Established October 1895 Zero-tolerance

approach to breaches, says Top Cop – Page 4

Friday February 19, 2021 $2 VAT Inclusive CAUSE FOR CONCERN By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste She said that after being turned away, “So I was in the line for an hour and “I don’t understand how persons over she went to work but the fact that the after an hour the health official walked in 70 were receiving the vaccine even though A FEW health care workers are upset nurses turned away her and her and said only persons over 70 will be they were to stay at home, but health with the way a few vaccination colleagues because “too many persons receiving the vaccine from here on. Most care workers who were on the front line centres are handling the vaccination from the organisation was receiving the of the people in the crowd were under 70 and interact with a plethora of people process. vaccine” did not sit well with her. and everyone wanted to know the reason daily could not receive the vaccine.” Speaking to The Barbados Advocate The pharmacist explained that she behind this seemingly sudden change,” One nurse, who also wished to remain yesterday morning, one disgruntled returned to the polyclinic after work to she said. anonymous expressed that her healthcare worker,who wished to remain express that she did not appreciate what “The health official said that the annoyance as there were no “essential anonymous stated that she was indeed was said and the nurse understood her Government instructed them to only workers” line at the vaccination centres. upset that she and a few of her colleagues view and told her she could return the vaccinate persons over 70, no essential She revealed that nurses, doctors and were turned away from receiving the next day to receive the vaccine. However, workers. She said ‘you all had your pharmacists were being turned away and Oxford Astra-Zeneca vaccine at the upon returning on Thursday, February chance, too bad, listen out for when they told to “come back”, but persons who Randall Philips Polyclinic on Wednesday, 18 she was not able to receive her vaccine are going to resume vaccinating health appeared to not have a registration were 17 February. and was again, turned away. care workers’. getting through.

POST OFFICES REOPEN: Post Offices reopened yesterday after the first phase of the National pause which ended on Wednesday, but has been extended until February 28. The arrangement called for Post Offices would reopen yesterday, and Barbadians turned out in huge numbers to conduct their business. The Barbados Advocate was on hand to see these lines at the Brittons Hill Post Office. Marshall explains new Emergency Directive for this ‘Stay Home’ weekend AS the national pause turns into a stop the daylight hours.We get the sense that to stay within the curtilage of your home,” in that kind of activity, you are required this weekend, Attorney General Dale Barbadians are not quite understanding he stressed. to stay at home,” Marshall explained. Marshall is telling Barbadians to stay at what is expected of them. In fact, they are The AG therefore reiterated persons Speaking on the new Emergency home. operating on the assumption that the only could only leave their homes at night if Directive for this ‘Stay Home’ weekend, Expressing serious concern over the time they have to stay in their homes is they were members of essential services where members of the public will be large volume of persons still on the streets from seven in the night until six in the or in the case of an emergency, before required to stay at home from 7 p.m. on during the day, he said it was apparent morning. clarifying movement allowed in the day. Friday until 6 a.m. on Monday, he only the night-time curfew from 7 p.m. “We have stipulated in this directive “During the daylight hours, you are outlined only those with emergency until 6 a.m. was being adhered to. now that during the daylight hours unless allowed to go to the pharmacy, you are passes and working at exempted “There have been a large number of you have legitimate business with any of allowed to go buy bread, you are allowed businesses should be on the road during vehicles on the roads during the daylight the exempted businesses or any of the to operate your businesses as long as it is the restricted hours. hours,a lot of people moving about during essential services, then you are expected exempt. However, if you are not engaged NEW DIRECTIVE on Page 2 2 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Police not accepting letters requesting an exemption NEW DIRECTIVE from Front Page officiant will continue. approved by myself as Attorney General. The AG also noted the police will not be So those of you who have been using All beaches, parks and gas stations will accepting letters from businesses letters, the police will not be be closed until Monday and while requesting an exemption for individuals, accommodating that,” he contended. bakeries will be allowed to make bread, only emergency passes. In addition, staff of the Queen no depots will be allowed to open for its “It has come to our attention that a Elizabeth Hospital, fishermen and sale. number of employers have been issuing farmers will be allowed to use their Regarding church services, the AG said to their employees letters saying ‘they identification cards in lieu of the passes. the current protocols of ten persons at a are working this place and it is an Marshall advised those persons in need service; ten mourners at a funeral along essential service therefore treat this as a of an emergency pass to apply at with the officiant; and for weddings, the pass’. The only emergency passes issued www.gov.bb to apply at. bride, groom, two witnesses and the by the government of Barbados and (JMB) Attorney General, Dale Marshall. QEH consultant urges public to seek medical advice IF you or anyone you know are complaints, whether you think it might be Williams advised persons to only head complaints you are presenting when we experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, seek sinus related ENT complaints or mild flu to the QEH if they have moderate to are interviewing you,” Williams medical advice. like symptoms, if you are having loss of severe complaints. continued. Consultant with the Queen Elizabeth taste and loss of smell, you should call “Those people who are so short of breath Saying that over the past week, the Hospital’s (QEH) Accident and the Covid hotline at 535-4500 and present their sentences are not made complete,if A&E had diagnosed ten persons with Emergency (A&E), Dr.Chaynie Williams, symptoms to them, and they will offer the you are having chest pains, and really Covid some with respiratory conditions, urged Barbadians to get into contact with advice. cannot breathe properly and your she said the hospital had been fortunate medical personnel to receive guidance on “We do have polyclinics around the relatives do not like how you look, the not to have become overwhelmed due to what their next steps should be and where island who stand ready to assess persons Emergency Department stands ready to the various systems in place. to go. with mild symptoms and we are offer care and assistance for the moderate However, she explained that since the “We are asking persons who had discouraging persons with mild symptoms to severe complaint,” she stressed. arrival of Covid onto these shores last obvious contact history with someone who from coming to the Emergency “We are not asking you to stay home to March, many of the hospital’s outpatients’ was in an isolation facility or has a high Department,” she explained, noting see how you will feel over the next 24 to services and elective surgeries have been suspicion of Covid or the symptoms that persons could also call the hospital’s help 48 hours, but to call for advice and your curtailed, and in the latter case, some for have been outlined; respiratory desk at 536-4800 for further advice. destination will be according to the up to ten months. (JMB) The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 3

Some tourism workers hesitant to take COVID-19 vaccine WHILST there has not knowing, a level of well, to get that message been hesitancy on the uncertainty,” Roach out to the persons who are part of some tourism remarked. in the tourism sector, so workers to get the “What we have they can probably start to Oxford-AstraZeneca certainly asked persons to feel a lot more vaccine, Chairman of do is to engage with staff comfortable,” Roach the Barbados Hotel and if there is information added. and Tourism that they need to have to Grant, who Association (BHTA), help them to find acknowledged that he was Geoffrey Roach and information, to share a bit fearful when he went BHTA CEO, Rudy knowledge. But we’ve also to get his jab, however Grant have stepped said that there are players stressed that the more forward to receive across the health sector information is shared and theirs. who have been sharing the more persons come Senator Rudy Grant, information about the forward to get vaccinated, CEO of the Barbados vaccine and what we more Barbadians may feel Hotel and Tourism intend to do as well, is to the need to step forward Association (BHTA) has utilise those persons as as well. (RSM) acknowledged that a list is being compiled for those willing to take the vaccine, as the numbers have been low in some quarters. He however stressed that the benefits of taking the vaccine, far exceed the risks. He was at the time speaking during the Association’s Quarterly Media Update, which was held over the Zoom online platform recently. During that session, BHTA Chairman, Geoffrey Roach, also noted that BHTA members are trying to get a feel for who BHTA CEO Rudy Grant recently received the Oxford- is willing to step forward AstraZeneca vaccine. and be vaccinated. “Certainly our members do have to get a feel for how many persons are Mental health concern willing to, or not willing to By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste isolation and quarantine take the vaccine. With that may not be doing well individual companies, it ONE therapist is mentally,and stated that it certainly varies. So we concerned about the kinds was paramount that the have had some companies of mental health cases in mental health of these where potential staff have Barbados since the advent persons be addressed. been less than 50 per cent. of COVID-19 and it is She was of the view that I think that sometimes it against this backdrop that Government should comes from a position of a Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Geoffrey Roach she believes that mental consider adding them to level of discomfort, with also stepped forward to be vaccinated. health specialists should the list of essential be considered essential workers as she believed workers. that as an administration Tricia Hercules, Director that was in charge of More people need to be vaccinated! of Bright Life Family managing a country, Centre, stated this during consideration of a person’s TWO months since the “This will be no easy or where they live – should who also noted that every a recent interview with mental health needed to be first COVID-19 vaccine task, so we count on the have access to a COVID- country in Central The Barbados Advocate. taken into consideration as was delivered, nearly 63 full commitment of our 19 vaccine,” she declared. America is also “Mental health should well. million people have been Member States and the Turning to the experiencing reductions in be taken as seriously as Hercules went on to note vaccinated against the global community to pandemic’s toll on the cases, except Honduras, physical health,” she said. that the kinds of cases that infectious disease across protect the peoples of the region, the PAHO Chief which throughout 2021 “It should also be seen they have been receiving the Americas and the Americas,” she told reported that cases and has consistently reported as essential services, since COVID-19 cases Caribbean, with more PAHO’s virtual press deaths have declined in a rise in infections. because honestly if you appeared in Barbados people protected every conference, recently. much of the Americas. In In South America, most don’t have your mind were marital issues cases day. While working the past week, more than countries are reporting intact, you can’t do due to quarantine and “And while these figures with COVAX to bring the 1.2 million people in the downward trends, though anything else, so I don’t added that unfortunately, are encouraging, they are region closer to this Region were infected with hot spots persist, understand why it is not they received a number of not enough,” Director of the goal, Dr. Etienne said COVID-19 and 39 000 died particularly near the an essential service. suicide cases as well. Pan American Health that PAHO also urge because of the virus. border between Peru, “Maybe psychiatrists She stated that this was Organisation (PAHO) Dr. donors, pharmaceutical “While these numbers Colombia, and Brazil. who prescribe medication understandable as persons Carissa Etienne warned. companies, and are staggering, they Some Caribbean nations, are considered essential probably had to She said that to benefit international represent a ten per cent too, are exceptions to but we [therapists] work quarantine with family from the collective organisations to support drop from weeks past – declining numbers. The from home, and we were members in their immunity of vaccines the Americas so that, “we proof that public health Dominican Republic never mentioned in the households that they coverage must be very have enough vaccines to do interventions are helping continues to drive new first list of essential perhaps did not get along high. More than 700 what we do best: expand us keep the virus at bay,” infections in the region, workers and I don’t think with and the reality of that million persons immunisations to save Dr. Etienne pointed out. and smaller islands such they went through and situation was unfortunate. throughout the Americas lives”. Across North America, as Aruba, Barbados, Saint added us on as well.” She reminded that would have to be “Our vaccination goals in new infections are Lucia, and Saint Vincent The therapist painted a virtual online therapy vaccinated against the region are grounded in declining, giving hospitals and the Grenadines are picture of persons who sessions were available to COVID-19 to ensure a 70% equity. Everyone – much-needed reprieve, reporting increases in may have contracted the persons during this coverage. regardless of who they are according to the Director, cases. (TL) virus and needed to go into time. 4 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Zero-tolerance approach to breaches, says Top Cop THE Royal Barbados Police however there are those few issuing warnings. some 15 teams of two to three opportunity to warn shop Force will have a zero- persons that continue to flout According to the top cop, “The persons in the three territorial owners who have applied for tolerance policy to breaches the directives,” he stressed, reports coming back from them divisions performing that assistance from government, of Government directives disclosing that the members of are that people would normally function. They have been but open in breach of directives. for COVID-19. the RBPF are still encountering correct their shortcomings working well, and it is now for “Some shop keepers are Commissioner of Police persons attempting to open when spoken to, however they us to take it to that stage where anticipating getting the Tyrone Griffith made this clear shops, and other businesses; are saying that consistently we will be taking more persons financial assistance from the during the COVID-19 press persons not wearing their they are coming across persons before the court that fail to government, and I believe that conference yesterday, while masks or not wearing them not wearing their masks adhere to the protocols.” I need to say to you that if you revealing that the Force appropriately; and instances of appropriately. And in that Attorney General Dale are expecting to get financial brought some 20 cases of people crowding the beaches. regard, they are now going to be Marshall said that he was assistance from the curfew breaches before the COP Griffith said that the calling in far more instances of pleased that individuals were government, but at the same court during the period RBPF has been working with people breaching the protocols, being brought before the court time are guilty of breaching the February 3 to 17. the COVID Monitoring Unit and the police responses will be for breaches, which include protocols you will be denied “By and large, Barbadians and a team of Compliance one of zero-tolerance.” hosting limes. that assistance,” he stated. are following the protocols, Officers who have also been Griffith added, “There are In fact, he took the (TL) Seniors and high risk people should be vaccinated DR. BELFIELD DON “This is one of the important everyone would know someone serious case. All of these videos resources in the island could BURGESS, a consultant at points that I want to make to you who had died from the virus. He that you see people passing cause the current two per cent Northwick Park Hospital in guys. Even if you survive, once also highlighted that some of the around, cannot work,” Dr. death rate to rise. London during a down to earth you get sick, there are at least local deaths occurred because Burgess said. He also commented on the fact zoom session, broke down the ten per cent of the people that people sought medical assistance The UK-based doctor also that some Barbadians saw seriousness of COVID-19 and the are going to have long term too late. He broke it down further, encouraged those who were in COVID-19 as just a flu, which importance of seniors being problems. You could have saying that the worst thing that high risk categories with Non- was inaccurate. vaccinated. neurological problems, some someone could do who felt they communicable Diseases (NCDs) “I have to keep emphasising to The session, held earlier this people have that, lack of energy were sick with the coronavirus, to sign up to be vaccinated as people that this is not a flu.There week was packed to capacity on problems, respiratory problems,” was to stay at home and practice soon as possible. are very few diseases that give the online platform and Burgess he explained. home remedies without seeking Speaking to the situation you as wide a variety of attempted to show the severity of Dr. Burgess stated that if the medical advice from their doctor. where Barbados has a high symptoms as this particular COVID-19, as he had seen his people of Barbados did not “Let me reiterate, there is population of seniors and a disease. There are very few share of its effects at the hospital adhere to the protocols and nothing that you can buy over prevalence of NCDs, Dr.Burgess conditions where people can and had friends who still were basically keep to themselves to the counter that is going to help explained the combination of the come into the hospital where you feeling the adverse effects even help contain the spread, the you in a mild case and stop that average age, chronic disease and watch them deteriorate before after recovery. possibility could arise where mild case from becoming a more the unavailability of certain your eyes,” said the doctor. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 5

Five local charities receive assistance from UK-based BCO THE United Kingdom (UK)-based Barbados Cultural Organisation (BCO) is again lending its assistance to local charities across the island. The 20-year-old organisation recently presented five recipients, the St. Peter’s Parish Church, Milton Lynch Primary School, Fishers of Men Charity,Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness and the Nature Fun Ranch, with much needed monetary donations and supplies, including educational tablets, to the tune of just over £24 000. Cedric Lynch, Chairman of the BCO noted that the latest donation was a continuation of the organisation’s charitable work over the years. He said, “The aim of the members of BCO is to give back to the land of our birth. “To date, we have contributed over £100 000 to various charities, schools, individuals and associations in Barbados, ranging from medical and computer equipment to food hampers, support for touring Barbados National Teams, coverage of medical bills for visiting Barbadians to the UK and tuition fees for Barbadian students in the UK. “With the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding it, we decided to focus our Chairman of the London-based BCO Cedric Lynch (centre) making a presentation to Kemar Saffrey, President of the efforts this time on providing recipients Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness (left) and Rev. Peter Haynes from St. Peter’s Parish Church (right). with contributions which will assist them in the fight against this disease.” Lynch explained that the BCO was formed in 2000 by a select group of staff members of the Barbados High Commission and the former Barbados Tourism Authority in London and later spread its wings to include the local Barbadian Diaspora, with the aim of hosting annual events to highlight Barbados’ vibrant culture in London. Proceeds from these events were used to make donations and to assist charities and those in dire need in Barbados, including the Child Care Board, St. Stephen’s and St. Cyprian’s Schools, Diabetic Association, Make A Wish Foundation, YWCA Breakfast Club and Nature’s Fun Ranch.

Corey Layne of Nature’s Fun Ranch (left) and Sharon Bellamy of the Fishers of Men Charity (right), receiving donations from Chairman of the London-based BCO Cedric Lynch (centre).

