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EXCELLENT By RESPONSEMarsha Gittens 140 lots and some of the lots were bought prior to the day’s event. Duguid shared did not miss out on an that the 62 lots remaining were sold on the opportunity to own a piece of the day within two hours. The lots on offer rock as scores of them attended the were priced at “$18 per square foot”. National Housing Corporation’s “Let me thank the people of (NHC) Land Fair on Saturday. for coming out and giving tremendous It was reported that from as early as support to what would have been our first 8:30 in the morning individuals were land fair here at Deanstown Heights. As present at Deanstown Heights, St. James I understand it … within two hours 62 lots making their assessment of the land sold here for the National Housing which overlooks Westmoreland Corporation and I am very,very happy at Development. Lots ranging from 5000 to the tremendous support that was given to 10 000 square feet were being sold.The set us to start this project with the first 62 lots. time for the Fair was 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 That brings a total of 140 lots here that p.m. have been made available for housing here Speaking to the media, of at Deanstown Heights. I am very, very Housing, Lands and Maintenance, happy with the support and I think it Dr. William Duguid said Saturday’s Fair gives us a tremendous start to be able to was the first in a series of land fairs the house the nation,” he stated. NHC plans to have.The section comprised LAND FAIR on Page 3

Persons taking a close look at the site map as they decided which of the available lots they preferred. LEFT: Minister of Housing, Lands and Maintenance, Dr. William Duguid, told the media he was very happy with the response given to the day’s Land Fair. Makeover of the public service is greatly needed POORLY performing public sector They stand in the way of new innovations said in a video statement. term. agencies must be reformed. and new projects within the public and Speaking on the revitalisation of the Regarding financial incentives, Stuart Issuing this call, President of the Young private sector and the reason for slow economy onto a more sustainable path, noted while the Fiscal Incentives Bill Democrats,Kemar Stuart, highlighted implementation may vary but they he said both regional and international paved the way for great foreign direct such a move was critical if the island was almost always relate to some type of co-operation was greatly needed to move investment to come into the island “that truly serious about raising the standards failure within the public sector. forward in these uncertain times. was yesteryear” as it had repealed the of doing business and improving the “A makeover of the public service is “If we look at Barbados economic and legislation. economy. greatly needed sooner rather than later investment policies, there is a clear void “Low tax regimes are constantly under “Renewed growth in the Barbados to raise the standards to that of the US, for the facilitation of a more robust attack by the OECD and a greater economy, depends on the removal of UK and Canada where our public investment culture in Barbados and this competitive package is needed within the complex and antiquated processes within servants are internationally competitive. may very well be the light in the midst of regulations of course, where Barbados government’s administrative process. Our public service needs to bid on the COVID pandemic,” he said, noting can have a sustained approach to Poorly performing government contracts internationally where it earns attention needed to be paid to the attracting foreign direct investment departments, state-owned corporations foreign exchange and becomes a country’s infrastructure to help Barbados through more financial encouragement,” and agencies are in need of much reform. contributor to government’s finances,”he unlock growth in the medium- to long- he advised. 2 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 3

NHC’s Land Fair draws tremendous response from the public LAND FAIR from Front fair will be soon. Page “The second one we will The be having will be attributed the excellent Lancaster Phrase 3 and public response to the we hope to break ground day’s Fair to the need by on that next month and as Barbadians for housing soon as we break ground, solutions. we will have another land “Clearly, we see that fair like this and that is a there is great need for over total 183 lots and once we 60 lots to be sold in two get those lots going we hours. There is great need hope that people will be for housing solutions in able to get their housing Barbados and we are starts going as quickly as going to work hard to be possible to get that next able to meet that need for 183 lots into production the people of Barbados,” it for people to get shelter was further pointed out. here in this country,” he Clerical Officer with NHC, Claire Holder, responding to queries from members of the public about the lots on He said the next land added. sale at Deanstown Heights, St. James.

NHC Stenographer, Jonelle Rollock responding to queries from the public about the lots on sale at the Land Fair.

Persons with derelict houses, vacant land urged to partner with NHC By Marsha Gittens “We are encouraging people who have and then share the proceeds… It is a new “People often say that we have a derelict houses or who have vacant land, and innovative programme that we are database with 32 000 people who have THE National Housing Corporation it doesn’t have to be a large piece, it can working on and we are asking people applied for housing solutions. We are (NHC) plans to roll out a new be a single house spot or a single house, who are interested in coming and working on that to see if we can make initiative where it will partner with we are encouraging them to come and partnering with the National Housing that better. To weed out all the doubles Barbadians to put up their derelict give us your information. Those of you Corporation to call in and we will start to and triples and try to get that in terms of houses or vacant land for rent. who want to work with the National put that programme together for vacant who still wants [in order] and we have a Minister of Housing, Lands and Housing Corporation,” it was explained. and derelict houses and vacant lots.” programme working on that to get a more Maintenance, Dr. William Duguid, He added, “We are putting together a Duguid said in addition to the new accurate database, that is the first thing. explained the details of this programme policy so that together with those home initiative, the NHC is working on a The second thing, we recognise that as he spoke to the media at Deanstown owners those derelict houses, we will programme to bring its database which people have great needs and we are Heights, St. James on Saturday where come in make an arrangement with you, comprises persons who have applied for trying to meet that need as best as we the NHC held its Land Fair. fix up the house, put it available for rent housing solutions up-to-date. can.” 4• Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Community Volunteers who took part in the DEM’s Exercise Montgomery yesterday.

DEM Director Kerry Hinds said the organisation’s partnerships reduced the impact of the lack of specific resources. Call for more community volunteers to join DEOs AS the hurricane various DEOs, and noted season hits the midway in the case there was a lack mark, the Department of specific resources, the of Emergency DEM’s partnerships with Management (DEM) is other units aided in signalling its continued making up the shortfall. state of readiness. “You may find at some Forecasters have points in time, you may predicted an extremely lack resources in certain active hurricane season, areas, hence the reason and with Tropical Storms why we have various Josephine and Kyle memoranda of already churning in the understanding with other Atlantic, DEM Director agencies and other bodies Kerry Hinds said her to supplement what we organisation is constantly have at the national level. refining its plans and This is the reason why we procedures to be able to engage partners such at meet the needs of the Roving Response Barbadians or our regional Team, the same District brothers and sisters in the Emergency Organisations case of a disaster,in and other entities who may whatever form it may take. have resources that can be “We are ever mindful of brought to bear on the the fact that although we system,” she said, adding are in the hurricane that there was still room season, there are other for improvement. hazards we need to treat She made the comments to. Currently,our countries to the media yesterday as have been affected by in its efforts to ensure its Covid-19 and as such we community volunteers are would have tweaked a ready to respond in the number of our hurricane case of a disaster,the DEM procedures to reflect the hosted a simulation Covid-19 implications,” she exercise called ‘Exercise added. Montgomery’ at Queen’s With 29 out of 30 of the College for 104 of these District Emergency individuals. Organisations up and The operation focused on running, Hinds once again the volunteers’ responses expressed the desire for before and in the aftermath more community of the island being struck volunteers to join the by a storm watch. (JMB) The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 5

Appeal to repay loans from Fund DONATION from Back some 90 laptops, at an assistance to Barbadians Ministry in achieving its Page approximate cost of who wished to further goal of providing $100,000, is testimony to their education to electronic devices to so as our tag line says, what government-owned tertiary level, but were students from so they can invest in entities can achieve.” constrained by limited needy households or themselves,” he stated. Meanwhile, financial resources, Dr. families. Emphasising that the Springer said it could Since its Fund was “particularly in the Ministry, Senator only remain viable and establishment, some 43 pleased” to make the Dr. Romel Springer, in fulfil its mandate, “if years ago, the Student presentation, Mr. welcoming the donation those who have benefited Revolving Loan Fund has Johnson said: “When we of the 90 laptops, made from it, honour their approved loans in excess think about charitable an appeal to those moral and legal of $325 million, enabling donations, we usually Barbadians who had responsibility of repaying more than 14,000 think in terms of the benefited from the Fund outstanding funds in a Barbadian students to private sector, but the to repay those loans. timely manner”. pursue a diversity of fact that as a state-owned Stating that the aim of He added that the 90 programmes, in various enterprise we can donate the Fund was to provide laptops would assist the parts of the world

Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Senator Dr. Romel Springer (right), and Administrative Manager with the Student Revolving Loan Fund, Ambrose Johnson, during the donation of laptops by the Fund, to the Ministry of Education. NOTICE TO EMPLOYERS

Thorne Employers who have submitted termination of services/lay-off Commission certificates for their employees and are now extending the period of lay-off/or rehiring their employees are advised to complete the invites St. John NIS Employer Spreadsheet which can be found at residents to http://www.nis.gov.bb/employers/nis-employer-spreadsheet/. virtual meeting IT IS the turn of St. Thorne.Commission@ Employers should submit that spreadsheet to John residents today barbados.gov.bb and Sunday, August 16, to providing their full name [email protected]. share their ideas and address. with the Thorne The link to join the Commission on Local online town hall event Governance about will be forwarded to the Employers are also advised to provide their employees with copies the establishment e-mail addresses of community-based prior to the meeting. of the termination of services/lay-off certificates bearing the period People’s Assemblies in Questions and written Barbados. submissions are also Persons interested in welcomed. of extension. participating may The meeting will register for the Zoom run from 5:00 to 7:00 meeting by emailing p.m. The NIS thanks you for your cooperation! Daryll Jordan Secondary extends Please also visit our website at www.nis.gov.bb book return dates Follow us on: MANAGEMENT of the additional days. Daryll Jordan Secondary These are tomorrow, School at Trents, St. Lucy, August 17, and Tuesday, advises parents and August 18. All nisbds nisbarbados nisbarbados students that allowance outstanding books from has been made all form levels will be for them to return collected between 9:00 textbooks on two a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

6 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Fitting farewell for late PM By Regina Selman Moore grew up in St. Peter and and his leadership. loved simplicity and pri- who faithfully served the “Owen Arthur taught vacy, but yet required and THIS island’s fifth and people of that constituency his and his public defended form, pomp and longest serving Prime for well over thirty years, is officials so many lessons ceremony, as critical ele- Minister, Professor, The finally at rest in his in public policy and fiscal ments of nation building. Rt. Honourable Owen beloved parish. discipline. His was a true He loved the countryside Arthur was recently ac- His cousin, Dr. Elliot understanding that you and relished being de- corded a State Funeral, Douglin, in reflecting on only see real progress scribed as “a country boy”. with all the “pomp and his life from a boy of hum- when it comes from sound And the country boy loved pageantry” befitting ble beginnings, to a man policy. In the Barbados cooking – from pepper pot his outstanding contri- who rose to political , we have all and wilts to sorrel!” bution to his beloved heights, recalled that the been genuine graduates of It was meanwhile noted Barbados. former Coleridge and the /Bernard by both speakers, that I ndeed, it was a fitting Parry student who com- St. John/Henry Forde family meant the world to farewell for the late Prime pleted his ‘A’ Levels at School of Governance – Owen Arthur, who dearly Minister who passed away Harrison College, success- that Great Combination. loved his wife Julie, his at the Queen Elizabeth fully read for his first de- Owen Arthur fully em- daughters Sabrina and Hospital on July 27th, gree from the University braced their love and ap- Leah and his grand- 2020. On the day of the of the West Indies at Cave preciation for the power of daughter Isabelle, on funeral service, Friday Hill, in Economics, History public policy and passed it whom he doted. August 14th, Barbadians and Management. He on to a new generation.All The Barbados Advocate eagerly lined the streets to later received a postgradu- of his Ministers defended joins with the rest of the witness the cortege take a ate scholarship, which led the integrity of Cabinet country in bidding him Valmay Arthur, sister of the late Owen Arthur, as stately journey from the him to UWI Mona in government and the high good bye, farewell. May he she was assisted by Defence Force Personnel Lyndhurst Funeral Home . After his return office which he held, not rest in peace. during the funeral service. in Passage Road, St. to Barbados in 1981, for the sake of himself, but Michael, through Arthur began working in for the preservation of the where a one- the sanctity of the office and minute stop was made at under former Prime the unwritten rule that the Parliament Buildings Minister Tom Adams. you must protect that of- where Arthur spent a sig- Then in 1984, he became a fice at all costs,” Mottley nificant portion of his Member of Parliament, indicated. years, whether in power or representing the Barbados “Owen’s insistence on in , then past Labour Party, which he the need for clarity of pur- , given his would later lead as Prime pose in the settlement of love for and his re- Minister, from 1994 until policy, spoke to a tidy and development of that Oval, 2008. logical mind. His eye for then along the Mighty Arthur was remembered detail and the need for the Grynner Highway and by Dr. Douglin as a hard efficient use of resources Highway One, headed for worker, a man filled with in the implementation of Speightstown. patriotism, as he loved his policy are valuable lessons In keeping with his final country and the people needed for any person in- wishes, the church service therein and indeed, he was terested in public life, any was held at the St. Peter’s committed to improving part of the world,” Mottley Parish Church, beginning the lives of all Barbadians. maintained. at 2 p.m., and it was fol- He was also one who The Prime Minister lowed by the interment at fought for regional integra- went on to state that,“And the Mount Pleasant tion. as for the man! Owen was Memorial Gardens in St. Prime Minister Mia equally a man of great Peter, located east of the Amor Mottley, who deliv- complexity. But that was All Saint’s Primary School, ered a Tribute during the what made him such a where the late Prime funeral service, stressed forceful personality.He Minister received his early that there were many les- had a passion for the pub- Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Amor Mottley, as she joined the cortege en education. Arthur, who sons to learn from Arthur lic causes he adopted. He route to the St. Peter’s Parish Church.

The casket bearing the body of the late Professor, The Rt. Honourable Owen Widow Julie Arthur (centre) takes in the proceedings of her late husband’s Arthur, as it was carried through the streets on its way to the church, during State Funeral, with Owen Arthur’s daughters Sabrina (right) and Leah. his State Funeral. The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 7 Possible way forward suggested SPACE from Back Page

Ambassador Thompson in her re- marks thanked Dr. Jhagroo and the BSP’s Subcommittee for the invita- tion. She also congratulated the Society on its success over the years and highlighted a possible way for- ward for the organisation. “You have the capacity with expansion to sell your services and your skills and bring people into Barbados to get access to those services and skills.That way not only will we spread our reputation as a brand for excellence in health care and your own, but it certainly will generate much needed foreign exchange at a time when coming out of COVID-19 we are going to have to be asking ourselves how as a country do we earn money and keep the country economy going. I think that you have proven that you really do have the will and the capacity to deliver on a vision and to deliver on the implementa- tion of a programme that is transforma- tional not only in the context of the indi- viduals who will access the services but in terms of their development of the con- Medical Coordinator with the Barbados Cancer Society, Dr. Shirley Jhagroo (right) in conversation with Barbados’ tribution to national development and Ambassador to the (UN), Liz Thompson (left) and Radiographer, Johana Romero after looking at the the national healthcare service.” (MG) digital mammogram machine.

8 • Sunday August 16, 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 Buffalo soldier – Part seven I SUPPOSE we’d say that black on black Barbados is a ‘Christian favouritism. What’s new? Finding the country’. Would we? For Then he told me of his an- me that would mean cestor, who was born a more than church-going. slave. There’s a plaque to It would mean, at the him at St. John’s Church. correct balance least, practising what It reads: “ADAM STRAW THE recent electorally rejected Democratic Labour Pope Francis has called a WATERMAN, A GREAT Party governing administration made it a point of “life plan”. Yes: “I was BARBADIAN, 1803-1887. honour to emphasise that Barbados was more than hungry and you gave me Born into slavery. Set an economy, but was a society too. food; I was thirsty and free as a young man. Some people might argue fairly that these two you gave me drink; I was Apprenticed to a mason, concepts are not mutually exclusive; that Barbados a stranger and you in- So I did what I usually ested in filling people’s he developed great skill is indeed both an economy and a society and that vited me in; I needed do when I want to under- bellies… that people have as a builder and a reputa- to concentrate on one while ignoring the other will clothes… I was sick… I stand. I asked around: the comfort when they sleep tion for his sensitive work lead to either a wealthy dystopia or an economically was in prison… (Matt plumber, the postman, at night, that their chil- with sawn coral stone. depressed polity. 25:35-45). In short, it’s the supervisor, the vet, dren have satisfaction St. John’s Church, rebuilt Currently, owing to the immediate sequelae of love in action, not just to the priest, the doctor, the that they are going to in- in 1836, is one of his the global pandemic, Barbados finds itself in the think or spout about. small businessman, and herit something in the outstanding works.” midst of an economic recession and, as if to Ours is a passionate many more. Well, my re- land of their birth, and Beautiful, yes? demonstrate the validity of the argument above, spirit. It may mean over- spondents, with one ex- until we come to that Then my friend some relatively recent events have also borne turning the tables in the ception, didn’t speak of point we are having an Merlene. She was the first witness to an alarming incidence of anomie and Temple. Do you recognise love. Their approach was artificial debate.” person I spoke to. “Look,” antisocial conduct among our very young. any of that? Well, it the seasoned, no-non- One respondent, gen- she said, “God made us In recent days there have been reports of a group caused me to wonder sense, all-or-nothing, erally: “I’ve got better all. We all need each other of pre-adolescent youngsters beating one of their how Christians in this pragmatic, on times judg- things to do.” Another, of and we all matter. There’s playmates into a vegetative state; a pre-teen child ‘Christian country’ were mental, approach which, Nelson: “He was there no light without shade, stabbing his older sister to death; and some youths, responding to the out- religion apart, is so often when I was born. He’ll be nor shade without light. for no apparent reason except maybe their own pouring of racial hatred the ‘Bajan way’. My ques- there when I die. I’m re- They complement each amusement, deciding to assault sundry homeless against white people and tion: ‘What’s your re- ally not bothered.” More other. We’re all one.” She men and having it recorded on social media for institutions at and follow- sponse to everything pragmatism on support- then thanked me for posterity. ing the first protest you’ve seen, read, heard?’ ing black businesses: “So listening, and I thanked And, all the while, the horrifying spate of random march as recorded in the No one mentioned long as they have what I her for cheering me up. killings by firearms persists with a seemingly Press. It depressed me. George Floyd. Odd: that’s want, I don’t care whether Oneness. intractable frequency. Why wouldn’t it? I’m what the protests were they’re black, white, or One last. He’d been a We really must do better,if we are to deserve the white and British, after supposed to be about. At polka dot.” On ‘inferior- protester in the ’80’s, he high reputation we appear to hold of ourselves to all. In 25 years, here I’d root, I suppose, my re- ity’: “I know who I am. Do said. “Look to see who’s the point where we prefer to regard the recent US never heard or read any- sponders reflected the they?” Of slavery: “This is leading the protests.Then travel advisory as a national affront, rather than thing like that. My fear spirit of Minister Kerrie today. That was the day you’ll understand.” Kabir either as a genuine attempt by the US to close its was that it would all rub Symmonds’ powerful before yesterday.We’re in was right. Truth seeking borders to its citizens or even as an unwitting sop off, that life would change pragmatism (Advocate, charge now.” And yes, is like a battle, isn’t it? As to protect our relatively efficient handling of the here irrevocably.Were the 26 June): “I am now at even on ‘smelling a rat’: long as life lasts, it never virus. ‘haters’ really speaking an age and stage in life “What’s really going on?” ends. The truth is that we are so accustomed to viewing for everyone or just for where I am not interested One respondent, with Go safely, until the next travel advisories issued by the US and the UK as themselves, a narrow sect in the optics. You could vast experience in busi- time. condemnatory of the object nation that we have with veiled agendas using pull down a thousand ness, recounted stories John Lewis, from the reacted to this one with knees a-jerking and hackles the murder of George statues and it will fill no- of white on white boundary: “I believe in raised, rather than with deliberate thought. Floyd to push them? body’s belly. I am inter- favouritism – and then forgiveness.” But this is to digress from our immediate thesis; that we have to get both our economy and our society back on track. The current spate of crime has raised once more Mexico needs 200 million COVID-19 the hoary suggestion that the administration of corporal punishment is the answer to our woes. This is unsurprising. Despite cogent evidence to the vaccine doses; shots could start in April contrary, there is a pervasive local superstition MEXICO CITY – Mexico Latin America. quire two doses to be ef- hind the that a good “cut-tail” is the sole antidote to youthful, will need up to 200 mil- AstraZeneca is among fective, Delgado said. and Brazil. Latin and adult, indiscretions of whatever hue. lion coronavirus vaccine those working on COVID- “If we need 200 million, America’s 6 million cases We have also seen suggestions of placing a doses, according to a sen- 19 vaccine candidates we’re going to be vaccin- and more than 237,000 vicarious responsibility on parents for the wrongful ior government official, now in development ating for a long time,” deaths make it the acts of their children.The concept is not unknown, and inoculation of its 120 around the world. Delgado added. world’s hardest-hit re- although it has been restricted so far to the liability million inhabitants could Mexico’s government Last-stage so-called gion. of employers for their employees’ acts in the course start as early as April if also has said it is con- Phase III trials are ex- To ensure all Mexicans of employment and of principals for the acts of clinical trials and reg- sidering other options pected to conclude by have access to a vaccine, their agents done for the principal’s benefit. ulatory approvals for for bringing a vaccine November or December, President Andres Manuel We are of the view that despite the allure of the pharmaceutical firm quickly to its population, after which AstraZeneca Lopez Obrador’s govern- concept, principles of fairness militate against it.A AstraZeneca Plc go as the second-largest in will seek government ment is in talks with parent may do only so much to influence his or her planned. Latin America. approvals if the vaccine other pharmaceutical child’s conduct, but the combined influences of the In partnership with AstraZeneca will be is found to be safe and laboratories in different child’s peers, his or her education in the broad the governments of able to produce between effective. If that goes stages of developing a sense, and their psychological make-up may all Mexico and Argentina, 30 and 35 million vac- smoothly, Delgado esti- vaccine. act as intervening causes between the parental AstraZeneca initially cines per month, Martha mated the first vaccines “Astra’s production isn’t instruction and the conduct to be censured. plans to produce 150 mil- Delgado, a Mexican in Mexico could be admin- going to be enough for It may eventually be a matter for an already lion doses in early 2021 deputy , istered in April. Mexico. We need to sup- laden public discourse agenda, but we yearn for an and eventually make at told Reuters in an inter- Mexico’s death toll of plement that with a cou- impression that officialdom is keen to confront least 400 million doses for view on Friday. 55,908 stands as the ple of more vaccines,” existing social ills, in much the same way it has distribution throughout The vaccine could re- world’s third highest, be- Delgado said. emphasised the importance of the various aspects of the economy, with the array of ministers and Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Editor: Allison Downes consultants under that portfolio, to add to the E-mail Address: [email protected] Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke Sports Editor: Cor ey Greaves Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen discrete ministries dedicated to the green, blue Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan and creative economies. A balance is essential. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 9 Image and truth – the curse of the contest I LOVE America. It is not President did not answer painted as liars, thieves tem will return. the paradise with streets the question. Kid Site sang and everything else that is However, if the Trump of gold that they like to sell a calypso in which he wrong or nasty.They prob- policies are rewarded with the world, but it is an ex- listed a number of things ably have themselves to his re-election, there may ceptional country in some that would only occur in thank for the negative never be a return to polit- ways. Barbados. Only in America image that now pervades ical stability there. It is not guns, bombs would a journalist ask the the class which they have The , for the and money that make a leader of the country a created for themselves. most part, has had a country great. That power question that would be Adversarial politics will similar political history, might scare others and regarded as disrespectful always throw up divisions. having, like America, buy deference, but all elsewhere. Whether real or artificial inherited a form of their countries that were mate- For many people, politics is immaterial. What is im- Westminster parentage. It rially rich and militarily is synonymous with lies. prepared to say so and not him because of his declara- portant is the establish- should not be assumed, powerful eventually caved, If this is not true, it is dif- fear any consequences was tion, “I speak for the peo- ment and nurturing of a however, that prevarica- whether through external ficult to find many people a thing of beauty. ple.” mature culture which is tion is necessarily inher- or internal forces. that would make the op- There is probably no no- This example also shared and understood by ent in the Westminster The great ones have posite case. Those politi- bler desire in man than characterised many of those involved in it and system.True Westminster something more. There is cians who stand above the proper motivation to our politicians long after affected by it. This is not politics see the back of a certain character that such a label are ignored be a politician. If one were Barbados claimed inde- always captured in small many a political figure in makes greatness, and not when the mud is being to look back at the political pendence. Few would states. circumstances that have all have it. Historically, splashed. But it is not , the doubt that there are still Prior to the advent never been the case in this European countries have every day that a journalist evidence of this noble con- good motives in some of of Barack Obama, region. built their economies on would pose such a ques- viction is obvious. Maybe, those who serve in modern Americans seemed to have The security that allows the resources of other tion to a leader. Whatever not until recent times, times. Unfortunately, the a clear understanding of a journalist to freely exer- nations. Their superior it is that empowers an most of the black men and weakness of character that that country’s political cul- cise the duty of the fourth ability to despoil others American journalist to women that went into pol- forces some into a mindset ture. Obama’s election estate and draw attention has made them comfort- confidently ask such a itics were not in pursuit of which tells them that they brought a dynamic that to the lies of the head of able, even now,but this has question of the President, wealth. This is certainly need to pull down their cracked that bowl. Trump state is an excellent not necessarily brought is part of the source of true of those who stepped opponents in order to lift broke it. If Joe Biden is demonstration of democ- them greatness. America’s greatness. up towards the end of the themselves up, destroys, elected, there will be a racy in action. Maybe A few days ago, a jour- Both the President and colonial period and during not just their targets, but return to the mainstream there needs to be a way to nalist asked the President the journalist knew that our early years of inde- them as well. It is akin to culture, even if only tem- take the next step and hold of the United States of that was not so much a pendence. While it would standing in a circle and porarily. The metronomic those who lie accountable America if he at all regrets question as it was a state- require too much space to shooting.The result is that timing to which they are for their fictitious state- all the lies he has told ment. It was also a decla- list names, one example the entire band of them is accustomed in their sys- ments and deeds. Americans over the last ration of enough is enough. that fits this discussion is three and a half years.The That a regular citizen was Wynter Crawford. I chose The Day After: Another The Day After: COVID and the C’bean, human cost to the pandemic BARBADOS has just re- considering these major Maybe some sort of global rising to the challenge together ported an overall 15 per changes. The call then for new deal or convention By Her Excellency Mrs. the emergency health re- pandemic, it has also cent decline in economic diversification of industry would allow governments Janet Douglas CMG, sponse and protect the brought opportunities. It activity during the first going forward is thus a to declare the reduction of British High most vulnerable. has highlighted the po- half of 2020. I do expect good one. I’m however re- debt, like what was done Commissioner to The pandemic has tential of trade sectors that official statistics from minded that given the so- after the second world Barbados and the heightened awareness such as e-commerce, other CARICOM states cial dislocation unfolding war. I am, however, not Eastern Caribbean and appreciation of the digital technology, cyber- will follow shortly and in a in front of our very eyes, confident that this would Caribbean’s unique envi- security, agri-processing, similar manner.Mainstay that any attempt to resus- happen. Sadly, the THE COVID-19 pan- ronment. As we emerge healthcare, telemedicine, industries such as tourism citate what is left without labourer is not going to be demic has brought anxi- from the crisis, it will biotechnology,and renew- and construction have empowering the people the winner coming out of ety, fear and – sadly for be more important than able energy: all areas stalled throughout CARI- through education is this particular crisis. many – the heartache of ever to ensure that the where the Caribbean is COM, resulting in a peak- going to leave the region Economic history has bereavement. But it has Caribbean’s recovery is well placed to benefit. It ing in unemployment. as it was before the pan- taught us that this never also highlighted the clean, inclusive and re- has also showcased the Official sources however demic: a highly indebted happens under any sys- amazing resilience and silient. Key to that will role of online learning in have not adjusted the un- place with anaemic tem. But maybe this time adaptability of the be further progress on education. UK suppliers employment rate just yet. prospects for growth. we could somehow correct Caribbean people in the climate change. The UK, are at the forefront. Many The saving grace, may Employers across the this. My feeling is that if worldwide effort to re- working in partnership courses are free, and offer there be any, has been an globe will definitely use CARICOM focuses on re- spond to its impact. The with Caribbean countries people opportunities to oversupply of different this period to recalibrate structuring our economies UK has been proud to and regional organisa- retrain, including in new types of foods across their operations and are in a resolute, and some- contribute to that effort, tions, is determined to and growing sectors. CARICOM, ranging from most likely going to em- what rapid manner, that committing over £700m drive ambitious progress The UK’s Economic poultry in Barbados to brace cheaper labour maybe we stand to be win- to the international re- when world leaders Partnership Agreement roots and tubers in and/or the dependency of ners. We may be able to sponse to stop the spread gather in Glasgow in 2021 with CARIFORUM coun- . I found myself automation. Following stave off the inevitable of the virus, find a vaccine for the ‘COP26’ Climate tries will be a vital tool for thinking about which this period of global fiscal which faces global labour and save lives, including a Conference. increasing trade when course of action could re- support, governments will forces. package specifically for Despite the enormous it comes into force in lieve long-term social have no choice but to the Caribbean to support challenges brought by the January 2021. decay or even upheaval ramp up tax intake. – Jeremy Stephen

Sunny with cloudy periods with a few intermittent light to moderate showers mainly during the afternoon.

