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Established October 1895
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Monday November 23, 2020 $1 VAT Inclusive
Diabetes
STAY ALERT
AS some countries across the globe it has implications for our health status fore or a few days ago and they were not
specialist
nurses
brace for a second wave of COVID-
19 cases, Barbadians are being
urged not to drop their guard.
Head of the COVID-19 Monitoring
as well. Once those persons are coming
to Barbados, the likelihood of someone
getting through the net is there, it does
not particularly increase, but it is there,”
ill, that they are still virus free, as they
do not know who the person would have
come into contact with. To that end, he
said it is vital that persons wear their
pivotal to
Unit, Ronald Chapman told The
Barbados Advocate that the country has
been doing a relatively good job at con-
taining the virus and needs to keep that
he stated.
Chapman added, “This is winter when
most people in those source markets are
indoors and once they are indoors the
masks and practice good hand hygiene,
good sanitation, social distancing and
follow the protocols that have been put
in place.
the fight
momentum going especially as some likelihood of spread increases. Once the “We have gotten this far and we don’t WITH World Diabetes Day being cele-
countries, primarily those from whom incidence increases over there, the prob- want to drop our guard now. There is a brated recently on November 14th, it is
we source visitors, are experiencing a ability of us getting a case increases as vaccine on the horizon, we don’t want to being preached that specialist nurses be-
second wave. His comments come as well. So we have to continue to be vigi- have persons here ill before we get ac- come ever more crucial to the treatment
countries in Europe are seeing increased lant and ensure all the protocols are cess to the vaccine. If we can get the and management of the non-communica-
cases and are starting to shut down, and being adhered to”. vaccine here and we can get good distri- ble disease. So said President of the
the World Health Organisation warns With that in mind, he is adamant that bution, I am not going to talk about that Barbados Nurses Association, C. Joannah
that the next six months will be a diffi- persons here in Barbados be alert and because that is not my area, but if we Waterman, as she delivered the feature
cult time for Europeans. careful at all times. His comments came can get that happening here and we can address in the Diabetes Association of
“We are seeing a second wave across as he alluded to the fact that persons still keep the cases down, then we can Barbados’ John Grace Memorial Lecture
the world... I think what is significant can be infected with the virus and not see a far more rapid return to normal in and Panel Discussion titled ‘The Nurse
for us is that this second wave is prima- exhibit symptoms. As such, he is urging Barbados, than almost anywhere else and Diabetes’.
rily in our tourism source markets and persons not to take it for granted that in the world”. Citing several international studies
that has an impact on our economy and because they saw someone the day be- COVID on Page 5 done to back up her narrative, Waterman
concluded her speech by praising the
work and role of diabetes specialist
nurses in effecting sound management.
“Specialist roles are known to have a pos-
itive effect on diabetes patients’ outcomes
with the diabetes specialist nurses being
crucial for patients and families to estab-
lish trust and confidence in healthcare
providers and for health promotion to be
maximised. Diabetes specialist nurses
bridge the communication gap between
clinical partners and patients and they
often act as intermediate roles that can
prevent problems escalating,” she said.
Noting that the roles of the specialist
did not only include patient-care educa-
tion, but also as a trainer of other health-
care providers, Waterman noted that spe-
cial attention needed to be paid to influ-
encing the thinking of older patients due
to habitual behaviours.“The diabetes spe-
cialist nurse in Barbados applies the prin-
ciples of teaching-learning to facilitate
self management skills, assessing the di-
abetic’s readiness to learn and levels of
literacy, and of course assist the diabetic
patient with obtaining accurate and ap-
propriate educational materials or re-
sources in order to develop a personalised
follow-up plan for ongoing self manage-
ment support, and that is key. The frame-
work places emphasis on promoting be-
havioural change because we know that
is one of the major obstacles that we have
in elderly persons,” she said, adding that
considerations also given to emotional,
cultural and spiritual preferences of the
patients.
Going on to say that the specialists also
advised on and treated to other health-
care issues as affected by diabetes,
Waterman also mentioned that they also
IN TUNE AND ON TIME! During Sunday's rehearsal, the director of the Barbados Royal Police Force band assisted in ensuring social stability.
ensures that his band members are ready for the Independence Day parade next Monday. (See also Page 3) DAB on Page 4
2 • Monday November 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate
Thursday
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KOOYMAN.BB KOOYMAN.BARBADOS
The Barbados Advocate Monday November 23, 2020 • 3
Answer two questions, please
PRESIDENT of the three different institu- said, “what I am hearing ment to expand on that.
Democratic Labour Party tions, which were not iden- coming out of the room is Not just what was written
(DLP), Verla De Peiza tified. that each institution, each in the handout that was
wants government to pro- DePeiza further told the business seems to have given but to give some
vide answers to “two media the meeting “was had a different way of specifics so they know
major queries” that were triggered by the workers” doing things. The end re- what their next steps can
posed to her. because “they weren’t get- sult is the same, that the be.”
There are “whether the ting answers going workers are without their When asked if she
National Insurance through their usual chan- money and they need to would be meeting again
[Scheme]’s fast track sys- nels and I was called and know that their rights are with the group, she said
tem that was promised asked if we could facili- upheld. So the informa- “if necessary”. However,
under the [Barbados tate”. tion that came out from she said she is “hoping for
Economic and Sustainable “If either of them has under the BEST the swift resolution of
Transformation] BEST been set up, then we need Programme spoke of that their issues because of
programme has already to know in relation to the fast track and spoke of course, we know that the
been set up and whether fast track, what the time that oversight committee moratorium in relation to
the oversight committee limits are that are placed and it seems as though loans and mortgages has
that was promised has al- on the fast track because that is the direction in come to an end so they are
ready been set up”. we are dealing with per- which we need to go in very anxious about that.