During the presentation, Kemar homeless community I really want to Saffrey, President of the Barbados thank the BCO and its Board for this Alliance to End Homelessness thanked kind contribution.” the BCO for the donation. He said, “We Tyrone Marshall of Milton Lynch really appreciate this contribution Primary also expressed gratitude on especially at this time during the Covid- behalf of his school, “When we consider 19 pandemic when our work is much the many troubles in this world and all more intense.A lot more is required of us that is going on today,groups such as the as it relates to feeding, sheltering and BCO are like an oasis in a desert. You taking care of the homeless and all of remind us that there is still some good in their needs and making sure that they this world and we really must say thank too can be safe in this pandemic. you for your efforts. “The funds donated will go towards “Be assured that the school is better various aspects of the organisation to served for connecting with you and, on make sure that those that are on the behalf of the Milton Lynch primary Tyrone Marshall, Principal of Milton Lynch Primary School (left) accepting a street are safe and benefit from the school, I am happy to receive these tokens donation of educational tablets from Cedric Lynch, Chairman of the London- shelter and the services that we provide. on behalf of the children and parents of based BCO. On behalf of my Board, staff and the the school, especially during these times.” 6 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

BHTA confident tourism sector will rebound

TOURISM officials remain confident assist those in the sector, given the looking to go into other areas of business. markets, as well as with the BTMI teams that Barbados will eventually see a impact of COVID. There’s a clear indication I think from who represent us in those markets, the resurgence in its tourism sector, “We are very confident that we will see everyone, that there is a desire to keep feedback that we are receiving across the which has been hard hit by the a resurgence of the tourism sector. Yes, businesses moving, to keep workers board, is that Barbados is still high in COVID-19 pandemic, a second time the sector has been hard hit probably engaged, until we get to that point where terms of people’s search results. So the around. more so than other areas of the economy, we’re able to see flights coming in again demand for Barbados remains high,” he The assurance came just yesterday because there are very few flights coming and persons coming in and the acknowledged. from Senator Rudy Grant, CEO of the in. The reality though is that the impact resurgence in terms of our tourism “The issue of course is that while people Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association of COVID-19 has not only been with business activity,” Grant added. want to travel, they cannot travel at this (BHTA), along with BHTA Chairman respect to tourism, it has also been in He further asserted, “We are in a time. But that level of demand for Geoffrey Roach.The BHTA heads were at relation to other sectors of the economy,” situation where the economy is certainly Barbados in particular, we don’t expect the time speaking during the Senator Grant noted. challenged, where there is not a lot of that that will go away. Of course, it Association’s Quarterly Media Update, “Tourism is a significant contributor economic activity and we believe that the certainly will mean that following which was held over the Zoom online to the gross domestic product, in terms of BEST programme can allow those COVID, you will probably still have to platform. Grant acknowledged that at the level of business that is undertaken businesses that require some financial put some additional effort into your present there are a few plans in the and linkages that you have, in respect to support, to be able to make it through marketing etc., because some of the works for the sector and tourism tourism. So those elements that make this difficult time. That programme is persons who might have travelled to managers and workers are also leaning up gross domestic product – supposed to be one that focuses on the Barbados before might not be on the Barbados Employment and consumption, investment, a lot of that is engagement of workers, and it focuses comfortable going forward, because older Sustainable Transformation (BEST) fuelled really by activity that occurs in on a transformation element as well and persons who are in the high risk Programme, which has been provided the tourism sector. So there’s no sense we think that it is a lifeline that can be categories, certainly might not opt not to somewhat as a lifeline to re-engage and that we’re getting that persons are properly utilised, with some adjustments travel. But the feedback certainly is that being undertaken to the programme.” Barbados remains high (as a destination The BHTA’s Chairman Geoffrey Roach of choice),” he stressed. meanwhile pointed out that Barbados is Grant, who suggested that information still a destination of choice, for many from tourism partners suggests that we visitors in key source markets. can expect reasonable airlift, when the “One of the things that we have been industry fully gets going again doing, is that we have been having maintained, “I actually think that the regular conversations with the players in resurgence for Barbados will be a lot the source markets in the US and better than for some of our Caribbean Canada. And as you know, while we are neighbours. I think that we have a faced with a lockdown right now in the product that is very appealing and UK and in the new markets, when we enticing to those in the major source speak with the two operators in those markets.” (RSM) The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 7

China lends helping hand to nations Development cooperation set to enter new stage

TSHEPO HEQOA’S family was nical personnel and in-service struggling to make ends meet amid a education programmes that the country growing number of climate-related hosted between 2013 and 2018. woes, such as drought, floods, pests With China on course to attain its goal and extreme temperatures of building itself into a moderately pros- occurring more frequently. perous society in all respects this year,its The 29-year-old lives in Koalabata, a international development cooperation is small village in the Berea district of also set to enter a new stage, according to Lesotho in southern Africa, where farm- experts. Stronger emphasis will be given ers like him rely on cultivating soybeans, to the building of a community with a sugar beans, maize and wheat for a living. shared future for mankind, a vision “Life had been hard. My mother was a championed by President Xi Jinping in A shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical sole bread winner, and she had to pay for response to global challenges. company Sinopharm arrives at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport in the tuition of my college education,” he “The primary goal of China’s interna- Hungary on Tuesday, making the country the first member of the European Union recalled in an online interview. tional development cooperation will be to to receive a Chinese vaccine. Heqoa was introduced to growing promote building a community with a mushrooms in 2014 by his peers. But he shared future for mankind,” said Xu Xiuli, humanitarian assistance. from attaching political strings or found the technology difficult to grasp dean of China Agricultural University’s China has been providing development pursuing political self-interest during the and had only occasional success. College of International Development cooperation to other developing countries process,” she said. A trip he made to China in 2018, one of and Global Agriculture. over the past seven decades, the paper Many officials and experts have hailed the knowledge-sharing tours organised She explained that the process would said. the issuance of the latest white paper as by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, primarily involve enabling a better “China’s approach to foreign assistance a new starting point for China’s took him to the China National response to various challenges worldwide, gradually coalesced around a set of prin- development cooperation. Engineering Research Center at Juncao including working together against short- ciples emphasising recipient countries’ “This white paper comes at an oppor- Technology in Fujian province. “I was comings in trust, peace and development sovereignty and mutual benefit,” said tune moment, as China is embarking on blown away.I had a lot of ideas of what to and improving global governance. Cheng Cheng, chief economist at the a new stage of its journey as an increas- do when I got home. I found the technol- The next stage of China’s international Made in Africa Initiative, a nongovern- ingly important provider of development ogy amazing and a way to improve development cooperation is set to mental organisation dedicated to the cooperation,” Beate Trankmann, United livelihoods in many aspects of life,” he contribute more to solving global issues industrialisation of Africa. Nations Development Programme resi- said. such as health challenges, food security With a set of reforms launched in recent dent representative in China, said at an Inspired by the Chinese technology and and climate change, she said. years, “China seems to want to integrate online seminar last month. with help from Chinese experts, Heqoa is According to a white paper titled into its foreign aid portfolio and the BRI Trankmann said the white paper high- now expanding his business from growing “China’s International Development a greater range of socially conscious lighted a few entry points for more de- mushrooms to producing mushroom Cooperation in the New Era”, issued by development projects, in areas such tailed regulations, providing stepping spawnˇ the State Council Information Office last as agriculture, public health and stone toward enhancing the effectiveness the substance that, like a seed, causes month, China allocated 270.2 billion yuan education”, Cheng added. and transparency of China’s aid, a move mushroom growth, which gave him ($41.8 billion) for foreign assistance Xu, the dean, said even though China is she welcomed. revenue of about $1 500 in the past four in three categories – grants, interest-free now the world’s second-largest economy, Barnaby Willitts-King, a senior months, a considerable amount in a loans and concessional loans – between it is still a developing country – a key research fellow at the Overseas country with a per capita GDP of 2013 and 2018. factor that determines that its interna- Development Institute, an independent $1 118 in 2019. A total of 127.8 billion yuan in grants tional development cooperation is think tank, wrote that the white paper de- Heqoa’s case is an example of China’s were allocated to help other developing conducted under the framework of tailed not only China’s role in COVID-19 ongoing efforts in international develop- countries build small and medium-sized South-South cooperation. response but also disaster relief and recov- ment cooperation. He was one of some social welfare projects and to fund such “Meanwhile, China has always given ery,support for refugees and food security, 200 000 beneficiaries of training sessions projects as those for cooperation in human priority to providing the means for inde- which “reflected China’s growing interest and seminars for foreign officials and tech- resources development and emergency pendent development while refraining in engaging in humanitarian action”. Digital vaccine passports get more consideration globally GOVERNMENTS and airlines worldwide companies and governments has warned, Most governments would like to see a demand to see a negative test before may soon require a vaccine passport that “Until everyone has access to an effective universal approach to a digital passport, allowing people to attend. Ticketmaster, proves a person has been given a vaccine, any system requiring a passport as many countries want to see a negative which sells tickets to live events, is COVID-19 vaccination before being for entry or service will be unfair.” test before a person enters. considering linking a purchaser’s ticket allowed to fly or get access to essential Nevertheless, various forms of a digital But several companies in a host of to digital vaccine records. services. vaccination record or some other type of different countries are developing their In New York, the hard-hit theatre The US government is looking at such proof of being vaccinated are either being own vaccine passports. district of Broadway could soon a proposal after President Joe Biden used or are underway. In the US, IBM is developing a digital reopen with smaller audiences and recently signed an executive order asking Denmark plans to have a program that health pass that would show if a person requirements that everyone in attendance government agencies if it is possible to uses a digital passport that will show has been vaccinated in order to gain ac- provide a negative COVID-19 test before link a coronavirus vaccine certificate to a a person has been vaccinated. cess to the workplace and other venues. entry. digital database. Etihad Airways and Emirates will soon A coalition of health and technology “Would I go see a play and sit in a It isn’t just governments and airlines start using a digital travel pass app that firms has launched the “Vaccination playhouse with 150 people? If the 150 that are interested in implementing such was developed by the International Air Credential Initiative’’ to show proof of people were tested, and they were all neg- a type of program, so are cruise ships, Transport Association (IATA) to show vaccinations. ative, yes, I would do that,” New York travel companies, sponsors of live events a traveller has been vaccinated, according A digital pass dubbed “CommonPass” Governor Andrew Cuomo said during a and many others. to The New York Times. is under development by The World news conference. “I think reopening with Privacy advocates, however, fear that Nick Careen, IATA senior vice-presi- Economic Forum, the Commons Project, testing is going to be the key.” giving airlines or governments details dent for airport, passenger, cargo and se- the Rockefeller Foundation and The need to show proof of being vacci- about a person’s health could breach their curity, said in a statement, “This is the 350 public and private sector leaders from nated has been commonplace for decades privacy. They also fear it will penalise first step in making international travel 52 countries. for travel to some countries. A booklet people in countries without widespread during the pandemic as convenient as In the UK, technology companies iProov known as the yellow card or International access to vaccinations. possible giving people the confidence that and Mvine are testing a vaccine passport Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis Privacy International, a British-based they are meeting all COVID-19 entry app, Bloomberg reports. showed past inoculations. The World group that defends people’s privacy from requirements by governments.” Events, shows and plays may soon Health Organization approved it. 8 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial Dutch parliament approves Worth the effort new coronavirus curfew law BARBADOS is currently in its second national THE HAGUE, Nether- will become largely irrele- of the swift rise of since mid-December, with lockdown. Beginning on February 3rd this year, lands – The Dutch parlia- vant. new, more transmissible all nonessential stores the two-week period was recently extended to ment approved hastily The curfew, which variants of the virus, par- closed, along with bars, February 28 in light of the large numbers of drawn-up legislation sparked rioting last ticularly the one first dis- restaurants and other COVID-19 cases being reported daily, bringing yesterday underpinning month but is very broadly covered in Britain which public venues. Elementary the length of time Barbadians would be confined the country’s coronavirus supported and followed, has already gained ground schools reopened this to their homes to nearly one month. curfew after a judge remains in force pending in the Netherlands. month, but all other Yesterday during a national press conference, ordered the measure the outcome of the Rutte told lawmakers schools and universities the Attorney General and Minister of Home scrapped earlier this week. government’s appeal. yesterday: “Of course, we remain shut. Affairs, Dale Marshall outlined the new The legislation is now A judge in The Hague regret the situation be- Infections have been directives for the 11-day extension, which expected to be debated by banned the curfew, saying cause it creates a lack of slowly declining, with the essentially further restricts movement during the senate today – the the law the government clarity. That’s why the seven-day rolling average the weekend by closing bakery outlets, gas same day that government used when it introduced Cabinet has tried to create of daily new cases decreas- stations, beaches and parks on these two days. lawyers go to court to ap- the measure last month clarity as quickly as possi- ing over the past two During this televised event it was repeatedly peal the order banning the can only be wielded in ble via... the urgent appeal weeks from 23.38 new stated that individuals have been leaving home 9 pm-to-4:30 am curfew. pressing emergencies such against the court decision cases per 100 000 people simply to “get out of the house” and the new If the senate approves as a massive dike breach. and also the legislation to 21.28 on February 17. directives are aimed at eliminating this by the legislation, the curfew The government argues we’re talking about.” The country has more than having only essential workers being allowed to will remain in place and that the curfew became an The Netherlands has 15 000 confirmed COVID- leave at this time to go to work. the appeal court’s decision urgent necessity because been in a tough lockdown 19 deaths. This is yet another restrictive step being taken to reduce the amount of socialisation within the community and stem the spread of the coronavirus in this country.It is hoped that it will UN: Huge changes in society needed be successful. However, the reality is that it is only in effect for one weekend before the February 28th cessation. The remaining five to keep nature, Earth OK days will see these provisions restored and, along with the daily operations of supermarkets, mini- HUMANS are making demics,” said report lead trial waste are dumped This report uses the marts, pharmacies, feed depots, doctors’ offices Earth a broken and author Sir Robert Watson, into the world’s waters word “must” 56 times and and businesses allowed to operate for the increasingly unlivable who has chaired past UN every year. “should” 37 times. There purpose of food production and distribution, as planet through climate science reports on climate • More than 3 billion should be 100 more be- well as persons allowed out to conduct business change, biodiversity loss change and biodiversity people are affected by land cause action is so crucial, with these operators, the roads may see the same and pollution. So the world loss. degradation, and only 15% said former UN climate amount of traffic to and fro as the conditions must make dramatic “The emergency is in fact of Earth’s wetlands remain chief Christiana Figueres, under which the COVID positive numbers changes to society,econom- more profound than we intact. who wasn’t part of the climbed for the past two weeks will remain ics and daily life, a new thought only a few years • About 60% of fish report. fundamentally the same. United Nations report ago,” said Watson, who has stocks are fished at the “Time has totally ran That does not mean that the lockdown should says. been a top level scientist maximum levels. There out. That’s why the word be halted. While it may not stop the spread of Unlike past UN reports in the US and British are more than 400 oxygen- ‘must’ is in there,” she said. COVID-19 all together, it is obvious, even that focused on one issue governments. depleted “dead zones” and The report calls for an without any concrete data, that the present and avoided telling lead- This year “is a make-it or marine plastics pollution end to fossil fuel use and lockdown would have had a debilitating effect on ers actions to take, yester- break-it year indeed has increased tenfold since says governments should the ability of the virus to spread further than it day’s report combines because the risk of things 1980. not tax labour or produc- has. Still, the lockdown cannot be a considered three intertwined environ- becoming irreversible is “In the end it will hit us,” tion, but rather use of a “solution” by any stretch of the imagination, as ment crises and tells the gaining ground every said biologist Thomas resources that damages it cannot be continued indefinitely – not only world what’s got to change. year,” Guterres said. “We Lovejoy, who was a scien- nature. would small and medium-sized businesses It calls for changing what are close to the point of no tific advisor to the report. “Governments are still suffer and the economy buckle under the pres- governments tax, how na- return.” “It’s not what’s happening playing more to exploit na- sure, but hundreds of Barbadians’ mental health tions value economic out- to elephants.It’s not what’s ture than to protect it,” would be impacted. Humans are social creatures, put, how power is gener- The report highlighted happening to climate or Guterres said. “Globally, and though parties and limes may not be vital – ated, the way people get what report co-author sea level rise. It’s all going countries spend some 4 to human interactions are crucial, especially to the around, fish and farm, as Rachel Warren of the to impact us.” 6 trillion dollars a year on educational development of small children. well as what they eat. University of East Anglia The planet’s problems subsidies that damage the While it is fine to “pause” and now “stop” for a “Without nature’s help, called “a litany of fright- are so interconnected that environment.” brief period, an extended lockdown could see we will not thrive or ening statistics that they must be worked on to- The report also tells more social crises emerge based out of forced even survive,” Secretary- hasn’t really been gether to be fixed right, nations to value nature in confinement added to work, familial and General Antonio Guterres brought together:” Warren said. And many of addition to the gross financial pressures e.g. more gun violence, rob- said.“For too long, we have • Earth is on the way to the solutions, such as elim- domestic product when beries, domestic abuse, child abuse and suicides. been waging a senseless an additional 3.5 degrees inating fossil fuel use, com- calculating how an Yet, at this point in time when the country and suicidal war on warming from now bat multiple problems in- economy is doing. has not been vaccinated in its entirety and the nature. The result is three (1.9 degrees Celsius), far cluding climate change Getting there means number of vaccines available fall short of interlinked environmental more than the interna- and pollution, she said. changes by individuals, national coverage, something as undesirable as crises.” tional agreed upon goals in The report “makes it governments and busi- a lockdown is needed to slow the spread until Thus the 168-page re- the Paris accord. clear that there is no time ness, but it doesn’t have to vaccines can be administered. port title is blunt:“Making • About 9 million people for linear thinking or tack- involve sacrifice, said UN Meanwhile, the public is being asked to Peace With Nature.” a year die from pollution. ling problems one at a Environment Programme comply with the directives, and government is “Our children and their • About 1 million of time,” said University of Director Inger Andersen. also asked to consider small concessions e.g. the children will inherit a Earth’s 8 million species of Michigan environment “There’s a country that three-hour window for exercise daily from 6-9 am world of extreme weather plants and animals are professor Rosina Bier- has been on that path for may be appropriate for those who are without events, sea level rise, a threatened with extinc- baum, who wasn’t part of 25 years: Costa Rica,” work for the lockdown, but for those who have to drastic loss of plants and tion. the work. Andersen said. “Yes, these be at work during that period, an hour or two in animals,food and water in- • Up to 400 million tons In another break, this re- are difficult times, but the evening would be a welcome addition, security and increasing of heavy metals, toxic port gives specific solutions more and leaders are especially now the opportunity will be likelihood of future pan- sludge and other indus- that it says must be taken. stepping in.” unavailable on weekends. In the final analysis, it is understood that Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes lockdown will be uncomfortable, but the brief Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke E-mail Address: [email protected] pain endured will be worth it in the end. Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • FAX: 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] Of performance, productivity and pensions IT MUST be clearly understood parliamentary debates contain that allowed parliamentarians terms and conditions for civil in valence, expectancy and that for a number of years, civil a copious amount of information to receive a pension at age 50. servants and parliamentarians instrumentality? servants have not been the about pension arrangements 4) When a parliamentarian is a genuine concern that should At the core of Vroom’s theory is recipients of any beneficial or and conditions for both civil serves for two terms and then not be taken lightly especially the need for leaders and improved pension arrangements servants and parliamentarians. leaves parliament, he/she is when civil servants have long managers to match rewards and conditions; this has always The following are examples of entitled to a pension at age 50, been considered essential directly to performance, to been the case whether the type of information included but when a civil servant leaves support staff for the political ensure that the rewards subsequent to an actuarial in such pension laws. his employment, he cannot directorate. provided are the rewards review or after the passage of 1) The pensionable age of a receive pension until the With a history that shows civil deserved and wanted by the legislation amending existing civil servant is 67 years as set retirement age of 67 years. servants being disadvantaged recipients, and that favourable laws. out by the Pensions Act Cap 25, 5) A civil servant can receive from time to time, the recent performance will result in a For anyone to dismiss the while a member of parliament a full pension after 33 and a IMF report is sure to have a desireable reward. concerns of civil servants as can receive a pension at the age third years of service, while a negative impact on the emotions Our civil servants are unlikely “much ado about nothing” is of 50 years old. member of parliament can and sensitivities of those who to desire or be deserving of tantamount to a lack of concern 2) Over the years, the age for receive a pension equivalent to will be directly affected by the reductions in terms and and respect for those widely civil servants to receive pension two-thirds of salary after 12 changes. conditions of pensions. regarded as the support staff for has moved from 55 years to 60 years and then later qualify for I am therefore suggesting the Of course, we are all in it political directors. years, then to 65 and now 67 a full pension after 12 years. application of Vroom’s together. The Law Books of Barbados years. expectancy theory that clearly as well as transcripts of 3) In 1989, a change was made The disparity between the sets out a belief system grounded MICHAEL RAY “No Prayers thank you, just science please” RECOGNISING the recent choose to reason differently about who don’t pray and don’t follow morality and respectability while requires you to obey the curfew, appeals asking Barbadians to praying than others who do pray. any religion, are regarded by non-believers are placed beneath stay indoors, practice physical offer prayers of intercession Those who believe in a deity are religious groups as questionable, these standards, leaving them to distancing and hand washing, against COVID, or in daily required to pray as part of their even immoral. However,there has face difficulties in their present wear masks and sanitize, and if conversation, to pray for those belief.Those who have no belief in been progress, there have been life, and even problems after their you think you have symptoms, go who are in quarantine, or any deity,choose to follow reason changes in the way that society death. and get tested immediately and seriously ill, including doctors and and science and, by questioning makes provisions for those who Morality is not a monopoly of maybe save your own life,a nurses in daily contact with what is taking place, form their have no religion, for example religion, neither did religion friend, one of your family or a patients, and for those in testing own conclusions contrary to during burials or cremations. create it; non-religious people can stranger.Unfortunately,there are stations, including all involved in accepting at face value the There are now funeral directors be as moral as all of us who no amount of prayers, claims of reducing its effects on our nation’s narrative of any religion and its in Barbados who will assist in believe in the common values of morality or religious practices health, I wonder if members of claims. non-religious funerals if honesty, integrity, and familial which can replace the loss of life the Church of England, Roman Some prefer to keep prayer a requested, without the love. since Covid arrived, or protect Catholics, or Muslims, personal act and hold to their attendance of laity. A recent call for a national those who are currently being Rastafarians or Hindus, or belief without debate. Some don’t Hand in hand with a common prayer event to rid us of the cared for. Believing in and believers’ in any deity, ever pray but won’t admit it, not even belief in God, is that religion pandemic, to pray for front-line practising the scientific rules and consider those who don’t pray? to others who don’t. Are they birthed morality and the reverse workers and those seriously ill policies about Covid is the only And if not, why not? embarrassed to say this and be is also true, that a non-believer of and encouraged by social media, effective preventive strategy to And if they don’t, apart from looked at as outcasts? And there any deity is immoral and being was well intentioned and protect our families and our disapproval, why don’t they offer are those who don’t pray because, thus affects the core values of persuasive. However, non- countgjes visitors, and bring an we who don’t pray a choice to be as they see it, they don’t need a family and society. believers’ believe this, the only end to any pandemic, especially a recognised, especially on the deity to follow. They also believe Conflating God with morals way to deal effectively with Covid worldwide one. occasion that public prayers are that prayer doesn’t work, because and belief in a deity who rewards is to follow the Government of asked for during public occasions there is no deity listening. Those prayer,a believer is bestowed with Barbados’ instructions, which FREDERICK JOHNSON ...for example, as in the announcement “...and for those who wish to pray, they may now join us, and for those who don’t, Thoughts related to ‘The Minority Unemployment Act’ we recognise their belief not to pray”. Would that be possible FURTHER to Mr. Adrian Sobers’ February With their overarching philosophy based have persuaded so many people that he accepting that non-prayers have 17 letter, “The Minority Unemployment on platitudes, liberal Democrats fail to dis- doesn’t exist: liberal platitudinousness must no less regard for the subject of Act.” Liberalism is for those who don’t need cern that the Raise the Wage Act Of 2021 be a bit like that to those who suffer from it believers’ prayers? Non-prayers it; free to those who can afford it, and very “comes as a timely reminder of the dangers without quite acknowledging that there is care, as we all do, about the risks expensive – if even conceivable – to those of policies that sound good but have the op- such a syndrome to begin with. taken by those who care for the who cannot. Muddled thinking? In the same posite effect in reality.” Baudelaire wrote sick. Non-prayers, however, breath as the word liberal? Never! that the devil’s greatest achievement was to CHARLES KNIGHTON

