Established October 1895 New fire station,

legislation overhaul coming PAGE 2

Thursday December 17, 2020 $1 VAT Inclusive Education programme needed ahead of COVID-19 vaccine A DETAILED education programme is needed on the COVID-19 vaccine, before it is presented to the Barbadian public. Chairman of Committees, Dr. Sonia Browne, suggested the above, whilst speaking at the level of Parliament recently. “It is OK to tell the Barbadian public to take the vaccine, don’t mind the rumours, it is for your own good, but we have to spend a lot of time on education. It cannot be only governmental policy.We have to co-ordinate well with the players, the medical professionals, so that we have an educational system in place before we bring the information Bathsheba resident, Tricia Gill, had the honour of cutting the ribbon, officially opening the newly rebuilt Joes River Pedestrian to the public,” Dr. Browne, Bridge. To her right are Attorney General Dale Marshall, MP for St. Joseph and Chairman of the Tourism Development Corporation, who is a family physician, Martin Ince. commented. “There are people that have fears of vaccination, real fears, basically because they don’t understand it and we need to address it. I have had big men crawl under my office table to BRIDGE REOPENS avoid an injection, big men faint away in my chair to avoid THE Joes River Pedestrian an injection. So it is not as Bridge has not been simple as saying the vaccine operational for the past will be here soon, you have to 15 years, but thankfully take it, make it mandatory.I’ve it was recently rebuilt seen things on Facebook saying and officially reopened make it mandatory, but it’s a yesterday. lot more than that,” she added. The reopening saw Attorney “Even the simple vaccines General Dale Marshall, MP for that we have been giving for St. Joseph, along with those years, it is not as bad as it was, who had made the rebuilding say ten years ago, but up to now possible, including Joe it is challenging (to have some Brooker’s Building Limited and people take it) and parents several residents come together cannot tell you why either. for the historic event. One Other than the obvious of the co-ordinators of the allergies, which aren’t common, initiative, Edward Ince, stated they cannot tell you why they that the pedestrian bridge do not want the vaccine. Some represented an important are for religious reasons, but link between Cattlewash and you are usually able to turn Bathsheba, and facilitated them over,” the St. Philip North economic and cultural activity Member of Parliament further for both locals and visitors. commented. “People working in the area She therefore stressed, “So had to walk up the hill, let us take the vaccine a little including students from the more seriously than just saying Alleyne School and hikers had it is coming, you have to take it. to climb the rocks to travel Barbadians are smart. We did from the East Coast side not educate them for no good to Bathsheba,” said the reason. They are smart and co-ordinator. they just need the information and I believe most people will BRIDGE on Page 3 The newly rebuilt Joes River Pedestrian Bridge. be on board.” (RSM) 2 • Thursday December 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

The proud new members of the Barbados Fire Service with Minister of Home Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams (front row, fifth from left); and Chief Fire Officer, Errol Maynard (fifth from right). New fire station, legislation overhaul coming

THE assurance was Barbados Fire Prevention given that a new fire and Code Enforcement station is still on the Unit, the Fire Service cards and will be a Administration headquar- reality in the “very ters and the Emergency near future”. Ambulance Service. It came from Minister “It is anticipated that of Home Affairs, Wilfred this will provide a frame- Abrahams, as he ad- work for closer collabor- dressed the closing cere- ation and working rela- mony of the Barbados Fire tionship between the Academy Auxiliary Fire Emergency Ambulance Officers Recruit Class #39 Service and the BFS. It at the Samuel Jackman therefore makes strategic Prescod Institute of sense to have these two Technology yesterday entities housed together morning. and working together. Minister of Home Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams, presents He stated that the new Such an arrangement will Rashawn Payne with the Best at Practical Award. fire service headquarters benefit both personnel of complex will be con- the Service and the public shorter response times Minister Abrahams structed at Prince Road, of Barbados as it provides from medical and trauma noted it will also allow the The Most Outstanding Recruit Award was presented The Pine, St. Michael and an opportunity for a calls and routine joint re- sharing of resources to Dylan Scantlebury. is expected to house the greater range of training, sponses to assist the pub- such as a central dispatch Barbados Fire Station, the acquisition of skills, much lic of Barbados,” he said. centre, maintenance and rescue service that re- not only for its staff, but workshop facilities and sponds to the demands of for other professionals in living quarters. “These the 21st century.” the industry as well as the provisions can only trans- The Minister used the general public, both local late to better and more opportunity to commend and regional.” efficient services to the the BFS for the work car- He congratulated the public at less cost to the ried out and the attempt to newest members to the taxpayers of Barbados.” augment the department Fire Service and congrat- It was also announced through skill sets, which ulated all 23 officers that there will be a com- he said signals the deliber- for sticking to the pro- plete and comprehensive ate intention to assist in gramme, which he said is overhaul of the Fire the provision of pre-hospi- deliberately difficult. “Let Service Act, which is just tal care in Barbados. the same drive propel your shy of 60 years old. “Since “It is already well careers as firefighters and 1961, there has been no known that the Service heroes in Barbados.There large-scale revision of the has the lead in search and is a nobility in this pro- Act or any attempts to rescue as well as the man- fession that must not be modernise and to bring it agement of hazardous ma- taken for granted. I am in line with current prac- terials, which means the aware you are not the first tices in the field. The pro- modern recruits must be EMTs in the field, but you posed overhaul is intended multiskilled and must are the first to receive to allow the BFS to evolve be equipped to perform this training as a critical into a comprehensive fire effectively and completely component of your recruit- management and rescue from the very beginning. ment programme. Much is Chief Fire Officer, Errol Maynard, presents the Most Outstanding in Theory operation, which can de- The Service is also paying therefore expected of you,” Award to Recruits Dylan Scantlebury, Kemar Batson and Stefan Belgrave. liver a modern fire and much attention to training he said. (JH) The Barbados Advocate Thursday December 17, 2020 • 3

More NHC tenants to own units SOME 2,574 National Housing Upgrades being done to electrical networks and sewage systems date, he said critical repair work has Corporation (NHC) terraced units been undertaken; and unsafe and remain to be transferred to qualify- I will be returning to this House to tors to carry out similar work on various unsanitary sewage systems totalling ing tenants under the Government’s amend the relevant legislation to fast- housing estates. Work relating to the 135 wells and septic tanks, in at least transfer of units programme. track this process. Seventeen years since electrical upgrades commenced at 10 housing estates, were identified for That’s according to Minister of this project started is much, much too Ferniehurst [and] Rosemount estates rehabilitation. Housing, Lands and Maintenance, Dr. long. These tenants deserve to have the earlier this month. The Board has indi- “As at October 31 this year, 73 sewage William Duguid. Speaking in the House security of tenure we had promised and cated that approximately 500 units will systems have been rehabilitated at a of Assembly earlier this week, Duguid to exercise their full rights of ownership be upgraded annually over the next five cost of $1,706,475. We still have our chal- said these units are being maintained by like everyone else,” he said. years, but because of the timeline we lenges with the work, Mr. Speaker, be- the NHC, free of charge to tenants, who, He made the point while noting that have set ourselves for the transfer of cause it is painstaking and messy work, he added, are also no longer paying rent the NHC has given a commitment to all units, I have challenged the NHC to much of which has been neglected for for them. His comments came as he said tenants that the units will all be safe double that output,” he stated. years, but we will stay the course and get that concerted efforts are being made and secure prior to being transferred. The minister went on to say that the the job done,” he added. to have the ownership of those units With that in mind, he said that the NHC has made steady progress refur- The minister went on to say that they turned over to the tenants. Government has spent $2.23 million to bishing its wells and sewage systems, in have established a WhatsApp number “I want to assure this Honourable upgrade the electrical work in 313 units an effort, he said, to make the surround- 266-1854, which tenants can use to re- House that this Government plans to in the housing estates at Haynesville, ings more wholesome and safe for the port urgent complaints so that they can ensure that almost 100 per cent of ten- Thorpes and Bagatelle. tenants and Barbadians in general. He be addressed in a speedy fashion. He is ants will receive their title to their units “This was a pilot programme which disclosed that during the third quarter therefore encouraging persons to make within the next two years. We have al- the National Housing Corporation has of 2019, the NHC was tasked to carry use of the facility to report any concerns ready assembled a team which is work- since expanded by engaging the service out the sewage system refurbishment they are facing in or around their units, ing feverishly on this solution and soon of an additional 11 electrical contrac- programme at a cost of $2 million. To so that they can be dealt with. (JRT)

Co-ordinator for the Joes River Pedestrian Bridge initiative, Edward Ince, explained that the walkway was an important link between Cattlewash and Bathsheba.

AT RIGHT:Tourists from the UK traverse the bridge, just after it was officially reopened. Marshall wants ‘entire Bathsheba area come to life again’ BRIDGE from Page 1 individuals, the bridge was rebuilt. AG Marshall also expressed his hap- the Government would be looking to The signage for the bridge was done piness at seeing the work completed to break ground in January 2021, for a Ince explained that Manager of Joe in collaboration with the Tourism rebuild the link to Bathsheba. He stated new Bathsheba community facility. Brooker’s Building Limited, Damian Development Corporation, the that it showed what a little effort could “My vision is that we will see the Brooker, had approached him and ex- Barbados Museum and the Future do to bring history back to life. entire Bathsheba area come to life pressed an interest in rebuilding the Centre Trust. “It is important to bring locations like again in much the same way perhaps bridge. The location of the pedestrian bridge this back to life. There is probably no as Oistins and St. Lawrence Gap as a “He told me he wanted to rebuild the also provides a strategic connection to one in this area still alive who would bustling place. I have always felt that bridge and I asked him what was stop- the Barbados Railway that was once a remember seeing trains come over this we could support small food businesses ping him, he pondered and said maybe very active part of the transportation particular area, but many would know and other kinds of enterprises in a way some funding. He went through the infrastructure of the area. The vision of this footbridge,” he said. that does not completely commercialise design and I told him to build it and of the $50,000 pedestrian bridge is to Marshall highlighted the current it, because people still live there and we will find the funds,” explained Ince. provide a pathway for visitors and projects being done in Bathsheba and children still play there. It is important After about ten days, a couple trucks locals to hike and explore the environs said he believed that the community to maintain and protect its beach side of lumber from Carter’s General Store, of Bathsheba that would usually be could become an alternative food and beauty while allowing for small busi- hard work and conversations with con- inaccessible due to the rough and entertainment site to Oistins for locals nesses to thrive,” said the St. Joseph tributors including local entities and rugged terrain. and visitors. He also announced that MP. (AS) 4• Thursday December 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Call for additional time off for essential workers IN addition to any Honourable Prime when we were busy ap- token of appreciation monetary contribution Minister said this morn- plauding frontline work- should be given.” which Government ing in relation to recognis- ers every Wednesday, I He then stressed that gives to the essential ing the worth and the said then in this House consideration should be workers who have done value and the contribu- and I said it elsewhere, given to these workers to and are doing their best tion, especially of those that there should be some have some “time off from to keep the country who have been on the monetary token of expres- their regular duties, once safe and afloat in the frontline of this charge and sion, of appreciation and we settle back down as a midst of the COVID-19 of this fight and she did in a tangible way that ap- country”. pandemic, they should say that subject to consul- preciation should be ex- “Some of them have also get some addi- tation with the unions, pressed. So I support that,” gone beyond the call and tional time off when the that Government will seek he added. have worked over hours dust settles, apart from in its capacity to give at He pointed out, “I know and extra hours and even their regular scheduled least a one-off monetary Government is limited on their Sabbath, to ad- holiday. award as a show of appre- with respect to finances, minister (aid) to others Leader of the ciation on behalf of the na- though if you check on the and I believe that in addi- Opposition, Bishop Joseph tion and the Government, monies being spent on con- tion to their monetary Atherley, suggested the for those who have given sultants and professional award, which will come, above as he made his con- their energies in leading services, you wouldn’t that there should be an tribution to the Barbados from the front, the fight think so. But certainly award of some extra time Humanitarian Service against COVID and pro- there are limits with re- in addition to their normal Award Bill, 2020, which tecting the rest of us. So spect to the finances avail- annual holiday which is was recently debated at I support that notion,” able to them, but I think it given to them, to show ap- the level of Parliament. Atherley commented. would be a worthy gesture preciation,” the Opposition Leader of the Opposition, Bishop Joseph Atherley. “I support what the “In fact, months ago, if in fact that monetary Leader suggested. (RSM) Moore: Go a step further Husbands seeks to GOVERNMENT must the social care workers not stop at delivering a who of course performed reassure Barbadians humanitarian service outstandingly. Permit me award to essential front- not to focus on the politi- about COVID-19 vaccine line workers who worked cians who led extremely to keep the country afloat well in their various port- BARBADIANS are once lation that the PM and at the height of the folios, to bring us through again being reassured Minister of Health and COVID-19 pandemic in what has been a very that whenever a COVID- team that will be working Barbados, but should also challenging year as 19 vaccine is selected for on our vaccination pro- seek to address some of we have been battling use here, it will be safe gramme will address it the labour issues, such as COVID-19. Permit me not for use. with the same provision lack of job security and to focus on those in the es- Minister in the as they did with our workplace hazards that sential areas, the gener- Ministry of Foreign quarantining and safe- affect them. ally classified essential Trade, Sandra Husbands, guarding our ports and Member of Parliament areas like policing and so made this clear while ensuring people had for St. George North, Toni on, who we would expect speaking in the Lower something to eat,” she Moore, stressed the above, in times of crisis to step up House yesterday during argued. even as she threw her to the plate, but permit the debate on the Husbands also urged support behind the me to focus on those in the Barbados Humanitarian those within the medical Barbados Humanitarian gas stations, in the bak- Service Award Bill, 2020. profession especially to Service Award Bill, 2020, eries, in the supermar- She was seeking to educate Barbadians on which was recently kets, delivery workers, calm fears of any citizen the importance of the debated at the level of transport workers, those who may have doubts re- vaccine and to calm fears. Parliament. Moore who kept our water and garding the immunisa- “We need to reassure stressed that this “hidden sewerage intact,” Moore tion, suggesting many them that we will pres- army of workers”, once commented. countries around the ent them with what is the undervalued, are now “Those in our courts, world were fighting this best possible vaccine that gaining recognition, who notwithstanding battle. can be used that will be which is good, but the their own anxieties, who “We have seen across safe and effective and Government can go a step notwithstanding their the media that a number they need not have any further in looking out for own fears, generally of people have been scep- fear in so taking,” she their interest. presented by operating tical and we have to take stated. “The Bill contemplates within the unknown, be- care that this does not Moments earlier, the giving recognition to what cause COVID-19 was new grow here, because vac- minister stated that the trade union move- to everybody and it was cinations are important the Ministry of Foreign ment worldwide recog- scary, because it was Member of Parliament for St. George North, Toni to our health and is how Affairs was doing all it nises as a hidden army of killing people all over the Moore. the world defeated a could in terms of ensur- workers and why we re- world. Permit me to focus number of diseases that ing the island could ac- gard it as a hidden army on these people who were have to recognise them,” ers, face stark inequalities used to carry off popula- cess the vaccinations, of workers, is that in called upon to deliver us Moore further noted. relating to their pay that tions, all across Africa insisting all countries many respects, the work- through the crisis and She later stressed, “We have to be addressed. and Europe. must do the same. ers that have been on the who stepped up to the cannot stop at a humani- Their job security – that “Vaccinations have “We cannot get the eco- frontline of COVID-19 plate selflessly,” she tarian award of service. has to be addressed; the saved lives, but there is nomic recovery that we have not been workers added. We cannot stop at a pin. hazards that they face in so much misinformation need, so everyone must that were regarded by and “The trade union move- Whatever designation, their workplaces. So the that is already in social recover so that the world large by many people as ment regards these work- whatever form it takes be- question is not if we are media, and being spread must go on and people being significant,” Moore ers as the hidden army of cause many of these very doing the right thing, but abroad and legitimately can live their lives and said. workers, because as I said, workers, key workers, es- how do we move beyond persons will have con- so that battle is still en- “So permit me not to many of them were never sential workers, frontline that to do the right thing cerns, but I want to as- joined,” she stated. mention the doctors, or valued before, but now we workers, important work- for these workers.” (RSM) sure the Barbadian popu- (JMB) The Barbados Advocate Thursday December 17, 2020 • 5

