Established October 1895 Tonquanja Giddings – A passion for service PAGE 5

Saturday April 24, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive BACK ON TRACK By Regina Selman Moore And so we are here today,” St. George community finally getting new pavilion Minister Sutherland told THE construction of a those gathered for the cere- state-of-the-art pavilion and Minister of Youth, Sports and put in place to construct a pavil- in 2007. Regrettably,the project mony. multipurpose facility will Community Empowerment, ion to support the persons who was discontinued, but it is “This locale, in which this soon get started at The Dwight Sutherland, in break- participated in sports at this this Government’s intention to field is located, is indeed one of Glebe in St. George, on the ing ground yesterday for what location. Under the leadership ensure that the aspirations of the most iconic areas in the playing field just opposite has been deemed The Glebe of the former parliamentary the former Parliamentary parish of St. George. As a St. the St. George North Pavilion and Multipurpose representative for the area, Mr. Representative, which are sup- George boy myself, I can attest Constituency Office. Facility,which has been long in Gline Clarke, the National ported by the current Member to the significance of this area, St. George North Member of coming. Sports Council embarked on of Parliament for St. George BREAKING GROUND on Parliament, Toni Moore, joined “Some years ago, plans were the construction of a pavilion North, Ms. Moore, are realised. Page 2

St. George North Member of Parliament, Toni Moore (seated) joined Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Dwight Sutherland in breaking ground for The Glebe Pavilion yesterday. Danny Butcher (far right) from B&B Trucking ably assisted them in operating the excavator. Medical marijuana industry progressing smoothly

THREE months after this (BMCLA), Shanika Roberts- virtually by the BMCLA, she sponse to a question from one proved by the end of that country’s medicinal cannabis Odle. indicated that the draft appli- of the participants as to when period. She added that once industry was launched, inter- Back in January at the time cations now number in excess the medicinal cannabis indus- they have “all of their ducks est continues to grow, with of the launch, officials said of 55, and there are in total try will “go live”. are in a row”, they can com- more than three times as many there were 15 draft applica- four applications that have Roberts-Odle further ex- mence operations. applications now in draft and tions across various categories been submitted and awaiting plained that the Authority’s Speaking earlier in the ses- awaiting submission. and one had been submitted. approval. goal is to process the applica- sion, Chief Executive Officer That’s according to the Speaking yesterday during the “So we’re in a healthy appli- tions within four months, and of the BMCLA, Dr. Shantal Programme Administrator BAJCAN Connect-Service cation environment,” she told indicated that those who have Monroe-Knight, noted that the with the Barbados Medicinal Providers Forum: Securing the participants. already submitted applications medicinal cannabis industry Cannabis Licensing Authority Industry, which was hosted Her comments came in re- should know if they are ap- PROGRESS on Page 5 2 • Saturday April 24, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Revamped community initiatives coming to benefit youth THE National Sports wholesome activities. Furthermore, members of ment of sports, but more Council will soon be re- Accordingly, I am pleased the public will have the importantly, the develop- vamping a number of to report that this much opportunity to have a ment of the people of this its community pro- needed pavilion will be stake in the identification parish and others who will grammes to benefit added to the list of loca- of sporting disciplines be involved in sporting en- Barbadian youth who tions to be used by the which will be taught gagements on this site. have a passion for National Sports Council within their communities, “In a few months, there sports. for its revamped commu- through a National Sports will be a new facility here Minister of Youth, nity programmes and Survey. I implore resi- and I look forward to join- Sports and Community sporting competitions,” dents of all communities ing the George Park Empowerment, Dwight Sutherland revealed. to avail themselves of this Cricket Club and other Sutherland, disclosed the He added, “Several opportunity to contribute sportspersons when it is above as he spoke recently benefits will be derived to the shaping of these opened.To members of the during the groundbreak- from the community pro- programmes,” the George Park Cricket Club ing ceremony for The grammes, including the Minister further com- and other sporting enti- Glebe Pavilion, which will ability of young people and mented. ties, please be assured of also feature a multipur- other residents to learn Expressing his excite- the continued support of pose hardcourt at The new sports, improve both ment in seeing the com- the National Sports Glebe, in St. George. their physical and mental pletion of the Glebe Council and the Ministry “As Minister responsible health and well-being, and Pavilion, Sutherland said, of Youth, Sports and for Sports, I cannot stress build social cohesion “Even though my roots are Community Empower- the importance of having within their communities. planted in another area ment, as together we seek clean, modern and safe fa- “In the coming weeks, of St. George, I am im- to develop sports as an in- cilities that foster commu- you will hear much more mensely proud and happy dustry and as a catalyst nity spirit and encourage about the community pro- that this parish will soon for strong, healthy com- our young people to partic- grammes that are being have additional facilities munities,” Sutherland Minister of Youth, Sports and Community ipate in sports and other developed by the Council. to support the develop- said. (RSM) Empowerment, Dwight Sutherland, as he spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony. Construction expected to take 24 weeks

BREAKING GROUND Club, and I wish at this “This morning, we em- completed in 24 weeks from Page 1 stage to acknowledge the bark on the construction by M&M Engineering Club’s efforts to develop of a pavilion and multi- Services, at a cost of and to the fact that these sports,” Sutherland purpose hard-court for $600 000, and when many residents of St. added. the residents of the Glebe finished the pavilion George have benefited – He acknowledged that and surrounding areas. will manifest several both socially and econom- while the site is known The pavilion and accom- modern features, includ- ically – from the various for its sports, it is also the panying hardcourt will be ing photovoltaic panels, sporting, social and eco- location of a key religious available for recreational which is in keeping nomic activities which landmark in the parish – use and will provide a with the National have occurred both on namely the St. George Club House for the Sports Council’s goal to this field and its envi- Parish Church – and it George Park Cricket create energy efficient fa- rons. has been used for a num- Club, as well as a facility cilities. “For many years, this ber of cultural events as to support the playing of MP for St. George playing field was used by well. Sutherland there- football and rugby, and North Toni Moore mean- residents of surrounding fore expressed his delight the activities of the while gave a reminder of districts to accommodate in being able to con- Barbados Defence Force her pledge to finish what several sporting disci- tribute to the develop- Sports Programme,” the previous MP Gline plines, particularly foot- ment of the area, and to Sutherland explained. Clarke had started, and ball and cricket. Many of provide sports persons stated her delight in see- the sporting activities re- and residents of the sur- $600 000 price tag ing the project come to sulted from the dedica- rounding communities He further noted that fruition for the benefit of tion and determination of with their very own pavil- the construction of the those in the community St. George North Member of Parliament, Toni Moore. the George Park Cricket ion. facility is expected to be and beyond.

COVID-19 update: 14 new cases, two recoveries FOURTEEN new cases recorded 3,820 confirmed (seven women and seven cases (1,860 females and men) of COVID-19 were 1,960 males) out of the recorded on Thursday, 151,004 tests conducted. April 22. Meanwhile, 3,718 per- They were identified sons have recovered from among the 813 tests car- the viral illness. ried out by the Best-dos Forty-four deaths have Santos Public Health occurred. Laboratory. Under the National Two persons were also Vaccination Programme discharged. Currently, for COVID-19, a total of there are 86 persons in 71,648 persons - 29,633 isolation. males and 42,015 females Since the start of the - have been vaccinated. pandemic, Barbados has (BGIS) The Barbados Advocate Saturday April 24, 2021 • 3

Several new ‘Irresponsible and reckless’ cases linked to actions church cluster condemned by Health A COVID-19 cluster originat- of the cluster of the church in the ing from a church in the north. It is impacting a lot of the north of the island remains a cases that we are seeing – the Minister cause of concern to the positive cases over the last sev- SEVERAL persons from the Ministry of Health and eral days have all been linked to COVID-19 “church cluster” Wellness. the church in the north.And that identified in the north of the This cluster, which comprises is why it is important for us to island have stepped forward members of the church as well as continue to be vigilant; to be our since Health Minister Lt. family members and close asso- brother’s keeper and to ensure Colonel Jeffrey Bostic urged ciates, has been the cause of that nothing gets out of hand to them to come out of hiding several new cases in recent days, the extent that it runs away,and last week. according to Minister Jeffrey then we are playing catch up and During an update on Bostic. not being able to stop it.”. Thursday evening, Bostic Voicing his support to extend The Health Minister also told thanked these individuals for the State of Emergency until the Parliament that there would be coming forward to be tested 25th of September during the sit- some Barbadians who would be for the virus and revealed ting of the House of Assembly querying why government has that a few of them had in fact yesterday, he also provided the taken the decision to extend the tested positive. latest COVID-19 update of 14 Emergency Management Act for However, he said that due new positive cases – seven males a further five months. to the “irresponsible” behav- and seven females – recorded on “I know that it is easy for peo- iour engaged in by these Thursday,from the 813 tests car- ple to wonder why it is since we church members, several ried out by the Best-dos-Santos appear to be doing much better other persons had been Public Health Laboratory. than we were before; why it is diagnosed as positive for Meanwhile, 10 people have been we would want to extend the Health Minister Lt. Colonel Jeffrey Bostic. COVID-19 at a time when sent to Harrison Point for assess- emergency powers. the country was seeking ment. “At the 31st of December last what was a serious and rapidly able to have – the campuses of to reduce its positivity “Out of the 14 cases we are see- year, we had about 383 positive developing situation, we would the Queen Elizabeth Hospital rate. ing some families that have been cases in Barbados.Within a two- have been in a far worst position (QEH) to be able to deal with The cluster is now con- impacted – including a family of month period, the end of than we actually ended up in,” positive cases and the quaran- nected to 11 security guards seven – and these are connected February we had 3115 positive Minister Bostic pointed out. tine facilities. Also, the presence of the Queen Elizabeth to current clusters that we have. cases in Barbados… And none of “The Emergency Powers also of the Cuban Medical Brigade is Hospital and more recently, We don’t have a lot of clusters, us saw that coming and to be facilitate a number of things that facilitated by the emergency three persons at a day nurs- but at the same time there are honest with you, had we not been allow us to move quickly and to powers comprising of nurses and ery testing positive. still clusters, so there are still proactive and had we not had do things that we would not have lab technicians, all playing a crit- “We continue to be affected areas of concern and for concern,” the protection of the Emergency been able to do without those ical and important role in help- negatively by the fallout of he stressed. Powers to be able to do certain powers.For example, the number ing us to fight COVID-19,” he the positive cases coming “We are still feeling the effects things; to be able to respond to of isolation facilities that we were said. from that church and I can only describe that kind of behaviour and what we have observed as being irrespon- sible and reckless. It is Security vital for medicinal cannabis sector behaviour that we cannot tol- erate. Behaviour that we THE provision of security serv- by those operating in the medic- four feet at the front and seven manently illuminated. would not like to see happen- ices will have a major role to inal cannabis industry. With feet at the perimeter. He added “There's a rationale for that. ing again in this country play in the development of the that in mind, he said apart from that in most cases, an adequate All plants are light sensitive, where all of us are being put local medicinal cannabis indus- training security personnel, it is perimeter barrier requires two and it may very well be counter- at risk,” he stressed. try, and stakeholders in the se- imperative that any licensee in- layers of fencing. He spoke also productive to have plants ex- curity services sector are being cluding cultivators, laboratories of the importance of video posed to lighting 24 hours daily. Members thanked for told that training will be vital if and processors have physical recording systems which can be However, lighting is critical as a coming forward they are to successfully carry security in place that is accessible remotely. He said security device, so the aim here Nevertheless, he extended out their duties. adequately constructed and such cameras should cover the is to ensure that the perimeter is his thanks to those who So says Chief of Security resilient to deter potential infil- site or building perimeter,entry illuminated at the outer level, if heeded his call to get with the Barbados Medicinal trations. and exit points, areas where anybody approaches or is able to tested. Cannabis Licensing Authority “Of necessity, there are the cannabis activities occur and breach that,” he stated. “I would like to take this (BMCLA), Edwin O’Neal. His storage areas where there is re- where cannabis travels between Turning his attention to the opportunity also to say a big comments came as he made a quired an additional layer of processes, and must be designed transport of medicinal cannabis, thank you to those members presentation yesterday morning physical reinforcement to pro- to detect attempted or actual he made it clear that those from the church in the north during BAJCAN Connect - tect against forced entry. I do unauthorised access and illicit granted licences to transport who heeded the call and Service Providers Forum which not need to elaborate on how activity. O’Neal went on to say medicinal cannabis, must en- actually presented them- was hosted online by the tempting the raw material of that the systems must be able to sure that there are adequate selves for testing. BMCLA on the topic ‘Securing this industry, or indeed the ensure continuous and uninter- levels of security on all the vehi- “Some of those persons ac- the Industry’. semi-finished, or finished prod- rupted operations. cles to be used. Noting that tually tested positive and “This industry cannot allow ucts can be. So while in other On the matter of security medicinal cannabis has the po- have been part of the statis- what happens in areas where areas of Barbados farmers are lighting, the Chief of Security tential to be an “attractive piece tics that we have been giving persons just put on a uniform living with praedial larceny, we said that there will have to be of cargo”, he said it is vital that out over the last few days. I and that satisfies the human se- really have no room for praedial two rings of security lighting – they make every effort to disin- say thank you to them be- curity; no. One has got to be pre- larceny to be occurring in the an outer and an inner. The centivise those who may be cause really and truly if we pared to invest in training and medicinal cannabis industry,” he latter, he said, should be motion tempted to steal it.This, he said, are to successfully navigate retraining and training until maintained. activated and installed around calls for the use of cameras, this course in terms of you get to what is required,” he He noted that commercial and the site perimeter, so that the alarms systems, GPS, motion COVID-19, we depend on stated. industrial grade perimeter fenc- lighting units will activate if a detectors, pressure switches as each and every one of us to be He made the point as he out- ing would have to be installed in person comes within 10 feet of well as panic and hold-up able to play our part,” Bostic lined the various security meas- keeping with the Town Planning the perimeter, while the outer alarms. outlined. ures that have to be put in place Department’s Regulations of security lighting must be per- (JRT) 4• Saturday April 24, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Sir Hilary: The UWI owes a lot to Dr Williams VICE-Chancellor of The series. University of the West Indies, Giving reasons for his com- Professor Sir Hilary Beckles says ment, Sir Hilary stated “I say the late Dr. Eric Williams “is the that because he was the Pro- foundation intellectual of our ac- Chancellor of my university,The ademia in the Caribbean”. University of the West Indies. He He shared this view as he was an architect of the structure spoke about the former Prime of our university – the notion Minister of Trinidad and that we should have a multi- Tobago’s intellectual and political campus university across other legacy. islands and we should have a fed- Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, speaking to His comments came during eration of campuses within one Dr. Minkah Makalani, Associate Professor for African and African Diaspora Studies, The University yesterday’s conversation with Dr. university – and he was very of Texas at Austin. Minkah Makalani, Associate clear that the university ought to Professor for African and African be taken to the people and the The Vice-Chancellor, who dimensions, speaking truth to C– the caring, the courage and Diaspora Studies,The University people ought not to come to it… spoke on the topic ‘Apex of power, writing the facts as they the commitment. So he cared for of Texas at Austin. The pre- He promoted the proliferation of Change: An Intersecting of are, no sugar coating of history, us, he was committed to the black recorded interview, which was campuses and centres of The Academic, Historic, and Political’, precisely analysing history and a struggle and he was confident carried online, is part of the Eric University of the West Indies also shared that “Williams and generation that came after him and courageous in his efforts. He Williams Memorial Lecture across the region.” the Williams’ legacy was multiple inspired by what I call the triple truly was a gladiator.” (MG) Book giveaway in St. John SEVERAL residents in St. adults have been without books rent climate, Walton revealed John were given an opportu- and Read For Life has sought to that the community was chosen nity to keep their brains and remedy the situation as best as because in the past it has been imaginations engaged as they can. less socially engaged than other Read For Life hosted a book Having received the books areas. giveaway at Cliff Cottage during the pandemic, the out- “We decided to do this in a Church of the Nazarene in reach was delayed somewhat by community that may not be Colleton, St. John yesterday. various lockdowns. However, reached as often. We really With over 200 books on offer, children and parents were able wanted to get to a community young children and teenagers yesterday to go to the venue and that may not always get the alike were allowed to whet their select the books they wanted, attention as some of the better- appetites with literary gems. and Walton noted that the in- known communities in a Speaking to The Barbados tent was always to have the parish,” she said. Advocate, Jamila Walton, who books directly available to chil- Reporting an amazing re- is the co-founder of the charity dren. sponse, especially with books which has been in existence “We wanted to be able to pro- going quickly for the younger since 2010, explained that the vide an opportunity for children children,Walton stated that she drive was made possible to be able to have books at home was unable to conclusively say through a donation of books – especially ones who may not whether or not there was a which was received from the already have books in their trend of declining interest in locally-based Caribbean home. Because having books, reading as children got older. Collaborative, a non-govern- having a home library,increases “Most of our programmes up mental organisation which the interest in literacy and the until now have been leaning to- facilitates volunteer and chari- child's development, and also wards the primary school age table programmes. With the their focus and attention to tak- because we want to correct and One parent stocking up on books to take home for her family. pandemic hitting early last year ing in information.” capture those children who and several school and public li- Going on to say that they are would have a challenge in read- vate that love of reading. To get have that interest before they braries having limited or no ac- well aware that things are chal- ing before they get to secondary them into books, be it online or get to secondary school,” she cess, many children and young lenging for many given the cur- school – at least begin to culti- physical, so that they would said. (MP) C&W Communications calls for more girls in ICT CABLE & Wireless Communi- “Globally,the percentage of fe- provider and one of the largest part to create a more balanced isations on Girls in ICT cations (C&W), parent company males following a course of study employers of ICT, engineering industry by supporting our Hackathons as it strives to in- of Flow and BTC, in the in STEM education remains low. and other technical workers in girls and young women across crease the interest of female stu- Caribbean, is calling for more Girls in ICT Day is therefore an the Caribbean, will stage a video the region as they make critical dents across the Caribbean in girls to pursue studies in Science, opportunity for us to continue essay competition for female stu- decisions about their career the ICT field. Technology, Engineering and connecting with our girls, to pro- dents, aged 12 - 15 years old, path,” said Jenson Sylvester, Girls in ICT Day 2021 was Mathematics (STEM) as the vide mentorship, and showcase across the region. Country Manager, Flow marked on Thursday April 22 company recently observed careers in the sector, while con- Participants will be asked to Barbados. under the theme, “Connected International Girls in ICT Day . necting them to female pioneers submit a 2-3 minute video on the “Through this video essay com- Girls, Creating Brighter The company is kicking off sev- in the industry,” said Inge topic: “Why is it important for petition and during our Girls in Futures”. eral activities across the region to Smidts, Chief Executive Officer girls/women to pursue a career in ICT Forum, we hope to raise The day is an initiative of the encourage female students to of C&W Communications. ICT?” awareness of the opportunities International Telecommu- consider careers in Information, “As we champion greater in- Details will be shared when available to young women and nications Union (ITU), which is Communications, and clusion and diversity in the work- the competition opens on April girls, provide resources to help geared at empowering and en- Technology (ICT) industries. place, we are mindful of the need 26 and winners will be an- them on their career journey,and couraging girls and young The ICT space continues to for more balance and female rep- nounced at the company’s Girls share experiences from senior fe- women to pursue STEM educa- rapidly evolve, opening up a resentation in our industry, and in ICT Forum on June 8, 2021. male leaders across the indus- tion, inspiring them to work in plethora of career opportunities, so our activities this year are “Moving the needle on the try.” STEM careers, and also engaging yet there are still concerns about geared towards that purpose.” number of females in the ICT Over the years, C&W has the community while promoting the low representation of females C&W, a leading communica- sector will require our collective staged various activities and collaboration through partner- in the sector. tions and entertainment efforts.At C&W,we are doing our partnered with a range of organ- ships. The Barbados Advocate Saturday April 24, 2021 • 5