High: 12:55 a.m. and 2:32 p.m. New York: 26°C Yesterday: 0.1 mm Miami: 32°C Low: 8:02 a.m. For the month: 75.6 mm Max: 31.3°C Boston: 20°C and 7:33 p.m. For the year: 455.5 mm Min: 26.4°C Toronto: 26°C Montreal: 28°C London: 19°C 5:46 a.m. 6:19 p.m.

10 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate External observation of elections important to protect democracy and rights CARICOM countries country, however, was tenance of the rule of . do so again for the 2020 have been subject to in- . Not only was its Similarly,international ob- elections on November 3. tense scrutiny in the elections process transpar- servers, and their assess- The value that external period March to August ent and judged to be so by ment of the fairness of the observation missions bring this year, relating to the local and foreign ob- Suriname elections, con- to the integrity of an elec- conduct of general elec- servers, but the President tributed to the acceptance tion, the legitimacy of a de- tions, maintaining and party in power ac- of the results of the May 25 clared winner, and the democracy, and up- cepted the will of the ma- poll. Mr Bouterse, an army willingness of a population holding the rule of law. jority of the electorate and man and leader of two to accept a result, is vital handed over office peace- coups d’état in the past, and should be encour- Elections were held in fully after an initial, but might otherwise have fan- aged. four countries – , brief, call for a recount of cied his chances of seizing In this connection, St. Kitts-Nevis, Suriname votes in some areas. The office. An identical Jamaica’s Prime Minister and . former President, Desiré a vital role in Guyana. Nonetheless, the pres- prospect also hung-over has an- No country was more Bouterse, himself sashed Speculation still lingers ence of external observers Guyana for five months. nounced that early general closely scrutinized than the new President, over the St. Kitts-Nevis would have helped to en- What this all empha- elections will be held on Guyana by both vigilant Chandrikapersad elections on June 5, where gender trust in the elec- sizes is that external ob- September 3. While domestic groups and Santokhi. opposition parties claimed tions and eliminate the servation of general elec- Jamaica has quarantine watchful international ob- There were no interna- that the government used claims that led to the re- tions is important to guard restrictions in place for vis- servers. That is good for tional observers at the St. border closures to prevent count. against fraud and elec- itors, there is time now for the elected government Kitts-Nevis and Trinidad nationals from returning The experiences of tions rigging, and for the invitations to be issued to which gained strong legit- and Tobago elections. In home to vote, and to ex- Guyana, Suriname and maintenance of the rule of CARICOM, the imacy both at home and both nations, quarantine clude external observers. Trinidad and Tobago – law and democracy.Even if Commonwealth and the abroad. restrictions, on persons ar- In the case of Trinidad each of them plural soci- the elections machinery in OAS either to send sepa- Guyana’s elections were riving in the countries, pro- and Tobago, it is doubtful eties in which ethnicity a country is strong, it takes rate teams or to collabo- held on March 2 and could hibited the presence of ex- that the integrity of the plays a part in political only one or two key offi- rate, to save higher costs, not be declared until ternal elections observa- elections suffered from the party support – under- cials to act improperly to by sending a combined August 2, largely because tion missions. It has been absence of external ob- score the vital importance manipulate results in team to observe the elec- of actions by officials of the argued that incumbent servers. Over the years, of strong, independent favour of political parties tions. Such a mission Elections Commission who governments took advan- the electoral machinery,as bodies to oversee elections. they support. would give greater credi- are expected to be investi- tage of the curtailments, an institution, has been In both Suriname and Almost every country in bility and acceptability to gated in the coming weeks. occasioned by the COVID- strengthened, providing Trinidad and Tobago, it is the world now accepts the the elections for which par- The role played by the in- 19 pandemic, to constrain confidence in the process. generally accepted that value of external observa- ties have been gearing for ternational community political party campaign- This confidence was evi- the elections bodies are in- tion of its elections, even weeks. was a key factor in the dec- ing and to exclude ob- dent when the August 10 stitutionally strong. the United States of External elections ob- laration of a credible re- servers from organisations elections were hailed by all This was not the case in America. In 2016, both the server missions proved de- sult of the elections, that such as the the parties as free and fair. Guyana, and it is precisely OAS and the Organization cisive in Guyana and ben- led to the swearing-in of Commonwealth, the It was only the main oppo- why the presence of inter- for Security and Co-opera- eficial in Suriname – the as country’s new Organisation of American sition party, that called for national observers was so tion in Europe observed peoples of both countries President. States (OAS) and CARI- a recount of six constituen- vital to a democratic result the U.S. Presidential elec- can attest to their crucial The most outstanding COM – all of which played cies. of the elections and main- tions and are preparing to value. Discussions to continue on Hike for Draft Customs Bill 2019 MEMBERS of the busi- very successful as we had August 20 and 26, respec- would be submitted by the Wellness next ness community will get inputs from Customs, the tively. We encourage per- Customs and Excise another opportunity to fa- private sector, The UWI sons to familiarise them- Department (CED) to the miliarise themselves with and CARICOM. We look selves with the relevant Ministry of Finance for the draft Customs Bill on forward to continued in- sections of the Bill in consideration in the draft Sunday Thursday,August 20, dur- terest in this the second order to enhance partici- legislation that would go THE Ministry of Health years ago, without the aid ing a virtual consultation. consultation as we work pation in these sessions before Parliament. and Wellness, in collabo- of hydraulic machinery. It will begin at 1:30 together in developing the and as a means of expedit- The consultations, ration with the National They will then proceed p.m., and interested per- Customs Bill.” ing the review process. being hosted by the BCCI, Task Force on Wellness, back to Skeetes Bay sons willing to participate He added that the con- “This will ensure that in collaboration with the will resume its monthly through Supers and in the session should sultations were of critical the business community CED, seek to bring about hike for wellness pro- Fortescue. email the Barbados importance as stakehold- is fully aware of the pro- a better understanding of gramme on Sunday, It is expected to last two Chamber of Commerce ers were being informed posed changes to the leg- this country’s obligations August 23. and a half hours and is and Industry (BCCI) at of the various sections in islation and how they will under the World Trade The hike, which will be suitable for children, bcci@barbadoscham- the Bill, in particular the impact on the ‘Ease of Organization, the Trade the first since the COVID- adults, and even elderly ber.com, or register online new inclusions. Doing Business’ in Facilitation Agreement 19 shutdown, leaves people. Anyone wishing at Executive Director of Barbados.” and CARICOM, and how Skeetes Bay, St. Philip,at to participate is advised to https://zoom.us/webi- the BCCI, Misha Lobban- The BCCI’s Executive they translate into 3 p.m. bring drinking water and nar/register/WN_iDOxH Clarke, said over 125 per- Director said it was antic- customs requirements for The four-mile trek will a snack, and to wear suit- D6YSKmD66RyV1FRlg. sons participated in the ipated that the feedback import and export proceed along the rugged able clothing and comfort- A meeting was held re- first session and proffered from the trade community processes. coastline, passing the Bell able shoes. cently to sensitise the the view that it signalled Point protrusion and ar- The free event is being business people about the a successful and positive riving in Consett Bay via held under the theme new legislation and start to the discussion. the route of the Ancient Barbados Moves! Let’s Comptroller of Customs, Mrs. Lobban-Clarke BCC Closure notice Railway Line. Get Moving! Owen Holder, said there continued: “We look for- THE Barbados between 8.30 a.m. and 1 Hikers will traverse The public is reminded was robust discussion at ward to more robust dis- Community College has p.m. The College apolo- through the narrow pass that COVID-19 protocols the session. cussions on this Bill dur- advised that it will be gises for any inconven- known as Consett will be observed, includ- Mr. Holder stated: “The ing the next two consul- closed on Monday, ience this closure may Cutting, which was carved ing the wearing of masks first consultation was tations, scheduled for August 17 (tomorrow), cause. out of the rock over 100 and hand sanitising.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 11 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ADVOCATE PUBLISHERS (2000) INC, FONTABELLE • F:AX 434-1000 • E-MAIL: [email protected] The price controllers Nelson the “The Federal Reserve Bank of the the cost of money reverberates through- It is why the cycle of economic blow-ups United States, for instance, can wreak out every facet of a modern economy,dis- will continue: “Just as one day some Astronaut havoc on the economy yet feel convinced torting virtually every consumption, sav- primitive tribesman scratched his nose, THERE is more evidence to support the of its effectiveness.” – Nassim Nicholas ings and investment decision.” He con- saw rain falling, and developed an elab- claim that Nelson built a space shuttle, Taleb cluded, “The Federal Reserve has played orate method of scratching his nose to went into Earth’s orbit and brought back a major role, generally the major role, in bring on the much-needed rain, we link the cow that jumped over the moon, than IN 1955, then-Chairman William every financial disaster since its creation economic prosperity to some rate cut by for Nelson being a racist white suprema- McChesney said,“The Federal Reserve is in 1913.” Read that again. Slowly. the Federal Reserve Board.” Utter and cist mass-murderer. In both claims, his- in the position of the chaperone who has I often wonder (laughing or I would complete nonsense. One more thought tory would need to be invented. ordered the punchbowl removed just cry), why we scoff at price-controls in on the cyclical nature of our economic Nelson modifying his ships to improve when the party was really warming up.” general but don’t bat an eye at the Fed. fortunes and I am done. their performance during a battle, is not He was speaking in the context of an im- Mr. Taleb (Antifragile) puts this oddity In his review of (deep breath now), evidence that he made a space shuttle. pending interest rate hike from the Fed. down to domain dependence: “Ask a U.S. Money for Nothing: The Scientists, Nelson keeping livestock on his ships, is With the recent announcement from cur- citizen if some semi-governmental Fraudsters, and Corrupt Politicians Who not evidence that he retrieved a cow from rent Chairman Jerome Powell (flirting agency with a great deal of independ- Reinvented Money, Panicked a Nation, orbit. But that is the level of reasoning with controlling the debt yield curve), ence (and no interference from Congress) and Made the World Rich; James Grant that we are told to accept. one could be forgiven for accusing the should control the price of cars, morning provided the perfect ending for us, “It’s These claims of some of our historians Fed of not only keeping, but spiking the newspapers, and Malbec wine, as its do- proverbial that, whereas scientific and political activists, have no support in punchbowl. The Editorial Board of The main of specialty. He would jump in progress is cumulative, financial progress the credible historical record of docu- Wall Street Journal detailed the next anger,as it appears to violate every prin- is cyclical. In the first, we build on what ments. This record includes letters and step on the road to serfdom in, Jerome ciple the country stands for, and call you came before. In the second, we move for- dispatches written by Nelson, the ac- Powell’s Price-Fix Is In. a Communist post-Soviet mole for even ward only to fall back. Bust chases boom, counts of those who served with him and As if the quantitative ease and age of suggesting it.” underdoing-it follows overdoing-it.”With fought against him, and books written by magic money were not enough, now this. Now gently point out that “the Federal a nod to Serenader: It is one step for- the enslaved when they were freed. The Board writes, “This tool would in- Reserve Bank of the United States is in ward, and two step backward, and trem- The historical record shows that in an volve the Fed setting interest rates by the business of controlling and managing ble. Hold (not only belly but) your sav- age when racism was popular, Nelson diktat for the first time in 70 years, and the price of another good, another price, ings, investments, pension plans and stood out as perhaps the lone consistent Governors are warming to the idea.”They called the lending rate, the interest rate tremble at the price controllers. non-racist, by his behaviour.However,by continue, “No one should underestimate in the economy (and has proved to be Economics needs a hard reset, or at indoctrinating our students, the fantasy the risks this poses for the global econ- good at it).” I am not sure about his par- the very least, a reality check. It is getting about Nelson being a racist has become omy.” Although the Fed has “set” the enthetical comment (unless he meant harder to take it seriously with each cri- popular. Those students have now be- short-term rate for decades, there is room good in the sense of how some persons are sis. come history teachers, journalists, ac- for the market to send signals about in- “good” at crime). We dub Ron Paul a ADRIAN SOBERS tivists, and members of parliament. vestor expectations for growth and infla- crank for suggesting that the Fed be abol- After I found no evidence that Nelson tion. However, “yield-curve control muz- ished or have its role restricted; but as was a racist, but found evidence that he zles investors.” Economic pain is no Taleb points out, “he would also have was not, they used a strange argument. laughing matter and this would be the been called a crank for suggesting the Then there is They claimed that such evidence does equivalent of carrying a joke too far. creation of an agency to control other not prove that he was not a racist. As I read Incerto I remember thinking prices.” In short: the Fed. Therefore, he must remain a racist until that Taleb, at times, went too far in his We are suckers for sophistication which Twistory evidence proving that he was not is critique of the dismal discipline. The makes us vulnerable to being duped by THERE is a clamour for Nelson to be re- found. That is the new standard of proof more things fall apart, I wonder if he packaging.We scoff at mangoes from the moved from National Heroes Square. used in Barbados. should have gone even further. Interest- village but pay a premium for a mango- That sounds more emotive than having I have heard this type of impossible rate price controls were tried in the 1940s infused-drink at an upscale restaurant him removed from Trafalgar Square reasoning only once before. It was when but “introduced financial and other dis- (who probably sourced mangoes from which is in fact the plot of land on which I was investigating structural damage tortions that became harder to manage said village). The Fed (and other organi- the statue was erected. The same plot at the Psychiatric Hospital. A patient the further out of sync the official rate zations) will continue to blow us up with from which a portion was excised to cre- claimed that 1+1=2 does not disprove and market sentiment drifted.” One com- their “sophisticated” economic models. I ate National Heroes Square. that 1+1 also equals 85. It just means menter spoke to the broader issue of price leave you with two tidbits from Taleb, My understanding is that the portion that the evidence for 1+1=85 has not controls: “All price controls and other at- “Economists often invoke a strange argu- on which the statue still stands is still re- been found.Therefore, he could continue tempts to influence prices by a central au- ment by Milton Friedman that states garded as Trafalgar Square. to claim that 1+1=85. thority are to some extent like legislation that models do not have to have realistic Why are some people always anxious Our Government swore that wedge is- to repeal the law of gravity so we can all assumptions to be acceptable – giving to change the historical reality to suit sues like this will never be determined by fly.” them license to produce severely defec- their own motives? Some history may be 30 politicians, but by the people through Mr. Joseph Rio continued, “Interest tive mathematical representations of re- unpalatable to Twistorians. Take for in- a referendum. A referendum would give rates are in some sense no different, but ality.” stance the fact that The Right Excellent their decision to move the over 200-year in another they can produce much He points out the obvious problem went to fight a war for the old statue of Nelson, unanimous support. greater destruction than just about any here, they “do not have realistic assump- colonial power – Britain. This is because they did it in the way other market price.Whether through out- tions and do not produce reliable results. I await the Twistorians commentary. that they promised all of us. right controls or open market operations, They are neither realistic nor predictive.” MICHAEL RUDDER GRENVILLE PHILLIPS II

LET GOD QUOTES FOR TODAY WORDS OF SPEAK TO US WISDOM Oscar Wilde Margaret Mead “The wicked plotteth against (1854 - 1900) (1901 - 1978) the just, and gnasheth upon Irish dramatist, novelist, & poet US anthropologist CHARACTER THE him with his teeth. “The only way to get rid of a temp- “Never doubt that a small KEY The Lord shall laugh at him: tation is to yield to it.” group of thoughtful, commit- for he seeth that his day is ted citizens can change the Consistency coming.” world. Indeed, it is the only is the last refuge of the – Psalm 37, vs 12-13 thing that ever has.” unimaginative. 12 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Xi’s vision of eco-protection guides China’s green development EVERY day, thousands of tourists (about 428,000 US dollars). transformed itself into a model county in economic development and ecological board a train in a small village in “At that time, smoke from the cement environmental protection, becoming restoration, China has also been sharing east China’s Zhejiang Province for factories overcast the entire village all China’s first county-level city to win the its useful experiences in eco-protection a sight-seeing trip that takes them year round, and all the bamboo leaves on “Scroll of Honor” award of the United with other countries. to various household-run planta- the mountains had been blackened,” re- Nations Human Settlements Program. Inspired by the innovative move of tions. called Hu Jiaxing, a villager from Yucun. The rural green revival program bore Alipay Ant Forest in ecological restor- While offering visitors an exhilarating “Living in such an environment for a fruit. By the end of 2017, 97 per cent of ation, the Philippines’ leading mobile scenery, Lujia Village invariably im- long time, many villagers couldn’t help the villages in Zhejiang had reached the wallet GCash introduced GCash Forest presses them with its achievements in feeling gloomy.” target of transforming polluted water- on its app last year, aiming to mitigate eco-protection. Garbage sorting is exten- ways into clean and drinkable rivers deforestation in the country. sively practised in the village, which also Green development through water management, waste In , Chinese-built Mombasa- has an advanced sewage purification By the early 2000s, the villagers finally management, and recycling. Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway suc- system. made up their mind to shut down the China’s efforts to promote green devel- ceeded in accommodating wildlife needs, “If it were not for President Xi mining industry and cement factories opment have also earned global recogni- thus causing minimal interference to Jinping’s vision of ecological protection, in a last-ditch attempt to save the dete- tion. The United Nations Environment the animals. the environment of my hometown would riorating environment. Programme (UNEP) decided to promote In Bali, Indonesia, China Huadian have never undergone tremendous In June 2003, Xi, the then secretary of China’s philosophy of ecological progress Corporation has overcome the challenge changes,” said Qiu Liqin, a resident of the Zhejiang provincial committee of the in February 2013 and released a report of building and operating a coal-fired Lujia Village, located in Anji County. Communist Party of China, initiated a on China’s strategies and practices in power plant in a world-class tourist des- Interestingly,the county was a shooting province-wide rural green revival pro- the field in 2016. tination, by keeping the emission of sul- location of Oscar-winning film gram to improve the eco-environment In 2018, Zhejiang’s rural green revival fur dioxide, hydroxide and dust close to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. of villages and rural residents’ quality of program won the UNEP’s Champions zero, and strictly handling industrial Qiu was referring to Xi’s famous line, life. of the Earth award. The Saihanba af- and domestic water discharge. “Lucid waters and lush mountains are In an inspection tour to Yucun in forestation project in the country’s north Erik Solheim, former UN Under- invaluable assets,” which was envisioned August 2005, Xi spoke highly of the vil- and public welfare platform Alipay Ant Secretary-General and executive direc- 15 years ago in Anji and has become a lage’s decision to pursue green develop- Forest also won the UN’s top environ- tor of UNEP, had visited Zhejiang guiding principle for green development ment, and put forward the concept that ment honor in 2017 and 2019, respec- several times and was impressed by in her village and China at large. “lucid waters and lush mountains are in- tively. the change. During the 1980s and ’90s, like many valuable assets.” A study in 2019 using data from “Beautiful Zhejiang presents the fu- places in China, Anji went through a pe- After the visit, Xi expounded the con- NASA satellites showed that China had ture of China and the world, by tackling riod of breakneck economic development cept in a newspaper article. “We pursue contributed to at least 25 per cent of the pollution with innovative solutions,” said pursued at all costs. the harmony of humans and nature, as increase in the global green leaf area Solheim during a trip in 2018. In Yucun Village, Anji’s largest lime- well as that of the economy and society. since the early 2000s, ranking first in the “I think some of these main slogans stone mining area, villagers enriched To put it plainly, we want lucid waters world. in China like ‘Ecological Civilization,’ themselves by processing limestone into and lush mountains. We also want ‘Beautiful China’ and ‘Green is Gold,’ cement, and the annual income of the mountains of gold and silver,” he wrote. Useful experiences shared is what the world needs to do now,” village once exceeded 3 million yuan Taking Xi’s concept as guidance, Anji While realising a balanced growth of he said.

Beijing’s Xinfadi wholesale market reopens as COVID-19 outbreak ebbs A FLEET of trucks loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables heralded the re- opening of Xinfadi, a large wholesale market of fruits, vegetables and meat, on Saturday morning after its busi- ness was suspended due to a COVID- 19 cluster related to the market about two months back. More than 1,000 trucks are expected to deliver some 13,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables to the 112-hectare mar- ket on Saturday, helping recover about 60 per cent of its normal transaction volumes for fruits and vegetables. The market will be fully operational by Sept. 10, according to Zhou Xinchun, executive deputy head of Fengtai District, where the market is located. Xinfadi provided about 70 per cent of Beijing’s vegetables, 10 per cent of its pork, and 3 per cent of its beef and mutton before being shut down on June 13. The market will cease its retail business and close doors to individual Trucks loaded with fruit and vegetables drive through the Xinfadi market gate on the morning of August 15, 2020. [PHOTO BY consumers after the reopening, and WANG CHENGMENG/CHINADAILY.COM.CN] all sellers and buyers are required to complete real-name authentication be- etable market has been set up outside Since June 11, Beijing has reported wholesale market. By Aug. 6, all of the fore entering the market, said Zhou. the wholesale market to meet the 335 confirmed COVID-19 cases linked patients had been discharged from the A 1,000-square-metre retail veg- demands of nearby residents. to a cluster of infections in the Xinfadi hospital after recovery. The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 13

China seeks to enhance policy support to expand flexible employment CHINA has introduced fects of the early days of new policies to expand the epidemic, resumption employment channels and of work for migrant work- strengthen service guar- ers has become a chal- antees, so as to provide lenge. Recently, thanks to strong support for the joint efforts of all par- efforts to stabilise and ties, the number of mi- expand employment. grant workers returning At a recent briefing held to work has been gradu- by the State Council, rele- ally increasing,” said Li vant people in charge from Zhong. the Ministry of Human Li added that by the end Resources and Social of the second quarter, the Security, the National total number of migrant Development and Reform workers reached 178 mil- Commission, the Ministry lion, 97.3 per cent of the of Civil Affairs, and the same period last year,not- Ministry of Agriculture ing that the employment People buy snacks during a shopping carnival held in Wangjing as part of a consumption stimulus plan in and Rural Affairs sought situation of migrant work- Chaoyang District, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 8, 2020. (PHOTO: XINHUA/CHEN ZHONGHAO) to interpret “Opinions ers is still facing some on Supporting Multi- pressure. Channel Flexible The two Opinions put Employment” and forward a number of China’s recovery consolidates, with “Opinions on Improving supportive measures, Li the Current Employment further noted. and Entrepreneurship The expansion of flexi- Situation of Migrant ble employment depends consumption, investment on the mend Workers” which had been not only on support from CHINA’S economy con- released earlier. the employment policies tinued its robust recov- Li Zhong, deputy min- themselves, but also on ery in July, with key ister of the Ministry of solid improvement in the indicators continuing Human Resources and economic environment. to warm up, and the Social Security, said the At the briefing, Ha revival is expected to two opinions are aimed at Zengyou, director-general extend throughout the strengthening targeted of the department of rest of the year amid ef- policy support for self-em- employment and income forts to buoy domestic ployed workers, part-time distribution under the demand. workers, new employment National Development Retail sales, a gauge of forms and other flexible and Reform Commission, consumption growth, rose employment forms, and said the following work 0.85 per cent month on solving the difficulties and would be highlighted in month to reach 3.22 tril- problems encountered by the future – developing lion yuan (about 463.99 key groups such as mi- new industries and new billion US dollars) in July, grant workers in finding forms of business to sup- maintaining a six-month jobs and starting busi- port flexible employment, streak of expansion after nesses. improving the business a contraction of 10.91 per environment and promot- cent in January, the Aerial photo taken on July 1, 2020 shows a newly-built bridge linking Nantong What is flexible ing flexible employment. National Bureau of and Zhangjiagang over the Yangtze River in east China’s Jiangsu Province. (PHOTO: employment? “Currently,there are 83 Statistics (NBS) said XINHUA/LI BO) “Flexible employment is million individual busi- Friday. diverse, and includes self- nesses in China, which “The retail sales of com- down 1.6 per cent year on the second half of the year Council. employment, part-time have created more than modities edged up 0.2 year during the January- (H2),” said Chen Lifen, Experts believe that the and new forms of employ- 200 million jobs.This is an per cent year on year in July period, narrowing a researcher with the full of the strat- ment, and covers about important vehicle for in- July, registering positive from the 3.1-per cent de- Ministry of Commerce. egy of expanding domestic 200 million employees. dividuals to start their growth for the first time cline in the first half of the To further revive the demand, along with the While providing a liveli- own businesses and find this year,” said NBS year. economy, the country has relevant supporting poli- hood for workers, they can their own jobs. Due to the spokesperson Fu Linghui, Fu said that China’s introduced an array of cies, will become the back- ease the pressure on effects of the epidemic, in- adding that the pace of economic recovery still measures, including more bone of China’s economy urban employment and dividual businesses are online sales has also ac- faces external pressure fiscal spending, tax relief in H2. help create jobs,” Li said, facing the most practical celerated. amid the global spread of and cuts in lending rates “The country should adding that supporting difficulties,” Ha said. Other key economic in- COVID-19, highlighting and banks’ reserve re- give full play to the basic flexible employment Ha noted that the dicators also showed signs the need to expand do- quirements to revive the role of consumption and through multiple chan- National Development of a rebound, with Fu at- mestic demand. coronavirus-ravaged econ- the crucial role of invest- nels is an effective way of and Reform Commission tributing the recovery to The country has intro- omy and support employ- ment,” said Guan Lixin, stimulating the entrepre- will next actively co-oper- supporting policies to co- duced a string of meas- ment. a researcher with the neurial vitality and inno- ate with relevant depart- ordinate epidemic control ures, such as offering “The pace of the Chinese Academy of vation potential of work- ments, take the initiative and social and economic vouchers, expanding the Chinese economy’s re- International Trade and ers, as well as an impor- to help individual busi- development. coverage of e-commerce in covery largely depends on Economic Cooperation. tant way to solve the em- nesses solve difficulties in China’s value-added in- rural areas and cultivat- the effect of the policy of Guan suggested more ployment problem facing financing, social security, dustrial output went up ing new business models expanding domestic de- efforts to establish a “dual low-income groups. taxes and other fields, pro- 4.8 per cent year on year to revive pent-up demand. mand, while bolstering in- circulation” development “China now has 290 mil- vide more direct and effec- in July as factories “With boosted consumer vestment plays a pivotal pattern that takes the lion migrant workers, tive policy support, help stepped up production confidence and expecta- role,” said Zhang Liqun, domestic market as the more than 60 per cent of individual businesses to amid effective epidemic tion, the consumer mar- a researcher with the mainstay while the do- whom are working in overcome difficulties and control. Meanwhile, fixed- ket will maintain its re- Development Research mestic and foreign mar- places other than their achieve better develop- asset investment went covering momentum in Center of the State kets boost each other. hometowns. Due to the ef- ment as soon as possible.