HIV Food Bank welcomes increase in donations

By Marsha Gittens the agency. and that has also contin- ingly, despite it was a the national shutdown So we had the challenge “If Christmas was ued so far throughout hard year, we are seeing which was due to the in that we were trying THERE has been a every day,we would have the month of December our donors and even new COVID-19 pandemic, to meet the need of that marked increase in no problem. As usual, we and we expect that it people reaching out there was an increase in demand. It also saw a items being donated have seen a marked would probably continue wanting to donate this clients requesting food drop in contributors at to the HIV Food Bank increase in donation into early January.” December, so that has assistance from the Food the time too, so we were this month. since December started. She continued, been really great.” Bank. Similarly, there kind of working with less Manager of the Food December 1st was World “December is always a Reflecting on the past was a drop in donations but more clients, so that Bank, Stacia Whittaker, AIDS Day,so we had per- much easier month for months, the Community being received from in- for us was challenging. stated this is welcomed sons at least inquiring us because we have the Nutrition Officer stated dividuals and groups. Also, because the chil- as 2020 has been a about contributing lead- supplies coming, we have this year, particularly “Many people were dren were home, heads challenging year for ing up to December 1st our donors and surpris- during the period of laid off obviously during of households who would that time and during normally access our that time too we saw an Food Bank were asking increase in clients ask- for additional food sup- ing for food assistance. plies.”

Wanted men being sought by Police THE Royal Barbados build. He has a low afro know the whereabouts vised that Rhys Trotman Police Force is seeking hairstyle, an oval-shaped of Rhys Trotman or and Brandon Allamby are the assistance of the pub- face and wide-set eyes. Brandon Rommel considered armed and lic in locating wanted Rhys Trotman and Allamby, is asked to dangerous and caution men Rhys Antone Brandon Allamby are contact the CID at The should be exhibited when Ricardo Trotman and advised that they can Hastings/Worthing Police approaching. Brandon Rommel present themselves Station at Telephone Members of the public Allamby, alias “Breads”, to the CID at The number 430-7219, Police are also reminded that it who are wanted for ques- Hastings/Worthing Police Emergency at 211, Crime is a serious offence to har- tioning in connection Station accompanied by Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS bour or assist wanted per- with serious criminal an attorney-at-law of (8477), or the nearest sons; any person caught matters. their choice. police station. committing this offence Trotman, whose last Any person, who may The public is hereby ad- can be prosecuted. known addresses are 2nd Avenue Vauxhall, Christ Church or The Pine, St. Michael, is approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, Unnatural death investigation brown complexion and of a slim build. He has POLICE are carrying out Police responded to a re- Police are appealing a low afro hairstyle, an investigations into the port of gunshots being to anyone who may have oval-shaped face and a circumstances surround- heard in the area of information about this small nose. ing the unnatural death Miller’s Road, Farm Road, shooting incident, to con- Allamby, whose last of Canute Ward, age 36 St. Peter,on arrival Police tact Police Emergency known address is years, formerly of discovered the body of at 211, District ‘E’ Police Bamboo Road, St. Darrell’s Hill St. Michael. Canute Ward lying in a Station at 419-1730, Lawrence Gap, Christ The facts are on pathway, he was pro- Crime Stoppers at 1-800- Church, is approximately Monday, December 14, nounced dead at the TIPS (8477) or any Police 5 feet 4 inches tall, brown 2020 about 9:40 p.m. scene. Station. complexion and of a slim 6 • Thursday December 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

PAHO/WHO prepared for other potential outbreaks

Information from Back Page

therapeutics, diagnostics and preven- tion tools and the preparation of the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. He noted the new pillar being used by PAHO/WHO is the COVID-19 vaccine. “We are preparing countries to receive this new COVID-19 vaccine as a new tool to impact the work of the organisation.” Dr. Gebre stressed however, that the wearing of masks, the washing and sanitising of hands and maintaining so- cial distance will continue to be critical. “Especially as we are coming close to the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kenneth George and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Janet Phillips holiday season. It is important to save attended the function held at Mahogany Ridge on Monday evening to recognise the role played by the media during the lives. Even though the holiday is usually pandemic. to come closer and be together with the family.” are still ensuring that they are ready for effort. “The way forward for 2020 – is developed over 100 technical guidelines While the current focus is predomi- potential outbreaks such as dengue or working together. We have to save lives; and recommendations, developed and nantly on the pandemic, Dr. Gebre gave any other viral diseases. He emphasised we have to work as one and build back adopted on how to treat and follow-up the assurance that PAHO/WHO officials however,that this must be a collaborative better,” he said. persons with COVID 19,” he said. Dr. Gebre while highlighting some of He noted that back in February, the the work carried out over the last year, Best dos Santos laboratory in Barbados pointed to the resources in the form of was the first to carry out diagnostics for funds provided, extensive training of COVID in the Caribbean, out of which healthcare workers, the provision additional training was carried out. of protective equipment, as well as the Dr. Gebre also revealed that the organi- upportive role played to Ministers of sation was able to disseminate over eight Health in Barbados and the Eastern million COVID-19 PCR tests and over Caribbean countries on how to maintain three million rapid antigen tests in all essential services, recognising the Eastern Caribbean countries. “Today all disruption caused to health service countries in the Eastern Caribbean are delivery during the pandemic. able to do diagnostic tests for COVID-19,” “At the technical level we provided and he revealed. (JH) The Barbados Advocate Thursday December 17, 2020 • 7

China rolls out 718 000 5G base stations China’s CHINA has rolled out 718,000 5G base During an In-depth Observation Session out changing numbers. The nationwide stations throughout the country, held by China Academy of Information number of portability users has exceeded mostly scattered in the large and and Communication Technology (CAICT) 17 million, said Liu. recovery medium-size cities, including 330,000 on Tuesday, Liu provided an overview of Liu also noted that a breakthrough in shared among the country’s four China’s 5G construction through an online 4G base stations, penetrating to the coun- major telecom operators, said video clip, revealing that China has built try’s remote outlying regions, improving exceptional, Liu Liehong, the vice director the world’s largest 5G mobile network. internet connection and telecommunica- of Ministry of Industry and Portability services are operating tion infrastructure which has assisted the Information Technology ( MIIT) on smoothly, which means users can shift country to prevent and control a resur- Fortune Tuesday. from one telecom operator to another with- gence of the COVID-19 pandemic. magazine says

THE world has been ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, but China is a big exception according to Fortune magazine, which in a story from Dec 13 titled “COVID-era exports are fu- elling China’s economic recovery” asked what happens when the pan- demic ends. China was the first country to expe- rience a COVID-19 outbreak, but it was also the first country to reopen, giving the Chinese economy a head start in recovery. The country is projected to log pos- itive GDP growth for 2020 – 2.3 per- cent, while the global gross domestic product will decline 3.5 percent this year, making it an outlier among major economies, Fortune quoted Morgan Stanley as saying. “China has done remarkably well,” said Wei Sun Christianson, chief ex- ecutive of Morgan Stanley China and co-chief executive of Morgan Stanley Asia Pacific, at the Fortune China Most Powerful Women summit in Shanghai on Dec 10. In the second quarter of the year, when most countries were still in the thick of quarantine, China’s factories were resuming production and its cities were emerging from lockdown, Aerial photo taken on April 15, 2020 shows workers working at the construction site of a 5G base station at Chongqing giving the economy a much-needed Hi-tech Zone in Chongqing, southwest China. boost. After recording a 6.8 percent GDP contraction in the first quarter year-on-year, China’s economy made a sharp U-turn and returned to 3.2 percent growth in the second Turkey purchases 50m Sinovac doses as more quarter. In the third quarter, China’s GDP surged 4.9 percent, Fortune reported. countries show confidence in Chinese vaccines After the pandemic, China will ex- WHILE Western media have been exten- supplies, sharing of anti-epidemic experi- our childhood.” He said he and his family perience “urbanization 2.0” – the pro- sively covering American drug firm ence and Phase III clinical trials of the would like to receive the Chinese vaccine. liferation of regional clusters of cities Pfizer’s vaccine progress in the West, more COVID-19 vaccines. The bad performance of the US in con- into “supercities,” like southern countries in Asia, Europe and the Middle Around 13,000 volunteers in Turkey trolling the epidemic has also shaken China’s Greater Bay Area, and the East expressed trust and confidence in participated in Sinovac’s Phase III clinical Turkish people’s trust in American vac- widespread use of smart city tech will Chinese COVID-19 vaccines. trials, according to Reuters. cines, he said. be an important economic driver, During a phone call with Chinese State Koca said the vaccine produced by the Countries like Indonesia, Brazil and Christianson said. This phase of ur- Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi “inactivated method” is more reliable be- Chile have also announced their purchase banization, Christianson added, will on Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister cause “it is the best known method and its of the Sinovac vaccine. Indonesia received create “bigger and faster and more Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Turkey be- long-term consequences are well known.” its first shipment of 1.2 million doses of the liveable cities, and people are going to lieves Chinese COVID-19 vaccines are The more recently developed mRNA COVID-19 vaccine from China last week. consume more.” safe and effective,and Turkey would make vaccines “worked well in the short term China’s other COVID-19 vaccines, devel- A growing influx of foreign direct urgent purchases from China. but we do not know what effect it will have oped by China National Biotec Group investment will also drive China’s Earlier this month, Turkish Health in the medium and long term,” Koca said (CNBG) under the China National post-pandemic economy,Christianson Minister Fahrettin Koca said the country in an interview with local media. Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm), have said. FDI sank at the beginning of had signed a contract to buy 50 million The first batch of 20 million doses of been approved by the United Arab 2020 because of the coronavirus, but doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from Sinovac vaccines will be received in Emirates and Bahrain. FDI levels are rebounding alongside Chinese company Sinovac. December and January.The second batch Many countries also stepped out of po- the country’s wider economic recov- Turkey’s decision to purchase Chinese of 10 million doses will arrive in February. litical bias and increased their trust in ery. COVID-19 vaccines reflects its trust in Turkey is open to procuring vaccines from Chinese vaccines. In Europe, Hungarian China is loosening its financial China, and China is ready to provide nec- other companies after February,Koca said, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on market regulations for foreign in- essary assistance to Turkey,Wang said according to Anadolu Agency. Facebook on Friday that the country vestors. This week, Goldman Sachs during the phone call. Tunc Akko, Chairman of the Turkish would seek emergency domestic approval said it was in the process of acquiring Cavusoglu congratulated China on its Aydnlk Newspaper,the oldest newspaper of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine rather 100 percent ownership of its China successful control of the epidemic and ap- in Turkey, told the Global Times recently than waiting for a review by the EU’s joint venture, which would make it preciated its achievements in vaccine re- that a majority of Turkish people preferred European Medicines Agency. He said the the first Wall Street bank with full search and development. Chinese vaccines over Pfizer’s as the vac- safety of the vaccine is not a “political or control of a mainland securities firm, Wang said that China and Turkey have cines from China have been produced “in ideological question, but a professional Fortune reported. conducted fruitful cooperation in medical the same way as the vaccines made since one.” 8 • Thursday December 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate ‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’ Editorial Negotiators near agreement The minimum on long-delayed COVID-19 aid bill