She told journalists on sons who are no longer order to make a com- They have car loans, they
Saturday night the an- employed, who still have plaint…but there is no in- have houses with mort-
swers to these questions financial obligations and formation…as to how to gages, they have land
were needed “as a matter that really is their critical go about doing that.” loans so they are having
of urgency.” Her comments concern. That they be able “It seems as though not these anxious moments.
came after meeting with to meet the obligations the majority, [but]… some For us rather than con-
laid-off tourism workers and be able to support of the affected businesses templating another meet-
at the DLP’s headquar- their families. So they are are not following what ing, we would rather be
ters. She said those pres- anxious to receive their was expected of them and speaking in terms of they
President of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), ent at the two-hour meet- severance in the soonest therefore, we need to know having had satisfactory
Verla De Peiza as she spoke to the media on ing were about 30 in num- as possible time.” what the process is and resolution to their is-
Saturday night at the DLP’s headquarters ber and were drawn from De Peiza additionally we are calling on govern- sues.”(MG)
Slight changes for Independence Parade
THE coronavirus pan- Justice, Prime Minister On Monday, November
demic has resulted in and the Governor-General 30, at 8 a.m, the
slight changes for this of Barbados. Independence Day parade
year’s Independence With cool and breezy will include the presenta-
Day Parade. conditions, the RBPF tion of National
On Sunday, Colour band stood in position on Independence Awards by
Sargeant of the Barbados the south side of the Governor General Dame
Defence Force (BDF), Square awaiting the 8 Sandra Mason, the
Hilroy Stoute indicated a.m. arrival of the Address to the Nation by
this fact as he spoke to Governor-General, who Prime Minister Mia Amor
The Barbados Advocate was represented or role Mottley and the Salute to
and outlined the proceed- played by a member of the the Nation. Due to Covid-
ings for the rehearsal. He Barbados Defence Force. 19, Barbadians and visi-
said that this year, the pa- The Barbados Advocate tors will have the option
rade is being held in observed that rehearsal of viewing the national
National Heroes’ Square organisers kept the morn- event on social media in
instead of the Garrison ing activities to the allot- addition to the live radio
Savannah. He noted that ted time slots. and television coverage.
there is no march pass or
displays as in the past
years. Due to a small
space and Covid-19 proto-
cols, there will be a con-
siderably smaller group of
armed forces participating
in the Independence pa-
rade.
On the grounds of the
National Heroes’ Square,
members of the armed
forces gathered to re-
hearse the national event
around 7 a.m. With a
handful of local spectators,
the Barbados Defence
Force (BDF), the Royal
Barbados Police Force
(RBPF), and Royal
Barbados Police Force
Band assembled in the
area where the layout and
routine for the dignitaries,
guests and awardees were
finalised. The organisers Members of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) and the Royal Barbados Police Force (RBPF) rehearse their routine yesterday for
also ensured that all per- the Independence Day Parade on November 30.
sonnel were in place for INSET: During rehearsal in National Heroes Square for the November 30 Independence Day parade, Barbados Defence Force (BDF)
the arrival of the Chief officers help to set the stage.
4• Monday November 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate
Despite UK lockdown, Barbados remains No.1 selling destination
BARBADOS’ tourism duction in commercial Hotel and Tourism August it would have we were going in the tour operators there is a
sector was thrown flights – one each per Association (BHTA), been down by 66.7% so it right direction where the pent-up demand for
back into an anxious week by British Airways Senator Rudy Grant re- would have been going in occupancy was increasing travel. And the discus-
state when major and Virgin Atlantic com- vealed. the right direction; and where the revenues sions which have been oc-
source market ing into Grantley Adams “It is having a negative September 54.4%; but were performing better.” curring with the airlines
England imposed a International Airport impact because we would then in October 58%”. If England’s lockdown demonstrate that we are
second national lock- (GAIA). have seen immediately a “And I think what restrictions come to an still getting request to
down on November “Of course, what has falloff in the airlift. You would have happened is end on December 2nd as Barbados as a destina-
5th. happened is that once now have British the impact then from the promised by their govern- tion and people still want
The decision taken by that announcement came Airways and Virgin hav- lockdown in the UK ment, he said flights are to come here,” he told
Prime Minister Boris there was a clear indica- ing one flight a week.” would have started to be expected to increase by members of the media.
Johnson to prevent a tion that there should be This comes just as seen, and we can expect both airlines. It is ex- “So, while in short term
“medical and moral dis- no leisure travel. So, the hoteliers were seeing an then that in November pected that Virgin yes, there is an impact
aster” for National tour operators are not improvement in occu- you are going to see a Atlantic from December from the lockdown we are
Health Services (NHS) as selling packages for pancy levels, according to higher level of decline 4th will probably have anticipating that once
coronavirus cases passed leisure, but of course you Grant, “In June, you than would have been four flights from lockdown stops that we
the one million mark, re- can still come for work,” would have had occu- initially anticipated. Heathrow; from are going to see good
sulted in an instant re- CEO of the Barbados pancy down by 90%; in Because as I pointed out, December 5th three business coming out. If
times a week from we can get it finishing
Manchester, and British early in December as the
Airways from December UK Prime Minister has
5th daily flights from indicated on 2nd
Heathrow and four times December, then I think
a week from Gatwick. we would see good num-
However, despite lock- bers coming in for that
downs, Senator Grant month.”
was pleased to report Even when airlift re-
that Barbados continues sumes, The CEO further
to be the No. 1 selling pointed out that arrivals
destination in the region. wouldn’t be like previous
“So, that is something winter season years.
that is very positive. And “I do have to say those
our expectation is that numbers are not yet
once that lockdown stops, going to be back to the
and we do constantly 2019 numbers because it
monitor what is happen- is going to take us some
ing in the UK because time to build back to
one of the things that we those numbers. But we
would not like to happen are confident that
is for the lockdown to be Barbados still continues
extended. But we are con- to be a destination of
fident that once the lock- choice; still continues to
down stops, we are going be a destination that is
to see the airlift coming top of mind and therefore
back and probably a we expect that business
higher level than might will be coming back prob-
have been originally an- ably to our destination
ticipated.” faster, than it will to
“I say that because cer- other Caribbean destina-
tainly from speaking to tions,” he added. (TL)
Improvements
seen at QEH
DAB from Page 1 that with intensive dia-
betes education I have
“As part of the holistic seen persons who have
framework, the diabetes come with an A1C of 14%,
specialist nurse in after intensive diabetes
Barbados helps with prob- education in terms of
lem-solving on the whole lifestyle modification,
and assisting in accessing their A1C is less than 7%.
community resources for Currently, what we are
everyday living support, trying to establish at the
referring to welfare, na- hospital, we are trying to
tional assistance, social prove that with extensive
services in life.” diabetes education, in tan-
Diabetes Specialist dem with changes of med-
Nurse Deborah Knight ications, we see a reduc-
also spoke and backed up tion of blood pressure, a
Waterman’s findings by reduction in cholesterol, a
testifying that there were reduction in A1C.And also
noted improvements on when we see these things
the local scene at the together, we are seeing im-
Queen Elizabeth Hospital provement and a total
due to the utilisation of change in the quality of
specialists. “What I have life of the individuals,”
found in my practice is Knight said.
