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‘Take fresh look at
Established October 1895
public health’
Page 5
Thursday March 4, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive
BILL TO BOOST
PORT OPERATIONS
IF all goes well, a Bill will be before shall be introducing legislation shortly to “The maritime single window is in- that recognising that there was an urgent
the Parliament of Barbados next support the full implementation of the tended to handle vessel reporting for- need to improve the competitive position
month, seeking approval for greater FAL [Facilitation of International malities, such as the arrival, stay and of the Bridgetown Port, Government con-
use of technology at the Bridgetown Maritime Traffic] Convention, as it re- departure of ships; advanced electronic sidered it wise to also establish an over-
Port, by way of a maritime single lates to the use of the maritime single cargo information; port reception facili- arching enhanced trade facilitation
window. window in Barbados for vessel trading ties and crew shore leave information.We framework in the form of a port commu-
That’s the word from Minister of and moving in our space,” he stated. recognise that effective deployment of nity system (PCS). He indicated that the
Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, Minister Humphrey told those view- the maritime single window would re- cost of the PCS is 540,258 euros, of which
Kirk Humphrey. He made the disclosure ing the launch, that the legislation is al- quire a significant amount of business 47 percent is being provided by the
during the virtual launch of the CARIFO- ready in draft, adding that Barbados, in process simplification and re-engineer- Caribbean Development Bank, through
RUM-EU Economic Partnership pursuit of compliance with its obligations ing. Information technology adoption was a grant from the current CARIFORUM/
Agreement (EPA) and CARICOM Single under the FAL, has through the vital, together with the application of key EU EPA and CSME Standby Facility for
Market and Economy (CSME) Standby Barbados Port Inc. [BPI], built the neces- international standards, rationalisation Capacity Building under the 11th
Facility for Capacity Building Project sary information and communications of trade legislation and significant collab- European Development Fund, and the
Launch: Establishment of a Barbados technology architecture for the establish- oration between the public sector and remaining 53 percent will come from the
Port Community System (PCS). ment of that national maritime single the private sector,” he stated. Barbados Port Inc. (BPI).
“I am happy to say the Government window. The maritime minister went on to say PORT on Page 4
Sugar
crop on
course
THE 2021 sugar crop officially opened
this past Monday and the first signs of
the annual operation were visible yes-
terday. The annual harvest got off the
ground with heavy activity seen at vari-
ous fields across St. Philip, such as
Edgecumbe, Rock Hall and Foursquare.
With all teams and systems prepared
to begin work at the turn of the month,
Deputy Operations Manager at the
Portvale Sugar Factory, Marlon Munroe
said that it was expected that grinding
would commence before the end of this
week. “It is hopeful that grinding opera-
tions will begin by the end of the first
week of March. As you know, there are a
lot of bank holidays in the months of May
and April, so we expect grinding opera-
tions will be completed around the first
or second week of June 2021.”
Minister of Agriculture and Food
Security, Indar Weir noted that despite
the fallout caused by the pandemic,
Barbados was on course to reap a higher
yield this year than was produced last
year. “If I were to compare what we
SUGAR on Page 2 This John Deere 3520 harvester was deployed for the first time yesterday in Edgecumbe St. Philip.
2 • Thursday March 4, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
Large earthquake
imminent
By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste tential to extend their
damage across our region
ACCORDING to Dr. Joan and a strategically located
Latchman, Seismologist at earthquake has the poten-
the UWI Seismic tial to inflict damage
Research Centre, research across the entire island
shows that the largest chain depending on the
magnitude earthquake magnitude.”
may be imminent and it is She noted that earth-
against this backdrop that quakes were not in and of
she believes risk pre- themselves disasters,
paredness should be a pri- rather, disasters were
ority. caused by what humans
Speaking during the did and how they did not
Institute of International cater for the hazards of
The first canes of the 2021 crop were loaded up and shipped off to be ground. Relations, The UWI Panel which they were vulnera-
Discussion on CARICOM/ ble, adding that there
Bigger yields projected for this year Regional Action on
Disaster Risk Reduction
were times when the risks
increased due to imminent
Management recently, Dr. earthquake patterns.
