Established October 1895 Professor Barriteau retiring PAGE 3

Saturday March 13, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive UWI Principal issues caution WHILE The University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Campus has fully embraced online learning during the COVID-19 period, the practical aspect of some programmes can- not be ignored. Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor The Most Honourable Eudine Barriteau has therefore cautioned that it is a mistake to assume that online platforms can replace what a residential learning community provides. “I wish to emphasise that the Cave Hill Campus is a residen- tial community of learning, exploration and discovery. It is capable of multiple modes of de- livery of educational goods and FROM LEFT: PAHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Dr. Yitades Gebre hands over a box to Permanent services. Yet, our mandate Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Janette Phillips, while Minister Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic and Chief Medical Officer extends beyond educational Dr. Kenneth George look on. delivery. Cave Hill is a higher education social system – a com- munity of residential learning, research, and community en- gagement made up of several B’DOS GETS US$1.4M components,” Prof Barriteau said. She was at the time present- ing the annual report for the Cave Hill Campus for the aca- demic year ending July 30, 2020 DONATION FROM PAHO to the Campus Council Meeting yesterday. JUST as the island has relaxing public health measures, oxygen supplies for vulnerable ously had to do with extending “The campus undertakes begun to see some light at continued circulation of variants, countries, oxygen concentrators, the number of isolation facilities, continuous human resource de- the end of the tunnel that and people letting down their pulse oximeters and oxygen extending our testing pro- velopment through a range of constituted the end-of-year guards. Measures with the high- monitors which will be providing gramme initiative once we he programmes and services, in- spike, the Pan American est levels of acceptability and not only for COVID-19 patients, had the reagents, the advent of cluding athletic programmes, in- Health Organisation (PAHO) feasibility, proven effectiveness but people with serious pneumo- the vaccines and having to deal ternships and co-curricular made a donation to the which minimises the negative nia, people undergoing surger- with that as well. All of these courses.We offer disciplines that people of Barbados. consequences of health, and ies or pregnant women. So this is things required greater use of require stagecraft, practice, ob- With much of the govern- well-being of all members of not just for COVID-19, it will supplies than we would even servation, experimentation, ment’s stores of supplies used up society and economy should be continue to work for other areas,” have imagined. And so the sup- dance, theatre, cinematography, in the latest surge,PAHO made considered first. For that, we he said. plies that we would have bud- and theatre arts. Many pro- a presentation yesterday of applaud the government of Minister of Health and geted for and the donations that grammes require face-to-face US$1.4 million of additional Barbados. We support the step- Wellness. Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic we would have had before, we interactions and delivery, labo- equipment and supplies to aid by-step reopening in reducing said that the event was a happy have had to use a fair amount of ratory work, observation, and the country as they seek to stem unnecessary social and economic one for him as the country is in those, and so we welcome these testing in various disciplines in the spread of the virus and surge disruptions,” he said. a far better place than the last supplies.” the science, but also in sports in cases. Revealing that the donation meeting of this kind. Noting that In addition to the medical sup- and other areas – for example, Speaking during the official includes viral pathogen nucleic the last three months were his plies and equipment, US$15,000 the clinical years of the MBBS handover ceremony at their acid isolation kits, 10 000 N95 hardest since taking up his cur- in computer equipment helped degree programme, patient di- Navy Gardens headquarters, respirators, COVID PPE kits, rent post, he stated that he con- to make up the presentation and agnosis and interaction. Other PAHO Representative for and a six-month supply of oxy- siders it an honour to be able to is earmarked for testing and con- programmes require field work Barbados and the Eastern gen concentrator biomedical work on the behalf of the people tact tracing usage at the St. – marine biology, environmen- Caribbean Dr. Yitade Gebre bundles at a cost of $1.28 million of Barbados and that the dona- Philip, Eunice Gibson, Maurice tal studies and social work. lauded the government for their alone, Dr. Gebre said the use of tion was extremely timely. Byer polyclinics. “Online educational delivery response to the spike. the supplies would go beyond the “The last three months we Minister Bostic also expressed enhances many of our educa- “Why did we experience the virus. have been challenged, and part gratitude and noted that they tional goods and services, but surge in December and January? “In responding to COVID-19, of that challenge and part of our would go a long way in the fight. these educational platforms Some of it appears to be due to WHO procured and distributed response to the challenge obvi- (MP) CAUTION on Page 3 2 • Saturday March 13, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Police need public’s help in finding missing man THE Royal Barbados He is 5 feet 6 inches in slippers the colour un- a.m. on Monday 19th 1726, Police Emergency Police Force is seeking the height and of a medium known. He is in the October, 2020 and has not 211, Crime Stoppers assistance of the public build. He is of a dark habit of frequenting the returned home. at 1-800-TIPS (8477), in locating a missing per- (black) complexion with Fairchild Street bus ter- Anyone with informa- or the nearest Police son. oblong facial features. minal and Queen’s Park, tion relative to the Station. Missing is Shakeem His hair is unkempt. He St. Michael. whereabouts of Shakeem Shaquan Forde, 21 years, was last seen wearing a Shakeem left the resi- Shaquan Forde is asked Shakeem Shaquan Forde alias “Dog Catcher”, of black T-shirt, a green dence of his father to contact District ‘D’ has been missing since Clifton Hill, St. Thomas. short pants and a pair of Geoffrey Forde about 9 Police Station at 419- last October.

Kiwanis Club Pride of Barbados – The amount of $2 500 was presented to The Rotary Club of Barbados – The funds were received by President of the Club Distinguished President Diana Goodridge-Lovell and President Shari Fiona Hinds, President Elect Robin Ford and Director of Community Service Rtn Morris. Adrian Skeete. Kooyman donates to local charities KOOYMAN has do- support for families in nated $12 000 to three need. The funds were local charities. Red received by President of Foundation, Rotary the Club Fiona Hinds, Club of Barbados and President Elect Robin Kiwanis Club Pride of Ford and Director of Barbados each re- Community Service Rtn ceived funds to assist Adrian Skeete. them with ongoing During the month of projects. December, Kiwanis Club Marketing Officer, Pride of Barbados deliv- Charlene Mullin stated: ered groceries for 30 “While we usually donate families including a family funds under our three of seventeen who recently pillars of Youth and lost their home in a Education, Sustainability blaze.These families were and Poverty Reduction, given hampers that in- due to the environment of cluded personal care RED Foundation – The amount of $2 500 was presented to Patron Stedson Wiltshire, Chairman Alvin Jemmott the last year we restricted items, non-perishable and Deputy Chairman Henderson Griffith. these donations to poverty goods, dairy, poultry and reduction only. The proj- snacks. pandemic, and was the Goodridge-Lovell and much to his success over Chairman Alvin Jemmott ects from each charity Project Coordinator driving force behind the President Shari Morris. the years. The charity and Deputy Chairman matched our efforts for Diana Goodridge-Lovell Club’s ability to assist RED Foundation was plans to use the funds to Henderson Griffith. this cause.” said, “The Club has been several families despite an founded in 2017 by continue to support fami- Store Manager Harold The amount of $7 000 assisting families since its inability to host fund-rais- Barbados’ Cultural lies who have been hard Stolwijk affirmed his was presented to The inception in 2008 and the ing activities as a result of Ambassador, Stedson hit by the global pan- support to each charity Rotary Club of Barbados donation from Kooyman the impact of COVID-19.” Wiltshire (Red Plastic demic. and thanked them for to assist with efforts at the has been the largest single The amount of $2,500 Bag) out of his desire to The amount of $2 500 the work they were Marina Brewster Centre donation by a corporate was presented to Distin- give back to the society was presented to Patron doing in the local commu- at Farrs and also with entity since the start of the guished President Diana that has contributed so Stedson Wiltshire, nities. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 13, 2021 • 3

Prof. Barriteau retiring Slight rise AFTER six years at the Campus – Barbados and management team and in student helm of The University the Caribbean community academic staff of the Cave of the West Indies as an officer of The Hill Campus as well. In enrolment (UWI) Cave Hill University of the West fact, she told the Campus Campus, Professor The Indies,” she expressed to Council that she is confi- CAUTION from Page 1 Most Honourable the Campus Council. dent that whoever be- cannot replace what a Eudine Barriteau has “I am a very proud UWI comes Principal would not residential, learning com- announced that she woman – a scholar, aca- want for a more dedicated, munity provides and rep- will be retiring. demic, administrator and committed and experi- resents. Many functions The Pro Vice-Chancellor I make no apologies. I am enced group of profession- and services can and and Principal made the very proud of what The als. must be enhanced by on- announcement during her UWI has contributed to She also took the oppor- line educational delivery, final presentation to the Caribbean development in tunity to thank the Chair and greater use of apply- Annual Cave Hill Campus its 73-year history and all of Campus Council of ing information technol- Council Meeting yester- that it will accomplish in Cave Hill, Sir Paul ogy to operative processes. day. the next 73. Altman, for his friendship, The campus, however, A professor of Gender “I am extremely proud guidance, support, and ad- cautions it is a mistake to and Public Policy, distin- that within our university, vice throughout her role assume that online plat- guished Caribbean scho- indigenous sons and as campus Principal; as forms can replace what a lar and experienced daughters from across the well as Vice-Chancellor of residential community senior university admin- Caribbean can attain the The UWI, Professor Sir learning provides.” istrator, Professor Barri- pinnacle of leadership – a Hilary Beckles for the con- Professor Barriteau re- teau served in various little country girl from a fidence he placed in her ported to the Campus roles at The UWI for over fishing village in Grenada. leadership of the Cave Hill Council that at the start 30 years. And while we are doing Campus. of the academic year Last year, she was of- that, we are signifying Professor Barriteau 2020-2021, the Cave Hill fered a one-year post- that an international took up her current post Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of The UWI Cave Campus had a student retirement extension to arena is just another site on May 1, 2015, succeed- Hill Campus, Professor The Most Honourable Eudine population of 6 668, which the end of academic year for us to display Carib- ing Professor Beckles. It Barriteau. represents 66 per cent 2020-2021. bean excellence,” she de- was her second role as a women and 34 per cent “I am truly humbled to clared. UWI principal, having months. Prior to her ap- years as Deputy Principal men. She said that the have had the opportunity The Principal recog- served as head of the pointment at UWI Open of Cave Hill from 2008- campus registered a to serve the Cave Hill nised and commended the Open Campus for nine Campus, she served six 2014. “marginal increase” in student enrolment at se- mester one beginning of the academic year.Thirty- two per cent of all stu- dents are attending part- Vaccines still safe, assures PAHO official time, whereas 68 per cent are full-time. WITH Thailand becom- COVID-19 vaccines must be a causal relation- “A total of 6 668 were ing the first Asian coun- rolling out – an extraordi- ship between vaccination registered and this repre- try to halt the use of the nary feature of the re- and death to say that it is sented an increase 8.2 per Oxford-AstraZeneca vac- sponse,” he said. related to the vaccine,” he cent over the previous cine after Denmark an- Going on to note that pointed out. year’s enrolment. Of that nounced a two-week the WHO is well aware of Although Barbados has number, 5 665 students pause to their rollout due precautionary measures inoculated over 50 000 of were registered in under- to reports of blood clots by a few countries in the its citizens since the be- graduate programmes and one death, the World European Union to sus- ginning of its vaccination and 1 013 in postgradu- Health Organisation pend the use of a specific campaign, there are a ate programmes. The (WHO) continues to stand batch of the Oxford- number of persons who Faculty of Social Sciences by the science. AstraZeneca vaccines,Dr. are skeptical; and Dr. maintained 53 per cent of This from Pan Gebre said that a full in- Gebre said that although the undergraduate stu- American Health Orga- vestigation has been the vaccines are safe, they dent body, and we are very nisation (PAHO) Repre- launched into the reports are not the only tool to be pleased however to see sentative for Barbados of blood coagulation disor- used to see the island and students in the Faculty of and the Eastern Carib- der in some persons who the rest of the world out of Science and Technology at bean, Dr. Yitades Gebre. received vaccines from the pandemic. 21 per cent and this is a He was speaking at the that particular batch. “As of the 10th of one percent increase over Barbados headquarters Explaining that the March, over 300 million last year,” she revealed, yesterday during a han- halt is a precautionary doses of COVID-19 vac- challenging all deans to dover ceremony for some measure while a full cines have been adminis- increase their percentage much-needed equipment probe is going on, he said tered since the start of the of student enrolment. and supplies to the local it is important to note pandemic, based on the “We are very pleased government. Noting that that the European data reported to WHO by too that at the graduate it has been more than a Medicines Agency states national governments. No level the Faculty of Social year since the alarm had that the vaccine benefits case of death has been Sciences also performed first been raised by the continue to outweigh its found to have been exceptionally well with an WHO, Dr. Gebre stated risks, and can continue caused by COVID-19 vac- increase in registration of that the virus has very to be administered while cines to date. Vaccines 38.3 per cent, bringing it strangely brought the the investigation of will help to save lives, but to an overall total at the world together. thromboembolic events if countries rely solely on graduate studies level of “COVID-19 infects proceeds. vaccines, they are making 52 per cent. We note that people when they come He added that the a mistake. Basic public this is the third year together, but coming to- WHO has a global advi- Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) health measures remain that the government of gether is also how we will sory committee on Representative for Barbados and the Eastern the foundation for the re- Barbados has resumed beat COVID-19. 2020 saw vaccine safety which sys- Caribbean, Dr.Yitades Gebre. sponse for public health paying tuition fees for the world unite against tematically reviews any authorities. That means Barbadian students in the the virus – from small vaccine safety signals and the AstraZeneca vaccine COVID-19 will not reduce testing, contact tracing, UGC and select fee pay- personal gestures to concerns related to and would release all death from other causes. isolation, supported quar- ing programmes, and on protect others, to interna- COVID-19 vaccines. And findings as soon as the Death from other causes antine and quality of care behalf of these students I tional collaboration on re- Dr. Gebre said that they WHO gains a better un- will continue to occur, in- is very important,”he say thank you to the gov- search and innovation. are carefully assessing derstanding. cluding after people are said. ernment.” The year ended with the current report with “Vaccination against vaccinated, but there (MP) (TL) 4• Saturday March 13, 2021 The Barbados Advocate New cannabis industry impacted by virus WITH the COVID-19 Speaking as a guest on a cant improvements in the Pointing out that 40 per ginning to speak on the li- cultivation and general pandemic having a seri- recent episode of ‘The general economy where a cent of the island’s eco- cences themselves. production activity,there is ous effect on this is- People’s Business’, he lot of the activity that could nomic activity stems from “When it comes to the a wide cadre of activities land’s economy, econo- stated, “COVID has pro- be connected – including the informal sector, he economic activity,if you are that could tie into services,” mist Jeremy Stephen tracted what my expecta- transportation, cultivation stressed there is a signifi- able to allow the average he continued. highlighted the effect it tions would have been, as I and value added products cant amount of activity in- person the opportunity to Stephen reiterated his will also have on the thought within a two- to that are related to even volved in the industry that participate with a manner belief that the medicinal new medicinal cannabis five-year period there hemp and general “could result in increases of sophistication, you could cannabis sector could lead industry. would have been signifi- cannabis.” in tax revenue from the im- expect there will be a gen- to a very vibrant economy. portation of inputs such as eral growth in the economy He said even though a lot monocultures like seeds. even when it comes to pro- of Barbadians have applied And then when you look at viding support services, be- for cultivators’ licences, export opportunities, which cause remember there will more citizens should get is also an immense oppor- be licences given for trans- involved in it “because the tunity for government to portation and there are also upside of it is immense es- participate via taxation, opportunities for storage; pecially if you can support and we have not even be- and on the retail end for local participation”. Talks on the reopening of schools set for next week BARBADIANS can expect to be made as to what ted,” the Prime Minister to hear more about what will be permitted, but remarked. will be happening in the Education Minister “We are conscious and education sector and more Santia Bradshaw will are sensitive to the fact specifically the reopening have a greater say on that there are different of schools come next week. these matters. needs for different cate- Barbados COVID-19 Situation Report for March 11, 2021. Prime Minister Mia “As it relates to schools, gories of children, and Amor Mottley gave the I’ve only today [Thursday] that some children may update recently as she just received a note from require more intense sup- Nineteen new cases, 46 recovered spoke to a number of mat- the Ministry of Education, port. And therefore, it is BARBADOS has not The Best-dos Santos males and 1 782 males – ters in relation to the pres- which has to be the sub- urgent that those meet- recorded any deaths from Public Health Laboratory and 3,106 persons have re- ent COVID-19 pandemic. ject of discussion on the ings be had next week, COVID-19 for nine consec- conducted 496 tests yester- covered. The public health As Mottley spoke about Common Entrance Exam and by the next time that utive days. The last re- day. The number of active laboratory has so far com- the ease in restrictions to next week. But the we speak, we should ported death was on March cases on the island is 248. pleted 132 604 tests. come on Monday, she Minister of Education is be in a position, if not 2, and the number of fatal- The 19 new cases com- There were 345 persons noted that while day care going to have to be in dis- before, to advise you on ities from the viral illness prise nine women and 10 vaccinated on Thursday,as facilities and day nurs- cussions with teachers what the arrangements has remained at 37. men. Nine of them were al- part of the National eries will reopen, further and others, but we are are for schools, but in There were 19 new posi- ready at the Harrison Vaccination Programme discussions will be needed conscious that we are the interim day nurseries tive cases identified on Point Isolation Facility un- for COVID-19. regarding the reopening around the Easter period and day-care facilities will Thursday,March 11, while dergoing assessment. To date, a total of 50 703 of schools. vacation anyhow at this be permitted to open, sub- 46 people recovered from Since March 2020, the vaccinations have been ad- Mottley indicated that time and to that extent, ject to the protocols,” the virus and were dis- country has recorded 3,391 ministered – 21,323 men since the Easter vacation therefore, further an- Prime Minister Mottley charged from isolation. confirmed cases – 1,609 fe- and 29,380 women. is approaching, further nouncements will be made added. announcements will have as to what can be permit- (RSM) Minister reveals big plans for Bath BOOST from Back Page restoration programme, we're going to develop a cafeteria as His comments came as he said well, so that people coming here that 40 acres at Bath have al- can get access to natural juices, ready been allocated to two and of course, Ital food or Rastafarian groups – ICAR and healthy food.We already started Alkebulan Kingdom, which the process to present this proj- have received 20 acres each. He ect to Cabinet, so that we can get indicated that Government is the funding to be able to carry committed to assisting the out the entire programme,” he Rastafarian community in their stated. ventures, and will be providing He added, “And then what the groups with not only the we're going to do is provide some land – which they will lease at facilities where they can have “very favourable” rates – but the access to bathrooms, and storage inputs for the crops as well as as well.” support with water.The agricul- Weir told the media that the ture minister maintained that goal is to make Bath a “green Some of the men who were hard at work yesterday, preparing the land at Bath, St. John for there is a need to ensure that spot” in terms of agriculture.He production. the farmers can have access to a added that to ensure that the continuous supply of water, es- farmers can also sell their pro- Asked if the land will also be well, but if there is a group that In that vein, he said the orig- pecially in the dry season. duce, the intention is to erect utilised for medicinal cannabis, wants to do cannabis, and they inal programme spoke to medic- “All in all, I'm hoping that we kiosks in the area. He noted that Minister Weir said they have not can do it in a secure environ- inal plants such as aloe vera, can grow enough food here this would allow residents of St. had any requests along that line ment, I don't see any reason why and he told the media he is ask- where we can create a vending John and surrounding districts to date, but are open to the idea. they wouldn't. But it is certainly ing that some of the land be ded- site here at Bath. Over there by the opportunity to purchase “We are doing fruit trees, and not part of the original pro- icated to growing such plants. that tower, we're going to do a fresh produce. we're doing coconut trees as gramme,” he said. (JRT) The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 13, 2021 • 5