14 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Guyana schools will not reopen in September GUYANA – Education of those meetings it was Manickchand said as a learning approaches in the Minister Priya realised that most students result of the implications, coming months. We will Manickchand, says that have not been academically education delivery will have to tailor our approach schools will not reopen engaged in a structured continue, however, the based on the knowledge of on September 7 as a manner from March to solution will be to utilise epidemiological patterns, result of the coronavirus present. innovative learning physical spacing, internet (COVID-19) pandemic. She said the tremendous techniques, such as connectivity, television “From the beginning, I loss of income of families technology, including the reception, teacher promised that science, and the worry of the Guyana Learning Channel. availability,” the education statistics, best practices parents, teachers and She said works are in minister said. from across the world, community leaders were motion to have the channel She said the decision was realities in Guyana, and our also revealed. “This will broadcast to areas it has taken to protect students, paramount duty to serve result in premature school stopped broadcasting or has teachers, and parents from the best interests of our leaving or dropouts, with never broadcast, to ensure the COVID-19 pandemic children, will inform all students not completing quality learning for all. and that the Ministry of decisions we take regarding their education… we, Learning kits and packages, Education will continue schooling and COVID-19,” therefore, cannot reopen including print, are also working with the Ministry she said. schools on September 7th, being developed to deliver of Health to develop safety Minister Priya Manickchand The , 2020, as was previously to specific categories of protocols and the way who has been meeting with scheduled. All schools shall students. Teachers will be forward for the eventual said that once face-to-face expressing the hope that several stakeholders since remain closed to face-to-face retrained and an extra reopening for face-to-face classes resume, some of these initiatives will taking up her position last teaching for September, week or so may be added to learning. consideration will have to be operable by the second week, concerning education while we continue to review the term when schools “We know that children be given to an adjusted week in September. delivery and the way and evaluate the evolution reopen. are writing regional and classroom schedule. “President Irfaan Ali is forward for the September of the disease and our “We will have to use other examinations and “We may have to have an deeply concerned about the school term, said as a result schools’ readiness.” blended, multifaceted assessments, and we have a extended school week, we effect of COVID on our duty to ensure that their may have to do a rotation of children’s education and maximum readiness for students and teachers. well-being, in the short, those exams. We also know These are all being medium and long-term. His that we must keep our examined with urgency and Excellency asked me early teachers, children and their we will let you know as we on for an urgent practical families safe,” she argued. make these important plan on the way forward for The education minister decisions,” she said, students.” The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 15

VJ Day: UK commemorates 75th anniversary as royals lead tributes THE Royal Family has ended with Japan’s sur- Arboretum in William urged the public “who fought so valiantly”. tive service overseas, or led the UK’s commemo- render. Staffordshire, as part of a “to learn the lessons of She said: “Those of us waiting for news at home, rations on the 75th an- The Prince of Wales led service of remembrance. the past”. who remember the con- will never forget the jubi- niversary of VJ Day – the a two-minute silence at Later, in a TV address, And a message from clusion of the Far East lant scenes and over- day World War Two the National Memorial his elder son Prince the Queen thanked those campaign, whether on ac- whelming sense of relief.” Japanese ship involved in Mauritius oil spill breaks apart A JAPANESE bulk car- tonnes of fuel oil and en- rier that ran aground dangering corals, fish and on a reef in Mauritius other marine life in what last month threatening some scientists have a marine ecological called the country’s worst disaster around the ecological disaster. Indian Ocean island On Friday, some resid- has broken apart, ual oil from the ship authorities said on leaked into the ocean, Saturday. Mauritius Marine The condition of the MV Conservation Society Wakashio was worsening President Jacqueline early on Saturday and it Sauzier told Reuters on split by the afternoon, the Saturday morning. Mauritius National Crisis Authorities deployed Committee said. booms on Saturday to A section of the bulk carrier ship MV Wakashio, belonging to a Japanese company but Panamanian-flagged, “At around 4:30 p.m., a help with oil absorption ran aground on a reef, is pictured at the Riviere des Creoles, Mauritius, on August 13, 2020. major detachment of the around the vessel. vessel’s forward section The Crisis Committee to deteriorate over the still 166 tonnes of fuel oil ministry and other spe- unfolding, but the damage was observed,” it said in a said special attention was next few days with waves inside and authorities cialists to assess the dam- could affect Mauritius statement. “On the basis being given to sensitive of up to 4.5 metres (15 were working to remove age. The MV Wakashio and its tourism-depend- of the experts’ advice, the sites such as the Blue Bay feet), authorities said. it. is owned by Japan’s ent economy for decades. towing plan is being im- Marine Park, Ile aux Most of the oil from the Japanese Environment Nagashiki Shipping and Removing the ship is plemented.” Aigrettes and the Pointe vessels have been pumped Minister Shinjiro chartered by Mitsui OSK likely to take months. The vessel struck a D’Esny National Ramsar out, the Mauritian Koizumi said on Saturday Lines (9104.T). Former colonial power coral reef on July 25, Site. government said on Tokyo planned to send a Scientists say the full France has said it will as- spilling about 1,000 The weather is expected Thursday, but there was team of officials from the impact of the spill is still sist with the cleanup.

A general view shows the bulk carrier ship MV Wakashio, belonging to a Japanese company but Panamanian-flagged, that ran aground on a reef, at Riviere des Creoles, Mauritius, on August 11, 2020. 16 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Pompeo signs deal to redeploy troops from Germany to Poland US SECRETARY of cused Germany of not con- arm,” Poland’s President State Mike Pompeo has tributing enough to Nato. Andrzej Duda said at the signed a new defence But the US move has signing ceremony. agreement with Poland raised concern among “It will also serve to that will see American Nato allies worried over increase the security of troops redeployed possible Russian expan- other countries in our part there from Germany. sionism. of Europe.” The deal will see the The Enhanced Defence About 4,500 US troops number of US troops in Co-operation Agreement are currently stationed in US Mike Pompeo and Polish Mariusz Poland rise to about 5,500. (EDCA) was signed by Mr. Poland and another 1,000 Blaszczak bumped elbows after signing the deal. Polish Defence Minister Pompeo and Mr.Blaszczak will be added under the Mariusz Blaszczak said in Warsaw on Saturday. new pact. The headquar- firmed that almost 12,000 its forces in Europe. should spend more on the number could quickly “This is going to be an ters of the US Army V troops – out of more than About 6,400 troops are their own defence and not be increased to 20,000 if a extended guarantee – a Corps will also be relo- 38,000 – would be with- being sent home with rely so heavily on the US threat justified it. guarantee that in case of a cated from Germany to drawn from Germany in the rest moved to other to shoulder the costs of US President Donald threat our soldiers are Poland. what it described as a Nato countries including maintaining the alliance. Trump has previously ac- going to stand arm-in- Last month the US con- “strategic” repositioning of Poland, Italy and The row between the al- Belgium. lies focuses around the President Trump said target agreed by all Nato the move was a response members that defence to Germany failing to spending should reach 2% meet Nato targets on de- of GDP (gross domestic fence spending. product, the total value of “We don’t want to be the goods produced and serv- suckers any more,” Mr. ices provided in a country) Trump told reporters by 2024. shortly after the move was Germany, along with announced. “We’re reduc- other countries, has yet to ing the force because meet this target. they’re not paying their German officials have bills; it’s very simple.” criticised the US move, Mr. Trump has suggesting it could long complained that weaken Nato and em- European Nato members bolden Russia.

South Africa eases lockdown as ‘outbreak reaches peak’ SOUTH AFRICA’S presi- The country has dent has said coronavirus recorded more than half Pedestrians wearing protective face masks walk along the Seine river banks, as France reinforces mask- infections appear to have of Africa’s coronavirus in- wearing as part of efforts to curb a resurgence of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across the country, peaked in the country, as fections, with more than Paris, France, on August 15, 2020. he announced a sweeping 570,000 cases and 11,500 relaxation of lockdown deaths to date. measures. South Africa also has President Cyril the fifth-highest number France plans masks at work as daily Ramaphosa said nearly of cases in the world after all restrictions on the the US, Brazil, Russia country’s economy will be and India, but infections eased from Monday. have started to dip in COVID-19 cases surpass 3,000 A controversial ban on recent days. PARIS – France is to pro- pose a 14-day quarantine confined space,” Borne France was in the middle the sale of alcohol and to- Mr. Ramaphosa said pose that masks be worn for people arriving from said in an interview with of one of Europe’s bacco will be lifted. the number of new daily in shared workspaces as France, and led the au- French newspaper Le strictest lockdowns. Domestic travel, small confirmed cases had the country grapples with thorities in Paris to ex- Journal du Dimanche. The number of people family gatherings and the dropped from a peak of a rebound in coronavirus pand zones in the capital Doctors have increas- in hospital has trended reopening of businesses more than 12,000 to an cases that rose again in where wearing a mask is ingly called for masks to downwards in recent will all be allowed. average of 5,000 over the the past 24 hours to over mandatory outdoors. be required in the work- weeks even as new In a TV address past week. 3,000. Employment Minister place while the HCSP, a COVID-19 cases have on Saturday, Mr. The number of active The health ministry re- Elisabeth Borne said body advising the govern- risen, with experts point- Ramaphosa said the eas- cases has declined to ported 3,310 new coron- she would propose on ment on health policy, is- ing to the spread of the ing of restrictions will about 105,000 and the re- avirus infections, mark- Tuesday at talks with em- sued a recommendation virus among younger help to revive the coun- covery rate risen to 80%, ing a post-lockdown high ployer and union repre- calling for masks to be people. try’s flagging economy the president said. for the fourth day in a sentatives that masks be compulsory in all com- However, the latest after a period of great “As we look back at the row. compulsory in collective mon indoor spaces. daily figures showed a hardship for the country. past five months, all indi- The number of clusters workspaces. This week’s upswing slight rise in the number However, he called on cations are the South being investigated in- “A theme that appears has taken the seven-day of hospital patients, at South Africans not to let Africa has reached the creased by 17 to 252, it in all scientific opinions moving average of new 4,857 against 4,828 a day their guard down against peak and moved beyond said in a website update. is the value of wearing infections above the 2,000 earlier, as well as a rise in COVID-19 despite “signs the inflection point of the The resurgence them (masks) when there threshold for the first intensive care patients to of hope”, warning of diffi- curve,” Mr. Ramaphosa prompted Britain to im- are several people in a time since April, when 376 from 367. cult times ahead. said.

2 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Saying goodbye is never easy

T is hard to encapsulate the contribution which former Prime Minister, Professor Owen Arthur has made to the Idevelopment of this island. Different people will have varying views related to his work and the role which he played. That is what life is all about. Those who were closest to him – his family and friends, would have seen a totally different side – the family man, father, brother or husband. Those who worked with him would remember his work ethic or kinds words. Those who he led during his political life would remember him as a strong leader. They would remember his political ethos and how he approached tough challenges as he negotiated with companies or multi-lateral organisations, all in the attempt to get the best possible deal for the island. Those who opposed him would remember the tough campaigner and Former Prime Minister Professor, the leader of the (BLP) Right Honourable Owen Arthur. who lead them to three successive crushing electoral wins over the Democratic Labour Party (DLP). He Arthur’s first sojourn into active politics single-handedly transformed the BLP’s took place in 1983 when he was appointed appearance as a party which represented to the Senate in 1983, then won the St. all classes, since he came from the middle Peter By-election of 1984. He would class himself and rose up to the highest continue his rapid rise within the BLP and levels through hard work. would be chosen as Opposition Leader in 1993 and successfully brought a no- confidence motion against the administration in 1994. Born October 17, 1949, to He would lead the Barbados Labour Party parents Frank and Iretha (BLP) to Government and start a period of electoral dominance which saw the BLP Arthur, was educated at the winning three successive elections, especially in 1999, when the party won 26 Coleridge and Parry Boys’ of the available 28 seats. school, before attending Therefore, Arthur would establish himself as one of the region’s most astute Harrison College and then political forces, presiding over a period of the University of the West economic growth and development, where the government invested in Indies – Cave Hill. It was at industries and formulate growth policies the latter that he earned a which helped the private sector to reach its highest potential. degree – B.A. in Economics The push towards Barbados attracting and History in 1971 and a more foreign direct investment was critical at this time. Tourism investment MSc in Economics in grew during his years as Prime Minister 1974. He then continued and the International Business sector blossomed as well. his work in Economics with He was a champion of the Caribbean (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy his work with the Jamaican (CSME) and his final term involved National Planning Agency Barbados hosting the finals of 2007 ICCCWC2007. and the Jamaica Bauxite He was not in the traditional role of the Institute, after which he re- perceived vintage of BLP leaders, He was a son of middle class parents, not a lawyer, turned to Barbados to take but an economist, who happened to rise up a posting within the up, when Barbados faced one of its most gripping and dangerous economic Ministry of Finance and challenges. Planning in 1981. Thankfully, his memory will always be Former Prime Minister, Owen Arthur, making his way with us. We have a history of his public into parliament for a budget speech. life of 37 years to look back on.

This feature will examine aspects of Arthur’s life and contemplate his legacy as well. It will present how those who he came into contact with remember and pay tribute to him as well. May he rest in peace. The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 3

4 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Siblings remember Owen Arthur

REMENDOUS grief. That was the view expressed by the older sister of the late Prime Minister Valmay Arthur recently over losing her younger Tbrother. She maintained that the duo grew up together, as she was slightly older. “It was just the two of us and as small children we used to go everywhere together, even walk these streets at the age of three and four going down to my grandmother’s…. I was 15 months older than him and that is why we look so Valmay Arthur, far right, the older sister of the late former Prime Minister Owen Arthur, sits with siblings Richard Arthur much alike because I think we were and Patricia Roach. conceived at the same time, but one born 15 months earlier and as someone who dealt with pregnancies and stuff I don’t Younger brother Richard, spoke and downs like all siblings. We also had he said to me ‘do not leave the people of know how factual that is but it makes glowingly about his brother. “My first strong discussions and arguments, but at St. Lucy out, continue to look after sense to me. Because you cannot look like good memory… is him taking me to All the end of the day we all came back them.’” someone so much and not have a Saints’ Primary School in a long, short together,” he added. Richard said he expected that Owen connection via umbilical cord,” Valmay pants. He was going to Harrison College Richard said it was also his older would have been taken from the family said. on that same day. He had just left brother who introduced him to active to do the work of the country. “And he Valmay expressed her pride at the Coleridge and Parry and was heading to politics he was one of his biggest did it well, remarkably, and we are accomplishments of her brother and his Harrison College. I am happy to say that supporters during his unsuccessful run proud. People might have something work nationally in even in the I had good times with him. Like all to be Member of Parliament for St. Lucy, that may be negative to say, but Owen transformation of St. Peter. brothers we had fights, there were ups “When I decided I was not doing it again did and give his all.” The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 5 The making of a statesman By Janelle Riley-Thornhill initial foray into elective politics was no slam dunk. When in HEN the Right 1984 the MP for St. Peter, Owen Barbados Labour Party’s Burton Seymour Arthur Hinds resigned because of ill returned to Barbados in 1981 to health, it triggered a by-election, Wwork in the Ministry of Finance but it would take two tries and Planning as the Chief before Arthur would become the Project Analyst, perhaps he did duly elected Member of have political aspirations, but Parliament for the rural at the time, no one could have constituency – which he would imagined that he would represent until his retirement in Owen Arthur, centre, during the St. Peter by-election of 1984. become Prime Minister of 2018. Barbados – and at that, have the The July 19, 1984 by-election distinction of being the person which saw five candidates time there would be short-lived Peter was regarded as a safe seat was chosen by his BLP to serve longest in that post. throw their hats in the ring, – she would only attend one for the BLP. colleagues in the House of His was a political career that came down to a virtual dead session of the Lower Chamber Following the second by- Assembly, to be the new Leader came full circle – from his heat between Arthur as the by-election would be election, Arthur, a trained of the Opposition and the appointment by the J.M.G.M representing the Barbados contested. A ruling by the economist, who started his party’s ninth leader. The Rose ‘Tom’ Adams Administration to Labour Party (BLP) and Supreme Court in September economics career in Jamaica, Hill, St. Peter born would also be be a Senator in 1983, to his educator Sybil Leacock, also a St. 1984 would state that the July would be appointed the youngest person to hold the decision eventually to ride out Peter native, for the Democratic election was null and void due Parliamentary Secretary in the reins of the country’s oldest the last days in active politics as Labour Party (DLP). It was a to errors made by election Ministry of Finance and political party. During the years an Independent Member of hard fought battle which officials. This led to a second and Economic Affairs, until May in Opposition, Arthur, who Parliament (MP). resulted in both Arthur and unprecedented by-election held 1986 when the DLP won the worked at the University of the Leacock securing 49.29 percent on November 22, 1984, and election. West Indies as an economics Arthur journeys into of the vote, but the victory was when the dust settled there was For the next several years he lecturer, was also the Shadow elective politics Leacock’s who secured one no dispute – Owen Arthur, with would grow as a politician and Minister of Finance, and his The year after being appointed more vote than her young 3145 votes to Leacock’s 2907 was begin the process of cementing elevation to the top post within to the Upper House, Arthur opponent. the clear winner. In successive his name in the political history the BLP, many would say, was a would seek to become a Leacock would go on to sit in elections Arthur’s popularity of Barbados. It was on July 16, naturalContinued progression. on Next Page Member of Parliament, but his the House of Assembly, but her would continue to grow and St. 1993 that Arthur at the age of 43,

6 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Arthur leads BLP to victory Continued from Previous Page servants. positions within his administration. This initial term of his three-term reign Among those Arthur recruited in his Now while the DLP would be as Prime Minister, also saw the Social “politics of inclusion” thrust, included successful at the polls in both 1986 and Partnership begin to blossom into the veteran parliamentarian Hamilton 1991, that winning streak would come to revered group that it is today. It grew out Lashley, who he recruited to consult on an end in 1994, when the BLP led by of the 1993 Prices and Incomes Protocol poverty alleviation and David Arthur, won 19 of the 28 seats in the which the Social Partners signed, Comissiong of the NDP, who became a House of Assembly. The DLP won eight formalising their relationship. special envoy to Africa and eventually seats and the National Democratic Party, With both Arthur and BLP’s popularity the head of the Commission for Pan led by the now deceased Sir Richard high, it was no surprise that in the African Affairs. Haynes won one. January 20, 1999 general election the BLP We would also see the likes of Kerrie The BLP’s Slogan that year was ‘BLP won a great majority, leaving the DLP Symmonds and Rudy Grant who in 1999 Your Choice for Change’ and indeed the with only two seats – St. John held by the ran on the DLP ticket, switch sides. Arthur-led administration would bring late David Thompson, who went on to Symmonds, Grant and Hamilton Lashley change to the political environment and become Prime Minister in 2008 and St. would all become candidates for the BLP. the manner of governance in this country. Lucy, which was held by businessman Now in his third term as Prime Under Arthur, Barbados would see the Denis Kellman. Arthur now 49 years old, Minister, Arthur’s reach was long and first female in based his campaign on the party’s solid perhaps his most notable recruit under . Now Dame Billie Miller, she performance relative to the economy, his politics of inclusion mantra, would be was one of four females appointed to his which saw steady growth especially in Clyde Mascoll, who led the Democratic St. Peter M.P. Owen Arthur in 1991. Cabinet, which also included current tourism, and unemployment rates Labour Party into the 2003 general Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, who dropping dramatically, compared to election. By 2008 David Thompson would was then only 29 years old. when his party came to power. be back at the helm of the DLP and cross the floor in 2006 and become a Arthur would have a successful first Mascoll, who previously contested the St. member of the ruling BLP. Then in an term, coming at a time when the country Politics of inclusion Michael North West seat for the DLP, unexpected move, Arthur would appoint was facing economic challenges and Arthur appeared not only to be successful would in 2008 become the BLP’s Mascoll, a trained economist, as Minister where employees in the public sector, in stabilising the economy, but to some candidate. of State in the Ministry of Finance. His under the previous government had their extent in building bridges across the Internal wrangling in the DLP, which decision to embrace Mascoll would get salaries cut by eight percent. To ensure political divide. After the 1999 election, he saw the majority of the Opposition even more surprising, when in the 2008 the latter would never happen again, would, over the next five years, bit by bit, Members of Parliament go to the election campaign, he would declare, Arthur would take legislative steps to chip away at the ranks of the DLP and the Governor General and put their support during a political meeting in Eagle Hall, ensure that salary cuts could never be NDP, bringing opposition members into behind Thompson to become Opposition St. Michael that Mascoll and unilaterally imposed again on civil the fold and even offering them key Leader, resulted in Mascoll deciding to were his “co-leaders”.

Outgoing Opposition Leader and Leader of the BLP, Henry Forde congratulating his successor Owen Arthur (left) in July 1993. The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 7

8 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate End of an era Continued from Previous Page By the time the February 2013 But Arthur’s decision didn’t mean he After almost 15 years in the general election rolled around, was leaving active politics, rather the “political wilderness”, the DLP was Arthur was once again the duly former three-term Prime Minister ready for a fight and after an elected Member of Parliament for the announced he would sit as an unsuccessful no confidence motion constituency of St. Peter, but despite Independent in the Lower House of against the Government of the day, Arthur’s success at the poll, his party Parliament. the Thompson-lead DLP failed to secure the required number His decision meant that the parliamentary group took the of seats to form the Government of numbers of the official Opposition decision to boycott parliamentary Barbados. Arthur again amassed a would be reduced to 13. It followed sessions until elections were called. hefty number of votes, 3665 to the on the heels of remarks he made to Parliament was dissolved on 1982 amassed by the DLP candidate the media on his way to Parliament December 20, 2007 and the general and his first cousin, Haynesley Benn. earlier in the week, that he was “tired election was called for January 15, It was the second time Arthur and of being at the centre of strife”, when 2008. But success was not the BLP’s Benn ran against each other. he declined to speak to the media this time around and the party’s The 2013 poll was keenly about the apparent rift between winning streak under Arthur would contested and when the dust settled, Opposition Leader Mia Mottley and come to an end, as again in 2013 he the DLP won 16 seats and the BLP 14 Leader of Opposition Business in the would lead the party into an election seats – a mere two seat majority. House, Kerrie Symmonds. and lose. In 2008 the BLP would only Following the election, Arthur Speaking to the media about his win 10 of the 30 seats in the House, again relinquished the leadership of resignation, Arthur made it clear it giving the DLP 20 seats – Arthur the Party and Mottley became was a difficult and painful decision, held on to his seat on each occasion. Opposition Leader again. This but necessary if he was not to betray would be the last time that Arthur himself, his family and the people Arthur in Opposition and Mottley would engage in who had elected him. Moreover, the For the initial two years of musical chairs regarding the MP explained that his reasons for Opposition life, Arthur did not hold leadership of the Party, because in resigning from the party and those the post of , little over a year he would concerning why he did not that was held by Mia Mottley. But an completely sever ties with the BLP. participate in the march organised by unexpected turn of events in 2010, After almost three decades in the Opposition Leader Mia Mottley to saw the St. Peter MP garner the House of Assembly as a Member of protest of the Municipal Solid Waste support of the majority of the Parliament for St. Peter representing Tax, were completely different, parliamentary group, which axed the BLP, Owen Arthur on July 25, although he admitted that one Mottley as leader, giving Arthur the 2014, made the bold and decisive compounded the other. St. Peter M.P. delivering a speech in 1987. green light to assume the leadership step to resign from the party, Continued on Next Page of Party. suggesting that it had lost its way.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 9 Arthur resigns from the BLP Continued from Previous Page institution which so vandalises Arthur, a former Minister of and destroy its own heritage,” he Finance, who had introduced an maintained at the time. environmental levy during his tenure, noted that he would have For love of country been a hypocrite to participate in Arthur held true to his word and the march and say that the country less than a month after leaving the should not continue to find ways BLP, August 6 to be exact, the to raise resources to pay for former Opposition Leader took up environmental solutions. a position on the Government’s “I am resigning because I believe front bench in the House of that the Labour Party has not only Assembly, but maintained that he lost its way, but it has also lost its had not crossed the floor and was soul. The Barbados Labour Party indeed an independent. must stand for something. It has Consultant to Parliament and always been able to operate in its attorney-at-law Richard Byer own name; function in its own explained at the time that Arthur’s name; ask the public to support it seating position was a courtesy in its own name; inspire the that was extended to him as a confidence of the public by former head of Government. functioning in its own name and to Arthur sat at the far end of the hold up symbols of its identity as a Government front bench, while political institution to inspire its the then Prime Minister Freundel members, to mobilise its members Stuart took his seat at the other and to attract the support of the end. public,” he said. He would spend the time The former BLP was also critical between then and the 2018 of the call for persons to wear dissolution of Parliament offering white to the march and not the red constructive criticism and words that is synonymous with the BLP. of wisdom. Arthur showed even He maintained that such a more in those remaining years in departure from the norm is no the House of Assembly the different to a nation repudiating its characteristics of a true statesman flag. – one who continually put country Prime Minister Owen Arthur speaking to the media in November 1994. “I cannot be part of an first.