SUGAR from Page 1 duced 7 200 tonnes of will move from 5 000 also report to you that be- Latchman noted that She said that one way
sugar and we are de- tonnes to 13 000 cause of the favourable there was still so much to risks were increased was
produced last year, liberately reducing tonnes to assist the rainfall, our yields are ex- be done to make the due to the way urban cen-
sugar cane yields gave that now to 5 200 to rum industry. pected to be about 17.84 Caribbean risk ready. tres were planned and
us 90 000 tonnes and satisfy the domestic Weir further stated, per acre in 2021, versus “Research done suggests how dense the populations
this year we are pro- consumption and then “These are good times. I 12.14 in 2020. So all that our largest magni- were.
jecting 107 000 tonnes, for export…” he said, am pleased to note what around, everything is tude earthquake may be Dr. Latchman expressed
so therefore we are in- noting that the pro- is happening in the in- trending in the right di- imminent. Imminent in a that preparedness levels
creasing. We’ve pro- duction of molasses dustry and I am happy to rection.” (MP) geological context is a lit- in the Caribbean were in-
tle longer than human sufficient and this needed
context and may still give to be addressed.
us some time to be ready Furthermore, she stated
but we need to do that that while they have been
now,” she said. monitoring earthquake
“We have had large activity in the Caribbean
earthquakes in the for many years and they
Eastern Caribbean, that had historical accounts
is a part of our reality and that dated back to the
for that we should plan. It 70th century and going
is not as though a very back to when the
large magnitude earth- Europeans first came,
quake can occur close to there was a need for the
one island and only that regional hazard maps to
island needs to worry; be updated and they wel-
earthquakes have the po- comed funding to do such.
Ministry welcomes Eric
Lewis as new Senior
Manager of Markets
THE Ministry of of all fish markets in
Maritime Affairs and the Barbados.
Blue Economy welcomes Minister Kirk
Eric Lewis as their new Humphrey commented
Senior Manager of that he appreciates the in-
Markets. stitutional strengthening
Mr. Lewis brings a within the Ministry - he
wealth of experience to stated “I welcome Mr
the post, having worked Lewis to the MMABE
previously in the markets team as he certainly has
for 25 years before taking the knowledge, experience
up the post of Economist and capacity to
in the Ministry of strengthen the work that
Agriculture. He held this has to be done in the mar-
position for 6 years before kets for the improvement
becoming Senior of the fisheries experi-
Economist there. ence.”
The Senior Manager He further stated that
has a degree in “Eric will help us complete
Management and the transformation and
Economics, and will be ex- modernisation of the fish
amining the procedures markets islandwide and I
and regulations for all fish am grateful that he
markets as well as review- agreed to work with us in
ing the finance models this senior capacity.”
with a view to improving Eric Lewis’ post offi-
efficiency. He will also be cially commenced effective
overseeing the operations 1st March 2021.
The Barbados Advocate Thursday March 4, 2021 • 3
Labour laws still in
effect amidst pandemic
A STERN caution has “Now the Ministry of that, as we continue work be called out to work. He
been sent that the Labour and Social to ensure that there is fair- acknowledged that some
country’s labour laws Partnership Relations will ness and reasonableness workers have complained
still remain in effect, continue to ensure that and justice, we make sure about this. He stressed
amidst the turbulence there is fairness, that there that all partners engage in that it is not legal nor al-
and uncertainty that is reasonableness, that such a way as to make sure lowed, for anybody to flout
the present COVID-19 there is justice and that that the laws are followed any instruction given by
pandemic brings. there is adherence to the and that that fairness and the Chief Medical Officer.
Minister of Labour, law and the laws of this reasonableness and justice Acknowledging that
Social Partnership country. All laws, includ- that we so desire, is main- there is no law that speaks
Relations and the Third ing labour laws are still in tained,” the Labour to how workers are to be
Sector, Colin Jordan sent effect, in spite of the chal- Minister further re- treated in relation to time
this reminder as he head- lenges of this pandemic sit- marked. spent in quarantine, he
lined a COVID-19 Update uation, in spite of the fact Jordan meanwhile is said that the government
and Press Conference yes- that we are in very turbu- asking employers in has been asking employ-
terday evening. lent and uncertain times. Barbados to be fair and ing organisations and
“The Minister of Labour All laws that are enforced, reasonable when it comes managers, to as far as pos-
and Social Partnership remain enforced. None of to dealing with their em- sible, assist workers.