Webinar aimed at strengthening relationship Barbadians between blind parents and their children encouraged to comply By Marsha Gittens Welch explained why the himself and then there is a 24 NUSB thought such a session year old female who would love to with protocols as PRESIDENT of the National was necessary at this time. He learn how to cook and do certain United Society of the Blind said, “Because at this present things but the family is (NUSB), Rudyward Welch time, we still have members of prohibiting her from doing that country opens up explained a challenge faced by the blind, children and adults, because they are fearful and we some individuals who are blind is who their relatives and families, would like to remove some of AS THE country gears up saying that even in sectors not being allowed to do things partners, spouses believe what those fears because blind people for more commercial where there are less than 25 independently,instead others opt they are doing for the disabled have aspirations, they have activity on Monday, March people, it is in the interest of the to do everything for them. person is the correct thing and emotions, they have wants like 15, and as more persons sector to come together, and He pointed out NUSB will be that is stifling them, not allowing any other living person and these prepare to recommence perhaps even share the costs for touching on this and other them or encouraging them to are some of the challenges that face-to-face work, a compliance officers, outside of challenges over the weekend in grow, a very restricted, stringent we are getting at this present reminder is being sent that the Government’s Compliance addition to educating parents and way of life and that is hampering time.” there must be compliance Unit,” she added. relatives how to handle these. He the process of the blind persons.” The online webinar can be with all COVID-19 Mottley meanwhile revealed told The Barbados Advocate He stated presently he is aware attended by the general public protocols. that the Government has this is being done through their of a couple of situations where however, it is particularly for Prime Minister Mia Amor established units with webinar entitled, “Building such is the case. Sharing parents who are blind and their Mottley made the appeal this Compliance Officers for larger Bridges: Strengthening examples, he said “there is a 26 children, persons who have lost week, even as she announced a ministries, such as the Ministry Relationships” which will occur year old male, [he] is not even their sight recently and their further ease in restrictions, to of Health and Wellness, and the today, March 13th via Zoom. allowed to make a cup of tea for family members. allow more sectors to open up. protective services, including “I appeal to persons to please, the Barbados Defence Force, to please, please, follow the ensure compliance. protocols. I am also appealing to However, the Prime Minister CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Monique French companies and the sectors, has noted that persons can be especially companies that have their best compliance officers more than 25 persons on staff, and therefore, those who see wins prestigious WeQual Award that they need to put in place protocols being broken should MONIQUE FRENCH, Chief compliance officers, because you speak out against any bad Credit Officer at CIBC really need somebody who practices, in the interest of the FirstCaribbean is the winner of comes to work every day, just to country. Those still failing to the 2021 We Qual Award. She walk around and to make sure comply after that should be aced 24 female executives of some that people are complying,” reported to the Compliance of the biggest companies in the Mottley stressed. Unit, set up for such matters. Americas identified as having the “I am going further. I am (RSM) leadership traits for top-level executive management positions. She was one of three finalists in the Finance category in this year’s Rethink imprisonment award, a first for the Caribbean. The WeQual Awards recognised WHILE countries have been and hygiene, but also health, outstanding women in senior commended for taking measures safety and the care for roles.With a mission to tackle the to tackle acute pandemic threats, vulnerable groups.The resulting slow progress in appointing they are being urged to also take pressures for both prisoners and women to executive positions, the this opportunity “to rethink how prison officers fuel conflict and organization aims to make imprisonment is used, and to violence, undermining efforts to businesses more inclusive by increase the focus on crime ensure a safe, secure and identifying exceptional women prevention and non-custodial humane prison environment”. executives and address the measures, for the longer term Waly said UNODC has gender imbalance across the and for the benefit of all responded quickly to Member world’s executive committees. societies”. States’ requests for support to Katie Litchfield, Founder and Executive Director of the deal with these risks, and along CEO of WeQual Awards, devised United Nations Office on Drugs with UN system partners,policy the new platform which calls for and Crime (UNODC) Ghada alerts have been issued and women senior executives to build Waly made the appeal during guidance on addressing the their case as to why they deserve Wednesday’s 14th UN-Crime dangers of an explosive outbreak to be appointed to the executive Congress special event on the of the virus in prisons. committee. impact of COVID-19 in prison Moreover, the Executive Nigel Holness, Managing Monique French, Chief Credit Officer at CIBC FirstCaribbean is settings: mitigating risks and Director said that UNODC Director of CIBC FirstCaribbean the winner of the 2021 We Qual Award. building back better. welcomes efforts by many congratulated Ms. French “on her “Prisoners and prison staff countries to reduce the size of achievements in advancing the Ms. French has served on finalists were from a wide range have been hit particularly hard prison populations as part of contribution and recognition of various for profit, community, of sectors and companies, by the pandemic and prison their COVID response. women in finance as well as non-profit, industry and economic including ABB Ltd, Analog settings continue to be at severe She therefore announced that women in Jamaica and across the committees and boards and Devices,AstraZeneca, BlackRock, risk of catastrophic outbreaks of the UN system is mobilizing its Caribbean.” currently serves as a Director and Capital One, CGI, Comcast, the virus,” she warned, pointing efforts around a forthcoming UN Ms.French has extensive the Governance Committee Diageo, FIS, HSBC, IBM, to over-incarceration, common position on experience in the Financial Chair of CFA Society Jamaica Lockheed Martin Corporation, overcrowding, poor prison incarceration, with UNODC Services Industry including (industry association). Monique Marriott International, Morgan conditions and a lack of taking the lead together with the leadership positions in Credit & earned the CFA Charter in 2000, Stanley, Prologis, ServiceNow, resources which endanger the UN Division for Peace Investments, Risk Management, in addition to holding a BSc SiriusXM, TELUS, Kellogg safety and health of people in Operations and the UN High Treasury, Sales & Trading, Accounting degree with First Company,U.S. Bank and Wells prisons and of those working in Commissioner for Human Reporting & Analytics. An Class Honors from The Fargo. They were all assessed prisons – representing a serious Rights. executive with a depth of University of the West Indies against specific criteria: threat to all communities “Guided by this common expertise in treasury,retail, small (Mona, Jamaica) & a MBA from Leadership, Cognitive Ability, outside. position, the UN will focus on business, corporate, sovereign The University of Western Drive & Resilience, Integrity, “The majority of Member providing integrated assistance and private banking segments, Ontario (London, Canada), Emotional Intelligence, Personal States continue to deal with to Member States to rationalize she is presently the group-wide completing the Canadian Development, Approach to acute issues of overcrowding, the use and scope of Chief Credit Officer for the CIBC Securities Course (CSC) and Equality, and Knowledge of the with more than 50 countries imprisonment; improve prison FirstCaribbean International Financial Risk Manager (FRM) Business. All candidates were operating prisons at more than conditions and strengthen prison Bank across all the territories in Designation. assessed blind with no name or 150 percent of actual capacity, management; and advance the which the FirstCaribbean Group In addition to CIBC company revealed in their compromising not only the rehabilitation and social operates. FirstCaribbean, the Americas application. quality of nutrition, sanitation reintegration of offenders”. 6 • Saturday March 13, 2021 The Barbados Advocate Sagicor chooses to salute women overcoming today’s challenges BUILDING a career and managing the responsibilities of family life has always been a balancing act. However, the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased its complexity exponentially. It is for this reason that on International Women’s Day this year, celebrated on Monday, March 8th, Sagicor paid tribute to women who continue to showcase their mental and emotional strength during this difficult time. The leading insurance and financial institution presented tokens of recognition and appreciation to a group of The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most challeng- female clients, each of whom ing periods for those providing medical and elder care, a were identified for exhibiting challenge that Wanda Alleyne has become very familiar with. an ability and commitment to maintaining the highest standard of work within their profession, whilst having to give much more of their time to the responsibilities of family life, given the impact of the pandemic. “Even before the pandemic, women have always taken on the responsibility for the management of both childcare and eldercare. Now, with no access to external care facilities, their responsibilities have doubled”, said Sagicor Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Marguerite Estwick. “Many female Sagicor Like many women across Barbados, Dominique Barker has executives are managing their been thrust into the role of Primary School teacher for her careers while taking care of two children. their families at home. As such, we empathise with the to speak on ‘gender bias, had on their female workforce. pressures that all women are managing anxiety and “As schools remain closed, a under as they navigate the becoming the narrator of your much higher number of women unprecedented challenges of own story’, during a webinar to as compared to men have had today. We wanted to say, “we mark the occasion. to give up their jobs to take care understand your challenges, we Commenting on the of young children or have borne see your struggles and we International Women’s Day a disproportionate share of the salute you for the tremendous theme for this year “Choose to responsibility for the job you do every day”, she Challenge”, Vice President supervision of virtual learning. Running a successful business during a pandemic is a added. Estwick challenged the Flexible work arrangements challenge that Kimberly Angoy never once foresaw, however, Internally, the company business community to should be considered wherever through adaptation and innovation, this young entrepreneur invited Leadership Coach and consider the disproportionate possible and a national has continued to achieve. Author, Sonia Layne-Gartside, impact that the pandemic has dialogue on perceptions of gender-based roles in our modern society is essential. Greater equality in the sharing of the family responsibilities, in EU, PAHO and UWI conducting climate career opportunities for women, equality in compensation; and in how our change and health public perceptions survey societies value and care for the THE Pan American Health years and older, across 10 complete a short questionnaire health. It is being implemented health and safety of women will Organization (PAHO) and the Caribbean countries: Trinidad which should take by the PAHO and brings together support strong families and University of the West Indies and Tobago, Antigua, Dominica, about ten (10) minutes and par- project partners including CARI- build stronger societies.” (UWI) are seeking to understand Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. ticipation is entirely voluntary, COM, the Caribbean Community Global statistics indicate that what Caribbean people know Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and anonymous, and individual data Climate Change Centre, the four times as many women about the links between climate the Grenadines, St Lucia and will not be shared. Caribbean Public Health Agency, have dropped out of the labour change and their health through Barbados. It is also available on The survey is a critical tool to the Caribbean Institute for force due to the impact of the a survey being carried out via partner social networks gain baseline information for the Meteorology and Hydrology and pandemic. This has meant that Caribbean mobile phone net- and at this link: European Union-funded 5-year the UWI. Other UN agencies female participation has work, Digicel. https://trnd.ly/ClimateHealthTT project aimed at empowering and universities like St George’s dropped to 57%, the lowest level The survey targets adults, 18 Respondents will be asked to Caribbean action for climate and University will also participate. recorded since 1988. (AS/PR) The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 13, 2021 • 7 Support for Math research to increase ‘Unprecedented’ backing seen as vital to lift nation’s tech to world-class status CHINA’S support for 2025 compared with the past mathematics and applied five years-it’s unprecedented,” mathematics research he said ahead of the annual between this year and 2025 session of the country’s top will be “unprecedented” political advisory body. because mathematicians In addition to can solve equations that are mathematicians, the project’s fundamental to overcoming team also includes experts from major technology the 5G and logistics sectors, bottlenecks, an which are seeking academician said. mathematical answers that are The Ministry of Science and important to core technologies. Technology has listed “Mathematical research not mathematics and its only matters for overcoming applications as a major current technology bottlenecks A section of the light-based quantum computer created by researchers at the University of national project during the but also is crucial in ensuring Science and Technology of China. 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) that China will be one step period. The project is expected ahead in technology that boosting long-term support “When the country is taking mathematicians in their 20s.” to receive 1.5 billion yuan development in global for basic scientific research, the lead in scientific and Instead of investing heavily (US$231.9 million) in funding, competition in the future,” Yuan including mathematics, is key technological development in in a small group of said Yuan Yaxiang, a said. to ensuring China’s place as an the world, it will then become mathematicians, what China mathematician and Many countries may cut advanced country in science truly strong.” needs to do is to “cultivate the academician of the Chinese funding for science and and technology. Yuan also urged China to soil for many seeds of young Academy of Sciences. Yuan is technology development due to “It’s hard to produce scientific boost support for young mathematicians to grow also a member of the National the impact of the COVID-19 innovation with originality that mathematicians. freely”, Yuan said. Committee of the Chinese pandemic on their economies, impresses the world if China’s “Mathematics is a subject He added that some young People’s Political Consultative but China has increased its basic sciences research is that requires imagination and Chinese mathematicians and Conference. support for mathematical weak,”Yuan said. wisdom. It’s also physically scientists had left for other “The policy and financial research, which says a lot, he “We shouldn’t find ourselves demanding as it takes a long countries because they support for the field of said. in the position of always trying period of time to constantly preferred the scientific research mathematics and applied Many CPPCC National to catch up with others and focus on the same question,” he environment there, but such a mathematics will be greatly Committee members in the expect they are willing to share said. “That’s why many great phenomenon was natural and improved between 2021 and technology sector have said their core technologies with us. findings are discovered by shouldn’t be exaggerated. “I hope the public will learn more about young scientists who are doing an excellent job China’s Long March 7A in China, which is on its way to becoming a country that is strong in science and rocket puts satellite in orbit technology,” Yuan said. THE NEWEST type in China’s transfer orbit. carrier rocket family – Long A subsidiary of China March 7A – made its first Aerospace Science and successful flight at the Wenchang Technology Corp, the academy is China to Space Launch Center in Hainan the major rocket developer in the province early yesterday , sending country. continue a technology demonstration The rocket is tasked with satellite into space. sending satellites to high-altitude The 60.1-meter colossal rocket orbits such as the geosynchronous working with blasted off from a launch pad in transfer and inclined the coastal launch center at 1:51 geosynchronous orbits. It can also WHO on virus am, and soon deployed the New be used to carry out missions to Technology Demonstrator 9 the moon, Mars or asteroids, source tracing: experimental satellite into orbit, designers said. according to a statement from A lot of China’s Beidou China Aerospace Science and navigation satellites and Premier Technology Corp, the nation’s communication satellites are BEIJING – China is willing to leading space contractor. traveling in the geosynchronous continue working with the The mission marked the 362nd transfer orbit. World Health Organization flight of the Long March rocket Research and development of (WHO) on tracing the origin of series and also the second by the the new rocket took 22 months COVID-19, Chinese Premier Li Long March 7A. Its first flight since May 2018 and were based Keqiang said Thursday. failed in March 2020 due to on the Long March 7, which is Li said China had maintained malfunctions. tasked with sending cargo communication with the WHO According to the China spaceships to China’s future space and provided the WHO mission Academy of Launch Vehicle station. support during their work in Technology in Beijing, the Long Meng Gang, Long March 7A’s China concerning the origins of March 7A has a liftoff weight of project manager, said the service the virus, stressing that the 573 metric tons and a core-stage of Long March 7A will encourage Chinese side has acted in a fact- diameter of 3.35 meters. It is and boost the development and China’s Long March 7A carrier rocket makes its first based manner and with an capable of placing a 7-ton deployment of large, heavy successful flight at the Wenchang Space Launch Center in open, transparent and spacecraft to geosynchronous satellites. Hainan province early yesterday morning. cooperative approach. 8 • Saturday March 13, 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 German president blasts ‘shameful’ MPs over face mask scandal Compliance BERLIN – German shortages and leaden bu- ments for brokering face to declare that they had President Frank-Walter reaucracy. mask procurement deals. not derived any financial Steinmeier said on Friday Steinmeier,a member of Mark Hauptmann from gain from the purchase or lawmakers caught in a the left-leaning Social the eastern state of sale of medical equipment. key as sectors face mask procurement Democrats (SPD), ac- Thuringia told the CDU “Today we can say: All scandal had engaged in knowledged in a rare in- he would give up his seat CDU/CSU members of “shabby and shameful” tervention into domestic in parliament, his office parliament have signed behaviour, shaking the politics that Germans confirmed on Thursday, this declaration,” Ralph reopen governing Christian were tired of living under after allegations that Brinkhaus and Alexander Democrats ahead of week- lockdown. he helped contacts in Dobrindt, parliamentary COMPLIANCE will be the watchword as the end regional elections. “...And then have to Azerbaijan with procure- leaders of the CDU/CSU nation opens up for more business come A lawmaker from hear that MPs, of all peo- ment. bloc, wrote to the group on Monday, March 15, 2021. Chancellor Angela ple, are holding out their The scandal is em- Friday. Whilst we are happy to hear that to date, Merkel’s conservative hand before the modest barrassing for the CDU, A March 10 poll, from most Barbadians have been seemingly bloc on Thursday became medical protection of face which has seen its sup- Forsa, put the conserva- compliant in following the stated COVID-19 the third within a week to masks even reaches the port slip in the states of tive bloc on 33%, down protocols for their general health and safety resign from her parlia- people... That is shabby Baden-Wuerttemberg and from 40% in June when and that of others, we want to see Barbadians mentary group over the and shameful!” he told a Rhineland-Palatinate Merkel won plaudits for following through and doing what they know scandal, which risks conference hosted by the where elections on her management of the they should do when the country opens up in a costing the Christian Frankfurter Allgemeine Sunday will be a crucial coronavirus crisis in its greater way next week. Democrats in Sunday’s Zeitung newspaper. gauge of popular feeling first phase. She will not We have heard that compliance officers from twin state votes. In the past week, the before a September fed- seek a fifth term as chan- the Government’s Compliance Unit will be Anger about the scandal CDU’s Nikolas Loebel has eral election. cellor in September. out and about checking to make sure that is compounding frustra- given up his seat and ˙Seeking to draw a line Another survey on Barbadians for the most part are engaging in tion among Germans with Bavarian conservative under the affair,leaders of Friday showed support for the recommended practices of social distancing, Merkel’s conservative-led Georg Nuesslein stepped Merkel’s conservative the CDU’s Bavarian sis- mask wearing and hand sanitising. However, coalition over a sluggish down from the parliamen- CDU/CSU bloc in parlia- ter party,the CSU,slump- it must be said that we cannot just be eye coronavirus vaccine roll- tary party. Both had been ment asked the group’s ing 4 points within a servants at this stage. We cannot only do what out caused by supply accused of receiving pay- lawmakers on Wednesday month to 41.6%. is necessary when someone is looking on. We cannot slack our riding, when these compliance officers are out of sight or range. US, India, Japan and Australia agree to Rules still apply Yes, the public is being advised to speak up and provide a billion vaccine doses in Asia report any breaches to the Compliance Unit. However, we hope that it does not have to come WASHINGTON – US sion in Myanmar. cooperation, which has Japan have all faced to this for right-thinking Barbadians to be President Joe Biden and Sullivan told a news been enhanced by pre- security challenges from obedient. It only takes a few breaches for us the leaders of Australia, briefing the meeting dis- vious lower-level Quad China, strengthening their to be back to where we were just a few weeks India and Japan agreed in cussed the challenges meetings. interest in the Quad. Quad ago. Therefore, the appeal which has gone out a summit on Friday to co- posed by China, although India Foreign Secretary co-operation dates back to must be reiterated, as we open up for further operate in providing up to this was not the focus. He Harsh Vardhan Shringla their joint response to the business. a billion coronavirus vac- said that among the issues said the meeting had Indian Ocean earthquake Even on the home front, citizens must cine doses to developing discussed were recent agreed US vaccines would and tsunami in 2004. remember that the rules still apply when they countries in the Indo- cyberattacks and semi- be manufactured in India, The Quad was revived go to visit their relatives or friends. Indeed, it Pacific by the end of 2022, conductor supply-chain something New Delhi under the Trump admin- is the familiarity and feelings of security and a move to counter China’s issues. has called for to counter istration, which saw it as comfort that could work against householders, widening vaccine diplo- The Quad leaders com- Beijing’s widening vaccine a vehicle to push back as they seek to see and socialise with those who macy. mitted to delivering up diplomacy. against China.The United they have a relationship with, in one form Biden, hosting the first to one billion doses of In a joint statement the States hosted a foreign or another. A lapse in judgement could see leader-level meeting of a COVID-19 vaccines to leaders pledged to work ministers’ meeting in COVID-19 finding more hosts to occupy. group central to his efforts Southeast Asia by the end closely on COVID-19 vac- 2019, which was followed Therefore, it must be said time and time again, to counter China’s grow- of 2022, Sullivan said . cine distribution, climate by another in Japan last even if it seems repetitive that we must adhere ing military and economic Japanese Prime issues and security. year and a virtual session to the protocols. power,said a free and open Minister Yoshihide Suga “We strive for a region in February. Indo-Pacific region was said he wanted the four “to that is free, open, inclu- Friday’s meeting coin- Be responsible citizens “essential” to all four coun- forge strongly ahead to- sive, healthy, anchored by cided with a major US Remember that the three important ways to tries. ward the realization of a democratic? values, and diplomatic drive to solidify slow the spread of COVID-19 include wearing “The United States is free and open Indo-Pacific” unconstrained by coer- alliances in Asia and a mask to protect yourself and others from the committed to working and that Japan had cion,” they added, without Europe to counter China, spread of the virus, staying at least six feet or with you, our partners, agreed to co-operate in mentioning China by including visits next week about two arm lengths from others who don’t and all our allies in the re- providing vaccine-related name. by Secretary of State live within your household and avoiding crowds, gion, to achieve stability,” support to developing The meeting also agreed Antony Blinken and given that the more people you are in contact he said. countries. to set up a group of experts Defense Secretary Lloyd with, the more likely you are to be exposed to Biden’s national secu- He also told reporters to help distribute vaccines, Austin to Japan and South the virus. rity adviser,Jake Sullivan, he had expressed strong as well as working groups Korea. So whilst it may seem to be business as usual, said the leaders addressed opposition to attempts for cooperation on climate Blinken will also meet it truly is not and citizens should endeavour to key regional issues at the by China to change the change, technology stan- in Alaska with China’s operate by the above. For sure, no compliance virtual meeting,“including status quo in the region dards, and joint develop- top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, officers may be around to watch as you visit freedom of navigation and and that the four leaders ment of emerging tech- and State Councillor Wang friends and family, so the onus is on all of us to freedom from coercion” in had agreed to co-operate nologies. Yi – the first high-level in- enforce and comply with what we know to be the South and East China on the issue. The leaders agreed to person contact between the right thing, to safeguard our health and Sea, the North Korean India and Australia also hold an in-person meeting the world’s two largest that of our loved ones. nuclear issue, and the emphasized the impor- later this year. economies under the As we further reopen, let us strive to keep this coup and violent repres- tance of regional security India, Australia and Biden administration. COVID-19 situation under control, by doing our part to slow the spread of the virus by being Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes compliant. Again, let us not be eye servants, but E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves responsible citizens. Indeed, our lives and Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan livelihoods hinge on this. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 13, 2021 • 9