LET GOD WORDS OF SPEAK TO US QUOTES FOR TODAY WISDOM Oscar Wilde Mark Twain “Now many signs and wonders Irish poet and playwright American author and were done among the people humorist CHARACTER THE by the hands of the apostles. “Be yourself; everyone else is al- KEY And they were all together in “The man who does not read ready taken.” Solomon’s Portico. None of has no advantage over the man who cannot read..” the rest dared join them, but Personality has the power the people held them in high to open doors, but character honour.” – Acts 5, vs 12-13 keeps them open. 10 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Wall Street slips as tech slide resumes, jobless claims rise WALL Street’s main indexes fell Facebook Inc shares slipped 2.4% as in inflation have pushed investors to book environment. But, by and large, as yesterday as investors resumed a Wall Street assessed the wider profit on stocks with high valuation in vaccines begin to take hold as we get out shift out of big technology-related ramifications of its move to block all news the S&P 500 technology and from under the COVID overhang, you’re firms, while an unexpected rise in content in Australia. communications services sectors, which going to see a decline in unemployment,” weekly jobless claims pointed to a A stronger-than-expected earnings have underpinned a 76% rise in the Essele said. fragile recovery in the labour season, progress in countrywide benchmark index since its March 2020 Only the defensive utilities sector was market. vaccination efforts and hopes of a $1.9 lows. in positive territory, out of the 11 major Shares of Apple Inc, Microsoft Corp, trillion dollar stimulus package helped “There was a lot of irrational S&P 500 sectors. Tesla Inc and Alphabet Inc were down US stock indexes hit record highs at the exuberance built into things heading into Walmart Inc slid 5.5% after the world’s between 1.1% and 2.5%, pressuring both beginning of the week. the year ... then we started to enter an largest retailer missed quarterly profit the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq. However,concerns over a potential rise environment where risk actually became estimates and predicted fiscal 2022 net a factor once again and notably sales to rise in low single digits. inflationary risk,” said Peter Essele, head At 12:13 p.m. ET the Dow Jones of portfolio management at Industrial Average was down 275.87 Commonwealth Financial Network in points, or 0.87%, at 31,337.15, the S&P Boston. 500 was down 39.18 points, or 1.00%, at “Now it’s a question of whether the 3,892.15 and the Nasdaq Composite was fundamentals are going to match the down 199.51 points, or 1.43%, at level of prices that currently exist in the 13,765.99. market.” Marriott International Inc was down The labour Department’s report 0.1% after reporting a quarterly loss as showed initial claims for state the hotel chain’s bookings declined due to unemployment benefits were 861 000 pandemic-induced travel restrictions. last week, compared with 848 000 in the Declining issues outnumbered prior week, partly due to potential claims advancers for a 3.21-to-1 ratio on the related to the temporary closure of NYSE and for a 3.29-to-1 ratio on the automobile plants due to a global Nasdaq.The S&P index recorded 12 new semiconductor chip shortage. 52-week highs and no new low,while the “It’s going to be some time and a choppy Nasdaq recorded 74 new highs and 14 return to a normal employment new lows. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 11

Ministers wrong over wind farm go-ahead, says judge A HIGH Court judge has quashed permission for one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms to be built off the east coast of England. The Norfolk Vanguard Offshore Wind Farm was granted development consent in July by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). However, Justice Holgate overturned the decision following legal action from a man living near a planned cable route. A Department for BEIS spokeswoman said it was “disappointed by the outcome”. “We will be considering the judgement carefully before deciding next steps,” she added. The legal challenge was brought by Raymond Pearce, who lives near Reepham in Norfolk, who had raised concerns about Proposals to build a new wind farm, off the Norfolk coast, were granted development consent in July. the effect the development would have on the into account the Vattenfall, and had given from the coast, had He said: “For the people people’s lives.” landscape and the view. “cumulative impacts” of the “inadequate” reasons for attracted “substantial of Norfolk who will be He said it was He argued that project, proposed by the not doing so. objections”. potentially adversely “absolutely fantastic we ministers had not taken energy company Trenches, into which Ruling in Pearce’s favour, impacted by multiple cable are progressing towards a cables would be laid from he said regulations had corridors then it really is a zero-carbon economy”, but the wind farm to onshore been breached as a result of very good start, that finally that “the impact in just substations, would pass a failure to evaluate they have a voice and developing the onshore Stable EU relations within 80m (262ft) of available information somebody is recognising infrastructure will be Pearce’s house. about the “cumulative these national devastating, not only on Justice Holgate said the impacts of the Vanguard infrastructure projects will the climate... but on the with City of London Vanguard development and Boreas substation have an impact on ordinary local environment”. was closely related to a development”. will take time, says second wind farm project Speaking to BBC Look called Norfolk Boreas. East after the ruling, BANK RATES The judge heard that a Pearce accepted it was not EU financial chief substation site planned for an “outright” victory, but Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of both projects near Necton, added “it’s a very good start business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. LONDON – The regulatory co-operation, about 40 miles (65km) though”. European Union foresees she said. Valid for February 19, 2021 “stable and balanced” “We hope to do that by Notes: relations with Britain’s the end of March,” Currency Buying Selling financial sector eventually McGuinness told an Irish Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 after ground rules for co- Universities online event. Canadian Dollar 1.55451 1.60050 operation are agreed next “I hope it will be the East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 month, its financial same type of arrangement Euro 2.36697 2.46663 services chief said that we have with the Pound Sterling 2.73649 2.85171 yesterday. US... and I am optimistic United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 Britain’s financial that over with trust and Demand/Sight: sector has been cut off co-operation, that we will Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 from its biggest export build a stable and Canadian Dollar 1.56337 1.59909 customer, with eight balanced relationship East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 billion euros in daily share with our UK friends.” Euro 2.40170 2.45133 trading moving from EU and US regulators Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 London to Amsterdam meet several times a year Pound Sterling 2.77664 2.83402 and Paris after Britain left to discuss international United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 the EU on December 31. developments in Telegraphic Transfer EU financial services regulation and deal with Currency Buying Selling commissioner said Brexit any potential conflicts. Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 has resulted in a The memorandum, Canadian Dollar 1.56633 1.59909 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 “significant regime described by a City of Euro 2.40621 2.45133 change” but forward London official as no more Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 planning meant no than a “talking shop”, will Pound Sterling 2.78186 2.83402 volatility or disruption in not automatically lead to United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 financial markets last direct EU access for month. Britain’s financial sector, INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL The first step in Brussels has said. CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE building a new Some UK lawmakers RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS. relationship with Britain say Britain should not N.B. These rates are not meant to be used for trading. in financial services will wait for EU access and BDS$ Guyana Dollar 0.00945 be agreeing a instead make regulatory Jamaica Dollar 0.01330 memorandum of changes to boost London’s T&T Dollar 0.29897 understanding on global competitiveness. 12 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline February 18, 2021 EPPLEY C'BEAN PROPERTY FUND SCC - VAL FUND 8710 0.58 0.57 0.57 0 ONE CARIBBEAN MEDIA LIMITED 160 1.8 1.8 1.8 0

Two securities traded firm as 8,870 shares traded on the Regular Market, with a total value of $5,265.53. Eppley Caribbean Property Fixed Income Market Fund SCC – Value Fund was the volume leader trading 8,710 shares at a high of $0.58 and a low of $0.57 before closing firm at $0.57. GOB SERIES B 33,067.27 They were followed by One Caribbean Media Limited which traded 160 shares at $1.80.

Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $20.2 $19.89 -$0.31 SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Thursday February 19, 2021

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

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

BICO Limited 21-Sep-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - $3.10 - 70 - INDICES Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES February 18, 2021 February 17, 2021 Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - Local 2,444.49 2,444.83 (0.34) Barbados Farms Limited 22-Jan-21 - - - $0.40 $0.40 - $0.35 $0.40 1,000 6,561 Cross-list 933.43 933.43 - Composite 595.65 595.73 (0.08) Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 28-Jan-21 - - - $4.10 $4.10 - - $4.10 - 1,100 MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) FirstCaribbean International Bank 05-Feb-21 - - - $1.80 $1.80 - $1.80 $2.00 239 707 TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES February 18, 2021 February 17, 2021 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 05-Feb-21 - - - $0.16 $0.16 - - $0.16 - 10,146 Local 4,913.37 4,914.05 (0.68 - Dev Fund Cross-list 119.19 119.19 - Composite 5,032.55 5,033.24 (0.68) Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 18-Feb-21 8710 0.58 0.57 $0.57 $0.57 0 $0.55 $0.58 1,600 51,870 MUTUAL FUND February 18, 2021 – Value Fund ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV CHANGE Goddard Enterprises Limited 17-Feb-21 5,975 2.15 2.15 $2.16 $2.15 -$0.01 $2.10 $2.15 20,000 9,106 12-Feb-21 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.1972 -0.0056 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 22-Jan-21 - - - $2.00 $2.00 - $1.78 $2.00 78 9,700 12-Feb-21 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2679 0.0001 12-Feb-21 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6726 -0.0004 One Caribbean Media Limited 18-Feb-21 160 1.8 1.8 $1.80 $1.80 0 - $1.80 - 215 12-Feb-21 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.6328 6.6328 6.6328 0.0857 12-Feb-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.1045 0.0035 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 12-Feb-21 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0244 0.0017 31-Jan-21 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.5698 5.5698 5.4584 -0.0020 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - - - $2.80 $2.80 - - - - - 31-Jan-21 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 1.0241 1.0241 1.0036 0.0000 31-Jan-21 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6429 1.6429 1.6100 -0.0006 West India Biscuit Company Limited 05-Feb-21 - - - $31.55 $31.55 - $31.25 $31.40 100 500 12-Feb-21 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.78 0.03 Emera Deposit Receipt 14-Aug-20 - - - $20.21 $20.20 -$0.01 $30.00 - 50 - 12-Feb-21 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.70 0.03 12-Feb-21 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.99 0.00 8870 * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. * = Security is Trading X-Div m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly *+* = Security is Suspended Fixed Income

** = Rights Issued Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask Date Close Close Price Price Size Size GOB Series B 17-Feb-21 $60.00 $60.00 $60.00 $80.00 50,000 34,828 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 NOTICES GOB Series F 03-Nov-20 $89.00 $89.00 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 $70.00 19,617