WASHINGTON – Top con- Majority Leader Mitch shutdown at midnight governments, while wage debate gressional leaders are McConnell, R-Ky. tomorrow. That is likely capping the cost of bonus IN recent days the talk of the town has been the nearing agreement on a The bill would include a to easily pass. jobless benefits and announcement from Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley long-delayed COVID-19 new round of stimulus House lawmakers were direct payments sought of her Government’s intention to introduce a national relief package, hoping to checks, enhanced federal returning to Washington by Democrats. minimum wage. It is a promise the Barbados Labour seal a deal as early as unemployment insurance yesterday in hopes of a After two meetings in Party (BLP) made on the campaign trail in 2018, to raise Wednesday that would benefits, and other vote soon on the emerging House Speaker Nancy the minimum wage to $8 an hour, and extend it to all extend aid to individuals avenues for delivering aid package, which would Pelosi’s Capitol suite, categories of workers. and businesses and help to states, localities, territo- combine the $900 billion where Democrats pressed Since she made known the intention to still go this ship coronavirus vaccines ries and tribes, according in COVID-19 relief for more generous steps route, in spite of the prevailing economic conditions to millions. to two people familiar with with a $1.4 trillion govern- such as direct payments of brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been Senator Joe Manchin, D- the talks and authorised ment-wide funding bill to help individuals strug- criticism from some in the private sector, who argue that West Virginia, a co-author to characterise them.Their and a host of other gling in the COVID-19 to do such could result in even more layoffs or even the de- of a $908 billion bipartisan statement said that a remaining congressional economy, House Minority mise of some businesses. However PM Mottley is stead- package, said leadership GOP-sought provision business. Leader Kevin McCarthy, fast, and just Tuesday as she spoke in the House of negotiators are close to shielding businesses Negotiations intensified R-California, gave an Assembly,she said it was incomprehensible that persons agreement on legislation from COVID-19-related on Tuesday after months upbeat assessment. are against the idea of a national minimum wage, when that would extend direct lawsuits would be of futility. The top “I think we’ve built a lot there is a “need to protect those at the very bottom of the payments of perhaps $600 dropped. Democratic and Republi- of trust,” McCarthy said.“I earning scale in this country,whose jobs are nevertheless to most Americans. No. 2 “I think they’re basically can leaders of Congress think we’re moving in the critical.” Senate Republican John now putting it all to- met twice in hopes of fi- right direction. I think PM Mottley was making the point that without those Thune of South Dakota gether,” Manchin told nally cementing a leader- there’s a possibility of workers, among them gas station attendants, supermar- confirmed the likely CNN. “We were able to ship agreement that would getting it done.” ket staff and cleaners, this country would have had an addition of direct pay- break the gridlock.” revive subsidies for busi- Pressure for a deal is even harder time during the lockdown occasioned by the ments in that range, as Other aides following nesses hit hard by the pan- intense. Unemployment pandemic. And there is merit in that argument, for while well as a $300-per-week the talks offered more demic, help distribute new benefits run out December those are jobs that some people generally look down on, bonus federal unemploy- cautious assessments. coronavirus vaccines, fund 26 for more than ten mil- COVID-19 has shown that those people are some of our ment benefit to partially The emerging package is schools and renew soon-to- lion people. Many busi- most essential workers and they should be better paid for replace a $600-per-week serving as a magnet for expire jobless benefits. nesses are barely hanging the work that they do. benefit that expired this add-ons and the two sides Republicans laboured to on after nine months of the Now in the absence of a national minimum wage, we summer. continue to swap offers. keep the price tag for pandemic. And money is have relied on the minimum wage for shop assistants to “We made major head- It is also apparent that the long-delayed rescue needed to distribute new guide the wages of other workers, and even though that way toward hammering another temporary spend- package in check, seeking vaccines that are finally figure was raised from $200 to $250 per week in 2012, out a bipartisan relief ing bill will be needed to to prevail in a battle over offering hope for returning there can be no denying that given the current economic package,” said Senate prevent a government help for state and local the country to normal. circumstances, even that figure is insufficient to adequately provide food, shelter and pay utilities. Eight years on, no one can deny that a mere $250 for 40 hours of work per week is not cutting it.The reality we must also face is that with the ever-rising cost of living, as a World’s space achievements consequence the value of the minimum wage is falling.Add to that the fact that many of the people earning minimum wage in this country are women, and if we take into a bright spot in stressful 2020 account that women head most of our households, a reasonable question is – how are these women able CAPE CANAVERAL, the ground. collecting samples for NASA’s Osiris-Rex to properly provide for their families? Florida – Astronauts “2021 promises to be as eventual return to Earth. spacecraft vacuumed up Back in 2012 when the minimum wage was increased, blasted into orbit from the much of a space explo- China’s orbiter-rover handfuls of gravel from as- the then General Secretary of the Barbados Workers’ US for the first time in ration bright spot, perhaps duo Tianwen-1 – quest for teroid Bennu in October Union, Sir Roy Trotman, suggested that the figure should nearly a decade, three even more,” said Scott heavenly truth – also will for return in 2023. be set above $300 a week. He also said at the time that countries sent spacecraft Hubbard, NASA’s former hunt for signs of bygone Elon Musk’s SpaceX, while the increase was a step in the right direction, it hurtling toward Mars, and “Mars Czar” now teaching life. meanwhile, was buzzing in should be seen only as an “interim measure” as $250 was robotic explorers grabbed at Stanford University. The European and 2020. In May,it became the still a “substandard level”, adding that for persons to rocks from the moon and Although the coron- Russian space agencies first private company to properly contribute to the development of the country, gravel from an asteroid for avirus pandemic compli- skipped the 2020 Mars put people into orbit, an the minimum wage should give those earning it the chance return to Earth. cated space operations launch window, their achievement previously to be able to take care of their basic needs. Space provided mo- around the globe in 2020, life-sniffing Mars rover claimed by just 3 global It can be argued that had persons been better paid, the ments of hope and glory in most high-priority mis- grounded until 2022 superpowers. The two test impact of the lockdown and layoffs may not have hit some an otherwise difficult, sions remained on track, because of technical issues pilots were the first NASA people as hard, as they may have had savings to rely on stressful year. led by the US, China and and COVID-19 restric- astronauts to fly a new while awaiting their unemployment benefits. But, sadly It promises to do the the United Arab Emirates tions. brand of spaceship in for many, that was not the case. same in 2021, with Feb- in a stampede to Mars China also set its sights almost 40 years and the So it is clear that things need to change, however, we ruary’s landings at Mars in July. on the moon in 2020, land- first to blast off from must be cognisant that times are even tougher than when and next fall’s planned The UAE’s first inter- ing and then launching off Florida since the shuttle the BLP initially came to power and so jumping straight launch of the Hubble planetary spacecraft, an the lunar surface in programme ended in 2011. to $8 an hour for every sector, may not be feasible at this Space Telescope’s succes- orbiter, will scrutinise the December with the first In November, four more time. Furthermore $8 may not be enough. Certainly sor – the next-generation Martian atmosphere. moon rocks collected for astronauts rode a SpaceX consideration may have to be given to implementing a sys- James Webb Space NASA’s Perseverance return to Earth since the Dragon capsule to tem of annual wage reviews, as is done in some countries, Telescope. rover is set to land Feb. 18 1970s. the International Space where increases are applied as deemed necessary, taking Boeing hopes to catch at an ancient river delta Japan brought back Station. Three weeks such things as cost of living and inflation into account. up with SpaceX in the and lakebed where micro- pieces of asteroid Ryugu – later, SpaceX launched its Government must also not bury its head in the sand, astronaut-launching de- scopic life may have once its second asteroid batch biggest cargo shipment and consider that businesses which cannot afford, or those partment, while space flourished. The rover will in a decade. More asteroid yet to the space station who flatly refuse to pay workers a higher minimum wage, tourism may finally get off drill into the dry crust, samples are on the way: for NASA. may instead of laying them off cut their hours, such that their pay is no higher than what they were originally Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes receiving. Particularly as it relates to the latter, the 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 Administration must be willing to call them out on it, so Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan that others do not follow suit. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate

The Barbados Advocate Thursday December 17, 2020 • 9

Texas and nine other US states sue Google for abusing market WASHINGTON – Texas, pany in October. backed by nine other “Google repeatedly used states, filed a lawsuit its monopolistic power to against Alphabet Inc- control pricing (and) en- owned Google yesterday, gage in market collusions accusing it of breaking an- to rig auctions in a titrust law in how it runs tremendous violation of its online advertising justice,” Paxton said in a business. Facebook video. Texas Attorney General Google “eliminated its Ken Paxton had joined the competition and crowned US Justice Department’s itself the king of online lawsuit against the com- advertising,” he added.

The US Treasury building is seen in Washington, September 29, 2008. US Treasury labels Switzerland, Vietnam as currency manipulators WASHINGTON – The had acted to gain “unfair The US Treasury also and Malaysia. US Treasury labelled competitive advantage in said its “monitoring list” of The US Treasury report Switzerland and international trade as countries that meet some also said that India and Vietnam as currency well.” of the criteria has grown to Singapore had intervened manipulators yester- Foreign exchange ana- 10 with the additions of in the foreign exchange day and added three lysts had broadly antici- Taiwan, Thailand and market in a “sustained, new names to a watch pated the US Treasury India. asymmetric manner” but list of countries it sus- designation for the two Others on the list in- did not meet other require- pects of taking meas- countries. clude China, Japan, Korea, ments to warrant designa- ures to devalue their The action comes as the Germany,Italy,Singapore tion as manipulators. currencies against the global coronavirus pan- dollar. demic skews trade flows BANK RATES In what may be one of and widens US deficits the final broadsides to with trading partners, an Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of international trading irritant to Trump, who business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados. partners delivered by the won office four years ago departing administration partly on a promise to Valid for December 17, 2020 of US President Donald close the US trade gap. Notes: Trump, the Treasury said To be labelled a manipu- Currency Buying Selling that through June 2020 lator, countries must at Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000 both Switzerland and least have a $20 billion- Canadian Dollar 1.54689 1.59265 Vietnam had intervened in plus bilateral trade sur- East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445 currency markets to pre- plus with the United Euro 2.38420 2.48460 vent effective balance of States,foreign currency in- Pound Sterling 2.63874 2.74986 payments adjustments. tervention exceeding 2% of United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857 Furthermore, in its gross domestic product Demand/Sight: semi-annual currency ma- and a global current ac- Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 nipulation report, the count surplus exceeding Canadian Dollar 1.55570 1.59125 Treasury said Vietnam 2% of GDP. East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.41919 2.46918 Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 Pound Sterling 2.67746 2.73279 United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768 Telegraphic Transfer Currency Buying Selling Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313 Canadian Dollar 1.55865 1.59125 East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306 Euro 2.42374 2.46918 Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948 Pound Sterling 2.68250 2.73279 United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768 INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS N.B.: These rates are not meant to be used for trading. BDS$ Guyana Dollar 0.00945 Jamaica Dollar 0.01396 T&T Dollar 0.29694 10 • Thursday December 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Dancehall artiste Tommy Lee charged with gun offences DANCEHALL enter- Russell, was held in New The police say the men court on January 6, tainer Tommy Lee Sparta Kingston on Monday in the vehicle were 2021 to answer to the has been charged with il- night after a vehicle in searched and the firearm charges. legal possession of a which he was travelling was found in Russell's The police say Tommy firearm and ammunition. was intercepted by mem- waistband. Lee is also the subject of Tommy Lee, whose bers of police specialised He remains in police other criminal investiga- given name is Leroy operations unit. custody and is to appear in tions. Office parties prohibited for Jamaica public sector entities KINGSTON, Jamaica He made the announce- mation via circular to Holness said. – Prime Minister ment during the sitting of the various public sector Information provided by Andrew Holness says the House of Represen- departments and agen- the Ministry of Health and that all office parties tatives on Tuesday. cies. Wellness indicates that related to the Govern- The prime minister said “We have to set the ex- Jamaica, as at yesterday, ment or its agencies that the Cabinet secretary ample as it relates to the recorded 11,907 cases of and departments are has written to all perma- maintenance of the COVID-19. prohibited, due to the nent secretaries, who orders under the Disaster Of this number, 3,106 COVID-19 pandemic. will then pass on the infor- Risk Management Act,” are active cases. Entertainer Tommy Lee Sparta.