President J’ca: Campaign Irfaan Ali launched to takes first increase awareness dose of of the uses and COVID effects of ganja JAMAICA – In a bid to munity-based en- increase public gagements to bolster its vaccine awareness of the uses efforts to influence GUYANA – His and effects of behaviour change, Mr. Excellency Dr Irfaan Ali marijuana (ganja), the Tucker said the campaign has received his first dose National Council on will utilise community- of the COVID-19 vaccine Drug Abuse (NCDA) based participatory tools, and is urging all has launched its such as games and other Guyanese to do the same; ‘Good Ganja Sense’ interactive learning the Head of State made campaign. elements for the purpose this call shortly after his The virtual launch of of reinforcing concepts inoculation. the campaign on Tuesday and generating interest “Fellow Guyanese I’m (March 9) seeks to about the balanced very pleased to inform you address the issue of low approach to ganja. that I took the COVID-19 levels of ganja literacy, Target groups include vaccine. And I want to President of Guyana Dr Irfaan Ali has received his first dose of the COVID-19 with the intended parents, youth, take this opportunity to vaccine. outcome to have community leaders and encourage every Jamaicans make better groups, among others. Guyanese to take the that no resource will be AstraZeneca. We’ve also Guyanese.“It is important choices about its There will also be an vaccine. While it is not spared in having every reached out to other for us to ensure that we consumption. interactive website to mandatory,I want to urge single Guyanese suppliers in the UAE, explore every avenue, The campaign is being strengthen access to you, as far as possible, to vaccinated before the end because you know it is having access to these implemented by the scientific and other consider taking the of the year. becoming a global vaccines in a speedy NCDA, in partnership resources about ganja. vaccine.” “Only today, I had shortage in getting the manner, and ensuring with the Ministry of The initiative will also President Ali pointed to engagement with the vaccines itself.” that it fits into our plan of Health and Wellness and seek to create and the importance of the Organization of Islamic The President said too having the entire country the University of strengthen an alliance vaccines in protecting the Conference. We continue that the government is vaccinated before the end Technology (UTech). among key national citizens as well as to reach out directly to expecting another batch of of the year,so you can rest Executive Director of organisations, interest allowing the country to get suppliers of the Russian vaccines shortly, which assured that we will the NCDA, Michael groups and civil society ahead of the pandemic. vaccine, Sinopharm, will be rolled out in a continue to work Tucker, said the organisations in the He once again assured Moderna, Pfizer, phased manner to aggressively on this.” campaign, which is slated thrust to increase ganja to run from March to literacy in Jamaica. December 2021 and For her part, State perhaps beyond, also Minister in the Ministry seeks to dispel the myths of Health and Wellness, No new taxes to fund budget surrounding the use of Hon. Juliet Cuthbert JAMAICA – Finance and of the threshold increase Dr. Clarke outlined that ganja. Flynn, commended the the Public Service would be that Jamaicans the CAF was set at $3,000 “The Good Ganja Sense NCDA for the initiative, Minister, Dr. the Hon. could import higher-value per customs export is a ganja literacy which aims to empower Nigel Clarke, on Tuesday items without duties and declaration and has campaign targeting the Jamaicans across various (March 9) announced that taxes being levied on them. remained at that level for general population. The sectors on the appropriate the Government will not “I understand the the past seven years. NCDA is very pleased to use of this substance. be introducing any new request, but at this time, He noted that the fee has enter this partnership Citing research taxes to fund the J$830.8- when the Government’s made it difficult for with the Ministry of findings that support the billion Budget for 2021/22. revenues are falling exporters of local goods to Health and Wellness and associated implications of “We are prioritising precipitously,when we are remain competitive, most the University of its misuse, the State economic recovery, which still in the middle of a of whom are small Technology to provide Minister said: “We know we want to achieve in the pandemic… it would be business owners. evidence-based public that approximately 50 per quickest possible time. unwise to erode our “These companies… are education to the cent of the clients in Increasing taxes at this revenue base with such a a very important part of Jamaican population,” he specialised drug time would run counter to move,” he pointed out. the productive ecosystem. said. treatment facilities across that objective,” Dr. Clarke He further noted that They contribute to the Finance and the Public Pointing out that ganja the island are there due to said. such a move could make economy through Service Minister, Dr. use and its properties problematic ganja use.” He was opening the the domestic and retail employment, taxes, foreign the Hon. Nigel Clarke have been misunderstood Acknowledging its 2021/22 Budget debate in trade uncompetitive, exchange,” Dr.Clarke said. by a vast majority of widespread use and the the House of threatening jobs and “They export candles, the product itself”. citizens, Mr. Tucker said important medicinal Representatives on economic growth. graft items, processed “The customer will often the purpose of this properties of ganja, Mrs. Tuesday (March 9). Meanwhile, Dr. Clarke foods, homemade sauces, absorb the shipping cost campaign is to utilise Cuthbert Flynn said the Minister Clarke noted told the House that the ceramics, paintings, but more often than not, memorable, innovative campaign is important in that “this is the sixth Government will be handcrafted jewellery, the exporter has to absorb and targeted approaches informing developments consecutive fiscal year abolishing the Customs cosmetics and hundreds of these disproportionally that will attract on the multifaceted uses where, on a net basis, we Administrative Fee (CAF) other items that high government fees, and a multidimensional of this substance. have not raised taxes and for permanent exports of a consumers from around this has been the case since audience to the campaign “We need our people to the fourth consecutive value less than or equal to the world want to buy from the CAF has been for the purposes of see the whole picture.The fiscal year where there will US$500. our local manufacturers,” introduced in 2013. When improving literacy about Good Ganja Sense be absolutely no new “This is estimated to cost he added. a shipment has a value of ganja. campaign, therefore, aims taxes”. J$70 million,” he said. The Minister explained $5,000, and the The range of strategies to explore current Turning to calls for an Customs has levied a that “when somebody buys government levels a CAF that will be used include knowledge about increase in the US$50 limit CAF on the export of goods online, you buy one thing of $3,000 that shipment social media advocacy, cannabis. With this for items that may be since 2013, replacing the and so the shipment can becomes uncompetitive,” radio and television ads, campaign, the NCDA will imported duty-free, Dr. customer user fee, which have a value of J$1,500 Dr. Clarke stressed. print articles/material become an important Clarke informed that the was deemed non- and the Government He argued that Jamaica and billboards. source of information on Government will not be compliant by the World charges a CAF fee of cannot be competitive in Recognising the ganja, the truth affirmed able to do so at this time. Trade Organization J$3,000. It’s absurd; it’s exports under this importance of and the myths dispelled,” He noted that the effect (WTO). higher than the value of arrangement. incorporating com- she said. 10 • Saturday March 13, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Prime Minister Browne debunks ‘Antigua variant’ ANTIGUA and believed were infected with have emerged by England before travelling Barbuda’s Prime a variant of the novel now.” Additionally, he to Antigua.” Minister Gaston coronavirus. stressed that “daily tests He added that even on Browne has responded The Antigua and conducted on material its own website, PHE has to inaccurate Barbuda government now from Antigua by reputable been clear that “Contact information in media in expects PHE to retract its external agencies have tracing teams have the United Kingdom website posting. found no variant arising completed thorough and the Caribbean, Prime Minister Browne from Antigua”. investigations to identify alleging that “an also wrote yesterday to In providing more and follow up any close Antigua variant” has several UK and Caribbean details, the Prime Minister contacts and no additional been discovered in the media that carried the said: “It is important to cases have been found to UK by Public Health story based on the PHE emphasise that the virus date”. Further, PHE also England (PHE) – an website posting on was discovered by Public states that the “variant executive agency of the Thursday. In his letters Health England (PHE) in identified in the UK has Department of Health to media, the Prime early February only in two been designated a Variant and Social Care in the Minister emphasised that persons who were on a Under Investigation” and United Kingdom. it was as long ago as the brief visit to not as a “Variant of The Prime Minister first week of February that Antigua. Three other Concern”. revealed that officials of the PHE discovered a family of family members were The Prime Minister Ministry of Health talked five persons who had designated as assured the media that yesterday with holidayed in Antigua. He ‘probable’. Further, PHE Antigua and Barbuda representatives of PHE said: “More than 32 days is not saying that the maintains strict COVID-19 who conceded that they have elapsed since the variant was contracted in protocols and “remains one erred in posting on their discovery and the negative Antigua. Indeed, they do of the safest places globally website any reference to results of contact tracing in not know if the infected with comparatively low Antigua and Barbuda in the UK. Clearly any persons might have rates of infection and a Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston relation to persons they variant of concern would contracted the virus in high rate of recovery”. Browne Crystal Cruises to resume sailing in Bahamas in July, first from Americas since pandemic began TIME to smash some Bahamas. and businesses,” said the champagne against an “Like our guests, we Bahamian tourism empty ship, because have been eagerly looking minister. “Crystal Cruises Crystal Cruises is forward to the day we can will go on record as the resuming sailing with welcome them back on only cruise line offering exclusive cruises of the board, and we’re thrilled Bahamas-only voyages Bahamas in July. that this day will come in that highlight the The luxury line The Bahamas,” Anderson signature features and announced the news said in a news release.“The experiences travelers can Thursday, revealing that new Bahamas Escapes find here in our islands, the Crystal Serenity will cruises will allow travelers and the support that these sail from Nassau and to enjoy luxury cruising cruises will bring to Bimini this summer. The now,as well as bring much- multiple communities The luxury line announced the news Thursday, revealing that the Crystal itineraries are significant needed benefits to the local within the country will be Serenity will sail from Nassau and Bimini this summer. as the first ocean-going workforce, airlines, tremendous.” cruises to set sail from the restaurants, retailers and According to The Escapes series. Bookings negative for the in their home countries. Americas since the cruise hotels for pre- and post- Bahamas Investment for the Bahamas. coronavirus as well. However, staff will still industry ceased operations cruise stays.” Authority, an office of the When the Serenity hits When Crystal be tested for the almost exactly a year ago D’Aguilar echoed the prime minister, 50% of the the high seas, it will do so announced the vaccine coronavirus and will have due to the global sentiments. Caribbean country’s at reduced capacity and requirement for guests last to follow a series of pandemic. “The Bahamas is ready US$5.7 billion GDP enforce enhanced health month, the Miami-based protocols including Jack Anderson, interim and delighted to welcome derives from tourism. and safety protocol within cruise operator receiving a negative test, president and CEO of cruise visitors back to the As the plans stand now, its Crystal Clean+ 4.0 acknowledged that it may quarantining for seven Crystal Cruises, unveiled islands and to partner with Crystal will offer 16 seven- program. Guests must be more difficult to require days when they arrive at the plans in partnership Crystal Cruises in the night round-trip cruises also be fully immunized all its staff – who hail from the ship, and getting with the Honorable effort to restore and help from Nassau (starting July with the COVID-19 all over the world – to be another negative test at Dionisio D’Aguila, minister re-activate our tourism 3) and Bimini (launching vaccine at least 14 days fully vaccinated because of the end of their of tourism for the industry and protect jobs July 4) for its Bahamas before boarding and test the availability of dosages quarantine. Caribbean countries to receive funds from EU to fight COVID-19 THE Commissioner for pandemic. exacerbated by the address extreme food in 2021. humanitarian needs Crisis Management within “The EU continues to coronavirus. In this insecurity, provide “Due to its vulnerability generated by an ongoing the European provide life-saving challenging time, the EU protection for migrants to natural hazards, socio-political crisis require Commission, Janez humanitarian aid support is stepping up its long- and victims of gang governance issues and sustained humanitarian Lenarcic,says that ¤EU17 directly to the most standing humanitarian violence and increase high levels of poverty,Haiti assistance,” the EU said. million in humanitarian vulnerable population. In assistance to those most in resilience to disasters. has limited capacity to Three million euros will aid is being donated to Haiti as well as in the rest need,” said Lenarcic, in a The EU estimates that cope with recurring go to the other islands to address the needs of the of the Caribbean, statement on Thursday. 4.4 million people or 40 per emergencies. Food help with disaster Caribbean’s most recurrent natural hazards From the amount cent of the Haitian shortages, malnutrition, preparedness and vulnerable, which have further increase behind donated, Haiti will population will need recurrent disease resilience interventions in been worsened by the vulnerabilities, while also receive ¤14 million to humanitarian assistance epidemics, and additional at-risk communities. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 13, 2021 • 11