Relations has been listen- them have been taken out ployees and to help share As to the matter of vaca-
ing, has been monitoring or abrogated, they remain the burden, given the tion, he noted that such is
and has been acting.These enforced and so we expect weight of the COVID-19 at the discretion of the em-
are turbulent times.These all employers, all workers, pandemic on organisations ployer, but by law, not less
are also very uncertain people generally to adhere and businesses and the than 14 days notice should
times and that uncertainty to those laws,” Jordan country by extension. be given. Minister Jordan
is borne out in much of the stressed. He pointed out that also sent the message that
action and responses that “We are not as a those workers who are workers should be paid
we see from employers and Ministry going to allow asked to quarantine at during their vacation and
workers, as we go through any particular group to home or elsewhere during layoffs should be a last re-
this pandemic period,” take advantage of another the pandemic, should not sort. (RSM)
Minister of Labour, Social Partnership Relations Minister Jordan pointed group and that is why I
and the Third Sector, Colin Jordan. out. want to be clear to say
‘Vaccine not mandatory’
‘Reserves
WHILST the Ministry of strongly encourage people
Labour and Social to take the vaccine for
Security has not received their own good, for the
any official reports from good of their relatives and
workers that employers friends and for the good of
are coercing them to take the country. However, vac-
strong’ the COVID-19 vaccine,
the Ministry has stated its
position that taking the
vaccine is optional at pres-
ent.
cination is not compul-
sory,” Minster Jordan
stressed.
He maintained, “The
medical profession has
By Cara L. Jean-Baptiste COVID-19 on the fund in Minister of Labour, been very clear on that.
2020.” Social Partnership The Attorney General I
DIRECTOR (ag) of the She noted that the Relations and the Third think has been very clear,
National Insurance portfolio was completely Sector, Colin Jordan sent the Prime Minister as well
Department, Jennifer exhausted and as such this reminder, as he head- has been very clear on
Hunte has assured the the NIS Board agreed to lined a COVID-19 Update that. It is not mandatory,
public that reserves of utilise a specific portion and Press Conference yes- even though we strongly
the NIS are strong. of the portfolio of the terday evening. encourage people (to take
Speaking during last National Insurance Fund “I have not had any re- it). So no employer at this
night’s press conference, to facilitate the ongoing, ports of it, but in the point can insist (on it).
Hunte stated that while uninterrupted payment Ministry and in the Jordan further asserted
the Unemployment Fund of the unemployment Department, we know that it is not legal for em-
had been severely benefits. what our response is. ployers to suggest either,
tested in 2020, the She explained that this Government has indi- that employees who do not
overall portfolio of funds specific source was the cated that the vaccine roll- take the vaccine, will lose
of the NIS remained early redemption of some Director (ag) of the National Insurance out is optional. We their employment.(RSM)
strong. Government bonds to Department, Jennifer Hunte.
“The reserves of the loan the Unemployment
NIS are strong. We have Fund and that was how junction with the lion dollars.
adequate reserves to they were able to con- Ministry of Finance. She noted that the in-
meet claims we are re- tinue paying unemploy- She stated that there vestment portfolio of the
quired to pay,” she said. ment benefits last year were six portfolios man- Unemployment Fund
“Now in terms of what and how they will con- aged under the National was totally exhausted.
the Unemployment Fund tinue to pay them this Insurance Department – Additionally, the
faced last year, the year. the NIS, the Severance Fund had
Chairman told you that However, the Unemployment Fund, $74.1 million, the
we paid $155.5 million Unemployment Fund the Severance Fund, the Catastrophe Fund, $41
last year. To put that in will need to be recapi- Catastrophe Fund, million, the Retraining
perspective, the previous talised and the National Retraining Account and Account $1.6 million and
year we spent $49.4 Insurance Fund needed the Sugar Worker the Sugar Workers
million dollars, in 2018 to be repaid, and as such, Provident Fund – the Provident fund $15 842.
we spent $38.1 million Hunte noted that both of largest fund being the “I’ve given you those
dollars and in 2017, those matters were cur- National Insurance Fund figures so that you have a
$32.8 million dollars. So, rently under discussion and the investment port- perspective on the funds
comparatively, you and the figures were folio of that fund as of the that we manage are sig-
can see the impact of being finalised in con- end of January is $3.8 bil- nificant.”