Tonquanja Giddings – A passion for service LOOKING at a dining table, ternal and offsite functions”, most would see nothing more where Osbourne says she than the setting for dinner. “… always showcased that she But among the crisp linens was conscientious … detailed ori- and napkins, the sheen of the ented … [and] possessed the silverware and the purpose- desired demeanour for the hospi- ful placement of each ele- tality industry.” ment, Tonquanja Giddings But though the second-year sees a world of its own, one student garnered so much suc- full of delicacy, detailing and cess at the competition, months intricacy that can make the before she had reached one of her diner’s experience memo- lowest points while preparing, as rable. in-person class came to an abrupt It’s a world in which she end. thrives, and one that the “When COVID-19 came to second-year student in Barbados and the country was Restaurant Service at the on lockdown, I had lost a great Tonquanja Giddings and her trainer Cherise Osbourne celebrate her Best of Competition win at Barbados Community College’s deal of enthusiasm about the the WorldSkills Barbados 2020 Competition. Hospitality Institute (BCCHI), competition.That’s because there sees as home. While it’s not the was no way for me to train for vast industry. She also encour- her path, she advises them “to opted to pursue a bachelor’s de- typical career that some declare months,” Giddings said. ages more students like her to always challenge yourself, be gree in Tourism Management at as their calling, Giddings has When schools eventually re- compete at WSB, citing the brave and always aim for the University of the West Indies found her passion through cook- sumed with a mix of in-person real-life experience as a great achievement, because if you do Cave Hill Campus. Today, her ing, experimenting with flavours and online teaching, she learned support for a professional career not you will miss out on opportu- path is charted and those in the and building a place where what it meant to be adaptable and that it gave her back the en- nities that would be beneficial to industry can rest assured that customers can feel welcomed. and versatile, two skills that she thusiasm to keep doing what she you”. she will be here to impress for Through her training, and Osbourne agree are key for loves. As Giddings continues to ride years to come. (PR/TVET Giddings has become committed working in the fast-paced and To those who choose to follow the wave of her success, she has Council Barbados) to giving the pinnacle of service to her customers, and she’s equally committed to creating and preserving a sustainable and healthy environment by using biodegradable and reusable products like cups and cutlery. One of six students in her class that competed at the World Skills Barbados (WSB) Competition last year,the compe- tition novice says she was shocked yet proud when she captured the Gold Medal in Restaurant Service, and the Best of Competition Award. But it came as no surprise to those around her. “I was extremely pleased when Tonquanja was named the gold medalist as she worked tremen- dously hard at training sessions … she was very competitive and always strived to be ahead of her colleagues. She would even do extra work at home and would often demonstrate at training sessions,” said restaurant cap- tain at the BCCHI, Cherise Osbourne. When it came to training, Giddings never missed a beat or passed up an opportunity to cul- Tonquanja Giddings, overall winner of the WorldSkills Barbados 2020 Competition, on the way to her gold medal win in Restaurant tivate her budding skills in “in- Service. Sector is open to everyone, says Monroe-Knight PROGRESS from Page 1 curity sector have in advancing to deliver the services, then it help us carry that message that “It is open to everyone and I the medicinal cannabis indus- creates a weakness in the indus- the industry is much broader,” say that, I emphasise that this is has a wide value chain and as try. try. Therefore, to have you with she said. not an industry that we’re build- such, there are opportunities for “Each and every single li- us, and to have the presenters Monroe-Knight went on to say ing here just for bigger firms, or a variety of people, agencies and censee will require some level that are going to be on with you that the industry is one that even just for smaller firms, this organisations to participate. She of certain level of security and as well, is something that we anyone can participate in, and is an industry that is open for made the point while telling the therefore if we don’t have criti- felt that we really needed to be sell their services to the other everyone to be able to partici- participants how important the cal players who understand the able to do.And we’re hoping that firms that are successful in pate,” she stated. role that stakeholders in the se- process, and who are then able you can carry that message, or becoming licensees. (JRT) 6 • Saturday April 24, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Atherley in favour of three-month extension PAHO warns against