Chile announces new measures to keep middle class afloat amid virus crisis SANTIAGO – Chile’s the pandemic, and for its “middle class bonus” for the on its poorest citizens, president Sebastián Piñera orderly roll-out of vaccines, equivalent of between about including spot payments, soft announced on Thursday a among the fastest in the world. US$558 and US$836 dollars loans, mortgage payment raft of new measures aimed But a recent spike in per beneficiary and an interest- holidays and rent subsidies at helping middle class contagions has once again free loan with a one-year grace worth more than families stay afloat amid a forced health authorities to period. The measure would also 12% of gross domestic new wave of coronavirus announce restrictions include a subsidy for home product. contagions that has sent on commerce and rental payments. The government estimates swaths of the country back movement to stem the virus’ Pinera’s center-right the economy will expand by 5% into lockdown. spread. government has already in 2021, and has The comparatively wealthy Pinera’s bill, which now introduced a host of other said the majority of its Chile’s president Sebastián South American nation has heads to Congress for review stimulus to combat the population will be vaccinated Piñera been lauded for its handling of and approval, includes a economic impact of the virus by June. Bloodied and burned, Bodies of 16 migrants massacred Chile statue caught in battle in Mexico arrive in Guatemala between protesters, police GUATEMALA CITY – Mexico “I want to express my deepest held responsible for the killings. yesterday returned the bodies of regret and condolences to the Investigators had said they SANTIAGO – General Manuel being “ignorant", “anti-Chilean” 16 Guatemalan nationals families of the 16 victims of the suspected at least a dozen state Baquedano Gonzalez, a 19th and “cowards.” massacred in one of its northern Camargo massacre,” police of involvement. century hero of Chile’s War of Daniel Jadue, the Communist border states, a case that caused Guatemalan President Later in the day, the bodies the Pacific, is caught in a new Party’s candidate in this year’s renewed consternation about the Alejandro Giammattei said at will be transported to battle: his statue drenched in presidential election, responded dangers faced by migrants the airport. “We will exhaust all Comitancillo, in western blood-red paint and set on fire as by calling for the army chief’s bound for the United States. the options to find out who was department of San Marcos, to be protests reignite in the Andean resignation and recalled the The bodies, some badly responsible.” buried in their place of origin. country’s capital. military’s role in Chile’s 1973- charred and with gunshot Giammattei asked for a Authorities had identified the Positioned in Santiago’s iconic 1990 dictatorship, saying: wounds, were found in January minute of silence before his bodies using DNA samples after Plaza Italia, the center of “This reinforces the nefarious along a migrant smuggling route speech, and expressed his relatives of the missing came protests that began in October idea of an enemy in our midst in a remote area of Tamaulipas condolences to every family. forward. 2019, it has become a lightning that led that institution to state in the municipality of Every year, thousands of Immigration from Central rod for anger at the commit the worst crimes in our Camargo. Central Americans and America and Mexico has establishment. history.” Covered with Guatemalan Mexicans flee poverty and returned to the forefront of It has been drenched in paint, The episode underscores how flags, the coffins arrived in the violence to seek a better life in regional affairs since U.S. repainted custard yellow by the deeply polarised Chile remains morning in Guatemala City. the United States. Many fall President Joe Biden took office authorities, daubed in graffiti, despite more than a year of Relatives who had traveled in victim to crime on the perilous in January vowing to roll back bashed with sledgehammers battling a pandemic from which the same plane from Mexico City journey. the hardline policies of his and set alight during protests it is slowly emerging thanks to held photographs of the dead. In this case, no one has been predecessor Donald Trump. that started in October 2019 one of the world’s most rapid over the high cost of living in vaccination campaigns. Chile and inequality. The vaccine drive has a man riding a horse: bolstered the beleaguered On Wednesday night, with government’s approval ratings fears mounting that protesters significantly but Pinera’s only could topple it entirely, Chile’s minimally. National Monuments Council Protests still simmer despite announced it would remove the movement restrictions, with statue for repairs. several hundreds of people On Thursday though, with gathering each Friday and more protesters expected to gather in on prominent dates calling for large numbers to mark the third Pinera’s resignation, firmer and final year of unpopular sanctions against police for President Sebastian Pinera in rights abuses committed against office, the bronze militaryman protesters and better treatment remained conspicuously on his of indigenous people. plinth, guarded by armed police. Victor Herrero, founder of Critics of the statue say independent Chilean news Baquedano represents a Chilean website Interferencia, said elite that repressed indigenous despite the drafting of a new people. constitution underway and Last week, the army issued a Pinera’s term ending, fury over furious statement after it was systemic inequality heightened Relatives of the Guatemalan migrants, who were killed in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas doused with fuel and set alight, by the pandemic would continue while trying to reach the U.S., attend a funeral ceremony during the repatriation of the bod- accusing the perpetrators of to bubble up. ies, at the Guatemalan Air Force Base, in Guatemala City, Guatemala yesterday. Drug trafficker says he bribed Honduras president for protection NEW YORK – A convicted Maradiaga, former leader of the He said he also paid so that he third day of testimony in the arrested in March 2020 in Honduran drug trafficker and Cachiros cartel, testified that he wouldn’t be extradited to the trial of alleged drug trafficker Florida. He is charged with drug former leader of a cartel testified made the payment in cash U.S. and so companies used by Geovanny Fuentes Ramírez. trafficking and arms possession. in United States federal court through one of Hernández’s the Cachiros to launder money U.S. prosecutors have made it Hernández has vehemently Thursday that he paid now- sisters, Hilda Hernández, in would be favored by the clear that allegations against denied any connection to drug President Juan Orlando exchange “for protection so that government. Rivera Maradiaga President Hernández would traffickers. One of his brothers, Hernández US$250,000 for the military police and has admitted to being involved arise during the trial, though he Juan Antonio Hernández, was protection from arrest in 2012. preventive police didn’t capture in 78 murders. has not been charged. convicted of drug trafficking in Devis Leonel Rivera us in Honduras.” The accusation came in the Fuentes Ramírez was the same court in 2019. 12 • Saturday March 13, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