FirstCaribbean International Bank - Directors have fixed February 1st, 2021 as the record date for the NEWS determination of shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on March 12th, 2021. Barclays says loans worth DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS £4.8bn may never be repaid Cave Shepherd and Company Limited – Directors have declared a final dividend of five ($0.05) cents per share to be paid on February 19th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on February 5th, 2021. BARCLAYS has reported a Barclays warned that big drop in annual profits, pandemic-related costs having set aside billions of would remain high BSE NOTICES pounds for loans expected to throughout the coming year, turn sour due to the but that it expected loan loss COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE pandemic. charges to be “materially The bank reported a 30% below” last year’s hit. Kindly note that effective February 15th, 2021, the offices of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the fall in pre-tax profits to Some £492m was set aside Barbados Central Securities Depository Inc. (BCSDI) remain closed in accordance with the extension of the £3.1bn for 2020, down from to cover expected defaults by National Pause – February 17th, 2021 to February 28th, 2021 – announced by the Government of Barbados. £4.3bn in 2019. borrowers in the final three Kindly note, however, that while our physical offices will be closed, all trading, clearing and settlement operations It was forced to set aside months of 2020, but that was will remain fully operational as staff will all be working remotely during this period. While our offices are closed, we £4.8bn to cover loans down nearly a fifth on the remain easily accessible via email. For Stock Exchange related queries, kindly email us at [email protected] and unlikely to be paid back previous quarter. for Shareholder related queries contact us at [email protected]. amid the economic fallout of Barclays added that Covid. investment banking trading We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding and trust that all and sundry remain safe during this time. Despite that the bank had helped to offset the announced it would resume impact of the Covid crisis on dividends, with a payment its retail arm, with its “best TRADING SUSPENSION of 1p per share to ever year” for markets and The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and shareholders. banking income helping to subject to Section 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares ‘Resilient and diversified’ keep the group in profit. of Banks Holdings Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. The bank has been one of “We expect that our the biggest providers of resilient and diversified The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and emergency loans during the business model will deliver a subject to Section 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares coronavirus crisis, having meaningful improvement in of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. given some £27bn worth to returns in 2021,” group chief businesses. executive Jes Staley said. The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by way of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the It has also provided more Banking analyst Philip issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has than 680,000 payment Augar told the BBC’s Today suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited. holidays globally for programme that “it’s clearly customers with mortgages, not great news” for the credit cards and loans. bank. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 13 Rowley thanks Barbados PM for vaccines after error TRINIDAD – Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley thanked Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley for vaccines which are being administered to the country’s frontline healthcare workers. The Office of the Prime Minister and Dr Rowley shared a statement on Wednesday expressing thanks after Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh mistakenly said that the vaccines had been received from India. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh ‘I want to thank Prime Minister the Hon. Mia Mottley for sharing her ‘The Minister confirms that the 2,000 precious gift of COVID-19 vaccines with doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 the people of Trinidad and Tobago.’ vaccine were, in fact, a gift given to The Office of the Prime Minister said: Trinidad and Tobago from Barbados. ‘Today our frontline workers began This was generously provided from the receiving vaccines courtesy the stock of vaccines that the Government generosity of our neighbour Barbados. of India provided to Barbados for their Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley I want to thank Prime Minister the use. The Minister of Health was Hon. Mia Mottley for sharing her unfortunately misinformed and Barbados indicated it would share some the Couva Hospital and Multi-Training precious gift of COVID-19 vaccines with apologies for this error.’ of these vaccines with Trinidad and Facility. the people of Trinidad and Tobago.’ The country received 2,000 vaccines Tobago and several other Caribbean Deyalsingh also expressed his The Health Ministry issued a from Barbados after the CARICOM countries. deepest gratitude to the people of statement following the error, nation received a batch of 100,000 The vaccines were first administered Barbados for the kind gesture of apologising for the mistake: AstraZeneca vaccines from India. at a media conference on Wednesday at regional collaboration. D’can Republic launches vaccination campaign SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican due to delays by other vaccine makers. adults in three phases by the end of the Republic started inoculating medical The SII, the world’s biggest vaccine year. By the end of July it hopes to have staff against COVID-19 on Tuesday as maker, has licensed the vaccine from vaccinated the 2.7 million people who it launched its vaccination campaign AstraZeneca and Oxford University and are over 50 years old, as well as all following the arrival of the first 20,000 markets it as COVISHIELD for low- healthcare staff, teachers and the doses of the Oxford University- and middle-income countries. military. AstraZeneca vaccine. The Dominican Republic is the In addition to the 110,000 doses from Speaking at the Air Force hospital Caribbean country worst hit by the the SII, the country has signed up for 10 where the campaign started, President pandemic, registering 2,975 deaths and million shots directly from AstraZeneca, Luis Abinader said his government had around 231,950 infections to date. 8 million from Pfizer, 768,000 from acquired 110,000 doses of the vaccine Abinader’s government plans to Sinopharm and 542,000 from the global from the Serum Institute of India (SII) vaccinate the country’s 7.8 million vaccine sharing scheme COVAX. Gov’t to introduce digital birth certificate solution KINGSTON, Jamaica – The the Ceremonial Opening of Parliament. birth certificate solution Government has promised to introduce While not giving details on the digital will be part of the modernisation of the a digital birth certificate solution in the birth certificate solution, Sir Patrick Revenue General Department (RGD), new fiscal year, which begins on April 1. said the process is 90 per cent complete which is being transformed Governor General Sir Patrick Allen and will be launched in the new fiscal into the National Identification and made the announcement yesterday as year. Registration Authority he delivered the Throne Speech during According to Sir Patrick, the new (NIRA). President Luis Abinader

Partly sunny with a few brief isolated light showers.

High Tide (First) 8:31 High tide (Second) 22:10 London 06 Clear Yesterday: 0.2 mm Boston -01 Overcast / Light Snow Low Tide (First) 2:04 For the month: 13.9 mm Max: 28.8 °C Montreal -05 Cloudy Low tide (Second) 15:41 For the year: 141.2 mm Min: 24.6 °C Toronto -04 Light Snow New York -02 Cloudy /Light Freezing Drizzle Miami 29 Partly Cloudy 6:20 am 6:05 pm 14 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

J’ca: Protocols strengthened to protect traveller Follows discovery of data website vulnerability JAMAICA – The Ministry of other data. National Security is The Ministry says the security reporting that a security vulnerability was immediately vulnerability associated with rectified upon discovery. the file storage service on the According to the Ministry, a JAMCOVID-19 application thorough investigation was was discovered on Tuesday. immediately initiated to Persons entering Jamaica are determine if there were any required to seek travel breaches in travellers’ data authorisation on the security, if the vulnerability had Government’s JAMCOVID been exploited, and if there was website. a breach of any laws. Travellers must submit At present, there is no evidence personal data as part of the to suggest that the security application process. vulnerability had been exploited Passengers at Norman Manley International Airport in Jamaica. Persons granted admission are for malicious data extraction mandated to download the prior to it being rectified, the vulnerability and have assured travellers that it takes data It added that Jamaica will JAMCOVID-19 app and are Ministry stated. them that steps have been taken privacy and security extremely continue to carry out robust required to supply the It said, nevertheless, out of an to ensure the integrity and the seriously and remain committed security testing and update authorities with information abundance of caution, it has confidentiality of the data. to stringent security protocols in security protocols as necessary such as their daily temperatures contacted travellers whose data The Ministry noted that the keeping with local and to mitigate against the risk of and their whereabouts, among may have been subject to the Government is assuring all international standards. unauthorised access to data. Jamaica Opposition demands more information on JAMCOVID data breach KINGSTON, Jamaica – The assured that this will not recur. have the permanent secretary Opposition People’s National We’re inviting people to come to appear in the appropriate Party (PNP), through its Jamaica and upload sensitive venue to make public the spokesperson on science, data through this application, terms, nature and progress of technology and commerce, is so we must guarantee our the investigation. Platitudes demanding the Minister of visitors that their private data and assurances don’t have National Security comes ready will be safe,” said Hugh much currency in matters like to address Parliament about Graham, the Spokesperson on this. What Jamaicans and the reports that sensitive data of Science, Technology and potential victims of identity Jamaicans and other visitors Commerce. theft want is a clear were left on an unsecured “With the kind of information demonstration of competence,” server. that was left open to potential Graham said. Reports surfacing abuse, we cannot rule out Noting that the ministry Wednesday indicate that data malicious intent without a indicated an investigation has ranging from COVID-19 test clear, transparent, thorough begun, the Opposition results uploaded to the investigation. It can’t be that spokesperson urged the VisitJamaica website, you find out about this kind of Government to make sure it quarantine orders, and even a breach and a few hours later keeps the interests of potential 440,000 signatures were you say ‘at present there victims top of mind, and to accessible to the general public is no evidence’ to suggest leave no stone unturned before for an unknown amount of malicious intent,” Graham declaring that the data wasn’t time. “It’s easy to say the data continued. maliciously made public and is ‘now secure’ – but we need to “The minister must be ready that there have been no cases PNP spokesperson on Science, Technology and Commerce, know what caused this breach to address Parliament on this of identity theft occurring from Hugh Graham. in the first place, and the public situation this week, or we must the mishap. World Bank approves additional US$10M to enhance J’can businesses WASHINGTON, United States “This additional financing will easier to do business, which will said, provides technical Competitiveness and Growth – The World Bank has approved support initiatives benefit local assistance to improve the Project was approved and has additional financing of that encourage business entrepreneurs,” said Ozan investment climate by updating since supported 14 new US$10 million for the growth in Jamaica and Sevimli, World Bank resident laws, regulations, and legal investment climate laws, ongoing Jamaica Foundations strengthen the environment for representative for Jamaica and frameworks, to support a regulations, and policies that for Competitiveness and Growth private sector investment.These Guyana. private sector-led resilient improved Jamaica’s business Project. changes are more critical now The bank noted that Jamaica recovery. It said the project also environment. The bank said the additional than ever, as the private sector is facing significant challenges includes policies and programs In addition, nearly 140 small financing will be used to scale up has been hit hard by the from the COVID-19 crisis, and for export competitiveness, and medium-sized businesses support for the Government’s economic and social impacts of said the Government has attracting foreign direct have benefitted from a line of business climate reform agenda COVID-19. The additional adopted a series of measures to investment, and supplier credit program and over 380 and contribute to Jamaica’s financing will help Jamaica address the deteriorating linkages. businesses received training economic recovery by improving build back better through economic and social situation. In 2014, the US$50 million support through matching the business environment. support for reforms to make it This additional financing, it Jamaica Foundations for grants, the bank said. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 15

Under pressure, Brazil Bolivia returns health minister promises US$350M to IMF more COVID vaccine shots RIO DE JANEIRO – Pressured doses wouldbe made available after ‘irregular by stategovernors over a in February. shortage of coronavirus That figure includes 9.3 vaccine, Brazil’shealth million doses secured by minister on Wednesday theButantan institute in Sao and onerous’ loan promised to mobilize 11.3 Paulo through its partnership LA PAZ – Bolivia’s central financial conditions, generated … millionshots by the end of the with China’s Sinovac Biotech bank said on Wednesday it millions in costs to the Bolivian month, but included doses the Ltd, plus 2 million doses of returned a loan of nearly state,” the bank said in a delivery of which has yet to be thevaccine made by Britain’s US$346.7 million dollars, plus statement. confirmed. AstraZeneca Plc, according to interest, to the International Bolivia is among the poorest With vaccination campaigns the statement. Monetary Fund (IMF) to nations in Latin America and has halted in recent days in However, delivery of the Minister Eduardo Pazuello avoid unnecessarily saddling been particularly hard-hit by the majorcities like Rio de Janeiro AstraZeneca doses has not its economy with debt. coronavirus crisis in recent and Salvador due to a lack of beenconfirmed by India where inclusion of non-secured The loan was approved last months. shots, Minister Eduardo they are being produced and vaccines from AstraZeneca in year by the interim government of The central bank returned Pazuello is facing increasing they arestill under negotiation its plan. Jeanine Anez, which argued the US$351.5 million to the IMF, criticism from governors and with AstraZeneca, Brazil’s The AstraZeneca vaccine was funds were a necessary shot-in- which included US$4.7 million in mayors over the inoculation research institute Fiocruz, originally planned as the the-arm following a political crisis interest and commissions. program. responsible for importing the central pillar of Brazil’s that had led to the resignation of The bank also said it would After Pazuello met with vaccines, said in a separate national inoculation longtime leftist leader Evo begin administrative, civil and governors on Wednesday statement. programme, but so far the Morales. criminal actions against those afternoon,the ministry issued a The Health Ministry did not majority of doses have come “This loan, in addition to being responsible for negotiating the statement saying 11.3 million immediately comment on the from Sinovac. irregular and onerous due to loan with the IMF. Questions abound as Ecuador heads to presidential runoff QUITO, Ecuador – Ecuador is Arauz in April. By law,they were headed toward a presidential supposed to reach a decision by runoff that so far has brought Wednesday. disappointing results for nearly A member of the electoral all involved at a time when the council, Luis Verdesoto, said on country, battered by a sour Twitter that its failure to reach a economy even before the decision so far damaged pandemic, has been struggling “institutional stability and for direction. democracy.” The leftist faction that has won No matter who wins, “The the past four general elections is outlook is very dark from this The top candidate in the clear favourite heading into point on,” said Grace M. Jaramillo Sunday’s ballot Andres the April 11 ballot, but its of the University of British Arauz, presidential candidate, Andrés Arauz, barely Colombia, who formerly led the candidate for the United for managed to get about 33% of the department of international Hope Alliance or UNES. votes in the election’s first round relations at a leading university Feb. 7. in Ecuador. “Under the three of indigenous groups and the A conservative who lost the last different scenarios, Ecuador is press. Presidential candidate Guillermo Lasso, representing the two presidential contests, going to face a very difficult time His chosen successor, Lenin Creating Opportunities party or CREO, flashes a thumbs up Guillermo Lasso, emerged with in the following four years. It’s Moreno, won in 2017, but veered after attending an event with rival Yaku Perez, of the a little under 20% of the votes, very pessimistic with Arauz, away from Correa toward more Pachakutik political party, in which both are asking for a giving him a perilously fragile Yaku or Lasso.” market-friendly policies that ballot recount of Sunday’s election, in Quito, Ecuador, edge to get the other spot on the Arauz is backed by ex- have stumbled at a time of high Friday, Feb. 12, 2021. runoff ballot. President Rafael Correa, a former debts and low prices for Ecuador’s Yaku Pérez, a challenger from ally of Cuba’s Fidel Castro and oil. He feuded bitterly with his forced Moreno’s government to agreed to seek a full recount in an environmentalist-Indigenous Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez who former mentor and chose not to back down on a move to end fuel the coastal province of Guayas, movement, made an remains heavily influential seek reelection. subsidies. where the conservative candidate unexpectedly strong showing, but despite a corruption conviction Correa’s version of leftist Lasso is again running for the has strong support, and to ask for so far has fallen just short of that has left him watching from politics often collided with that presidency after a long career in verification of 50% of votes in 16 Lasso in the fight for the second afar in Belgium, beyond the reach of Indigenous and environmental business, banking and other provinces. But Lasso runoff spot. of Ecuadoran prosecutors. movements alarmed by oil and government. He favors free- appeared to backtrack on his That has prompted allegations Arauz has proposed making mineral developments. Pérez’s market policies and Ecuador’s support for some of those of fraud from Pérez’s backers, the wealthy pay more taxes, Pachakutik party and other rapprochement with recounts. who are part of a movement that strengthening consumer movements have mobilized international organizations. Marlon Santi, Pachakutik’s led major challenges to a series of protections, public banking and protests, some that turned into Correa was sentenced in national coordinator,vowed to use governments, toppling presidents local credit and savings major clashes, against a series of absentia in April to eight years in “all the nececessary (legal) at least twice in recent decades organizations, and backing away governments from right and left. prison for his role in what resources and means” to support and which on Wednesday from agreements with the “They are completely against prosecutors described as an Perez. announced a march “in defense of International Monetary Fund. any candidate who is with Rafael elaborate scheme that demanded “We are not going to allow them democracy” scheduled to reach Correa became president in Correa,” Jaramillo said of the millions of dollars from to steal our victory and our right the capital next week. 2007 and was reelected twice Indigenous groups and their left- businessmen in exchange for the to participate in the second Electoral authorities failed with solid margins. He oversaw leaning backers. “It’s a vote contracts of large infrastructure electoral round and achieve Tuesday to agree on the scope strong growth and declining against somebody, not a vote in projects between 2012 and 2016. victory against the and rules for a partial recount of poverty for much of his mandate, favor of somebody.” He calls the allegations trumped- candidate who represents the first-round votes to determine if but was accused of increasing Indigenous communities led up charges for political ends. return of corruption and Pérez or Lasso will face off with authoritarianism and repression protests in October 2019 that On Friday, Pérez and Lasso authoritarianism,” Santi said. 16 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Nicaragua creates Ministry of Ex-FARC commanders Extraterrestrial Space Affairs accept Colombia war MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Nicaragua has created a new crimes accusations National Ministry for FORMER commanders from by six of the former rebel Extraterrestrial Space Affairs, Colombia’s demobilized commanders and published on The Moon and Other Celestial FARC guerrillas yesterday Twitter said. Bodies, which is drawing amused accepted accusations by a The FARC used kidnappings reactions on social media in a transitional justice court that for ransom to fund their war,while nation that has been struggling they committed war crimes captured military or government since anti-government protests and crimes against humanity personnel were used to pressure three years ago. during the group’s 50-year authorities into releasing jailed The agency was approved by war with the state. rebels, the JEP said last month. 76 legislators Wednesday in the The ruling in January by the By accepting the accusations, country’s congress, which is Special Jurisdiction for Peace the former commanders could dominated by President Daniel (JEP), created under the 2016 face restrictions on their freedoms Ortega’s Sandinista Party.Fifteen peace deal between the for five to eight years. If they had opposition legislators abstained. government and the rebels,was rejected thaem, the commanders In a country that has a hard the first time the JEP attributed would have faced up to 20 years in time supplying its people with criminal responsibility for prison, per the terms of the peace food, fuel and coronavirus hostage-taking to former leaders deal.The signatories were former vaccines, it is not clear exactly of the Revolutionary Armed top leader Rodrigo Londono – what the ministry is supposed to Forces of Colombia (FARC). known best by his nom de guerre do. The former commanders were Timochenko – Jaime Alberto It will be under the control of also accused of other war crimes Parra, Pablo Catatumbo, Pastor the Nicaraguan army, which has connected with the treatment of Alape, Julian Gallo and Rodrigo no space programme. The law kidnap victims, including murder Grande. says the ministry “will promote and torture, among others. The JEP can also prosecute the development of space FILE - In this Sept. 5, 2018 file photo, Nicaragua’s President “We recognize that during (the military leaders for allegations of activities, with the aim of Daniel Ortega and his wife and Vice President Rosario conflict) actions and conduct war crimes, in addition to the broadening the country’s Murillo, lead a rally in Managua, Nicaragua. punishable in the eyes of cases it handles related to former capacities in the fields of international humanitarian law FARC members. Colombia’s education, industry, science and Murillo, dressed as astronauts, belonged to media outlets and took place. Actions and conducts conflict, which also includes technology.” and of Nicaraguan police civic groups he disagreed with. that have been individually and former right-wing paramilitaries Social media users were quick expropriating the moon, as Critics said the country does collectively recognized by the JEP, and drug cartels, has killed to create memes of Ortega and Ortega has done with some not have the money to spare for society in general, and in activities 260,000 people and displaced his wife, Vice President Rosario buildings in Nicaragua that dreams of space exploration. with victims,” a statement signed millions. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 17 Some power restored in Texas but water woes persist AUSTIN, Texas – Power was Pennsylvania, and later the restored to more homes and Northeast. Back-to-back storms businesses in Texas left 15 inches (38 centimeters) of yesterday after a deadly blast snow in Little Rock, Arkansas, of winter this week tying a 1918 record, the National overwhelmed the electrical Weather Service said. grid and left millions The extreme weather was shivering in the cold. But the blamed for the deaths of over crisis was far from over, with three dozen people, some while many people still in need of trying to keep warm. In the Donated water is distributed to residents, yesterday, in Houston. safe drinking water. Houston area, one family died Fewer than a half-million from carbon monoxide as their stabilize the power grid. quarter of the population of the systems. homes remained without car idled in their garage. A “We will keep working around nation’s second-largest state – to Houston Mayor Sylvester electricity, although utility woman and her three the clock until every single boil tap water before drinking it, Turner said he expects that officials said limited rolling grandchildren were killed in a customer has their power back following record low residents in the nation’s fourth- blackouts could still occur. fire that authorities said might on,” said ERCOT Senior Director temperatures that damaged largest city will have to boil tap The storms also left more than have been caused by a fireplace of System Operations Dan infrastructure and pipes. water before drinking it until 320,000 homes and businesses they were using. Woodfin. Water pressure fell after lines Sunday or Monday. without power in Louisiana, In Texas yesterday, just under Woodfin warned that rotating froze, and many people left Some Austin hospitals lost Mississippi and Alabama. About 500,000 homes and businesses outages could return if electricity faucets dripping to prevent pipes water pressure and heat. But 70,000 power outages persisted remained without power, down demand rises as people get power from icing over, said Toby Baker, because the problem was after an ice storm in eastern from about 3 million a day earlier. and heating back, though they executive director of the Texas statewide and affected other Kentucky, while nearly 67,000 The state’s grid manager, the wouldn’t last as long as outages Commission on Environmental facilities, “no one hospital were without electricity in West Electric Reliability Council of earlier this week. Quality. Gov. Greg Abbott urged currently has the capacity to Virginia. Texas, said the remaining Adding to the state’s misery, residents to shut off water to accept transport of a large Snow and ice moved into the outages are largely weather- the weather jeopardized drinking their homes, if possible, to number of patients,” said David Appalachians, northern related, rather than forced water systems. Authorities prevent more busted pipes and Huffstutler, CEO of St. David’s Maryland and southern blackouts that began Monday to ordered 7 million people – a preserve pressure in municipal South Austin Medical Center. Trump-McConnell feud threatens Republicans’ path to power WASHINGTON – Former Trump repeated his claim on Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot despite be much better off, that I can described Trump’s contention as President Donald Trump is Wednesday that he was the voting to acquit the former tell you.” an “unhinged falsehood.” escalating a political war within rightful winner of the November president at his second Republican officials in several Leading GOP strategists his own party that could election in a series of interviews impeachment trial. battlegrounds carried by Biden, described the exploding feud undermine the Republican push with conservative outlets after “The Republicans are soft. including Georgia and Arizona, between the Republican former to fight President Joe Biden’s nearly a month of self-imposed They only hit their own, like have said the vote was fair. president and the Senate’s most agenda and ultimately return silence. Mitch,” Trump complained on Trump’s legal claims powerful Republican as, at best, the party to power. Trump continued to attack Newsmax. “If they spent the surrounding the vote were a distraction and, at worst, a A day after blistering Mitch McConnell, accusing the Senate same time hitting (Senate rejected by judges across the direct threat to the party’s path McConnell, the Senate’s top GOP leader of failing to stand up Democratic leader Chuck) political spectrum, including to the House and Senate Republican, as a “dour, sullen for Republicans after McConnell Schumer and (President Joe) many appointed by the former majorities in next year’s and unsmiling political hack,” blasted Trump for inciting the Biden, the Republicans would president. McConnell himself midterms. Cruz says he went on vacation amid storm ‘to be a good dad’ DALLAS – With Texas paralyzed homes warm.” More recently,he emerged as a two-term senator is not in any by a winter storm, Sen. Ted Cruz Cruz addressed his travels only leader in former President immediate political danger. His took his family on vacation to hours after The Associated Press Donald Trump’s push to overturn current term expires in early Cancun, Mexico, drawing and other media outlets reported the results of the November 2025, and the unofficial criticism from leaders in both that he had traveled to Cancun election. Billboards calling for his beginning of the next Republican parties and potentially damaging on Wednesday, with hundreds of resignation stood along Texas presidential primary election is his political ambitions. thousands of Texans still highways earlier in the month. two years away. In a statement yesterday,Cruz grappling with the fallout of a Even the state Republican Still, Democrats across said he was returning to Texas. winter storm that crippled the Party chair declined to come to Washington were eager to talk He said he accompanied his state’s power grid and killed more Cruz’s defense yesterday. about the controversy. family to Mexico a day earlier than three dozen people, some “That’s something that he has White House press secretary after his daughters asked to go on while trying to keep warm. to answer to his constituents Jen Psaki leaned into a question a trip with friends, given that The statement did little to quell about,”Texas GOP Chair Allen about Cruz’s “whereabouts” school was canceled for the week. a fierce political backlash that West said when asked whether earlier in the day. “Wanting to be a good dad, I comes as Cruz eyes a second Cruz’s travel was appropriate “I don’t have any updates on flew down with them last night presidential run in 2024. He was while Texans are without power the exact location of Sen. Ted and am flying back this already one of the most and water. Cruz nor does anyone at the afternoon,” Cruz said. villainized Republicans in “I’m here trying to take care of White House,” Psaki said, adding “My staff and I are in constant Congress, having created my family and look after my that President Joe Biden’s communication with state and adversaries across the political friends and others that are still administration is focused on local leaders to get to the bottom spectrum in a political career Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, without power,”West said.“That’s “working directly with leadership of what happened in Texas,” he defined by far-right policies and speaks with reporters on my focus.” in Texas and surrounding states continued. “We want our power fights with the political Capitol Hill in Washington, While the situation will not on addressing the winter storm back, our water on, and our establishment. Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021. help Cruz’s political future, the and the crisis at hand.” 18 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