EXTENSION from under which we must months at a time. And I necessary. Back Page exist in relation to the simply ask why five “If in fact at the time the getting COVID-19 public health threat in months… what is so three months period “Priority one for me is Barbados,” he told significant about the would arrive and we are what is best in an effort to Parliament. number five and the still concerned that we vaccines outside preserve health and life; “But I would ask as I period of five months need to have these regula- what is best in our efforts asked last time – why five that takes us down to tions in place, and give to preserve life and to pre- months and not three? September.” effect further to this reso- of official channels serve the health and well- Why are we going so far as In fact, Bishop Atherley lution, we could come back being of Barbadians. And September? I know the recommended that gov- and vote for another two Washington, DC Recommendations to anything which meets legislation gives the power ernment considers reduc- or three months. It seems (PAHO) – The Pan regulatory authorities that concern I am willing to the parliament to ap- ing the State of Emer- to me that is a proper American Health PAHO urges strength- to support. Therefore, we prove such arrangements gency to 90 days, subject approach to things,” he Organisation (PAHO) ening coordination have to further the orders nationally for up to six upon further extension if said. urges people to get between health, law en- vaccinated against forcement, and customs COVID-19 only through authorities regarding national immunisation prevention, detection, programmes and offi- and response to inci- Role of CARICOM must cially authorised mecha- dents of substandard, nisms, and warns that counterfeit products. doing so outside these PAHO also urges in- channels can be creased comprehensive be re-examined, says Lowe dangerous to their surveillance of the health. COVID-19 vaccine sup- THE CARICOM mech- The recommendation ply chain from the man- anism should not only comes in response to re- ufacturer or certified work efficiently when ports of counterfeit or supplier to the patient it is time to roll out a unauthorised vaccines or site of administra- regional response to in some Latin American tion. assist member states countries, such as Health authorities are in times of disaster, Bolivia, Colombia, and also advised to keep vac- but that same mecha- Mexico, and to press re- cines in their original nism should be at ports of vaccines being secondary packaging work putting systems administered outside during storage and in place to ensure that authorised national transport to protect countries can thrive immunisation pro- the QR and bar codes, and not be so depend- grammes. In March, which allow verification ent on international WHO issued a global of product information agencies to meet their alert on the counterfeit throughout the distribu- needs. Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine tion chain. Increased Former Minister of the in Mexico. surveillance of illegal Environment, Dr. Denis People are advised to offers of COVID-19 Lowe, suggested the use only authentic vac- vaccines, especially on above recently as he cines as directed by na- the Internet, social net- spoke as one of the panel- tional authorities, to works, and retail outlets lists discussing “The Cost seek the advice of a is also recommended. of the La Soufriere Vol- health professional if in Other recommenda- cano & Natural Disasters doubt, and, if they tions are to implement on the Region”, during know of any suspicious strategies for the de- The Debrief TV Show. incidents, to report struction and/or final “CARICOM should them to the authorities disposal of packaging, serve as the coordinating so that the products containers, vials, boxes, mechanism for the region can be identified and and labels of legitimate – not only in terms of pol- Dr. Denis Lowe. withdrawn from circula- vaccines used in na- icy development, not only tion. tional immunisation in terms of funding win- “The CARICOM region rupted. Why can’t we going to use CARICOM The COVID-19 pan- schemes; to ensure a ro- dows, (but in other areas). is a group of islands that combine around the as the wedge in the re- demic has led to an in- bust traceability mecha- I think that we really are interdependent for CARICOM system and gion, to bring these sys- crease in incidents of nism for COVID-19 have to examine the role the most part, although create the kind of system tems together to fight a substandard, counter- vaccines to minimise the of CARICOM in this re- persons think that each that really allows us to lot of things that we end feit, and unregistered risk of detour from the gion,” Dr. Lowe asserted. island has its own person- work together to become up reaching out to the medical products world- legal channel; and to im- “The European Union ality and each island stronger as a unit, rather global environment for; wide. In particular, the mediately notify WHO - is a younger institution, sometimes struggles over than be as fragmented as and the global environ- limited availability of through the rapid alert from the perspective of the other islands for re- we tend to be?” he ment gives us what they vaccines appears to be system – of any sus- coordinating European gional dominance and so stressed. think we need, at a contributing to the pected or confirmed vac- countries’ activities forth, but the mechanism Arguing that a number cost, at a price that they emergence of products cine counterfeiting. around funding, around is designed to create a of countries are hurting believe is equitable for in illegal channels, PAHO, through coop- spending, around gover- pathway for peace and and not seeing the level of them and not necessarily ranging from Internet eration with countries, nance and so forth. And prosperity and survival in growth and development for the region,” Lowe sales offers to customs and the operation of the it has made a lot of head- this region. I am saying that they potentially added. seizures to retail Network of Focal Points way in terms of how coun- nothing should take us by could attain, he suggested Maintaining that we trade. of National Regulatory tries in the Union assist surprise now relative to that there needs to be have CARICOM leaders Substandard, counter- Agencies for the each other within that events, because we all more unity for better out- that are smart enough to feit, and unregistered Prevention, Detection, mechanism, to be able to know with the advent of comes. appreciate and acknowl- vaccines can lead to in- and Response to sub- fight, for example, things climate change we antic- “If the CARICOM sys- edge both the similarities creased prevalence of standard, counterfeit or like COVID-19, to be able ipate that there will be tem cannot work, then and differences amongst COVID-19, potential ad- unregistered Medical to fight some of the other more hurricanes; we an- disband it. If it cannot countries in the region, verse and even toxic or Products – comprising disasters that have oc- ticipate some level of work, then it needs to be the time has come, he fatal events, and loss of more than 20 countries curred, from corruption unpredictability with rethought. Maybe we said, for these leaders to trust in the health sys- in the region – promotes and some of the other these systems; we antici- need to tear it up, throw it work outside of the box, to tem, as well as social the exchange of informa- things that have affected pate that societies will be out through the window facilitate a greater level and economic conse- tion and supports deci- the Union – terrorism disrupted; we anticipate and start afresh. I think of change that will bene- quences of unpre- sion-making in this and so on and so forth,” that living styles and that we need to seriously fit countries across the dictable magnitude. field. Lowe continued. livelihoods will be dis- think about how we are region. (RSM) The Barbados Advocate Saturday April 24, 2021 • 7 China on move to achieve carbon neutrality More biodiversity THEMED “Restoring Our Earth,” the 52nd Earth Day fell on Thursday, with countries worldwide making commitments addressing the common environmental chal- lenges the planet faces. China has taken steps toward a low-carbon transition, with progress made in tackling climate change and protecting biodiversity – two urgent agendas that call for global collaboration, said Beate Trankmann, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in China. “As the world attempts to build back better from the pandemic, concerted global action is needed to address climate change and safeguard the capacity of the Earth to support life by protecting the balance of ecosystems,” Trankmann Aerial photo taken on Feb. 24, 2020 shows the Haizhu wetland and the Canton Tower in the distance in Guangzhou, south China’s said in an interview with Guangdong province. Xinhua. In its exploration to operation. Protecting biodiversity working with international China, and the country address the environmental As the world’s first UHV After a journey of over institutions such as the vows to bring the share of challenges, China aims to to transmit only carbon- 5,000 km across mountains Global Environment coal in total energy work closely with its global free electricity, the line and rivers, the Siberian Facility and UNDP to consumption to under 56% Wuhan partners, and honour its could offer as much as 40 white cranes land at finance and implement in 2021. commitments while billion kilowatt-hours of Poyang Lake in east environmental projects. To reach the country’s encouraging others to do so. power annually to central China’s Jiangxi province, As a result of UNDP- climate pledge,Trankmann sees GDP China, reducing 29.6 the place they call home, China cooperation, China’s believes that China should Addressing million tonnes of CO2 each winter. protected areas increased further accelerate its climate change emissions. Rated as critically by 1.9 million hectares energy transformation, and up more Facing the global climate “China is a driver of endangered on the across six provincial increase the share of problem, China has much of the technological International Union for regions,Trankmann noted. renewables in the energy than half announced its goal to peak innovation needed to fight Conservation of Nature She said that biodiversity mix. its carbon dioxide emissions climate change,” said Red List, the Siberian white protection is very much According to an THE central Chinese city before 2030 and become Trankmann, adding that crane, also known as the related to the fight against industrial report released of Wuhan, hit hard by the carbon-neutral by 2060. the country is now a global snow crane, have seen their climate change, as intact by the China National Coal COVID-19 epidemic The country has leader in renewable energy. numbers dwindle to 4,000, ecosystems help absorb Association, the country’s early last year, notched reaffirmed its climate Last year, power with only a single carbon and maintain annual coal output will up about 58.4 percent of commitment with clear generated by renewable migrating route left – the animal habitats and food stand at no higher than 4.1 GDP growth in the first targets in the 14th Five- energy sources hit 2.2 east route to Poyang Lake. security. billion tonnes by the end of quarter (Q1) of 2021. Year Plan (2021-2025), the trillion kilowatt-hours, Thanks to sustained As another attempt to the 14th Five-Year Plan The capital city of country’s social and accounting for 29.5% of the efforts to preserve the draw global efforts to period (2021-2025). The Hubei Province managed economic development country’s total electricity habitat for the birds, the restore ecology on Earth, annual coal consumption to stage a strong roadmap. consumption, up by 9.5 country’s largest China will host the 15th will be kept to around 4.2 economic recovery after According to the plan, percentage points from freshwater lake saw an meeting of the Conference billion tonnes at the end of its GDP shrank by 40.5 China aims to significantly 2012. increasing number of of the Parties to the 2025. percent year on year in lower the energy China has also carried feathery visitors, attracting Convention on Biological In terms of addressing the Q1 of 2020 due to a consumption per unit of out institutional more than 680,000 Diversity (COP15) in the challenges of protecting long-period lockdown to gross domestic product innovations, from wintering birds in 2020, Kunming of the southwest biodiversity, Trankmann contain the epidemic. (GDP) and its carbon launching carbon-trading 11,000 more than the Yunnan province this year. said more could be done. In the first three dioxide emissions (CO2) by schemes to developing previous year. Countries are expected to “Policies for biodiversity months of 2021, Wuhan’s 13.5% and 18%, green finance. “The species and work out concrete plans for protection should be GDP figure reached respectively, during the Since 2011, China has population of migratory post-2020 global strengthened and tailored about 357.4 billion yuan 2021-2025 period. piloted the trading of birds have increased biodiversity protection. to different ecological (about 55 billion U.S. China’s recent climate carbon emissions in significantly in some “This needs to include contexts along with dollars), according to the pledges could accelerate the provinces and cities, important lakes and taking environmental integrated approaches to municipal statistics global fight against climate including Beijing, wetlands along the Yangtze issues into the heart of land and resource bureau. change, and could set an Shanghai, and Hubei, to River, which reflects an economic and financial management, including The city also reported example to other countries, draw on a market-based improvement in the local decision-making and coastal and river basin an overwhelming year- encouraging them to step mechanism for greenhouse ecological environment,” rethinking how public and management,” said on-year increase of 92.2 up their commitments, too, control. said Chen Jiakuan, a private finance can co- Trankmann. percent in its foreign said Trankmann. Looking ahead, China’s professor specializing in generate positive effects for Additionally, China can trade during the period. Last year, an ultra-high- investments into ecology with Fudan biodiversity. As the host, expand on its Grain for Its exports climbed by voltage (UHV) line that innovation and University. China has an opportunity Green program, whereby 123.4 percent year on only transmits clean power, experimentation in the China has made to push this agenda,” people who live in year to around 38.7 including wind, solar and green economy certainly significant progress in Trankmann said. ecologically fragile billion yuan in the hydro energy, from offer opportunities to make protecting its wetlands environments receive period, while its imports northwest China’s Qinghai green growth more viable, with the help of its global Challenges ahead compensation for gained nearly 68 percent province to Henan in said Trankmann. partners. Local Coal-fired power remains protecting ecosystems and to about 37.5 billion central China went into governments have been a major energy source in conserving biodiversity. yuan. 8 • Saturday April 24, 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 Turkey launches international Get ready hunt for cryptocurrency boss TURKEY has issued an Turkish cities over al- Albanian capital Tirana, ing to use cryptocurren- international arrest war- leged connections to Mr. Andalou reported, cies in an attempt to pro- rant for the founder of a Ozer’s company, Thodex. adding that Interior tect their savings from Barbados! cryptocurrency trading Mr. Ozer called the al- Minister Suleyman a sharp decline in the platform. legations against him Soylu had spoken to his value of the local cur- JUST this week, concern was expressed State media report “baseless” and said he Albanian counterpart on rency, the lira. But the about Barbadians’ readiness for natural that Faruk Fatih Ozer is in Albania for work the phone. Turkish cryptocurrency disasters. fled to Albania with meetings. Interpol issued a red market is unregulated. It was noted that whilst the focus at present an alleged $2bn from The Turkish justice notice for Mr. Ozer on Last week, Turkey said is on the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano in 391,000 investors. ministry has begun legal Friday after receiving a it would ban the use of St. Vincent and Grenadines and the ensuing Police also arrested 62 proceedings to seek the request from Ankara. cryptocurrencies to pay disaster response efforts to assist those affected people in simultaneous arrest and extradition Increasing numbers of for goods and services by it, Barbadians also need to examine how dawn raids in eight of Mr. Ozer from the Turkish people are opt- from 30 April. ready they are for not just hurricanes, but other potential disasters as well. The concern was raised by Cynthia Barrow- Giles, Senior Lecturer in Political Science at ‘We’re gonna do this’: Biden closes The UWI Cave Hill Campus, who stressed that she finds that Barbadians in general do not take natural disasters, such as hurricanes for global summit on climate instance, seriously and as such, they are often found scrambling each year when news hits WASHINGTON, United solar power, all aided by action moving. new roads, safe bridges about an impending severe weather event. States – World leaders mobile-phone banking. It was all in service and reliable public tran- Thus, she argued that the pre-planning and joined US President Joe The summit’s opening of an argument officials sit, while boosting electric preparedness efforts of Barbadians are at times Biden Friday to close his on Thursday saw a half- say will make or break vehicles, clean drinking inadequate and this also extends across the virtual climate summit dozen nations, including Biden’s climate vision: water and investments in region. with stories of their own the United States, pledge Pouring trillions of dollars clean energy such as solar Indeed, we need to consider how well national drives to break specific, significant new into clean-energy technol- and wind power. prepared we are for impending disaster, free of climate-wrecking efforts to cut emissions. ogy, research and infra- Biden’s plan faces a given that we are living in unprecedented fossil fuels – Kenyans Other summit speakers, structure will speed a steep road in the closely times. In recent weeks, we have had to deal leapfrogging from including Chinese competitive US economy divided Senate, where with plumes of ash from the La Soufrière kerosene stoves to geot- President Xi Jinping, into the future and create Republicans led by volcano, which blanketed the whole of Barbados hermal power and Israeli whose country is the jobs while saving the McConnell have objected and this ash still lingers in every crack and start-ups scrambling to world’s top climate pol- planet. strongly to the idea of pay- crevice imaginable.We have been told that the improve battery storage. luter, held out the possi- While technological ing for much of it with tax ashfall was significantly worse this time “We’re gonna do this to- bility of deepening their development and wider increases on corporations. around, than it was back in 1979 when the gether,” Biden exhorted, commitments, in China’s use has helped make wind The White House says volcano last erupted. We have also heard that speaking live to a Zoom- case by easing back on and solar power strongly administration officials ashfall could possibly affect us in the future, if style screen of leaders of building of coal-fired competitive against coal will continue to reach out the volcano continues to erupt. We are not yet national governments, plants. and natural gas in the US, to Republicans and will out of the woods where this volcano business unions and business exec- Biden’s own pledge, Biden said investment remind them that the pro- is concerned. utives around the world. nearly doubling the US also would bring forward posal’s ideas are widely Biden’s closing message target for cutting emis- thriving, clean-energy popular with Americans Consider all possibilities echoed the sentiments of sions from coal and petro- fields “in things we of all political persua- As ash blows everywhere, this has created a Kenyan President Uhuru leum this decade, depends haven’t even thought of sions. potential hazard for us here in Barbados and Muigai Kenyatta, who on his keeping political so far”. Friday also featured bil- now we have to consider how we treat to this told the summit:“We can- support from voters and Republicans are stick- lionaires Bill Gates and matter, given its implications. The country has not win this fight against securing more than US$2 ing to the arguments that Mike Bloomberg, steel- embarked on a major clean-up exercise and climate change unless we trillion for a nation-wide then-President Donald worker and electrical householders, business owners and even go globally to fight it to- infrastructure overhaul. Trump made in pulling union leaders and execu- government officials now are examining what gether.” “The commitments the US out of the 2015 tives for solar and other steps they need to take to make their homes, The second and final we’ve made must become Paris climate accord.They renewable energy. businesses, offices, schools and facilities more day of Biden’s summit of real,” Biden said on point to China as the “We can’t beat climate ash-proof. So we can see here the effects of a 40 world leaders made the Friday, speaking to the world’s worst climate change without a historic disaster, which occurred elsewhere, on us. But case for massive invest- home audience as much polluter – the US is No.2 amount of new invest- this just reinforces the need for us to consider ment now – in the US and as the international one. – and say any transition ment,” said Bloomberg, all possibilities, when it comes to disasters and around the world – for “Commitment without to clean energy hurts who has spent heavily to their spin-off effects. prosperous as well as doing anything is a lot of American oil, natural gas promote replacing dirty- That said, May is approaching and the cleaner economies in the hot air, no pun intended.” and coal workers. burning coal-fired power month of June will be close behind it, given long run. He wondered aloud if It means “putting good- plants with increasingly the rate at which time is flying. Let us use the Compared with the there was “anything else paying American jobs into cheaper renewable en- approaching month of May to get ready for United States and other you can think of that the shredder,” Senate ergy. any disaster that may befall us. Let us clear wealthy but carbon-de- could create as many good Minority Leader Mitch Biden envoy John Kerry drains, gullies and roadways of ash and pendent nations,Kenya jobs going into the 21st McConnell, R-Ky., said on stressed the political sell- debris, to prevent flooding when the rains stands out as a poorer na- century”. the Senate floor Thursday ing point that the presi- come. Let us hurricane-proof and ash-proof tion closing the technol- The coronavirus pan- in a speech in which he dent’s call for retrofitting our homes as best we can. Let us revisit our ogy gap despite limited demic forced the summit dismissed the administra- creaky US infrastructure emergency drills for various disasters, not only financial resources. It into its virtual format, tion’s plans as costly and to run more cleanly would at the level of households, but at the community has moved in decades with a TV talk show-style ineffective. put the US on a better as well as national levels. This is the time to from dirty-burning coal, set created in the White Much of the proposed economic footing long- get ready, rather than wait until impending kerosene and wood fires House East Room. spending to address cli- term. “No one is being danger looms. to become a leading user Cabinet secretaries mate change is included asked for a sacrifice,” We can never predict what may befall us in and producer of geother- stepped in as emcees to in Biden’s infrastructure Kerry said. “This is an its entirety, but we can plan and prepare for mal energy, wind and keep the livestreamed bill, which would pay for opportunity.” disasters in a comprehensive way, so that we are better prepared in the future to respond to Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes impending disasters and mitigate the fallout 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 as best we could. So come on, let’s get ready Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan Barbados. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Saturday April 24, 2021 • 9