The Barbados Advocate Thursday December 17, 2020 • 11

Couple jailed for breaching COVID protocols in Cayman Islands

GEORGE TOWN, into custody on Tuesday delivered the revised sen- Compass reported. regulations had taken ef- be allowed to re-enter the Cayman Islands – An to begin their four-month tence, setting aside the The charge stemmed fect, which increased the country as long as the American medical student prison sentences for previous judgement, from an incident in penalties for violating borders remain closed. and her local boyfriend breaching mandatory which had imposed a fine November,when Mack at- quarantine protocols. Cayman News Service have been jailed in the quarantine, after the gov- and community service. tended a crowded jet-ski Under the previous reg- also reported that the Cayman Islands for ernment successfully ap- The judge found that event in which Ramgeet ulations, a sentence of up judge said that Mack had breaching COVID-19 re- pealed a magistrate’s “the gravity of the breach was participating, despite to one-year imprisonment committed a planned, self- strictions. court judgement that had was such that the only only having arrived on the and/or a fine of $1,000 ish act and there was no The Cayman Compass imposed community serv- appropriate sentence island two days prior to could be imposed for a alternative to a custodial reported that Skylar ice and the cost of isola- would have been one of the breach. breach of the quarantine sentence. Mack, 18, and Vanjae tion accommodation. immediate imprison- She had been required requirements. The new The court also noted Ramgeet, 24 were taken The judge in the appeal ment”, the Cayman to self-isolate for 14 days, regulations increased the that she had complained but was said to have in- sentence to up to two about her iMsafe (geotag- teracted with the public years imprisonment, ging) wristband being too for more than seven hours. and/or a fine of up to tight and government When police arrived at the $10,000, the Cayman officials had gone to her event, she was not wear- Compass reported. isolation residence and ing a mask and was not Mack, a medical student re-fitted it, enabling her practising social distanc- at the University of to slip it off and attend ing, the Cayman Compass Georgia, will be required the Jet Ski competition, reported. to leave Cayman upon which resulted in four The day before the completion of her sen- families having to go breach, the island’s latest tence, and the court has into isolation after the COVID-19-suppression recommended that she not event.

Some of the motorcycles which have been seized and impounded at a section of the Savanna-la-Mar Police Station in Westmoreland. This is just a small number, as they are stored all over the station compound. Westmoreland cops run out of space for seized motorcycles AS the Westmoreland other users of the road. Of cycle … we have more than police intensify their re- the number of offenders, 130 just (parked) there. lentless drive against 24 motorists were issued You can hardly squeeze motorcyclists who are tickets for failing to wear through the passage be- operating contrary to protective helmets. cause of these motorcy- the law, they are now “It is over two years now cles,” stated Hamilton.“We running out of space to that we have been facing are simply out of space, yet store some 200 bikes. this challenge in terms of a we cannot leave the illegal “We just don’t have any location for storage when motorcycles on the roads, more space to store motor- these illegal motorcycles we have to seize them.” cycles. Just this week are seized,” explained As bad as the situation is alone, we have seized 14 Hamilton. “I can tell you in Savanna-la-Mar,Hamil- motorcycles and prose- that, unlike other vehicles, ton said the situation is no cuted several motorists for when you seize motorcy- different at the Negril, various road traffic cles, most of the times the Bethel Town, and Little breaches,” said Deputy owners don’t come for London police stations. Superintendent of Police them.” “Collectively, we have Adrian Hamilton, in ex- According to the senior over 800 motorcycles that plaining the situation in police officer, the lack of we have seized over time, the parish, which is consid- storage space has become a and they just sat there for ered the nation’s motorcy- hindrance to men and years at the Transport cle capital. women serving in the Authority pound, so long Hamilton, who was parish, as in some in- that the pound started to speaking at the recent stances they are being incur a cost,” said monthly meeting of the forced to share already Hamilton, who further Westmoreland Municipal cramped spaces with the noted that the police at Corporation (WMC), said seized motorcycles. times face an even greater some 132 tickets have been “The Savanna-la-Mar problem as the motorcycles issued to motorcyclists, Police Station, if you go that are sold at public auc- who continue to flout the over there now, you might tion at times end up back traffic laws and endanger end up walking on a motor- on the streets. 12 • Thursday December 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Angostura workers down tools Cuba rejects WORKERS at Angostura shutdown decision by the company not to pay 2020 was a difficult year for many but the company’s operations yesterday, bonuses this year. point out that they made sacrifices too – US report on one senior union officer has told The SWWTU (Seamen and Waterfront such as working overtime and changing Guardian Media, saying close to 300 Workers Trade Union) rep says the work- shifts to help the company accomplish unionised employees have downed ers feel hurt by this decision, as there its pandemic goodwill. diplomat their tools. was no indication by the company of The workers were hoping to meet with According to the union representative, breaking what they call “tradition”. management yesterday, and say they the workers are protesting a last-minute The workers say they understand that hope that good sense will prevail. health incidents HAVANA – Cuba on Tuesday rejected a US government report concluding that directed radio frequency was the most plausible explanation for mysterious ail- ments suffered by US diplomats in Havana and elsewhere, calling it more “very unlikely” hypothesis than “demon- strated fact.” Between 2016 and 2018, dozens of US embassy staff, largely in Cuba, reported symptoms that included hearing loss, vertigo, headaches and fatigue, a pattern consistent with mild traumatic brain injury that came to be known as the “Havana syndrome.” Canada has said more than a dozen of its embassy staff and relatives stationed in Havana experienced similar symp- toms. The administration of US President Donald Trump said the diplomats were attacked by some sort of secret weapon. Angostura Holdings Limited head office in Laventille, Trinidad. Cuba has repeatedly said there is no evidence for that and denied any involve- ment. The Cuban Academy of Sciences said on Dominica’s DCPS vows to fight on over Caricom soap Tuesday the report by the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and ANOTHER round in the dispute over the legally challenging the continued impor- Caricom origin and therefore should not Medicine, commissioned by the US State manufacture and export of soaps within tation of soap chips duty-free from out- be sold duty-free in other Caricom mar- Department and published on Dec. 6, the 15-member Caricom bloc looks set to side the region,” DCPS director Yvor kets. gives no scientific evidence of the exis- be played out in court. Nassief said in a written response to the Trade administrator and Trade Board tence of radio frequency waves. Dominica Coconut Products Successors Financial Gleaner this week. CEO Douglas Webster told the Financial “Cuba’s Academy of Sciences disagrees Limited, DCPS, has confirmed that it is “All DCPS is asking for is a level play- Gleaner this week that no policy change with the final conclusion regarding the contemplating legal action to press its ing field.The only fair and just remedy is on the granting of the certificates has yet causes of the ailments,” the academy said claim that the duty-free importation into (that) they pay duty on the extra-regional reached his agency. in a statement read to journalists by its Jamaica of noodles or chips from which chips.To avoid this, they can buy chips “It has not reached to me officially for President Luis Velazquez. soaps are made is illegal. from DCPS, or better yet, invest in implementation,” Webster said in re- Velazquez, who did not take any ques- A response from DCPS’s Jamaican at- saponification equipment,” Nassief noted, sponse to the Financial Gleaner’s query tions at the news briefing in Havana, said torneys Hylton Powell this week was referring to the process of making soap on whether the Trade Board has ceased the “investigation about these health ail- non-committal on whether such action noodles or chips from fat and caustic issuing the certificates to conform with ments has suffered from a lack of fluid would be pursued in the commercial soda. the November 27 vote of the Caricom’s communication between US and Cuban division of the Jamaican Supreme Court Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Trade Board, the Council on Trade and Economic scientists.” or Caribbean Court of Justice, CCJ, government entity that grants certifi- Development, COTED. US officials say off the record they can- the regional trade court. cates of origin for Jamaican manufactur- “It is at the stage where you would not cooperate with Cuba on such a sensi- However, correspondence seen by the ers to export duty-free to other Caricom need to discuss the matter with the tive investigation where its Communist Financial Gleaner confirms that DCPS countries, says it has not yet imple- Ministry of Industry, Investment government has a strong interest in the had from earlier this year raised with mented a majority vote of Caricom trade & Commerce,” Webster added when outcome. local soap manufacturers the possibility ministers taken last month for Jamaican pressed for details. He advised that Cuba said the Trump administration of recourse to both the Jamaican and re- authorities to end the granting of industry minister Audley Shaw or has used the health incidents to further gional disputes settlement court based in certificates of origin to Jamaican soap permanent secretary Dermon Spence its political agenda of dismantling US- Trinidad. exporters. could provide further information. Cuban relations, after Trump’s predeces- “While logic has prevailed on the cer- The decision stems from a challenge Neither has responded to requests for sor Barack Obama had worked to tificate of origin issue, the (Jamaican) by Dominica’s government acting for comment. improve diplomatic ties with Havana. companies continue to import chips duty- DCPS, which contends that Jamaican Jamaica Customs Agency, meanwhile, The administration reduced the US em- free for local production. DCPS contends soaps made from noodles imported from is said to be familiarising itself with the bassy in Havana to skeletal staffing and this is illegal and is in the process of Indonesia do not quality as being of COTED ruling. hiked its warning on travel to Cuba following the mysterious incidents.

Sunny to partly sunny with a few brief isolated light showers.