NASA rover lands on Mars to Facebook ‘unfriends’ Australia: uproar as look for signs of ancient life news pages go dark CAPE CANAVERAL, “Touchdown confirmed! land on Mars, every one of fetch rover and brought Fla. – A NASA rover Perseverance safely on the them from the U.S., homeward by another SYDNEY – Facebook “highly irresponsible.” streaked through the surface of Mars, ready to beginning in the 1970s. rocket ship. The goal is to faced backlash from “It won’t deter us from orange Martian sky and begin seeking signs of past The car-size, plutonium- get them back to Earth as publishers and politicians moving ahead,” he said in landed on the planet life,” flight controller Swati powered vehicle arrived at early as 2031. yesterday after blocking remarks to reporters. yesterday, Mohan announced to back- Jezero Crater, hitting Scientists hope to answer news feeds in Australia in The dispute centres on accomplishing the slapping, fist-bumping NASA’s smallest and one of the central questions a surprise escalation of a a planned Australian law riskiest step yet in an colleagues wearing masks trickiest target yet: a 5 – of theology,philosophy and dispute with the that would require epic quest to bring back against the coronavirus. by-4-mile strip on an space exploration. government over a law to Facebook and Alphabet rocks that could answer The landing marks the ancient river delta full of “Are we alone in this sort require it to share revenue Inc’s Google to reach deals whether life ever third visit to Mars in just pits, cliffs and fields of rock. of vast cosmic desert, just from news. to pay news outlets whose existed on Mars. over a week. Two Scientists believe that if life flying through space, or is Facebook wiped out links drive traffic to their Ground controllers at the spacecraft from the United ever flourished on Mars, it life much more common? pages from Australian platforms, or agree on a space agency’s Jet Arab Emirates and China would have happened 3 Does it just emerge state governments and price through arbitration. Propulsion Laboratory in swung into orbit around billion to 4 billion years ago, whenever and wherever charities as well as from AFacebook Pasadena, California, Mars on successive days when water still flowed on the conditions are ripe?” domestic and spokeswoman said that jumped to their feet, thrust last week. All three the planet. said deputy project international news CEO Mark Zuckerberg their arms in the air and missions lifted off in July Over the next two years, scientist Ken Williford. organisations, three days had “a constructive call cheered in both triumph to take advantage of the Percy, as it is nicknamed, “We’re really on the verge of before the launch of a with Australian Treasurer and relief on receiving close alignment of Earth will use its 7-foot (2-meter) being able to potentially nationwide COVID-19 Josh Frydenberg and confirmation that the six- and Mars, journeying some arm to drill down and answer these enormous vaccination programme. again expressed our wheeled Perseverance had 300 million miles in nearly collect rock samples with questions.” Though the measure disappointment with the touched down on the red seven months. possible signs of bygone China’s spacecraft was limited to Australia, proposed law.” She said planet, long a deathtrap for Perseverance, the microscopic life. Three to includes a smaller rover European publishers Facebook would continue incoming spacecraft. biggest, most advanced four dozen chalk-size that also will be seeking along with British and to engage with the It took a tension-filled 11 rover ever sent by NASA, samples will be sealed in evidence of life – if it makes Canadian politicians governments on 1/2 minutes for the signal became the ninth tubes and set aside on it safely down from orbit in described it as an attempt amendments to the law. to reach Earth. spacecraft to successfully Mars to be retrieved by a May or June. to put pressure on Facebook said it had governments that might blocked a wide swathe of consider similar measures. pages because the draft “Facebook’s actions to law did not clearly define unfriend Australia today, news content. It said its cutting off essential commitment to combat information services on misinformation had not health and emergency changed, and it would services, were as arrogant restore pages that were as they were taken down by mistake. disappointing,”Australian Facebook used its Prime Minister Scott machine learning tools to Morrison wrote on his own identify news on the site Facebook page. to enforce the Australia “These actions will only action that blocked confirm the concerns that everything from news and an increasing number of government websites to its countries are expressing own site in Australia at about the behaviour of Big one point. Tech companies who think Benedict Evans, a digital they are bigger than media analyst and former governments and that the partner at venture capital rules should not apply to firm Andreessen them.” Horowitz, said the Canadian Heritage argument that Facebook Minister Steven would willingly pay for Guilbeault, who is drafting news article links on its legislation to make the platform if not for its In this photo provided by NASA, members of NASA’s Perseverance rover team react in mission control platforms pay for using dominance is misguided, after receiving confirmation the spacecraft successfully touched down on Mars, yesterday, 2021, at media content, said and no other website pays NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. Facebook’s move was publishers to link stories. Robinhood CEO defends actions in GameStop saga at hearing WASHINGTON – Key hottest new trade. The head of the Financial to send them their regulators. Still, he and other beaten-down players in the GameStop Some of the toughest Services Committee, Rep. customers’ orders for apologized to Robinhood companies beyond anyone’s saga faced questions questions and harshest Maxine Waters, D-Calif., execution. In addition, customers. imagination. yesterday from House criticism was directed at brusquely grilled Tenev on platforms like Robinhood GameStop shares rose as Not coincidentally, the lawmakers concerned that Vlad Tenev, CEO of those restrictions. She also give the trading firms data high as $483 in January rally inflicted billions in even as investing becomes Robinhood, which operates asked Tenev about on stocks its users are but reversed course this losses on the hedge funds more democratized the an online trading platform Robinhood’s close buying and selling. month and now trade that had placed bets that scales are still tilted in that is popular with relationship with Citadel Both Tenev and Ken around $45, still more than the stocks would drop, a favour of the big Wall Street individual investors.Tenev Securities, which she Griffin, the CEO of Citadel, double where they traded practice known as short- institutions. defended Robinhood maintains poses a conflict denied that Citadel had at the start of the year. selling. GameStop shares soared against allegations that of interest. any role in Robinhood’s Small investors were Some of the lawmakers 1,600% in January before trading restrictions it put At issue is the common decision to restrict trading initially seen as the at the hearing have been retreating sharply. The in place at the height of the practice in the securities in GameStop and some winners after they critical of short-selling, drama entangled huge GameStop frenzy markets of payment for other volatile stocks. mobilized against Wall although defenders of the short-selling hedge funds, disadvantaged those order flow, in which Wall Tenev said Robinhood Street heavies on the practice say it’s a tool for a social media message smaller investors in favour Street trading firms such imposed the trading subreddit WallStreetBets. uncovering a stock’s true board and ordinary of bigger institutional as Citadel Securities pay restrictions solely to meet Their buying swelled the value and hedging against investors wanting in on the clients. companies like Robinhood capital requirements set by share prices of GameStop possible losses. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 19

Italy’s Draghi easily wins lower house confidence vote ROME – Italy’s Prime Minister Mario major party to oppose the former premier setting out his policy priorities, politicians still baulk at the idea of Draghi easily won a vote of confidence European Central Bank president. starting with tackling the twin supporting a former ECB chief. in the lower house of parliament Draghi was sworn into office last coronavirus and economic crises. On Thursday 16 of 5-Star’s 189 yesterday, the final step needed for his week after a drawn-out political crisis The decision to support Draghi has deputies defied the party line by voting new government to exercise its full which saw his predecessor Giuseppe lacerated the 5-Star Movement, the against Draghi. Fifteen of its 92 powers. Conte forced out over a coalition largest party in parliament, which was senators did the same thing in the The Chamber of Deputies approved rupture. formed in 2009 as an anti- upper house vote the day before. the confidence motion by 535 votes to 56 He already won a confidence vote on establishment protest group. Smaller numbers in both houses in the 629-seat chamber, with the far- Wednesday in the upper house Senate, It has joined Draghi’s multi-party abstained or did not show up for the right Brothers of Italy being the only where he gave his maiden speech as government but many of its voters and vote. Georgia’s PM resigns over move to arrest opposition leader TBILISI, Georgia– Georgia’s prime “mass violence” during anti-government election. minister announced his resignation protests in 2019, in pre-trial detention A political crisis unfolded in Georgia yesterday following a court ruling after he reused to pay an increased bail after a parliamentary election in October, that ordered the arrest of a man fee of US$12,000. If convicted, Melia faces the results of which gave Georgia’s ruling who leads the ex-Soviet nation’s top nine years in prison. He has rejected the party the Georgian Dream a victory with opposition party. charges as politically motivated. 48% of the votes. The biggest opposition Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia said Melia and his supporters from other alliance, led by the United National in a televised address that he was opposition parties have vowed to resist Movement, placed second with 27%. stepping down because of disagreements the arrest, and he denounced the ruling The opposition has refused to recognize within his own team over the decision to as “unlawful.” According to the Interfax the results of the vote as valid and arrest Nika Melia, chairman of the news agency, Melia remained in the demanded a rerun. Thousands of United National Movement opposition Tbilisi headquarters of the United opposition supporters took to the streets party. National Movement on Thursday, and in protest for days after the election. Gakharia said arresting the opposition police officers were unable to enter the The U.S. State Department issued a leader could lead to further escalation of office to apprehend him. statement expressing concern over political crisis and threaten the well- Following Gakharia’s announcement, developments in Georgia. Spokesman being of the country’s citizens. Georgia’s Interior Ministry issued a Ned Price said the U.S. urges the FILE - In this file photo released on “Unfortunately, I could not reach a statement saying it had temporarily Georgian government “to reinforce its Oct. 31, 2020, by Georgia’s Prime consensus with my team on this issue. I postponed detaining Melia. commitment to the principles of Minister Press Office, Georgia’s Prime decided to resign,” the prime minister Melia said Gakharia’s decision was “to democracy,individual liberty,and rule of Minister Giorgi Gakharia, after voting said. be respected” but was unlikely to defuse law by ensuring that its judicial and at a polling station during the parlia- A Tbilisi court on Wednesday ruled to political tensions in the country and prosecutorial system is free of political mentary elections in Tbilisi, Georgia. place Melia, who is accused of organizing called for an early parliamentary bias. Two journalists jailed for two years in Belarus for filming protests KYIV – A Belarusian court sentenced two Belarusian journalists from Poland- based TV news channel Belsat to two years in prison on Thursday, accusing them of orchestrating protests against President Alexander Lukashenko that they had filmed. Katsiaryna Andreyeva, 27, and Darya Chultsova, 23, were detained in November in an apartment which they had been using as a vantage point to film demonstrations over the death of a protester killed several days earlier. Belarusian journalists Andreyeva and Chultsova attend a court hearing in Minsk. Both women pleaded not guilty. They appeared in a cage at the hearing serious consequences”. Belsat was set countries to impose new sanctions on love, fame and, most importantly, a clear yesterday, hugging and making “V” for up in Poland by Belarusian and Polish Minsk. Lukashenko has refused to step conscience.” victory signs. Their lawyer said they journalists to cover Belarus. down, buttressed by support from The journalists were filming protests would appeal the verdict. The European Union’s foreign affairs Moscow, which sees Belarus as a buffer after the death of 31-year-old Roman “Just look at Darya and Katsiaryna – spokesman Peter Stano condemned the state against the European Union and Bondarenko, who died in hospital in strong, smiling, and saying goodbyes to “shameful crackdown on media”. NATO. November after what protesters say was their loved ones through bars. More than 33,000 people have been “Every time I went to work, I risked a severe beating by security forces. The Lukashenka can’t break us,” exiled detained in a violent crackdown on my health and life,” Andreyeva had said interior ministry denied responsibility. opposition figure Sviatlana protests against Lukashenko’s rule in a statement earlier. “I managed to Lukashenko has mixed promises of Tsikhanouskaya wrote on Twitter. following a contested election last hide from rubber bullets, explosions of reform with a renewed crackdown this Neighbouring Lithuania, where August that his opponents say was stun grenades, blows from truncheons. week that saw police raiding the homes Tsikhanouskaya is based, urged Minsk rigged to extend his rule. He has been in My colleagues were much less of journalists and rights activists and to end a “spiral of repression”. Poland office since 1994. fortunate.” one of Lukashenko’s main electoral said in a statement it would have “very The crackdown prompted Western “I have everything: youth, a job that I opponents put on trial for corruption. 20 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty lingerie brand is now worth $1 billion ihanna can “take a bow”, “pour it L Catterton, in which LVMH Moët stake in the company was $85 million. and lingerie,” Rihanna and LVMH said up” and celebrate however she’d Hennessy Louis Vuitton has a stake. “Following the completion of the in a joint statement to WWD. Rlike since her Savage x Fenty lin- Savage x Fenty saw revenue growth of fundraising round where L Catterton LVMH confirmed last week that it gerie brand is now worth $1 billion. more than 200% last year and “in- took a stake in Savage X Fenty, LVMH was putting RiRi’s Fenty fashion line Forbes reported that a round of Series creased its active VIP member base by and Rihanna reaffirmed their ambition “on hold” nearly two years after the B funding raised $115 million for the more than 150%,” according to a state- to concentrate on the growth and the world’s largest luxury group announced company’s upcoming expansion into re- ment from the company. Prior to the lat- long-term development of Fenty ecosys- their collaboration. The “Phresh Out the tail, led by private equity firm est funding round, Rihanna’s estimated tem focusing on cosmetics, skincare, Runway” singer became the first Black woman to head a luxury house with LVMH. She debuted her size-inclusive Savage x Fenty lingerie line on May 10, 2018, with California-based TechStyle Fashion Group. Items typically range from sizes 32A to 42DD and XS to 3X. Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners, Avenir Growth Capital, TriplePoint Ventures and Sunley House Capital are also investors in the Savage x Fenty lingerie brand.