10 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Formative years

By Marsha Gittens Elliott Douglin high- Alumni Association, Jeff t often said that school lighted some of Arthur’s Broomes, in a tribute car- days are the best days favourite subjects while at ried by Barbados as it is during this pe- the Coleridge and Parry Advocate on July 30 said riod that the foundation is School. He also men- “Mr. Arthur’s days at Ilaid for the path that one tioned that Arthur, a for- Coleridge and Parry were will follow. mer resident of Rose Hill, defined by excellence both The bricks of the foun- St. Peter, would walk to in the classroom and on dation of the late former and from secondary the playing field where Prime Minister of school weekly during his his love for cricket was Barbados, Professor the years there. seen by all. He was a shin- Right Honourable Owen “At Coleridge and ing light and virtual men- S. Arthur’s primary Parry, he loved history tor for many of the school education were and Latin and he was so younger students who first laid at the All Saints’ intrigued with the work of were drawn to him by his Primary School in the Roman historian and quiet disposition and the Pleasant Hall, St. Peter. He politician, Publius reputation he had ac- started his schooling there Cornelius Tacitus that as a quired among his peers.” in 1955. result he was nicknamed, It was these superb He later journeyed to Tacitus by his classmates qualities and excellent the Coleridge and Parry and I shortened that to Tac characteristics that he took School and Harrison because it was too long to with him when he later College where he at- pronounced. He actually went to Harrison College. Dr. Elliott Douglin speaking at the funeral on Friday. tended secondary school. informally tutored quite a The late Arthur did well He started school at the few classmates at in his Oxford and former educational insti- Coleridge and Parry and Cambridge O Level sub- at the University of the “In sixth form, Owen Mr. Sandiford tutelage in tution in 1960 while trans- he was highly respected jects. As a student at West Indies, Cave Hill met one of his former lower sixth, neither one ferring to do sixth form, or for his quiet, academic Harrison College, he did Campus, Dr. George Belle. Coleridge and Parry could imagine that there Modern Six as it was profundity.” “advanced level subjects They were in the same ge- teachers who had done were to make history 28 called then, at the latter in Meanwhile in speaking including English and ography class. While he the same thing as him, years later when the 1966. about the late former History.” was taught by former excel at Coleridge and student would snatch In his tribute during Prime Minister’s time at One his schoolmates Prime Minister of Parry and came up to the prime ministership Friday’s State Funeral for the Ashton Hall, St. Peter while at Harrison College Barbados, Sir Lloyd Harrison College. His from the teacher in a no Barbados’ longest serving school, President of the is the retired Dean of the Erskine Sandiford while at teacher was Lloyd Erskine confidence vote,” said leader, his first cousin, Dr. Coleridge & Parry School Faculty of Social Sciences “Kolij”. Sandiford. As he sat under Douglin.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 11

ith the news of the passing of messages of condolence and tributes officials all requested the opportunity to Tributes flow one of Barbados’ former prime poured in from all across the region and share their thoughts on a great man. ministers, the late Professor The from farther across the globe. Political Here then in the next few pages are for a great man WRt. Honourable Owen Seymour Arthur, leaders and state and non-governmental some of their thoughts on his passing. Deepest sympathies A ‘patriot for the C’bean’ ’S Prime Minister, the Minister Chastanet, referred to the late Hon. has extended con- Owen Arthur as a “patriot” who he “had from Trinidad and dolences on behalf of the Government the deepest respect for.” Prime Minister and People of Saint Lucia to the Chastanet said that he had in the past Government and People of Barbados fol- worked closely with the former Prime lowing the passing of the Right Minister, especially on the issue of the Tobago Honourable Owen Arthur, former Prime Caribbean Single Market and Economy Minister of Barbados. Owen Arthur was (CSME). Barbados’ longest serving Prime “Not only was he a patriot for Minister, from 1994 to 2008. Barbados but you can honestly say that THE sudden sad news of the passing of In offering condolences, Prime he was a patriot for the Caribbean,” former Prime Minister Owen Arthur noted Prime Minister Chastanet. “He came to us at a time of heavy challenges played a leadership role in the CSME. for the region. The vision he had in terms of integrating Having seen him at work in Guyana the Caribbean will always be remem- recently, this Caribbean statesman gave bered and I will always have the greatest us no hint of an imminent demise be- amount of respect for him. His last role cause we had become so accustomed to as the Chairman of LIAT is not an envi- his resilience, grit and wisdom. able position to be in but despite how We received the news with shock and difficult it was, even at this late stage he mourn his passing alongside our broth- was willing to take it on. I know that he ers and sisters in Barbados and the rest of was not just doing it for Barbados, he our region. was doing it for all of us in the We extend our deepest sympathy to Caribbean. He is going to be missed. On his family, colleagues and all the people behalf of Saint Lucia, our hearts go out to of Barbados but we all should be com- Owen Arthur’s wife and daughters and forted that this Caribbean giant came all his family and friends and to the from us and for decades, made a lasting Government and People of Barbados.” Dr , Prime Minister of contribution to our progress and for that Saint Lucia’s Prime Minister Saint Lucia’s flag was flown at half Trinidad and Tobago we will continue to remember him in the Honourable Allen Chastanet. mast in part in recognition of the late annals of our history. Owen Arthur. 12 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate A tribute by the Most Hon. PJ Patterson

ith the passing of the Right tellect to the realm of politics and gov- Honourable Owen Seymour ernment in order to effect real positive Arthur, the people of Barbados, transformation in people’s lives and cir- and indeed the entire Caribbean, have cumstances. Wlost a stalwart of regional integration and Within the Commonwealth, he con- a relentless advocate of the region within tributed immensely to the discourse on the global halls of power. He loved Small Island States and led international Jamaica and we therefore feel his loss in a assignments. Owen was never timid in very special way. articulating the social and economic in- Whether as Chairman of the Caribbean justices meted out to Caribbean peoples Community or as the standing Head of and highlighting the historical obstacles the CSME, he led with impeccable dis- with which our societies have had to con- tinction in his own inimitable style. He tend in our decades-old quest for inde- was convinced of the innate ability of the pendence, self-determination, survival countries of the region, working together, and growth. In internal diplomatic ex- CARICOM Secretary-General to create wealth and to achieve and sus- changes, in the halls of global interna- Ambassador Irwin LaRocque tain high standards of the living for their tional financial institutions and in other citizens. corridors of power, he was an unrelent- Owen Arthur a An economist by training, Owen ing advocate of fair and differential treat- Arthur believed passionately that the ment for Caribbean nations as a means of greatest asset of the Caribbean nations remedying some of those historical im- strident regionalist are their people. He was a tireless cam- balances. paigner in the cause of preserving the Working relations THE late former Prime Minister of health and social wellbeing of the The Most Hon. PJ Patterson Barbados, Professor Owen Arthur has Caribbean people while investing in their I had the privilege to have served along- been praised as a strident regionalist and education and training in order to unlock side Owen Arthur in the shared pursuit a relentless advocate for the advancement their full potential for sustainable per- of economic development for our respec- His intimate knowledge of Jamaica of the CARICOM Single Market and sonal, national and regional develop- tive countries and peoples and in achiev- was remarkable and he used every op- Economy (CSME). ment. ing some of the tangible benefits that ac- portunity to visit portions of the island to CARICOM Secretary-General It was in Jamaica he learnt that strong crue from cultural exchange, policy coor- enjoy our cuisine and indulge in domino Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, in a economic fundamentals and the astute dination, functional cooperation and eco- games as well as stimulating conversa- Statement following the passing of management of government finances are nomic integration under the auspices of tions. Professor Arthur, noted that as CARI- not objectives in and of themselves, but our . I offer sincere condolences to his wife, COM Lead Head of Government for the are prerequisites for continuous invest- Owen laid solid foundations for sus- daughters and other members of his fam- CSME, Professor worked very closely ment in human social development. He tainable social and economic develop- ily and to the Government and people of with the CARICOM Secretariat to ad- followed in the tradition of a distin- ment in order to achieve the fruits of eco- Barbados on the passing of an icon of vance the initiative. guished list of Caribbean economic nomic growth and lasting prosperity for Caribbean social, economic and political “In that regard, he was instrumental in scholars who were dedicated and bold the people of Barbados and the advocacy and a true champion of the establishment of a Secretariat Office in enough to apply their knowledge and in- Caribbean. Caribbean regional integration. Barbados dedicated to the initiative. He also worked assiduously to encourage the private sector to become more engaged in the work to make the CSME a lived real- Proud of ‘my Prime Minister’ ity,” the Secretary-General said. “Professor Arthur was a strong advo- cate of functional co-operation which he I CANNOT claim to have known the late together and be a platform for the more viewed as fundamental for the success of Rt. Honourable Owen Arthur very well, difficult areas of cooperation. He was the the integration movement,” he noted. but I certainly knew enough of his semi- architect of the Needham’s Point declara- A driving force nal contributions in the several spheres tion of the CARICOM Heads of in which I moved to admire him and be Government in 2007- “A community for “As Chair of CARICOM, he was the driv- proud that he was my Prime Minister. I all, a declaration on functional coopera- ing force behind the Needham Point admired him for his forthrightness and tion”. He believed that functional coop- Declaration of 2007, which positioned lack of can’t; for being an illustrious eration should indeed permeate the functional co-operation both as a priority Pelican whose brilliant flight bore testi- work of every council and institution of and one of the principal means of distrib- mony to the value of The UWI in creating the community. uting benefits among the Members of the the human capital needed to guide the I know very intimately of his firm and Community.” scattered peoples of the Caribbean to bet- unshakable commitment to such cooper- He said Professor Arthur continued his ter lives and greater unity in our dividing ation in health. It was Prime Minister interest in the development of CARICOM sea. He was an indefatigable champion Arthur who convened the first meeting and the integration process after demit- of The UWI, for which legions of past of Caribbean leaders in Barbados in 2001 ting office. and future students will be eternally to address the scourge of HIV in the re- “In 2010, he produced a major study for grateful. gion and he was one of the original sig- the Community on the “Integration of Amidst the natural and welcome out- natories to the Pan Caribbean Belize and the Organisation of Eastern pouring of grief for the passing of a na- Partnership against HIV/AIDS which Caribbean States (OECS) into the CSME”, tional statesman of iconic stature, I know has been recognised as an international he noted. that there are hosts of Barbadians best practice. Its success over the years “During his mission to Guyana to ob- throughout the world who will recall and the progress the region has made in serve the Elections last March, he found with pride not only what he did at home combatting this disease collectively is an- the time to visit the Secretariat but also his standing in global and re- other one of the tributes to his memory. Headquarters, where I engaged with him gional affairs. He argued persistently that Sir George Alleyne, Chancellor Owen Arthur as Chair of CARICOM once again. Our discussions about the the common vulnerability and volatility Emeritus of The University of the presided over the historic meeting of Community and the CSME demonstrated of small states such as Barbados merited West Indies. CARICOM heads of government in Port his on-going passion and concerns for the particular attention. I warmed to his im- of Spain in 2007, which recognised and Region.” peccable logic as he evoked Aristotle’s emphasised that the Caribbean should “His commitment to regionalism has proportionality and argued for special ously be a constant and dogmatic cham- address vigorously, the scourge of the been maintained with his work at the treatment of such states in the face of the pion of the regional ideal which had no chronic non-communicable diseases such University of the West Indies (UWI), as “pervasive influence worldwide of the doubt been if not forged, certainly forti- as heart disease, diabetes and chronic Professor of Practice: Economics of legitimizing ideology of liberalization”. fied in the Mona Valley.I admired him respiratory illness. He was acutely aware Development and more recently as When the international community for the persistence with which he abjured that these diseases could possibly un- Chairman of the Board of LIAT.” speaks of the vulnerability of small states jingoistic nationalism and put his shoul- ravel the development gains made in “From his student days at the UWI to and the index by which it should be der against the Sisyphean rock of integra- other areas. The Declaration of that meet- his untimely passing, Professor Arthur measured, the name of Owen Arthur will tion. I applauded his frequent, brilliant ing stands as a milestone in the interna- has been an unstinting champion of the always be recalled with gratitude. I ad- exposition of the value and virtue of tional cooperation to prevent and control Region and of integration,” the Secretary- mired him for his ability to be at once a functional cooperation as the glue to these diseases. Continued on page 17 General stated. fiercely proud Barbadian and simultane- bind the Caribbean people more closely The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 13 14 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 15 Mr. Arthur served Barbados well: former PM

HE passing of “Whether it was in He also referred to Mr. adding: “He never al- former Prime having the first St. Peter Arthur as an unrepentant lowed himself to forget, in Minister the Right by-election in 1984, which regionalist who believed fact, the debt of gratitude Honourable Owen Arthur he lost by one vote, invali- fervently in possibilities which he owed to the peo- Tcomes at a time when he dated by the court and of the Caribbean Single ple of St. Peter for making was still active in public fought over, thereby en- Market and Economy. his vast and varied oppor- service because he thought suring him an emphatic “He championed his tunities possible.” he still had much to give election to Parliament; or cause with vigour, with “He has done the state to Barbados and the in being the leader of the clarity and with determi- some service and we region. parliamentary opposition nation. He was, in fact, know it. Like all prime So said former Prime in 1994 when the historic one of the architects and a ministers he embodied our Minister , no-confidence motion spirit-filled evangelist of hopes, our dreams, our while reflecting on the life brought an end to the the Revised Treaty Of aspirations. Like all Prime of Mr. Arthur, who passed Democratic Labour Party Chaguaramas. He enjoyed Ministers he bore our away on July 27, 2020, at Government of Erskine Former Prime Minister Freundel Stuart (left) greets political combat and gave grievances, our disgruntle- the age of 70. Sandiford; or more re- former Prime Minister Owen Arthur with a hand- as good as he got in those ments and our disappoint- Mr. Stuart, the former cently, as in the year 2010 shake. joustings, which are a ments. He never wavered. leader of the Democratic when he experienced mo- defining feature of He carries to his final rest, Labour Party (DLP) which mentarily the resurrection Westminster-style parlia- therefore, the gratitude of swept to power in 2008, as Opposition Leader He said that as Prime the 9/11 tragedy in 2001, mentary politics.” the nation he led and depriving long-serving when the group replaced Minister and Minister of he abandoned economic Mr. Arthur served loved,” Mr. Stuart said, Prime Minister Arthur an the then leader in his Finance, Mr. Arthur orthodoxy and focused on Barbados and the people further expressing sympa- unprecedented fourth suc- favour.” presided over the destiny ensuring the welfare of the of St. Peter well, the for- thy to Mr. Arthur’s wife cessive term in office, said In fact, Mr. Stuart re- of Barbados with level- country and its citizens.” mer DLP leader declared, and daughters. that the former Barbados called that whatever role headedness and resolve. Labour Party (BLP) Mr. Arthur was perform- “Never one to be doctri- leader’s political career ing as a politician, he naire in his approach to was always spiced at brought the full resources policy when the country critical points with dainty of a powerful intellect to faced the potentially pieces of drama. bear on that role. destabilising fallout from UWI Chancellor pays tribute

(The following statement is but one of his enduring ing fathers will be sorely is issued by Robert legacies, and the region is missed. Bermudez, Chancellor the beneficiary of his He will be fondly and of The University of the commitment to getting respectfully remembered West Indies (The UWI), in that project underway. for his political acuity and tribute to the late Right The UWI is proud of its skilful management of the Honourable Owen Arthur) distinguished alumnus, affairs of his beloved who was fearless and Barbados, both as Prime THE Caribbean has lost a outspoken on issues of Minister and in true champion of regional reticence by member Opposition. integration with the pass- countries of CARICOM to My sincere condolences ing of the Rt. Hon. Owen embrace closer integra- are extended to his imme- Arthur. His leadership tion and his voice in sup- diate family and the peo- in operationalising the port of the full realisation ple of Barbados. May he CARICOM Single Market of the dream of the found- rest in peace. Former PM key advocate of strong US-Caribbean relations

(Statement by the US strengthened the links be- people… We are a people Ambassador to Barbados, the tween our two countries who have transcended lan- Eastern Caribbean and the regarding trade, regional guage and race to create OECS, Linda Taglialatela) security, disaster resilience, our own culture and our and people-to-people ties. own identity.” ON behalf of the US Over the years, we appre- Prime Minister Arthur Embassy in Barbados, the ciated his candid, yet pru- was also an important Eastern Caribbean, and dent advice on enhancing advocate of strong the OECS, I would like US-Barbados relations. US-Caribbean relations. to express our deepest He saw boundless possi- We remember his hosting condolences on the bility in the future of the of the first US-Caribbean passing of former Prime Caribbean. Domestically, Summit in Bridgetown in Minister Owen Arthur. his economic policies pro- 1997. He said the summit Our thoughts and prayers vided opportunities for was a “tangible expression are with his family and the thousands of Barbadians. of the new partnership be- people of Barbados in this Internationally, he champi- tween the Caribbean states period of mourning. I re- oned Caribbean unity, and the government and member when I first met serving as the chief archi- the people of the United Prime Minister Arthur in tect of the CARICOM States of America”, and he 2016. I fondly remember Single Market and had faith that US- our numerous interactions. Economy (CSME) strategy. Caribbean partnership He was charming, honest, He declared at the US would “chart new direc- and charismatic. I admired Library of Congress in tions for the future”. his sharp wit, keen 2007 when announcing the His legacy will continue intellect, and warm smile. formation of the CSME to inspire leaders in Prime Minister Arthur’s that: Barbados, the United contributions to the US- “The people of the States, and across the Barbados partnership Caribbean are a creative world.

16 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Barbados Olympic Association Inc. pays tribute to late PM

HE Olympic profound sadness at the Honourable Owen S. and followed the exploits bronze medal at the 2000 Esplanade, describing Movement in sudden passing of our Arthur. of our athletes closely. Games he welcomed the Oba’s feat as “awesome” Barbados joins all former Prime Minister, Professor Arthur had a When Obadele team during a special for a small country like Barbadians in expressing Professor The Right very keen interest in sport Thompson won the event at the Bay Street Barbados to be third in T the world. When three teams, namely – Basketball and Hockey men and women – qualified to participate in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, and the BOA did not have the funds available to accommodate them, Owen Arthur as Minister of Finance agreed to provide the money to allow these young men and women to compete. However, his signal contribution to was the establishment of the Barbados Lottery. He provided special tax concessions to facilitate the merger of the three existing lotteries to form the Barbados Lottery which today is the lifeblood of the BOA. Just before he lost the 2008 General Elections, he shared with us his wish to bring Sport into the Prime Minister’s portfolio and to provide the BOA with a sport facility which would have enabled us to offer dedicated training, competition and office facilities to many of our national sporting federations. Earlier this year Professor Arthur visited the Barbados Olympic Centre to deliver a lecture to a sport administration class at the Olympic Academy, a manifestation of his continued interest in sports and our organisation. That sharp and witty intellect of which so many have spoken was very evident as was his profound understanding of what it takes to develop sport in Barbados and produce world class athletes. The Olympic Academy is grateful that this class of young sports administrators had the rare opportunity to hear and exchange views with him on the development of sport. His brother, Richard (Shooting), daughter, Sabrina (Table Tennis ) and son-in-law, Kevin (Badminton) are long- standing members of the Olympic and Commonwealth Sport family. To them, and to all his family and friends, we extend condolences as we bid farewell to an outstanding Barbadian and dear friend of sport.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 17 Former personal aide remembers Arthur

(The following is a letter in ancestry, my early hapless opponent within when then , Prime after a brief greeting, neck ties, and always tribute to Professor the Rt. memories of the Professor, the precincts of his father’s Minister Arthur primus inter pares, with presented an Hon. Owen Seymour Arthur as I fondly saluted him, premises. His telephoned and much to characteristic ready immaculately attired from Lincoln H Scantlebury, are of his initiation into determination even at a my amazement, asked me despatch, asked if I would persona. His penchant for the former PM’s Press elective politics in 1984 game was most evident. to meet with him at his serve as his personal aide. dress and general Secreatry) and of his modest mode of Notably, Frank was office the following Startled with deportment was transport for that purpose. himself an avid reader morning at 9.00 o’clock. apprehension, I rose to my contagious, and soon, my n the day I received There is no gainsaying the with preference for articles What for? At that time I feet, thanked him for the very caring spouse, lost no information that young charming brilliant in the London Times and was happily serving in a offer, and answered in the time to replenish my Professor Arthur son of Doll and Frank he passed on this love for quasi appellate capacity affirmative. Thus began a “home to work and had been admitted to the Arthur who had recently reading to young Owen. with Town Planning relationship which sadly church” closet with OQEH, my wife and I were returned from the UWI Our nascent relationship Department. ended on Monday last. designs suited for the savouring of the remnants Mona was recognised by remained steadfast and On that Friday morning, But has it really? distinction of my new of the delicious sorrel Tom Adams for his without fanfare from that at the appointed time, I Professor Arthur post. which he habitually intellectual prowess and time until on a Thursday was ushered into the “oval possessed a fastidious CONT’D on Next Page brewed and personally economic genius as an afternoon in May, 2004 office” at Bay Street, and wardrobe, a plethora of delivered to our home asset not only to the every year at Christmas constituency of St. Peter, time. but also to the nation as a Thereafter, we regularly whole. And so, at rustic sought and received Rose Hill, began the information from embryonic transformation concerned knowledgeable of the constituency of St, sources as to his condition, Peter, the country in its and prayerfully hoped for entirety, and indeed the his recovery. CARICOM Region. Having served as his Oftentimes, I patronised Personal Aide from 2004, Frank’s butchery for the and remaining in his famous cuts of varying employ until he demitted meats, not excluding that active politics in 2013, I am of the goats which I then honoured to recount some reared at Boscobelle. observations of our Occasionally, the young relationship. Arthur could be seen Though we share trading his skill at a game common maternal of dominoes with a Continuity a fitting tribute to Arthur

Continued from page 12

It is particularly ironic one of these diseases con- nects two of our greatest Prime Ministers. The last time I saw the late Errol Former Prime Minister Barrow was in 1979 in the Rt. Hon Owen Barbados when we spoke Arthur of many things including how diabetes could debili- tate and diminish a man. ments should be memori- He was prescient. The last alised. But I will venture time I saw the late Owen to propose that he also be Arthur was last year at an remembered fittingly by a alumni function when we firm and unshakable spoke of many things, but Caribbean commitment to he also be referred to the ensuring that the func- problem of diabetes and tional cooperation that is its complications. He too needed to reduce the toll was prescient. of these diseases and When the tears have make our health span dried and the laudable equal to our lifespan, pomp and ceremony to never flags or fails. mark his passing have re- I offer my condolences ceded into history, there especially to his wife and will be many important daughters and trust that accomplishments of his the knowledge of how public life that will be much he was loved and etched into the annals of appreciated as evidenced Barbadian history. It by the many tributes to would be inappropriate him, go some small way for me to suggest the towards dulling the pain ways in which this great and assuaging the grief man’s many achieve- that is yours.

18 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Mutual respect existed BCSI: Former PM CONT’D from Page 17 pens, will be found two person and compassionate I know for many others. I such which I used at leader who eschewed a wish to publicly thank all an example of Continuing in that Coleridge & Parry School profound love and those persons who position, Professor Arthur and which I proudly devotion for the people he telephoned with consoling and I developed an presented to him -– served. Finally, Professor messages. I extend my unswerving relationship Parkers of course. Not to Arthur was neither too sincere sympathy to his visionary leadership which excluded frivolity, omit, rearing the free assured nor aloof to, as sorrowing wife Julie, his nurtured mutual respect, range chickens – yard was his wont, seek my daughters, his siblings and he Rt. Honourable grow the Professional and buttressed our fowls, in common own recall of certain other members of his Owen Seymour Services Sector of appreciation for vinyl parlance, is still my habit, events, nor indeed my family. Professor, it is with Arthur will always Barbados. Such was the LP’s, exotic fountain pens, from which it was always opinion of matters at a heavy heart that I say be remembered by the vision of Professor cuff links, and pleasing to present them hand. For this he was fully goodbye. TBoard, Staff and Arthur. significantly, the delicate to him for his signal appreciative, and I always Adapting the familiar membership of the He was a shining taste of free range chicks. I preparation of which he relished the opportunity to words of Laurence Binyon Barbados Coalition of example of the learnt exactly how he constantly boasted. communicate with him. “At the going down of the Service Industries (BCSI) innovative and creative liked his coffee. In his vast I shall remember him, This has not been an sun and in the morning, as a visionary, under individual that he collection of fountain particularly as the caring easy period for me nor, as we will remember him” whose leadership expected every Barbados soared to the Barbadian to become. He top of the list for was never afraid to use developing countries on any tool at his disposal to the United Nations achieve his outcomes, Human Development and he was not one to Index. give up when It was under the Owen conventional methods Arthur administration failed. Of note, was his that the BCSI was decision to engage the formed, with a view of Heritage Foundation in creating an umbrella the USA and utilize its institution for the influence within the advocacy and Republican Party to development of the ensure that the interests international of then President George competitiveness of the W. Bush, aligned with Services Sector in those of a Small Open Barbados. However, one Economy like Barbados of the less public vis-a-vis the Harmful Tax motivations behind the Competition Initiative of creation of the BCSI the OECD. by the Arthur Professor Arthur had a administration, also vision for a globally related to the competitive and first- engagement with the world Barbados economy Barbadian Diaspora. and dedicated his life Over the last few towards this cause. As an months, the BCSI had the institution which was privilege of engaging the established in accordance Late Professor of Practice with this vision, the BCSI – who was designated holds the view that the The Industry greatest tribute we (as a Transformation Advisor country) can pay to his – as part of the process memory is to try to for the development of a emulate his example. New Industrial This will ensure that his Development Policy for vision becomes a reality Barbados. Professor and his legacy lives on. Arthur was of the view, The BCSI urges every that the future Barbadian to honour the development of memory of the Right Barbados would be Honourable Owen based – not on the old Arthur by seeking to factors of production pursue excellence in (Land, Labour and every area of life. Capital) but on a new This is the only foundation of sustainable way of Innovation, Creativity achieving the world-class and Technology. Through society to which the Late this engagement, he also Professor dedicated his shared his concern that a life. vast number of tertiary Finally, we wish educated Barbadians to take this opportunity were unable to contribute to offer our sincere to our society due to a condolences to his lack of opportunity family, former which resulted in “brain constituents and drain”. However, he friends in St. Peter, across indicated that it was his the nation of Barbados vision when and indeed to the wider conceptualizing the BCSI Caribbean Community, to engage the expertise of where his contribution such persons as part of a towards the Regional BCSI-led consortium of Integration Movement Barbadian Consultants, was outstanding. who could generate May he Rest in Peace foreign exchange and and Rise in Glory.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 19 Ambassador shares fond memories of late PM