The Barbados Advocate Monday November 23, 2020 • 5
Strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer
CERVICAL cancer is a preventable His comments came at the launch of and its death rates three times as high as leaving no-one behind, the countries of
disease, and it is also curable if de- WHO‘s Global Strategy to Accelerate the those in high-income countries. the world are forging a new path to end-
tected early and adequately treated. Elimination of Cervical Cancer, which “The huge burden of mortality related ing cervical cancer. “
Yet, it is the fourth most common cancer outlines three key steps: vaccination, to cervical cancer is a consequence of The COVID-19 pandemic has posed
among women, the World Health screening and treatment. Successful im- decades of neglect by the global health challenges to preventing deaths due to
Organization (WHO) warned. plementation of all three could reduce community. However, the script can be cancer, however, WHO urges all coun-
“Eliminating any cancer would have more than 40% of new cases of the dis- rewritten,” WHO Assistant Director- tries to ensure that vaccination, screen-
once seemed an impossible dream, but we ease and 5 million related deaths by General Assistant Director-General Dr ing and treatment can continue safely,
now have the cost-effective, evidence- 2050. Princess Nothemba (Nono) Simelela with all necessary precautions.
based tools to make that dream a reality,” Without taking additional action, the maintained. “The fight against cervical cancer is
Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom annual number of new cases of cervical “Critical developments include the also a fight for women’s rights: the unnec-
Ghebreyesus said. cancer is expected to increase from availability of prophylactic vaccines; low- essary suffering caused by this prevent-
“But we can only eliminate cervical 570 000 to 700 000 between 2018 and cost approaches to screening and treating able disease reflects the injustices that
cancer as a public health problem if we 2030, while the annual number of deaths cervical cancer precursors; and novel ap- uniquely affect women’s health around
match the power of the tools we have is projected to rise from 311 000 to proaches to surgical training. Through a the world,” Dr Nothemba Simelela said,
with unrelenting determination to scale 400 000. In low- and middle-income coun- shared global commitment to the adding “Together, we can make history to
up their use globally.” tries, its incidence is nearly twice as high Sustainable Development Goals and ensure a cervical cancer-free future.”
Chapman: COVID-19
Unit’s work going
well so far
COVID from Page 1 in place. He said that for the most part,
businesses are compliant.
The COVID-19 Unit head added, “We “But sometimes we see people who go
want to keep it tight until that time. It well overboard and we have people who
is not how you start the race, or how you go well under the board and we make
manage in the middle, it is how you end those corrections as we go along. Once
the race and since we are looking at the we get complaints, we act quickly to get
finish line, we can’t ease up now”. them rectified so that we can deal with
Meanwhile, he said the work of the all of the issues,” he stated.
Unit has been going relatively good so In that vein, he said Barbadians who
far. Chapman explained that they have have concerns or complaints about how
not had any challenges getting busi- businesses are operating vis-à-vis the
nesses to comply with the corrective protocols, can contact the Unit so that
measures they have been asked to put the matter can be investigated. (JRT)
Four new COVID cases
FOUR more visitors to the island have the United States who is a contact of a
been diagnosed with COVID-19. known case. He was diagnosed with the
Three of the new cases arrived from viral illness on November 18. All of the
Guyana on Caribbean Airlines and re- visitors were asymptomatic. The Best-
turned positive results after undergoing dos Santos Public Health Laboratory
second tests. They are a 23-year-old man conducted 338 tests yesterday.
who arrived on November 14 and tested Meanwhile, no one will be released
positive on November 15; a 29-year-old from isolation today.As a result, there are
woman who arrived on November 6 and 11 people in isolation. The number of
tested positive on November 10; and a confirmed cases now stands at 259, com-
seven-year-old girl who also arrived on prising 136 females and 123 males.There
November 6 and tested positive on have been 241 recoveries.
November 10. The laboratory has completed 44,484
The fourth case is a male visitor from tests to date. (MR/BGIS)
6 • Monday November 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate
Show a major
fundraiser event
Gov’t
CAROLS from
Back Page
“The Rotary Club of
Barbados is extremely
sponsor for the show, ex-
plained that the show was
dear to the hearts of its
staff and they looked for-
recognizes
proud to be associated
with these companies in
the production of our 90-
minute show, Virtual
Carols By Candlelight.
ward to assisting.
“Our staff at First
Citizens also cherish the
occasion as we volunteer,
assisting with food and
role of
Without their support this
unique and historic show
would not have been pos-
sible,” stated Ford.
drinks, tickets at the door
and wherever help is
needed. Needless to say
the Bajan Christmas sea-
Some of the artists performing this year at the
Virtual Carols By Candlelight. (From left) Paula
vendors
Walwyn Williams, Head son would not be the same Hinds, Alan Sheppard and Tamara Marshall. GOVERNMENT is en- that people can aspire to
of Operations for First without Carols by suring that the grow- be and to do.”