George Floyd’s family receives $27 million settlement from Minneapolis over his death THE city of Minneapolis on Although Frey promised on Friday agreed to pay $27 Friday that the city would be million to settle a lawsuit by “unrelenting” in reforming its the family of George Floyd police department, it was not over his death in police cus- clear if the city was admitting tody, a case that stirred na- wrongdoing as part of the settle- tional protests over racial ment, and city officials did not injustice and police brutal- immediately respond to queries. ity. “Every American remembers Floyd, a 46-year-old Black where they were when they first man, died in May as Derek saw it,” Frey said of the video Chauvin, a white Minneapolis showing Floyd’s death. “Today’s police officer, kneeled on his settlement reflects our shared neck for nearly nine minutes. commitment to advancing racial Floyd’s dying pleas for help were justice.” captured on widely viewed by- The settlement includes a stander video, sparking one of $500,000 contribution from the largest protest movements Floyd’s family to the community ever seen in the United States. at the Minneapolis intersection Benjamin Crump, an attorney where Floyd died, which has for the Floyd family, said the been barricaded against police agreement was the largest pre- access by residents and is filled trial settlement of a wrongful with flowers and other tributes death lawsuit in US history. to Floyd. The size signifies that a Black Chauvin was helping arrest person’s death at the hands of Floyd on the evening of May 25 police “will no longer be written Protesters raise their fists and chant after the ‘I Can’t Breathe’ Silent March for Justice a day on suspicion of his using a coun- off as trivial, unimportant or un- before jury selection is scheduled to begin for the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis terfeit $20 bill to buy cigarettes worthy of consequences,” Crump policeman accused of killing George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US on March 7, 2021. at the Cup Foods grocery store said at a news conference where at the intersection. he was joined by Floyd’s rela- “While our hearts are broken, charges of murder and been seated as jurors as of The other three officers are tives, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob we are comforted in knowing manslaughter. Chauvin has Friday afternoon. due to go on trial later this year Frey and other officials. that even in death, George Floyd pleaded not guilty and said he Last year, Floyd’s relatives on charges of aiding and abet- Floyd’s family was “pleased showed the world how to live,” properly followed his police sued the city,Chauvin and three ting Chauvin in Floyd’s death, that this part of our tragic jour- her statement said. training. other police officers involved in which was ruled a homicide by ney to justice for my brother The trial of Chauvin, who was Judge Peter Cahill has set federal court, saying police used the medical examiner. The George is resolved,” his sister fired by the police force, began aside about three weeks for jury excessive force against Floyd in Minneapolis Police Department Bridgett Floyd said in a state- earlier this week in Hennepin selection in the high-profile case. violation of his constitutional fired all four officers the day ment. County’s district court on Five men and two women had rights. after the deadly arrest. Cuomo rejects more calls for his resignation as 7th woman accuses him of misconduct NEW YORK Governor Andrew In a call with reporters, saying only that he never Cuomo again insisted on Friday Cuomo, 63, repeated his denial intended to make anyone feel he would not resign while alle- of the allegations and said it uncomfortable, and was sorry if gations of his sexual misconduct was “reckless and dangerous” he did. are investigated, pushing back for politicians to ask him to against a chorus of fellow resign before they have all the ‘Alarming’ and ‘unacceptable’ Democrats, including more than facts. In a joint statement on Friday, a dozen US Representatives, “Women have a right to come the two US Senators from New who have said he should step forward and be heard, and I en- York, Democrats Schumer and down. courage that fully. But I also Gillibrand, became the latest US Senators Chuck Schumer want to be clear: there is still and most high-profile national New York Governor Andrew Cuomo Cuomo has denied all of the and Kirsten Gillibrand, along a question of the truth. I did politicians to call on Cuomo to allegations against him. (PHOTO: EPA) with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, not do what has been alleged, resign. Jerry Nadler and several other period,” he said. “Due to the multiple, credible aide told Reuters there was no and it raises concerns about the Democratic congress members The new calls for Cuomo to sexual harassment and mis- formal, co-ordinated effort present safety and well-being from New York, called for resign came a day after the state conduct allegations, it is clear within the delegation to pres- of the administration’s staff,” Cuomo to resign on Friday. legislature announced it would that Governor Cuomo has lost sure Cuomo. Ocasio-Cortez said in a joint Seven women, most of them open an impeachment investi- the confidence of his governing Cuomo’s most recent accuser, statement on Friday with former aides, have accused the gation into the allegations.That partners and the people of the reporter Bakeman, said she US Representative Jamaal governor of sexual misconduct, will run parallel to an investiga- New York,” the statement said. believed the governor intended Bowman. ranging from unwelcome flir- tion led by the office the New The influx of resignation calls to humiliate her. On Thursday, more than 55 tatious behaviour at work to York State Attorney General from the senators and at least “I never thought the governor Democratic New York state leg- groping. Letitia James. 16 of the 27 members of New wanted to have sex with me. It islators signed a letter calling The seventh accuser came Again on Friday, Cuomo York’s US congressional delega- wasn’t about sex. It was about for Cuomo’s resignation. forward on Friday. Reporter urged the public to wait for the tion have cast a long shadow power,” she wrote. White House Press Secretary Jessica Bakeman, writing for results of these investigations over the political future of the Another accuser, an uniden- Jen Psaki said on Friday that New York magazine, said before passing judgement. high profile Democratic figure, tified aide, told The Times- President Joe Biden “certainly Cuomo had often put his hands “Wait for the facts.An opinion who gained national promi- Union newspaper on Tuesday supports” the state attorney on her,including one time when without facts is irresponsible,” nence for his leadership during that he had groped her after general’s investigation into the taking a picture with her at a he said. the peak of his state’s COVID- calling her to the executive allegations. She added that the 2014 holiday party when she When asked on Friday if he 19 crisis. mansion last year under the president and his COVID-19 said he remarked,“I’m sorry.Am ever had consensual romantic While 15 US House members pretext of business. response team would continue I making you uncomfortable? I relationships with any of the from New York issued their “The fact that this latest re- working with Cuomo on vacci- thought we were going steady.” women, Cuomo responded by statements on Friday, a House port was so recent is alarming, nation roll-out in New York. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 13, 2021 • 13

Queen Elizabeth makes first appearance since Harry and Meghan interview LONDON – Britain’s elder brother Prince entists and schoolchildren Queen Elizabeth has William told reporters to mark British Science made her first appear- “we’re very much not a Week, the queen did not ance since a tell-all in- racist family”, the day refer to the interview at terview by grandson after the 94-year-old all, the royals’ usual ap- Prince Harry and his monarch herself issued a proach to what they have wife Meghan rocked statement on behalf of the said was a private, family the monarchy, but royals in which she said matter. made no reference to they were saddened by Instead she discussed the crisis it had caused how challenging the the latest updates her family. couple had found the last from NASA’s Mars During the Oprah few years. Perseverance mission, as Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II attends a virtual science showcase to mark British Winfrey interview, The Sun newspaper, cit- well as the discovery of a Science Week in this screenshot provided by the Royal Communications on Meghan said a member of ing an unnamed source, rare meteorite which March 12, 2021. the royal family had made said Harry’s father, landed in Gloucestershire, a racist comment and heir-to-the-throne Prince western England last place on Wednesday al- to follow her career by Buckingham Palace. Harry criticised his rela- Charles, had wanted to month, the first to be re- though details were only the exploits of Russian Asked what he was like, tives for how they dealt issue a point by point re- covered in the United released by Buckingham Yuri Gagarin, the first she replied: “Russian, he with press treatment of his buttal, but the royal family Kingdom for 30 years. Palace on Friday. human in space in 1961, didn’t speak English. He wife, with the fallout dom- had decided not to get “I’m glad it didn’t When told by space Elizabeth, who has was fascinating and I inating the British media involved in a ‘tit for tat’ hit anyone,” the queen scientist and broadcaster reigned for 69 years, re- suppose being the first since it aired last Sunday. battle. quipped during the “vir- Maggie Aderin-Pocock counted that she had met one, it was particularly On Thursday, Harry’s In a video call with sci- tual showcase”, which took that she had been inspired him shortly afterwards at fascinating.” Thousands march in central Beirut as political deadlock persists BEIRUT – Thousands isters have made alarming marched in central Beirut public remarks in the past on Friday demanding a week about the state of new independent govern- Lebanon’s security and ment to lift Lebanon out of finances. its deepening crisis as frus- Interior minister tration over the country’s Mohammed Fahmy said financial meltdown grew. security had all but bro- Lebanon’s economic cri- ken down with “all possi- sis is posing the biggest bilities open”, while energy threat to its stability since minister Raymond Ghajar the 1975-1990 civil war. warned that cash for Erupting in late 2019, it power generation was run- has since wiped out jobs, ning out fast and Lebanon locked people out of their could be in total darkness bank deposits, slashed by end of month. 85% of the value of its cur- Despite the warnings, rency and raised the risk of there has been no move- widespread hunger. ment on the political front. “In light of the terrible The lack of action failure of those in power prompted French foreign socially and politically we minister Jean-Yves le are going to the streets to Drian to say that time was ask for a new independent running out to prevent government and an alter- Lebanon collapsing and native to the current sys- he could see no sign that tem,” a statement by one Demonstrators attend a protest against the fall in Lebanese pound currency and mounting economic hard- the country’s politicians group of protesters said. ships, in Beirut, Lebanon on March 12, 2021. were doing what they Lebanon’s problems could to save it. were compounded after a collapse. nominated in October, “We are hungry.It is that since nation-wide road- France has spearheaded port explosion in August Prime Minister Hassan is at loggerheads with simple.That is why we are blocks persisted for more international efforts to devastated whole tracts of Diab’s cabinet has stayed President Michel Aoun taking part here,” said one than a week as groups of rescue the former French Beirut, killing 200 people on in a caretaker capacity and has been unable to protester on the streets demonstrators, angry at protectorate, trying to use and prompting the govern- until a new cabinet is form a new government with his family who de- the currency’s tumble to Paris’ historical influence ment to resign, leaving the formed. to carry out much needed clined to be named. a new low, burnt tyres to to persuade squabbling country rudderless as it But prime minister- reforms to unlock inter- The protest comes after block streets. politicians to adopt a re- sinks deeper into financial designate Saad al-Hariri, national aid. two days of relative calm Several caretaker min- form roadmap.

Mix of sunshine and clouds with a few intermittent scattered light to moderate showers.

High: 4:16 a.m. and 4:17 p.m. New York: 19°C Yesterday: 0 mm Miami: 24°C Low: 9:56 a.m. For the month: 13.6 mm Max: 29.2°C Boston: 18°C and 10:17 p.m. For the year: 188.7 mm Min: 24.8°C Toronto: 04°C Montreal: 05°C London: 08°C 6:07 a.m. 6:09 p.m. 14 • Saturday March 13, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Pakistani Taliban threaten organisers of Women’s Day March ISLAMABAD – The Messages spread on social Pakistani Taliban on Friday media, in some cases shared by threatened women’s rights journalists and politicians with activists who organised millions of followers, included demonstrations to mark false allegations that the French International Women’s Day flag was waved at the Women’s in the country, accusing Day march, while doctored video them of blasphemy and ob- and audio showed participants People participate in Aurat March or Women’s March, to mark the International Women’s Day in scenity. chanting slogans viewed as Karachi, Pakistan on March 8, 2021. The Taliban statement fol- blasphemous against Islamic lowed a flurry of falsified images figures. and video clips on social media that suggested participants ‘Malicious campaign’ in the March 8 protests had “Each and every one of these insulted Islam, which they allegations is completely false strongly denied. and part of a malicious cam- “We want to send a message paign to silence women from to those organisations who speaking out about their rights,” are actively spreading obscen- the march organisers said in a ity and vulgarity in our beloved statement. Pakistan,” the statement said, The Women’s Democratic addressing the marchers. Front, a leftist group founded in “Fix your ways, there are still 2018 and one of the organisers of many young Muslims here who the march, said their flag – with know how to protect Islam and red, white and purple stripes – the boundaries set by Allah.” had been misrepresented as the Islamist groups held demon- French flag, which has blue, strations on Friday in several white and red stripes. Pakistani cities to demand that Pakistan has seen violent the government prosecute the nation-wide protests against march organisers for blasphemy, France over issues such as the and they threatened vigilante Charlie Hebdo cartoons and action. restrictions on the Islamic veil Blasphemy carries the death there for Muslim women. penalty in Pakistan. Although Hassan Abbas, a security People chant slogans against women’s rights activists, who organised demonstrations marking Pakistan has never carried out expert at the National Defense the International Women’s Day, during a protest in Karachi, Pakistan on March 12, 2021. such a sentence, vigilantes often University in Washington, said kill suspects before they are the Taliban statement should be security agencies. gaining the sympathy of reli- extremists in urban centres of brought before a court. a “wake-up call” for Pakistani “(It is aimed at) creating fear, gious radicals and recruiting Pakistan,” he said. Sarah Everard: Body found in woodland confirmed as that of missing woman A BODY found by police in wood- Earlier, speaking outside clock” to establish the full cir- tained while alone in his cell. land on Wednesday has been New Scotland Yard, Assistant cumstances of her disappear- He was treated, discharged confirmed as that of Sarah Commissioner Nick Ephgrave ance. and returned to the police sta- Everard. gave a televised update on the “I know that the public feel tion where he is being held, after The 33-year-old marketing police inquiry. deeply hurt and angry and I an application to extend his de- executive disappeared as she He said: “As you know, on speak on behalf of all my col- tention was granted by magis- walked home in south London Wednesday evening detectives leagues when I say that we too trates. A woman in her 30s, who last week. investigating the disappearance are horrified.” was arrested on suspicion of A serving Met officer remains of Sarah Everard discovered a Throughout the week, assisting an offender, has been in custody having been held on body secreted in woodland in searches have been carried out released on bail until mid-April. suspicion of Ms. Everard’s kid- Kent. The body has now been in Clapham, where Ms. Everard The Met is facing an investiga- nap and murder. recovered and formal identifi- was last seen, as well as at a tion by the police watchdog into In another development, cation procedure has now been home in Deal and the woodland its handling of a separate allega- organisers of a vigil for Ms. undertaken.” in Ashford. tion of indecent exposure against Everard lost a legal challenge at Ms. Everard was last seen on On Tuesday, the Met officer the arrested officer. the High Court against a police 3 March walking alone down a was arrested in Kent on suspi- The Independent Office for ban on the event. main road in Clapham at 21:30 cion of Ms. Everard’s kidnap and Police Conduct (IOPC) is to look Organisers claimed there had GMT, with police saying it was was later rearrested on suspi- at whether officers “responded been an “about-face” by police, unclear whether she reached her cion of her murder. appropriately”, after the Met who told them that Saturday’s home in Brixton. The man, who is in his 40s received two complaints that a Reclaim These Streets event in Mr. Ephgrave said that spe- and works with the Met’s man had exposed himself at a Clapham would not now be per- cialist officers remained in con- Parliamentary and Diplomatic fast food restaurant in south mitted, due to the coronavirus stant contact with Ms. Everard’s Sarah Everard’s family Protection Command, was taken London on February 28 – three lockdown, having previously said family and that hundreds of of- described her as ‘bright and to hospital on Thursday suffer- days before Ms. Everard went the gathering could go ahead. ficers were working “round the beautiful’ on Thursday. ing from head injuries he sus- missing. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 13, 2021 • 15

Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini dies in South Africa aged 72 KING Goodwill ruler. Ramaphosa has said that Zwelithini of the Zulu He had been admitted to he will be accorded a state nation in South Africa hospital in KwaZulu-Natal funeral – normally re- has died in hospital last week to monitor his served for presidents and where he was being ongoing diabetes condition. former leaders. treated for diabetes- The king’s prime minis- The date has not been related issues. ter thanked South Africa announced but in the The king, 72, was the for its “continued prayers meantime, national flags King Goodwill Zwelithini (right) was being treated for diabetes-related issues. leader of South Africa’s and support in this most will fly at half-mast. largest ethnic group and difficult time”. He will lie in state in the about 300km (185 miles) in hospital, for a “few uncle, Chief Mangosuthu an influential traditional President Cyril royal palace in Nongoma, from Durban where he was days”, according to his Buthelezi. Uber facemask case: Woman arrested after video shared by San Francisco driver A WOMAN accused of violating the city’s health suspect, 24-year-old Arna Department (SFPD), into the incident on the spray, police said. refusing to wear a face and safety laws, police Kimiai, had informed adding: “We hope it hap- afternoon of Sunday, Restrictions in place in mask in an Uber taxi and said. them that she would hand pens promptly.” 7 March, was ongoing. San Francisco to help then assaulting the driver Ms. King is one of three herself in. The SFPD said that Allegations made by prevent the spread of with pepper spray in San passengers captured in “We’re glad to hear that Ms. King was arrested on Uber driver Subhakar COVID-19 include wear- Francisco has been ar- dashcam footage, one of Ms. Kimiai intends to do Thursday with the assis- Khadka, 32, include the ing a mask “to cover your rested. whom appears to cough the right thing,” said tance of Los Angeles po- refusal by his passengers mouth and nose” when Malaysia King, 24, is over the driver. Lt. Tracy McCray of the lice officers. to wear a face mask when within 2m (6ft) of some- facing charges including Police said that a second San Francisco Police It said the investigation requested, an attempt by one who is not a member one of the suspects to steal of your household, and his mobile phone and the when using public or Australian minister possible use of pepper “business” transportation. settles case after Kremlin critic Navalny calling aide ‘lying cow’ moved from jail; TASS says AUSTRALIA’S Defence the apology. he is now in penal colony Minister Linda Reynolds “I am pleased that the has paid compensation to minister has now with- MOSCOW – Kremlin President Vladimir a former aide who she drawn her comments and critic Alexei Navalny has Putin’s most prominent called a “lying cow” after I accept her apology to been moved from a jail critics, was jailed for pa- she alleged she had been me,” Ms. Higgins said. She where he had been held in role violations in a deci- raped by a former col- described this period as quarantine for the past sion that the West has league. “immensely challenging”. several weeks, and the condemned as politically The confidential settle- “Any monies I have re- TASS news agency said motivated. ment also includes a do- ceived from the minister, he was now at the penal He returned to Russia nation to a sexual assault as part of this settlement colony where he is meant in January from Germany charity. of my claim against her Senator Linda Reynolds has paid an undisclosed to serve out a two-and-a- where he had been recu- She apologised to over and above my legal sum in the settlement. half year sentence. perating after falling ill Brittany Higgins for mak- costs, will be paid in full One of Navalny’s from what German au- ing the slur at her in her to an organisation that Earlier in the week, Ms. rejected the allegation. lawyers confirmed that thorities say was poison- office in February. provides counselling and Higgins told local media Police said they were Navalny was no longer ing by a banned nerve Ms. Higgins had pub- support for survivors of she felt unsupported by unable to pursue an in- being held at the agent. The Kremlin has licly accused another staff sexual assault and abuse her boss and that she vestigation, citing “insuffi- Kolchugino jail in the denied involvement in his member of raping her in in the Canberra area. would lose her job if she cient admissible evi- Vladimir region northeast illness. 2019. These funds will assist reported her alleged rape dence”. The woman took of Moscow, but said the Vadim Kobzev, one of In public, the minister them in this important to police. her own life last year. legal team had not been Navalny’s lawyers, said he had stood behind her for- work,” she explained. “It’s just further evi- But on Friday, a close told where he had been had visited Navalny at mer employee when she When asked earlier this dence of the toxic work- friend of the woman, taken. Kolchugino on Thursday, made the accusation. week if Ms. Reynolds place culture that exists James Hooke, said in a TASS, quoting an but that another lawyer Ms. Reynolds remains should quit, Prime behind closed doors in statement that he had unidentified law enforce- had tried to see him on on sick leave and on Minister Scott Morrison Parliament House,” she “clear recollections of rel- ment official, said it was to Friday only to be told that Friday posted an apology said her remark had come said. evant discussions” with the nearby IK-2 penal he was no longer at the on social media, adding “in her private office in a In the fortnight since her within months of the colony.A spokeswoman for jail. she “did not mean it in the stressful week”. Ms. Higgins went public, alleged incident. the Federal Penitentiary “The prison said he sense it may have been Last month, the former other women have come In response to Service said she could not wasn’t there and that’s understood”. political adviser alleged forward with allegations Mr. Hooke’s comments, disclose information on it,”Kobzev told Reuters, “Given that the com- she had been attacked in against the same man. New South Wales Police Navalny’s whereabouts adding that Navalny was ment was made public, Ms. Reynolds’ office at Allegations against oth- Commissioner Mick because of laws protecting in good health when he which I never intended, I Parliament House after ers have also been aired Fuller said he would need personal information. had visited him the pre- also want to retract it and a night out in 2019. She publicly. to know further details Navalny’s supporters vious day. unreservedly apologise to said she wanted a “com- In the most high-profile before he could consider used the Russian hashtag Western countries have Brittany Higgins and ac- prehensive police investi- case, Attorney General reopening the investiga- #WhereisNavalny,writing called for Navalny’s knowledge the hurt and gation into what hap- Christian Porter has been tion. on Twitter that the move release, and the United distress it caused to her,” pened to me”. accused of raping a 16- Mr. Porter has said he was designed to prevent States and European she explained. The man was later year-old girl in 1988, will not stand down and his lawyers and family Union have imposed sanc- In a statement, Ms. sacked for a separate when he was aged 17. retains Mr. Morrison’s from reaching him. tions against Russian Higgins said she accepted reason. Mr.Porter has strongly support. Navalny, 44, one of officials over the case. 16 • Saturday March 13, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Sharon J-Rod done: Osbourne Lopez, apologises for Rodriguez ‘panicked’ call off defence of 2-year Piers Morgan SHARON Osbourne has issued engagement an apology for comments she made about racism while J-ROD has split. defending Piers Morgan on her Jennifer Lopez and Alex US chat show The Talk. Rodriguez called off their two- The star was one of the first year engagement, according to people to voice support for multiple reports based on Morgan after he left Good anonymous sources. The former Morning Britain over his New York Yankees shortstop criticism of Meghan, the Duchess proposed to the actor a couple of Sussex. years ago after the celebrity On Wednesday, she angrily Sharon Osbourne couple started dating in early challenged her Talk co-host 2017. Sheryl Underwood to identify shamed and bullied into The New York Post’s Page Six when Morgan had been racist. apologising for defending me was the first to report on the But she has now said she against colleagues accusing me of couple’s breakup. A “panicked, felt blindsided [and] racism because I don’t believe representative for Lopez did not got defensive”. Meghan Markle,” he tweeted. “I return an email request for Osbourne’s statement followed demand an apology from those comment. criticism on social media that she @TheTalkCBS bullies for their The last time Lopez and had appeared to belittle a black disgraceful slurs against ME.” Rodriquez posted a photo woman’s experiences of, and Separately, Morgan thanked together was last month in the perspective on, racism. the 200,000 people who have Dominican Republic. In yesterday’s statement, she signed a petition calling for his The couple was given the apologised to “anyone of colour return to Good Morning Britain, nickname, J-Rod, three years ago that I offended and/or to anyone but said he wouldn’t be coming after they landed on the cover of that feels confused, or let down back. Vanity Fair magazine. by what I said”. She explained The Duchess of Sussex has In 2019, Rodriguez said he and that she had “allowed my fear complained to Ofcom about Piers Lopez had similar backgrounds and horror of being accused of Morgan’s comments about her on and her latest film “Second Act” being racist take over”. Good Morning Britain, the UK reflected the ties that drew them Morgan himself was not broadcast regulator has together. Bridge impressed. “Sharon’s been confirmed. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 13, 2021 • 17 SPORTSSPORTS WI win two on the trot – Another record-breaking opening partnership by Hope, Lewis ANOTHER record breaking opening partnership be- tween Shai Hope and Evin Lewis set the stage for the West Indies to win the sec- ond CG Insurance One Day International match and the series against Sri Lanka. Playing yesterday at the Vivian Richard Stadium in Antigua, Hope and Lewis shared in a 192-run partnership with Lewis hitting 103 runs and Hope eventually departing for 84 runs. It was the second opening partnership between the two players which yielded over 100 runs, as they surpassed their previous 143-run record part- nership struck on Wednesday. The pair gauged the 273 run chase almost perfectly, mixing some boundary hitting with sin- gles and twos throughout the middle of the innings, to take most of the pressure off the West Indies who were in firm com- mand at this point. There was a solid partnership built on minimum risk by these two who recorded the first con- Opening batsmen Shai Hope and Evin Lewis set up the victory secutive opening partnership of for the West Indies as they move 2-0 up in the three match over 100 runs for the West series. Indies in over five years. But when these two we dis- the order and Fabian Allen. scored of 273/8 as they were missed there was a slight wob- But it was Nicholas Pooran once again led by Danushka ble as the asking rate climbed who made the most of Nuwan Gunathilaka, who fell on 96 above six runs an over and at Pradeep missing some at- runs as he was bowled by Jason one stage was over eight runs an tempted Yorkers and only man- Mohammed by a ball that kept over. aged to serve up some juicy full a bit low. The fragile middle order of the tosses instead. A quick fire knock of 47 runs West Indies was exposed once Pooran cracked a number of off 31 ball from Wanindu again and despite some flashes boundaries to finish on 35 runs Hasaranga gave the visitors of brilliance three players had to from 38 balls and secure the vic- over 40 runs in the last four West Indies batsman Evin Lewis was voted the player of the return to the bench in Darren tory for the West Indies in the overs. match for his 103 runs and record breaking opening partnership Bravo, captain Kieron Pollard final over. The third and final match will with Shai Hope. who had promoted himself up Earlier Sri Lanka posted a be played tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.

WIPA congratulates Kraigg Brathwaite on appointment as captain KINGSTON, JAMAICA – The the field. West Indies Players’ Association Equally, we wish Kraigg (WIPA) congratulates Kraigg Brathwaite continued success in Brathwaite on his appointment his new role as captain. as the 37th captain of the West WIPA President and CEO, Indies Men’s Test team. Wavell Hinds, expressed, Kraigg Brathwaite, who re- “Congratulations to Kraigg on cently led the team to a 2-0 series becoming the 37th captain of the victory over Bangladesh, re- West Indies Test team. We know places Jason Holder who has this important job comes with captained the West Indies team great responsibilities on and off in 37 Tests since his appoint- the field, of which Kraigg has ment in 2015 as a 23- year-old. made a wonderful start. Special WIPA’s executive, manage- thanks to our outgoing captain ment and staff extends thanks to Jason Holder who executed his outgoing captain Jason Holder duties with dignity and pride,I WIPA’s extends thanks to for his service to West Indies wish him continued success as outgoing captain Jason Holder West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) congratulates Kraigg cricket as captain, and we wish an all-rounder and an ambassa- for his service to West Indies Brathwaite on his appointment as the 37th captain of the West him continued success on and off dor of our team.” cricket as captain. Indies Men’s Test team. 18 • Saturday March 13, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