(Ambassador to the United during his tenure. it resulted in increased nomic composition of lenged me to reinvigorate me to this day. States of America and the Prime Minister Arthur prosperity. He possessed Barbados and the techno- a flagging tourism indus- Having served under Organisation of American was a champion of the ability to combine his cratic initiatives needed to try as a major driver of the his leadership, I can just as States on the Passing of for- education and fervently knowledge and familiarity be employed to transform economy. Serving under easily speak to his celebra- mer Prime Minister of believed that through with the world of interna- and propel the country his leadership provided tion of success in achiev- Barbados, the Rt. Hon. education and the oppor- tional high finance and ex- into the ranks of devel- the grounding necessary ing stated objectives as I Owen Seymour Arthur) tunities it provides, there perience as an economist oped nations. for a young politician to can to being the recipient would be that natural in Jamaica serving with I had the pleasure and achieve the political and of his wrath. A hard join all Barbadians in economic movement and with a honour to serve under his professional success that I taskmaster, he chaired mourning the loss of progression from poverty commitment to ensuring leadership from 1994 to had as a Minister and gov- cabinet with an iron fist, Owen Seymour Arthur, to middle class. He be- the involvement of ordi- 2008 first in the Senate and ernment and subse- setting a high standard of fifth Prime Minister and lieved that where one was nary citizens - no matter later as Minister of quently. I will long re- accountability for those Ione of its most esteemed born should not deter- their political affiliation - Tourism and International member and treasure his with whom he shared the sons. mine the measure of a with governmental affairs. Transport. He saw in me a description of me as the task of transforming His journey, from one of man while at the same His policies reflected his passion and fierce deter- best Minister of Tourism Barbados, for public the illustrious Three Blind time, he believed that one understanding of the mination to serve the peo- in the entire Caribbean, an servantsCONT’D tasked on with Page 21 Mice to the highest politi- should never forget where socio-cultural and eco- ple of Barbados and chal- accolade which humbles cal office in the land is one comes from. He was well known. tremendously proud of his Possessing a brilliant success and often re- mind, acerbic wit, and minded us of the sacrifices razor sharp tongue com- of the ordinary Barbadian bined with an intellectual to ensure a better life for brilliance and street their children and their smarts that is not fre- children’s children. He quently seen, Owen was as comfortable in the Arthur led Barbados from corner shop as he was in 1994 to 2008, assuming the or leadership at a time not when championing the too dissimilar from the cause of Barbados and the decade of economic de- entire Caribbean commu- cline from which we are nity. He prided himself as working steadfastly to being an ordinary emerge. Barbadian. Prime Minister Arthur Never once did he vary managed the economic from his mission to ensure affairs of Barbados during a better life for all a global economic reces- Barbadians remaining true sion, two Gulf Wars, the to the motto of the effects of the 911 terrorist Barbados Labour Party. attacks on the United He was a different type of States and the global leader in many ways from health crises of SARS and those who preceded him foot and mouth disease … fiercely nationalistic, he leaving a legacy of sus- reengineered our econ- tained economic growth omy in such a manner that

Ambassador to the United States of America and the Organisation of American States, Noel A. Lynch 20 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 21 Former PM was a ‘rich gift’ to Barbados

he Barbados express our appreciation We also note with satis- sun and shield; The Lord Member Churches of the children, siblings, other Christian Council is for his 14 years of service faction that in his gover- will give grace and glory; Barbados Christian relatives, and the deeply saddened at over three successive nance he made room for No good thing will He Council, and on behalf of Government and people the death of former Prime terms as Prime Minister the Christian council. His withhold From those who my family and myself, of Barbados. TMinister of Barbados, the and his further contribu- care for his people and na- walk uprightly.” Amen. I extend heartfelt sympa- May he rest in peace, Right Honourable Owen tion to the development of tion is worthy of emula- On behalf of the thy to the late Prime and may Almighty God Seymour Arthur, at the Barbados after he left that tion, as it was said of him Executive Council and the Minister Arthur’s wife, comfort us all age of 70. high office. Also after 34 after his Prime Ministerial At the same time, we unbroken years as service that “he has left the write prayerfully and with Member of Parliament for country in a much better thanksgiving to God for St. Peter, even up to the economic and social posi- A man with a vision the rich gift of former time of his passing. We tion than he found it in CONT’D from Page 19 Prime Minister Arthur’s recognise some of his re- 1994.” able to them about the tegration through educa- life of service to our markable achievements of As we mourn the death areas under their steward- tion, work, personal beloved country Barbados, positively maintaining of Owen Arthur, former executing his vision, and ship because he himself relationships and of course to express our sincerest Barbados’s economic Prime Minister, husband certainly those within his was always prepared and economics that was unpar- condolences to the family growth for eight succes- and father, let us meditate cabinet. He did not tolerate able to discuss any and alleled. of former Prime Minister sive years, and his out- on the divinely inspired tardiness, lack of prepara- every area of economic ac- Nelson Mandela once Arthur and to the standing contribution to words of the Psalmist tion, variation from the tivity. He quoted effort- said, “Death is something Government and people place Barbados in the en- David as recorded. May I course of action promised lessly from the classics, un- inevitable. When a man of Barbados. vious position of develop- quote from Psalm 84 verse the Barbadian people. He derscoring the depth and has done what he consid- We especially want to ment status. 11: “For the Lord God is a cautioned humility, often breadth of his knowl- ers to be his duty to his quoting from Thomas edge… from history, to people and his country, he Gray’s poem “Elegy law, to sociology, to cricket can rest in peace.” Written in a Country which he used as a In my opinion, Prime Churchyard” - a memorial metaphor for Caribbean Minister Arthur ably and Arthur a distinguished honouring the life of hum- development, to his admirably executed his ble rustic folk - and re- beloved economics. Even duty to Barbados. minded that the same after demitting office he On behalf of my family, son of the soil: AOPT electorate which ensured continued to recommend and as a proud citizen of a victory at the polls just as books and encourage life- grateful nation, I extend swiftly and resolutely de- long learning. sincere condolences to his THE Alliance Owners of termined the In his most recent as- wife Julie, daughters Public Transport (AOPT) opposite. signment as Chairman of Sabrina and Leah and his is amongst those paying A voracious reader, he LIAT, he brought a depth wider family. tribute to Former Prime encouraged his Ministers of knowledge and passion May he Rest in Peace Minister of Barbados, The to read everything avail- about the region and its in- and rise in glory. Rt. Hon. Professor Owen Arthur, who recently passed away. Mark Haynes, Communications and Marketing Officer of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) spoke on the behalf of the group, noting that Arthur has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Barbados and a legacy for others to emulate. “We in the Alliance Owners of Public Transport are saddened by the demise of the Right Honourable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur Mark Haynes, Communications and Marketing Barbados. His tenure from Officer of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport 1994 until 2008 as Prime (AOPT). Minister of Barbados, can and will never be for- gotten,” Haynes said marked. Minister. He was not only in a statement issued “In the island of a politician, but a teacher, to the Barbados Barbados, he certainly whose intellect and bril- Advocate. played a pivotal role in liance was enormous. He “It must be duly noted improving the livelihood pioneered an illustrious that he served this island of many Barbadians, in career, which no doubt with distinction. He was various spheres of human must be written in the an astute leader who was endeavour. His work as a pages of history. He has a visionary and who was leader must be highly left a legacy for those be- deeply committed to the commended as exemplary hind him to emulate,” he regional integration and remembered,” maintained. movement and to CSME. Haynes added. Haynes concluded, “No Many of his regional “In short, he has left an doubt, he was an out- counterparts looked up to indelible mark on the standing and distin- him for economic and po- landscape of Barbados. As guished son of the soil. litical direction, to move a leader, he was witty, and Our deepest condolences forward the entire indeed he was a humani- go out to his wife Julie, his Caribbean community, as tarian who loved his peo- daughters Sabrina and he pioneered projects and ple, on whose behalf he Leah and his extended rel- programmes, all of which earnestly worked. We owe atives. May his soul rest in were designed to improve a deep sense of gratitude eternal peace and may the lives of the region’s and profound thanks to light perpetual shine upon people,” Haynes re- him, as our former Prime him.” 22 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Tribute to Owen Arthur – the most respected, refined, educated ex Prime Minister of Barbados

HEN great people things, the wise man gave me get into that for “He who pass away a vacuum good advice. When he became giveth takes it away”. Be hum- is created, everybody the Chairman of LIAT, we met ble, fair and just in what you runs to pay tribute to say he and again discussed certain do, he followed that to the ‘T’. Wwas a cut above the rest. Three things. God bless his family. I have days of mourning is well de- Friendship is not given and again lost a good friend; people served for the man who did so relationships are not made, don’t know the relationship, much for Barbados. All our they are God’s gifts and Past but God bless him and our Prime Ministers have con- Birth Contracts which leave us condolences to the family. tributed in one way or the memories of the goodness a other to make this a great person does. We used to meet “I thought of you today, place. in office when I was the I thought of you with love today As a tribute, he was one of President of BMA in the 19’s but that is nothing new the most brilliant brains in the and when my turn was up, I I thought about you yesterday Caribbean. He was the first did not go to the meetings. He and days before that too Prime Minister to be in office would call me up and invite I think of you in silence, I often for third term; unfortunately, me for he would always start a speak your name the economy was going down conversation to get discussions All I have are memories and a and he was trying to build it or done and he was a great man, picture in a frame hold it that Barbados did not but don’t get him angry as you Your memory is a keepsake with lose out. Very few people can would get the worst words which I never part handle those types of situa- from him. God has you in his keeping, tions; our hats off to him in To Barbados I would say we I have you in my heart gratitude. have lost a great person. Let us Forget me not when I am gone When he retired and joined learn how to respect all our I will live on the university, nobody cared past Prime Ministers and not Be strong, be brave and dry to look for him but we were only when they pass away. your tears friends and kept in touch. You become a Prime Minister Remember all our happy years.” When Liquidation Centre was because destiny had that for taken away, he called me; we you to live and do good for the – Asha “Mrs. Ram” Businesswoman Asha ‘Mrs. Ram’ Mirchandani. met and discussed a lot of country, don’t let ego and pride Mirchandani The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 •23

Owen Arthur taking the Oath of Office as Prime Minister in September 1994 in front of Governor General, Dame . Arthur and his economic vision

By Dorian Bryan of the demands to get things done effec- tively and efficiently to allow for busi- O much can be said about the fifth nesses to remain viable and make critical Prime Minister of this country, investments which would help sustain Professor the Right Honourable the needed growth in all sectors of the Owen Arthur. economy. SIn addition to his stewardship of this This meant that Government could country from 1994 to 2008, much can and should not do it all alone. be said about his economic vision and His first public display on economic policies for this country, with the view of policies came as the Shadow Minister of positioning the country to move through Finance, when he took on Minister of the instabilities of the global community Finance and Prime Minister Lloyd of which Barbados sought to fully estab- Sandiford. lish itself in. The Barbados Advocate of December One involved making sure that the 3, 1989 carried a statement from Arthur, country was able to earn its own way who was responding to a decision of the and ensure that its foreign reserves re- Central Bank to raise bank fees: “The an- mained healthy and able to support the tics of Erskine Sandiford as Minister of island’s growing demand to expand its Finance are now undoubtably the great- goods and services. est single threat to the stability and Barbados’ biggest resource would be proper management of the Barbados its people and that meant that the devel- economy… The latest increase in the opments and creativity could be ex- Central Bank’s lending rate will guaran- ported and earn critical foreign reserves. tee that Mr. Sandiford’s earlier efforts to Economic policy bring about a recession in Barbados through excessive taxation, squander- As an economist, Owen Arthur believed mania, and a lack of concern for the that there had to be a balance between problems of the productive sectors fiscal discipline and an economy which will succeed. It is reasonable that in the was able to support the requirements prevailing climate, businesses will fail, and responsibilities which government investments will be deferred, funds for had to its citizens. housing will dry up, unemployment and That economy must be able to attract the general level of prices will rise and investments, make investments in the Barbados will find itself overtaken by the capital works development of the coun- kind of economic and social hardship try, and be able to be nimble enough to which is now the lot of some of our sustain exogenous shocks. The idea was Caribbean neighbors.” that Barbados had to be able to reposi- Arthur then indicated that the increase tion its economy to take advantage of in fees meant the Central Bank would be what the world had to offer. unable to meet its foreign reserves com- Government, as an example, had to be mitment to the government. He advised efficient. This would be in terms of the then that the course of action would services which it offered, but also to eliminate economic options and force attract investments, departments and Government with the forced reality of Ministries had to be responsive to the de- CONT’D on Page 24 mands of a 21st century world, inclusive 24 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Prime Minister Owen Arthur (centre) chatting with members of the public outside Parliament in early January 1995. Barbados’ new economic destiny outlined CONT’D from Page 23 Parliament at the Palace of Westminster and the the International Parliament in Hamilton Monetary Fund (IMF) Bermuda are older; and where corrosive policies our Parliamentary would be hoisted on the System of Representative country. Government is therefore He called for a new 367 years old. A glance economic destiny and it back through the pages remained a passion of his of our history will vision for Barbados to reveal that the original pay its own way in the Parliament of 1639, world. That theme con- though representative, tinued as reported in The did not reflect a composi- Barbados Advocate of tion produced by the ap- November 5, 1989 in a plication of the principles story entitled, ‘One of adult suffrage. Yet, as a big dose of medicine representative system, it needed’, again related to contained within itself the Central Bank increas- the seed which when ing fees. Arthur contin- fully germinated, pro- ued arguing for measures duced genuine Adult to counter what had Suffrage in 1951 and amounted to a loss of Independence in 1966. $150 million in foreign So that the celebration reserves in six months. of our 40th year of Economic philosophy Independence provides a suitable and fitting back- Speaking at the re-open- drop for the opening of ing of the West Wing of this West Wing. The Parliament on November Parliament Buildings 22, 2006, Arthur also themselves were com- indicated that he was a pleted in 1874. They lover of the political are described ‘as a process. masterpiece of Gothic “It bears repeating Architecture, built of that within the coral limestone, strategi- Commonwealth of cally placed in the heart Nations, our Parliament of our Capital’.” is the third oldest politi- CONT’D on next page cal institution. Only the The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 25 Arthur the astute politician

By Dorian Bryan

OLITICS is not supposed to be easy.

Coming from rural St. Peter Pfrom middle-class parents, Owen Seymour Arthur was not what was considered to be the typical stock who rose to lead the older of the two national political parties, but from a very young age, he showed that anything was possible when you put your mind to it. From his days at The University of the West Indies, to his time in Jamaica working for the Bauxite Association, and upon his return to the is- land in the early 1980s, it was In November 1984, Owen Arthur, first-timer at the polls, signed the documents after being sworn in as the representative for clear that he was going places. St. Peter by Governor General, Sir (left). At centre is Edwin Stroude, the Governor General’s private secretary. His work within the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs was just a Leader in 1993, lead a success- cisive re-election in 1991, only precursor to his rise into elec- ful no-confidence motion in to face a crippling financial tive politics. His success in the 1994 against the Lloyd Erskine crisis, seemed as though the ‘It must always be St. Peter by-election and rapid Sandiford Government which POLITICIAN on Page 26 rise to become Opposition has successfully secured a de- service before self’ CONT’D from previous page nation. “The first is that the Dems in Speaking at the Seventy- office have behaved as if they Fourth Annual Delegates own Barbados. However, as Conference of the Barbados we look to retain office, we Labour Party (BLP) at the must pledge that we will Queen’s Park Steel Shed on never act as if Barbados be- October 28, 2012, Arthur laid longs to the Barbados Labour out his ethos for service in Party for us to do with it, its politics. resources and its institutions “One of the most important that which is pleasing only to and impressive characteristics ourselves and our supporters. and perhaps the greatest glory We must seek to build a truly of our Barbados Labour Party inclusive society, resting on is not that we never fall, but the strongest foundations of that every time we fall, we rise social justice – a society for all. again; stronger, wiser and If and when we get an oppor- more resolute.These past few tunity to serve, we must give years have been years that of our very best; to pursue have tested our Party’s soul. only the nation’s and the Those tests sometimes came people’s business.” with an agony that was hard He also outlined the view to bear. But there is a special that the economy would only Barbados Labour Party way be viable if all elements within and spirit that was available to it were functional. us on which to draw. For us, it “We fully understand that must always be service before man cannot live by bread self. We must never fail our alone. We also fully under- nation.” stand that the task of building Arthur indicated that any a nation must begin with the Government should be re- establishment of a secure na- sponsive to the needs of the tional identity. It also requires country and not act as though the bringing together in a they owned power. “And as harmonious and coherent we reflect on the horror story way, forces in the economic, which has unfolded in social, cultural, political and Barbados, we should draw psychological realms, to forge from it certain object lessons a society that can progres- Prime Minister Owen Arthur breaking ground for the construction of the pavilion at Diamond to take with us into the future sively meet the needs and ex- Corner St. Peter in 1995. as we look once again to con- pectations of the broad mass stitute the Government of this of the people.” 26 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Epic battles with DLP highlighted

POLITICIAN from Page 25 lenged those who ran tors needed to push the economic policies and a in the 1999 elections bond should never be those policies to defend economy to a level where vibrant private sector, when the DLP only se- broken. them to the public at growth was sustained earned enough monies to cured two seats. In 2003, He also had a way with elements had aligned for large. Ministers of and could sustain the pay its local and foreign he faced a resurgent DLP language that allowed this economist and crafty Finance were charged to economy. He also be- debts. which advanced its seat him to explain challeng- politician to emerge into defend those policies on lieved that the Central So it came as no real share in the House of ing economic matters in a leadership of the country. the floor of Parliament as Bank should stand in the surprise who his main Assembly to seven, then way that that average His battles with the Arthur questioned the ra- breach and resist govern- targets were in the DLP. finally in 2008, when he man and woman could Democratic Labour Party tionale for the policies. mental overreach and Former Prime Minister would eventually lose to understand. It placed him (DLP) on financial mat- He believed that there was against excessive Lloyd Erskine Sandiford the DLP under in excellent standing with ters were epic. He was must be a balance be- borrowing of foreign re- only faced him for a short Thompson. the public and almost not shy about calling out tween taxation and eco- serves and printing of time, but then David Arthur knew how to was successful in 2013, deficiencies within eco- nomic performances and monies. Government, he Thompson took up the read the room and peo- when he led the BLP to nomic policies and chal- that the productive sec- believed, had through mantle and was humbled ple. He was quick to in- the government again but teract with the public just fell short in a prior to entering 16-14 win for the DLP. It Parliament on Tuesdays, was due to him being because he recognised trusted to handle the that people give power to economy. individuals and parties CONT’D on next page for the time and that

Owen Arthur being sworn in as a Senator in 1983. The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 27 Arthur’s tenure one of economic prosperity CONT’D from previous page of the BLP and was formances was his verbal He embraced Clyde international business, Glendairy Prison fire replaced by Mia Amor battles within political Mascoll in 2006, who and set up the tripartite took place during this Mottley and returned to debates in the House of had a public rift with arrangement known as time, Greenland fiasco, Arthur remained a the helm in October Assembly. Known for his Thompson and what the Social Partnership Silver Sands bath… the potent force even after 2010, after Mottley was grasp of economic data threatened to tear that which involved point is that for the most the BLP lost the 2008 removed as leader. and the ability for show- party apart. He took in Government, Labour part, Owen Arthur stood General Elections. He Also, one of the high- manship and the quick advice from all quarters, and the Private sector, as a well-respected man gave up the leadership lights of Arthur’s per- turns of phrases, and inclusive of the private all playing a role in during his three terms during his time finally as sector. decision-making in this in office and even after an Independent MP for He knighted his country. during his two terms St. Peter, after leaving predecessor Sandiford, His tenure was one which came after he left the BLP, had a series of presided over the cre- of economic prosperity office. sparring matches with ation of the National underpinned by little He remains one of the Freundel Stuart, and Heroes of this country, international disruption, most potent political former Minister of created a solid economic although the terrorist forces in the history of Finance, Christopher base which was under- attacks of September 11, this country. May he rest Sinckler. pinned by tourism and 2001, did occur. The in peace!

Opposition spokesman on Finance, Owen Arthur (left), alongside Opposition Leader, Henry Forde.

Opposition spokesman on Finance, Owen Arthur and Government backbencher, Harold Blackman, heading into Parliament in 1992.

28 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Leader who raised country’s profile Sought to lift citizens out of poverty

(Political Scientist Dr. George Brathwaite on sense, something which became practical – Owen Arthur) that is Caribbean civilisation and ‘Barbadiana’ as representing a type of force ossessing a strong aversion to that can be exported globally. That is what poverty, the Right Honourable Owen Owen Arthur saw, and what he pushed to Arthur not only wielded his political ensure that we were not just in the game, power to lift the lower class of this island, but were in the game as winners. Always Pbut effectively helped elevate Barbados’ looking to constantly exceed the generation global profile to a country which ‘punches before,” Brathwaite commented. above its weight’. Small in stature, but a giant in the finance Highlighting the determination of this and economic fields, Arthur’s humble and island’s fifth Prime Minister to drive down to earth characteristics drew the citizens out of poverty, Political Scientist Dr. masses to him at home and abroad during George Brathwaite said Arthur achieved his political career. this in tandem with raising the worldwide “He had an acute and profound regard of this 166-square mile rock. knowledge of social and economic “Overall, his focus emphasised the development in Barbados, along with the betterment and prosperity of people, knowledge of what was going on putting money in people’s pockets, making worldwide. When persons within his age sure he had opportunities for the politics of group would have seen the manifestations inclusion – all of which is wrapped in an coming about with Sir Grantley Adams ideology of being better than I was, being and then the Right Excellent Errol Barrow, better than past generations and being able who himself was a colossus, we see that to compete globally whether it was in the what Owen Arthur was able to do was to economic arena, the cultural arena, or any make politics meaningful for ordinary other. people. CONT’D to Page 29 The late Rt. Honourable Owen Arthur “He saw in a political and theoretical

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 29 Politics of inclusion showcased CONT’D from Page 28 grow the BLP and then we Caribbean. Indeed, he was did it through symbolism, would be taking two steps very sincere and passionate through our own culture, He had an innate forward and three steps about giving persons using our own Barbadian- capacity to be there with back,” he said. opportunities to be able to isms to achieve this,” the ordinary man and This attitude of go and develop at the local Brathwaite stated. woman, and as he travelled inclusivity was also and regional level,” After achieving what no to Jamaica and other parts showcased in how Arthur explained Brathwaite. other Prime Minister has of the region, that is what treated the Caribbean and As he spoke on many of done by being elected to really ignited a lot of the its people as a whole. the accomplishments of the serve three consecutive aspects of other parts of his Brathwaite underlined late former leader, the terms, Brathwaite said characteristics, allowing Arthur’s belief the island political consultant said upon leaving office in 2008, him to grow and bring and the wider region Arthur’s awareness of the Arthur, due to his along the Barbados Labour should be globally importance of symbolism, interventions and thinking Party (BLP) and all other respected, as he was leading to the creation of terms of public policy, left Barbadians with him,” notably dynamic in tangible structures such Barbados on sound footing, Brathwaite opined. strengthening Caribbean Independence Square and having achieved a level of Touching on Arthur’s regionalism, unity and National Heroes Square, as unemployment of seven politics of inclusion, the functional cooperation. well as the intangible by percent, and at the stage of former lecturer said this “He saw the Caricom facilitating the revitalisation reaching developed status. also indicated the late Single Market and of the Pan African “Owen Arthur was able economist’s belief that Economy not just as Commission, helped to shape the type of every citizen was needed to something that we can only Barbadians better visualise character that Barbados push the country forward, aim at, but something that what they themselves should pride itself in, so regardless of class, gender we can progressively work could accomplish, and that when we were trying or political affiliation. on for the benefit of showcased aptly how to lift ourselves, we were “Fundamental was his Barbadians, because we forward thinking the not too haughty about it . practice of the politics of cannot swim alone and former St. Peter MP was. ‘Pride and Industry’ yes, inclusion wherein he expect to achieve all that “He always spoke of but not at the point where would throw a lash or two we ought to or could. He coming from humble we would push aside other on members of the saw it in coming through beginnings and persons. Once we put aside Democratic Labour Party, the process of working demonstrated to people the partisan politics and but he also understood that together and saw that where you came from look and see the inputs and if he used the methods of integrated development of was not necessarily where what came as a result, we Political Scientist Dr. George Brathwaite the politics of divisiveness, the region as being you ought to end up and then understand the it would not grow demonstrably good for that there was always that mastery of Owen Arthur’s Barbados, but would only Barbados and the growth potential and he politics.”

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30 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Owen Arthur – A life in

he Right Honorable Professor Owen Seymour Arthur stood as an economic and Tpolitical force in Barbados for almost 40 years. That time started in earnest from his return to Barbados in 1981 and con- tinued in his position in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs. He was later elevated as an M.P. after the 1984 by- election in St. Peter and took on the role of Opposition Leader from 1993. Mr. Arthur became Prime Minister in 1994 to 2008, winning three suc- cessive General Elections in 1994, 1999 and 2003, be- fore losing in 2008 and 2013. He exited politics in 2018. He became an Independent. His final public role involved him becoming Chairman of LIAT (1974) Limited. Today, we present a pic- torial tribute which spans Bahamian Senator Fred Mitchell flew in to congratulate his friend Prime Minister Owen Arthur in September 1994. his 40 years in public life. (See also pages 31-39)

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 31 Decades of diligence the spotlight captured in photographs

Prime Minister Owen Arthur (right) having a chat with his predecessor Lloyd Erskine Sandiford about Haiti at Government Headquarters in Prime Minister Owen Arthur (left) greeting then St. Lucia PM Dr. in 2000. September 1994.

32 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Prime Minister Owen Arthur (right) and his Press Secretary Victor Hinkson observing the procession on Bay Street in 2000.

Prime Minister Owen Arthur chatting with Ed Bushell of the Barbados Employers' Confederation in 1999.

Prime Minister Owen Arthur chatting with former Dominican PM Dame Eugenia Charles after the swearing in of Cabinet in 1999. Also present were Gray Broome and David Shorey.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 33 Dedicated Prime Minister Owen Arthur discussing the documentation to B’dos for Government's small Business Venture Capital Fund with Small Business Association and the President, Wendell Clarke in region 1996.

Prime Minister Owen Arthur (left) disembarks an American Airlines flight from Belize in February 1995. He was accompanied by personal aide Mackie Holder and behind them was St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, James Mitchell.

34 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate LIFETIME OF HARD WORK…

Prime Minister Owen Arthur (right) Prime Minister alongside Owen Arthur Minister of and chairman of Health Liz the Commission Thompson for Pan-African during an Affairs David explanation Commissiong for the re- speaking at the moval of official launch the top of the brass of Commission in Prime Minister Owen Arthur took time out from a the QEH in 1998. Parliamentary session for a stroll through the 1996. City.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 35

I N

L O C A L

P O L I T I C Prime Minister Owen Arthur said he was safely keeping Shadow Minister of Finance and BLP General Secretary Owen Arthur sweep- the key to the Treasury which he held aloft at a political S ing up before the start of a BLP session at Combermere School in 1988. meeting at Ellerton St. George in 1999.

36 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Prime Minister Owen Arthur with his wife Beverly and Senator Glyne Murray during a church service in 1997.

Prime Minister Owen Arthur surrounded by supporters during a political meeting at Silver Sands. The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 37

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38 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate In the news and

AT LEFT: Prime Minister Owen Arthur (left) chatting with Barbados Advocate News Editor, Sonji Phillips at this event in 2000. ABOVE: Prime Minister Owen Arthur breaking ground to mark the start of the multi purpose jetty at Speightstown in 1996.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 39 behind the scenes

Prime Minister Owen Arthur (centre) chatting with Attorney Prime Minister Owen Arthur concentrating on his General (left) and Acting Postmaster General hand during this game of dominoes in 1997. Joel Brathwaite in 1999.