4• Thursday March 4, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
Initiatives will 82-year-old
rectify challenges, man passes
transform BPI away from
PORT from Page 1 maritime space,” he
stated.
Humphrey, describing
the PCS as a critical in-
frastructural element
His comments came as
he said that the project
will bring the country in
COVID-19
and reform tool for the compliance with Article 10
trade facilitation archi- of the World Trade THERE were 23 new pos- Harrison Point Isolation
tecture in Barbados, ex- Organisation’s Trade itive cases of COVID-19 Facility undergoing as-
plained that it is fo- Facilitation Agreement, recorded on Tuesday, sessment to determine
cused on achieving which involves the stream- March 2, while 54 people whether they were in fact
seamless automation, lining, formalities and doc- recovered and were re- newly positive, or they
and will support and umentation requirements, leased from isolation. The had COVID-19 in the past
complement ongoing accepting paper or elec- positive cases were identi- and were no longer infec-
trade facilitation and tronic copies instead of fied from among the 742 tious. The other 12 per-
competitiveness, and original documents and tests conducted by the sons are Barbadians.
enhance reforms being implementing a single Best-dos Santos Public Barbados has recorded
implemented by the window that enables the Minister of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Health Laboratory. The 3,163 confirmed cases -
Government to address sharing of information be- Economy, Kirk Humphrey number of active cases is 1,488 females and 1,675
national transport and tween trade actors 520. One person died – an males - and 2,606 persons
logistics constraints. through a single platform. timely manner. He went tance of strengthening 82-year-old Barbadian have recovered.The public
“The PCS in my view, He further stated in ad- on to say that the appoint- supply chains, and re- man – who passed away health laboratory has so
however, is more than a dition to the development ment system allows for silience and preparedness after spending five days far completed 127,571
technical response. It af- of maritime single window, joint cargo inspections to in the face of shocks and at the Harrison Point tests. On Tuesday, 2,097
fords us as a Government BPI created an electronic be undertaken by the disruptions and it is pre- Isolation Facility. His persons were vaccinated
a policy position that helps payment platform and an Customs Port Health cisely this approach of death brings to 37, the as part of the National
us to not only manage electronic appointment Authorities and regula- transformation that will number of people who Vaccination Programme
needs, but also to rectify system, the latter of which tory agencies, reducing the protect us from things have died from COVID- for COVID-19. To date, a
existing challenges, max- seeks to ensure cargo is time spent in facilitating both known and unknown, 19. The 23 new cases com- total of 43,235 vaccina-
imise opportunities for the processed and delivered clearance. as the world that we know prised eight men and 15 tions have been adminis-
advancement of Barbados and that exports are facil- “These initiatives exem- continues to evolve,” he women. Eleven of them tered – 18,316 men and
and the region within the itated in an efficient and plify the critical impor- added. (JRT) had already been at the 24,919 women. (BGIS)
The Barbados Advocate Thursday March 4, 2021 • 5
Officials urged to ‘take a
fresh look at public health’
HEALTH ministers and inequities in the digital era health that work with each is.
officials in the to ensure that the digital other. “It is also imperative to
Americas have been divide does not widen the Dr. Etienne further consistently know the
called on to work gaps in health inequities.” pointed out that the state of our health systems
toward eight principles Digital health, in which COVID-19 pandemic has and their ability to respond
in the digital people and health systems exposed the need for to the particular needs of
transformation of in every country are health systems to be “more individuals, their
public health, including connected electronically so resilient, interdisciplinary, communities and
achieving universal their health information is intersectoral and families.”
connectivity. easily available and interconnected than The PAHO Chief further
“We need to take a fresh transferable, is important ever… It may seem insisted,“And the only way
look at public health, one for both patients and obvious, but to achieve the to know this is if we have
that is much more holistic health service providers. goal of leaving no one information systems
and inclusive, that The goal of this initiative behind, first we need to capable of capturing and
considers new critical is to accelerate the digital know that this person does processing critical and
factors for the success of transformation of the exist; we need to know disaggregated data and
interventions, such as health sector and where he or she is, and we making it available to the
connectivity, bandwidth, strengthen information need to know what their entire health system
interoperability, artificial systems for health across social and health situation without exceptions.”