Citizens Bank, a platinum Candlelight,” said Williams. The Secondary Schools ing population of ven- Pointing to a $1.25 mil-
As the main fundraiser Water Tank Project is ex- dors have the facilities lion supplementary for
BARBADOS for the club, the funds pected to benefit the 20 to ply their trade. the ongoing work at that
raised from the show will secondary schools, refur- In fact, the Mia market situated behind
NOTICE assist in the carrying out bishing existing tanks and Mottley-led the Fairchild Street Bus
the main project identified providing new ones for Administration has made Terminal, she further ex-
LAND (TITLE DEEDS RESTORATION) ACT CAP. 229C by the club for 2021-2022. those in need. (AS) it clear that the vendors of pressed, “That project is
Barbados must have a really symbolic of the fact
SECTION 3 new deal, which includes that the whole thrust of
refurbished markets and this government in a
RESTORATION OF TITLE DEEDS DESTROYED BY the construction of new COVID environment is to
DISASTER OR OTHERWISE, OR LOST OR STOLEN areas. demonstrate through our
One such market to policies faith in the
TAKE NOTICE that an Application has been made to start major upgrades has Barbadian worker; faith
been Fairchild Street, in in the Barbadian entre-
the Registrar of Titles by CLAUDINE MILLANESE BROWN of The City. preneur; faith in the fact
2465 Army Navy Drive, Unit 317 Arlington, Virginia 22206 in the “In conceptualising the that when we talk about a
United States of America for the Restoration of the title deeds to Fairchild Street Market Barbadian private sector,
Jackson, St. Michael (more particularly described in the Redevelopment, we are it has to look a certain
Schedule hereto) on the grounds that the original title deeds to sending a clear message way – it has to represent
the property have been lost or stolen. that vending is business,” the core and the heart of
Minister in the Ministry the Barbadian people.”
ALSO TAKE NOTICE that unless notification is of Economic Affairs and “And for too long we
received at the Land Registry, Warrens Office Complex, Investment, Marsha have seen vending as an
Warrens, St. Michael by the 4th day of January, 2021 that the Caddle recently told the “other”. And for too long
Lower House. we have considered it, or
original title deeds have not been lost or are being lawfully held “That vending is some- perhaps seen it as some-
by some other person, the Registrar of Titles shall immediately thing that allows people thing marginal to the pri-
proceed to determine the said Application according to law. to meet and reach their vate sector and those days
full productive capacity – are over,” she maintained.
Dated this 23rd day of November, 2020. that allows people to ex- The Minister therefore
plore their imagination highlighted that part of
Anthony D. Wiltshire and to develop whatever the funds will go to the
Attorney-at-Law for the Applicant it is they would do, and to construction of a new
be able to make an honest butcher’s block; as well as
SCHEDULE living. Not just make a the paving of 39 carpark
dollar, but to really strive bays in the general area of
and to be able to scale-up the redesigned and refur-
ALL THAT land situate at Jackson in the parish of Saint Michael and employ other people bished Fairchild Street
and Island aforesaid containing by admeasurement five hundred and make this something market. (TL)
and forty-three point four six five square metres (543.465 square
metres) or thereabouts which represents a metric conversion
from five thousand eight hundred and fifty square feet (5,850
square feet) or thereabouts together with the dwelling house
thereon.
The title deeds to be restored are:
(a) Conveyance dated 31st day of December, 1969
between Colin Andrew Rocheford to Tracey Leon Graham and
Marie Louise Harding, recorded on the 2nd day of March, 1970
in Volume 835 of Deeds at Page 851 as Deed No. 855.
(b) Conveyance dated the 31st day of December, 1992
–Walvin Harold Ifill (qualified acting Administrator and Personal
Representative of the Estate of Tracy Leon Graham, deceased)
to Isa Millanese Elcock and Claudine Millanease Brown,
recorded on the 2nd day of July, 1993 in Volume 245 of Deeds
at Page 379 as Deed No. 5557.
(c) Mortgage dated the 31st day of December, 1992 –Isa
Milanese Elcock and Claudine Millanease Brown to Walvin
Harold Ifill, recorded on the 8th day of January, 1993 in Volume
373 of Deeds at Page 311 as Deed No. 148.
The Barbados Advocate Monday November 23, 2020 • 7
Top legislator stresses implementing Xi: Rule of
Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law
TAIYUAN – China’s top
legislator has called for
Bureau of the Communist
Party of China Central
cant outcome of the cen-
tral conference on work
play to the role of the
NPC and local-level
law key to
implementing Xi Jinping Committee and chairman related to overall law- people’s congresses in im-
Thought on the Rule of
Law in the work of peo-
ple’s congresses and
of the Standing Com-
mittee of the National
People’s Congress (NPC),
based governance was the
establishment of Xi
Jinping Thought on
plementing overall law-
based governance, Li
called for pooling wisdom
modernise
making contributions to made the remarks during the Rule of Law, which and strength from all
building a modern social-
ist country.
Li Zhanshu, a member
an inspection tour in
North China’s Shanxi
province from Monday to
serves as the fundamen-
tal guideline for overall
law-based governance in
aspects to serve social
and economic develop-
ment during the 14th
governance
of the Standing Com- Wednesday. China. Five-Year Plan (2021- PRESIDENT Xi affairs.
mittee of the Political Li said the most signifi- Stressing giving full 2025) period. Jinping’s remarks Xu Xinjian, head of the
about promoting the law and rule division of
modernisation of the the State Administration
country’s governance for Market Regulation,
system and capacity said that with Xi stress-
using the rule of law ing law-based govern-
constitute a guide for ment construction, the
the work of people State Administration for
from all walks of life, Market Regulation is
observers said. That is drafting a five-year plan
especially so for those on market supervision to
engaged in judicial improve its law enforce-
matters, as they tackle ment, regulate adminis-
major problems that trative behaviour, limit
exist in the law-based administrative power
governing system, and prevent it from being
they said. abused.
Xi, who is also general “We’ll continuously and
secretary of the strictly enforce laws in a
Communist Party of civilised manner, giving
China Central Com- firm legal support to mar-
mittee and chairman of ket supervision reforms
the Central Military and development,” he
Commission, delivered a said.
key speech at a central Amid a complicated in-
conference on work re- ternational situation,
lated to overall law-based “the meeting stressed
governance held in taking a coordinated ap-
Beijing on Monday and proach to promoting the
Tuesday. He called for rule of law at home and
intensified efforts to re- in matters involving for-
spond to major chal- eign parties for the first
lenges, withstand major time, which provides
risks, overcome major ob- clear direction and a re-
A JD employee packs fresh food for cold chain delivery at a warehouse in Tianjin. stacles and address quirement to attach more
major conflicts in line importance to law-based
with the law. governance in dealing
Courts hear more cases as consumers After learning about
the speech, the Supreme
with foreign affairs,” said
Jia Guide, director of the
People’s Court, the na- Ministry of Foreign
are increasingly aware of their rights tion’s top court, said it
would constantly im-
prove judicial capacity to
Affairs’ Department of
Treaty and Law.