High: 6:10 a.m. and 5:31 p.m. New York: -01°C Yesterday: Nil Miami: 26°C Low: 11:20 a.m. For the month: 22.1 mm Max: 29.8°C Toronto: -07°C For the year: 1310.5 mm Min: 23.7°C Montreal: -14°C London: 08°C 6:14 a.m. 5:36 p.m. The Barbados Advocate Thursday December 17, 2020 • 13 Fourteen guilty in 2015 Paris terror attacks trial A PARIS court has found 14 Boumeddiene, who fled to crimes. people guilty of complicity in a Syria a week before the attacks, The three men who carried series of deadly militant was found guilty of financing out the 7-9 January 2015 at- Islamist attacks. terrorism and belonging to a tacks were killed and the ac- The January 2015 attacks on criminal terrorist network. complices, who first went on Charlie Hebdo magazine, a po- The main defendant in court, trial in early September, were licewoman and a Jewish super- Ali Riza Polat, was found guilty accused of obtaining weapons market left 17 people dead. of complicity in terrorist crime. or providing logistical support. Eleven defendants appeared All 14 accomplices were They all denied the charges. in court for the verdict on found guilty on various The trial, which was delayed Wednesday, and three were charges, ranging from belong- repeatedly due to the Covid-19 tried in absentia. ing to a criminal network to di- pandemic, came during a pe- One of those not in court was rect complicity in the January riod when France once again French Republican guards stand during a ceremony at Place Hayat Boumeddiene, the fugi- 2015 attacks. Terrorism faced a series of militant de la Republique square to pay tribute to the victims of last tive partner of Amedy charges were dropped for six of Islamist attacks and renewed year’s shooting at the French satirical newspaper Charlie Coulibaly who was killed in the the 11 defendants in court who debate over cartoons depicting Hebdo, in Paris, France. attack on the supermarket. were found guilty of lesser the Prophet Muhammad. Iran’s Supreme Leader hits out at US DUBAI – Iran’s Supreme the Trump administration. stand that a revival of the deal States yesterday announced United States has said it would Leader Ayatollah Ali “My firm recommendation is may lead to a lifting of sanc- sanctions on companies based blacklist anyone assisting Khamenei yesterday used not to trust the enemy,” tions. But Khamenei said he in China and the United Arab Iran’s arms programme. his first public appearance Khamenei said in remarks car- was not opposed to government Emirates, accusing them of On Wednesday, Defence in weeks to suggest the ried by state TV. efforts towards that end. supporting the sale of Iranian Minister Amir Hatami said United States would remain “The hostility (against Iran) “If the sanctions can be lifted, petrochemicals. Tehran had signed arms ex- hostile towards the Islamic is not just from Trump’s we should not delay even one Iran says US sanctions are ports deals with several coun- Republic even after America, which supposedly hour...If the sanctions can be making it difficult for Iran to tries, state media reported. He President-elect Joe Biden some could say would end when lifted in the right, wise... and purchase medicine from did name the countries. takes office. he leaves, as (President dignified way, this must be abroad, including COVID-19 TV footage showed Speaking at his first public Barack) Obama’s America also done,” he said, addressing gov- vaccines needed to contain the Khamenei wearing a mask dur- function since rumours sur- did bad things to the Iranian ernment officials. worst outbreak in the Middle ing yesterday’s meeting and sit- faced in early December that nation.” Earlier, Rouhani said he was East. ting at the head of a large room his health was deteriorating, Biden was Obama’s vice pres- happy Trump was leaving of- The Trump administration’s with several attendees seated Khamenei said Washington ident. fice, calling him “the most law- sanctions have targeted Iran’s to either side, in accordance could not be trusted – a remark Trump pulled the United less US president” and a “mur- banking sector and its vital oil with COVID-19 social distanc- indicating a wary attitude to- States out of the 2015 nuclear derer” for hampering Iran’s ac- industry. ing protocols. wards President Donald deal between Iran and six cess to COVID-19 vaccines. While Washington says med- The meeting followed ru- Trump’s successor. world powers in 2018 and im- “We are not overjoyed about icines and humanitarian goods mours on social media earlier In a meeting with organisers posed new sanctions. Biden’s Mr. Biden’s arrival, but we are are exempt from sanctions, the this month that the 81-year- of events to mark the first an- coming to power has raised the happy about Trump leaving … sanctions have deterred some old’s health was deteriorating. niversary of the killing of mili- possibility that Washington that such a terrorist and mur- foreign banks from processing Khamenei has served as tary commander General could rejoin the agreement. derer, who does not even have Iran’s financial transactions. supreme leader since 1989, Qassem Soleimani in a US at- Some hardline Iranian offi- mercy for coronavirus vaccines, As agreed under the nuclear with the final say on all state tack in Iraq, Khamenei said cials and lawmakers close to will be gone,” Rouhani said in a deal, a United Nations matters. His health has been American antagonism would Khamenei have questioned televised speech to the cabinet. weapons embargo on Iran ex- the subject of speculation for not disappear with the end of President Hassan Rouhani’s In Washington, the United pired in October, although the years. Nigerian states close schools after students kidnapped in Katsina

MORE states in northern The union said pupils and Nigeria have ordered all schools teachers were now being ac- to close following last week’s kid- tively targeted by gunmen and napping of hundreds of pupils kidnappers. It said the attack in Katsina state. was a sad reminder of previous Kano, Kaduna, Zamfara and raids – dozens of girls from Jigawa have followed Katsina Chibok, in northern Borno state, in closing schools following are still missing six years after Friday’s attack. they were abducted by jihadists. The Islamist militant group Nigerian authorities say have Police at the school in Kankara. Many students tried to flee when gunmen stormed it. Boko Haram has said it was be- been in contact with the kidnap- hind the raid. pers in the latest incident, but claim of responsibility in a four- vided among different gangs “for jumped the school fence and fled More than 300 children are there are no details of the dis- minute recording. safe keeping”. Some of the gangs when they heard gunshots. still missing, raising fears for cussions. However, security and local had since been in touch with au- Many were tracked by the the safety of other schools, espe- The governor of Katsina state, sources cited by AFP news thorities over the release of the gunmen who tricked them into cially those in remote areas. Aminu Bello Masari, said on agency said Boko Haram had students. believing that they were secu- Meanwhile, the Nigerian Twitter late on Monday: “Talks recruited three local gangs to Witnesses said the armed rity personnel, students who es- Union of Teachers has threat- are ongoing to ensure [the carry out the attack. men came to the Government caped said. Once the students ened a nationwide strike unless pupils’] safety and return to One source said the children Science Secondary School in were rounded up they were the government urgently im- their respective families.” had been taken across the bor- Kankara town at about 21:30 on marched into the forest by the proves the security situation. The jihadist group issued its der into Zamfara state and di- Friday and that many students armed men. 14 • Thursday December 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

‘Lock down,’ says Italy adviser, as deaths head for wartime levels ROME – An adviser to should lock down the “The last time some- Italy’s health ministry main cities completely. thing like this happened has called for coron- In an interview with was in 1944 when we People party on a street as pubs shut for the night due to tier 3 restrictions avirus restrictions to Wednesday’s daily La were at the height of the in Soho, as the spread of the coronavirus disease continues in London. be drastically tight- Stampa, he said Rome Second World War,” ened to avoid a “na- had been “constantly he told RAI state televi- tional tragedy” after late” in responding to the sion. Londoners party on eve of the national statistics second, autumn wave of Prime Minister bureau ISTAT said the virus. Giuseppe Conte on deaths this year would Italy reported 846 Tuesday urged Italians to be the highest since COVID-19 deaths on avoid “irresponsible” tougher COVID restrictions World War Two. Tuesday, taking the offi- gatherings over the holi- LONDON – One woman drunken poets, louche them, partygoers sang “We are in a war situa- cial total to 65,857, the days and said the govern- waved purple burlesque musicians and the lonely songs, drank and danced. tion, people don’t realise fifth highest in the world. ment might make some feather fans while dozens seeking a liaison. Police were booed when it but the last time we As in many other coun- “small adjustments” to its cheered with beers and As tougher restrictions they told people to dis- had this many deaths, tries, that total is widely current restrictions. some sang Karaoke in loomed at the stroke of perse. There were no ar- bombs were dropping on considered to be an un- But Ricciardi told La the streets for one last midnight, a few hundred rests seen by Reuters. our cities during the war,” derestimate because Stampa this was not gasp of revelry in revellers brushed away Some pubs and bars – public health professor many people who died of enough: London’s partyland be- the COVID-19 doom and one displaying a sign Walter Ricciardi told the COVID-19 during the “The Netherlands has fore the capital went into gloom in Soho by party- “Save Soho to help save television channel la7 on first wave were never locked down with half our the strictest level of ing on the streets, mostly livelihoods” – put on cut Tuesday evening. tested for the virus. deaths, Germany has COVID restrictions. without masks. price drinks with Ricciardi, the adviser to ISTAT head Gian Carlo locked down with a third For much of 2020, the One woman, dressed in pints of beer going for as Health Minister Roberto Blangiardo said on of them - I don’t under- pubs of London’s West white shorts on a little as 2 pounds ($2.70) Speranza, said the gov- Tuesday that the overall stand this hesitation. If End and the hedonistic December night, waved to shift stock before ernment, which is consid- number of deaths in Italy we don’t take adequate nightclubs of Shoreditch purple feather fans while they closed. From ering tightening restric- this year would exceed measures, we are head- have lain silent – devoid another flapped giant Wednesday they will only tions over the Christmas 700,000, against 647,000 ing for a national of the fun that has, over white wings bejeweled be allowed to serve take- and New Year holidays, in 2019. tragedy.” the centuries, attracted with fairy lights. Around aways. Germany starts Christmas amid Covid surge

FEW Germans had ex- market. The city’s pected to enjoy all the Christmas lights still trappings of a traditional twinkle but the streets are Christmas this year but quiet and, even before new countrywide restric- shops here were ordered tions, which came into to close, business was force yesterday, will limit hardly booming. festivities to the smallest “It hurts,” said Astrid of family gatherings. No Rademacher as she re- carolling, no parties and arranged silver decora- even Germany’s much tions and antique glass- loved Glühwein stalls will ware in her shop.The gov- close, as drinking outdoors ernment has promised is banned. more financial aid to af- Announcing the meas- fected businesses, and has ures at the weekend, taken on new debt in order Chancellor Angela Merkel to fund rescue packages. said that an existing “lock- But asked whether her down light”, which closed business could survive, bars, restaurants, arts and she’s unsure. “I hope, I leisure facilities at the be- hope.We will see. If we get ginning of November, had some help, we will see.” not done enough to tackle A few doors down, Mario Germany’s second wave. Somplatzki, whose shop The country has experi- Even glühwein bars will have to shut under Germany’s partial lockdown that kicks in on Wednesday. sells the elegant carved enced record numbers of wooden figures and deco- infections and deaths in shops will close close family members al- There’ll be no let-up For a country that cher- rations for which this re- the past fortnight and in- •People must, lowed over Christmas over New Year either. No ishes its Christmas tradi- gion is famous, said that, tensive care units are fill- where possible, work from • Some German gatherings on the streets tions, there are precious despite the economic pain, ing up. home states are going further will be allowed, and the few joyful tidings. it was the right decision – • Private gather- with night-time curfews sale of fireworks is prohib- In normal times, one which, he said, should What are Germany’s ings will be limited to a and a ban on going out for ited - many Germans like Dresden’s old market have been made sooner. lockdown measures? maximum of five people anything other than es- to celebrate Silvester,as square would be crammed “I think it’s a good deci- • From Wednesday, from two households - sential reasons imposed in it’s called here, with a with people enjoying its sion because there are no schools and non-essential with an additional four some areas bang. world-famous Christmas other plans right now.” The Barbados Advocate Thursday December 17, 2020 • 15

WHO to investigate virus origins in China’s Wuhan

A TEAM of ten interna- The virus is thought to have seeking to apportion blame but was to find out when the virus may simply have been ampli- tional scientists will travel come from a market in the city rather to prevent future out- began circulating and whether fied there. to the Chinese city of selling animals. breaks. or not it originated in Wuhan. Reports in the Chinese Wuhan next month to inves- But the search for the source “It’s really not about finding The mission was expected to media recently have suggested tigate the origins of Covid- has led to tensions, notably a guilty country,” Fabian last four or five weeks, he that Covid-19 could have 19, the World Health with the US. Leendertz, of the Robert Koch added. started outside China. Organization (WHO) has President Donald Trump’s Institute, said. In the early days of the virus, But analysts say the reports said. administration has accused “It’s about trying to under- it was traced to a so-called “wet are without foundation, and China has not opposed an in- China of trying to conceal the stand what happened and then market” in Wuhan, and it was the campaign reflects anxiety dependent investigation, al- initial outbreak. see if, based on those data, we suggested that this was where within the leadership in though the WHO has been ne- A biologist on the team told can try to reduce the risk in it made the leap from animals Beijing about damage to the gotiating for access to the city the Associated Press news the future.” to humans. country’s international reputa- for a number of months. agency that the WHO was not Dr Leendertz said the aim But experts now believe it tion from the pandemic. Iraq anti-government activist ‘killed by gunmen in Baghdad’

A WELL-KNOWN Iraqi activist The rallies led to the resigna- has been killed in Baghdad, fel- tion of Prime Minister Adel low activists and local media Abdul Mahdi, who was replaced say. in May by Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Salah al-Iraqi was reportedly Mr Kadhimi, a former intelli- shot dead by unidentified gun- gence chief, has vowed to inves- men in the Baghdad al-Jadida tigate the killings and hold area on Tuesday evening. those responsible to account. Mr Iraqi played an active role But last week, six organisa- in the mass protests against tions including Human Rights government corruption, high Watch and Amnesty unemployment and dire public International said the govern- services that erupted last year. ment had so far failed to do that. In his last Facebook post This was “in effect perpetuat- hours before his death, he had ing and further entrenching written:“The innocent die while decades of impunity that have the cowards rule.” left brave individuals without More than 550 protesters the most basic protection", they were shot dead by security warned in a joint statement. forces and gunmen suspected of In August, a doctor and links to Iran-backed militias be- women’s rights defender who tween October and December had led women’s marches 2019. Thousands of other peo- within the protest movement ple were injured and hundreds was killed in Basra. were detained. Riham Yaqoob was shot dead The protests dwindled in by two unidentified gunmen rid- March after the government im- ing a scooter as she drove posed strict measures to contain through the centre of the south- the spread of Covid-19, but thou- ern city. sands of people have returned to Another women’s rights ac- the streets in recent months. tivist in Basra, Lodya Remon Human rights groups have Albarti, was shot and wounded also reported the enforced disap- two days earlier. pearances and unlawful killings And in July, four men on mo- of dozens of activists, journal- torbikes fatally shot the journal- ists, lawyers and other civil so- ist and security expert Hisham ciety members since the start of al-Hashimi in front of his house the protests. Anti-government protesters have been taking to the streets of Baghdad since October 2019. in Baghdad. Dozens of Armenian soldiers ‘captured in raid’