Bahamas nurses warn it’s too early to remove testing for vaccinated travellers BAHAMAS Nurses Union According to Ms Williams, the The US Centres for Disease ensure that they do not get the says it disagrees with plans uptick in both new cases and Control and Prevention said last impression that vaccines will to remove the COVID-19 hospitalisations has placed a week that it had reports of completely protect them against testing requirement for fully strain on the nation’s healthcare nearly 6,000 “breakthrough” the virus. vaccinated travellers system – something she said COVID-19 infections out of To date, more than 21,000 believing there is no shows why it’s so important for more than 77 million fully people in The Bahamas have guarantee people won’t the country to still have certain vaccinated people, suggesting received their first dose of the contract or spread the virus COVID preventative measures such infections only affect a Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine even after receiving two in place. small percentage of inoculated since the country began its doses of the vaccine. However, by removing the people. vaccination campaign in mid- This comes after Prime current COVID entry The union president also March. The AstraZeneca Minister Dr Hubert Minnis requirements for vaccinated advised the Minnis vaccine is said to have a 76-79 announced on Wednesday that people, Ms Williams said the administration to follow the percent efficacy rate. fully vaccinated people can government is taking a risk that example of other countries On Thursday, Ms Williams Bahamas Nurses Union travel to The Bahamas without could potentially create which have set out certain told this newspaper: “Even President Amancha a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR problems for the nation later recommendations for fully though you’re vaccinated, you Williams. test starting May 1. down the road. vaccinated people wanting to could still be exposed and He also said fully vaccinated “I think we need to still take travel to other destinations. convey this virus to someone so really had a real break because travellers within the country precautions until we see our She referenced the CDC’s all of that, people need to be they’re not only taking care of will be exempt from the testing way out from this third wave,” recommendation that educated about this virus and their patients but also their requirements when travelling the union president said. “We vaccinated people still get tested vaccinations and we have not loved ones and so nurses were to and from New Providence, have to remember that as a three to five days after travel been seeing a lot of that impacted all around – their Grand Bahama, Abaco, Exuma country that we can’t guarantee among other things. happening.” social life, their private lives and Eleuthera. anybody nothing.We are on trial “The CDC has even given With the nation now battling were impacted,” she said. Vaccinated people will also get and error and we don’t know the recommendations for fully its third wave, Ms Williams said Since March, The Bahamas other benefits, like participating behaviour or reaction of this vaccinated people because there it’s important for Bahamians to has seen an uptick in positive in indoor dining. vaccine and so there are still are still risks from before and continue following all the health cases, with total infections now Speaking to The Tribune on precautions to be taken and we after travelling. Before you protocols and not become at 9,926 after 58 new infections Thursday, BNU president must do an ongoing survey so arrive in the United States and relaxed with the rules that are were recorded Wednesday. Of Amancha Williams said she we can know how this virus after you travel, they say get a meant to keep Bahamians safe. those cases, 504 are still active. didn’t believe the move was a behaves with the vaccinations. viral test three to five days after Asked how nurses are coping Meanwhile, 50 people are said “smart decision” on the “We’ve been seeing reports in travelling. They also say while with this new wave of infections, to be in hospital sick with the government’s behalf and added the US that people are still you’re traveling, wear your she said there is still some virus. that now is not the time for the getting and contracting the masks over your nose, avoid exhaustion among workers as Health officials have recently country to let its guard down virus so you don’t let your crowds, stay six feet away etc.” they have never fully recovered linked the spike in cases to against the COVID-19 threat, guards down. It’s better to be She also said that Bahamians from the two COVID waves. international travel and a especially numbers catching the safe than to be sorry, “ Ms need to be fully educated about “At this point, they were burnt relaxed adherence to the virus are rising. Williams added. COVID-19 vaccinations to out from last year.They haven’t current rules. Antigua to acquire Russia’s Sputnik V COVID vaccine ST JOHN’S – The Antigua and The mobile vaccination unit among a group that think of noted. Barbuda government says it will be out again on Saturday . themselves as invincible. Meanwhile, government has will seek to acquire 50 000 .. to facilitate those who may Doctors and entertainers will agreed to allow churches to SputnikV vaccines from Russia otherwise not be able to visit collaborate to get the message revert to the position as it moves towards herd the four centres that are fully out to this group to seek which governed them last immunity in an effort to stop operational from 9 a.m. to 3:30 vaccination. June. the spread of the coronavirus p.m. (local time) each weekday,” “It is agreed that herd “The number of congregants (COVID-19). the statement said. immunity can be achieved allowed in church will be A statement issued after the Since the start of the when 70 per cent of the adult determined by the size of the weekly Cabinet meeting said pandemic, the island has population, numbering 70 000 edifice. The congregants are to that the Gaston Browne recorded 1 217 cases with 995 to 80 000 souls) or 60 000 to sit six feet apart, except for administration had agreed to recoveries and 41 deaths. 70 000 residents have been households that are allowed to order the vaccine, which it The statement said that the vaccinated. The published sit together but six feet away described as “a two-dose Ministry of Health and figures are important to source from the next household or vaccine that is in great demand Wellness, in collaboration with markets as the travel agents congregant. and being gobbled up by many the state-owned television and tour operators decide on a “The Cabinet noted that the European countries”. station, ABS-TV, will be safety basis where to dispatch church community is the most “Residents and citizens may holding a “Vaccine Zoom Party” their clients. Already, Antigua compliant with the protocols,” A statement issued after the then have a choice between the on Saturday. and Barbuda is among the 18 the statement said. weekly Cabinet meeting said Oxford-AstraZeneca and the “The event is aiming to reach top states worldwide to achieve The Churches have also that the Gaston Browne SputnikV, in due course. youthful Antiguan and significant vaccination levels agreed to encourage their (pictured) administration had Everyone age 18 and older is Barbudan citizens and of their population per congregants to take the agreed to order the vaccine. encouraged to be vaccinated. residents primarily, who are thousand,” the statement vaccine. Grenada: New entry requirements for fully vaccinated people from May 1 THE GOVERNMENT of PCR test, administered on entry. must be paid for prior to this Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Prime Minister Dr the Right Grenada is reducing the Travellers will still be required application. Payments are Arriving passengers will not Honourable Keith Mitchell said quarantine requirement for fully to provide a negative PCR test accepted online via the be permitted to leave quarantine Government’s policies vaccinated people entering the result, valid up to 72-hours prior Government’s payment portal, until medical clearance is throughout the pandemic have country. to the start of travel. pay.gov.gd. granted. been geared towards Members of Cabinet have An application for travel People are considered fully Persons who are not fully safeguarding the health of the agreed that effective 1 May 2021, authorisation must be completed vaccinated 2 weeks after the vaccinated or unable to provide population but at the same time, persons providing proof of full prior to travel, via the website, second dose of a 2-dose vaccine proof of their vaccination will be these policies have remained vaccination will only be required travelauth.health.gov.gd. such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer or required to quarantine for up to agile enough to adapt to the to quarantine for up to 48 hours, Additionally, the PCR test to Moderna, or 2 weeks after a 7 days, with a PCR test being changes taking place as the pending a negative result from a be administered in Grenada single dose in the case of the administered on day 5. pandemic evolves. 10 • Saturday April 24, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Chile vets fined for giving dog vaccines against COVID-19 SANTIAGO, Chile – Health Fernanda Muñoz in the city of hadn’t become ill. That occurred because that would be Díaz said another authorities in northern Chile Calama over a report that people last year, before any COVID unethical.” veterinarian, Carlos Pardo, had have fined two veterinarians there weren’t using masks and vaccines had been approved in The U.S. based VCA veterinary been falsely promoting use of the they say were giving or were told it was because they Chile. hospital chain includes a canine vaccine for humans. promoting canine vaccines as were vaccinated. “The truth is, it’s very reference on its website warning The health department fined false protection against COVID- In an interview Tuesday with dangerous,” Díaz said.“There are against confusing the new Pardo the equivalent of about 19. the government’s 24 Horas studies that say the effects can be human coronavirus – one of a $9,200 and Muñoz about Roxana Díaz, deputy health television channel, Muñoz local – irritation caused by the broad family of viruses that $10,300. Both have appealed. secretary for Antofagasta acknowledged giving herself and medications it has – or systemic. affect many species – with the Chile has now vaccinated 7.7 province, said her agency’s several people in her office a But we haven’t done a study of one that causes an intestinal million of its 19 million people workers had gone to the vaccine aimed at canine what happens inoculating a ailment in dogs that is targeted with at least one dose of veterinary practice of Maria coronavirus, and argued she person with canine vaccines by canine vaccines. legitimate COVID-19 vaccines. Ecuador Anguilla locks down to approves visitors for two weeks law granting ANGUILLA is on a services are required to stay informed its guests in residence government-mandated 14- home; public gatherings are and is contacting guests who autonomy to day lockdown, effective at prohibited; schools are closed, had booked their stay during midnight April 22, due to a and restaurants and other food this two-week period. The surge in Covid-19 cases on establishments are restricted to luxury property said it is central bank the island, according to take-out services only. working closely with the QUITO– Ecuador’s National Shellya Rogers-Webster, Anguilla had 30 confirmed Anguilla health authorities to Assembly approved a law late deputy director of tourism. cases of Covid-19 as of April 20. ensure guests’ safety and that of on Thursday granting autonomy The airport on Anguilla and Approximately 50% of the the local community. to its central bank, a move ferry services connecting adult population have received “Belmond has a flexible celebrated by President Lenin Anguilla with St. either first or both doses of the booking policy in place and has Moreno’s government yesterday Maarten/Martin are closed to vaccine. The island had just advised any guests with as a step toward economic incoming travelers, although recently detailed its plan for existing bookings or booking stability. travelers already on Anguilla allowing only visitors who are enquiries to contact the central Moreno’s market-friendly will be allowed to leave. fully vaccinated, starting in reservations office or their administration had pushed the All people on Anguilla other July. travel advisor to discuss Shellya Rogers-Webster, reform as a way to prevent than those providing essential Belmond Cap Juluca has options,” a spokesperson said. deputy director of tourism future governments from draining the bank’s reserves to finance public spending, a practice his allies allege was Panton sworn in as common during leftist former President Rafael Correa’s administration. Cayman Islands premier Economy Minister Mauricio GEORGE TOWN, Cayman He praised the election of Pozo said the measure would Islands – Attorney Wayne Panton as head of the help protect Ecuador’s dollarized Panton was elected unopposed government, describing him as economic model. as premier of this British a “capable lawyer and “This is a very important step Overseas Territory one week businessman” and vowed to forward for stability, for after a general election. help him “control us for the dollarization, for the economy,” “Despite the events of the past betterment of our people.” Pozo told Radio Democracia in week, where there was certainty “This cabinet is as good as any Quito. and uncertainty, this is how I have seen.They must be given Ecuador’s bonds rallied democracy works, and more the chance to do the work they yesterday,with the 2030 note up importantly this is how were elected to do. With the more than 3 cents to a record democracy was designed to manifestos of all of us and the 82.75. work,”Panton told the demands and needs of our The bill passed with the ceremony after being sworn into people, we have enough to do,” support of 86 of the 135 office. Bush said, adding,“Caymanians lawmakers present in the He said that the occasion on must pull together and there is Thursday session. Forty-one Wednesday “is no doubt a no time to bicker and plot.” lawmakers voted against the precious gift, so we should be Governor Roper in a brief proposal, labeling it a forever thankful to the former speech during the first sitting of privatization of the central premier….” the new Parliament, praised the bank. Former premier Alden election supervisor Wesley The reform had been a McLaughlin had asked Howell and his team, making condition of a US$6.5 billion Governor Martyn Roper to mention of the high turnout at package agreed last year with dissolve Parliament on the polls. the International Monetary February 14 and the change was “You are privileged to have Attorney Wayne Panton was elected unopposed as premier Fund (IMF), after one of the seen by political observers as a been chosen by our people to of this British Overseas Territory one week after a general region’s worst coronavirus move to avoid a no-confidence represent them… I urge you to election. outbreaks and the plunge in motion against Speaker have the best interests of the crude prices reduced the oil- McKeeva Bush, who had people of these wonderful looking forward to working with by the governor, who also exporting country’s government received a two-month islands in your hearts and the new government, respecting appoints the premier. revenue. suspended jail sentence in minds,” Roper said, adding that the autonomy of Cayman’s “I want to thank all Moreno leaves office on May December 2020 for assaulting a the challenges ahead are to parliament and playing his part Caymanians for giving all of us 24. His successor, president-elect woman in February that year. “reopen the borders and build as the UK representative to a life of purpose. It is the Guillermo Lasso, is expected to Bush was re-elected to the back better in the midst of this ensure a bright future for the Caymanian people why we are broadly continue his market- post of Speaker on Wednesday global pandemic”. islands. gathered here today to witness friendly policies, though Lasso and told the legislators “the Roper praised McLaughlin for Of the 19 elected members of the peaceful transfer of an has voiced opposition to an IMF campaign is over, we have a his service and his leadership the new Parliament, seven are administration as required by proposal to raise some taxes to tremendous responsibility during the coronavirus (COVID- chosen to serve as government our Constitution,” Panton told help the government reduce its before us to serve our people”. 19) pandemic, saying he is ministers in a cabinet headed the ceremony. budget deficit. The Barbados Advocate Saturday April 24, 2021 • 11