Farmer Nappy wins $100k online TT road march DARRYL “FARMER NAPPY” HENRY made it a double success for a virtual After making history with her landmark fashion deal, Rihanna is at the helm of another billion-dollar business. Carnival season with victory in the inaugural bmobile/TUCO online road march on Wednesday.Farmer Nappy won The Monarch (replacing the International Dolly Parton asks for statue plans to go on hold Soca Monarch), last week. At Wednesday’s prize-giving ceremony DOLLY PARTON has requested that John Mark Windle proposed a bill that child literacy. at the TSTT hospitality suite, Queen’s plans to erect a statue of her be delayed called for the country singer to be In November, the star said she felt Park Oval, Port of Spain, Farmer Nappy’s in light of the coronavirus pandemic. honoured in the grounds of the Capitol “very honoured and proud” to have catchy Backyard Jam was named Last month, Democrat congressman in Nashville,Tennessee. given money to research into one of the the winner. But Parton, 75, issued a statement most promising Covid-19 vaccines. He received $100 000 for the victory yesterday saying, “Given all that is She previously announced she was and dedicated his win to the public. going on in the world, I don’t think put- giving $1 million (£750,000) to After performing the winning song,an ting me on a pedestal is appropriate at Vanderbilt University Medical Center elated Farmer Nappy said, “Yes, yes, yes, this time.” in Nashville. That was one of the trial yes.This is not for me.This road march is She thanked the Tennessee legisla- sites for the Moderna vaccine, which for the people – it’s for the people of TT.It’s ture for their “consideration” and said early research showed was nearly the people who recognise this song and I she was “honoured and humbled by 95% effective. appreciate this and this is for the people. their intention”. Earlier this month, the singer-song- Thank you very much.Thank you, father.” The country music legend said that a writer also revealed she turned down Farmer Nappy also expressed gratitude monument to her might be more appro- the Presidential Medal of Freedom to bmobile and TUCO. priate in the future. from the Trump administration “I hope, though, that somewhere twice. down the road several years from now, She did not accept the awards be- or perhaps after I’m gone if you still feel cause her husband was ill and she I deserve it, then I’m certain I will stand would not travel due to the pandemic. proud in our great State Capitol as a Parton, who has generally steered grateful Tennessean,” she wrote. clear of making political comments “In the meantime, I’ll continue to try throughout her long career, last year to do good work to make this great state came out in support of Black Lives proud.” Matter. Introducing the bill in January, She told Billboard Magazine, “Do we Windle appeared to disagree on the think our little white a**es are the only timing, saying,“At this point in history, ones that matter? No!” is there a better example, not just in “I understand people having to make America but in the world, of a leader themselves known and felt and seen,” that is (a) kind, decent, passionate she told the music magazine. human being? As well as penning mega hits, like “[She’s] a passionate person who loves “I Will Always Love You” and “Jolene”, everyone, and everyone loves her.” Parton has a history of philanthropy Alongside her music career,Parton that stretches back several decades. She also has a history of philanthropy, es- has supported many initiatives through Dolly Parton. 75, was due to be hon- tablishing the Imagination Library in her Dollywood Foundation and has also oured in the State Capitol of 1995, which sends books to children given to and raised money for wildlife Tennessee in Nashville. around the world in an effort to improve and HIV/Aids charities. Farmer Nappy. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 21

U-Roy, pioneering Jamaican reggae artist, dies aged 78

ioneering Jamaican reggae artist hospital and most recently had under- U-Roy has died at the age of 78, gone an operation to address an issue Phis partner has confirmed. of internal bleeding. The musician, whose real name is “It was successful, and the bleeding Ewart Beckford, had been undergoing stopped,” Ms Smikle said, but the doc- surgery at a hospital in Jamaica’s tors had to take him back into the capital city, Kingston. operating theatre at the University U-Roy, who is credited with popular- Hospital of the West Indies on ising the vocal style known as “toast- Wednesday and he later died. ‘Toaster extraordinaire’: Pioneering Jamaican reggae artist U-Roy passed away ing”, died late on Wednesday. Following news of U-Roy’s death, on Wednesday at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica. Among those to pay tribute were tributes began to pour in, with Grammy award-winning artist Shaggy Jamaican reggae artist Shaggy describ- Born in Jones Town, Kingston, and albums, with some of his most pop- and British singer-songwriter ing him in an Instagram post as a in September 1942, U-Roy’s profes- ular being “Dread in a Babylon” in 1975 Ghostpoet. “hero” and a “true legend” who was “a sional music career began as a DJ in and “Natty Rebel” in 1976. U-Roy’s partner, Marcia Smikle, told master at his craft”. 1961. Years later, in 2004, he featured on local news website The Gleaner that BBC Radio 1Xtra reggae music pre- It was at this point that he adopted the Jamaican group Toots and the the artist had been receiving treatment senter David Rodigan described U-Roy “toasting”, sa rhythmical vocal style Maytals’ Grammy award-winning for diabetes and high blood pressure, as “the iconic toaster who changed the performed over reggae and dance “True Love” album. and also suffered with kidney prob- paradigm of Jamaican music”. tracks that then became popular in In 2007, the Jamaican government lems. Former BBC Radio DJ Rob Da Bank Jamaica in the later 1960s and 70s. awarded him the Order of Distinction She said he had been in and out of said he was a “toaster extraordinaire”. U-Roy recorded a number of singles for his contribution to music. Gwyneth Reynolds and Lively donate Paltrow another $1m to food charities RYAN REYNOLDS and Blake Lively are not over, and we are grateful for the have once again opened their hearts opportunity to help facilitate the impor- and chequebooks to help those affected tant work of food banks across the US reveals she by the pandemic-fuelled hunger crisis. and Canada to be able to provide nour- The celebrity couple donated $500 ishing meals to people in need.” 000 to two organisations – Feeding In a statement posted on social had Covid-19 America and Food Banks Canada. media, Feeding America thanked the Those groups were also the benefici- actors for “being our hunger-fighting aries of the couple’s other million-dollar dream team.” early on donation to aid the fight against “Your second $500k gift will make a hunger. big difference for people across the GWYNETH PALTROW reveals she had “We are honoured and privileged to country,” the organisation wrote. Covid-19 early on in the pandemic, and be able to continue our support of Food Banks Canada also honoured is still suffering from some lingering Feeding America and Food Banks the couple, adding to Reynolds, “You effects. Canada,” the couple said in a joint continue to be not only our favourite On her Goop website, Paltrow wrote statement. “We know the struggles so Canadian, but also our favourite super- that she “had COVID-19 early on, and it many of our neighbours faced last year hero. (sorry, Hugh Jackman).” left me with some long-tail fatigue and brain fog.” “In January, I had some tests done that showed really high levels of in- flammation in my body,” she wrote. “So I turned to one of the smartest experts I know in this space, the functional medi- cine practitioner Dr. Will Cole. After he saw all my labs, he explained that this was a case where the road to healing was going to be longer than usual.” Paltrow says while recovering from the virus, she has been focusing on eat- ing healthy foods and following a healthy diet and refraining from sugar or alcohol. “I’ve been cooking a lot, and some of it is really delicious: I made scallops with Gwyneth Paltrow. crispy capers and sage the other day, as- paragus with bacon vinaigrette, and feels good, like a gift to my body. I have some little artichokes with stuffed energy, I’m working out in the morn- herbs and garlic. I’ve even found a great ings, and I’m doing an infrared sauna sugar-free kimchi (Madge’s vegan as often as I can, all in service of heal- daikon kimchi – it’s amazing) and a ing.” sugar-free kombucha, and I’ve been She’s also taking supplements “in using lots of coconut aminos in my service of a healthier gut,” and plugged recipes,” she wrote. a few Goop skincare products along the She continued, “Everything I’m doing way. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. 22 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Prince Charles ‘saddened’ at low vaccine uptake by ethnic minorities he Prince of Wales said he has has said he is concerned the take-up of been “saddened” by “the variable the jab might be lower in BAME com- Tuptake of coronavirus jabs” in the Stars join campaign munities after a document released by UK’s black and Asian communities. the Scientific Advisory Group for Speaking remotely at a British Asian 21:56 GMT last night, in the “biggest proportionately affected people from Emergencies (SAGE) found hesitancy Trust webinar on vaccine safety, Prince roadblock in TV history”. ethnic minority communities while at was highest in black or black British Charles said production of the jab was The three-and-a-half-minute pro- the same time suggesting that those groups, with 72% stating they were un- thanks to a “superhuman effort by med- gramme, which was originally shown people are less likely to get vaccinated. likely/very unlikely to get the jab, fol- ical experts”, but called it a “tragedy” online, now has a host of new stars urg- The video tackles the phenomenon of lowed by Pakistani/Bangladeshi groups. that the “benefits of such an achieve- ing people to #TakeTheVaccine. fake news surrounding vaccine take-up, Adults in minority ethnic groups are ment would not be experienced by Sanjeev Bhaskar, Meera Syal and which has been particularly prohibitive less likely to receive vaccines than those everyone”. Romesh Ranganathan all take part, in South Asian communities. in white groups by between 10-20%, the Calling the pandemic a “pernicious along with singer Beverley Knight, Comedian Ranganathan jokes: report said. threat” and the low vaccine rates among Olympic heptathlete Denise Lewis, his- “There’s no chip or tracker in the Concluding his virtual speech, Prince some communities a “vexing issue”, he torian David Olusoga and actor Hugh vaccine to keep watching where you go. Charles also thanked NHS staff who said he had been inspired to speak out Quarshie. Your mobile phone actually does a much had come out of retirement to help fight to “enable people from every back- It also features Mayor of London better job of that.” COVID-19, and urged everyone to get ground to take up the vaccine” and “that Sadiq Khan, former “Coronation Street” The celebrities’ video also states there the jab, saying: “Vaccination will save barriers to its adoption be removed”. actress Shobna Gulati, cricketer Moeen is no scientific evidence to suggest it will lives… and allow us to start to hope that The event also introduced a celebrity- Ali, and TV presenter and author work differently on people from ethnic some things will soon return to normal packed video urging people to have the Konnie Huq. minorities and that it does not include for every member of our society.” COVID-19 jab. “Citizen Khan” creator Adil Ray origi- pork or “any material of fetal or animal More than 15.5m people across the The coronavirus myth-busting short nally co-ordinated the video in response origin”. UK have now received their first dose of film was be shown across the UK’s main to research showing the pandemic dis- Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi the vaccine. commercial TV channels – Sky, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and STV – at

Prince Charles was speaking at a British Asian Trust webinar, where he said vaccinations ‘will save lives’. Romesh Ranganathan, Adil Ray and Meera Syal are among the stars featured in the video. Virgin record label revived as Universal looks to boost indie scene VIRGIN, the storied record label once Attack. home to acts including the Sex Pistols “I’m proud that half a century after and Spice Girls, was relaunched we opened our first independent record yesterday with a mission to nurture a shop in London, the Virgin Music name new generation of indie talent. continues to represent the very best Rebranded for the digital age as entrepreneurs, innovators, and artists Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, from the world of music today,” the label is now part of the giant Branson said in a statement released Universal Music Group (UMG), which by UMG. hopes its global reach and economic The tycoon no longer has a stake in clout can help the indie scene thrive. the label, which he sold to Thorn EMI Founded in 1972 by British entrepre- in 1992 and was later bought by neur Richard Branson, and with its UMG. roots in punk, reggae and new wave The rebooted label’s British line-up of sounds, Virgin Records’ past roster has artists will include Mixtape Madness, included David Bowie, The Rolling D-Block Europe, The Amazons and The original Virgin record label was founded in 1972 by British entrepreneur Stones, Culture Club and Massive Billie Marten. Richard Branson. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 23

