun and enjoy on court,” as the Frenchman held firm to seal the the first time. the game. I knew I have to be really the teenager said. contest on his fifth championship point.

20 • Monday February 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE FOR RENT 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, Apartments 6, 272 sq.ft. Price on request Lightning 1) Gibbons - 2 bed, 1 bath, furnished - $1,600.00 LAND FOR SALE beat Flyers to 2) Gibbons - 1 bed, 1 bath, 1) St. Philip furnished - $1,200.00 Kirtons 10,208 sq.ft. 3) Yorkshire - 2 bed, 1 bath, $175,000.00 extend streak semi-furnished _ $1,500.00 2) Casuarina Estates NIKITA Kucherov Anze Kopitar and Alex Townhouses 9,900 sq.ft. notched a goal and an Iafallo had two assists $200,000.00 assist as the Tampa bay each, and Jonathan 1) Clermont Green, St. Mi- Lightning beat the visit- Quick had 32 saves for chael - 2 bed, 1 _ bath, fur- 3) Christ Church ing Philadelphia Flyers Los Angeles, which won nished - $2,500.00 Bird's Eye Ridge 5-3 on Saturday to push consecutive games for Available 1st February 2020. 5,449 sq.ft. the NHL’s longest active the first time in two $125,000.00 winning streak to 10 months. Samuel Girard Commercial straight. scored for the Avalanche, 4) St. Peter Brayden Point scored a who have lost two in a 1) Wildey Business Centre Maynards Grove third-period goal to row. St. Michael 6,591 sq.ft. stretch his point streak 580 sq.ft. $195,000.00 to 10 games (three goals, Stars 4, Canadiens 3 $2,000.00 per month + VAT 11 assists). It was the (OT) inclusive of service charges 5) Christ Church REAL ESTATE NOTICES 7) Warrens Terrace 11th straight home win Tyler Seguin capped a Available immediately Rendezvous Meadows two-goal performance by 6, 534 sq. ft. Executive 2 bedroom, 2.5 for the Lightning break- scoring 2:52 into over- 2) Webster Park $140,000.00 bathroom townhouse, AC in ing the team record of 10 First Floor bedrooms; nicely finished wins set in the 2014-15 time as visiting Dallas $40,192.00 per month + VAT 6) St. Thomas $495,000.00 campaign, and improved overcame a three-goal inclusive of service charges Lot #16 Applegrove Bucks them to 22-2-1 in their deficit to edge Montreal. Available immediately for fit 2.13 Acres 8) Horsehill last 25 contests. Seguin, who ended a out $550,000.00 58,000 sq.ft. with a large Kucherov returned for career-long 17-game goal house with a 2 bedroom the Lightning after miss- drought in Dallas’ win at 3) Warrens 7) St. George apartment, excellent for con- ing a game with a lower- Toronto on Thursday, St. Michael Rowans version to an intimate bed body injury. Steven scored on the power play Multi-purpose building with 11,200 sq.ft. approx and breakfast or retreat or late in the second period rehailitation facility Stamkos, who missed the parking $25.00 per sq. ft. previous three games to trim Montreal’s lead to 15,700 sq.ft. $2,600,00.00 with a lower-body injury, 3-2. Blake Comeau tied Rental rate to be negotiated 8) St. Philip OTHER PROPERTIES FOR recorded two assists. the game midway into Emerald City the third period, and Ben 4) Lower Estate 6,000 sq.ft. RENT Ivan Provorov, James Bishop finished with 29 St. Michael $220,000.00 van Riemsdyk and 15,000 sq.ft. 1) Warrens Park Claude Giroux scored for saves for the Stars, who Modern Building Apartment Building 2 bedroom upstairs apart- the Flyers. Goalie Carter have won four in a row Price on request ment $1,300.00 Hart made 19 saves as and improved to 6-1-1 in 1) Clapham Heights Philadelphia lost its sev- their last eight games. 5) Disaster recovery facility Unfurnished two storey (3 2) Ocean City enth straight (0-4-3) Joel Armia, Jordan in Lower Estate apartments) 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom against Tampa, dating Weal and Nick Cousins Office #1 - 1,020 sq.ft. - Situated on 8, 305 sq.ft. house, enclosed, pets wel- back to January 2018. each scored for the $4,800.00 per month + VAT Price on request come $1,800.00 Canadiens, who have Office #4 - 680 sq.ft. - Kings 3, Avalanche 1 dropped four in a row (0- 3) Oldbury Terrace $3,800.00 per month + VAT 2) Belleville Main Road (for Tyler Toffoli had a hat 3-1). Office #9 - 340 sq.ft. - commercial purposes) Executive style 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, fully furnished trick, including two goals $2,000.00 per month + VAT Property on 24, 126 sq.ft. in the final 55 seconds, Sharks 2, Wild 0 All inclusive of service $1.3 million apartment $1,800.00 and Los Angeles beat Dylan Gambrell scored a charge Floor area - 7,008.41 sq.ft. fluke goal early in the Available immediately 4) Maynards Colorado in the NHL Spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 Stadium Series outdoor third period to break a 6) Green Hill OTHER PROPERTIES FOR bathroom house, $2,500.00 game at the Air Force scoreless tie as San Jose St. Michael SALE Academy in Colorado spoiled the NHL head- Standalone warehouse 5) Chancery Lane Springs, Colo. coaching debut of Minne- 7,224 sq.ft. - $10,000.00 per 1) Eagle Hall Furnished 2 bedroom apart- Saturday was the sec- sota’s Dean Evason. month Approx 23,000 sq. ft. of land ment $1,400.00 ond NHL outdoor game Melker Karlsson Plus Service Charge with buildings, in a prime played at a U.S. Service added an empty-net goal Available 1st February, 2020 main road position with park- 6) Mount Standfast Academy and the 30th with 15 seconds remain- ing $1,750,000.00 3 bedroom furnished house outdoor game in NHL ing as the Sharks won $2,700.00 FOR SALE history. The temperature for the fourth time in Houses 2) Cottage Heights their past five games. 