USVI to hold Carnival fete for 200 vaccinated people U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – an opportunity to come out. and a six-man auxiliary With the COVID-19 vaccine “Especially now that we have security team will ensure providing hope for the the vaccine we could give a compliance among patrons. likelihood of Caribbean limited number of people an “We are well covered in terms festivals and carnivals opportunity to come out and of security.There will be a one- taking place in the near enjoy.” incident rule. If you do future, one island is hoping The USVI Governor has set a something that is outside of the to provide the blueprint for goal to vaccinate 50,000 people rules and guidelines, we have a the way forward. by July 1. So far, just over guidelines sheet, you will have The US Virgin Islands will 34,000 have received one dose to leave the event,” he said, hold one in-person event of the vaccine while 23,149 noting that this is a potential during the 69th edition of have been fully vaccinated. blueprint for how people in the Carnival Virgin Islands in St. To ensure only vaccinated Caribbean could execute mass- Thomas but only for people who people are attending the event, gathering events. have been vaccinated. patrons must present a proof Turnbull said the venue itself Dubbed “1 Night, 1 Fete”, the of vaccination card when they is an expansive open space and event will take place on Friday, purchase their tickets as well the 200 people could fit in it April 30 at 7 pm at The West as their personal information. five times. Indian Company Limited “That information will be “We want people to stay with (WICO) dock on St. Thomas, taken to the department of your friends, there will be and will feature top-class health here in the USVI and dancing. If you take yuh jook USVI musical groups Cool we vet it. The first set of vetting you could take yuh jook but you Session Brass, Legacy Band will happen Monday coming need to do it with your partner,” and Spectrum Band, as well as where we will vet the first set of he said. acclaimed Trinidadian soca people who purchased tickets, Turnbull said there have star Farmer Nappy. check to see they are verified. If been mixed views on the island The event will seat 200 we see they are not really to the event with some people vaccinated patrons. vaccinated we will refund them feeling like they are being Ian Turnbull, Director of the their money,” he said, noting forced to take the vaccine to be USVI Department of that if anyone has a fake included. Tourism’s Division of Festivals, vaccination card they could be He noted, however, that the Ian Turnbull, Director of the USVI Department of said the aim of the event is two- arrested. event will be live-streamed Tourism’s Division of Festivals fold: to encourage more people Turnbull said on the night of via the Division of Festivals’ to get vaccinated and to pump the event, another verification online platforms and there will they are COVID free. from April 26-28 at 6 pm. some life back into the will be done to ensure that be watch parties at different He revealed that Nappy, Proceeds from the event will entertainment sector. every vaccinated person who venues for those who want to however, has shown interest in go towards relief efforts for the “The theme here is ‘vaccinate purchased a ticket is who they enjoy the event with friends. getting the vaccine when he Government and people of St. to party safe’. We came up with say they are. Farmer Nappy, who won the lands in the USVI. Vincent and the Grenadines, that theme to encourage people COVID protocols will be virtual Soca Monarch The virtual aspects of who have been adversely to get vaccinated and so that is enforced at the fete including competition and Road March Carnival Virgin Islands will impacted by La Soufrière what this is about and the physical distancing, mask- in Trinidad and Tobago with feature three “Festival Arts volcano eruptions. second part is to give the people wearing, and proper his popular “Backyard Jam”, is Dialogues”, discussing the Future Division of Festivals of the Virgin Islands something handwashing hygiene. the lone foreign artiste on the stories behind carnival events includes the 68th St. to look forward to and would There will be a system to cast. celebrations in the USVI. They John Celebration (June 28 - engage them,” he said. manage the number of people Turnbull said they hope to include “Road to Royalty”, July 4, 2021); the 69th Crucian Turnbull said they knew they at the bar and food stations at bring more artistes for the “Calypsonians” and “Costume Christmas Festival (December would have to go virtual for the the US$75 all-inclusive event. other festivals in July and Workshop”, which will air on 4, 2021 - January 9, 2022); and carnival, one of three held A large security force December but for those who are local PBS affiliate WTJX and the 70th Carnival Virgin annually in the US territory, combining eight police officers, not vaccinated, they will be stream on the Division of Islands on St. Thomas (April 2 but they wanted to give people nine private security officers, tested three times to ensure Festivals’ online platforms - May 1, 2022). Odour from US C’bean refinery prompts school closures, investigation A “NOXIOUS” gaseous smell staying indoors or relocating to according to a Limetree Bay permitted hydrogen sulfide levels. was also closed on Friday due to coming from St Croix’s recently less affected areas. spokesperson. Local grammar schools and a the odor, a representative told reopened refinery that caused The U.S. Occupational Safety “The executive management of career and technical education Reuters. schools to close was caused by and Health Administration Limetree Bay sincerely center closed in-person learning The smell has been observed excess emissions of hydrogen describes hydrogen sulfide “as a apologizes for the impact to the after students and staff reported west of the island in Fredricksted sulfide, U.S. Virgin Islands colourless gas known for its public,” the spokesperson said, feeling nauseous due to a “noxious for several days and has officials said yesterday. pungent ‘rotten egg’ odour at low adding that the company would odor” affecting air quality on the prompted citizen complaints, The Department of Planning concentrations. It is extremely continue to monitor impact to the campuses on April 22, according according to the DPNR. and Natural Resources (DPNR) is flammable and highly toxic.” outside community. to a notice from the U.S. Virgin The refinery recently resumed advising people with respiratory The odour was caused by an The Department of Planning Islands Department of producing fuel following an entire ailments such as allergies, lung “operating upset” overnight and and Natural Resources told Education. plant shutdown earlier this disease and asthma to consider into the early morning hours Reuters it is investigating to what A St. Croix community month due to an undisclosed taking protective actions such as which has been corrected, extent Limetree exceeded coronavirus vaccination center operational issue.

Mostly sunny.

High: 1:35 a.m. and 1:49 p.m. New York: 17°C Yesterday: 0 mm Miami: 27°C Low: 7:38 a.m. For the month: 22.2 mm Max: 30.4°C Boston: 16°C and 8:03 p.m. For the year: 239.7 mm Min: 25.2°C Toronto: 17°C Montreal: 15°C London: 08°C 5:41 a.m. 6:13 p.m. 12 • Saturday April 24, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Indian hospitals plead for oxygen, country sets virus record NEW DELHI – India tal chain in the capital, put oxygen tankers on Max Hospital, tweeted special express trains that one of its facilities as major hospitals in had one hour’s oxygen New Delhi begged on supply in its system and social media on Friday had been waiting for re- for more supplies to plenishment since early save COVID-19 pa- morning. Two days ear- tients who are strug- lier, they had filed a peti- gling to breathe. More tion in the Delhi High than a dozen people Court saying they were died when an oxygen- running out of oxygen, fed fire ripped through endangering the lives of a coronavirus ward in 400 patients, of which a populous western 262 were being treated Health workers carry a patient after a fire in Vijay Vallabh COVID-19 hospital at Virar, near Mumbai, India, on state. for COVID-19. Friday, April 23, 2021. A fire killed 13 COVID-19 patients in a hospital in western India early on Friday as an India’s underfunded The government started extreme surge in coronavirus infections leaves the nation short of medical care and oxygen. (AP PHOTO/RAJANISH health system is tattering running Oxygen Express KAKADE) as the world’s worst coro- trains with tankers to navirus surge wears out meet the shortage at hos- Prime Minister Narendra the nation, which set a pitals, Railroad Minister Modi’s government on global record in daily Piyush Goyal said.The air Thursday that it wanted infections for a second force also airlifted oxygen a “national plan” for the straight day with 332,730. tanks and other equip- supply of oxygen and India has confirmed ment to areas where they essential drugs for the 16 million cases so far, were needed, and flew treatment of coronavirus second only to the United doctors and nurses to New patients. States in a country of Delhi, the government The Press Trust of India nearly 1.4 billion people. said. news agency said the India has recorded “We have surplus oxy- Defense Ministry will 2,263 deaths in the past gen at plants which are fly 23 mobile oxygen 24 hours for a total of far off from places where generating plants from 186,920. it is needed right now. Germany to help with the The fire in a hospital Trucking oxygen is a chal- shortage. Each plant will intensive care unit killed lenge from these plants,” be able to produce 2,400 13 COVID-19 patients said Saket Tiku, president litres of oxygen per hour, in the Virar area on the of the All India Industrial it said. outskirts of Mumbai early Gases Manufacturers The New Delhi govern- on Friday. Association. “We have ment issued a list of a The situation is worsen- ramped up the production dozen government and ing by the day with hospi- as oxygen consumption is private hospitals facing tals taking to social media rising through the roof. an acute shortage of oxy- to plead with the govern- But we have limitations gen. ment to replenish their and the biggest challenge At another hospital in A worker refills medical oxygen cylinders at a charging station on the outskirts oxygen supplies and right now is transporting the capital, questions of Prayagraj, India, on Friday, April 23, 2021. India put oxygen tankers on special threatening to stop ad- it to where its urgently were raised about express trains as major hospitals in New Delhi on Friday begged on social media missions of new patients. needed.” whether low oxygen sup- for more supplies to save COVID-19 patients who are struggling to breathe. (AP A major private hospi- The Supreme Court told plies had caused deaths. PHOTO/RAJESH KUMAR SINGH) Biden to visit UK in June for first overseas trip as president US President Joe Biden our alliances” and “revi- and multilateral partners added. Mr. Biden also chose to ing part in a climate ac- will visit the UK in June talising the Transatlantic to address global chal- The UK, US, Germany, call the UK prime minis- tion summit – hosted by for his first overseas trip relationship”, the White lenges and better secure France, Canada, Italy ter before any other the US – this week. since his election victory House said. America’s interests,” the and Japan make up the European leader. The US has pledged to last year. During his time in the president’s press secre- G7, while leaders from During that call, the cut carbon emissions by The president will UK, Mr. Biden is due to tary said. Australia, India, South two leaders talked about 50-52% below 2005 levels travel to Cornwall for the hold bilateral meetings The G7 summit is an Korea and the EU will “the benefits of a poten- by the year 2030. G7 summit, which takes with fellow G7 leaders, opportunity to “reinforce also attend the summit tial free trade deal” be- This new target, which place between 11 and 13 including Prime Minister our commitment to mul- as guests. tween the UK and the was unveiled at a virtual June. Boris Johnson. tilateralism, work to ad- It will be held in Carbis US, with Mr.Johnson summit of 40 global lead- From there, he will “This trip will highlight vance key US policy pri- Bay, near St. Ives. reiterating his intention ers, essentially doubles travel to Brussels, in his commitment to orities on public health, The US president’s trip “to resolve existing trade their previous promise. Belgium, to participate restoring our alliances, economic recovery, and to the UK will be his first issues as soon as possi- Earlier in the week, in the Nato Summit on revitalising the trans- climate change, and to any nation since de- ble”, Downing Street said it was revealed that the 14 June. atlantic relationship, demonstrate solidarity feating Donald Trump in at the time. UK hopes to cut its own President Biden’s trip and working in close co- and shared values among November’s election. Both Mr. Johnson and carbon emissions by 78% will focus on “restoring operation with our allies major democracies,” they Following his victory, Mr. Biden have been tak- by 2035. The Barbados Advocate Saturday April 24, 2021 • 13

Leaders seek US$19b to arm the world with COVID weapons GENEVA, Switzerland – Accelerator, a multi-bil- demic, as variants of the pends on the poorest lives by treating the cause need to fight the disease.” World leaders united on lion-dollar internation- virus stalk the planet and countries. of the pandemic every- At its launch 12 months Friday to demand US$19 ally-coordinated attempt the disease takes off in “Much remains to be where, now,or continue to ago, the pandemic was billion of investment in to find vaccines, tests and India. done.” spend trillions on the con- still in its infancy. weapons to beat the treatments, the billionth “We cannot allow the The ACT-Accelerator is sequences with no end in The death toll – now COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine dose is on the virus to run out of control seeking US$22 billion sight,” said World Health more than three million saying the “miracle” of verge of being adminis- across entire regions,” this year to further the Organisation chief Tedros – stood at around vaccines did not mean the tered. said French President assault on the pandemic, Adhanom Ghebreyesus. 190,000, while only 2.7 end was in sight. But leaders warned Emmanuel Macron. but is US$19 billion “We can only end the million people had been One year on from the that despite the progress “The appearance of new short. pandemic by funding, infected, compared to launch of the Access so far, another push was variants demonstrated “World leaders face a sharing, and scaling-up more than 144 million to COVID Tools (ACT) needed to see off the pan- that our health also de- choice: invest in saving access to the tools we confirmed cases today. Time running out for missing Indonesia submarine RESCUERS have just Kirby said in a state- hours to find a missing ment. “At the invitation Indonesian submarine of the Indonesian govern- and its 53 crew before ment, we are sending air- oxygen runs out. borne assets to assist in There are fears it may the search for the missing already have sunk to a submarine.” depth where it might The Indonesian have been crushed. military said late on The KRI Nanggala Thursday night that it 402 disappeared on had detected signs of an Wednesday during exer- object at a depth of be- cises off the coast of Bali, tween 50 and 100 metres sparking a frantic search (165 to 330 feet), and had to locate the stricken ves- deployed ships with sel. sonar-tracking equip- Australia, India, ment in the hope it was Malaysia and Singapore the KRI Nanggala 402. have so far sent assis- “We’ve only got tance. until 0300 tomorrow The US military also [Saturday] so we’re max- said earlier that it would imising all of our efforts send a P-8 Poseidon air- today,” said Indonesian craft to help the search. military spokesman An oil slick where it Achmad Riad. “Hopefully was thought to have there will be a bright An officer stands in front of a chart of part of the Bali coast, amid the search for the KRI Nanggala. (PHOTO: EPA) submerged suggested spot.” damage to a fuel tank At least six warships, a “We keep waiting, we Indonesian Navy and with our prayers and our German-built vessel is may have been a factor. helicopter and 400 people keep praying,” Ratih other countries, and they optimism that they will one of five submarines Pentagon spokesman have since been involved Wardhani, whose will successfully bring return.” operated by Indonesia. It John Kirby said the US in the search. Singapore brother Major Wisnu the Nanggala submarine The KRI Nanggala 402 was made in the late was “deeply saddened” by and Malaysia have dis- Subiyantoro among the with its 53 personnel to lost contact shortly after 1970s, and underwent a the turn of events. patched ships to the area, crew, told the BBC. reunite with their fami- requesting permission two-year refit in South “Our thoughts are with and Australia, France “We hope that God will lies happily,” she said. to dive during live tor- Korea that was com- the Indonesian sailors and Germany have also ease the effort of the joint “That is our hope. We pedo exercises early on pleted in 2012. and their families,” Mr. offered assistance. rescue team from the can only support them Wednesday morning. The A navy spokesman told the BBC the incident was the first time Indonesia had lost one of its sub- marines. But similar in- cidents have happened elsewhere. In 2000, the Kursk, a Russian navy sub, sank during manoeuvres in the Barents Sea with the loss of all 118 crew. An inquiry found that one torpedo had exploded, detonating all the others. Most of the Kursk’s crew died instantly but some survived for several days before suffocating. In 2003, 70 Chinese naval officers and crew were killed in an accident on a Ming-class subma- rine during exercises. And in 2017, an Argentine military sub- marine went missing in the southern Atlantic with 44 crew on board. Its wreck was located a year later and officials said the submarine had im- Indonesia’s navy is racing to find the KRI Nanggala-402, pictured here in a file image. (PHOTO: ANADOLU AGENCY/GETTY IMAGES) ploded. 14 • Saturday April 24, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