ARMENIANS have protested While Nagorno-Karabakh is testers marched on the defence Azerbaijan says the two vil- where clashes had taken place. after reports as many as 100 recognised internationally as ministry in the Armenian capi- lages fall under its control When Russia’s defence min- soldiers were seized in a raid part of Azerbaijan, it has been tal Yerevan. under the peace deal and that it istry published a map extend- by Azerbaijani forces in run by ethnic Armenians since The exact number of captured launched the offensive to tackle ing its peacekeepers’ deploy- Armenian-controlled Nagorno- an earlier war came to an end in soldiers is unclear but reports Armenian servicemen who had ment to cover the area, Karabakh. 1994. Azerbaijan regained some range from 60 to as many as refused to leave the area after Azerbaijan objected. A six-week war that claimed of its territory in the recent six- 160, seized as part of an the truce. Four Azerbaijani sol- Since the war ended in at least 5 000 servicemen’s lives week conflict, and the latest Azerbaijani “anti-terror” opera- diers were killed at the week- November, Armenia has was brought to an end last flare-up appears to have hap- tion. Several videos posted on- end, the first casualties since handed over three areas lost in month, with Azerbaijani forces pened in one such area. line appeared to show captured the war came to an end on 10 the war to Azerbaijan under a taking some territory. Anger spread as videos soldiers. The defence ministry November. peace deal. On Tuesday night, Nagorno- emerged on social media in in Azerbaijan has refused to dis- On Tuesday evening, The two sides also began ex- Karabakh’s defence ministry Azerbaijan and Nagorno- cuss the matter with the BBC. Nagorno-Karabakh’s defence changing prisoners of war this said contact had been lost with Karabakh human rights om- The operation in southern ministry said it had lost com- week, with Armenian Prime a number of military posts. budsman Artak Beglaryan said Nagorno-Karabakh began at munication with personnel of a Minister Nikol Pashinyan Protests have taken place in it was highly likely that captive the end of last week. Armenia number of army positions promising that 44 servicemen Armenia’s capital and Nagorno- Armenian soldiers were fea- accused Azerbaijan of breaking around the two villages. would return home. Karabakh itself. tured in the footage. He put the the November peace deal by at- Although 2,000 Russian In a separate development, There has been no comment number missing at around 60. tacking the two villages called peacekeepers have been de- Azerbaijan said it had charged so far on the soldiers’ reported Families of the missing men Hin Tagher (Kohne Taglar in ployed between the two sides, two of its soldiers with mutilat- capture from Azerbaijan’s de- blocked a main road demanding Azerbaijani) and Khtsaberd Armenian reports said they ing the bodies of Armenian sol- fence ministry. to know more details and pro- (Calakkala). were not covering the area diers during the war. 16 • Thursday December 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Seth MacFarlane to reboot ‘Revenge of the Nerds’ with the Lucas Brothers SETH MACFARLANE and Kristin Cavallari. is reviving the age old But the studio ultimately rivalry between jocks called off the project and nerds. The after two weeks of pro- comedic actor is de- duction. veloping a reboot of The Lucas brothers are the seminal ‘80s com- currently working on a edy “Revenge of the comedy at Universal Nerds” at 20th with Phil Lord and Century Studios. Christopher Miller, who Keith and Kenny directed “22 Jump Lucas, identical twin Street.” They also co- brothers best known for wrote and co-produced their scene-stealing roles the upcoming film “Judas in “22 Jump Street,” are and the Black Messiah,” set to write and star in a drama starring Daniel the film. They are co- Kaluuya and Lakeith writing the script with Stanfield about the as- Alex Rubens (“The Keith and Kenny Lucas (inset) are set to write and sassination of Black Twilight Zone,” “Key and star in the revival of Revenge of the Nerds. Panther Party leader Peele,” “Rick and Fred Hampton. Morty”). MacFarlane will of rape. Instead, the con- who spar with the jock Keith and Kenny produce the reboot temporary reimagining fraternity the Alpha Lucas are repped by Avi through his production will pontificate about Betas. Gilbert at Fourth Wall company Fuzzy Door, today’s nerd culture and That film spawned Management, UTA, and along with Erica what even constitutes a multiple sequels, includ- Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Huggins, who brought geek in the 21st century. ing 1987’s “Revenge of Hoberman, Newman, the project to the Lucas Jeff Kanew directed the Nerds II: Nerds in Warren, Richman, Rush, brothers and is spear- the original “Revenge of Paradise” and the TV Kaller & Gellman. heading development. the Nerds,” which movies, 1992’s “The Next Rubens is repped by The upcoming version starred Robert Generation” and 1994’s Jon Huddle at Fourth won’t be a remake of the Carradine, Anthony “Nerds in Love.” 20th Wall Management, UTA, 1984 comedy, which has- Edwards, Ted McGinley Century Fox attempted and Morris, Yorn, n’t aged all that well and and Bernie Casey.The to remake the original Barnes, Levine, has been criticized in re- raunchy comedy followed movie in 2006 with Krintzman, Rubenstein, Bridge cent years for depictions a group of college nerds Adam Brody, Dan Byrd Kohner & Gellman LLP. The Barbados Advocate Thursday December 17, 2020 • 17 SPORTSSPORTS ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 31-match schedule announced AN opening match at Tauranga’s Bay • A massive double-header weekend in looking forward to leading her team to a Oval and a final under lights at Auckland sees India taking on Australia win at the World Cup. Hagley Oval are two of the highlights on Saturday,March19 , before the WHITE Raj said, “We have all been through a of a 31-match schedule announced FERNS face England the following day. very difficult year and are happy to be get- yesterday for ICC Women’s Cricket • Christchurch to host the final on April ting back at playing the game we all love. World Cup 2022. 3 under lights at Hagley Oval on the back India has been doing very well at ICC The pinnacle event for women’s cricket of three pool matches and a semi-final. tournaments in the past three or four will see 31 matches played across years, whether you talk about the (ODI) 31 action-packed days between March 4 Oval lights switched on World Cup or the recently concluded T20 and April 3, 2022 – the first global The much-anticipated Hagley Oval lights World Cup, and if we manage to win the women’s cricket event to be played since were switched on for the first time by tournament in 2022, it will be a massive the Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia Deputy Prime Minister,Honorable Grant inspiration for the next generation ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup CEO back in March. The tournament was Robertson at the announcement, with key of girls, as the fifty-over format, is Andrea Nelson. postponed from its original window in Canterbury Cricket Trust, Canterbury considered the pinnacle for any cricketer. February-March 2021 with the same six Cricket Association and Christchurch city I can assure you the team and I are ing tournament which is confirmed to host cities and venues retained representatives looking forward to it.” take place June 26 – July 10, 2021 in for 2022. in attendance. Sports fans across all six host cities will Sri Lanka. Eight of the world’s best cricket nations WHITE FERNS veteran and get a taste of the WHITE FERNS action The eight-team round-robin format will will go head-to-head in six host cities Canterbury Magicians representative with key match-ups taking place in each see all teams play each other,with the top across Aotearoa: Auckland, Tauranga, Amy Satterthwaite attended the city. four teams qualifying for semi-finals. Hamilton,Wellington, Christchurch, and announcement at Hagley Oval. Dunedin. Satterthwaite said,“As a born-and-bred First of two major tournaments ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 Cantabrian, it’s fantastic to see the The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup at a glance Highlights of the match schedule Hagley Oval lights up and running. To 2022 will be the first of two major cricket announced yesterday include: play in a World Cup at our own stomping tournaments across the globe in 2022 – • Hosted in New Zealand from March 4 to • A bumper opening match in Tauranga ground here in Christchurch, under the other being the Commonwealth April 3, 2022 featuring the WHITE FERNS and a qual- lights, would be a real career highlight. Games in England. • Eight nations ifier on Friday, March 4. Tauranga also “It was hard to watch the T20 Women’s Prize money for the showpiece of • 31 matches hosts the rematch of the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup from the sidelines women’s international cricket will total • 6 host cities:Auckland, Hamilton,Tauranga, Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s with back in March (after giving birth in NZD$5.5million, and all matches will be Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin England up against India on Wednesday, January) so seeing the match schedule all broadcast live to a huge global audience. March 16. locked in for the ODI World Cup here in ICC CEO, Manu Sawhney said, “The Tournament fixtures by venue: • Dunedin’s University Oval, the home 2022 gives both myself and the rest of ICC has made a long-term commitment *denotes day/night of global superstar Suzie Bates, to host the team a target to strive for as we to elevating women’s cricket as part of three pool matches, with reigning prepare over the next 16 months.” our strategy to grow and develop the Bay Oval, Tauranga champions England, hometown South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk global game. Fri 04 Mar 2022 New Zealand v Qualifier* favourites, the WHITE FERNS and South says playing in a World Cup will be a “We want to build a sustainable founda- Sun 06 Mar 2022 Qualifier v India* Africa on show. memorable occasion. tion for women’s cricket. It is about Tue 08 Mar 2022 Australia v Qualifier * • Hamilton’s Seddon Park will host “Any time you get the chance to play for building a product that fans want to Fri 11 Mar 2022 Qualifier v South Africa* seven pool matches, with staunch rivals your country and wear the Proteas on watch, that kids want to take up, that Mon 14 Mar 2022 South Africa v England* Australia and England kicking off the your jersey it’s an honour. sponsors and broadcasters want to be Wed 16 Mar 2022 England v India* city’s matches. India and South Africa “I have been fortunate to have the op- part of. This schedule takes the world’s Fri 18 Mar 2022 Qualifier v Qualifier will both take on the host nation’s WHITE portunity before to play at a Women’s best cricketers across New Zealand and FERNS in Hamilton. Cricket World Cup, but every new time is can help inspire a generation of girls University Oval, Dunedin • The iconic Basin Reserve will host a more special than the last. Every young and boys to take up the game. Sat 05 Mar 2022 Qualifier v South Africa Trans-Tasman showdown between cricket player dreams of playing for their “We are extremely proud of the signifi- Mon 07 Mar 2022 New Zealand v Qualifier Australia and New Zealand on Sunday, country at the highest level, and we are cant progress we have made in increasing Wed 09 Mar 2022 Qualifier v England March13 , as well as five other pool definitely looking forward to the CWC22 prize money for ICC events over the last matches and the first semi-final of the in New Zealand,” she said. few years, with the ICC Women’s Cricket Seddon Park, Hamilton tournament Mithali Raj, captain of India is also World Cup 2022 in New Zealand having Sat 05 Mar 2022 Australia v England* $NZD5.5 million dollars available in prize Thu 10 Mar 2022 New Zealand v India* money, an increase of almost 60% on 2017 Sat 12 Mar 2022 Qualifier v India* and more than 1000% compared to 2013.” Mon 14 Mar 2022 Qualifier v Qualifier With the match schedule now locked in, Thu 17 Mar 2022 New Zealand v South ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup CEO Africa* Andrea Nelson is excited to see the Mon 21 Mar 2022 Qualifier v Qualifier* country get behind the event. Tue 22 Mar 2022 India v Qualifier* Nelson said, “Our team is proud to be delivering a tournament where Kiwis Basin Reserve, Wellington across the whole country,in each of our six Sun 13 Mar 2022 New Zealand v Australia host cities,can really get involved in what Tue 15 Mar 2022 Australia v Qualifier is a truly special event. We can’t wait to Tue 22 Mar 2022 South Africa v Australia see the excitement build around New Thu 24 Mar 2022 South Africa v Qualifier Zealand as we prepare to roll out the Fri 25 Mar 2022 Qualifier v Australia welcome mat for the rest of the world. Sun 27 Mar 2022 England v Qualifier “Major events like this one are all about Wed 30 Mar 2022 Semi-Final 1 creating a genuine legacy for the sport and we are proud to say our tournament Eden Park, Auckland was the catalyst for the installation of Sat 19 Mar 2022 India v Australia* the Hagley Oval lights. I’d like to thank Sun 20 Mar 2022 New Zealand v England the New Zealand Government and the Canterbury Cricket Trust for making that Hagley Oval, Christchurch happen.” Thu 24 Mar 2022 England v Qualifier* New Zealand, Australia, England, Sat 26 Mar 2022 New Zealand v Qualifier The Basin Reserve in Wellington and the Hagley Oval in Christchurch (pictured) South Africa and India have qualified for Sun 27 Mar 2022 India v South Africa* will host the semi-finals with the latter also set to to host the final under lights the World Cup. The three remaining Thu 31 Mar 2022 Semi-Final 2* on April 3, 2022. teams will emerge from the ICC qualify- Sun 03 Apr 2022 FINAL