‘Game of Thrones’ stars welcome Colin Jost opens up about reasons baby boy behind his he house of Harington and TLeslie has an heir. marriage reveal Game of Thrones” stars Rose Leslie NEW YORK – After Colin Jost and and Kit Harington have welcomed a Scarlett Johansson tied the knot in an baby boy, their first child together. intimate ceremony last fall, the couple Harington’s publicist Marianna found a heartfelt way to tell the world Shafran confirmed the birth Tuesday, they were “Jost married.” saying Harington and Leslie are Rather than break the news through “very very happy!” their representatives or giving it to one No further details were given. media outlet, the news was announced It’s the first child for both the on social media by the food charity 34-year-old Scottish actor Leslie and Meals on Wheels America, giving it the 34-year-old English actor worldwide attention during the pan- Harington, who married in 2018. demic. They announced in September that “Scarlett wanted to figure out a way of they were expecting the child. doing something that had another kind The New York Post’s Page Six first of meaning or could potentially help in reported the news of the birth after Kit Harington and Rose Leslie have welcomed a baby boy. some way,” Jost recently told The publishing a photo of the couple Associated Press while promoting his running errands with the baby in on the set of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” the Night’s Watch with world-chang- latest film, “Tom and Jerry.” London. where they played star-crossed lovers ing secrets in his past, she a part of The co-anchor of the “Weekend Their relationship began in 2011 Jon Snow and Ygritte, he a brother of the rebel wildlings. Update” segment at “Saturday Night Live” says the couple wanted to make a difference with their happy news. “We talked about places that we would love to help, and Meals on Wheels was at the top of our list, just getting Paris Hilton very basic food to people that need it seems like the most basic way to help,” he said. engaged to In his latest film, a new version of “Tom and Jerry” that combines anima- tion with live action, Jost plays a groom in an elaborate high-profile wedding at ‘soulmate’ a ritzy hotel. Filmed before his own nuptials,Jost PARIS HILTON is engaged. picked up a little something from the ex- Hilton’s boyfriend Carter Reum perience. popped the question to the socialite “My character obviously is going over- and reality star last weekend after board in an attempt to both please his one year of dating. She confirmed bride and impress her father,” Jost said. the news on her website and on “Learning about communication and Instagram, calling Reum her “soul- trying to anticipate what your partner mate.” wants or needs in different moments “When you find your soulmate, you I think is the most important lesson don’t just know it. You feel it,” Hilton I learned.” captioned the happy engagement Johansson and Jost got engaged in photos. “My love and I have been to- 2019 after dating for two years and gether since our first date and for my were married last October in a birthday, he arranged a special trip to private ceremony for close friends and tropical paradise. As we walked to family. dinner along the beach, Carter led us to a cabana adorned with flowers and dropped to one knee. I said yes, yes to forever. There’s no one I’d rather spend forever with.” Several of Hilton’s friends left com- ments for her following the announce- ment. Kris Jenner weighed in writing, “Congratulations!!!!!!! So excited and happy!!!!” Rachel Zoe wrotse, “soooooo happy for you.” Heidi Klum wrote, “Congratulations. I am so happy for you two. Sending lots of love.” Last December, Hilton gushed over Reum on Instagram, saying he makes her feel like a princess. “Happy 13 Month Anniversary my love! You make me feel like I’m in a Disney Fairytale. I love being your Princess!,” she captioned a picture of the two. “Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever dreamed up a love so perfect and special! You are truly Paris Hilton has announced that she is engaged to venture capitalist Carter my dream come true! My dream guy Reum after he proposed on a private island. forever and I’m so happy and grateful that I was custom-made for you and Reum for letting her true self shine. the world. I’m eternally grateful to you for me.” “You accept me for who I am and en- have you in my life, today and every- On Valentine’s Day, Hilton thanked courage me to show my true self to day,” she wrote. Colin Jost. 24 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Demi Lovato ‘had three strokes and a heart attack’ after 2018 overdose DEMI LOVATO has said vealed the lasting effects. she had three strokes “I don’t drive a car be- and a heart attack after cause I have blind spots a drug overdose in 2018, in my vision,” she said. and that doctors told “For a long time, I had her she had been min- a really hard time read- utes from death. ing. It was a big deal The US pop star, 28, when I was able to read a says in a new documen- book, which was like two tary trailer, “My doctors months later, because my said that I had five to ten vision was so blurry.” more minutes.” She said she was re- Lovato also told re- leasing the documentary porters she had been “left “to help people who have with brain damage and I been on the same path as still feel the effects of I have”, adding: “I wanted that”. to set the record straight, Those effects include and I wanted to reveal it Demi Lovato. blurry vision that means all for my fans.” she can’t drive and made Lovato was a child The following month, mentary in 2017. reading difficult, she re- actor on “Barney and she released a song titled “One of the main rea- vealed. Friends” and found wider “Sober”, in which she re- sons I’m coming forward The former child star fame on the Disney vealed, “I’m not sober any is so I never have to live was taken to hospital in Channel as a teenager. more.” The overdose came that life again,” Lovato July 2018 after being She starred in its hugely weeks later. said on Wednesday, ac- found unconscious at her popular “Camp Rock” film Lovato has been open cording to the Associated Los Angeles home. The series before launching a about her struggles with Press. overdose, reportedly of successful solo music ca- mental health and addic- Lovato re-launched her opioids laced with fen- reer. tion throughout her ca- singing career at last tanyl, came a month after She has released six reer. year’s Grammy Awards she revealed she had bro- studio albums and has In a 2012 documentary and sang the national an- ken six years of sobriety. appeared as a judge on “Stay Strong”, she spoke them at the 2020 Super In the trailer for her the US version of “The X of her “daily battle” with Bowl. new YouTube documen- Factor”. Her hits include eating disorders, self- Last month, she sang tary series “Dancing With “Sorry Not Sorry” and harm and mental health on a TV special marking The Devil”, she says, “I’ve “Skyscraper”, and she issues, as well as addic- US President Joe Biden’s had a lot of lives, like a topped the UK chart in tion. She talked about the inauguration. “Dancing cat. I’m on my ninth life.” May 2018 with “Solo”, her extent of her substance With The Devil” is due to Speaking to journalists collaboration with Clean abuse during her teenage be released on YouTube Bridge on Wednesday, she re- Bandit. years in another docu- on March 23. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 25 SPORTSSPORTS SCORECARD BARBADOS PRIDE Barbados run over +S. Hope b McSween 16 (12 balls, 2x4) J. Greaves c Edward b Stoute 76 (96 balls, 8x4, 1x6) Windward Islands S. Brooks run out (McCoy) 61 (59 balls, 4x4, 3x6) J. Carter c wk Stewart b McCoy 49 (54 balls, 3x4, 4x6) R. Chase b Stoute 0 (1 ball) by 173 runs N. Kirton c Cato b Ambris 9 (21 balls, 1x4) *J. Holder c wk Stewart b John 28 (35 balls, 2x4, 1x6) THE Barbados Pride turned It was the spin of Joshua A. Nurse not out 15 (18 balls, 1x4, 1x6) in an impressive Bishop and the discipline performance over the bowling of Jason Holder that J. Bishop c Fletcher b McSween 1 (3 balls) Windward Island’s Volcanoes stifled the Windward Island A. Jordan not out 0 (1 ball) as they seek to earn a place Volcanoes at the start of their in the semi-finals of the CWI innings as the crept along in the Extras (b2, lb13, w16) 31 Super50 Cup. early stages. The addition of Shai Hope When the third and fourth TOTAL (8 wks, 50 overs) 286 seemed to have spurred on the bowler were introduced the Pride even though he did not Volcanoes tried to accelerate but Fall of wickets: 1-27 (Hope, 4.3 ov), 2-163 (Brooks, 27.3), 3-165 (Greaves, contribute many with the bat but only began gifting their ‘wickets. 27.5), 4-165 (Chase, 28 ov), 5-211 (Kirton, 36.4), 6-256 (Carter, 45.1), 7- his attitude and intention at the Leading the attack was fast start of the innings carried on bowler Akeem Jordan who 273 (J. Holder, 48.1), 8-284 (Bishop, 49.2). throughout the match and the picked up a five-wicket haul in Did not bat: C. Holder. Pride won by a whopping 173 the middle of the innings. runs. Jordan bowled 10 overs with Hope joined the team for the tow maidens and took five Bowling: McSween 8-0-62-2 (w2), John 10-1-55-1, Edward 10-2-20-0, first time yesterday and scored a wickets for 26 runs.The rewards McCoy 10-0-55-1 (w8), Cottoy 3-0-28-0 (w2), Stoute 6-0-41-2 (w4), Ambris busy 16 runs at the top of the were not as kind to Bishop for his 3-0-10-1. batting order after Barbados lost impressive spell as he finished Barbados Pride’s fast bowler the toss and were inserted to bat with 10 overs, two maidens two Akeem Jordan snagged an at the Sir Vivian Richards wickets for 33 runs. Also picking impressive five wicket haul WINDWARD ISLANDS VOLCANOES Stadium. up wickets were Chemar Holder to help his team to victory A. Fletcher c J. Holder b Jordan 34 (48 balls, 4x4, 2x6) Opener Justin Greaves with 2/27 ad Ashley Nurse with over the Windward Islands K. Melius c Carter b Bishop 4 (12 balls) recorded 76 runs while Shamarh 1/12. Volcanoes yesterday. *S. Ambris c Brooks b Jordan 26 (32 balls, 3x4) Brooks who was once again Captain of the Pride, Jason dismissed by the run out route Holder kept the pressure on move one step closer to the semi- K. Stoute c wk Hope b Jordan 0 (2 balls) scored 61 runs, while Jonathan throughout the game as he finals as Windward Islands +E. Stewart c Bishop b C. Holder 5 (16 balls) Carter fell one run shy o his half denied the Windward Island crumbled for 113 and gave the K. Cottoy c J. Holder b Jordan 3 (14 balls) century. easy singles by keeping the Barbados Pride their first points The alround effort by the fielders close in despite the of the tournament. R. Cato c Nurse b Jordan 4 (18 balls) batting order saw the Pride get fielding restrictions allowing him The Barbados Pride has one R. John c J. Holder b Bishop 12 (38 balls, 1x4) up to 286/8 off their 50 overs to have more outside the 30-yard more match which will be L. Edward c Greaves b Nurse 0 (7 balls) though at one stage it looked like circle. against Jamaica and they will P. McSween c wk Hope b C. Holder 13 (14 balls, 1x4, 1x6) they were on course for yet In the end it only took 34.4 need to win in order to qualify. another total above 300. overs to complete the victory and (CG) O. McCoy not out 3 (7 balls)

Extras (lb3, w6) 9 TOTAL (all out, 34.4 overs) 113

Fall of wickets: 1-25 (Melius, 6.2 ov), 2-60 (Fletcher, 13.2), 3-60 (Stoute, 13.4), 4-72 (Ambris, 17.2), 5-74 (Stewart, 18.4), 6-82 (Cottoy, 21.4), 7-89 (Cato, 27.1), 8-97 (John, 30.5), 9-97 (Edward, 31.2), 10-113 (McSween, 34.4). Bowling: Bishop 10-2-33-2 (w1), J. Holder 5-1-12-0, Jordan 10-2-26-5 (w3), C. Holder 7.4-2-27-2 (w2), Nurse 2-0-12-1.

Result: Barbados Pride won by 173 runs. Points: Barbados Pride 4, Windward Islands Volcanoes 0. Sri Lanka coach quits ahead of West Indies tour COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri His resignation comes five Lanka’s fast bowling coach days before Sri Lanka is set to David Sekar resigned Thursday, leave for the West Indies to play just days before the national two Tests, three one-day team is due to leave for a West internationals and three Indies tour, the cricket board Twenty20 matches. said. The West Indies tour was Sri Lanka Cricket said the 54- postponed by over a week after year-old Australian, who joined Sri Lanka’s head coach Mickey them as the fast bowling coach Arthur and opening batsman in December 2019, had cited Lahiru Thirimanne contracted “personal reasons” for quitting coronavirus earlier this month. with immediate effect. Both will be joining the team, Shamarh Brooks scored 61 runs off 59 balls which included four boundaries and three Sekar has not yet commented which is leaving on Tuesday,the sixes.(photo compliments CWI Media) publicly. board said. 26 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Osaka eyes 4th Slam title in Australian Open final vs Brady as Williams exits WHETHER or not Naomi Osaka portant stages: She has run her record to claims the Australian Open champi- a combined 11-0 in Grand Slam quarter- onship – and make no mistake, she finals, semifinals and finals. will be expected to win – this much Osaka often speaks about wanting seems certain: Tennis has a new more consistency, whether that’s at dominant force. lower-level WTA tournaments or at every Sure, it’s clearly possible that Osaka Grand Slam event. could be beaten by the 22nd-seeded She does occasionally stumble early at American Jennifer Brady in the title the majors, such as a third-round exit a Japan’s Naomi Osaka, left, is congratulated by United States’ Serena Williams match at Melbourne Park on Saturday. year ago as the defending champion in after winning their semifinal match at the Australian Open tennis championship Brady is, after all, emerging as a force Australia or a first-round loss at in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, February 18, 2021. on hard courts, too, thanks to a big serve Wimbledon in 2019. and big forehand. She pushed Osaka to But once she gets close to the end, she see her in real life, like, close up.” Brady acknowledged that she expects three sets before losing to her in the US seals the deal. Osaka has long viewed the 39-year-old to deal with some nerves against Osaka Open semifinals last September, then “For me, I have this mentality that peo- Williams as an idol. this time. shrugged off a two-week hard quarantine ple don’t remember the runners-up.You Their games are quite similar at the That’s only natural, given the stakes. in Australia to reach her first Grand might, but the winner’s name is the one most foundational level: speedy serves, The key will be limiting how much – Slam final. that’s engraved,” explained Osaka, who dangerous forehands and that steely and for how long – that affects her play. It is the No. 3-seeded Osaka, though, was born in Japan to a Japanese attitude on court. “Listen, I don’t know how I’m going to who overpowered and overwhelmed mother and Haitian father before the Brady got a sense of that during the feel on Saturday.I can say I can enjoy the Serena Williams in the semifinals family moved to New York when she entertaining matchup in New York last moment and just try to play tennis and Thursday. was 3. year against Osaka. not really think too much about it. But Who is riding a 20-match winning “I think I fight the hardest in the “She just puts a lot of pressure on you there’s going to be moments, there’s going streak dating to last season. finals,” she continued. “I think that’s to serve well, because she’s holding serve to be games, there’s going to be points, Who already has spent time at No. 1 in where you sort of set yourself apart.” in, like, 45 seconds. ... She’s coming at where I’m going to be thinking about, the rankings. Williams had been 8-0 in Australian you with a lot of power, so it also puts a ‘Wow, this could be my first Grand Slam Who is seeking her second Australian Open semifinals until Osaka put a stop lot of pressure on you to be aggressive title,’” said Brady,who needed five match Open title and fourth Slam trophy – and to that by winning 6-3, 6-4, reeling off the and try to get the first strike. Otherwise points in the last game to close her three- she is still only 23. last eight points of the match after the you’re the one running, and I don’t want set semifinal win over Karolina Like 23-time major champion second set was even at 4-all. to be running,” said Brady, a 25-year-old Muchova. Williams, there is a determination that When they hugged at the net at the from Pennsylvania who played college “Yeah, I will definitely have those Osaka manages to display when the fin- end, this is what went through Osaka’s tennis at UCLA. “She just puts a lot of thoughts,” she said. “But it’s more just ish line is near on their sport’s most im- mind: “Always a surreal moment, just to pressure on you to perform well.” trying to control the emotions, really.” Pain-free Djokovic ends Karatsev run to reach ninth final MELBOURNE – Defending champion the title. Karatsev saved two set points as the match with an ace. Novak Djokovic declared himself fighting Djokovic’s tournament appeared on a Djokovic served at 5-4, and swung freely “We need to give him a hand. Huge fit for the Australian Open final after end- knife edge when he suffered an abdomi- to prise two break points from the cham- congratulations to him,” Djokovic said of ing the incredible run of Russian qualifier nal injury during his third round match pion. the 27-year-old Karatsev,who reached the Aslan Karatsev with his “best match” of against Taylor Fritz less than a week ago. Djokovic fired two huge serves to cancel main draw of a major for the first time the tournament yesterday. Yet he has put that aside and will have the threats before sealing the set and took after failing to qualify at nine previous The Serbian world number one eased two days off to recover before Sunday’s the momentum into the third as he broke Grand Slams. into his ninth decider at Melbourne Park final. Karatsev in the opening game. “On his debut he reached semi-finals, I with a 6-3 6-4 6-2 win under the lights at “This is the best I felt during the entire Karatsev rallied again to level to 2-2 don’t think it’s ever happened in the Rod Laver Arena and will battle either tournament,” he told Jim Courier but a long tournament appeared to take history of tennis, so well done to him. He Stefanos Tsitsipas or Daniil Medvedev for on court. its toll as Djokovic raced away and sealed played a great tournament.” “Felt great, I could swing through the ball, no pain, just best match so far,and it came at the right time and I’m thrilled to feel this way. Billie Jean King Cup Finals postponed “Recovery is priority right now.I’m feel- ing the ball well, I’m playing well, I had enough match play, enough practice so again due to COVID-19 right now it’s just gathering all the neces- THE finals of the Billie Jean King Cup, doors,” organisers said in a statement. sary energy for the most important match the revamped Fed Cup which was sched- “However, continued uncertainty and of the Australian Open.” uled to be held from April 13-18 in the challenges due to the COVID-19 Djokovic has never failed to win the Budapest, has been postponed again due virus, locally and internationally, have tournament after making the semi-finals to COVID-19 protocols in Hungary, the made it unfeasible to host a world cup and he will be heavily favoured to claim a International Tennis Federation (ITF) team competition of this scale indoors record-extending ninth title at his said yesterday. in Budapest on the scheduled dates.” favourite Slam on Sunday. The inaugural 12-nation finals was While the finals have been resched- While Karatsev would have been re- initially scheduled to be held in March uled, playoff ties for the 2022 qualifiers garded one of Djokovic’s more unlikely last year before the pandemic forced are set to go ahead on a home-away basis semi-final opponents, the world number authorities to put it back a year. on April 16-17. 114 put up a decent show at Rod Laver The ITF and the Hungarian National The tournament was renamed last year Arena as fans returned to Melbourne Sports Agency (NSA) said the finals in honour of Billie Jean King who helped Park following a five-day lockdown. would be rescheduled to later this the United States win the inaugural Fed He broke Djokovic twice in the match year. Cup in 1963. France are the reigning and came back from 5-1 down in the “Several scenarios have been under re- champions after winning their third title Novak Djokovic. second set to briefly rattle the Serb. view,which include playing behind closed in 2019. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 27