France opens terrorism probe in police station stabbing RAMBOUILLET, ing the attack, and be- attacker’s home, also in France – French au- cause he targeted a police Rambouillet, and detained thorities opened a ter- official. three people in his en- rorism investigation Ricard did not provide tourage, according to the and detained three details on the attacker’s official. people after a police identity, motive or pur- French Prime Minister official was stabbed to ported terrorist ties. His Jean Castex rushed to the death inside a police national anti-terrorism scene with other officials station outside Paris. prosecutor’s office opened and pledged the govern- Officers shot and killed an investigation into mur- ment’s “determination to Police officers block the access with barriers next to the police station in the attacker at the der of a person of public fight terrorism in all its Rambouillet, south west of Paris, on Friday, April 23, 2021. A French police scene on Friday, au- authority in relation with forms”. Islamic extremists officer was stabbed to death inside the police station on Friday near the famed thorities said. a terrorist group. and others have carried historic Rambouillet chateau, and her attacker was shot and killed by officers at The attack stunned French media reports out multiple terror attacks the scene, authorities said. (AP PHOTO/MICHEL EULER) the quiet residential identified the attacker as in France recent years, in- neighbourhood near the a 37-year-old French resi- cluding several targeting passage as she returned, chateau that is sometimes toughening its security famed historic chateau dent with no criminal police. said Valerie Pecresse, pres- used for international policies amid voter con- of Rambouillet, and record or record of radical- The official killed on ident of the Paris region. peace negotiations. cerns about crime and prompted renewed French isation. A French judicial Friday was a 49-year-old “Police are symbols of Security cordons ringed complaints from police government promises official said the suspect administrative employee the republic. They are the area after the stab- that they face increasing to fight extremism and was born in Tunisia and who worked for the na- France,” Pecresse told bing. Masked police em- danger. The shift comes protect police. that witnesses heard him tional police service, a na- reporters at the scene, ployees clustered outside as France prepares for Anti-terrorism prosecu- say “Allahu akbar,” Arabic tional police spokesperson adding: “The face of the station, while uni- regional elections in June tor Jean-Francois Ricard for “God is great,” during told The Associated Press. France” was targeted. formed officers in bullet- in which security is a big told reporters that his the attack. The judicial of- Police only released her The attack took place proof vests stood watch issue, and for a presiden- office took over the probe ficial was not authorised first name, Stephanie. southwest of Paris just in- around the neighbour- tial election next year in because the attacker had to be publicly named She had left the station side the police station in hood. which Macron’s main chal- staked out the station speaking about an ongo- briefly to extend the time the town of Rambouillet, Friday’s attack came lenger could be far-right ahead of time, because of ing investigation. on her parking space, and about 750 meters (yards) as President Emmanuel leader Marine Le Pen, if statements he made dur- Police searched the was attacked in the entry from a former royal Macron’s government is he seeks a second term. ‘Best thing I’ve done’ – 1st person to get COVID jab still beaming LONDON, United the Philippines, Parsons Kingdom – It was the shot also spoke this week of her in the arm that made pride in helping Britain history: in December last appear to turn a corner in year British grandmother the fight against COVID- Margaret Keenan became 19. the first person in the Following surging virus Western world to get an infections, hospitalisations approved coronavirus and deaths earlier this vaccine, kicking off a year, months of stringent global campaign to end restrictions and the suc- the pandemic. cessful jabs drive have Now, close to one billion helped push the numbers people around the world back to levels not seen have received COVID jabs since last September. – both first and second “Vaccinating Maggie doses – and Keenan said was a little spark of light she is proud to have been in the midst of the dark- the first. ness, and now I feel like “It really is the best the dawn is coming,” she thing I’ve ever done,” the said. former jewellery shop “It’s almost unbelievable owner said. that we’ve managed to roll She got her shot on out the vaccine so success- December 8 – just a week fully. before her 91st birthday – “I’m really grateful to and says she is now look- all my colleagues for the ing forward to going on bravery and courage that holiday,after only retiring they’ve shown throughout four years ago. this pandemic, which has She also hopes her Margaret Keenan (centre), 90, is applauded by staff as she returns to her ward after becoming the first helped us care for our inaugural vaccine will person to receive the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine at University Hospital in Coventry, central England, people and care for our inspire others to follow in on December 8, 2020. (PHOTO: AFP) patients like Maggie.” her steps. Britain is aiming to “I just feel really hon- to go and get it... I hope second. formed a guard of honour have offered a first vaccine oured to have had it done, everyone comes forward.” Britain has now ap- ‘Dawn is coming’ back in December after dose to all adults by to have been the first She got her first dose proved several other jabs, Keenan praised the NHS Keenan – wearing a fes- August. and to have got the ball less than a week after UK and an army of health of- for its pivotal role in the tive Christmas T-shirt – Queen Elizabeth II, rolling,” Keenan said this regulators became the ficials and volunteers have UK’s vaccine rollout, call- got the first jab, admin- who turned 95 this week, week during a call with first in the world to ap- now administered nearly ing its efforts “incredible” istered by nurse May and Prime Minister Boris the state-run National prove the Pfizer/BioNTech 45 million doses – one of and the cherished institu- Parsons. Johnson are among those Health Service (NHS). vaccine for general use, the most successful efforts tion “wonderful”. An NHS veteran of two to have already received “I’m telling everyone and has since had her globally. Medics cheered and decades originally from jabs. The Barbados Advocate Saturday April 24, 2021 • 15

SpaceX launches 3rd crew with recycled rocket and capsule CAPE CANAVERAL, start a tradition. Fla. – SpaceX launched “If you have rapid and four astronauts into complete reusability,then orbit on Friday using that is the gateway to the a recycled rocket and heavens. That’s what capsule, the third crew we’re trying to get done, flight in less than a and the support of NASA year for Elon Musk’s makes a huge difference,” rapidly expanding Musk said after the company. launch. The astronauts from Just a week ago, NASA the US, Japan and France awarded SpaceX a nearly should reach the $3 billion contract to pro- International Space vide the lunar lander that Station early Saturday will deliver astronauts to morning, following a 23- the surface of the moon – hour ride in the same Musk’s Starship, intended Dragon capsule used by to be fully reusable to at- SpaceX’s debut crew last tain his ultimate prize of May. They’ll spend six carrying astronauts to months at the orbiting Mars and building a city A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon space capsule lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space lab. there. Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Friday, April 23, 2021. (AP PHOTO/JOHN RAOUX) It was the first time Flying in a recycled SpaceX reused a capsule capsule on Friday pro- Hoshide and France’s take advantage of better and rocket to launch as- vided a bit of déjà vu for Thomas Pesquet, the first weather along the East tronauts for NASA, after NASA astronaut Megan European to launch in a Coast in case of a launch Putin opponent years of proving the capa- McArthur. She launched commercial crew capsule. abort and emergency bility on station supply in the same seat in the It was a stunning scene: splashdown. runs.The rocket was used same capsule as her hus- The launch plume glowed “You’re seeing a piece Navalny ends hunger last November on the band, Bob Behnken, did against the dark sky, re- of history happening company’s second astro- during SpaceX’s first crew flecting the sunlight at here,” said Lance Bryan, strike in Russian jail naut flight. flight. This time, it was high altitude. visiting from Burnsville, Embracing the trend, Behnken and their 7-year- Despite the early hour, Minnesota. “It’s, in this RUSSIA’S main opposi- denied being behind spacecraft commander old son waving goodbye. spectators lined sur- case, good history versus tion figure Alexei the attack, but last Shane Kimbrough and his McArthur blew kisses and rounding roads to watch some other things that Navalny has announced December Navalny crew weeks ago wrote offered virtual hugs. the Falcon take flight an can happen that have he is ending his hunger tricked an FSB agent their initials in the Also flying SpaceX on hour before sunrise. Lift- been in our backyard strike after 24 days of into revealing that a rocket’s soot, hoping to Friday: Japan’s Akihiko off was delayed a day to practically.” refusing food in jail. Novichok agent had been Hours earlier his placed in his underpants. private doctors had Navalny was sent to a appealed to him to take penal colony in February food to preserve his life for over two and a half and health. years, after a court ruled Navalny began refus- he had broken the terms ing food on 31 March to of a suspended jail term, demand better medical even though he had care. been in a coma. Russia He said he had twice rejected a ruling from been seen by civilian the European Court of doctors and “given the Human Rights that he progress and circum- should be freed because stances, I am ending my his life was at risk. hunger strike”. Thousands of Navalny The process would be supporters took to the gradual, he added in an streets of Russian cities Instagram post. on Wednesday and more His doctors had than 1,700 were ar- warned at the weekend rested. he could die “at any Navalny has com- minute”. Late on plained of numbness Thursday, they warned and back pain and said him that “further starva- he had not been given tion” could significantly proper treatment by harm him and lead to his prison doctors. death. In his message from President Vladimir the penal colony in Putin’s foremost critic,he Vladimir, east of Moscow, was detained as soon as Navalny said he was still he returned to Russia in determined to be seen by January, after receiving a doctor of his choice. “I The Crew Dragon space capsule astronauts, from front left, European Space Agency astronaut Thomas treatment in Berlin for am losing feeling in areas Pesquet, NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough and Japan Aerospace a nerve-gas attack in of my arms and legs, and Exploration Agency astronaut Akihiko Hoshide leave the Operation and Checkout Building on their way to Siberia that left him in I want to understand board the capsule for a mission to the International Space Station at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape coma and fighting for his what it is and how to Canaveral, Fla., on Friday, April 23, 2021. (AP PHOTO/JOHN RAOUX) life. Russian authorities treat it,” he said. 16 • Saturday April 24, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Caitlyn Jenner announces bid for California governor CAITLYN JENNER restrictions. has announced she Jenner described has filed the herself as a “proven paperwork to run for winner” in her California governor. statement, adding that The former Olympic she is the “only outsider athlete and reality TV who can put an end to star confirmed the news Gavin Newsom’s on her Twitter account disastrous time as a earlier on Friday. governor”. A recall election in the Caitlyn Jenner has state could be confirmed been described as the this month after a highest-profile American petition against current to come out as governor Gavin Newsom transgender. reached the number She announced she required to trigger a was transgender in 2015 vote. in an interview with Voters would be asked broadcaster Diane if they want Newsom to Sawyer on ABC, and said stay or another the star said she had candidate. been wrestling with her According to the Axios gender since childhood. news site, Jenner has put The former athlete together a team that won a gold medal at the includes some of former The former Olympic athlete announced her bid on Montreal Games in 1976. President Donald Friday. Before transitioning, Trump’s advisers. she was married to Kris “Californians want through,” she added. election go ahead, it Jenner and the pair had better and deserve better Jenner promised that would be the fourth two daughters, Kendall from the governor,” a her campaign will be one governor recall in US and Kylie. The family statement from Jenner of “solutions” and provide history. were stars of the hit said. a “roadmap back to Newsom has faced reality show Keeping Up “For too long, career prosperity to turn this criticism for his handling with the Kardashians. politicians have over- state around”. of the pandemic. As Caitlyn Jenner said promised and under- She added that she will infections started to fall, her step-daughter Kim delivered. We need a formally launch her he came under criticism Kardashian had been a leader with the vision campaign at a later date. from business owners for big supporter of her Bridge and resolve to see it Should the recall still enforcing transitioning. The Barbados Advocate SPORTSSPORTS Saturday April 24, 2021 • 17 IPL: KL Rahul helps Punjab Kings ease to win over Mumbai Indians KL Rahul’s 60 not out from 52 balls lowest powerplay score. helped Punjab Kings to an easy nine- However,a 79-run partnership between wicket win over reigning Indian Premier Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav (33) offered League champions Mumbai Indians. some hope for Mumbai. The Kings captain shared an unbeaten Rohit played a watchful and composed 79-run partnership with Chris Gayle, who 52-ball knock before he was dismissed by made 43 not out as they chased down 132 seamer Mohammed Shami. with 2.2 overs to spare in Chennai. Shami and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi Earlier, Mumbai posted a below-par were the pick of the Punjab bowlers, both 131-6, with Rohit Sharma hitting 63. taking 2-21 from their four overs. The five-time winners have now lost In reply, Rahul and Mayank Agarwal three of their five matches in this season’s got off to a quick start, adding 53 for the competition. first wicket before Mayank (25) was KL Rahul has hit three half-centuries in five matches in this year’s Indian Having lost the toss and been asked to dismissed by leg-spinner Rahul Chahar Premier League. bat, Mumbai’s top -order struggled to find in the eighth over. any fluency. Chahar finished with 1-19 and off- Kings innings. capitalising on any wayward bowling to The IPL’s most successful team were spinner Jayant Yadav 0-20 from his four However, Rahul and West Indies give Punjab their second win of the only 21-1 after six overs, their second overs as the pair put the brakes on the veteran Gayle batted patiently, tournament. Brathwaite and Joseph score half centuries WEST INDIES Captain Kraigg Brathwaite made 60 runs for Gloucestershire and Alzarri Joseph scored 61 for Worcestershire as they continued to impressive for their respective county cricket sides in England. Brathwaite’s Gloucestershire were making a reply to Hampshire’s big total of 470 and were 114-2 in their first innings and he shared in second wicket partnership of 88 runs. Brathwaite’s side need another 206 to avoid the follow-on. Joseph scored his 61 runs as his side put on 436 in their first innings against Nottinghamshire. The other players in action yesterday were Kemar Roach who only managed to get one wicket and Miguel Cummins who picked up two wickets. Roach who is turning out for Surrey in his second game thus far and Cummins is playing for Kent. South Africa’s men’s cricket team were most recently in action in a four-match T20 tournament against Pakistan. Cricket SA stripped of right to run sport CRICKET South Africa has been saying it is a “sad day” for cricket in board members are not from the livelihoods are at stake.” stripped of its right to administer the country. provincial unions in the country. South Africa’s men’s team are the sport in the country by sports Mthethwa’s letter added that he A meeting last Saturday was meant scheduled to next play Ireland in July minister Nathi Mthethwa – a move would be informing the ICC of his to see this agreed, but the proposal did in a three-match ODI tournament, which puts the participation of decision “and provide them with my not gain the required support. while the women’s team do not have both the men’s and women’s teams reasons for doing so”. Stavros Nicolaou, chairman of the any firm fixtures until March 2022 at in international matches at risk. Were CSA to be derecognised, it could interim board, confirmed in a statement the Women’s World Cup. CSA has been involved in a number of mean that South Africa’s cricketers on Friday that the board had received Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa is ongoing wrangles about its leadership would not be allowed to play in correspondence from Mthethwa. effectively giving Cricket SA (CSA) and structure for many months, international matches. “It is indeed a very sad day for our until Tuesday afternoon to resolve its resisting efforts to install more Like most sporting governing bodies, country, for cricket, for the millions of ongoing leadership squabbles. independent directors – seen as critical the ICC has strict rules that prohibit fans who love the game and the If it fails to do so, it risks being to tackling corruption. government intervention in the sponsors who have committed to cricket banned and losing its government “I have decided to invoke my powers running of national sports associations. and its grassroots development,”he funding. It would also lose its official by de-funding and de-recognising CSA‚” The current problems stem from said. recognition world-wide, and the South Mthethwa said in a letter to CSA. efforts to change the structure of CSA “But it is a specifically sad day for African men’s and women’s teams could CSA’s interim board responded by – making sure that the majority of the players, staff and others whose lose their national status. 18 • Saturday April 24, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp unhappy with new format LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen teams play at least ten programme for the match it is that the power of Klopp welcomed the fixtures. against supporters has been collapse of the European “Ten games rather than Newcastleexternal-link on recognised in all its glory. Super League (ESL) but six and no idea where to Saturday he said: “Being Stopping the proposal was warned the reformed put them in,” said Klopp. critical of my own your victory – you showed Champions League “The only people who employers isn’t something you cannot and must not format will put further never get asked are the I do easily. be ignored.” pressure on the fixture coaches, the players and “It was a concept I didn’t On Thursday night, schedule. the supporters. like, didn’t support and Manchester City The controversial ESL “Uefa didn’t ask us, the didn’t want to see happen. midfielder Ilkay is “on standby” after nine Super League didn’t ask I think it would have been Gundogan raised concerns of the 12 founding teams us. It’s just always ‘play bad for football.There has over plans to change the withdrew earlier this more games’. The new to be risk and reward in Champions League by week. Champions League, sport, otherwise what’s adding more matches, However, a revamped what’s the reason for that? the point? saying it was just the 36-team Champions Money... I have no idea “It is good that Liverpool “lesser of two evils” League was agreed on how we’re supposed to withdrew and the concept compared to the ESL. Monday. deal with even more has collapsed. That’s good City boss Pep Guardiola “You can’t just introduce games. for football. It’s also good is concerned that adding always more “You can’t have 20 that our owners, via John even more fixtures will competitions,” Klopp said. teams in a league, two cup Henry, have apologised increase the risk of injury “It’s very good that the competitions, ten unreservedly. to players. new Super League is off international games “People can disagree “Of course there will be Former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs is the table, but the new before Christmas – these with me saying this, but more injuries,” he said. charged with three offences. Champions League isn’t things aren’t possible.” my opinion is that our “These guys will finish an great.” ‘It was a concept I didn’t owners have been good for incredibly tough season, The new Champions want to see happen’ – Liverpool. have five or six days off League format is due to Henderson “What matters now, for and then go to their Ryan Giggs start in 2024 and run until Liverpool captain the team and the club, is national teams. at least 2033. Jordan Henderson it was that our relationship with “We have to ask Uefa The number of clubs good news for football that our supporters is and Fifa to extend the competing in it will the ESL had collapsed strengthened on the other year,maybe have 400 days charged with increase from 32 to 36 during an “extraordinary side of this. a year. Maybe then they with a revamped group week for football”. “If there is a positive to can find a solution on assaulting stage that will see all Writing in the Liverpool come from this situation that.” two women WALES manager and December 2017 and former Manchester November 2020. United player Ryan The Football Association Giggs has been charged of Wales (FAW) has with assaulting two confirmed assistant women. manager Robert Page will He is accused of causing take charge of Wales at actual bodily harm to a this summer’s European woman in her 30s and Championships. common assault of a The FAW said there woman in her 20s at an would be a board meeting address in Salford last to “discuss the November. developments and its Giggs, of Worsley, is also impact on the association charged with coercive or and the national team”. controlling behaviour. In his statement, Giggs He has been bailed to added: “I would like to appear at Manchester and wish Robert Page, the Salford Magistrates’ Court coaching staff, the players on April 28. and the supporters every Giggs, 47, said in a success at the Euros this statement he would plead summer.” not guilty to the charges in The former Manchester court. United winger is one of Benoit Paire has lost nine of his ten singles matches this season. “I have full respect for British football’s most- the due process of law and decorated footballers understand the following his 24-year Benoit Paire barred from representing France seriousness of the career at Old Trafford and allegations,” he said. was appointed an OBE in over ‘deeply inappropriate behaviour’ “I look forward to 2007 before winning the clearing my name.” BBC’s Sports Personality BENOIT PAIRE has been most recently for spitting the tour. Paire was previously Greater Manchester of the Year in 2009. barred from representing at the Argentina Open in After his first-round exit sent home from the 2016 Police said officers were He also won 64 caps for France at the Tokyo March. in Monte Carlo on Sunday, Olympics in Rio for poor called at 22:05 GMT on Wales between 1991 and Olympics in July because The French Tennis Paire said tennis “does not behaviour and breaching November 1 to reports of a 2007 and was appointed of his “deeply inappropriate Federation (FFT) said make me happy anymore” team rules. disturbance at an address national manager in behaviour”. Paire’s behaviour was and criticised the Covid-19 “It is the duty of each in Worsley. January 2018, leading As the French number “totally incompatible with bubble protocols. player and each high-level The force said a woman them to qualification for four and world number 35, the Olympic spirit”. The FFT said Paire had player to respect the values in her 30s was treated for Euro 2020, which has been Paire would have been able Paire has lost nine of his apologised for his of our sport,”FFT president minor injuries at the scene. re-scheduled because of to qualify to represent his ten singles matches this behaviour in Argentina but Gilles Moretton said. Giggs is also accused of Covid-19. He is also co- country. season and has made his comments in Monte Paire has been offered coercive or controlling owner of League Two side He has been criticised for repeated social media posts Carlo meant they would support by the governing behaviour between Salford City. his on-court behaviour, about how “boring” he finds not take him to Tokyo. body. The Barbados Advocate Saturday April 24, 2021 • 19