18 • Thursday December 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Virat Kohli promises ‘high voltage’ action INDIA captain Virat Kohli has in England next summer. promised “high voltage” action In the limited-overs matches before the in the four-Test series against Tests, Australia won the one-day series Australia, currently underway 2-1, while India took the T20s by the same in Adelaide. scoreline. The hosts are looking to avenge a 2-1 defeat on home soil two years ago, when Paine plays down Smith concerns they were missing Steve Smith and David Australia’s preparations have not only Warner after the ball-tampering affair. been hit by the injury to Warner, but also Both sides are without some key play- a concussion suffered by uncapped Will ers because of injury. Pucovski, who would have been in line to Before the day-night Test, Kohli said, fill the vacancy at the top of the order. “It is definitely going to be as competitive Matthew Wade now looks set to partner as it has always been.” Joe Burns in opening the batting, but Warner misses the first Test with an there was a further concern when adductor injury,while India are awaiting number-one ranked Test batsman Steve the arrival of batsman Rohit Sharma. Smith failed to net on Tuesday because of Fast bowler Ishant Sharma has been a back problem. India captain Virat Kohli has promised ‘high voltage’ action in the four-Test se- ruled out of the whole tour. “His preparation has been very good,” ries against Australia. India’s win two years ago, their first said home captain Tim Paine. “He’s bat- series success in Australia, was ted for the last week since we’ve been in Mayank Agarwal, while the experienced occasionally a bad-tempered contest. Adelaide. So for him to have a day off India take step into the unknown Wriddhiman Saha has been given the “It’s going to be high-voltage cricket might actually be a blessing in disguise. India have only played a day-night Test nod to keep wicket ahead of Rishabh because we have quality players on both “Whether he’s fit and sore in the back, once before, a home defeat of Bangladesh, Pant. sides and they are all hungry and eager or stiff in the back, I think he normally and face a huge task against an Australia R Ashwin is chosen ahead of Ravindra to perform,” added Kohli, who will only gets up, gets through it and finds a way team that have won all seven of their day- Jadeja to fill the spinner’s berth, while play in the first Test before returning to score runs like he always does.” nighters, five of which have been in Umesh Yadav joins Jasprit Bumrah and home for the birth of his first child. Australia are set to give a debut to 21- Adelaide. Mohammad Shami in the three-man pace “There’s going to be tension, there’s year-old all-rounder Cameron Green, who Not only that, but they do so knowing attack. going to be stress, there’s going to be himself has recovered from a concussion. this will be their only Test with talismanic “A pink-ball Test is probably going to be emotions flaring every now and then, but Much excitement surrounds Green, skipper Kohli in charge. a bit more challenging in terms of condi- I don’t foresee anything getting personal who averages 55 with the bat and 21 with They will also be without Rohit, who tions and how the ball moves around in anymore.” the ball in first-class cricket, often bowl- has been suffering with a hamstring in- the evening,” said Kohli. Australia are currently top of the ing at high pace. jury, for the Boxing Day Test in “For us, it’s about being able to adapt to International Cricket Council Test “We know that when he does bowl he’ll Melbourne, but he could be available for different conditions.You can take inspira- Championship, with India second. Both make an impact, that’s what we have seen the matches in Sydney and Brisbane. tion from the past but I don’t think that sides can make big progress towards from him and that’s what we expect him With Rohit unavailable, Prithvi Shaw guarantees anything and we have to stay securing their place in the final, which is to do again,” said Paine. has been chosen to open the batting with in the present.” Kane Williamson becomes father of baby girl Northants sign

NEW ZEALAND captain Kane Afghanistan Williamson took to social media on Wednesday to announce the arrival of a baby girl in his family. Williamson all-rounder Nabi shared a picture of himself holding his new-born on Instagram. “Overjoyed to for T20 Blast welcome a beautiful baby girl into our family,” the New Zealand skipper captioned the post. Soon after Williamson NORTHAMPTONSHIRE have signed shared the news, former and current Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi, cricketers flooded the comments section the world’s number one-ranked with congratulatory messages. Twenty20 all-rounder, for the T20 Blast India captain Virat Kohli, who himself in 2021. is set to become a father, lead the wishes Nabi, 35, who played for from cricket fraternity. Leicestershire in 2018, has featured in “Congratulations to the both of you for all of the world’s main Twenty20 this blessing in your lives. Lots of love leagues. from us to you,” Kohli wrote. Head coach David Ripley said, Williamson’s Indian Premier League “We’re delighted to welcome such a teammates Bhuvneshwar Kumar, high-profile T20 player as Mohammad David Warner and Rashid Khan Nabi. also congratulated the 30-year-old bats- “He has a wealth of experience from so man. many global tournaments. He can turn Former India cricketers Virender a game completely with bat and ball.” Sehwag and Suresh Raina too Nabi has made 4 118 runs in 271 T20 congratulated Williamson. matches at a strike rate of 141.36, Williamson had opted out of the second and taken 267 wickets. Test against the West Indies last week to Northants’ T20 skipper Josh Cobb be with his wife in Tauranga. Kane Williamson took to social media to announce the arrival of a baby girl into said: “Nabi was our number one target. The prolific top-order batsman had his family on Wednesday, sharing this picture of him embracing the new baby David Ripley and the club have done scored a double-century in the first Test with wife Sarah Raheem. a great job to get him.” against the West Indies. Williamson had Nabi, who is also signed up with scored 251 runs to help his side secure a over the leadership role in the absence of Williamson will next be seen in the London Spirit in The Hundred, will be comfortable win by an innings and Williamson and led the hosts to another upcoming T20I series against Pakistan. available for all the T20 Blast 134 runs. huge win that helped them sweep the He will miss the first T20I, but will group games and the quarter-final, In the second Test, Tom Latham took two-match series, 2-0. return for the final two matches. if Northants make it through. The Barbados Advocate Thursday December 17, 2020 • 19

REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Roebuck Street, COMMERCIAL Bridgetown LOTS FOR SALE Shopping Mall/Office space Mount Standfast, St James $8,100,000 negotiable Cave Hill Drive, St. Lucy Two properties on Land 14,876 sq ft. 22,714 sq ft Land. Batts Rock, St Michael $110,000 Asking $1,200,000 Guest House, Land 12,078 sq ft TEL 572-1452 Bushy Park, St. Philip Black Rock, St. Michael $2,850,000 negotiable Cel: 253-6319 Land 17,000 sq ft Warehouse/Factory 828-4800 $10 sq ft 4000 sf space Cane Garden, St Thomas Email: Land 23,861 sq ft 3.6 acres approved caribbeanpropertiesltd Inchcape, St. Philip $900,000 (reduced) Roadfront land @gmail.com Land 4355 sq ft $1,650,000 negotiable $ 96,000 Foul Bay, St. Philip Approved for condos, Fitts Village, St James PROPERTIES Belle, St. George Land 39,242 sq ft Guest House, 4 Suites Land 4 acres $1,600,000. Land 6,135 sq ft Kirtons, St Philip $400,000 $850,000 negotiable 3 bedroom plus Dover, Christ Church Haggatt Hall, St. Michael 2 bedroom apt REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE Hotel 18 rooms fully Mason Hill Street The City Land 4,790 sq ft $685,000 Land 6336 sq ft operational $2,950,000 neg 26,500 sq ft with buildings $126,000 $4,500,000 negotiable Cottage, St George Bagatelle, St. Thomas Amity Lodge, Ch Ch Dalkeith, Christ Church Land 5000 sq ft Land 62000 sq ft into 2 lots 3 bedroom plus Cane Garden, St. Thomas Land 17,371 sq ft approved All enquiries to $110,000 $520,000 each 1 bedroom apt Land 7,000 sf to 18,000 sq ft for shops and offices (246) 253 6319/ 828-4800 Land 6,646 sq ft Private entrance. From $495,000 (246) 572 1452 Morningside, St Philip Marley Vale, St Philip $650,000 $187,681 or Land 4567 sq ft Land 21,780 sq ft (246) 247 4469 The Mount, St. George $133,000 $275,000 Gibbons, Ch Ch NOTICES NOTICES 3 bedroom plus Land 6544 sq ft Jupiter Gardens, St Philip 2 bedroom apt $110,000 Sandford, St Philip Land 7312 sq ft Land 9,835 sq ft $765,000 Land 16,356 sq ft Shop Hill, St Thomas $133,000 $305,000 Breezy Hill, St Philip Land 11,735 sq ft 3 bedroom, 2 bath $258,000 NOTICES NOTICES reduced to $298,000 Ragged Point, St. Philip Black Rock, St Michael Land 8,267 sq ft 3 bedroom, 1 bath $166,000 Land 6732 sq ft $360,000 Rolling Hills, St. George Land 12,000 sq ft Enterprise, Christ Church $315,000 (negotiable) 3 bedroom, 2 bath Land 5062 sq ft Ocean City, St. Philip $390,000 (reduced) Land 6150 sq ft $123,000 Golf Club Road, Christ Church Fortesque, St Philip 3 bedroom, 1 bath Agricultural Land fixer upper 494,500 sq ft Land 4,000 plus $1,100,000 UNDER OFFER Silver Sands, The Belle, St George Christ Church Plantation style House Land 7,129 sq ft Standing on 4 acres $160,000 UNDER OFFER Bushy Park, St. Philip Frere Pilgrim, Land 24,000 sq ft Christ Church $200,000 3 bedroom, 2 baths with two bedroom apartment. Apes Hill, St. James Land 4,387 sq ft. $850,000 Land 31,000 sq ft upward Large lots at $15 per sq ft Hanson Heights, St George 3 bedroom, 2 baths Mount Wilton, St. Thomas Land 8321 sq ft Land 15,500 sq ft $595,000 and 22,066 sq ft $300,000 and $220,000 Ealing Grove, Christ Church Union, St. Philip 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths Land 7560 sq ft Land 9320 sq ft $150,000 $565,000

20 • Thursday December 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Regular Market BARBADOS STOCK REPORT Security Volume High Low Market Advance/ Price Decline THERE WAS NO ACTIVITY ON THE REGULAR MARKET. December 16, 2020

There was no activity on the Regular Market. Deposit Receipts Security Previous Current Advance/ Close Close Decline EMERA DEPOSIT RECEIPT $21.08 $21.13 $0.05

BARBADOSBARBADOS STSTOCKOCK EXCHANGEEXCHANGE SHARE SUMMARY INFORMATION Wednesday December 16, 2020 INDICES LAST TRADE VOLUME HIGH LOW LAST CURRENT PRICE BID ASK BID ASK TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES DATE CLOSE CLOSE CHANGE PRICE PRICE SIZE SIZE December 16, 2020 December 15, 2020 Local 2,593.94 2,593.89 0.05 ABV Investments Incorporated 15-Oct-20 - - - $0.05 $0.05 - $0.05 $0.30 16 10,500 Cross-list 1,037.14 1,037.14 - BICO Limited 21-Sep-20 - - - $3.10 $3.10 - - - - - Composite 632.76 632.75 0.01 MARKET CAPITALISATION (in millions) Banks Holdings Limited -+ 09-Dec-19 - - - $4.85 $4.85 - - - - - TODAY'S TRADING LAST TRADING CHANGES Barbados Dairy Industries Limited -+ 04-Oct-19 - - - $3.00 $3.00 - - - - - December 16, 2020 December 15, 2020 Local 5,213.94 5,213.83 0.11 Barbados Farms Limited 10-Dec-20 - - - $0.40 $0.40 - $0.35 $0.40 1,000 12,870 Cross-list 132.43 132.43 - Composite 5,346.37 5,346.26 0.11 Cave Shepherd and Company Limited 10-Dec-20 - - - $4.10 $4.10 - $3.50 $4.10 10,000 1,262 MUTUAL FUND FirstCaribbean International Bank 10-Dec-20 - - - $2.00 $2.00 - $1.80 $2.00 739 16,283 December 16, 2020 ENDED NAME OF FUND NAV OFFER BID NAV Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 10-Dec-20 - - - $0.18 $0.18 - $0.13 $0.18 1,365 41,106 CHANGE - Dev Fund 11-Dec-20 REPUBLIC CAPITAL GROWTH FUND w 1.1842 0.0221 11-Dec-20 REPUBLIC INCOME FUND w 1.2480 0.0018 Eppley Caribbean Property Fund SCC 10-Dec-20 - - - $0.58 $0.58 - $0.50 $0.58 5,000 53,153 11-Dec-20 REPUBLIC PROPERTY FUND w 0.6757 0.0017 -Value Fund 11-Dec-20 FORTRESS CARIBBEAN GROWTH FUND w 6.1634 6.1634 6.1634 -0.0083 11-Dec-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - ACC. w 2.0933 0.0013 Goddard Enterprises Limited 10-Dec-20 - - - $2.10 $2.10 - $2.00 $2.05 17,133 8,144 11-Dec-20 FORTRESS HIGH INTEREST FUND - DIST. w 1.0190 0.0006 30-Nov-20 ROYAL FIDELITY SELECT BALANCED FUND m 5.4327 5.4327 5.3240 -0.0242 Insurance Corporation of B’dos Limited 04-Dec-20 - - - $1.78 $1.78 - $1.78 $2.50 86 34,950 30-Nov-20 ROYAL FIDELITY STRATEGIC GROWTH FUNDm 0.9826 0.9826 0.9629 -0.0109 30-Nov-20 ROYAL FIDELITY PREMIUM INCOME FUND m 1.6267 1.6267 1.5942 0.0055 One Caribbean Media Limited 10-Dec-20 - - - $2.00 $2.00 - $1.80 $2.00 3,139 817 11-Dec-20 SAGICOR GLOBAL BALANCED FUND w 2.67 0.03 Sagicor Financial Corporation Pref 6.5% 23-Jun-16 - - - $2.26 $2.26 - - - - - 11-Dec-20 SAGICOR SELECT GROWTH FUND w 1.61 0.02 11-Dec-20 SAGICOR PREFERRED INCOME FUND w 0.99 0.01 Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited -+ 29-Nov-19 - -- $2.80 $2.80 - - - - - * Indicates the Fund is currently ex-div NOTES: QUOTATIONS AND NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE ARE SUPPLIED BY THE West India Biscuit Company Limited 07-Dec-20 - - - $31.50 $31.50 - $31.50 $32.00 26 600 FUND MANAGEMENT. THE OFFERING PRICE INCLUDES NET ASSET VALUE PLUS ENTRY COSTS. Emera Deposit Receipt 14-Aug-20 - - - $21.08 $21.13 $0.05 $30.00 - 50 - m = monthly valuation, q = quarterly valuation, w = weekly