7) Warrens Heights, St. Tho- at puck drop was 32.5 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom ex- degrees, and it fell Goaltender Martin Jones 1) Shrewsbury Gardens ecutve style house on 7,738 mas Executive Townhouse throughout the game, made 39 saves for his St. Philip sq.ft. $725,000.00 first shutout of the sea- 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom 3 En-suite Bedrooms but the crowd of 43,574 son. $375,000.00 3) Cane Vale 1 Powder Room stuck around to the end. Fairly new development with Gated 2) Jackson a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Security Cameras St. Michael house $550,000.00 Furnished $4,000.00 per mth 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom or Semi-Furnished $3,500.00 8,700 sq.ft. 4) Mangrove Park per mth Park wins Australian Open $427,000.00 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom SOUTH Korean Park In- par 74. tournament will be house with a spacious 1 bed- Contact: bee boosted her chances She finished at 14- held at Kasumigaseki 3) Corner Lot room apartment $525,000.00 HT Realty of being eligible to defend under 278, while Ameri- Country Club outside Emerald City 230-4383 her Olympic title when can Amy Olson carded 70 Tokyo from July 30 – St. Philip 5) Oakwood Park she notched a three-shot to claim second place on August 2. 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 5,189 sq.ft. with a 3 bed- win at the Women’s Aus- 11-under. The venue is a contro- built-in cupboards and room, 2 bathroom and home tralian Open yesterday. In recording her 20th versial choice. Women kitchen office $585,000.00 After starting the final victory on the LPGA were not granted full $225,000.00 round with a three-shot Tour, Park also picked up membership of the club 6) Ealing Park cushion, Park remained a healthy dose of valu- until 2018, and the 4) Ealing Park 6,256 sq.ft. of land clear despite not exactly able world ranking course is located in one of Christ Church $160,000.00 setting Royal Adelaide on points. the hottest places in all of Fixer Upper fire in shooting one-over- The Olympic women’s Japan in mid-summer. The Barbados Advocate Monday February 17, 2020 • 21 22 • Monday February 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Mixed fortunes in Premier League By Michael Phillips pulled ahead in the space of five minutes as THE goals continue to Shakado Scott scored in roll in as the Barbados the 63rd and De’Shawn Football Association’s Bynoe gave them the go- Coca Cola Premier ahead in the 68th. League gets into high Silver Sands made it a gear at the Wildey two-goal cushion in the Turf. With two games 88th as Derrick Gale- being played at the Forde found the nets. venue on Saturday Empire would not lie night, the fortunes down but could only were split as one game muster a second goal in Son’s goal after 93 minutes and 34 seconds is Spurs’ latest winning Premier League goal since 2009. finished in an outright added time as Jamar win while the other Grazette put the ball in saw the two teams the onion bag in the parting ways as 92nd. Villa boss bemoans VAR in Spurs defeat equals. The other game saw ASTON Villa manager ward later scored a stop- believes it’s a goal-kick. go, ‘No, I’m happy with The evening’s first Notre Dame and the St. Dean Smith says a “farci- page-time winner, taking “It was a farcical VAR my decision’ and we play game was something of Andrew Lions finishing cal VAR decision” con- Jose Mourinho’s side up to decision. The criteria is on. an upset as Silver Sands with a goal each. The tributed to Tottenham’s fifth in the table, a point clear and obvious. It’s not “Instead we go into an got the better of the Dames were up first and last-gasp Premier League behind fourth-placed clear and obvious. Martin environment where ‘Mighty Blues’ of Empire led into the interval with win at Villa Park yester- Chelsea. Atkinson stood up but his there’s no feel for the game Club. The Blues went a 37th-minute strike day. Smith was heavily crit- authority has been taken or what’s happened and into the break ahead of from Zeco Edmee. Going Spurs were awarded a ical of VAR’s intervention. away. we make a decision. It was the Christ Church team the other way, Arantees penalty by VAR when the “I don’t get it,” he said. “I told Martin at half- a sore result for us, it’s a as Romario Clarke drew Lawrence scored his sec- score was 1-1, with Son “There’s 42 000 people time I didn’t blame him, tough one to take.” first blood in the 43rd ond goal in new colours Heung-min scoring the in the stadium, he [referee but if he was brave enough The result means Villa minute. However, Silver in the 58th to tie things rebound. Martin Atkinson] gives to walk over to that moni- remain a point above the Sands equalised and up. The South Korean for- a goal-kick and everyone tor it takes 30 seconds, you bottom three in 17th.