West Indies name Test squad with surprises

THE Cricket West Indies selectors Darren Bravo, who initially opted out of continued to reveal more surprises the England tour and then the this week as they named the squad Bangladesh tour, and has not put to- for the Test series against Sri Lanka gether any substantial scores. to be played at the Sir Vivian Having been given the chance in the Richards Stadium from March 21- Test series against Bangladesh, some of 25. the player retained from that winning A number of omissions have caused a squad are Joshua Da Silva, Kyle Mayers stir in the cricket community and head- and Nkrumah Bonner. ing the list is former vice-captain Roston The Selection Panel also named the Chase along with Shimron Hetmyer and squad for the CWI President’s XI to face Shamarh Brooks.These three players all Sri Lanka in a two-day warm-up match opted out the Bangladesh tour,but it was at Coolidge Cricket Ground on March reported that they would not have been 17-18. penalised for doing so. Harper said:“It is good to be able to put Chase and Hetmyer passed the re- together a Test squad with a number of quired fitness test after the selection of players coming off very good perform- the limited overs series but in time for the ances in their last series in Bangladesh. Test series; while Brooks, who has been Very encouraging. It is a fantastic oppor- a steady and consistent performer, only tunity to build on the good work that was appears in the CWI President’s XI. done in Bangladesh. It is very important The Test squad is headed by Kraigg to continue the process of working hard, Brathwaite who was named as the cap- playing with great passion, playing with tain the day before and who said he is determination and a great desire to suc- ready for the challenge. ceed. Doing that consistently will bring Lead selector Roger Harper stated that us the right results.” a number of players have ‘put up their Harper added: “A number of players West Indies’ Kyle Mayers (right) has earned his place on the Test team once hand’ after the Bangladesh series and seized the opportunity that the tour of again after his outstanding performance in Bangladesh. have earned a place on the team. Bangladesh presented and booked a Harper also mentioned that they saw place for themselves in the Test team for Alzarri Joseph Kemar Roach some things from the Bangladesh tour this series. This now means that there is Kyle Mayers that they wish to continue going forward, keen competition for places which should Kemar Roach Reserves and one is the leadership of Brathwaite. drive better individual performances and Jomel Warrican Following the conclusion of the CWI On leading the team, Brathwaite said that of the team. I also think that these President’s XI match Roston Chase, that he spoke to Holder about being players are looking forward to displaying CWI President’s XI Squad Jahmar Hamilton and Chemar Holder named as captain and they are good. their skills on home soil.” Roston Chase (captain) will remain as reserves for the first Test. Brathwaite also pointed out that one of Darren Bravo Jayden Seales will remain as a develop- the main areas they will continue to focus Squad for first Test Shamarh Brooks mental player. is on is discipline and he will continue to Kraigg Brathwaite (captain) Shannon Gabriel lead from the front. Jermaine Blackwood (vice-captain) Jahmar Hamilton Test Series Schedule – West Indies v Despite losing the role of captain, Jason Nkrumah Bonner Keon Harding Sri Lanka Holder returns to the team, and Harper Darren Bravo Kavem Hodge March 17-18: CWI President’s XI vs said that he now has the opportunity to John Campbell Shai Hope Sri Lanka at CCG - 10am ECT/9am JT take his game to the highest level as he Rahkeem Cornwall Kyle Mayers March 21-25: 1st Test at SVRS – 10am is an integral part of the West Indies Joshua Da Silva Shayne Moseley ECT/9am JT game in all formats. Shannon Gabriel Veerasammy Permaul March 29 to April 2: 2nd Test at Another surprise is the return of Jason Holder Anderson Phillip SVRS – 10am ECT/9am JT Two-time Formula 1 title winner Alonso to race with metal plates in jaw FERNANDO Alonso says he will have Tuesday before flying to Bahrain for the maybe F1 was the place to be, and I two metal plates in his jaw for the du- pre-season test. have time in the future to rethink some ration of this season after breaking it in of the challenges that were not com- a cycling accident last month. ‘F1 the place to be’ pleted. I felt I had something more to do The two-time champion will today Alonso, who has won 32 grands prix and here.” drive a Formula 1 car for the first time is regarded as one of the greatest driv- Alonso has an initial two-year deal since the incident. ers in history, left F1 at the end of 2018 with Alpine, the former Renault team, “I don’t expect any issues, honestly,” he to pursue other goals in motorsport. and said their goal was “to fight for wins said. “One thing is the professional and He has since added a second victory in and championships in the future” if the driving side, which is 100%. the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance clas- team could raise itself to that perform- “On the personal, I will have to re- sic to his debut win in 2018, won the ance level. move two titanium plates in the upper World Endurance Championship with Hulkenberg in talks with Mercedes jaw at the end of the season.” Toyota, competed twice without success Meanwhile, Mercedes are in discus- The 39-year-old, who is returning to at the Indianapolis 500, and tried the sions with German former F1 driver F1 with the Alpine team this season Dakar Rally. Nico Hulkenberg about joining them as after two years away, said he had been He said he decided to return to F1 “be- a reserve driver this season. forced to rest for “nine or 10 days” after cause I felt I was at my best in the last The world champions already have breaking his upper jaw in a collision couple of years; I felt I was driving bet- Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne and with a car in Lugano, Switzerland, but ter than ever”. Dutchman Nyck de Vries as reserve had been training “absolutely normally” “I had to make a decision on what was drivers should Lewis Hamilton or for the past two weeks. the next challenge after all the things I Valtteri Bottas be indisposed, but they Fernando Alonso won back-to-back F1 He added that he had driven in tried,” he added. race for Mercedes in Formula E so are world titles in 2005 and 2006. Alpine’s simulator on Monday and “I thought being at my best now, not available for three of the races. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 13, 2021 • 19 Superb England crush India in first T20 A MAGNIFICENT bowling came from Rashid. When Kohli performance set England on slapped his fifth delivery to mid- the way to a comprehensive off, a crowd of 67,200 in eight-wicket victory over Ahmedabad fell silent. India in the first Twenty20 in Ahmedabad. India outplayed Jofra Archer’s 3-23 This was a dreadful spearheaded a relentless performance from India, who showing from the pace bowlers, rested opener Rohit Sharma, while leg-spinner Adil Rashid then saw their batting strangled. opened the bowling and Iyer impressed with his touch dismissed home captain Virat and timing, while Rishabh Pant Kohli for a duck. played an outrageous reverse Only Shreyas Iyer, with 67 ramp off Archer that went for from 48 balls, got to grips with six, but the rest made little to the England attack and the two- no impact. paced pitche as India struggled Whereas England relied on to 124-7. pace, India chose three frontline England sauntered in the spinners, only for Roy to climb chase, Jason Roy crashing 49 into leg-spinner Yuzvendra from 32 deliveries to help the Chahal. tourists to their target with 27 Even though Chahal ended an balls to spare. opening stand of 72 when he had The second game of the five- Jofra Archer bowled 16 dot balls in his four overs, including a wicket maiden. Jos Buttler lbw for 28 and Roy match series takes place was leg before to Washington tomorrow. experience before the World Cup. long before Dawid Malan sealed Premier League. Sundar,Jonny Bairstow arrived As it turned out, the tourists victory with a straight six. He had KL Rahul drag on in a man transformed from the one England stamp their authority were completely dominant from the second over, then later who registered three ducks in After England were outplayed the moment Morgan won the Archer shows his class returned to have the dangerous four Test innings. in losing the Test series 3-1, the toss. Archer has endured a difficult Hardik Pandya held at mid-off Victory was England’s biggest T20s looked like a As a collective, the fast bowlers tour, missing two Tests with an and Shardul Thakur hook the over India in T20s in terms of mouthwatering contest - the two were pacey,pounding away short elbow injury, then using his next ball to deep square leg. wickets and balls remaining. best teams in the world, with all of a length. Morgan’s decision to newspaper columnexternal-link The rest of the pace bowlers the matches played in the entrust Rashid with the new ball to respond to questions over his followed his example. Mark SUMMARISED SCORES: world’s biggest cricket stadium, was astute, typifying his desire to play for England. Wood was constantly above First Twenty20, Ahmedabad seven months away from a excellent night as captain, while In the shortest format, he has 90mph, Chris Jordan and Ben India 124-7 (20 overs): Iyer 67 World Cup in India. England’s fielding was faultless. few peers. Here, he put in the Stokes ensured there was no (48); Archer 3-23 With a full-strength side at his There was no sign of England’s sort of performance that brought respite, while Sam Curran went England 130-2 (15.3 overs): disposal, England captain Eoin batting struggles from the Test him the Most Valuable Player through his range of variations. Roy 49 (32) Morgan said this was a learning series, and the contest was over award at last year’s Indian Still, the most telling blow England won by eight wickets Newcastle snatch late draw with Villa JAMAAL Lascelles scored in The point for Aston Villa, stoppage time to rescue a point meanwhile, means they remain for relegation-threatened ninth, five points off the top six. Newcastle following a dramatic finale against Aston Villa at St Newcastle finally show fight James’ Park. Newcastle’s struggles to score A largely dull encounter had has played a large part in their looked destined to end goalless slide down the table, with before Ollie Watkins’ header Bruce’s side having won just two deflected off Ciaran Clark and of their 16 games prior to the went in off the underside of the visit of Villa. bar to put Villa ahead with just A dull, goalless draw with minutes remaining. relegation rivals West Brom last But Newcastle snatched a time out did little to provide point when Lascelles headed in hope that Newcastle had the Jacob Murphy’s cross in the last fight to move back up the table, action of the game. particularly with a much- It was arguably a deserved improved Fulham side clawing This was only the third instance in Premier League history of a team scoring first as late as equaliser for the hosts, who had back a 10-point deficit to give the 86th minute in an away game and not going on to win. been the better side for much of them hope of survival. the game but just lacked quality Against Villa, they again deliveries into the box. Premier League survival. the talismanic forward is in the final third. lacked a spark in the final third Most pleasing of all for A superb first half of this undoubtedly a big loss, their They had also hit the bar and a last-minute equaliser will Newcastle fans, however,is that campaign ensured they would inability to finish the chances through Murphy moments not erase concerns over how their side showed some fight in not be in the same situation this they do create will be of before Villa had taken the lead. little they troubled the the final few minutes that many time and instead they are frustration to boss Dean Smith. The point does little to ease opposition goalkeeper for much perhaps feared was absent from looking up the table, with Against Newcastle they had Newcastle’s relegation concerns of the game. their players. Supporters will securing a place in Europe next 15 attempts on goal but only – they are two points above the But there were elements of now hope they can show more of term a very real possibility. managed to score when Watkins’ bottom three and could drop into the performance that will that spirit in the remaining But their recent form risks header took a sizeable the relegation zone if results go provide some hope.Joelinton games. seeing their season drift towards deflection. against them this weekend. had his best game in a while, a mid-table finish as they In their first 13 games of the But the fight shown to battle tormenting Tyrone Mings much Villa continue to struggle continue to struggle in the season Villa scored 27 goals but back after going behind so late of the time but just missing the without Grealish absence of injured captain Jack they have managed just 12 in on will give Newcastle fans belief in himself to put away the This time last season Aston Grealish. their last 14 and Smith needs to some hope that their side can couple of good opportunities he Villa were very much in Villa have won just one of find a way to get his side firing pull away from danger in the created, while Paul Dummett Newcastle’s position as they their five games since Grealish again if they are to finish in the remaining games. provided some excellent found themselves fighting for picked up a leg injury, but while top six. 20 • Saturday March 13, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Equine herpes virus Inchcape, St. Philip 4355 sq ft $ 96,000 forces cancellation of

Belle, St. George 4 acres $400,000 World Cup finals – FEI THE show jumping and extended the shutdown of Haggatt Hall, St. Michael dressage World Cup finals international events in 6336 sq ft $126,000 in Gothenburg, Sweden, mainland Europe for a Under Offer TEL: 247-4469 have been cancelled in a further two weeks, up to bid to contain the spread and including 11 April Cel: 253-6319 Cane Garden, St. Thomas 828-4800 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft of the Equine herpes virus, 2021, in order to contain Email: Private entrance. the International Eques- the spread...,” the FEI said caribbeanpropertiesltd From $187,681 trian Federation (FEI) in a statement. @gmail.com announced yesterday. “Sadly the shutdown Ragged Point, St. Philip The virus, which does not means cancellation of the PROPERTIES 8,267 sq ft $166,000 affect humans, can cause Longines FEI Jumping respiratory infection and World Cup Final & FEI Kirtons, St Philip Rolling Hills, St. George fever, and in some cases Dressage World Cup Final 3 bedroom plus 12,000 sq ft neurological symptoms 2021 in Gothenburg, 2 bedroom apt 4,790 sq ft $310,000 (negotiable) $685,000 can appear and lead to the which were due to be held horse’s death. from 31 March – 4 April Ocean City, St. Philip “The FEI has today 2021.” Amity Lodge, Ch Ch 6150 sq ft $123,000 3 bedroom plus REAL ESTATE 1 bedroom apt Fortesque, St Philip Hotel 18 rooms fully Former British Cycling doctor found 6,646 sq ft $650,000 Agricultural Land operational $2,950,000 neg 494,500 sq ft $1,100,000 under offer Gibbons, Ch Ch guilty of ordering banned testosterone 3 bedroom plus Silver Sands, Dalkeith, Christ Church THE former chief doctor instrument” before a claim Sutton had denied 2 bedroom apt Christ Church 17,371 sq ft approved for for Team Sky and British passing it on to forensic and which the tribunal 9,835 sq ft 7,129 sq ft $160,000 shops and offices Cycling was found guilty experts conducting a UK found to be an “elaborate $675,000 (reduced) $495,000 of ordering testosterone Anti-Doping (UKAD) falsehood” as Freeman Bushy Park, St. Philip “knowing or believing” it investigation. sought to cover his tracks. Breezy Hill, St Philip Roebuck Street, 24,000 sq ft $190,000 to be for an athlete to Freeman, 61, had In its written reasoning, 3 bedroom, 2 bath Bridgetown reduced to $298,000 Shopping Mall/Office space improve their previously admitted to 18 the tribunal stated that Apes Hill, St. James performance, the Medical of the 22 charges against Freeman had in May 2011 31,000 sq ft upward $8,100,000 negotiable Black Rock, St Michael Large lots at $15 per sq ft Practitioners Tribunal him including purchasing ordered a doping drug of 3 bedroom, 1 bath Batts Rock, St Michael Service ruled yesterday. banned testosterone, lying choice for cycling. 6732 sq ft $360,000 Mount Wilton, St. Thomas Guest House, 12,078 sq ft More than two years to UKAD and keeping “Upon its arrival he was 15,500 sq ft and 22,066 sq ft $2,850,000 negotiable after the tribunal in the haphazard records. dishonest about why it Enterprise, Christ Church $300,000 and $220,000 case against Richard However, he had denied had been sent, removed it 3 bedroom, 2 bath Cane Garden, St Thomas Freeman opened, the the central charge of from the velodrome, and it 5062 sq ft Union, St. Philip 3.6 acres approved MPTS delivered a “knowing or believing” the was never seen again,” it $390,000 (reduced) 7560 sq ft Roadfront damning verdict on the Testogel was to be given to said. “The Tribunal found $150,000 $1,650,000 negotiable conduct of the doctor who an unnamed rider. that Dr Freeman has been The Belle, St George Plantation style House worked for Team Sky and Initially he falsely dishonest in its regard Thorpes, St. James Fitts Village, St James British Cycling during a claimed the Testogel had ever since.” Standing on 4 acres Guest House, 4 Suites 11,376 sq ft with structure golden period of success been ordered in error and MPTS chair Neil Dalton $1.1M $235,000 6,135 sq ft $750,000 negotiable between 2009 and 2017. returned, without said: “The tribunal had Freeman was charged providing evidence. While found that you, Dr Frere Pilgrim, Cottage, St George Christ Church 5000 sq ft Mason Hill Street The City with ordering 30 sachets giving evidence in Freeman, placed the order, 3 bedroom, 2 baths with $110,000 (negotiable) 26,500 sq ft with buildings of Testogel to the national November 2019 he then and obtained the Testogel, two bedroom apartment. $4,000,000 negotiable velodrome in Manchester claimed he had been knowing or believing it 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 Morningside, St Philip for an unnamed athlete in bullied into ordering it by was to be administered to 4567 sq ft $133,000 All enquiries to 2011 and admitted to former head coach Shane an athlete to improve Hanson Heights, St George (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 destroying a laptop with Sutton who wanted it to their athletic 8321 sq ft $595,000 Jupiter Gardens, St Peter or (246) 247 4469 “a screwdriver or blunt treat erectile dysfunction, performance.” 7312 sq ft Ealing Grove, $133,000 (negotiable) Christ Church Olympic host Japan will not take part in China vaccine offer 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths Bagatelle, St. Thomas 9320 sq ft $565,000 TOKYO – Japan will not Marukawa said yesterday “We have been taking prerequisite.” 62000 sq ft into 2 lots take part in China’s offer that Japan had not been comprehensive anti- The IOC initially said $520,000 each, or LOTS FOR SALE $1M for both – accepted by the consulted by the IOC infectious disease it would not require International Olympic about the Chinese measures for the Tokyo athletes to get vaccines, Boarded Hall, Marley Vale, St Philip Committee – to provide vaccines, and that Games in order to allow but only encourage it. The Christ Church 21,780 sq ft $275,000 vaccines for “participants” Japanese athletes would participation without deal with China puts 10,429 sq ft $157,000 in the postponed Tokyo not take them. She said vaccinations,” Marukawa more emphasis on getting Sandford, St Philip Games and next year’s the vaccines have not said. “There is no change vaccines to young, Westbury Road, St Michael 16,356 sq ft $300,000 Beijing Winter Games. been approved for use in to our principle of not healthy athletes and 2,520 sq ft $45,360 Olympic Minister Tamayo Japan. making vaccinations a others.