Big moves for Cornwall, Da Silva in ICC charts LONDON, CMC – Off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall has broken into the top 50 in the International Cricket Council Test bowling rankings for the first time, following his nine-wicket haul in the second Test against Bangladesh in Dhaka last weekend. In the most recent rankings released yesterday, the 28-year-old jumped 16 spots to 49th, joining fast bowlers Jason Holder (11th), Kemar Roach (15th), Shannon Gabriel (19th) and off-spin- ner Roston Chase (37th) in the top 50. Cornwall, with only five Tests to his Rahkeem Cornwall. name, was the Caribbean side’s leading A record five international players have been voted NBA All-Star Game starters. bowler in the two-Test series, finishing Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, with 14 wickets at an average of 26. with whom Cornwall formed a formida- It was his four-wicket haul in the ble partnership in the series, also second innings last Sunday which enjoyed upward movement in the rank- All-Star game to go turned the game in West Indies’ favour ings to 59th after gaining three places. and handed them a thrilling 17-run vic- The 28-year-old finished the series tory on the penultimate day. with 10 wickets at 28 runs apiece, and ahead amid pandemic played a key role in the Dhaka result with three wickets in the second THE NBA will hold the 2021 All-Star who voiced displeasure about staging innings – the last of which brought Game in Atlanta on March 7 despite an All-Star Game amid a pandemic West Indies victory. a number of top players expressing and during an already compressed In the batting charts, Man-of-the- concerns about staging an regular-season schedule. Series Nkrumah Bonner rose six spots exhibition game amid the COVID-19 “I have zero energy and zero to 63rd, following another outstanding pandemic, it said yesterday. excitement about an All-Star Game this Test where he notched scores of 90 The NBA will arrange private travel for year,” four-times NBA champion James and 38. All-Star Game participants and, together said two weeks ago when talks surround- Bonner, 32, made his debut in the with the National Basketball Players ing a potential exhibition were ongoing. Chattogram first Test where he man- Association, will commit over $2.5 million “I don’t even understand why we’re aged 86 in the historic run chase that toward Historically Black Colleges having an All-Star Game.” earned West Indies a three-wicket win. and Universities (HBCUs) and Among the health and safety protocols His form in Dhaka meant he ended COVID-19 relief efforts. that will be in place for the All-Star the series with 231 runs at an average “NBA All-Star in Atlanta will continue festivities is the creation of a “mini of 57. our annual tradition of celebrating bubble” environment within a single hotel He was joined by rookie wicket- the game and the greatest players for players and coaches, and enhanced keeper-batsman, Joshua Da Silva, who in the world before a global audience,” COVID-19 testing. moved into the top 100 by leaping 33 NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said All participating players will be places, following an outstanding per- in a news release. required to remain at the designated formance in the second Test when he “In addition to the festivities on the hotel except for All-Star activities while top-scored with 92 in the first innings. court, the All-Star Game will honour there will be no fan activities or ticketed Da Silva, 22, who has played only the vital role HBCUs play in our events. three Tests, is now 78th. communities and focus attention Rather than schedule several events New Zealander Kane Williamson con- and resources on COVID-19 relief, over the course of a weekend, the NBA tinues to lead the batting charts while particularly for the most vulnerable.” said it will hold the All-Star Game, Australian speedster Pat Cummins LeBron James, the league’s most three-point contest, skills competition Joshua Da Silva. tops the bowling. high-profile player,has been among those and slam dunk contest on the same day. NFL boosts 2021 salary cap minimum to $180 million THE floor of the NFL salary cap for $175 million,” the memo read, per 2021 has been set at $180 million, NFL.com. “Following discussions with an increase of $5 million from last the union that addressed both actual year’s previous agreement between 2020 revenues and projected the league and the NFL Players attendance for the 2021 season, we Association. have agreed to increase the minimum The NFL informed teams in a memo Salary cap for the 2021 League Year on Thursday morning that the $180 to $180 million. million figure is not the final 2021 cap “This is not the final Salary Cap for number, just an adjustment to the floor. the 2021 League Year, which will be set The new league year and free agency is following review of final 2020 slated to begin on March 17. revenue figures and other audit and “As you know, one aspect of the accounting adjustments. This agreements negotiated last summer agreement simply increases the mini- The NFL has informed teams that the salary cap for the 2021 season will be no with the NFLPA to address operations mum 2021 Salary Cap by $5 million less than $180 million, a $5 million increase from last year's previous agree- during the pandemic provides that the per club, from $175 million to ment. 2021 Salary Cap will be no less than $180 million. 28 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE Tao Geoghegan Hart to sponsor young rider in effort to improve racial diversity in cycling BRITAIN’S Giro d’Italia winner Tao they have raised awareness of diversity Geoghegan Hart is to sponsor a issues. TEL 572-1452 young rider in an effort to increase He will work with his former team boss Cel: 253-6319 828-4800 racial diversity in cycling. Axel Merckx – son of five-time Tour de Email: The 25-year-old Ineos Grenadiers rider France winner Eddy. caribbeanpropertiesltd has teamed up with his former “I hope this can be the beginning of a @gmail.com development team Hagens Berman joint effort to increase racial diversity Axeon to offer the opportunity. within the amazing sport of cycling,” He will then “identify, coach and added Geoghegan Hart, who previously PROPERTIES mentor” the rider, who will join the team told the BBC of his desire to improve on August 1. diversity in the sport. Kirtons, St Philip 3 bedroom plus “Cycling has a problem with diversity Merckx – Hagens Berman Axeon’s 2 bedroom apt and inclusivity,” he said on team director – said: “We are so proud to Land 4,790 sq ft $685,000 Instagram.external-link partner with Tao on this new program. “This is a fact. It is not unique within The issue of diversity and inclusion in Amity Lodge, Ch Ch sport, but we must face it head on all the cycling is not something that we take 3 bedroom plus REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE same. lightly. It’s something that we whole- 1 bedroom apt “I feel cycling has not done enough heartedly believe in as a program and Land 6,646 sq ft $650,000 Haggatt Hall, St. Michael Bagatelle, St. Thomas during this past year. Furthermore, I want to help build within the sport. Land 6336 sq ft Land 62000 sq ft into 2 lots have not done enough.” “I think we all have a responsibility to Gibbons, Ch Ch $126,000 $520,000 each Geoghegan Hart, who became only the be better. 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Land 5062 sq ft Land 8,267 sq ft Asking $1,200,000 are among rugby figures calling for immediate changes to the way rugby $390,000 (reduced) $166,000 reform to protect players’ well-being. union is played and how laws are Black Rock, St. Michael A group called Progressive Rugby want enforced, in order to prevent repeated Golf Club Road, Rolling Hills, St. George Warehouse/Factory changes to tackle the issue of serious head concussion incidents and damaging brain Christ Church Land 12,000 sq ft 4000 sf space and brain injury. injuries. 3 bedroom, 1 bath $315,000 (negotiable) Land 23,861 sq ft In an open letter to World Rugby, the Former Canada international Jamie fixer upper $900,000 (reduced) Ocean City, St. Philip group says more should also be done to Cudmore, who has had his own Land 4,000 plus inform parents about the risk of brain considerable difficulties with concussion UNDER OFFER Land 6150 sq ft Foul Bay, St. Philip $123,000 Approved for condos, injury from repeated head knocks. and former England forward Haskell are The Belle, St George Land 39,242 sq ft World Rugby say many of the proposals among Progressive Rugby’s founders. 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Bushy Park, St. Philip Land 5000 sq ft Land 6,135 sq ft championing a number of initiatives that The group are lobbying for a rugby Land 17,000 sq ft $110,000 $850,000 negotiable are already operational or being union concussion database, health $10 sq ft Morningside, St Philip Mason Hill Street The City considered and we are open to passports, involvement of independent constructive discussions with them brain experts alongside sports scientists Inchcape, St. Philip Land 4567 sq ft 26,500 sq ft with buildings Land 4355 sq ft $133,000 $4,500,000 negotiable regarding their proposals.” and limiting the number of substitutions $ 96,000 In December 2020, nine retired rugby among other things. Jupiter Gardens, St Philip All enquiries to professionals, most of them diagnosed “We all love the game of rugby, and Belle, St. George Land 7312 sq ft (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 with early onset dementia, began legal want to see it continue in the long-term,” Land 4 acres $133,000 (246) 572 1452 action against World Rugby alleging said Progressive Rugby’s Dr. Barry $400,000 or (246) 247 4469 negligence after repetitive head injuries O’Driscoll, a former World Rugby medical during their careers. advisor. The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 29

Five Russian athletics officials banned for anti-doping violations involving high jumper FORMER Russian athletics presi- The tribunal added, “It appears that dent Dmitry Shlyakhtin and four most if not all of the senior management other senior officials have been of Rusaf were involved in this major banned for four years for anti-doping fraud. rule breaches. “This is quite shocking. Mr Shlyakhtin A disciplinary tribunal upheld all and Mr Karamyan, as senior individu- charges from the Athletics Integrity Unit als, must bear great responsibility of what (AIU) into violations involving high happened.” jumper Danil Lysenko. Lysenko was provisionally suspended A 2019 investigation concluded “false in 2018 after failing to file his explanations and forged documents” whereabouts on three occasions in the had been used to explain the violations. space of a 12-month period, which “These are offences of the utmost constitutes an anti-doping rule breach. seriousness,” the tribunal said. His coach Evgeniy Zagorulko was One of the officials, former Russian suspended in 2019 following the AIU Athletics Federation (Rusaf) board mem- investigation. ber Artur Karamyan, was also guilty of The AIU said the cases against Lysenko tampering, complicity,failing to report an and Zagorulko are still in progress. anti-doping rule violation and failing to Russia has been banned from compet- co-operate with the AIU investigation. ing as a nation in athletics since 2015 Danil Lysenko followed up silver at the 2017 World Championships with gold at The other three officials named are after a report commissioned by the World the World Indoors former Rusaf executive director Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) found evi- Alexander Parkin, senior administrator dence of widespread doping in the sport. for four years after Russia’s Anti-Doping tory data handed over to investigators. Elena Orlova and anti-doping co-ordina- In December 2019 the country was Agency (Rusada) was declared non-com- That ban was later cut to two years tor Elena Ikonnikova. banned from all major sporting events pliant by Wada for manipulating labora- by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. 30 • Friday February 19, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Japan Olympics minister Seiko Hashimoto appointed head of Tokyo 2020 Games

JAPAN’S Seiko Hashimoto has been disability, race, or sexual orientation. appointed the next Tokyo 2020 pres- “I’m sure the Games are going to ident, after her predecessor quit attract more attention related to gender over sexist comments he made. equality, and in this regard I am The former Olympics Minister is a determined to regain trust, by my fullest seven time Olympian herself, having endeavours,” she said. competed as a cyclist and a speed skater. “As someone with an athletic Former chief Yoshiro Mori resigned background, I will carry out a safe Games following a backlash, after he was quoted for both athletes and citizens.” as saying women talk too much. The International Olympic Committee Another octogenarian male leader was welcomed the appointment. President initially billed to replace him, but this Thomas Bach said in a statement that was also met with protests. Ms Hashimoto was “the perfect choice” The Japanese Olympic Committee and her political experience would “help board currently has 24 members, five of to deliver a safe and successful” Games. whom are women. The Summer Olympics will begin on Mori had earlier commented that July 23, after already being postponed should the number of female board by a year due to the pandemic. members increase, they would have to “make sure their speaking time is Who is Seiko Hashimoto? restricted somewhat, they have difficulty • The 56-year-old has served as finishing, which is annoying”. Japan’s Olympics minister, doubling as He later apologised for his “inappro- minister for women’s empowerment, priate statement” and added that the since 2019 priority was to make sure the Olympics • The former athlete has taken part in were held in July. seven Olympics – competing in speed Ms Hashimoto said yesterday that she skating at four Winter Games, and track had resigned from her role as Olympic cycling at three Summer Games. In 1992, Newly appointed Tokyo 2020 president, Seiko Hashimoto. minister to take on her new position as she won a bronze medal in the women’s chief of the Tokyo Games. 1,500m speed skating event in • With her daughter’s birth in 2000, the first upper house lawmaker to give Speaking to the media on Thursday, Albertville, France Ms Hashimoto was the first politician in birth while holding office Ms Hashimoto said she wanted the • Her parents reportedly named her Japan to take maternity leave while in of- • She is married to a policeman, and is legacy of the Tokyo Games to be a society after “Seika”, which translates to fice – something she campaigned for a mother of six including three that accepted people regardless of gender, “Olympic torch” in Japanese when she was pregnant. She also became stepchildren The Barbados Advocate Friday February 19, 2021 • 31

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES: You’re very sensitive to your environment. That’s why N it’s important to surround yourself with positive people. D Optimists will boost your own energy. It’s easy to attract love, money and luck when you radiate positivity. When you C encounter cynics, keep your interactions short and sweet. O Integrating a spiritual practice into your life is strongly advised. N S TAURUS: Big changes are ahead, which will work to your advantage. In the past, you had difficulty adapting to changes. You’ve learned a great deal since then. Rather than dreading the future, you’ve started to anticipate it. This makes you more receptive to golden opportunities. Members of a group will ask you to become their leader. They appreciate the calm, cool way you approach problems.

GEMINI: Being organised and structured at work will cause Z your professional star to shine. Before starting a project, spend I a few moments to plan. Create a list of all the materials you will need and set deadlines for each phase of the job. If you’ve been T looking for a better job, you have a great chance of landing one. S Apply for a position with a prominent company.

CANCER: In the past, it was difficult for you to take a direct approach to problems. After spending time with a straightforward friend, you’ve decided to adopt some of their habits. Rather than nervously hanging around, speak your mind. The chance to study with a respected teacher will arrive unexpectedly. Working with this instructor will uncover some hidden talents. R E LEO: Usually, you wear your heart on your sleeve. That’s not X the case now, when you’re afraid of looking foolish. Confessing a crush or discussing your dreams makes you vulnerable. That’s not bad. Even if you don’t get what you want, people M will respect your honesty. Money from an inheritance, O insurance refund or legal settlement will arrive in your bank R account. Use some of this windfall to enjoy a spa treatment. G A VIRGO: Devoting more time to creative pursuits gives you N an attractive glow. Although you’re highly practical, you’re also very appreciative of beauty. Making things that are pleasing to the senses will bring welcome balance to your life. Not everything you do must be useful. You have good instincts about what your best friend or romantic partner needs to thrive. It doesn’t matter if they want compliments, gifts or acts of service. P LIBRA: Set high standards for a work assignment. By going H above and beyond the call of duty, you’ll get even bigger and better assignments. Are you looking for a job? Emphasise A your attention to detail. Your future employer is looking for N someone who doesn’t need supervision. Improving your fitness T regime is strongly advised. Spend more time preparing O nutritious meals. M SCORPIO: Showing off your creative ability will be fun. People are surprised to learn how gifted you are. That’s because you rarely seek the spotlight. You’d rather work behind the scenes. Now you’ve developed a great project, you’re ready to put it on display. Your upbeat attitude attracts romantic interest. If you’re already in a relationship, be wary about making your amour jealous. M A SAGITTARIUS: Trust your feelings. If you get offered a job that doesn’t appeal to you, feel free to turn it down. Some of R your friends and relatives will question your decision. It doesn’t Y have to do with earning money. You simply won’t enjoy this work. Doing some research to your family background will be W interesting. Several of your assumptions will be challenged. O CAPRICORN: You don’t want to limit yourself to one field. R Expanding your skill set will increase your job prospects. T When one area isn’t thriving, you’ll easily find a position in the H other industry. This is a sensible approach to building financial security. Take this opportunity to catch up on your correspondence. Several people have been waiting for responses to messages. M AQUARIUS: It will take time for you to learn a new system. O Resist the temptation to push yourself. The more cool, calm and T collected you are, the easier it will be to master this technique. H Soon, people will start asking you for lessons. Taking control E of your financial situation will keep anxieties at bay. Review R what’s in your bank account and set up a payment plan for bills. G PISCES: You’re a quick learner. This is a wonderful time to O take a course, study for a test or work with a coach. By staying O focused on your goal, you’ll make incredible progress. Don’t get discouraged when you make mistakes; it’s all part of the S process. Take this opportunity to promote a great idea. Your E enthusiasm and confidence will attract lots of supporters. Barbados run over

Windward Islands by 173 runs Page 25

Friday February 19, 2021 HIGH DEMAND Flow (Barbados) reveals increase in online business solutions

THE biggest regional telecommuni- that there has been growth in Internet started, we started working to determine page on Google, and setting up social cations company is recording traffic between 30 to 60 percent over the how to best react to the situation, and media channels. an increase in remote working last few months.The telecommunications moreover,what was the best way we could Also, Flow gives a professional email solutions and video conferencing. company has observed “a leap in digital- provide (additional) support to help small service and up to 10GB of cloud storage Manager,Communications (Barbados) isation larger than ever seen before”. Flow businesses that were struggling to cope for each account and security features of Flow, Alan Harris revealed this has noticed small businesses have a with lockdowns, reduced sales due to less including advanced spam filters. development to The Barbados unique opportunity to retool their foot-traffic and the overall impact of Harris indicated that feedback about Advocate recently. technologies and rethink digital COVID-19 measures on small busi- Smart Solutions is positive as early He explained that these two elements strategies. nesses,” said Harris. adopters are happy that Flow has moved have quickly become key enablers for the Through Smart Solutions, customers past connectivity and traditional telecom- continuity of business operations. He also The launch of Smart Solutions are receiving personalised email munication services to offer solutions that noted that there is a demand for capacity In 2020, Flow Barbados announced in the campaigns to send up to 10 000 addresses, cater specifically to small businesses. and bandwidth, along with the need media, the introduction of Smart plus additional digital marketing support “Now is the time to be transformational for reliable IT infrastructure and Solutions. This new product was via Google Ads and search engine and by adding an online presence, our around-the-clock support. conceptualised as a result of the first wave optimisation. Other features include local business owners will be unstoppable. “The COVID-19 pandemic – perhaps of COVID-19 and was driven by small bespoke website creation typically in less We’re here as the partner that will help more than any other event in human his- business customers and the valuable than a week, with the option to add an them to keep thriving and growing, by tory – has demonstrated the critical im- feedback they provided in those first online shop. providing sales and marketing tools for portance that telecoms infrastructure months of 2020. It was introduced to According to Harris, Flow Business businesses to meet their customers’ needs plays in keeping businesses, governments Barbados and Trinidad but it will be through Smart Solutions also provides a online; and through productivity and and societies connected and properly rolled out to the rest of the Caribbean 24/7 digital Helpdesk and support for security tools so they can run their functioning,” said Harris. in the future. setting up or configuring hardware and business safely and efficiently,” said The Communications Manager noted “In March 2020, as the pandemic software, support creating a business Harris. Spike in anxiety cases among children By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste to mental health specialists if they found that they could not help their child cope ONE therapist has recorded a spike in the with their anxiety and reminded that number of anxiety cases among children virtual online therapy was still an option recently. available to them. During an interview with The She encouraged parents to aim to make Barbados Advocate, Tricia Hercules, things as normal at home as possible. Director of Bright Life Family Centre, “Yes the pandemic is real but at the revealed that the organisation saw a rise same time, how you behave is how in the number of children with anxiety, children will grapple with this thing,” which she believed was a result of the she said. online learning platform and the fact that She noted that it was important for children needed to transition to such an parents to be mindful of their emotions, impersonal platform. but urged not to hide them from their “Even though yes, you see persons children. there, it is nothing like being in person She believes that it would be important and interacting with your friends and it to have a conversation with your children being such a big change and transition,” about how you were feeling about the she said. whole pandemic as this would help the “I think in the beginning when they child to be able to get a grip on their own first relaunched school we had some kids emotions. getting anxious. When they were going She said that a few may see having this back into schools as well, we had some conversation as a sign of weakness, parents reaching out because their kids however, she noted that a conversation could not handle it, and I think it was such as this would empower your Tricia Hercules, Director of Bright Life Family Centre has pointed to a rise in anx- mainly thoughts of getting sick.” child and assist them with their iety cases among children. Hercules advised parents to reach out anxiety.

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