“China is approaching
CHINESE courts have report. In March last year, should review business li- jects of complaints, it reach the central leader- the world as a responsi-
seen a large number of on- for example, a consumer censes and qualifications added. ship’s requirements, ble nation, so we have to
line shopping disputes surnamed Feng in of food producers, it said, After seeing an increase pledging to provide more better apply the rule of
caused by food products Guangdong province adding the platform was in hosts selling products efficient legal services law when attending to
over the past few years, bought a bottle of caviar also ordered to return 588 via livestreaming plat- and stronger support for foreign affairs,” he added.
with many of the com- protein powder via an on- yuan to the consumer. forms, Hao Peng, a judge ensuring high-quality de- Feng Guo, president of
plaints involving safety, line shopping platform for In the report, the insti- from the Beijing Haidian velopment, stable eco- Law School at Wuhan
China’s top court said on 588 yuan ($89), but later tute stated that the District People’s Court, nomic growth and social University, said that in
Thursday. Feng found some worms in amount of money and com- called for consumers to be harmony. order to promote the rule
From Jan 1, 2017, to the food and took the plat- pensation consumers sensible when buying “We’ll put meeting peo- of law in matters involv-
June 30 this year, courts form to court. wanted in most cases was goods and said they should ple’s judicial demands as ing foreign parties, the
nationwide heard 49,000 In a ruling released by not big, but it added that collect evidence about our priority, strengthen- country should attach
cases involving online Guangzhou Internet consumer awareness to their purchases in a timely ing legal protection for more importance to edu-
shopping contracts, ac- Court in Guangdong ear- solve disputes through lit- manner. them and making full use cating related talent to
cording to a report by the lier this year, the platform, igation has increased. “Consumers can save of legal means to help better safeguard national
Justice Big Data Institute, which the ruling did not More than 70 percent of screenshots or record what them solve disputes so sovereignty, security and
which is led by the infor- identify, was ordered to plaintiffs were born in the a livestreaming host says that everyone feels jus- development interests. Xi
mation service centre of pay 5,880 yuan to Feng, 10 1980s and 1990s, the re- if they want to buy prod- tice is done in every case,” Jinping Thought on Rule
the Supreme People’s times the original price, port said, identifying them ucts online,” she sug- the top court added. of Law was lauded at the
Court. “because it could not pro- as a major force in the pro- gested. “Checking the Besides the judicial conference and by the top
The report stated that vide strong evidence to tection of legitimate rights quality of goods is also nec- system, other govern- court, government offi-
more than 45 percent of prove the food had been involving online shopping essary, and the process of ment agencies also said cials and legal experts as
the disputes involved food, given a security test before disputes. unpacking expensive prod- they would make the the fundamental guide-
followed by electronic and sale, meaning it did not Besides food safety, fake ucts had better be wit- principle of the rule of line for law-based gover-
healthcare products. fully implement its inspec- advertising, fraud, coun- nessed by another person, law their priority while nance in the country and
Food safety was a major tion duty,” the court said. terfeits and products lack- such as the delivery per- dealing with administra- resolving major problems
complaint among con- Under food safety regu- ing qualification symbols son, and have a video tive and foreign-related in legal departments.
sumers, according to the lations, food providers were also often the sub- record as evidence.”
8 • Monday November 23, 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 US election: Trump camp’s lawsuit
Looking forward struck down in Pennsylvania
A JUDGE in Pennsylvania defeat President Trump America, this cannot jus- judge’s ruling Republican
to lecture, hope has dismissed a lawsuit
from the Trump campaign
306 to 232 in the US elec-
toral college, which deter-
tify the disenfranchise-
ment of a single voter, let
Pennsylvania Senator Pat
Toomey said Mr Trump
that sought to invalidate mines who becomes presi- alone all the voters of its had exhausted all legal op-
for future millions of mail-in votes in
the battleground state.
dent – far above the 270
he needs to win.
sixth most populated
state,” the judge wrote.
tions in the state and
urged him to accept the re-
Judge Matthew Brann The Trump campaign The Trump campaign sult.
BARBADOS is among a number of small and vul- said the suit, which rested has lost a slew of lawsuits argued that the state had On Sunday afternoon,
nerable economies (SVEs) which face both eco- on allegations of irregular- contesting results from the violated the US the Trump legal team con-
nomic and social issues in what is considered a ities, was “without merit”. election, and its latest ef- Constitution’s guarantee firmed they were appeal-
very hostile world. The move paves the way forts focus on stopping the of equal protection under ing against the
It has very often been the case that when these for Pennsylvania to next swing states that handed the law as some Pennsylvania decision.
states look to their more prosperous developed week certify Joe Biden’s Mr Biden his win certify- Democratic-run counties Earlier his lawyer Rudy
country partners for assistance, it tends to involve win - he leads by more ing the results - an essen- allowed voters to fix errors Giuliani said in a state-
a level of hand-wringing and begging which at than 80,000 votes. tial step for the Democrat on their ballots while ment: “Today’s decision
times turned out to be unsuccessful. It is the latest blow to to be formally declared vic- Republican-run counties turns out to help us in our
They have faced global recessions, oil price Donald Trump, who is try- tor. did not. strategy to get expedi-
shocks, shocks from natural disasters, blacklisting, ing to overturn his loss in Pennsylvania judge But in his ruling Judge tiously to the US Supreme
and now the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which the 3 November presiden- gives scathing verdict Brann dismissed the Court.”
create havoc for their economies. They have also tial election. In the ruling Judge claim, saying “like There is no standard
had a hard time in securing tangible benefits from He has refused to con- Brann wrote that the Frankenstein’s Monster” it route to the Supreme
the Doha Round of trade negotiations, and uncer- cede and made allegations Trump campaign had tried had been “haphazardly Court, but challenges
tainty right now as to where that is going. of widespread electoral to “disenfranchise almost stitched together”. He said would usually have to be
Yet small states have been forced on their own fraud, without providing seven million voters”. even if it was the basis for upheld in a state court
to battle these issues with the resulting scars on any evidence. He said his “court has a case then the Trump first, before the issue could
their economy and on their vulnerable popula- The lack of a concession been presented with campaign’s solution went be escalated.
tion. has upended the process strained legal arguments too far. Legitimate federal or
It is in light of these situations that we look to that normally follows a US without merit and specula- Few Republicans have constitutional question
see what lessons can be learnt and what ought to election. tive accusations”. called on the president to would also have to be at
be the take-aways from tonight’s 45th anniversary Mr Biden is projected to “In the United States of concede, but following the the heart of the complaint.