TOTAL SHARES BOUGHT & SOLD - Fixed Income Last Trade Last Current Bid Ask Bid Ask Date Close Close Price Price Size Size GOB Series B 27-Nov-20 $60.00 $60.00 - $60.00 - 105,110 GOB Series D 12-Nov-19 $50.00 $50.00 - - - - * = Security is Trading X-Div GOB Series F 03-Nov-20 $89.00 $89.00 - --- *+* = Security is Suspended GOB Series I 24-Mar-20 $65.00 $65.00 $70.00 103,713 ** = Rights Issued NEWS Stocks tick up as lawmakers NOTICES press ahead with stimulus talks ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS West India Biscuit Company Limited - Directors have fixed January 7th, 2021 as the record date for the determination of STOCKS were mixed passed in Washington, de- shareholders entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting of the Company which will be held on February 12th, 2021. Wednesday as traders con- spite months of disappoint- sidered lawmakers’ final ef- ment over deadlocked nego- DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS forts to get a stimulus pack- tiations. West India Biscuit Company Limited – Directors have declared a final dividend of seventy-five ($0.75) cents per share to be paid on January 11th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on January 7th, 2021. age through before year- House Speaker Nancy end, and awaited the Pelosi, Senate Majority Cave Shepherd and Company Limited – Directors have declared a final dividend of five ($0.05) cents per share to be paid on Federal Open Market Leader Mitch McConnell, February 19th, 2021 to Shareholders on record at close of business on February 5th, 2021. Committee’s December Senate Minority Leader BSE NOTICES monetary policy decision. Chuck Schumer, Treasury COVID-19 PROCEDURAL UPDATE The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Secretary Steven Mnuchin In light of the ongoing COVID-19 contagion affecting the island, the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) and the Barbados Central headed higher, while the and House Minority Leader Securities Depository Inc. (BCSDI) have been instituting several procedural changes. Dow came under pressure Kevin McCarthy convened Kindly note that effective May 18th, 2020, the BSE and BCSDI re-opened and has resumed normal office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 after a much weaker-than- on Tuesday to discuss both p.m. Please also note that we have implemented digital temperature checks for all persons entering the building. These checks are expected print on November the COVID-19 relief pack- being conducted on both staff and clients alike by trained personnel. retail sales, which showed a age and broader govern- While we acknowledge that every person with fever may not be COVID-19 positive and that some individuals may present without sharper drop in consumer ment spending bill, to which symptoms, please note that any person with a temperature reading of 100˚ F (37.8˚ C) or over will be denied entry to conduct business spending than anticipated the virus relief aid is ex- within our offices. as new virus-related restric- pected to be attached. The We wish to thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation, however, we must emphasize that this is a necessary step tions came into effect. COVID proposal under dis- for the protection of staff and clients alike. Both the Nasdaq cussion was split into two TRADING SUSPENSION Composite and small-cap earlier this week to cleave The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section Russell 2000 hit record off some of the more con- 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Banks Holdings Limited were highs just after market open tentious provisions around suspended effective December 10th, 2019. Wednesday morning. A day aid for state and local gov- earlier, the S&P 500 ended a ernments and liability pro- The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that due to non-compliance with Section 4.01.3 and subject to Section four-session losing streak to tections into a separate, 3.01.5.(1)(b) of the Rules of the Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. trading in the Common Shares of Barbados Dairy Industries Limited were suspended effective December 10th, 2019. climb 1.3%, and the Dow smaller bill. also advanced by more than Politico reported The Barbados Stock Exchange Inc. (BSE) wishes to advise that to facilitate the closing of the Scheme of Arrangement effected by way 1%. Wednesday morning that of Section 99 of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda involving the transfer of all the issued and outstanding shares in Sagicor Traders this week have negotiators were closing in Financial Corporation Limited to Alignvest Acquisition II, it has suspended trading in the security Sagicor Financial Corporation Limited. increased their bets on a on a relief package that stimulus package getting would total $900 billion. The Barbados Advocate Thursday December 17, 2020 • 21

22 • Thursday December 17, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

West Brom appoint former England boss to replace Slaven Bilic

WEST BROM have ap- efforts in achieving pro- November 2017, taking pointed Sam Allardyce motion last season". the club into Europe as as manager on an 18- Bilic, 52, signed a two- they finished seventh in month contract. year contract when he his final full season, Allardyce, 66, has not took over at the The recording their highest managed since leaving Hawthorns in June placing since 2002. Everton in 2018 but 2019, replacing Darren Prior to that, he had led takes over after the club Moore. Croatia to two European sacked Slaven Bilic. He guided Albion to Championships, with a The former England promotion on the final quarter-final appearance boss has taken charge of day of last season, as they in 2008 coming after they seven clubs in the finished second in the had knocked England out Premier League and is Championship. in the qualifiers. yet to be relegated from But they have won only He has also had spells the top flight. one Premier League in charge of Hajduk Split, Allardyce joins, along match this season, beat- Lokomotiv Moscow, with long-time assistant ing bottom club Sheffield Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. Sammy Lee, with the United 1-0 on 28 Manchester United Baggies 19th in the table November. manager Ole Gunnar and seven points from It emerged after the Solskjaer said he was their 13 league fixtures. draw at Manchester City “very sad” to hear of Assistant coaches Dean that West Brom were con- Bilic’s sacking. Racunica and Danilo sidering whether to sack “I think he’s done great Butorovic also depart, as Bilic. for them, getting promo- Slaven Bilic was appointed West Brom manager in June 2019. does first-team coach Tuesday’s match was tion,” Solskjaer said. “I’m INSET: Sam Allardyce. Julian Dicks. the Croat’s 100th sure he’ll get a job again A club statement Premier League game as when he wants to. think long term. Of short-term as well, but “Sometimes they don’t thanked Bilic and his a manager. He led West “Hopefully more and course it’s a short-term everyone knows that con- have the patience for it, coaching staff “for their Ham from June 2015 to more clubs and teams business, we need results tinuity is key to success. though.” The Barbados Advocate Thursday December 17, 2020 •23

P R O HOROSCOPES S A Aries - You're so keen to get important jobs out of the N way, your whole focus will be on completing tasks D and responsibilities. You have the energy to keep going and you should easily deal with important C tasks. You could be tempted to take on a new batch O of duties once you're on top of it all but this would- N n't be such a good idea. S Taurus - Stay calm and keep a cool head if someone is looking for an argument. Your patience is being tested. If a partner admits to having made an extrav- agant purchase, you were probably half expecting them to do this anyway. Just get them to agree to be more careful with money in future.

Gemini - Turn your back on gossip. It will be tempt- Z ing to hear more. It would be safe to assume there I will be a marked lack of fact and truth in rumours being spread. When making purchases you want to T buy the best because the best holds its value. A care- S ful partner may disagree but you will prove them right in the long-term.

Cancer - It's hard to stand by and watch a partner or friend fritter cash away. Someone is splashing out on festive goodies and you can understand their need to make this Christmas special. They won't listen if you try to stop them making a foolish purchase. Even though they will look to you to help put things R right when they need money for bills in the future. E X Leo - Encourage a loved one who seems restless and anxious to talk. After listening attentively, you might be able to offer a solution to their problem. M Avoid impulsive spending. It might seem like a good O idea to splash out on an expensive Christmas gift but R this will go against a promise you made with your- G self to make good economic decisions. A N Virgo - Colleagues who don't always get on well to- gether seem unusually keen to work in unison. A fundraiser will reflect on how a spirit of goodwill is spreading across your community. Working with a team is rewarding. Plenty of lively ideas and sugges- tions will come from bouncing ideas off each other.

Libra - Be sensible with your hard-earned cash. If P you spend too much on large purchases there won't H be the money left for treats you like to enjoy during the festivities. For this reason, decide what you can A afford when Christmas shopping, both online and in N the shops; and don't overspend. T O Scorpio - You had been getting worried about meet- M ing a Christmas deadline. People you were depend- ing on to help you complete this work seemed to show a distinct lack of interest. When suddenly they get their skates on and make a huge effort, it will be- come easier to meet the deadline.

Sagittarius - Be brave and admit you are unsure about something you have been asked to do. You will M command more respect from your boss and col- A leagues if you do. You may have been able to bluff your way through certain situations before but now R it is time to be honest with yourself and others. Y Capricorn - A friend or relative's spur of the moment's W suggestion for arranging a festive online get-together O is worth considering. Be flexible when making plans for having fun with your family and friends. There's R a lot going on that can frustrate you but if you keep T to your Christmas budget, there should also be plenty H to feel happy about.

Aquarius - Your partner or best friend has recently acted in a way that made you doubt their loyalty or discretion. They realise how much they have hurt you M and they will be making it clear how much they re- O gret this mistake. They are sincere in their promise T that it will never be repeated. H E Pisces - Offering to help clear the decks at work be- R fore Christmas will give you a chance to see how your workmates operate. You could pick up a few G useful tips that will help you in the New Year. Are O you single? Be sure to attend a small festive gather- O ing. Don't be reluctant to make the first move if you're introduced to someone you fancy. S E

ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 31-match schedule announced Page 17

Thursday December 17, 2020 THANKS GIVEN TO THE MEDIA Appreciation shown for ‘crucial role’ being played during Covid-19 pandemic THE critical role that the “We believe the media has played media continues to play during a crucial role in our effort to save lives, the COVID-19 pandemic was to protect healthcare workers, to highlighted during a Media stop the spread of the virus and in Appreciation cocktail reception our work to educate the public,” he said. on Monday night. He added, COVID-19 was indeed a test Known to shy away from the spotlight, and gave the assurance that the members of the media were personally organisations will continue to collabo- thanked by PAHO/WHO representative rate with the media to reach as many for Barbados, Dr.Yitades Gebre and other people as possible, ensuring that no one members of the organisation at a brief is left behind. ceremony held at Mahogany Ridge While giving an overview of work done, in St. Thomas, where the value of he noted that the pillars addressed by disseminating timely and accurate PAHO including risk communication information to the public during this and community engagement, disease challenging period was underscored. surveillance, areas of points of Dr.Gebre told those gathered that 2020 entry, national laboratory, education, PAHO/WHO representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Dr. Yitades was in many ways an unprecedented prevention and control, access to new Gebre thanked the media for the role that they continue to play during the year, marked by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic. Information on Page 6 Canon Burke delivers message for annual Christmas service

REVEREND CANON NOEL A. services for many years but this was BURKE preached “God Almighty loved the first time that it has been live- us all to the extent that he became streamed on social media. Canon Burke one of us,” during the Annual Christmas noted that this did not happen only Service at the Queen Elizabeth because of the pandemic but because Hospital (QEH) Chapel on Tuesday. He is showing an alternative way of In his message, he emphasised that doing things. God was prepared to walk among us “(God) has shown us a way to get to take on our sins because of love. things done, a way in which we can Canon Burke noted God is with all function, a way in which we can link up. when they are weak, broken, and when We may not be able to give each other they are strong. He added that this year a hug but at least by the grace of God was particularly challenging due to the touch each other at the elbow…” said pandemic and highlighted the “invisible Canon Burke. evil” that has affected the way people The religious leader noted that operate in society. during this time, God may be telling us However despite this, the reverend to slow down. Canon Burke also gave reminded the congregation that there thanks to God for the opportunity to is an unseen hand at work during gather at the chapel and wished the pandemic. He underlined that the everyone on behalf of the hospital staff, Reverend Canon Noel Burke told the congregation that God has shown the world QEH’s chapel has held its annual a quiet and peaceful Christmas. a way to stay connected despite the effects of the pandemic.

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