intelligence, among the Americas. The
others,” Director of the Pan principles include creating
American Health digital public health goods;
Organisation (PAHO), Dr. accelerating progress for
Carissa Etienne, urged vulnerable populations;
during a high-level virtual global co-operation on
conference of health emerging technologies;
officials. and implementing open,
Director of the Pan American Health Organisation “This renewed approach sustainable, digital
(PAHO), Dr. Carissa Etienne. must also consider information systems for
Apply universal travel health protocols
DR. DELISLE WORRELL infected people at the
has made the airport, in immigration
recommendation that the queues or getting on and
Government and all off the plane".
authorities associated with Worrell explained that
international travel, need Skapinker did an informal
to apply universal health survey of his colleagues,
protocols for all aspects of and found that in Europe
travel. and the US, the processes
Dr. Worrell, the former for boarding and leaving
Central Bank of Barbados aircraft, and passport
Governor, made this control arrangements,
recommendation while exposed passengers to
referencing the Michael serious risk of infection.
Skapinker penned article Skapinker concluded that
in the Financial Times of sitting on a plane probably
February 15,Are Planes as presents few dangers of
Covid-safe as the Airlines infection, but it was what
Say? Worrell in his March happens before and after
Economic Letter said that that are the real problems.
Skapinker reported on a Worrell therefore
Harvard University study, presented the argument
published October 2020, that this was a lesson for
which showed that the the Barbados government,
modern high efficiency air tourist and airport
filters of airplanes remove authorities, hoteliers, and
virtually one hundred per all in the travel industry.
cent of viruses and There is the heavy need for
bacteria from the air they universally applied
recirculate. protocols and procedures
Skapinker explained for all aspects of travel.
that the result was cleaner Dr. Delisle Worrell, former Central Bank of Barbados “We know from the
air than in the Governor. bitter experiences of the
supermarket. On modern past 12 months that the
commercial aircraft, airlines, aircraft in-flight transmission". Covid-19 virus will take
contaminants from a manufacturers and airport Evidence so far suggests advantage of every
sneeze are flushed away in operators. However, the that people are very loophole in the
two to five minutes while authors of the report deny unlikely to catch Covid on arrangements for
in a retail space they might that the results were a plane if everyone is suppression and control.
linger for up to six hours, affected by the funding. wearing a mask and social Co-ordinated efforts to
as said in the study. A search for reports of distancing is being close the gaps in the chain
According to Worrell, on-board transmission of observed. However, there are an urgent necessity,”
Skapinker noted that the Covid-19 unearthed only a is not as much confidence Worrell recommended in
study was funded by few examples of “proven regarding “proximity to the statement.
6 • Thursday March 4, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
Rodney Taylor appointed CTU Secretary General
Port of Spain, Trinidad Digital Technology Officer. overseas missions. While and Operations Manager. “The CTU has to continue
and Tobago – The In that position, he was working with the Ministry In this role, he worked to be a leader in driving
Caribbean Telecom- the technical lead on of Foreign Affairs he with regional govern- the transformation of na-
munications Union Barbados’ digital transfor- briefly headed the CARI- ments in the development tional economies in the
(CTU) welcomed Mr. mation, improving public COM and Caribbean of policies to govern infor- new digital context. This
Rodney Taylor as its sector service delivery Relations Desk where he mation and communica- has to happen country by
Secretary General through the strategic use represented Barbados at tions technology (ICT); led country, but it also has to
from 1st March 2021, of innovation, science and regional policy meetings the work to operationalise happen within a regional
after a public, Carib- SMART technology. of CARICOM and the the CTU’s Caribbean framework such as the
bean-wide recruitment He also has acted as the Association of Caribbean Centre of Excellence, to CARICOM Single ICT
process. Ministry’s Permanent States (ACS). offer consultancy services Space, an initiative for
A national of Barbados, Secretary and formerly No stranger to the CTU, to the Member States, and which CTU is the lead
Taylor joins the CTU from managed the Information Taylor was earlier sec- represented the region in agency. This calls for a
the Barbados Ministry of Systems Unit in onded to the organisation many international ICT very focused and stream-
Innovation, Science and Barbados’ Ministry of between June 2010 and conferences. lined organisation to pro-
Smart Technology (MIST), Foreign Affairs and August 2014 to work as its Sharing his vision for mote harmonised policies
where he was its Chief Foreign Trade and its Business Development the CTU, Taylor indicated, and standards that will
allow us to make the
region more attractive for
investment in the technol- Rodney Taylor, new
ogy sector, and ultimately, Secretary General of
to make life better for our the Caribbean Telecom-
people”. munications Union.