Sir Winston Scott Memorial Lecture.
Every year this lecture attracts a lot of interest
since many important issues, some of a global na-
ture, are discussed, and which have some signifi-
cance to the audience in Barbados.
Ethiopia PM gives Tigray forces 72
There are many who believe that the subject
areas are useful and should find their way into the
toolkit of policymakers.
hours to surrender regional capital
In what the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB)
said will be a departure from tradition, the event ADDIS ABABA/NAIROBI cause phone and internet he said that “all that the part of the operation,
will feature a discussion between the principal – Ethiopian Prime communication has been clique is left with is the which is to encircle
presenter, Dr. Ngozo Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria, Minister Abiy Ahmed gave down. fort that they have set up Mekelle using tanks”.
and Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Mr. Tigrayan regional forces Abiy’s federal troops in Mekelle and empty He said the TPLF lead-
Cleviston Haynes. 72 hours to surrender be- have taken a string of pride”. ership was “shielding it-
One of the subjects that definitely will be high- fore the military begins an towns during aerial bom- He said the people of self within the public” and
lighted during tonight’s presentation is the offensive on the regional bardments and ground Tigray had had enough of said: “We want to send a
COVID-19 and what are the answers for bringing capital of Mekelle. fighting, and are now aim- what he said was TPLF vi- message to the public in
this pandemic under control and the eventual “We urge you to surren- ing for Mekelle, a highland olence against them, and Mekelle to save yourselves
elimination of it. It is recognised that small states der peacefully within 72 city of about 500,000 peo- appealed to the people of from any artillery attacks
have been working feverishly to deal with COVID- hours, recognising that ple where the rebels are Mekelle to stand with the and free yourselves from
19 against the tremendous impact it has had on you are at the point of no based. federal troops in “bringing the junta ... After that,
their economies and their health care system. return,” Abiy said in a The conflict erupted on this treasonous group” to there will be no mercy.”
Both Dr. Okonjo-Iweala and Mr. Haynes are message posted on Twitter Nov. 4 and has killed hun- justice. A spokeswoman from
economic and financial experts. This put them in on Sunday evening. dreds, possibly thousands, Abiy accuses the the prime minister’s office
an excellent position to articulate the issues – Tigrayan forces could and has sent more than Tigrayan leaders of revolt- later said Dejene meant
what should be done and how small states espe- not immediately be 30,000 refugees into ing against central author- there would be “no mercy”
cially should structure their health and social poli- reached for comment. neighbouring Sudan. ity and starting the con- for the TPLF leadership
cies in combatting this plague. A military spokesman Rockets have been fired by flict by attacking federal rather than for civilians.
A CBB statement quoted Mr. Haynes as saying said earlier that advanc- rebels into neighbouring troops in the town of TPLF leader Debretsion
that the pandemic has driven home just how in- ing Ethiopian troops plan Amhara region and across Dansha on Nov. 4. Gebremichael told
terconnected our world is. However, what has been to surround Mekelle with the border into the nation The rebels say his gov- Reuters by text message
made clear, Mr. Haynes remarked, is that bringing tanks and may shell the of Eritrea. ernment has marginalised that his forces were resist-
COVID-19 under control and eradicating it will re- city to force surrender. Foreign nations have Tigrayans since taking of- ing a push from the south
quire the international community working to- The Tigray People’s urged talks, but Abiy has fice two years ago, remov- while also fighting near
gether. Liberation Front (TPLF), pressed on with the offen- ing them from senior roles the northern town of
At the same time, the Governor went on, there which is refusing to sur- sive. in government and the Adigrat after it fell to fed-
has been a movement away from multilateralism, render its rule of the In his statement on military and detaining eral troops.
which will make this type of cooperation difficult. northern region, said its Sunday evening, Abiy said many on rights abuse and “Encircling Mekelle is
Many will also want to hear from Dr. Okonj- forces were digging that during what he terms corruption charges. their plan but yet they
Iweala who has a background in health. Issues like trenches and standing a law enforcement opera- Earlier on Sunday, mili- couldn’t,” he said. “On
appropriate solutions and cooperation with the firm. tion “all the necessary pre- tary spokesman Colonel south front, they couldn’t
developed and industrialised countries will be very Reuters could not con- cautionary measures have Dejene Tsegaye told state- move an inch for more
important. There is still a high degree of fear firm the latest statements been taken to ensure that run Ethiopia Broadcasting than one week. They (are)
among countries and we believe that cooperation on the war. Claims by all civilians are not harmed”. Corporation that “the next sending waves after waves
holds some of the answers. sides are hard to verify be- Referring to the TPLF, phases are the decisive but to no avail.”
Right now the world is witnessing a second wave
of this pandemic and everyone is counting on the Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes
Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke
release of vaccines to stem the flow of cases while E-mail Address: news@barbadosadvocate.com
Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen
saving lives. Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com
Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan
That’s why we look forward to the discussion.