40 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Strong force for regional integration

(The following is a statement from CARICOM countries His stewardship of Owen Arthur was born He was the guiding Caribbean’s resistance to by Sir Ronald Sanders, in thanking you for agree- Barbados transformed a in Barbados and served it light behind transforming dictation by the Ambassador of Antigua and ing to celebrate the life of small island state into a with distinction, but he a trade and investment Organisation for Barbuda, at a meeting of the Professor the Right successful economy, im- was also profoundly agreement between the Economic Cooperation Permanent Council of the Honourable Owen Arthur, proving the lives of every Caribbean. and the and Development Organization of American former Prime Minister of Barbadian, but particu- He placed great store in Caribbean into an (OECD) to arbitrarily im- States in tribute to Professor Barbados. larly those from the un- the benefits of regional in- “Economic Partnership”. pose tax standards. the Right Honourable Owen It is fitting that this derprivileged rural com- tegration, and to creating, For him the time had He brought to those ne- Seymour Arthur, Former meeting coincides with his munity in which he was within the Caribbean, a long gone when the gotiations in 2001 not only Prime Minister of Barbados funeral service now taking born. single economic space in Caribbean should simply compelling logic and solid 1994-2008) place in Barbados. By 2007, Barbados was which nations could pool be a market for goods and economic arguments, but Owen Arthur was ranked as being the equiv- their individual resources services from Europe; he also an insistence that the r Chairman elected by the people to alent of a developed coun- to make a vibrant eco- led the way to transform rich countries of the world serve as Prime Minister try on the strength of the nomic community that is an exploitative colonial understand that one-size for three terms- 14 consec- quality of its human de- greater than the sum of its trading relationship into shoes do not fit all feet; I join my colleagues utive years. velopment indices. parts. one with practical benefits and that small states re- M for the Caribbean people. quire different treatment Up to the day that he because of the limitations was suddenly hospital- that size imposes. ized, the interests of the Wise words Caribbean Community and the importance of Much of what he said in making it a more perfect international fora, includ- union, occupied his every ing to the International waking moment. Monetary Fund and the I can attest to this, World Bank, continues to Chairman, because for express compelling truth, many weeks, prior to his especially now as the ef- untimely passing, he and I fects of COVID-19 pan- spoke almost every day demic wrecks the about the issues faced by economies of small states. the region – issues related He said, for instance, to regional transportation, that the need for reform of to democracy and political the global financial archi- rights, but mostly about tecture is accepted by the the importance of Caribbean, but “we sub- strengthening CARICOM. mit that it must include Tireless work representation and partici- pation from all of us. The His work as a develop- practice and the politics of ment economist never exclusion and dictation stopped, nor did his deep must cease.” commitment to democ- That is a position of racy and the rule of law. principle that we maintain His last official duty today, including in this was as the Head of the 54- Organization of American nation Commonwealth’s States. Electoral Observer In 1998, he made argu- Mission to the general ments to the global com- elections in Guyana. munity that have particu- He continued that duty lar resonance today in the until his dying day, insist- context of the criteria by ing that democracy in which Caribbean states Guyana must be safe- are measured and guarded, and that CARI- treated. COM had a sacred re- He said, “Even before sponsibility to fight for it. the start of the current Guyana’s validly world crisis, many of our elected President, on the own economies were al- day of his inauguration, ready in crisis. Those said of Owen Arthur: “He economies are still in crisis was a man committed to and are facing the justice and to right; a war- prospect of being en- rior in our cause”. gulfed in larger problems, He was also a strong ad- not of our making. More vocate of Caribbean coun- than ever now there is ur- tries joining their individ- gent need for those who ual sovereignty into a sin- regard themselves as lead- gle authority in global af- ers of the world economy fairs, recognising the wis- to demonstrate that lead- dom of Benjamin ership”. Franklin’s words to the Mr Chairman, the fledgling states of Caribbean has lost a great America, “We must hang thinker and an outstand- together or surely we shall ing champion. hang separately”. We are the poorer for his He led many Caribbean passing and so too is this struggles in the interna- Organization of American tional community, one of States of which CARI- which I was privileged to COM countries are an in- be his deputy. tegral part. That was the Thank you.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 41 Sir Henry Forde: Arthur an outstanding leader

By Regina Selman Moore remarked. with Owen Arthur’s pass- ers that Barbados and the plete agreement with hon- back. One of the things “I first met him really ing, a void has been left in Caribbean has ever seen ouring him, as the Prime that was very impressive, ormer Prime Minister through Tom Adams and the country, Sir Henry and I rank him in the com- Minister said,” the retired was that he was a of Barbados, got to know him quite placed on record his pany of Sir Grantley politician remarked. Caribbean man, not Professor The Rt. well. When we lost the agreement with state- Adams, Tom Adams and Pointing out that merely a Barbadian in that Honourable Owen election and it was only ments made by current Errol Barrow. He really Arthur’s performance will sense and he saw the FSeymour Arthur has been three of us, Owen, myself Prime Minister, Mia Amor has been outstanding,” Sir serve as an inspiration for small islands as being ca- described as one of the and David Simmons, it Mottley, that Professor Henry stressed. a lot of young people com- pable of reaching heights most outstanding leaders was obvious that he The Rt. Honourable Owen “He led the Party to ing into politics, Sir Henry that richer countries and Barbados and by exten- would be the person who Arthur will be honoured help build it back when it gave his own advice to bigger countries could not sion the Caribbean has would in the future lead posthumously. suffered the difficulties it those seeking to be elected even reach and that was ever seen. the Party. I went through a “The Prime Minister in had at that time. He was a to serve the people of one of the great things. Legal luminary, Sir period there, that for vari- her speech (on Friday), great mixer. One of the Barbados and those cur- That he looked out not Henry Forde, who became ous reasons I decided the said we will be honouring people who did not put rently tasked with such a only for St. Peter or for a Member of Parliament in time was ripe for me to him and he more than de- self before country, but duty. Barbados, but he looked Barbados in 1971 and over leave and those of us who serves the honour. Owen country before self. I don’t “Get involved! Get in- out for the Caribbean as the course of his distin- saw him as the future Arthur has to be named think any of us could ever volved in trying to build well,” Sir Henry con- guished political career leader of the Party, not the amongst the greatest lead- forget him. I am in com- the Caribbean islands cluded. held the positions of country, more so the Party, , (gave way) and I am glad Minister of External to say that he has been an Affairs and Leader of the outstanding leader,” Barbados Labour Party Forde stated. and who it is said gave Sir Henry acknowl- way for Arthur to take up edged that over the years, leadership of that Party, Owen Arthur’s love for spoke highly of the former the people of St. Peter Prime Minister, during a whom he represented as a recent interview with the Member of Parliament Barbados Advocate. and by extension his love “(Back then) Owen for Barbadians, factored Arthur was one of the into a number of the initia- young people, as com- tives he brought on pared with someone like stream. He agreed that al- Tom Adams or like myself though Arthur was seen or Bernard St. John as an intellectual, he (known as Bree). He was fought for the advance- one of the young people ment of the ordinary man. who had a bright future “Obviously, he never and obviously, Tom left the people who were Adams and Bree and all of not well off, out of his us among ourselves had mind. He certainly did all seen him as leading the that he could for them. Party, in due course. So Remember, at one stage when the time was ripe, there was a situation we favoured him as the where we had a large leader of the Party. number of people unem- Everyone didn’t agree at ployed and he was able to first, but I think he has bring down the levels, by proven the point. He has a very significant contri- been one of the most out- bution, for people who re- standing leaders that we ally needed help,” Forde have had in Barbados and said on reflection. the Caribbean,” Sir Henry Acknowledging that

Legal luminary and Barbados Labour Party stal- wart, Sir Henry Forde.

42 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Arthur cleared new pathways to success The Barbados Advocate reached out to Consul General of Barbados in New York, ome years ago, in one the war on poverty of our discussions, I Mackie Holder, who decided to pen the following tribute to Former Prime Minister of through the Rural and brought up M Scott Barbados, Professor The Rt. Honourable Owen Seymour Arthur. Urban Commissions and Peck’s, The Road Less legislation to protect the STravelled, with the late cutting of civil servants’ former Prime Minister, in the development of our as the longest serving salaries were all part of a Professor, the Rt. Hon. O. country, Arthur neverthe- Prime Minister, from 1994 vision to protect and ad- S Arthur. less forged new paths – – 2008. vance the poor, driven by The Boss had not heard roads less and never trav- Economists are fasci- his own background and of the best seller, but re- elled – for constituency, nated by the absolute belief that a country could quested to see it – a bor- country, the region and numbers in terms of GDP, only grow if its people row that became perma- the configuration of small foreign reserves and such benefitted in personal and nent. Books tended to be- nations striving to survive indicators. In a sense, that practical ways. come lost in that vast li- in a world of unfair eco- diminishes the seismic im- This was extended to al- brary of his. nomic practices, changing pact of Arthur’s successes. most every institution, be- The Road Less Travelled geopolitics which often An acclaimed economist cause of the full dimen- – that is how I always discounted them and exis- himself, he stood two cuts sion of Arthur’s astound- think of Arthur and his in- tential threats from cli- above all others because ing leadership is only credible journey from a mate change to arbitrary of his eschewing of eco- properly assessed when, poor St. Peter boy to inclusion on tax blacklists. nomic dogma and ability to the growth and devel- Prime Minister, Caribbean Arthur’s road less trav- to translate economic ac- opment of the main pillars Statesman and global elled led to a historic array tivity to wealth creation, of government – educa- leader for Small States. of achievements that built especially where it mat- tion, health, industry, and His genius reflected one on the best traditions of tered most – impacting the others – is added his of the central tenets of the Barbados but departed, in the lives of the mass of leading interventions on book, discipline, particu- a new and uniquely Barbadians. matters such as larly an uncanny ability to Arthur determination, to The crowning achieve- HIV/AIDS, NCDS and get to the heart of any launch our country into ment of the phenomenal support, in transformative issue and to reconcile new stratospheres of ac- development of Barbados ways, of everything from multiple, complex and complishments. was the reduction of un- the Barbados Cricket sometimes conflicting fac- Inevitably, most of the employment from the Association to the tors in making impactful numerous tributes paid to mid-20s to about 7 per Association for the decisions. Arthur since his passing cent, in one of the most Disabled, the National A man who believed in include some reference to unbelievable deliveries of Union of Public Workers the continuity of govern- the financial stability and Consul General of Barbados in New York, Mackie a campaign promise in to the Barbados Family ment and the embracing unsurpassed economic Holder. history. PlanningCont’d Association. on next page of even political enemies development he delivered Numerous pay raises,

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 43 Committed til the end Condolences

Cont’d from previous page ‘You must not settle tioned last as national BARP: RIP Mr. Arthur for the bronze, you must not service takes precedence. It is said, the last shall be AS the country continues tributions have left an in- A man who never for- settle for the silver, first and the Boss’ heart to mourn the passing of delible mark on the social got where he came from was first with his family. former Prime Minister and financial landscape of and understood the im- you must go for the gold’ He had a natural affinity Owen Arthur, in paying this country,” President of portance of guarding and to little ones and loved his tribute, the Barbados BARP Marilyn Rice- fostering the psyche and family, doting on his Association of Retired Bowen said in a brief culture of a society, honed that played out vividly on he was the perfect Prime daughters Sabrina and Persons (BARP) described statement. by his decade in Jamaica – the “cricket pitch” in the Minister for that period Leah, and granddaughter, him as having left “an in- Extending condolences his second home, here he quarry in Benn Hill, for Barbados, that began Isabella. He also remained delible mark” on its land- to his wife Julie, daugh- is revered – Arthur’s im- where he would turn up in the chaos and harsh- devoted to his siblings, scape. ters Leah and Sabrina, the plementation of National and, regardless of where ness of 1994 and ended in We all owe a debt to his “Mister Arthur in his rest of his family and to Heroes Day, support of the game was, demand to a glorious legacy that will parents, “Doll” and Frank capacity as a former the entire nation, she ex- the National Cultural bat and when out, would be difficult to match, far Arthur for the values they Prime Minister of pressed “May Mr. Foundation, (NCF), na- “done play”. less surpass, the perfect instilled in the Boss and Barbados served this Arthur’s soul rest in tional icons and erection Working with Arthur Caribbean statesman and we thank his family for country well and his con- peace”. of statues will reverberate up close, seeing the ex- foremost voice for small sharing him and God for immeasurably for genera- traordinary brain at work, states in the world. He the gift that was Owen tions to come. the comprehensive prepa- was the Great One. Arthur. DLP Barbados (Canada) His drive to instill excel- ration to tasks, the atten- Final contributions Let us keep his wife lence – something he, tion to detail, listening to Julie, children and grand- extends sympathies on himself, personified in big him explain complex mat- It was fitting that at the child, remaining siblings and small things – as the ters, the vastness of his in- end, he was very much Valmay, Richard and former PM’s passing benchmark for Barbados terests, which ranged engaged in doing what he Patricia, and other mem- and Barbadians – “you from gardening and cook- loved doing, working on bers of his large family in must not settle for the ing to history and law behalf of Barbados and our prayers. IT is with sadness that we Inc., extend our deepest bronze, you must not set- (The Road Less Travelled the region, on the upcom- Owen, Tacitus, OA, learned of the passing of and sincere condolences tle for the silver, you must is a philosophical work) ing UNCTAD meeting, a Tass, Owen Arthur, Owen the Former Prime to the Arthur family dur- go for the gold” – and his seeing the manifestations framework for jobs cre- Seymour Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados, the ing this difficult time. We pole-vaulting of the coun- of his embrace of young ation, chairing LIAT and Minister Arthur, Rt. Hon. Right Honourable Owen mourn with you and cele- try to a world image that people – our current installed at the Cave Hill Owen S. Arthur, Boss, Seymour Arthur. brate the leadership of Mr. led to the description of Prime Minister Mia Campus, UWI as Arthur – his imperious The President, the Arthur as he devoted his “punching above our Mottley being the most Professor of Practice. signature – Professor, Rt. Board of Directors and all political life in leading our weight” were indicative prominent example – and In these appreciations, Hon. Owen Arthur. of the Members of the beloved homeland, of a belief that smallness the care and concern for family often is often men- Gone – never forgotten. DLP Barbados (Canada) Barbados. should not mean great- ordinary people – that ness. was witnessing greatness Arthur’s own greatness at work. was as evident in The first five years in of- Barbados as it was in the fice with Arthur espe- region. His uncompromis- cially, with that group that ing defence of regional included his widow Julie, sovereignty and work on Shirley King, Genevieve the Caribbean Single Yeomans, Yvonne Ross, Market and Economy will Cindy Jackman, Hamilton be recorded as seminal Phillips and others, and developments in regional later Beverley Gibbons, advancement. will always be among the Fond memories best of my life. There are so many In time, hopefully there memories to cherish. will be fitting recordings Among them are con- of the phenomenal tri- tributing to and writing umphs of Owen Arthur. I speeches for the Prime hope they include his love Minister that he actually for his constituency and read, the work on birthplace, St. Peter, Celebrate St. Peter which which he represented for led to the Community 34 years and which he Independence transformed, with the Celebrations and the support of a team too nu- Speigthstown Esplanade merous to mention but Lighting ceremony which which included first wife led to the Independence Beverly, the Speightstown Lighting ceremony in A team led by Normal Bridgetown and our Best as well as the late walks, in the dark, on Rainsford “Pee Wee” Best, election nights on the Audrey and Lionel Babb, playing field of the Randy Hall and Lloyd Coleridge and Parry Benn, literally from a School as election results backwater, to a place with rolled in. … everything. Owen Arthur made it It was a pleasure and look easy. But his was not privilege to know and an easy road. He bore it work with the Boss. with an equanimity, class Growing up near his and, often, in the solitude home and seeing him as a of his walks in the gullies young person, it was clear of St. Peter and elsewhere. even then that he was dif- Was he perfect? No. ferent - quiet, studious Certainly no one who got and with an infectious the sharp side of his and strong personality tongue would say so. But 44 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Lessons in life A tribute to Professor the Right Honourable Owen Arthur

THERE is a refrain from a surprise to us for his moving Gladys Knight initial defeat by one vote song that lingers in the was quickly transformed back of my mind into a victory and the start whenever I think of of a distinguished Owen Arthur: parliamentary sojourn in “If anyone should ever the House of Assembly. write my life story, Owen was consumed For whatever reason by politics and policy. there might be, His love of politics was You’d be there anchored by a strong love Between the lines of of country and a keen pain and glory sense of duty. Cause you’re the best His list of achievements thing that ever happened was vast, but no single to me...” one was perhaps as great, In retrospect, I know in domestically, perhaps or Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and other members of Cabinet following the casket of late Prime Minister my heart that, in my as consequential to the the Right Honourable Owen Arthur. political life, Owen Arthur average Barbadian, as the was the best thing that leadership he displayed in ever happened to me. I wrestling unemployment leadership in the head-on to the Owen also recognised assignment, as Chairman believe that there are from over 25 per cent to international arena. He unwarranted OECD that any victory against of the Global Commission many others who feel the under seven per cent. spoke truth to power, challenge to our financial powerful interests was on Trade and same way. Early on, as he faced fought for fairness of services sector. never absolute, and that Development Options There is no one who has down the US Government treatment and stood firm Instinctively and small states like Barbados 2020, where he sought to ever met Owen Arthur in defence of our on principle. Indeed, his strategically, he knew could not afford to drop reimagine the concepts of who could ignore his sovereignty on the now advocacy for our rights when and where and how their guard. That is why, inequality and presence. His intellect was infamous Shiprider and interests extended far loud to raise his voice, even after his retirement vulnerability in ways that large, his personality Agreement, he beyond Barbados to and, to this day, his peers from active politics, he would find common complex. He was fiercely demonstrated that he embrace small states in the cause still never abandoned his cause among the competitive, whether in understood and embraced everywhere. This was remember him with advocacy. And that is why community ofContinued nations. on politics or dominoes or fully the Barbadian perhaps best exemplified admiration for leading the he so enthusiastically Next Page cricket. This should be no tradition of courageous in the way he responded charge on their behalf. embraced his last The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 45 ‘Mottley – This is a lonely journey’ Continued from Previous Page I am reassured that it was this commitment to common causes, have claimed so many leaders, he was I often reflect that it was our mutual buttressed by that keen sense of duty of which I spoke, that able to reach out to appoint the wife of love of policy and passion for the one of his primary political rivals. And it Caribbean civilisation that led to our allowed us both to place the interest of the country as our guiding was that decision that drove the success – working closely together on so many principle in coming back together in recent times to work on these not just locally but internationally when matters over the years, from the strategic matters of great national and regional importance. Dr. Carol Jacobs became the chair of the building out of the obligations for the UN Global Fund for AIDS. All noted that CARICOM Single Market and Economy when only large countries were in 2006 to the establishment of the Jamaica that caused them to feel his loss in feisty performance at the head of the contributing to the Global Fund, Owen Caribbean Court of Justice. Few can fully a particular way. Omar was more graphic Commonwealth Electoral Observer broke new ground and insisted that appreciate the intricacies involved in the and I quote, “Owen was a full Jamaican Mission to Guyana in March! Barbados must pay and contribute to this revising of the , who happened to have been born in Frequently over the last year Owen and global struggle – for it was not only our and in activating its provisions to bring Jamaica.” It is for me to say to Omar – he I resumed our long conversations on the advocacy that mattered but our the CSME into force. Few can know the loved Jamaica bad but he never forget state of the country and the region and on commitment. For, as he would often say, it joys and frustrations of that incomplete where his navel string was buried! the global issues facing small states. We takes cash to care. And he and Liz journey, to which Owen devoted so much I am reassured that it was this talked about the challenges and we Thompson will forever be remembered of his time and energy. His genius was to commitment to common causes, shared experiences. Above all, we for their early and wise decision of see the big picture and to distil the issues buttressed by that keen sense of duty of acknowledged the reality that we are truly providing all pregnant women with AZT with absolute clarity. which I spoke, that allowed us both to in a relay race. I remember his abiding to reduce the mother to child transmission In essence, he would set a line of march place the interest of the country as our words to me, “Mottley – This is a lonely of HIV. that most would willingly follow. And not guiding principle in coming back together journey.” Interestingly enough, in appreciating simply because they believed in Barbados, in recent times to work on these matters of Our success in the HIV programme was the need to build bridges, we reached out but because his views on policy and great national and regional importance. a stellar example of his courage and his in 1998 to Sir Richard Haynes and the strategic development were often rooted This was always our glue. This was our willingness to walk that lonely road. NDP as we prepared to go to the polls in in sound principles but also in the interest bridge to reconciliation. The stigma associated with HIV-AIDS – 1999. It was that lunch that fateful of ordinary Caribbean people. During the last year Owen willingly the exclusion of persons from not just Sunday when Beverly, Owen and I joined Now more than ever we, his successors undertook assignments on matters of treatment but from their society is difficult Richie and Carol that laid one of the key in regional leadership, have a solemn international trade policy and the to imagine in today’s world! When others foundations for the overwhelming and duty to the memory of Owen Arthur to preparations for the UNCTAD Ministerial were hiding or failing to take action Owen then historic victory of 26-2 that the build upon and finish the task he helped in Barbados; the design of a new was leading in the full knowledge that it people of Barbados gave him and the to start. Maybe this passion for the industrial policy framework for Barbados; was a lonely road but a necessary one. Barbados Labour Party. As the person Caribbean was best reflected in his love of his hands-on role in the Jobs and Owen understood that it was only his who managed more political campaigns Jamaica. One only needs to reflect on the Investment Council, bringing his ideas to leadership that would create the platform for him than anyone else, I know that he statements of former Prime Minister P.J. the fore as we embarked upon the post- for national co-operation and success, and understood the power of the strategic Patterson and Minister of Finance, Omar COVID rescue and recovery mission; and to that end he brought the Commission alliance that we were creating with him Davies on his passing. Prime Minister ultimately the Chairmanship of LIAT. within the Prime Minister’s Office. Rising and Richie. Continued on Next Page Patterson commented on his love for And who could forget his forthright and above the smallness and the pettiness that 46 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Owen’s insistence on the need for clarity lauded Continued from Previous Page had been offered a Politics without policy was for Owen Arthur the cruellest cut of all – for it flattered scholarship, his love of It was the Politics of to deceive in every respect and threatened to destroy people’s faith in public history never left him. Inclusion at its best. Owen introduced me as Yes – we were all going figures and the public space. And how could policy be derived, according to a young MP and Minister with Owen. Owen, except through a belief in rigorous research, and a keen grasp of history? to the importance of Owen Arthur taught political biographies and his Cabinet and his public literature. Yes, we must officials so many lessons never forget the past. He in public policy and fiscal graduates of the Tom power of public policy himself but for the what he learned, and had a passion for discipline. His was a true Adams/Bernard St. and passed it on to a new preservation of the ultimately perfected, language and the use of understanding that you John/Henry Forde School generation. sanctity of the office and about the art of Cabinet the precise words to only see real progress of Governance – that All of his Ministers the unwritten rule that Government, he learned describe both nuance and when it comes from Great Combination. defended the integrity of you must protect that from the wisdom and substance of any sound policy. In the Owen Arthur fully Cabinet government and office at all costs. experience of Dame Billie situation. Every sentence Barbados Labour Party, embraced their love and the high office which he He would readily have Miller. Billie was his mattered. The lessons of we have all been genuine appreciation for the held – not for the sake of admitted that so much of anchor and his strength, history, for him, were the only one in his never more ably and Cabinet who had served elegantly articulated than throughout the Tom by that great English Adams Administration. politician and writer Roy Owen valued her advice Jenkins. It was that love and trusted it without and respect for history reservation. And it was that also allowed him to Billie, the consummate immediately accept my elder statesman, who proposal, as Minister of quietly steadied the Culture, to introduce Owen Arthur legislation for the formal Administration in its recognition of early days, and who Emancipation Day and became that vital bridge National Heroes Day and for the enthusiastic, but for the identification of inexperienced youngsters our ten National Heroes. that he brought into his It was one of my Cabinet. Owen knew her proudest moments. And true worth, and the it was a moment of support she provided in supreme leadership for her two terms as his him. Deputy. Few know that He instinctively she willingly stepped understood that this was aside to allow him to necessary for moving our manage the transition of people to the next stage the party that he believed of national development was critical as we moved – the recognition of the fully into the 21st century. need for sacrifice in Owen’s insistence on pursuit of a greater cause, the need for clarity of and the preparation and purpose in the settlement perfection of all that we of policy spoke to a tidy do to attain excellence. and logical mind. His eye Who can forget his for detail and the need for words to thousands of the efficient use of persons in Carlisle Car resources in the Park as he inspired us all implementation of policy by reminding us that are valuable lessons Barbados must not settle needed for any person for the Bronze; Barbados interested in public life must not settle for the any part of the world. Silver; Barbados must Politics without policy always go for the Gold! was for Owen Arthur the As for his own person, cruellest cut of all – for it Owen Arthur eschewed flattered to deceive in the notion of honours or every respect and accolades. It is instructive threatened to destroy that the two medals that people’s faith in public adorned his body as he figures and the public lay in state spoke to the space. And how could liberation struggles of our policy be derived, people and our region. according to Owen, Those medals were the except through a belief in Order of Jose Marti rigorous research, and a Medal (’s highest keen grasp of history? award), and the Henry For, while we knew of Sylvester Williams Award his economic prowess of Excellence from the and his sharp legal Emancipation Support curiosity – Sir David has Committee of Trinidad often referred to him as and Tobago. Most do not “a piece of lawyer” – know that it was Henry most do not know about Sylvester Williams who his passion for history. staged the very first While Owen opted to go Pan African Congress in to Jamaica and not to 1900. Continued on Next pursue graduate studies Page in history, for which he