IOC to produce digital Olympic Virtual Series KINGSTON, Jamaica – The International encouraging the development of physical international federations and gaming The committee said the OVS creates a Olympic Committee (IOC) says it will and non-physical forms of sports in line publishers that will be part of the Olympic stage to connect the physical sporting partner with five International Sports with the recommendations of the IOC’s Virtual Series are: world with the virtual and simulation Federations (IF) and game publishers to Olympic Agenda 2020+5. • World Baseball Softball Confederation sports gaming community, providing an produce the Olympic Virtual Series (OVS), “The Olympic Virtual Series is a new, (WBSC) – eBaseball Powerful Pro opportunity to engage with the Olympic the first-ever, Olympic-licensed event for unique Olympic digital experience that Baseball 2020, Konami Digital Movement. It said each IF will offer its physical and non-physical virtual sports. aims to grow direct engagement with new Entertainment; corresponding event in a format that According to the committee, the series audiences in the field of virtual sports. Its • Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) – maximises online mass participation and will take place ahead of the Olympic conception is in line with Olympic Agenda Zwift, Zwift inc; prioritises inclusivity and participation Games Tokyo 2020 and will begin on May 2020+5 and the IOC’s Digital Strategy. It • World Rowing – Open format; through the OVS. 13, continuing through to June 23. encourages sports participation and • World Sailing – Virtual Regatta, It will allow participants around the It said the series will mobilise virtual promotes the Olympic values, with a Virtual Regatta SAS; and world to compete from home or their sport, esports and gaming enthusiasts all special focus on youth,” IOC President • Fédération Internationale de training facilities in order to generate around the world in order to reach new Thomas Bach said. l’Automobile (FIA) – Gran Turismo, excitement in the build-up to the Olympic Olympic audiences, while also The committee noted that the Polyphony Digital. Games Tokyo 2020, the committee said. Arsenal fans gather to protest against club’s owners MORE than 1 000 Arsenal supporters gathered outside Emirates Stadium before Friday’s game against Everton to protest against owner Stan Kroenke’s role in the failed European Super League. The Gunners were one of the 12 founding members of the competition before withdrawing on Tuesday. The protestors called for Kroenke to leave the club. Fireworks could be heard outside the stadium shortly after kick-off. Shortly afterwards the crowds started Arsenal fans are unhappy that their club had committed to join the controversial European Super League. to disperse. The protests follows similar ones by KSE would like to sell Arsenal I’d be Spotify, tweeted on Friday night that he gathered outside Chelsea’s Stamford Chelsea fans on Tuesday. happy to throw my hat in the ring. would be interested in buying Bridge ground before their game against As a kid growing up, I’ve cheered for Billionaire businessman Daniel Ek, Arsenal. Brighton to protest at their club’s @Arsenal as long as I can remember. If the co-founder and chief executive of Around 1 000 Blues supporters had involvement. Senior Mercedes figure joins rivals Red Bull RED BULL have recruited a senior Red Bull team principal Christian figure from rivals Mercedes to lead Horner said: “Ben comes to this hugely their new Formula 1 engine exciting project as a proven race-winner programme. and as an innovator capable of leading a Ben Hodgkinson, head of mechanical like-minded team of highly skilled engineering at Mercedes High engineers. Performance Powertrains, will become “When Red Bull announced the technical director at Red Bull’s creation of Red Bull Powertrains, it was equivalent department. also announcing a new phase of the It is being set up close to the chassis company’s ambition in F1 – to bring factory in Milton Keynes to take over the every aspect of car design in-house and running of Honda’s engines. to put our destiny in our own hands. Honda will quit F1 at the end of the “The ultimate expression of that is the current season. development of a Red Bull power unit to They have sold their engines and meet the next generation of F1 engine intellectual property to Red Bull. regulations. Red Bull said Hodgkinson would take “Ben’s appointment signals our long- over his new position “once the terms of term intent and we will support him and his current contract with HPP are his team with every available resource fulfilled”. required in order to succeed.” He is currently tied to Mercedes until Hodgkinson said: “It was not easy to the end of 2022, although typically in make the decision to leave HPP after these situations the two parties tend to almost 20 years but the opportunity to negotiate terms for an early release. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen took his first win of the year in a chaotic, take on such a far-reaching and A statement added: “[This is] a key incident-strewn Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. important project is a great honour. leadership role heading up all technical “Red Bull are a serious player in F1 aspects with a key focus on developing engine formula that will increase the Mercedes’ engine base at Brixworth in and have been our biggest rival in the Red Bull’s inaugural power unit, to proportion of power provided by electrical Northamptonshire for two decades and hybrid era, so I’m looking forward to comply with the new Formula 1 energy and also use fully sustainable before that developed engines in both the seeing what we can achieve together in regulations currently planned for 2025.” carbon-neutral fuels. World Rally Championship and for Le this new phase of the company’s The sport is working on defining a new Hodgkinson has been working at Mans. journey.” 20 • Saturday April 24, 2021 The Barbados Advocate

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Lashley Road, St Philip 5,839 sq ft, $150,000 Wembley given

Salters, St George 2 lots 32,760 sq ft, extra last-16 $230,000

TEL: 247-4469 Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Cel: 284-4667 14,876 sq ft. $110,000 tie, Dublin 253-6319 Bushy Park, St. Philip Email: 17,000 sq ft $170,000 caribbeanpropertiesltd loses fixtures @gmail.com Inchcape, St. Philip 4355 sq ft $ 96,000 WEMBLEY has been coronavirus pandemic, given an extra Euro will take place between PROPERTIES Belle, St. George 2020 last-16 tie – which June 11 and July 11. 4 acres $400,000 could involve England The tournament, which Kirtons, St Philip – after Dublin lost its was to be hosted by 12 3 bedroom plus four fixtures because European cities, will – Haggatt Hall, St. Michael 2 bedroom apt 4,790 sq ft of Covid-19 issues. after Dublin’s removal – $685,000 6336 sq ft $126,000 Bilbao’s four games now take place across 11 Under Offer REAL ESTATE have been moved to fellow venues, namely Amity Lodge, Ch Ch Spanish city Seville, while Amsterdam, Baku, 3 bedroom plus Cane Garden, St. Thomas 21,780 sq ft $275,000 Munich will keep the Bucharest, Budapest, 1 bedroom apt 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft Simon matches it is down to host. Copenhagen, Glasgow, 6,646 sq ft $650,000 Private entrance. Sandford, St Philip Dublin’s three group London, Munich, Rome, From $187,681 16,356 sq ft $300,000 Yates games have gone to St. Seville and St. Gibbons, Ch Ch Petersburg and its last-16 Petersburg. 3 bedroom plus Ragged Point, St. Philip knockout match will be at Munich keeps its 2 bedroom apt 8,267 sq ft $166,000 COMMERCIAL wins first Wembley. fixtures after assuring 9,835 sq ft The last-16 tie will European football’s $675,000 (reduced) Rolling Hills, St. George Mount Standfast, St feature the winner of governing body that a 12,000 sq ft James event of Group D, which includes minimum of 14 500 fans – England. 21 per cent capacity – will Breezy Hill, St Philip $310,000 (negotiable) Two properties on 22,714 sq ft. England’s group also be allowed at its games at 3 bedroom, 2 bath features Scotland, Croatia the 70 000-capacity reduced to $298,000 Ocean City, St. Philip Asking $1,200,000 season 6150 sq ft $123,000 and the Czech Republic, Allianz Arena, which will BRITAIN’S Simon Yates and whoever finishes top be known as Football Black Rock, St Michael Black Rock, St. Michael Fortesque, St Philip Warehouse/Storage won his first event of the will play the second- Arena Munich during the 3 bedroom, 1 bath season with victory at the placed Group F team on tournament. Agricultural Land 4000 sf space 23,861 sq ft 6732 sq ft $360,000 Tour of the Alps. 29 June. Ireland’s Minister for 494,500 sq ft $1,100,000 $900,000 (reduced) The 28-year-old Team Wembley will now host Tourism, Culture, Arts, Enterprise, Christ Church Bike Exchange rider had eight matches – England’s Gaeltacht, Sport and 3 bedroom, 2 bath Silver Sands, Foul Bay, St. Philip led the race since winning three group games, two Media, Catherine Martin, 5062 sq ft Christ Church Approved for condos, Tuesday’s second stage. last-16 ties, both semi- said: “We were hopeful $390,000 (reduced) 7,129 sq ft $160,000 39,242 sq ft $1,600,000. He finished 58 seconds finals and the final. that we were all set to ahead of Spaniard Pello Uefa had told host cities host a fantastic The Belle, St George Bushy Park, St. Philip Dover, Christ Church Bilbao with Russian that stadiums must be tournament in Dublin in Plantation style House 24,000 sq ft $190,000 Hotel 18 rooms fully Aleksandr Vlasov in able to hold at least 25 per June. Standing on 4 acres operational $2,950,000 third. cent capacity to be “However, despite our $1.1M Apes Hill, St. James neg German Felix allowed to keep their commitment to hosting 31,000 sq ft upward under offer Grossschartner won fixtures. the games, the public Frere Pilgrim, Large lots at $15 per sq ft Friday’s fifth and final The Football health situation has Christ Church Dalkeith, Christ Church 121km stage between Association has confirmed meant we were not able 3 bedroom, 2 baths with Mount Wilton, St. Thomas 17,371 sq ft approved for Valle del Chiese and Riva Wembley will have that to give Uefa the del Garda after a solo throughout the group assurances they required two bedroom apartment. 15,500 sq ft and 22,066 sq shops and offices attack. stage and chief executive earlier this month in 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 ft $495,000 $300,000 and $220,000 Yates, who finished in Mark Bullingham relation to guaranteeing the peloton, has been believes 50 per cent minimum spectator Hanson Heights, St Roebuck Street, Union, St. Philip Bridgetown using the race as his final capacity (45 000) is a attendance levels.” George warm-up for the Giro “realistic” target for the Bilbao also could not 8321 sq ft $595,000 7560 sq ft Shopping Mall/Office space $150,000 $8,100,000 negotiable d’Italia, which begins in knockout matches. provide guarantees over Sicily on May 8. “We have got until June the presence of fans amid Ealing Grove, “It’s really fantastic,” he 2 to tell them [Uefa] what the coronavirus Thorpes, St. James Batts Rock, St Michael Christ Church said. “The team did a our numbers can be for pandemic, but Uefa says 11,376 sq ft with structure 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths Guest House, 12,078 sq ft great job today,they really the round of 16, semi- Andalusian regional 9320 sq ft $565,000 $235,000 $2,850,000 negotiable controlled the start and finals and final,” authorities had stated “its rode all day and in the Bullingham said. intention of allowing LOTS FOR SALE Cottage, St George Cane Garden, St Thomas final were fantastic again. “Our hope is that we spectators at 30 per cent 5000 sq ft 3.6 acres approved “It was a short day, will be 50 per cent full for of the stadium capacity” Boarded Hall, $110,000 (negotiable) Roadfront there wasn’t so much those games, but clearly in Seville. Christ Church $1,650,000 negotiable action in the [general that’s not our decision, “We have been working 10,429 sq ft $157,000 Morningside, St Philip classification] but it was a that’s for the authorities diligently with the host 4567 sq ft $133,000 Fitts Village, St James really hard day with a lot to make. associations and local Westbury Road, St Guest House, 4 Suites of stress in the peloton “From our perspective authorities to ensure a Michael Jupiter Gardens, St Peter 6,135 sq ft and with that fast descent we think 50 per cent safe and festive 2,520 sq ft $45,360 7312 sq ft $750,000 negotiable to the finish it was always might be more realistic at environment at the $133,000 (negotiable) nervous. the moment, but if the games,” said Uefa “I feel good. Now I just situation improves I president Aleksander Goodland Gardens, Mason Hill Street The City need to look after myself, would love the final to be Ceferin. Christ Church Bagatelle, St. Thomas 26,500 sq ft with buildings try not to get sick, and full. We want as “I am really pleased we 9,605 sq ft $145,000 62000 sq ft into 2 lots $4,000,000 negotiable $520,000 each, or take it from there.” many fans as possible to are able to welcome $1M for both All enquiries to Britain’s Hugh Carthy be able to experience the spectators at all matches Nursery Road, St Philip of EF Education-Nippo Euros.” for a celebration of 9,266 sq ft $139,000 (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 Marley Vale, St Philip or (246) 247 4469 finished fifth overall after Euro 2020, delayed by national team football a strong final day. a year because of the across the continent." The Barbados Advocate Saturday April 24, 2021 • 21