@The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate
The Barbados Advocate Monday November 23, 2020 • 9
Region must harness
technology for
development – Vaz
KINGSTON, Jamaica – education, healthcare, Inter-American Develop-
Minister of Science, business and commerce ment Bank (IDB), TBR
Energy and would be efficient and Lab will assist struggling
Technology, Daryl Vaz, seamless.” companies to survive the
says that the advance- “This would make the pandemic, providing
ment and development Caribbean an even more them with mentorship,
of the region is hinged appealing destination technology services, net-
on the use of technol- for investors and busi- works, and connections to
ogy to aid in building nesses,” he added. enterprise opportunities
resilience, productiv- Approximately 200 and investors.
ity and sustainability. technology businesses in The initiative will
Speaking during the Jamaica and three other connect 1,000 regional
virtual launch of the Tech Caribbean countries will technology entrepreneurs
Beach Retreat (TBR) Lab benefit from accelerator to a global community of Jamaica’s Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Daryl Vaz, addresses the
recently Vaz said: “If we services under TBR Lab. technology experts and virtual launch of the Tech Beach Retreat Lab, recently. (PHOTO: JIS)
can harness the tremen- The other islands are train people from the
dous potential of technol- Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean corporate tive is timely and rele- ment with people. tion of the region.
ogy, then our economies Barbados, and The community to undertake vant, as the region battles He said it is also in These include the con-
would dramatically im- Bahamas. corporate innovation with COVID-19 and its tandem with the other tinued implementation of
prove. Service to our Being undertaken with programmes. effects, while ensuring projects that have been the Single Information
people in areas such as seed funding from the Vaz said that the initia- connectivity and engage- launched in recent and Communications
times to accelerate the Technology Space Work
digital agenda of the Plan; resource mobilisa-
COVID kills another J’can; 44 new cases recorded Caribbean.
He cited, among these,
tion and implementation
of the COVID-19 Action
ANOTHER person has case fatality ratio is the per cent) have now recov- COVID-19. the World Bank’s Plan for CARICOM
died from COVID-19, proportion of deaths to ered from the disease. The health ministry approval of a regional Digital transformation;
bringing the number COVID-19 cases. Mexico There are currently 4,398 has warned that there Caribbean Digital and Digital Skills &
deaths from the infec- continues to have the active cases of COVID- could be a huge spike in Transformation Project in CARICOM Girls in ICT
tious disease to 238. highest case fatality ratio 19. COVID-19 cases follow- July to build an inclusive partnership.
The disease’s latest vic- of 9.8 per cent. Clarendon, St. Thomas ing Christmas, which digital economy. Tech Beach is a global
tim is a 63-year-old man Eleven people are crit- and Portland were the could put pressure on Under that project, a community of tech
from St. Elizabeth, the ically ill in hospital and only parishes not to hospital bed spaces. total of US$94 million has entrepreneurs, investors,
Ministry of Health and 19 are moderately ill, the record new cases of The government is yet been approved for influencers, enthusiasts
Wellness has reported in health ministry says. A COVID-19 in the past 24 to make a decision on Dominica (US$28m), and innovators meeting
its November 21 Clinical total of 80 people are hours. St. Ann recorded whether restrictions to Grenada (US$8m), to discuss and exchange
Management Summary. hospitalised. the highest number of prevent the spread of St. Lucia (US$20m), knowledge, resources and
Males appear to be more At the same time, 44 new cases, with 13 peo- COVID-19 will be relaxed St. Vincent and the opportunities.
susceptible to dying from more people have been ple testing positive; for the festive season. Grenadines (US$30m), From its home base
the disease. confirmed with the coro- St. Catherine recorded Business interests, in- and the Organisation of in the Caribbean, Tech
The number of deaths navirus that causes 10 and the Corporate cluding the Jamaica Eastern Caribbean States Beach connects technol-
places the country’s case COVID-19, bringing the Area, eight new cases. Manufacturers and Commission (US$8m). ogy entrepreneurs and
fatality ratio at 2.3 per total number of recorded Westmoreland and Exporters Association, Vaz added that the organisations, with the
cent, which is above the infections since March 10 Hanover each had three have been pushing for a Caribbean Community skills, resources, opportu-
current rate of 2.1 per to 10,284. However, there new cases, while relaxation of especially will be undertaking sev- nities and leadership to
cent the Johns Hopkins were 24 new recoveries, Trelawny, St. Elizabeth the 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. eral key digital initiatives help them solve big prob-
University has calculated which means that more and St. James each curfew hours, to boost for 2020-2024 to assist in lems and accelerate their
for the United States. The than half the cases (53.5 recorded one new case of economic activity. the digital transforma- transformation.
Bahamian organisation wins global film award for transforming society
NASSAU, Bahamas – The GSFA recognises November 16-20, with Bahamian environmen- sustain the Bahamian McKinney-Lambert was
The Bahamas Reef outstanding films from BREEF winning first tal stewards. way of life. born.
Environment Educa- the business, non-profit, place in the Transforming The film highlights The film prominently The film was directed
tional Foundation media and creative sec- Society category. BREEF and its Eco- shares the beauty of The by award-winning film-
(BREEF) captured top tors that inspire audi- BREEF and the Rolex Schools programme, and Bahamas with a global maker Fran Mendez, and
honours at the 9th ences with real world Perpetual Planet initia- points to steps being audience. It includes includes underwater
annual Global solutions for a more sus- tive collaborated to pro- taken by young people footage of the island footage by world-
Sustainability Film tainable future. duce the award-winning within schools and com- of Eleuthera where renowned Bahamian
Awards (GSFA), held The 2020 awards short film about educat- munities to combat BREEF’s Executive photographer Andre
recently in the UK. were held online from ing the next generation of climate change and to Director Casuarina Musgrove.
Partly sunny with a few
brief isolated light showers.
Haze Forecast: Moderate dust haze.
High: 11:38 a.m.
and 11:21 p.m.
New York: 12°C Yesterday: 0.6 mm
Miami: 23°C Low: 4:55 a.m. For the month: 94.8 mm Max: 29.4°C
Boston: 06°C and 5:48 p.m. For the year: 1252.8 mm Min: 25.7°C
Toronto: 00°C
Montreal: -00°C
London: 07°C 6:01 a.m. 5:29 p.m.10 • Monday November 23, 2020 The Barbados Advocate
Chilean investors mull
multimillion-dollar
‘agri’ investment
OUTSIDE of Guyana’s nascent oil- agricultural products include grapes,
and-gas industry, which is ex- whole fresh cow milk, indigenous
pected to catalyse widespread chicken meat, indigenous cattle meat,
growth, agriculture is pegged to be indigenous pig meat, apples, tomatoes,
the fastest growing sector in the wheat, maize, and potatoes. There are
coming years, and interest in this 13,564 hectares of organic land in
area has already started to “pour Chile, and approximately 550 organic
in”, with Chilean investors being farms operating in the country.
the latest to signal their intention “Chile is known for their agricultural
to invest in large-scale farming exports, and there are some companies
here. that want to take a look at Guyana’s
The investors’ intentions were com- agriculture sector, and to explore those
municated by Chile’s Ambassador to opportunities,” Dr. Ramsaroop said.