The Barbados Advocate Monday February 17, 2020 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES (March 21-April 19). Warming up N isn't just for exercise or hard work. Everything D you do today will be better when you honor some kind of ramp up to the main action. C Breathe, stretch, ease your way gently from O one thing to the next. N S TAURUS (April 20-May 20). A simpler life appeals to you. You see the elegance in having less stress, clutter and confusion. Furthermore, you're in a mood to make the hard choices about what to cut. Watch out, world!

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). Not only do you Z have a genuine love and excitement for the I day's subject matter, you have a specific map T for getting from point A to point B. Avoid S kinks by working it through on your own once more before sharing.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). Stay frugal even after you get the means to buy the fancier version. Living on less than you make is wise, but living on much less than you make is true freedom. R E LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). How well are your X experiences building on one another these days? When you're living well, each M experience transforms from or expands upon O the last. When you're not living well, each R experience repeats the last. G A VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). People show you, N through their attention, how they think and feel about you. Are you satisfied with the quality of attention you are receiving? If the answer is "no," then today is a fine day to do something about it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Youth has its own P kind of reality. You'll be an objective witness H to this today with just the level of detachment A necessary to enjoy the situation without N completely buying into it. T O SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You'll come M upon your opposite again and be at once fascinated, frustrated and intrigued by this person. Should you take things further? It may benefit you, but it won't get any easier.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You're M not seeking dramatic change, but a few key A refinements could up your entire game. That R you're able to note subtle delineators is a mark Y of your good taste.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). They'll W bring you complexities and intricacies. O You bring the practicality and quick solutions. R This may very well be the most productive T day you will have all month. You're a life H whiz!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). What you once thought was a natural progression now M seems like an overly ambitious plan. That's O because you're listening to skeptics. This is T still within the realm of possibility; you'll need H more help is all. E R

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Privilege is G costly. Whether or not the experience is really O worth the cost is up to you. Chances are it's O going to take you a good while to determine S this. In the meantime, you're better off saving E your money. Alexandra shooting for the stars in 2020 Page 17

Monday February 17, 2020 HELP

COMINGBy Shamar Blunt he or she applies for a loan and when he or she receives notice ENTREPRENEURS who with respect to whether he or she often found it difficult to qualifies for the loan or not. The attain necessary funds from Government will also shortly financial institutions, will be establishing a collateral soon receive much-needed registry.This will be a web-based help from Government, as system that will allow for the the present administration registering of charges and seeks to reinforce the sector collaterals created by entrepre- for future investments. neurs that may be used as This word came from Minister security when applying for of Small Business, Entrepre- credit facilities provided neurship and Commerce, by lenders,” Sutherland Dwight Sutherland, as he explained. delivered brief remarks at a mix He further outlined, that it will and mingle event organised by be his ministry’s aim to not only the developmental financing provide financial aid to these agency, Fund Access. potential business owners, but The problems around credit financial education as well. scores for micro, small and “As we take a broader view of medium-sized enterprises things, it is recognised that a (MSMEs), has not gone critical area of focus should be on unnoticed by the Minister, education and as such, the which is why there will be the Ministry is in the process of establishment of two agencies to designing a national strategy for Minister of Small Business, Entrepreneurship and Commerce, Dwight Sutherland during his ad- help lenders, and borrowers, in financial education and literacy. dress. this regard. This objective is a long-term pol- “The establishment of a credit icy priority for this Government. interact and negotiate with greater interest in local MSMEs. novative financial tool designed bureau would enable creditors Financial literacy is an impor- agencies in the financial sector or “Currently, the Ministry is in to assist SMEs by providing a to easily access information such tant tool to improve entrepre- any other type of creditor,”he discussion with key partners to guarantee mechanism to sup- as credit reports and credit neur’s financial knowledge and added. make equity financing available port investment projects. It is scores on borrowers which behaviour. It is integral to the Recognising one of the main to requisite businesses as a backed by a BDS $70 million should serve to make lending longevity and success of any issues facing the economy on the viable financing option for their loan financed by the Inter- decisions easier for the lenders business. This is not only with island is the lack of invest by businesses. One such partner is American Bank (IDB).To date it and to the benefit of potential respect to the financial manage- overseas creditors, Sutherland the Central Bank of Barbados has been of benefit to several borrowers. It may serve to signif- ment of a business but also the says that changes are on the way, which manages the enhanced Barbadian companies including icantly reduce to the borrower, enhanced capacity it allows for as the Ministry and other credit guarantee scheme. Good Times Snacks and the time period between when entrepreneurs to effectively stakeholders seek to create This enhanced scheme is an in- Innotech,” he said.

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