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 47 Late PM was a man of great complexity Continued from Previous Page vicariously through you grateful nation and a in his desire, after so proud people. However, ultimately many years of diligent To his wife Julie, and we the people of practice, to finally be in a his daughters Leah and Barbados remember position to be called to Sabrina and his Owen for his ability to the bar. And, to Isabella, granddaughter Isabella communicate! Owen you are too young to and to his siblings, Arthur was a storyteller. know how your Valmay and Richard and He was a teacher. This grandfather influenced the rest of his family we skill was built upon a many and transformed extend our deepest finely crafted dry wit the lives of many. That is condolences.Continued on and a natural ability to why I wanted to show Next Page Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley during her emotional tribute. impart knowledge, you where your seemingly without effort. grandfather sat in both It was very often times of victory and in accompanied by a times of defeat (he was mischievous smile and a well familiar with that confident tone that twin companion) – for underscored a those are the lessons recognition on his part from which you Isabella that he had just scored a will draw your strength boundary. He made the in years to come. most complex economic I say to you as I close – subjects seem as simple for many who are still as ABC to many wondering – Owen watching on. Much of his Seymour Arthur was a teaching was done in man of his times, shaped public, through lectures by the Caribbean and speeches, which civilisation of which he fortunately remain was a proud, driven by accessible to all, and as the adversarial nature of relevant now as the day Westminster politics. The they were delivered. adrenaline rush of the Owen’s tongue was cut and thrust constantly one of the tools of his energised him. However, trade. However, it could at the end of it all, that equally be his weapon of cut and thrust was not choice – and for some a intended to be personal. weapon of mass And because I knew him destruction. But let us be well, I can say to you that clear. This extraordinary for him it was often not capacity first rested upon personal. an abiding love of And so, on my own language and great behalf I say thank you – literature. thank you Owen for He was a firm believer allowing me to grow. in reading outside of Thank you for your discipline or challenging me training, while constantly, for pushing immersing yourself in me hard, and for the great literary works. toughening me for this And as for the man! journey in these Owen was equally a man extremely challenging of great complexity. But times. that was what made him And yes, you had the such a forceful last laugh with me! I personality. He had a remember how you passion for the public always scolded me: “You causes he adopted. must prepare, and you He loved simplicity must write it down, and privacy but yet Mottley, or people will required and defended not take you seriously.” form, pomp and And today Owen, you ceremony as critical can laugh at the fact that elements of nation I have finally heeded building. He loved the your advice. I have countryside and relished written it down, and I being described as “a have more or less country boy”. And the followed the script. I can country boy loved almost hear you laugh – cooking – from or should I say see you pepperpot and wilts to smile, since it is that sorrel! Owen loved and smile that you left us believed in his with. daughters, Sabrina and On behalf of the Leah – he always spoke government and the of them with great people of Barbados, we fondness and say thank you to Owen tremendous pride. I Seymour Arthur and his believe, Leah, he lived family for his service to a

48 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

‘May his soul rest in peace’ Continued from Previous Page

To all who walked on his journey: his former wife, Beverley; his constituents in this parish of St. Peter; his former colleagues in the Barbados Labour Party; the public servants with whom he worked locally and regionally; to his colleague Heads of Government within the Caribbean Community; and to those at his Alma mater UWI who provided him with that refuge from which he would continue to teach and to advocate his views, I equally know your grief. We equally hold you up in this your time off loss. At the appropriate time, after consultation with his family, I will announce plans to honour Owen Arthur, posthumously, in a way that he richly deserved, but steadfastly refused to accept during his lifetime. We can and we will do so in a manner that respects his dignity and reflects his patriotism. May his soul Rest In Peace. Hon. Mia Amor Mottley Q.C., Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley making her way into the church. M.P. The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 49 Owen Arthur by the numbers

Barbados from the year 1976, and figure 2 wen Seymour Arthur became provides an overview of that data with Barbados’ fifth Prime Minister on the years of Mr. Arthur’s tenure as Prime September 6th,1994 and served in Minister highlighted in the center. that role until January 15th, 2008. Mr. See Figure 2: Barbados Unemployment OArthur was famed for his economic ex- Rate 1976 to 2019 pertise and I hope I can do some justice to his colossal economic legacy by exploring Over Mr. Arthur’s 14 years in office the the performance of three key macroeco- unemployment rate fell from 24.54% in nomic metrics during his years as Prime 1993 to 7.41% in 2007, a stupendous Minister of Barbados, (1) growth in Real achievement and one of the best exam- Gross Domestic Product, ples of honoring an election promise. Mr. (2) the Unemployment Rate and (3) the Arthur’s tenure fundamentally reshaped Weeks of Imports Cover. our notions of the “natural” or “accept- G rowth In Real Gross Domestic able” unemployment rate in Barbados Product (GDP) and that may be one of his enduring eco- nomic legacies. The annual growth rate in real GDP is ar- Weeks of Import Cover guably the most widely used measure of how well an economy is performing. The As a “Small Open Economy” committed World Bank provides data on the growth to a fixed exchange rate, the level of for- in real GDP for Barbados from the year eign exchange reserves, which essentially 1971 and figure 1 provides an overview of determines our capacity to defend the the annual growth rate in real GDP, with fixed exchange rate, is one of the most im- the years of Mr. Arthur’s tenure as Prime portant economic variables for Barbados. Minister highlighted in the center. In Barbados a benchmark of twelve (12) See Figure 1: Barbados Real GDP Growth week of import cover, has acquired semi- Rate (1966 to 2019) ?religious status among economists in Barbados. The World Bank provides for- Mr. Arthur’s tenure as Prime Minister eign exchange reserves data for Barbados saw a sustained period of economic from the 1967 and figure 3 provides an growth in Barbados. overview of the annual weeks of import Since 1971, 56.86% (see table 1 below) cover for Barbados, with the years of Mr. and while Mr. Arthur’s term of office con- Arthur’s tenure as Prime Minister high- stituted twenty-nine percent of the time lighted in the center. between 1971 and 2019, it accounted for See Figure 3: Barbados Weeks of Import almost two-thirds (62%) of the economic Cover 1967 to 2019 growth achieved over that period. Although the data is less reliable, this Prior to Mr. Arthur assuming office as record of growth has only been surpassed Prime Minister (1967 to 1993), the average to date by the tenure of The Right import cover for Barbados was 7.28 Excellent Sir Errol Walton Barrow over weeks. However, during his term of of- the 1961 to 1975 period. fice Barbados enjoyed an average import See Table 1. Real GDP Growth for cover of 13.59 weeks, with imports cover Barbados (1966 to 2019) peaking at 21.17 weeks in 2001, the high- est ever recorded to date. Again, Mr. However, as impressive as were in Arthur’s tenure fundamentally reshaped terms of the important GDP growth vari- our notions of the “normal” or acceptable able, in some ways they pale when one levels of foreign exchange reserves in examines his record in terms of unem- Barbados and is another of his enduring ployment and foreign exchange reserves. economic legacies. Unemployment It is impossible to capture the measure of such an outstanding son of the During the 1994 election campaign, Mr. Caribbean soil in a few numbers, but I Arthur campaigned on the creation of nevertheless try and conclude with Mr. 30,000 jobs. At a time when the unem- Owen Seymour Arthur in one chart. ployment rate was over 20% most dis- See Figure 4. Owen Arthur In One Chart missed this campaign pledge as “election (Story from C. Justin Robinson, Professor of talk” and many quipped as to what Mr. Finance, Executive Director and CEO (ag), Arthur was smoking. The World Bank Sagicor Cave Hill School of Business and provides unemployment data for Management, UWI, Cave Hill.

50 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Condolences from Cave Hill campus

n August 14, 2020, the campus of the UWI. In Walton Barrow, Barbados’ first 1994/1995 when Prof. Arthur Prime Minister, had the vision held a state funeral to became Prime Minister, student and courage to establish the say goodbye to Professor Owen enrolment at the Cave Hill cam- Cave Hill campus of the UWI in OSeymour Arthur (1949-2020), the pus stood at approximately the 1960s, and Prof. Owen fifth Prime Minister of 3,200 students, when he left of- Arthur had the vision and Barbados, between 1994 and fice during the 2007/2008 aca- courage to expand and modern- 2008. For The UWI, and the demic year, enrolment had more ize it for the twenty-first century. Cave Hill campus in particular, than doubled to approximately In 2020 The UWI celebrated it was a sad and poignant occa- 7,311 students. “Triple Firsts”, as coined by sion as Prof. Owen Arthur had a As stated by Professor Vice-Chancellor Hilary Beckles, long association with The UWI Richard Drayton in a moving which saw The UWI’s breaking and made an outstanding con- Facebook tribute to Prof. Arthur, into the top 1% of universities in tribution to its growth and de- “Arthur was the first Barbados the Latin America and velopment. Prime Minister produced com- Caribbean region; the top 1% of In 1971 Owen Seymour pletely within the Caribbean, Golden Age universities – i.e. Arthur was one of the first grad- and with real working class the category of global universi- uates of the recently established roots.” Prof. Drayton also said ties between 50 to 80 years old; Cave Hill campus of The UWI that Prof. Arthur “remained and retention of its number one and he then went on to pursue deeply committed to Barbados’ position as the only Caribbean graduate studies at the Mona welfare state.” Professor University to be ranked.” At The campus earning his MA in Arthur’s commitment to the UWI we are eternally grateful Economics. In his last years Prof. growth and expansion of the for the contribution of Prof. Arthur was active as a Professor Cave Hill campus was a testi- Owen Seymour Arthur (1949- of Practice: Economic mony to his regionalism and 2020) and trust that our attain- Development at the Cave Hill commitment to providing op- ment of world class excellence is campus. As Prime Minister, portunities for working class a fitting tribute to him for he al- Prof. Arthur fueled the growth Caribbean citizens. ways urged us to “go for the Professor Dr. C Justin Robinson and expansion of the Cave Hill The Right Excellent Sir Errol gold”. The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 51

A view of Kensington Oval. Sports flourish due

Prime Minister Owen Arthur (left) watching a game of football with President of to vision of Arthur the St. Peter Football League, Nevada Phillips.

By Corey Greaves had a love for the game of cricket and Oval was one. It was a US$45 million Centre. it is here that one of the more visible project, which not only saw an increase The field was redone from the bottom HE legacy of the late former Prime footprints have been left. in seating capacity by 13,000 seats, but a up and now Kensington Oval is known Minister, Professor the Right The Mecca, Kensington Oval in total rebuild as the new and modern to have one of the best drainage systems Honourable Owen Seymour Bridgetown, Barbados, has hosted inter- stands were renamed. in place when it returned to the crease Arthur, will continue to shine in national matches since 1895, including The main VIP/members stand, for- after being demolished in 2005. TBarbados in various fields throughout the first Test played in the West Indies merly the George Challenor Stand, is He was also the Prime Minister in the island. in 1930, and was the home to Pickwick now the Worrell, Weekes and Walcott 2001 when the then Barbados Cricket With hardly anything going un- Cricket Club since 1882. Stand (3Ws). The old Kensington and Association (BCA) president, Stephen touched by vast knowledge, he has also The late former Prime Minister was Eric Inniss Stands have been rechris- Alleyne, presented the Government with impacted on the sporting community instrumental in the tened the Greenidge & Haynes Stand. a plan to restore Barbados cricket to the where a legacy has also been left in some bid for Barbados to host the final in 2007, The Mitchie Hewitt Stand is the Hewitt top. areas which are beyond the boundary of which saw a transformation of the many & Inniss Stand and the media centre is SPORTS on Page 52 cricket. Like a true Caribbean son, he stadia across the region and Kensington the Coppin, Cozier & Short Media 52 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Barbados Lottery turning point for athlete funding SPORTS from Page 51 celebrations for the re- comparison to the gion as the ICC World Barbadian cricketing In 2016, Arthur spoke Twenty20 Cup men’s and heritage which has at the BCA quarterly women’s teams secured reached and often meeting at the Lloyd the title, and the exceeded global stan- Erskine Sandiford Centre Under-19 team were dards of excellence. where he addressed the also victorious. He revealed that the topic of ‘Enhancing the As he spoke about the Legacy of Cricket and Prime Minister Owen Arthur showing some aggres- legacy’ and said that, accomplishments of the success at cricket in sion as he powerfully pulled this delivery through “Cricket has a strategic Barbados over its 50 Barbados “has been the the onside during a match in 1996. The fielder at role in Barbados’ devel- years of independence, product of a total na- short-leg was Hartley Clement. opment as a society.” he pointed to how in tional effort, involving It was at the height of relative terms it paled in the schools, communi- ties, corporate institu- tions, and national insti- tutions created for the purpose. It is not possi- ble to discern a similar combined effort across so many institutional forms in any other sphere of national life in this coun- Current director of the try”. National Sports Council, But he was also instru- Neil Murrell. mental in other sporting disciplines. Current director of the is still here today. National Sports Council, One of the defining Neil Murrell, pointed out moments in sports was that the late former the formation of the Prime Minister opened a Barbados Lottery, which slew of pavilions across was established in 2005 Barbados, which many to support Youth, Sports sporting disciplines have and Culture. A high per- been able to access. centage of the proceeds Following that, a number of the Lottery’s revenue of lights were installed at goes to support benefici- the various grounds, ary organisations – the which paved the way for Barbados Olympic out-of-season tourna- Association (BOA), the ments being played at Barbados Turf Club, night. the Barbados Cricket Arthur was in office Association and the when Barbados saw National Sports Council (NSC). speed his way to an In the earlier years, Olympic Bronze medal. there were about two or With the evolution of three lotteries going and sports and the crack- the then Prime Minister down on performance- insisted that there be one enhancing drugs, he lottery, which would had an influence in benefit from reduced the formation of the taxes and then stressed National Anti-Doping that it should assist Commission in sports, arts and culture. Barbados. His outlook The critical move was to ensure Barbados’ along with the formation reputation on the inter- of the Arts and Sport national stage would not Promotion Fund, to suffer from someone not assist in the financing of being tested and then the practice of the arts subsequently being and sport in Barbados, found to have been in commenced in 2006. violation of the World Murrell said that Anti-Doping Agency Arthur was “the major rules. player and the sole At the time, Barbados driver of the set up of the was the first to have Lottery Fund”. an Anti-Doping This initiative has had Commission in the a lasting effect on the English-speaking country and its athletes Caribbean and the vision in various disciplines as saw Barbados laying the they have benefited over foundation for the for- the years from funding mation of the Caribbean through the BOA or the Regional Anti-Doping NSC, while cricket has Organisation, which was been able to continue to housed at the Barbados groom and grow on the Olympic Association and island. The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 53 Arthur strengthened sport in St. Peter

By Michael Phillips Although he had an remember really well that itude to him. Not only for affinity for cricket, Arthur he was the man who re- what he did for them per- n a similar vein to also loved football and ally started the (Cricket) sonally, but also when he which he brought Donovan explained that Legends of Barbados. was Prime Minister the sweeping change to the he was also very active Gave them a lovely home amount of assistance that island as the leader of the with teams in the North. in Fontabelle not too far government gave to them. IBarbados Labour Party “He also assisted many from Kensington Oval and So overall his contribution administration, Former football teams in the today that is one of the was tremendous, not only Prime Minister the Right North. You would see him finest cricket museums on a community level, but Honourable Professor or his assistants writing anywhere in the also on a national level,” Owen Seymour Arthur letters to the Sports Caribbean without a Donovan said. also left his indelible mark Council about sponsor- doubt and it has potential The Keith Boyce on the face of sport in his ship, overseas competi- to grow. I think many of Pavilion remains the beloved parish of St. Peter. tions and requesting per- those people who are pride and joy of the Being at the helm of the mission to use facilities. today described as leg- people of Diamond nation during what was He was very close to ends and icons of King Corner. arguably our greatest Sunrise Football Club, Cricket owe a debt of grat- wave of societal and eco- which played its matches nomic growth in recent at Boscobelle and they had history, the man from one of the best out-of-sea- Benn Hill’s legacy will be son competitions in the seen and felt for a long North during that time time to come. and he was always assist- During a recent chat ing them,” he said. with Senior Coach at the He also went on to say National Sports Council that there were many Adrian Donovan – a veri- times that Arthur’s gen- table treasure trove of erosity went under the sporting information – radar. “On a more com- some of the lesser-known munity-minded front, I truths about Arthur were know that he also assisted revealed. Noting that the a number of donations for Former Prime Minister senior players who went was an avid lover of all on to represent Barbados sports, his love shone at the national level. Not brightest when it came to all the time would he cricket. make the presentations or Calling back to a tour of assistance public, but from an Under-13 team from hearing the parents and the National Sports the club supporters talk Council to in about who gave them as- 2001, Donovan said that sistance, Owen Arthur’s fundraising had become a name was always at the bit challenging as the costs forefront.” associated with getting 24 As it relates to sporting players and support staff and recreational facilities to the in the parish, Donovan were high. He reached out said that he was extremely to Arthur as four of the instrumental in establish- players hailed from St. ing the Keith Boyce Peter and Arthur quickly Pavilion, himself being a had a meeting organised huge fan of the man, to assess the needs of the Warleigh, which is now a team. strong football commu- The results were a press nity, and the Speightstown conference to present the Playing Field. “I think his four boys from St. Peter government must also be with cricketing gear from credited for the introduc- a sponsor in the parish as tion of lighting facilities well as putting other across Barbados. Right donors in contact with the now there are 65 facilities Sports Council to see the in Barbados that have group raising $185,000 for lights and those would be the tour. credited to him. In St. In his official statement Peter, there are nine pavil- in the tour booklet, Prime ions, and he would have Minister Arthur wrote; had a hand in many of “Cricket is not merely a them that are lighted and game. It is an integral part this includes playing of our historical, social fields and hard courts,” and political development Donovan said. and we can see the growth Stepping away briefly of our nationalism and re- from the North, Donovan gionalism reflected in the added that the Former development of our Prime Minister played a cricket. Cricket has shown major role in getting the us that being small is no Cricket Legends of handicap to the achieve- Barbados off the ground ment of greatness or the and that his contribution attainment of excellence. It to sport could never be is also the activity that re- underscored. “He was a inforces that CARICOM is Prime Minister who really alive and well.” loved his sport and I also

54 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

The funeral procession making its way to the church on Friday. State funeral for former PM Arthur

arbadians said a to his final resting place, solemn farewell last these last two weeks have Friday to former served to show that re- Prime Minister the Right gardless of political be- BHonorable Professor liefs, this country can Owen Arthur, this is- come together to mark land’s longest serving the achievements of a Prime Minister, having man, who, despite being held the role from 1994 to a strong political force, January 2008. had friends across gener- With glowing tributes ations and was able to and a touching service to bridge the political di- send this esteemed leader vide.

Governor General Dame making her way into the Church.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 55

Former Prime Minister Freundel Stuart was in attendance at the service.

Former Prime Minister Sir Lloyd Erskine Sandiford

Former St. Philip South M.P. Anthony Wood with St. Michael East M.P.Trevor Prescod. Printed and published by Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc. Fontabelle, St. Michael. Telephone 467-2000, Fax 434-2020/434-1000

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 17

Bajan Cherries Key fruit used in ’s skincare products lmost every Barbadian While it serves as a I have always thought knows that Bajan brightening agent in the that Bajan cherries look Acherries are packed full Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore- more unique and interesting of Vitamin C and health Refining toner-serum, for in comparison to other benefits but now with the Rihanna, it represents her cherries such as Bing, launch of Rihanna’s Fenty childhood and cultural roots. Chelan, Maraschino, Morello, skincare line and her “That’s something that I grew and Rainier. There are no endorsement of its special up stealing from neighbours’ smooth edges and the qualities as an ingredient in trees,” she recently recalled to vibrancy of their red her product will we see a a group of beauty editors colouring is so different to boost in demand for them during a virtual press other fruit available. worldwide? There are nearly conference. When you indulge, not only do over 1 000 different types of “My mom’s cousin had a they taste like they must cherries in the US, so for her Bajan cherry tree in her have some sort of health to opt specifically for this backyard. We used to run past benefit but they are native ingredient shows her the dogs to get to them... I deliciously sweet and tart at love for the Bajan fruit as just loved them. I started to the same time – they well as her unwavering find out the benefits [as] I got certainly have their own determination to always older.” distinct flavouring. Bajan cherries look more unique and interesting in represent Bim And what exactly are those comparison to other cherries. internationally. benefits? CHERRIES on page 23

For Rihanna to opt specifically to use the Bajan cherry shows her love for the fruit as well as her unwavering deter- Some products from the Fenty Skin range, including the Fat Water mination to always represent Barbados internationally. Pore-Refining toner-serum which contains the Bajan Cherry as its main ingredient.

18 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

Grandson Chesterfield Haynes ex- Managing Director of Surfside Wellness Centre, George Griffith (right) and brainchild of the idea, David Csumrik, plained that his grandmother loved Founder and Principal of Longview Associates unveil the plaque, officially renaming the space to The Icilma Marsh the gym and said it was what was Studio. kept her going. Surfside renames studio in memory of Icilma Marsh n Thursday, in a significant Brainchild behind the idea, David moment in history, Surfside Csumrik, Founder and Principal of OWellness Centre paid tribute to Longview Associates, said that one of its most beloved members, the whenever he needed it, Marsh was late Icilma Marsh, by renaming an more than enough motivation for exercise studio in her honour. him to keep pushing in the Iclima Marsh was a long-standing gym. and beloved centenarian member of “One day, while I Surfside Wellness Centre since its was perspiring, inception in 1997 until May 15, working on one of 2020, when sadly, she passed the machines, I away at age 101. She is said to George survived by one son, age 77, while the class she and one daughter age 74, six was always in grandchildren and six great was coming out, grandchildren. you really Marsh consistently should dedicate credited regular exercise for that room to her longevity and continued her,” Csumrik quality of life especially in explained. her later years and the Friend and Surfside Team, will be long time forever grateful that she personal trainer chose their facility and Anita Husbands, allowed them to be part of her expressed her journey. thanks to During the plaque unveiling Marsh for being ceremony at Surfside in Wildey, part of her life, St. Michael yesterday, grandson explaining that she Chesterfield Haynes explained that did not know her own his grandmother loved the gym and grandparents and the she had dearly missed her sessions senior stalwart filled in with friends during the COVID-19 beautifully as family. lockdown months. Husbands said that at first she did “I know my gran loved the gym, I not believe that Marsh would train think this is one of the things that participate in Family of the late Icilma Marsh, were but she stepped up and trained kept her going. Many people would gym activities was an present at Surfside Wellness Centre, for the consistently. not know but she suffered from inspiration. Griffith outlined official unveiling in memory of their matriarch. From left: “She would come up the arthritis and she always told me when that for those reasons Jamal Howell (grandson), Cheyenne Hutchinson (great stairs and say, ‘Anita I am so she goes to exercise, the arthritis goes Surfside was recognising her granddaughter), Samantha Howell (granddaughter) tired, I am so stiff, I cannot do away,” explained Haynes. contribution and officially and Chesterfield Haynes (grandson). this.’ By the time she was finished Managing Director of Surfside renaming the group gym area to The she would tell me I am glad Wellness Centre, George Griffith, Icilma Marsh Studio in her honour. grateful and I came.You are who has me remarked that the presence of Marsh “Over the years she had been an appreciative of the facilities and the living. Over 25 years I was one that touched everyone, from inspiration to me and many other programmes we offered. She was knew Mrs. Marsh, she surely trainer to fellow members. Her smile members of staff. Always a smile, always a light for us here at Surfside will be missed,” said Husbands. was well known and her drive to never wavering and always very Wellness Centre,” said Griffith. (AS) The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 19 5 popular sleep training methods So many benefits every parent should know derived from arents with a brand- new bundle of joy Pknow that there’s nothing as precious as a consuming fruit good night’s sleep. As CHERRIES from from things such as eight hours of Page 21 premature ageing, uninterrupted snooze degenerative diseases time is essentially Throughout the and inflammation. unheard of during the Caribbean they are Recent research has first few months of your known as West Indian suggested that the baby’s life, sleep training cherries and come from a compound known as offers a nugget of hope. bushy shrub called chlorogenic acid in these Introducing babies as Acerola. They can be cherries may help to young as four months old eaten a multitude of ways lower blood sugar levels to sleep training – aka – raw, blended or baked and control blood glucose teaching infants when in a pie for instance, but levels in type-II diabetes. and how to snooze – could one of the most common Eating cherries also be mutually beneficial for uses for them here in helps the body break children and parents. Barbados is in juices. down carbohydrates, Lauren Wolf, a certified Pine Hill Dairy has been protein, and fats. infant and child sleep producing Bajan Cherry Bajan Cherries also consultant with Lolo juice for years, sold in a contain a certain amount Lullaby, advised that red carton reminiscent of of minerals and parents who are the fruit itself. electrolytes such as interested in getting their Sleep training – aka teaching infants when and how to snooze – could be Consuming this fruit is copper, manganese, iron, little ones on a solid sleep mutually beneficial for children and parents. believed to help boost potassium and zinc which schedule should be sure to your immunity and help all contribute to doing block out a few weeks. “I parent’s part, their infant sustain. “There has to be 5. The Weissbluth Sleep you to develop resistence amazing things to your make sure that they block should be sleep trained in an end in sight,” Pamela Training Method against infections whilst body in some way or out two weeks of two weeks. Mitelman, a psychologist The Weissbluth method also protecting your body another. (DAB) uninterrupted time to in Montreal who is a cry it out method sleep train,” she said. “So 2. The Wake-and-Sleep specialises in infant and where parents let babies no travel, no dining out, Sleep Training Method child sleep, told Today’s cry until they fall asleep. no going to grandma and Backed by renowned Parent. “For example, It amounts to parents grandpa’s. We have them infant sleep expert Dr. we’ll meet this need for putting baby in their crib be really strict for two Harvey Karp, the wake- five to seven days and and saying goodnight weeks, so that we can give and-sleep method is a then we’ll pull back a without going back into the child the best chance gentle way to get your little bit. Whichever way the room. Parents should to fall into a solid little one acclimated. the child can get to sleep consult their schedule and start According to Dr. Karp’s independently is fine paediatrician before sleeping through the website, after swaddling, because that’s the key attempting the night.” burping, and feeding your ingredient to sleeping Weissbluth method, as While many parents child, turn on a white through the night.” infants should be at least think sleep training is noise machine and let six months old before limited to forms of the Cry baby fall asleep in your 4. The Ferber Sleep attempting this form of It Out Method (CIO), arms. Gently put the Training Method the cry it out method. there are other infant in their crib and The Ferber method was According to Dr. Marc alternatives when it “rouse her until her eyes invented by Dr. Richard Weissbluth, a major comes to sleep training. open” by touching their Ferber, and while it upside of his technique is Ahead, find some of the neck or tickling their toes. involves crying, it is often that it works faster than most common methods Make sure they open their confused with the cry it the Ferber method families have used to get eyes for a few moments out method that allows because “your baby learns their babies into a solid before they drifts off to the child to cry more quickly that you routine. sleep again. “I know it indefinitely. Rather than won’t respond to her 1. The Chair Sleep sounds crazy, but those allowing babies to cry cries.” Training Method few seconds of drowsy until they fall asleep, the Understandably, this Fairly straightforward, waking are the first baby Ferber method specific technique has the chair sleep training steps to helping your encourages parents to let drawn criticism over the method requires parents infant learn how to sleep their child cry for periods years. “The Weissbluth to get their baby ready for through the night!,” said of time before intervening, method advocates that bed and then sit in a chair Dr. Karp. And if your child gradually increasing one leaves the child to cry next to the crib until the fusses, it’s OK to wake those time periods. indefinitely; imagine a child falls asleep. them up or feed them Caregivers should start slot machine that never Considered to be a again, just be sure to keep by putting their baby in lets you win... eventually gradual sleep training it brief. their bed while drowsy, you just cut your losses approach, parents are but not fully asleep, and and give up,” Dr. Edward instructed to leave the 3. The Fading Sleep leaving the room. If they Kulich, a paediatric sleep room once the baby begins Training Method begins to cry, Dr. Ferber expert and author of The to snooze. When the child Just like its name, the suggested that parents Best Baby Sleep Book told wakes up, a parent should fading method has wait three minutes to Education.com. “There is return to the chair and sit parents “fade out” respond and gradually a well-known with their little one – practices like rocking or increase the time between phenomenon called without giving them any nursing by slowly checking if your baby is ‘learned helplessness’ direct attention – until decreasing the time you crying. Over the course of which is common model the baby falls back asleep spend doing these things a week, parents should for depression, in which again. Every few days, the until your child no longer continue to gradually individuals acquire a caregiver should move the needs them to fall asleep. delay the time it takes for sense of lack of control chair a few inches away Considered to be one of them to tend to the infant, due to repeated failures. until they’re completely the gentler approaches to going from three minutes, Letting your child cry out of the room. Although sleep training, the fading to five minutes, to ten until they give up sounds Throughout the Caribbean the fruit is known as the chair method takes a method has been minutes, and so on. a lot like this model to West Indian cherries and come from a bushy lot of self-control on the criticised for being hard to me.” shrub called Acerola.