Taylor is an advisor on
Internet Governance and in Management and
has published research on Information Systems
e-Commerce diffusion in from the University of
small island developing Manchester, UK and a
states in the Journal of Post Graduate Diploma
Information Systems for in Public Sector Manage-
Developing Countries. ment from the University
He is a technologist at of the West Indies.
heart and a founding Taylor is an ardent
member and former SCUBA diver and takes
Chairman of the Barbados every opportunity to ex-
Chapter of the Internet plore the beautiful marine
Society, an organisation life in the Caribbean wa-
whose aim is to promote ters.
the open development, He is married and has
evolution and use of the two sons and is the first
Internet for the benefit of Barbadian national sub-
all people throughout the stantively appointed to
world. head the CTU in its 32
He holds a Masters year history.
National Earthquake
Preparedness
Day is tomorrow
RESIDENTS and busi- a.m. to mobile phones,
nesses across Barbados and members of the pub-
are encouraged to take lic will be asked to set
part in the National alarms and choose how
Earthquake Prepared- they decide to signal the
ness Day tomorrow, earthquake simulation.
March 5. At this time, persons
This forms part of the are expected to practise
activities to mark Coastal earthquake procedures
Hazards and Earthquake for their home or office
Smart Month, which and record video footage
began on Monday, March and upload to social
1, and runs until March media, tagging the DEM
31. It is being hosted at Instagram at
by the Department of Instagram.com/dem.bar-
Emergency Management, bados; Facebook at
in collaboration with the Facebook.com/dem.bar-
Technical Standing bados and Twitter at twit-
Committee on Coastal ter.com/dem_barbados.
Hazards. Persons who require
The activity is designed additional information
to sensitise the public may call the DEM at
about the importance of 438-7575, or send an
earthquake and coastal email to Shanice.forte@
hazard preparedness. barbados.gov.bb and
On March 5, a national copied to deminfo@
alert will be sent at 10 barbados.gov.bb.
The Barbados Advocate Thursday March 4, 2021 • 7
Chinese mental
health good overall,
latest survey finds
MOST Chinese people’s men- and nearly 19 percent said they
tal health either improved expect no significant changes.
or remained the same last Less than 14 percent of re-
year, and the majority are spondents had a bleak view of
confident it will improve their mental health in the com-
over the next five years, ac- ing years.
cording to a report released Chen Zhiyan, a professor at
this week. the Institute of Psychology who
Experts said the rosy outlook played a leading role in compil-
is bolstered by increasingly con- ing the annual report, said accel-
venient access to mental health erated efforts to ramp up mental
services and the nation’s swift health services have contributed
response to potential psycholog- to the brightening mental land-
ical impacts from the COVID- scape.
19 epidemic. “Our survey shows that the
The report, led by researchers number of respondents who con-
from the Chinese Academy of sider mental health services to
Sciences’ Institute of Psychology, be convenient rose from 26 per- A report on Chinese people’s mental health is released in Beijing on March 1, 2021.
was based on a nationwide sur- cent in 2008 to between 38 and
vey last year that asked about 42 percent in 2020, signalling by officials and experts. percent in western regions. Shi Haisong, head of the men-
65,000 people to rate their men- that people are seeing more op- “Mental health service provi- The report also drew attention tal health center at North China
tal health status. portunities to learn about men- sions initiated amid the epi- to the mounting mental pres- Electric Power University in
Nearly 45 percent of respon- tal health and coping skills and demic have surpassed those put sure confronting teenagers and Beijing, suggested more re-
dents said their mental health are more likely to receive profes- in place during past emergen- young adults. search into the living environ-
either “improved significantly” sional services when they need cies in terms of quantity, scope It is estimated that people age ments, values and psychological
or “improved a little” in 2020 them,” she said. and overall competency,” the re- 18 to 34 are more prone to feel- traits of the post-2000 genera-
compared with the previous During the COVID-19 epi- port said. ings of anxiety than older tion to provide targeted and
year. demic, the report said that some However, survey results adults. effective guidance.