Goodland Gardens, COMMERCIAL Christ Church 9,605 sq ft $145,000 Mount Standfast, St James Brady agrees extension with Buccaneers through 2022 Two properties on VETERAN quarterback his first season with the voided a one-year of all time, Brady said last Nursery Road, St Philip 22,714 sq ft. 9,266 sq ft $139,000 and Super Bowl MVP Tom club when they beat extension and saved the month that he had no Asking $1,200,000 Brady said on Friday he defending champions Buccaneers $19 million plans to retire while he has agreed a deal to Kansas City Chiefs, with against the salary cap. was still physically fit. Lashley Road, St Philip Black Rock, St. Michael 5,839 sq ft, $150,000 Warehouse/Storage extend his contract with the 43-year-old securing a Brady, who won six Super “I think next year’s going 4000 sf space 23,861 sq ft the Tampa Bay record-extending seventh Bowls in 20 seasons with to be a lot better than this Salters, St George $900,000 (reduced) Buccaneers, with U.S. championship ring in the the New England Patriots, year,” he said before the 2 lots 32,760 sq ft, $230,000 media reporting he had process. left the franchise before Super Bowl. “I feel like I’ll Foul Bay, St. Philip signed through the 2022 “In pursuit of 8...LFG signing a two-year, US$50 be in a much better place Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Approved for condos, season. @Buccaneers we’re million contract with the mentally. I’m going to 14,876 sq ft. $110,000 39,242 sq ft $1,600,000. Brady last month led keeping the band Bucs last year. train a lot better this year. the Buccaneers to their together,” Brady tweeted. Widely considered to be Physically, next year I’ll be Bushy Park, St. Philip Dover, Christ Church second Super Bowl title in ESPN said the new deal the greatest quarterback in a better place.” 17,000 sq ft $170,000 The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 13, 2021 • 21

IOC is no ‘super world government’ IOC approves set of reforms for Games, host cities to solve China issues, says Bach THE International Olympic the Games. THE International Olympic labour rights and others are Committee on Friday unani- The postponement last year Committee said on Friday and will be part of the host city mously approved a set of 15 re- of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics – it is not a “super world gov- contract.” forms it hopes will again turn the first to be delayed outside ernment” that can resolve “We are working very closely the Olympics into an attractive world war periods – by 12 political issues in China with the organising committee. prospect for fans, cities and months further affected the ahead of the Beijing 2022 We are monitoring supply sponsors through reduced cost, image of the Games and the Olympic Games even chains, labour rights, freedom of an increased digital presence IOC’s finances. though activists say the IOC press and many other issues. and new revenues streams. The latest reforms are based has ignored Tibetan and This is our responsibility,” he The IOC has seen its key on five pillars that include digi- Uighur claims of human said at the end of a virtual IOC product – the summer and win- tisation, sustainability develop- rights violations. session. ter editions of the Olympics – ment and financial resilience Beijing will become the first The United States earlier on lose some of its shine in recent and according to the IOC are city to host summer and winter Friday condemned China’s years, failing to ignite enthusi- designed to better position the Games next year after also stag- abuse of ethnic and religious mi- asm among potential host cities, organisation and the Games in ing the 2008 summer Games. norities, including what it called scared off by the size and cost of the global environment after But the IOC has been criticised “crimes against humanity and the world’s biggest multi-sports the novel coronavirus pandemic. for awarding the 2022 winter genocide” in Xinjiang against event. Among the reforms approved Olympics to China given the Muslim Uighurs and severe re- “The coronavirus crisis has on the last day of the IOC’s vir- country’s human rights record. strictions in Tibet. changed our world in funda- tual session are the improve- Representatives of Tibetan “We are not a super world gov- IOC President Thomas Bach mental ways,” IOC President ment of legacy plans for Games and Hong Kong groups as well ernment where the IOC could opens the 137th IOC Session Thomas Bach told the organisa- that would leave a bigger as the world’s largest group of solve or even address issues and virtual meeting in tion’s session. positive impact for the local exiled ethnic Uighurs said ear- for which not a United Nations Lausanne, Switzerland, on “The world will never again community and also to consider lier on Friday the IOC had not security council, no G7, no G20 March 10, 2021. be like it was before. Even once the addition of physical virtual acted on their concerns after has a solution,” Bach said. we have finally overcome the sports, such as stationary meeting them in October. “This is in the remit of politics. ternment camps. health crisis, we will face the cycling, in the Olympic pro- They also said any assurances We have to live up to our respon- Beijing says the complexes it far-reaching social, financial, gramme. from China to the IOC were of sibilities in our areas of respon- set up in Xinjiang provide voca- economic and political conse- The IOC has already awarded no value. sibility.” tional training to help stamp out quences.” the 2024 summer Games to “We are taking this very seri- China rejects US charges Islamist extremism and sepa- A previous set of reforms, Paris, the 2028 Olympics to Los ously,” IOC President Thomas that it has committed genocide ratism. Allegations of forced ‘Agenda 2020’, was passed in Angeles after reforming the Bach told a news conference against Uighur and other labour and human rights viola- 2014 but did not stop the exodus bidding process in 2014 and a when asked specifically about Muslims in the remote western tions are “groundless rumour of cities midway through bid- few weeks ago picked Brisbane claims of rights violations in region, where activists say more and slander”, the Chinese for- ding processes for the 2018, as the preferred hosts for the China. “Human rights and than 1 million are held in in- eign ministry says. 2020 and the 2022 editions of 2032 edition. 22 • Saturday March 13, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Boxing: Braekhus ready to reclaim belts as equality battle goes on STOCKHOLM – Cecilia Braekhus on the judges’ score- Braekhus will be looking to cards to hand the Norwegian her reclaim the five world titles first professional loss and take she lost in a shock defeat by her WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO and Jessica McCaskill in August IBO titles. of last year when the two “It was a very special situa- meet in a rematch in Dallas, tion, I was stuck in training Texas tonight as her battle camp when the (COVID-19) pan- for equality in boxing goes demic broke out, so I hadn’t seen on. my friends and family for about The 39-year-old hinted at re- six months. Around that time I tirement in the aftermath of that was just concerned about getting welterweight loss. But several back to see them and get home months spent running at home and be with my people,” in Norway and a seven-week Braekhus recalled. camp in the US have teed her “My head was definitely not in up to re-conquer a sport she has the right place, and I was also Norwegian boxer Cecilia Braekhus attends the opening ceremony of the exhibition showing dominated since turning pro in struggling with guilt – I took the women's struggle to take part in sports events traditionally dominated by men, at the Norwegian 2007. choice to stay and train, rather Olympic Museum in Lillehammer. “I feel great, this is a com- than going home to check up on pletely different situation, I’ve them, so there were a lot of other marketing and promotion be- martial arts organisation when a very good measurement for had a normal camp and I haven’t things going on outside what hind it,” she said. “This is up to it comes to marketing female how it should be with promot- had all these other things going was happening in the ring.” the promoters and TV. fighters. ing,” Braekhus said, adding that on. I’m just happy now and I’m Braekhus said that the sport “We can do what we do on so- “We have to be honest, the she has no plans to switch to looking forward to Saturday,” had changed a lot since she won cial media and different stuff, guys (in boxing) are definitely MMA. she told Reuters in a telephone her first world titles in 2009, but without the promoters and pushed more, even when they When she enters the ring interview. with women now able to earn a the television behind us, it re- have female fighters like today, Braekhus says she is McCaskill, an investment lot more money, but added that ally doesn’t matter that much.” Claressa Shields. doing so for no-one but herself. banker from Chicago who spent there is still a long way to go to Braekhus maintains that “The UFC, you’ve seen what “My legacy is already done, it’s a period of time homeless as a achieve equality. boxing could learn from they have done with their female already written. This is just for child, pulled off the greatest win “Promotion is the key.It needs the Ultimate Fighting fighters like Ronda Rousey and me – I need to get my belts back,” of her career when she edged to be a good opponent, and good Championship (UFC) mixed Holly Holm – I’d say the UFC is she said. The Barbados Advocate Saturday March 13, 2021 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES (March 21-April 19). The bigger the chal- N lenge the more satisfaction there will be when you D achieve the results you are hoping for. Difficulties are ahead and there will be hurdles to overcome over the C next few days. Friends will be amazed by your stam- O ina. You realise it's going to take perseverance to N make a worthwhile achievement. S TAURUS (April 20-May 20). A frosty relationship will take on a warmer feel once you have opened up to each other. A heart to heart talk will help clear up the confusion that has been causing problems be- tween you. A loved one wants more excitement and after all you've both been through you will understand their need for adventure. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). After explaining your Z thoughts ten times over, people are at last starting to I take your ideas seriously. Now you've got their inter- T est, don't remind them of how long it has taken you S to persuade them. Instead encourage others to share their own ideas and establish yourself as a team player. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Fund-raising activities will be enhanced and made more successful through your creative input. You will want to take any chance you get to use your imagination but in important mat- ters stay focused. New group and social involvements will brighten your world. People you meet online and in your community will be helpful and friendly. R LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Responsibilities you took on E to ease a neighbour or older relative's burdens are now X weighing heavily on your mind. You shouldn't feel you can't stop and have some fun. Spending time M with younger members of the family could bring you O some light relief. Even if you don't see yourself as R being very creative, artistic work will feel surprisingly G rewarding. A VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You have some serious N decisions to make. Discussing the ifs and buts will leave you feeling mentally exhausted. On the plus side, any confusion about whether or not you are doing the right thing will vanish after talking to a prac- tical friend. You are starting to feel more in control of your emotions. LIBRA(Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Don't be surprised if you P are feeling lucky for no apparent reason. This helps H you feel relaxed. Sometimes it's best not to analyse but A to just go with the flow of the emotion. It feels you N just have to imagine it and good things can and will T happen to you. Enjoy and make the most of those mo- O ments today. M SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You haven't had a lot of chance to consider a recent proposition. You had- n't, at first, thought this a good idea. Tension caused by recent arguments has also coloured your reason- ing. Take yourself away from a contentious situation and you will see some things in a different light. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Romance and creative inspirations will brighten your day. Even M while doing your job, seeing other people relaxed A and smiling will make you feel good too. An achieve- R ment will give you something to celebrate and there Y is more of the same to look forward to. Stay grounded, sensible and calm. W CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It may be neces- O sary to get advice before making an important deci- R sion. If you need more information or if you're con- T fused about anything, approach people who know H what they are talking about. The last thing you need at this time is for friends or colleagues who think they are being helpful, to confuse you. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Keep future plans to yourself, for now. Workplace activities are more dra- M matic and intense than usual. Someone will exagger- O ate a situation triggering reactions in others that make T you feel uncomfortable. If a situation is in danger of H getting out of control, be ready to step in and demon- E strate calm in a crisis. R PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Things will be contin- uing as normal yet you get a sense there's something G going on behind it all that will bring some change. O You're on the alert and prepared for whatever might O S occur. You may not be able to see all that is going on E but you won't be surprised when things get intense for a while. WI win

two on the trot and seal series PAGE 17

Saturday March 13, 2021 AGRICULTURE BOOST

EFFORTS to clear land at Security Indar Weir says day afternoon during a tour of Barbados Agricultural the land is being carried out by Bath, St. John that has been that this site is expected to the site, he explained that the Management Company Ltd. the Soil Conservation Unit, and earmarked for agricultural make a significant contribu- plan is to clear the entire area – (BAMC) and the Barbados he is appreciative to the three purposes are well under tion to the island’s food and which totals 100 acres – and to Agricultural Development and entities for the work they have way, and Minister of nutrition needs. cultivate it. He said the cultiva- Marketing Corporation been doing to get the plot ready. Agriculture and Food Speaking to the media yester- tion is being done by the (BADMC), and the clearing of BOOST on Page 4

(third from left) James ‘Rudy’ Greenidge, spokesperson for Alkebulan Kingdom, explains to (left) MInister of Agriculture and Food Security, Indar Weir and other officials from the Ministry, his organisation’s plans for the land at Bath, St. John. Government to expand testing for COVID-19 RANDOM testing for COVID-19 rive in the island within the next erwise have liked, and we have these matters,” Mottley said. ables that I had indicated we will be part of the measures few weeks, and given the fact been able to deliver vaccinations “We’ve also agreed that we’re were in short supply of, largely employed by the Barbados gov- that Barbados recently received in that community.Yesterday going to expand the amount of because of the disruption in the ernment as it seeks to expand 5 000 vaccines from Guyana. [Wednesday], we took the deci- testing that we are doing.We are logistics chain and the supply testing for the virus within the Mottley noted that accompany- sion that we’re now going to ex- in good shape now – both in chain. To that extent, it means country. ing the move to have more per- pand to three new communities terms of the numbers of ma- that we can expand testing now. This is according to Prime sons inoculated – including more where we will go in at some point chines as well as the numbers of It’ll be more random testing. Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor frontline workers and vulnera- over the course of the next few reagents and all of the consum- The majority of the testing has Mottley,as she addressed a range ble elderly persons in communi- days, and start to be able to give ables then we need, whilst at the actually been focused on persons of issues in relation to the ties via a mobile operation – will vaccines to those persons in those same time we anticipate that two who were primary contacts pandemic recently. also be a move to conduct more communities, as an intention to private labs will probably be in a and as the medical people and Her comments came following testing across communities as disrupt as far as possible the pos- position to start later on this the Minister of Health keep the revelation that to date over well. sibility of the virus having a host, year,” she added. reminding me, with the expan- 50 000 Barbadians have been “On the last occasion, about having human beings that it can “The Best-dos Santos Lab, as sion of testing, we’re likely to see vaccinated, and the national vac- two weeks ago, we took a decision easily go and locate itself in, and you can see, has been delivering even the positivity rate go even cination programme can seam- to go into one of the communities wait to spread and spread and results in a timely manner from lower,” the Prime Minister as- lessly continue given that 33 600 where we had seen a larger num- spread again. And therefore, we the time we were able to receive serted. COVAX vaccines are due to ar- ber of cases than we would oth- are using a multiple approach to the reagents and the consum- (RSM)

Printed and published by Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc. Fontabelle, St. Michael. Telephone 467-2000, Fax 434-2020/434-1000