England ATP roundup: paceman Rafael Nadal, Novak Archer to sit Djokovic reach out rest of respective semifinals IPL season, COMING off back-to-back Serbia Open three-set matches, No. 1 World No. 1 Novak Djokovic seed Rafael Nadal rolled to of Serbia crushed countryman says ECB a 6-1, 6-4 win over Great Miomir Kecmanovic 6-1, 6-3 to ENGLAND fast bowler Jofra Britain’s Cameron Norrie reach the semifinals in Archer will sit out the rest of the yesterday to reach the Belgrade. Indian Premier League (IPL) semifinals of the Barcelona A two-time winner of the season as he steps up his Open. event, Djokovic eliminated the training routine following The 11-time Barcelona No. 8 seed in 75 minutes. He surgery for a freak hand injury champion saved two of three won 75 percent of the points last month, England’s cricket break points and took advan- on his first serve (24 of 32), board (ECB) said yesterday. tage of five double faults by compared to 37 percent (11 of Archer, contracted to the Norrie. Nadal will meet fellow 30) for Kecmanovic. Djokovic’s Rajasthan Royals franchise, Spaniard and No. 6 seed Pablo foe Saturday will be underwent surgery to remove a Carreno Busta, who outlasted No. 3 seed Aslan Karatsev of glass fragment from a tendon No. 4 Diego Schwartzman of Russia, who won 6-3, 6-4 on his right hand after an Argentina 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in two against Italy’s Gianluca attempt to clean his fish tank hours and 35 minutes. Mager. went wrong. England fast bowler Jofra Archer Today’s other semifinal pits Unseeded Taro Daniel of The 26-year-old, last season’s No. 2 Stefanos Tsitsipas of Japan meets No. 2 Matteo most valuable player in the IPL, monitor his progress,” the ECB Archer’s absence dealt a major Greece against Italian Berrettini of Italy in the other was cleared to resume light said in a statement. blow to the Royals who also had teenager Jannik Sinner, the semifinal. Daniel rallied for a training earlier this month and “Archer will now step up his England’s Ben Stokes ruled out No. 11 seed. Sinner was a 6-2, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 win is expected to return to training regime starting next for the season after the all- 7-6 (6) winner against No. 3 against Argentina’s Federico competitive action next month. week and will be in full training rounder broke his finger in their Andrey Rublev of Russia, while Delbonis, while Berrettini “Archer returned to bowling with Sussex. It is expected that opening match. Tsistipas eliminated No. 10 struck nine aces in a this week with higher intensity, he will return to cricket in the The Royals are at the bottom Felix Auger-Aliassime of 6-4, 6-4 win against fifth- and the ECB and Sussex next fortnight if he can continue of the standings with one win Canada 6-3, 6-3. seeded Serbian Filip medical teams will continue to to bowl and prepare pain-free.” in four games. Krajinovic. 22 • Saturday April 24, 2021 The Barbados Advocate Japan declares virus emergency in Tokyo as Olympics near JAPAN has announced pandemic began. emergency Covid measures “I sincerely apologise for in Tokyo and three other causing trouble for many people areas in a bid to curb rising again,” he said. “It is feared that infections, just three months contagion in major cities will before the country is set to spread across the whole country host the Olympics. if we take no measures.” The government said the state Under the rules, major of emergency – set to last for commercial facilities like about two weeks – would be department stores will close, as “short and powerful”. well as restaurants, bars, and Under the measures, bars will karaoke parlours serving be required to close and big alcohol. sporting events will be held Restaurants that do not serve without spectators. alcohol are being told to close It is the third time a state of emergency has been declared in Tokyo over the pandemic. The government has insisted early, and companies are being that the Olympics will go ahead asked to make arrangements for precautions immediately. In an Hopkins University. situation improves with the in July. people to work remotely.Schools effort to discourage people from But there are concerns over countermeasures the Prime Minister Yoshihide will remain open. going out at night, she said the latest rise in infections, with government, Tokyo, and other Suga announced the measures The emergency measures illuminations and neon signs reports of hospital bed shortages regional governments have put yesterday, saying they would coincide with the country’s would be turned off. in some areas. into place,” she said. begin tomorrow and remain in “Golden Week” holiday, which The coronavirus toll in Japan Tokyo 2020 president Seiko “We, as Tokyo 2020, continue to place until 11 May.In addition to runs from late April to the first has been much lower than in Hashimoto said at a news wish for the swift return to Tokyo, the prefectures of Osaka, week of May and is the busiest many other countries, with about conference on Friday that normalcy and will continue to Kyoto and Hyogo will be affected. travel period of the year. 558,000 cases and fewer than organisers were not considering work closely with the relevant It marks the third state of Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike 10,000 deaths, according to cancelling the event. parties to make sure a safe and emergency in Japan since the urged residents to start taking figures collated by Johns “I hope the coronavirus secure Olympics can happen.” The Barbados Advocate Saturday April 24, 2021 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A ARIES (March 21-April 19). Join your friends in N making plans for a future party, group trip or social D event. It will feel exciting to have something special to look forward to. Your creative ideas will inspire oth- C ers and will bring social success. You've been driving O yourself hard and it is time to reduce commitments N and enjoy yourself more. S TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Helping to raise money for a good cause will raise your professional stature. Your social network will expand as a result of the work you are doing in the community. Ahigh pro- file employer is taking a strong interest in your vol- unteer efforts. Devoting more energy to charity work and spiritual pursuits will cultivate contentment. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It takes time for love Z and trust to build. That's why you can't pretend to love I someone when you don't. Maybe you will one day but T you can't reassure a new partner that you feel the S same way about them as they do for you if this is a lie. They're expecting too much too soon. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Working with people who are scrupulously fair will give you the confidence to make some cautious but irreversible changes. Discussions about ethics will draw you closer to- gether. You intend to keep to your word and there will be no backtracking. In this way those you are work- ing with know where they are with you. R LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Much to your surprise an E older relative who hasn't always been supportive of X your aims, will be instrumental in helping you realise a special goal. At last you are making good progress M towards achieving a long-term aim. There may still O be a way to go but without a doubt, you are getting R there. G VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Everything is in place A for things to get better. Consistency and caution will N help keep a group project going strong. A conscien- tious manager is never too busy to listen to your queries. They will resolve issues before they become too problematic. Try not to worry so much about triv- ial issues. These can be easily sorted out another time. LIBRA(Sept. 23-Oct. 23).All the time and effort you have put into achieving a goal is starting to yield im- P pressive results. Although there is still a lot you have H to do, stick with it. Now you are starting to reap the A rewards of your determined efforts, this proves all the N hard work was worth it. T SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Decluttering your O household will give you a strong sense of satisfaction. M A recent clear-out in your working environment will make you feel more in control. You have always pre- ferred working in tidy surroundings. Be realistic when discussing future deadlines. Don't agree to anything that might put you under too much pressure. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Travel or holi- day plans for the future will come under discussion. The destination agreed on may not have been your M first choice but it will be a realistic one at this point A in time. The only decision left now is to decide on a R suitable date. If you're feeling restless and unfulfilled, Y now would be a good time to look elsewhere for stimulation. W CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19).Apartner or close O friend is starting to take your love and support for R granted. Relationships need time and effort. Unless T someone takes off their rose-tinted glasses, they will H lose you. You're tired of being in the type of relation- ship where you are the one who is doing all the giv- ing. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Discussions are more of a guide than a set of specific things that are M likely to happen over time. You understand that in un- O certain times it is impossible in some areas to agree T on anything definite. Having some idea of goals a H group is heading towards is a good start to working E together as a team. R PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You've always been able to rely on your intuition. Your psychic antennae G will help you sense what your friends and family O can't put into words. Whether they can't find the right O S words or they are struggling to express their feelings, E your sensitivity will help create a supportive atmos- phere. Brathwaite and Joseph score half centuries – Page 17 Saturday April 24, 2021 State of emergency extended THE Parliament of Barbados of the people of Barbados,” said fought gains could be lost in the has given the green light to an Attorney General and Minister twinkling of an eye almost, as extension of the State of of Legal Affairs Dale Marshall. they were lost at the start of Emergency until September 25. “Barbadians are not people the year,” he warned. The Resolution to extend the who are and have grown The Attorney General told Emergency Management Act, accustomed to things like the House that having Cap 160A for a further five curfews – days where you can’t consulted with the Minister of months, starting from April 26 access supermarkets; hours Health, the Chief Medical was passed in the House of when you can’t do various Officer and the Cabinet Sub- Assembly,yesterday. This State things – that has not been our Committee on COVID – they all of Emergency,which is the third life for generations past. But feel that it is vital to extend the within the last 14 months, will unfortunately COVID has put State of Emergency, so as to be allow government to continue us in a place whereas a country able to have a legal framework COVID-19 directives in its fight we have had to impose and which allows for the imposition to overcome the pandemic. accept the imposition of of restrictions. “It is sad that we are still in restrictions on our freedom. While expressing support to this place, but the fact of the “One thing is certain is that if the Government’s decision to matter is that we always knew we do not stay the course in extend the Public Health that fighting the coronavirus terms of maintaining a Emergency, Opposition Leader would require long and discipline in our society,in how Bishop Joseph Atherley sustained action on the part of we deal with the COVID however questioned why until the government, and long and protocols – how we deal with September. sustained discipline on the part each other – then those hard- EXTENSION on Page 6 PM ADDRESSES WATER WOES IN a bid to give relief to water- purchase of water on a weekly an easy one, she pleaded with starved districts in this basis – two to two-and-a-half those affected to be patient with country, the government is million gallons a week until such the government as “we will get on receiving aid from two of its time as we can complete the top of the water issues”. Caricom counterparts to reservoir and the pump station Moments earlier she spoke on improve supplies. with Vineyard and Castle Grant the work being done by the Prime Minister Mia Mottley being serviced with the Barbados Water Authority to announced on Thursday night, appropriate water coming address the long-standing water the island’s already strained through Golden Ridge from the issues plaguing northern and water resources was placed under Vineyard point. That will mean eastern districts. tremendous pressure due to the that we would be taking water “We are waiting now to start volcanic ash clean up over the from the well field from Groves mains that have to go from St. past week, leaving many rural that can give us another two Stephens Hill to Lodge Hill, which districts without the precious million gallons. will allow ultimately for water to resource. “But until such time as I said go into the mains to go to Shop To help address the problem, that work finishes, which we Hill, such that the people of she said her administration is expect in the near future, and Bagatelle and Kew Land and moving to purchase water from certainly within the next three other areas will get water. Of Dominica until the various water months that that will be course,Castle Grant supplies the alleviation projects across several completed, then we can hopefully majority of St. Joseph and a few parishes were up and running. discontinue these kinds of other surrounding parishes,” it In addition, she revealed that a temporary and transient means was further noted. shipment of water arrived in the of providing water to the people of She pointed out that the BWA island earlier this week from St. Joseph and to the people of had been directed to “increase the Guyana. surrounding areas.In Boscobelle, level of delivery of water and “Our brothers and sisters in they have also had some issues ensure that the tanks that are Guyana have sent up, and I and with the Hope back on that there are all appropriately believe it came in today or should ease us,” she continued. serviced and that more tanks are yesterday and will be dispatched Mottley noted that government put into the field, so that those this weekend to households. In was also hoping to have a communities that have been addition to that, we are in the temporary solution to supplement without can be immediately middle of concluding in St. Lucy what was being done serviced”, as well as to be better at arrangements with the in the north. communicating with affected Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley government of Dominica for the Admitting the situation was not districts.

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