20 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Make your family a domestic sanctuary An adaptation of called to fulfil its mission. of the Church by reason being proclaimed through Roman Catholic This week we will look of mutual affection of its actions of love and Archbishop Jason at sanctification: members and the prayer sacrifice every day. By Gordon’s weekly column that they offer to God in God coming into the The first vital cell common.” world as a member of a Q : Archbishop J, what T he family’s mission, in Wow! The sanctuary is family, He made all is the mission of the essence, is “to be the first a place of safety and a families holy.The Church domestic Church? and vital cell of society”. refuge from danger. To see also expects that the The mission of the In the first social the family as a domestic family would have Church is always encyclical Rerum sanctuary is to believe “prayer that they offer to threefold: Sanctification, Novarum (1891), Pope 12. restoration of a nation, that the role of the family God in common”. This is Teaching and Service. Leo XIII, arguing for the Following this logic, we the Church or parish, is to ensure every where the image of the ‘Sanctification’ has to rights of the worker, also need to say that the without first addressing member of the family domestic sanctuary comes do with the life of prayer claimed that “the family, family is older than the the need for the family to feels safe and knows what alive. and liturgy.‘Teaching’ the ‘society’ of a man’s parish: its rights and live its mission. it is to be loved and This coming together of focuses on growing in the house – a society very duties do not depend protected from harm. the members of the faith, and ‘Service’ on the small … nonetheless a upon the parish. Sanctification Because of our wound, family to offer to God care and love of the poor. true society, and one older We need to begin to see The mission proceeds the Caribbean family can their prayer is vital if a The big Church does than any State … has the family as a unit in its by way of sanctification: be vicious. We tend to family is to be a domestic these things consistently. rights and duties peculiar own right, with a mission “It [the family] will fulfil point out the weaknesses sanctuary. Each member And from within it, the to itself which are quite uniquely its own. We this mission if it appears of each other and magnify of the family learns to lift Church miniature is independent of the State” cannot speak about the as the domestic sanctuary them, as a way of having his or her mind and heart fun. We unconsciously to God in big and little believe that to point out things. weaknesses is to help a My sister and brother- child to grow and in-law had a beautiful improve. It actually family ritual. Just before Bible Verse Colouring undermines the the youngest child went confidence of the child. off to bed, the family The family as would hold hands and sanctuary means that pray. Everyone prayed! love and protection must They prayed for each come first. It is only other, for people they through love that people knew and for whatever grow and develop. Do all was happening. That is a members of our family domestic sanctuary. feel safe, protected, and This prayer in the loved? domestic sanctuary is The sanctuary also complete when it is refers to a holy space that united with the prayer of is set aside for God. To see the big Church in the family as a domestic liturgy. sanctuary is to see the family as the most holy Key Message: The part of the big Church. In family is the first and the church’s sanctuary we vital cell, a domestic have the Blessed sanctuary. Sacrament, the lectern Action Step: Assess from which the Word is your family. What steps proclaimed and the altar could you take for it to be of sacrifice. more a vital cell, a In the family, Jesus is domestic sanctuary? present in each of its Scripture Reading: members, with the Word Matthew 2:19–23

Sunday Prayer

Father of goodness and love, hear our prayers for the sick members of our community and for all who are in need. Amid mental and physical suffering may they find consolation in your healing presence. Show your mercy as you close wounds, cure illness, make broken bodies whole and free downcast spirits. May these special people find lasting health and deliverance, and so join us in thanking you for all your gifts. We ask this through the Lord Jesus who healed those who believed. Amen.

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 21

ARIES (March 21-April 19). LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). There You'll encourage a loved one will be some frustration in the way to give you frequent HOROSCOPES events unfold, but don't be feedback. You don't want to discouraged. It's bound to happen be in competition with your love, and you'll shy away with smart, quick people like you who might prefer to from situations in which there will be a clear winner have life go at their pace. Life has its own pace, and loser. though. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Your conversational SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Listen to your critics choices will make a difference. This is a matter of with an open mind. Maybe they don't know the destiny. Choose topics that are likely to lead to proper, kinder or ideal way to phrase things, but there enjoyment, optimism and happiness. This is no time will be something valuable in their words nonetheless to stir up controversy. -- something that can give you an advantage. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You have more in SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You didn't make common with an interesting stranger than you do with the impression you wanted to make on someone. many of the people in your own family. So go on and Good news: Now you will get another chance at it. strike up a conversation. See what there is to know Present your best self and you'll become your best about others. self. CANCER (June 22-July 22). You're in the running CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). It's said that there's for an important role. Your previous success qualifies a price for every gift and all advice. Indeed, this is you for the job, but it will be your charm and your often true. But the cosmic forces can be kind in this excellent listening skills that get you the position. regard, as they will be today, naming a price in the LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You love to give: You're a realm of what you're more than prepared to pay. giver! And you expect nothing in return -- well, almost AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Maybe you want nothing. You do like knowing that your contribution people to like you, but you care more that they made a difference. So a smile and a report back later respect you. It's not because this is what you need; will be awfully nice. rather, it's for the good of all. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Your cosmic gift will be PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The social secret is strength, stamina and energy to burn. That's a mighty very simple, and it's a one-size-fits-all maxim. All gift, though it comes with a responsibility. Where people care about is how you make them feel. That's should you apply it? Bonus: Exciting people will be all. If they feel powerful, happy and significant around drawn in by your vitality. you, they will come back for more.

Bible Challenge 1. According to a the trumpets how proverb what will many days had the surely: "...make Israelites marched themselves wings; around the city of they fly away as an Jericho? eagle toward A. 1 day heaven" B. 12 days A. jealous eyes C. 44 days B. false gods D. 6 days C. riches D. children 4. Isaiah told Hezekiah that 2. Why did Saul one day the originally send for Babylonian's would David? take away all A. to meet the newly Israel's wealth and anointed king that some of his B. to play music for sons would be him taken and made C. to kill him into this. D. to ask him to kill A. eunuchs Goliath B. slaves C. princes of

3. Before they blew Babylon Answers: 1. C, 2. B, 3. D, 4. A A 4. D, 3. B, 2. C, 1. Answers:

22 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate Kanye West reacts to Kamala Harris being named VP candidate f his latest tweet is any indication, Kanye West Iis still seriously considering his run for president of the United States. Three days after presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden announced that Kamala Harris will be his vice- presidential running mate, the 43-year-old rapper has reacted to the historic nomination. West took to with a vintage photo, presumably of his late mother, Donda West. Alongside the black-and- white snapshot, he Kamala Harris and Kanye West composed a message to Harris. July. He seems to be West, and Swift. He Kardashian star tweeted “I know my mom and serious about running, posted a series of odd or snake emojis as she took Kamala Harris would though he has missed the blurry photos and lots of her husband’s side in the have been friends ... deadline to be on the random emojis and his long, receipt-strewn war congratulations on being ballot in a number of thoughts on them to of words between the the democratic Vice states. He is still trying to Twitter, including one musicians, and Swift fans President nominee,” he get his name on the ballot photo of a snake winding would go on to flood the wrote. in as many as possible. itself up a metal rod. reality star’s timeline The “Stronger” rapper As for Harris, celebs “Not gonna use a snake with their own snake ended the tweet by have reacted quite emoji cause you know emojis on the one-year attempting to manifest positively to her VP why ... I’m not sure if anniversary of the future, saying, “... all nomination, including Christians are allowed to Kardashian West’s tweet. love and respect from the Taylor Swift – who use snake emojis,” West West and his wife future president. It’s an tweeted simply,“YES!” – wrote alongside the photo. recently took a vacation honour to run against and Joe Jonas. Snakes famously in the Dominican you.” Speaking of Swift, West became part of Swift’s Republic. The couple is Harris has not seemingly tweeted shade Reputation touring motif continuing to put their responded. at the “Lover” singer on after she took issue with careers on hold in order to West announced that Friday, resurrecting the West’s lyrics about her in prioritize their marriage he was running for feud between West, his his 2016 song, “Famous.” and family, a source told president on the Fourth of wife, Kim Kardashian The Keeping Up With the ET. Lauren London (L) and Nipsey Hussle. Lauren London honours Nipsey Hussle On what would have been his 35th birthday: ‘Eternally yours’ LAUREN London is himself next to Hussle. paying tribute to her late “Miss u loco ????????,” boyfriend Nipsey Hussle he captioned the post. on what would have been On Friday, Snoop, 48, his 35th birthday. released a music video “King Ermias Best for his song “Nipsey friend Twin Flame Blue,” in which he Greatest Teacher reflects on their Beautiful Strong Vessel friendship and features The Spiritual Giant that flashback footage from walked Earth,” London their time together. “Just described her beloved the thought of you/ My partner yesterday. “’I whole world turns Miss You’ will never be Nipsey Blue,” he croons deep enough for the void in the track. left in my soul. Yet, I DJ Khaled also paid know you walk with me- tribute to Hussle, writing always still. Happy 35th on Instagram, “Happy Eternally Yours, Boogie.” birthday day Aug. 15 marks the late @nipseyhussle ???? rapper’s birthday, which BLESS UP ??.” comes over 16 months On Twitter, Rick Ross after his death. To honor showed respect for Hussle, his peers and Hussle in a series of collaborators in the hip- tweets. “Perfect time to hop music industry shine,” he wrote, adding, remembered their late “Marathon continues...” friend, including Snoop and finally posting the Dogg, who shared a rapper’s name with a throwback photo of dove emoji next to it. The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 •23 24 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

SSununddaayy A Addvvococatatee C Comicsomics The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 25

SSununddaayy A Addvvococatatee C Comicsomics 26 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate SPORTSSPORTS Squash spotlight – Gabriella Greene SQUASH is a racquet sport A: I am right-handed. Three persons played by two players (or four players for doubles) in a four- Q: What is your favourite walled court with a small, shot? qualify as certified hollow rubber ball. Once the A: A straight drive. ball is served, players take turns hitting the ball against Q: Who is your favourite the front wall, above the tin squash player? int’l taekwondo and below the out line. The ball A: Amanda Haywood. may strike the side or back walls at any time, as long as it Q: Are there any goals you coaches for hits below the out line and have in mind that you would above the tin. The ball may like to accomplish in the only bounce once on the floor, sport? and players may move A: Representing Barbados Barbados anywhere around the court. internationally and regionally THREE Coaches of Rico, Sweden, France, Jordan, Squash is a challenging would be amazing. Taekwondo in Barbados Chile, Turkey, Russia, Somalia, contest of agility, strategy, recently earned their Bahrain, Italy, Canada and talent and mental and physical Q: Besides squash are there International Coaching Denmark. strength. any other sports that you Certifications from World The Level II Certification The Barbados Advocate play? Taekwondo. allows the coach to participate presents: A: I play netball as well. Obtaining the Level I at ALL G-ranked Events Qualification were Askia globally for World Taekwondo Name: Gabriella Greene Q: What do you see as your Alleyne and Adrian Burnett. except for the Olympic Games, Age: 14 years old greatest accomplishment? They completed their which requires a special A: So far, is placing programme over a two-day licence. Q: What school do you Gabriella Greene 3rd overall in the Under-15 period 6-7 July and successfully President of the Association, attend? division at the Sagicor General passed the examination at the Henderson Turton stated this A: St. Winifred’s School. you normally spend Junior National Squash end. Their qualifications will was another significant step in training? Championships 2020. allow them to Coach at all G1 furthering the development of Q: At what age did you start A: Two to three days a week. and G2-ranked events the sport in Barbados. He to play squash? Q: What are your plans for Worldwide. expressed his delight that A: 11 years old. Q: Who is your coach? your game of squash in the Obtaining the Level II Barbados now has three local Where do you often train? future? Qualification was Henderson options for Coaching at Q: How many years have you A: Richard Walcott is my A: My plan is to keep pushing Turton, who completed his International Events been playing squash? coach and I train at Pleasant myself and continue to improve programme over a four-day worldwide. A: Three years. Place and the Barbados every year so that I can reach period which ran from 20-23 “This is great news for local Squash Club. my goals in this sport. July and successfully passed the athletes, as it broadens the gate- Q: What or who inspired you examination. That course was opening for them to compete at to play squash? Q: Have you had the Q: What would you say to a organised by World Taekwondo high-level competitions, and are A: I first started squash as a privilege of representing child or adult to encourage Europe and comprised 77 top now even less likely to miss out hobby but then I started Barbados at any regional or them to choose squash as a level Coaches from 34 Countries on an opportunity due to playing in tournaments and international tournaments? sport? all over the World. Other unavailability of a Coach.” realized this could go A: No, not yet but I would A: I would probably say “be participating countries Certification for Coaches will somewhere as I had Meagan love to. mentally and physically included: Oman, Germany, become mandatory for all Best as an example. prepared to work and Saudi Arabia, USA, Japan, countries wishing to compete at Q: Are you right or left- sweat and have fun while doing Aruba, Portugal, Libya, International G-ranked events Q: How many days a week do handed? it”. Belgium, Serbia, Brazil, Puerto from 1 January 2021. India’s Dhoni quits international cricket, to play IPL NEW DELHI – Former India wicketkeeper with spectacular Mahendra Singh Dhoni power-hitting prowess. quit international cricket He went on to become yesterday, drawing curtains on statistically India’s most an illustrious, trophy-laden successful captain, leading them career with a cryptic Instagram to World Cup triumphs in 2007 message. (T20) and 2011 (ODI), while they “Thanks a lot for your love and also became the top ranked test support throughout. From 1929 team under him in 2009. hrs consider me as Retired,” he As a batsman, Dhoni also wrote on with a video montage transformed himself into one of which had images from his 15- the best finishers of the game, year international career. famously illustrating it by The message ended securing India’s 2011 World Cup speculation around the victory by hitting a six in the final international future of the against Sri Lanka. enigmatic 39-year-old, who quit The immensely popular in 2014 and has not cricketer ends his ODI career played for India since the team’s having played 350 matches, semi-final exit at the 50-overs scoring 10,773 runs and effecting World Cup in July last year. 444 dismissals. He holds the “It is the end of an era,” Indian Former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni record for most dismissals in T20 cricket board (BCCI) president internationals with 91 in 98 Sourav Ganguly said in a “Every good thing comes to an called Dhoni “one of the greats of Premier League in the United matches. statement. end and this has been an the modern era”. Arab Emirates from Sept. 19. Overall, Dhoni has amassed “His leadership qualities have absolutely brilliant one,” added “I wish him all the very best for Dhoni burst onto the 17,000 international runs across been something which will be Ganguly, himself a former India IPL and his future endeavours,” international scene in an one- formats, including 16 centuries, hard to match, especially in the captain. Shah said, suggesting Dhoni dayer against Bangladesh in late and more than 800 victims as shorter format of the game. BCCI secretary Jay Shah would play in this year’s Indian 2004 as a long-haired wicketkeeper. The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 27 Defending champs Carlton off to a convincing start THE Barbados Cricket Sagicor UWI A cantered to 55 runs at Kensington Association’s 2020 victory. Oval. Empire, who were domestic T20 season Chasing 118 for victory invited to bat first, scored bowled off yesterday after Spartan was bowled 152/8. For the Youth B, with matches all across out for 117 at the 3Ws Rashad Haynes scored 39 the island. In the T20 Oval, Sagicor UWI A won runs, but Barbados Youth Cup division, which the match by four B could not accelerate features the Elite and with over four overs left in their scoring rate and First Division teams, the game after seemingly ended on 97/9 off their defending champions stumbling on 63/4 after 2 overs. (CG) Maple’s Jamar Griffith guiding this delivery off the face of the bat. Carlton got off to a win- nine overs and then 66/6 ning start. in the 10th over. UWI A Carlton started their steadied their innings to title defence in impressive go on to win as Romario fashion as they handed Greaves finished un- ESA Pickwick a 66-run beaten with 26 runs off 16 defeated. balls and Akeem Dewar Carlton won the toss scoring 21 runs off 13 and decided to bat to post balls. 144/5. Carlton was led by Maple batsmen strug- left-handed middle-order gled against Wanderers batsman Marlon at Dayrells Road after Welcome-Goodman, who Wanderers had posted for- scored with 54 runs from midable score of 169/9. 42 balls. Maple could only muster In reply, ESA Pickwick 119/5 to give the home- were bowled out for 78 team Wanderers a victory runs in the 16th over. by 50 runs. Despite an impressive Wanderers was led by performance by Spartans’ an impressive perform- Andre Marshall, who in ance by Roshon Primus, his first over picked up 2 who scored 62 runs from wickets of Kyle Corbin and 36 balls a day after he cel- the UWI captain Johann ebrated his 25th birthday. Jeremiah to finish with Empire defeated the four wickets for 17 runs, Barbados Youth B team by Wanderers’ Jourdan Niles giving it his all.

Some of the crowd that turned out to witness the match between Wanderers and Maple. 28 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate

The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 29 Pacers top Heat to claim No. 4 in East THE Indiana Pacers the game out – including a stretcher. Jones was robust 10 of 16 on 3- earned the right to be the the Pacers’ T.J. Warren diagnosed with a strained pointers, in cruising to a “home” team to begin and Domantas Sabonis, neck. 24-point halftime lead. their first-round Eastern and the Heat’s Jimmy James Harden recorded Conference playoff series Butler and Bam Adebayo Philadelphia 76ers 134 - his 22nd double-double against the Heat by – the loosely played game Houston Rockets 96 for the Rockets, posting beating Miami 109-92 on saw Indiana’s Doug Tobias Harris paired 18 game-highs in points (27) Friday in the both teams’ McDermott and Miami’s points with seven and assists (10). With a regular-season finale near Kendrick Nunn share rebounds in 24 minutes pair of free throws at the Orlando. game-high honors with 23 while Joel Embiid added 5:39 mark of the first The Pacers and Heat points. 14 points and six quarter, Harden passed will next play in a best-of- The scary moment rebounds in limited action Hall of Famer center Walt seven playoff series, occurred when Heat as Philadelphia turned a Bellamy (20,941 points) beginning Tuesday. swingman Derrick Jones blistering first-half for 36th in NBA career Indiana will enter the Jr. took a hard fall in the shooting display into a scoring. postseason as the fourth third quarter and had to runaway victory over seed in the East, while be tended to on the court Houston. Toronto Raptors 117 - Miami will be No. 5. for several minutes. The 76ers shot 60 Denver Nuggets 109 With a majority of the Fearing a neck injury, he percent prior to the Stanley Johnson scored a teams’ best players sitting was taken off the floor on intermission, including a season-best 23 points to lift Toronto past Denver AUTO in the final regular-season Harmony Medical Centre, Ellerslie School Road, game for both teams. PARTS/SPARES Black Rock, St. Michael Several regulars either LOOKING FOR PARTS FOR did no play or had limited Harmony Medical Centre, A 1990 - 1992 DAIHATSU minutes for the Raptors, AUCTION SALES AUCTION SALES Dr. Sophia King (Paediatrician) ROCKY FOR A FEROZA who went 7-1 since the wishes to inform the public restart, have the second- that due to unexpected circumstances this practice CALL 850-2983 is now closed, effective immediately. best overall record in the ` NBA and begin the NOTICES Dr. Sophia King and staff would like to thank postseason next week as all patients and families for their patronage and support the No. 2 seed in the over the past 5 years and apologize Eastern Conference. Paul for any inconvenience caused. Watson added 22 points for Toronto, which rested AUCTION We wish you and your families continued good health Kyle Lowry, Pascal SALE and to stay safe in these difficult times. Siakam and Fred VanVleet. OG Anunoby Please address any enquiries or concerns to: CARL HOLLIGAN Mrs. R. King at 424-4978 and Serge Ibaka were out On instructions received GRADUATE OF THE OHIO with knee injuries. from Ace Engineering, SCHOOL OF AUCTIONEERING We shall offer for sale, Our Auction Sales will be CAR PARTS, TOOLS done Online Via "Zoom" this & SHELVING Thursday August 20th, At Searles Factory Yard, 2020 at 1:00 PM. All persons Christ Church, are asked to sign in by 12:40 On Sat., 22nd August, PM on the day of Sale. Pho- at 10 am. Viewing 8-10. tos and Info will be posted 3 - 4 days in Advance for view- ANDY TEMPRO AUCTIONS ing. T: 427-8356 Follow us on Facebook Contact Carl / Trevor Holligan @andytemproauctions for further details. Tel: 850-1818/ 850-2906

NOTICES NOTICES 30 • Sunday August 16, 2020 The Barbados Advocate The Barbados Advocate Sunday August 16, 2020 • 31 Lyon stun Guardiola’s Man City to reach Champions League semis MOUSSA DEMBELE came then again nobody expected to try in the future," Guardiola took the lead. off the bench to score two them to eliminate Juventus in said. Garcia raced back to tackle late goals as Lyon caused an- the last round, never mind He was brought to the Etihad Karl Toko-Ekambi but Cornet other Champions League knock out City here. Stadium to deliver the was quickest to the loose ball sensation on Saturday, "We are still in it, which Champions League, but he has and, with Ederson off his line, dumping out Pep means we have a great team," not managed to equal the club's curled a low shot first-time into Guardiola's Manchester City former Celtic striker Dembele best performance to date in the the corner of the net to keep up with a 3-1 quarter-final win told French television channel competition, a semi-final ap- his remarkable record against in Lisbon. RMC Sport. pearance in 2016, just before he these opponents -- the wing- City had looked on course to "We are taking it game by was appointed. back scored three times against Pep Guardiola. come back and win the tie be- game, not getting carried away. City in last season's two meet- hind closed doors at the Estadio We will try to be ready for Franco-German battle ings. to take off Memphis Depay,who Jose Alvalade after Kevin De Bayern." And so, a year after Liverpool De Bruyne appeared the most had been anonymous. Bruyne's goal midway through Guardiola's team had been beat Tottenham Hotspur in an likely to make something hap- But it proved an inspired de- the second half had cancelled warned about Lyon, losing at all-English final, there will be pen for City and threatened cision as his replacement out Maxwel Cornet's first-half home and then drawing away no English representative in the from free-kicks after the restart, Dembele latched onto Houssem opener. against the French club in last semi-finals in the Portuguese as City turned up the heat fol- Aouar's through ball to race However, Dembele put Lyon season's Champions League. capital. lowing the introduction of Riyad through on goal and beat back ahead in the 79th minute But that was almost two years Instead both ties will be Mahrez in place of Fernandinho. Ederson. and then capitalised on a shock- ago now and Lyon had lost sev- Franco-German duels, with The equaliser duly arrived in City expected the effort to be ing miss by Raheem Sterling to eral key players since then. Paris Saint-Germain facing RB the 69th minute as Mahrez disallowed following a VAR re- clinch the victory three minutes This, a day after Bayern's 8-2 Leipzig before Bayern meet clipped a ball forward towards view but the Dutch officials let it from the end. demolition of Barcelona, is a Lyon in a repeat of the 2010 Sterling and he cut it back from stand, and Lyon were back in Against all expectations,a seismic shock and a hammer semi-finals. the byline to De Bruyne, the front. team who finished seventh in blow to the ambitions of City Guardiola had set his team up Belgian arriving unmarked at Still they should have been the curtailed French season, and under Guardiola. with a three-man defence, as the edge of the box to sidefoot pegged back again, but Sterling had played just two competitive Their wait for European glory Fernandinho and Aymeric home. somehow put the ball over with games since early March, now will go on, with this a third con- Laporte were joined by the the goal gaping having been find themselves through to a secutive quarter-final exit. young Spaniard Eric Garcia. Sterling's amazing miss teed up by Ilkay Gundogan. Champions League semi-final "It is what it is. Maybe one day Phil Foden dropped out of their Few would have bet against City Lyon went straight downfield on Wednesday against Bayern we are going to break through line-up. going on to win the game from and sealed a famous victory as Munich. the quarter-finals. We are not City created little in the first there. Lyon had offered nothing Dembele converted the loose That, surely,will be a step too able to do it now, with these in- half and were caught out by a going forward in the second half ball after Ederson had saved far for Rudi Garcia's team but credible guys, but we are going long ball over the top as Lyon and coach Garcia even decided from Aouar. Three persons qualify as certified int’l taekwondo coaches for B’dos

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Sunday August 16, 2020

Barbados’ Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Liz Thompson (third left) accepting a floral bouquet from members of the Breast Screening Programme Subcommittee. Student CANCER SOCIETY’S Revolving Loan Fund donates ninety laptops NINETY laptops were recently presented FUTURE VISION to the Ministry of Education,Technological MEDICAL Coordinator with the and Vocational Training by the Student Barbados Cancer Society,Dr. Hopes for a bigger space for organisation Revolving Loan Fund (SRLF).The devices Shirley Jhagroo would like for the worth $100,000 will be later presented to organisation to have a bigger space Barbados’ Ambassador to the United enough money.” schools across the island. allowing for greater services to be Nations (UN), Liz Thompson to the “As we speak, we are awaiting the During a brief handover ceremony held offered and done under one Society’s Breast Screening Programme arrival and housing of a 3D at the Elsie Payne Complex, Constitution roof. (BSP) Clinic at Collymore Rock, St. Tomosynthesis Mammogram machine Road, St. Michael, Administrative “We really need to grow. We need to Michael. In 1999 as Minister of Health, which is the most updated Manager of the SRLF,Ambrose Johnson, expand. We have visions of all kinds of the Ambassador was instrumental in mammogram unit used in first world said when the idea to assist the Ministry things. It would be lovely to have aiding the Society in acquiring its countries.” was first suggested, it was readily everything under one building, under present location which it leased from She further pointed out that “to date, approved by the Board. one roof. Like you come in here, you government. the BSP Clinic has done over 100,000 “I vividly remember the Board saying have your breast exam, you have your Dr. Jhagroo spoke of the Society’s plan mammograms and over 10,000 breast that the donation should be seen as an mammogram done, you have your to acquire a new piece of equipment ultrasounds, the stigma associated with investment in our young people. This ultrasound done, you have an operating which is valued at BDS $ 900, 000. She breast cancer no longer exists, the perspective is consistent with the theatre [and] you have your biopsies said not having the new piece of cutting- Breast Cancer Awareness Walk which objectives of the Student Revolving Loan done. Now, we can grow or do…some edge technology presently was not had 100 persons in 1999 had about Fund because what we do is to encourage treatments...” related to not having the funds but “are 30,000 persons last October.” persons to get loans, Dr. Jhagroo spoke to the press waiting for a place to put it at the recently during a courtesy visit by moment. Our manager says we have SPACE on Page 7 DONATION on Page 5

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