Guyana, Patricio Becker to Chief In Guyana, agriculture is one of the
Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana most important productive sectors of
Office for Investment (Go-Invest), Dr. its economy, accounting for approxi-
Peter Ramsaroop, during a meeting at mately one-third of the country’s Gross
Go-Invest on Friday last. Domestic Product (GDP), and 30 per
The majority of investors over the cent of its employment.
past few years have gravitated towards The Chilean investors are expected to
Guyana’s oil and gas industry, but this add to Guyana’s productivity and pro-
show of interest by the Chilean in- duction in agriculture, with potential CEO of Go-Invest, Dr. Peter Ramsaroop, shares a light moment with Chile’s
vestors is an indication that other sec- investments anticipated to run into the Ambassador to Guyana, Patricio Becker. (GO-INVEST PHOTO)
tors have immense potential as well, hundreds of millions of dollars.
Dr. Ramsaroop told the Sunday Although discussions are still in the ests we are getting,” Dr. Ramsaroop other agricultural projects in Guyana.
Chronicle in an invited comment. preliminary stages, Dr. Ramsaroop said said. The government, he said, has been
The economy of Chile, like Guyana, the Chileans want to invest heavily in While not divulging who it was that encouraging investments in this sec-
depends heavily on agriculture; the large-scale agricultural projects. made it, the CEO said he has already tor by developing agriculture-friendly
country has a market economy, driven Those potential investments at refer- received a proposal to set-up a large- policies, and removing impediments to
by supply and demand, and is ranked ence are aligned with Guyana’s vision scale dairy plant in Guyana. growth in this area.
by the World Bank as a high-income for agriculture, he said, noting that the And with similar proposals “pouring For years, Guyana’s ‘potential’ to be-
economy. country needs large-scale agricultural in”, he anticipates that Guyana’s agri- come the breadbasket of the Caribbean
Chile is also considered to be one of projects. culture sector is going to be one of the has been under the spotlight, and while
South America’s most prosperous na- “We need large-scale farming; more fastest growing industries, outside of the rhetoric has outweighed action on
tions, leading the region in competi- value-added projects… We already saw oil and gas, in the next year. this front, the country will be looking to
tiveness, income per capita, globaliza- that Guyana’s potential is significant in Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar realise its potential in the coming
tion, economic freedom, and low percep- areas like poultry and so on; we have Mustapha, when contacted by this pub- years, with immediate focus on tapping
tion of corruption. the land mass to do large-scale cattle lication on Saturday, said there is a re- into at least 15 per cent of the US$4 bil-
Specific to agriculture, Chile’s main farming, dairy, and those are the inter- newed interest in doing farming and lion regional food import bill.
Guyana expected to rake in about US$240M from rice industry
ONE of Guyana’s largest export com- payment was received, and for the second million from January to August 2020, for
modities, rice, is projected to rake in close contract in 2019, not a cent was received. shipments to the European Union. In
to US$240 million (G$51.6B) this year. Despite this setback, Minister 2019, sales to the same location earned
The country is set to export close to Mustapha said the rice industry is on a US$56 million, after 158,751 tonnes of
540,000 tonnes of paddy, rice and rice positive path, and will only get better as rice was exported.
by-products by the close of 2020, said time goes by. He is optimistic that rice When 2019 and 2020 exports to Latin
Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar production will surpass what was America are compared, statistics show
Mustapha in an invited comment on recorded last year, clearing more than an eight and nine per cent decrease in
Saturday. one million tonnes. volume and value respectively. Hassan
The projected export earnings is 7.5 “This is only the beginning. In Region said this is because Cuba did not receive
per cent more than what was recorded in Five [Mahaica-Berbice], we are doing in- any exports this year, while exports to
2019. The sector, in that year, had earned frastructural work, which will contribute countries such as Panama and Honduras
US$222.7 million from the exportation to a record-breaking production in the decreased.
of 526,617 tonnes of paddy, rice and rice first half of next year; it will start a “But notwithstanding, there are other
by-products. trend,” said Minister Mustapha. countries in which we did well. For exam-
Already, for 2020, exports for the period With higher production, there will be ple, we have sent 11,754 tonnes of rice to
January to October have reached 474,192 greater capacity to supply existing and Colombia, compared to 2,204 tonnes in
tonnes, valued at US$194.3 million. new markets which are being pursued by 2019. Exports to Venezuela were 90,328
And, the country is also yet to receive the government.Available statistics show this year, and last year for the same
payments for rice exported to Panama that Guyana currently exports rice to period, we sold 74,912 tonnes,” he said.
between 2018 and 2019. more than 35 countries. Additionally, last year, the United
“We are trying to retrieve that money In October, GRDB General Manager, States of America received 256 tonnes of
from Panama; $1.9 billion… We are opti- Nizam Hassan had said that there have rice, but the shipping amount increased
mistic that we can retrieve it before the been increases in several blocks, where to 3,006 tonnes this year.
year ends; farmers are suffering, and produce was delivered. In Guyana, rice is an important source
millers want their money, because they For CARICOM countries, including of livelihood. Approximately 6,020
owe GRDB [Guyana Rice Development Dominica, St. Vincent and Jamaica, over farmers produce rice in several regions
Board], and the farmers, so we are trying 50,000 tonnes of rice was shipped at a throughout Guyana. There are 43
to get those things,” said Minister cost of over US$25 million between licensed rice millers and 22 registered
Mustapha. January and August 2020, compared to exporters of rice. Rice accounts for
There were two contracts with the 44,355 tonnes sold during January 3.3 per cent of Guyana’s total Gross
Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, Panama; one in 2018, and another in to August 2019. Domestic Product (GDP) and 20.5 per
Zulfikar Mustapha. 2019. In the 2018 contract, only a part Guyana also earned more than US$66 cent of agriculture GDP.You can also read