About 30 percent reported no people - including infected pa- pointed to an uneven distribu-
changes in their mental health, tients, their family members and tion of psychological services,
and the remaining 25 percent people visiting fever clinics or which has resulted in a distinct
said it worsened.
In addition, most participants
under home quarantine - expe-
rienced stress, panic and loneli-
gap in the prevalence of depres-
sion across regions.
Chinese UN ambassador
signalled a positive outlook ness, among other negative reac- For example, the results show
when asked to predict the near
future, the report said.
tions.
A variety of psychological in-
that about 13.4 percent of people
in affluent East China were at
showcases country’s success
About 68 percent said they be-
lieved their emotional state will
terventions, from hotlines and
online lectures to awareness
high risk of developing depres-
sion, compared with 20.6 per- in poverty reduction
fare better in the next five years, campaigns, have been rolled out cent in central China and 20.1
UNITED NATIONS – China’s the 2030 Agenda, he said.
permanent representative to the This victory has not come eas-
United Nations, Zhang Jun, on ily, it benefited from the strong
Russian student helps Chinese farmers Tuesday showcased his country’s
achievements in poverty reduc-
leadership of the Communist
Party of China, a people-cen-
tion and shared experience tered approach, whole-of-society
sell products through livestreaming with UN member states and
agencies.
mobilization, and a targeted
strategy, said Zhang.
HANGZHOU – Fluent in areas offers him unique and “Thanks to your videos, I Zero poverty is a long-held China will enter a new devel-
Chinese, Dmitry Doronin, a doc- charming experiences, quite dif- learned how beautiful the coun- dream of humankind. That is opment stage, said the envoy.
toral student from Russia, is ferent from the hustle and bus- tryside life can be,” said a com- why the 2030 Agenda for “China will work with all par-
keen to share his experience in tle of big cities such as Shanghai ment under Dmitry’s post. Sustainable Development has ties to deepen international co-
rural villages in east China’s where he studies. “In the countryside, you can made “No Poverty” its top goal, operation in poverty reduction
Zhejiang Province with his 1.4 “To our surprise, the young immerse yourself in the tradi- said Zhang at a virtual briefing. and South-South cooperation.
million followers online. Russian not only knows how to tional way of life and under- “As the largest developing We will continue to give strong
Having settled in the country- cook Chinese food but interested stand this country better,” country in the world, China has support to the work of the
side since last August, the 32- in working in the fields,” said Dmitry said. been working hard to eradicate United Nations and the secre-
year-old has created hundreds of 76-year-old villager Bao According to him, the impres- poverty. In the past eight years, tary-general, give full play to the
video clips that record the Mingyue. sions of China among some China has placed even greater China-UN Peace and Develop-
leisurely rural lifestyle in Due to the outbreak of Russians are still outdated de- importance on poverty eradica- ment Fund, vigorously promote
Hengzhang Village, Songyang COVID-19, the sales of local spite the fact that China has tion,” said the envoy, recalling global poverty reduction and the
County, Lishui City. agricultural products had progressed in leaps and bounds. that on Feb. 25, Chinese implementation of the 2030
“The rice is grown in the ter- dropped significantly, so Dmitry “I would like to become a peo- President Xi Jinping announced Agenda, accelerate a better re-
raced fields together with fish, volunteered to promote the ple-to-people envoy of friendship that China has scored a “com- covery from COVID-19, and ac-
which helps minimise pest dam- products in his videos. between the two countries, plete victory” in its fight against tively tackle the challenges of
age and thus contributes to in- In a few months, 10,000 kg of using the help of the Internet,” poverty. climate change,” he said.
creased rice yield,” said Dmitry oranges, 4,000 kg of dried sweet he added. This victory has advanced “China, as a force for peace, a
while introducing local agricul- potatoes and 300 kg of honey Dmitry has been living in China’s economic and social de- force for development, a force for
tural products on the popular had been sold thanks to China for over seven years. After velopment and opened up broad progress, and a force for justice,
Chinese short-video platform Dmitry’s help. seeing how rapidly rural areas prospects for achieving sustain- will continue to make even
Douyin. “After his arrival and benefit- of China have developed, he able development; has improved greater contribution to main-
Apart from filming videos, ing from his live streaming, it plans to stay in the countryside human rights in China; has taining world peace, promoting
Dmitry also enjoys working with seems that more and more after completing his doctorate found a viable path to achieve common development and up-
farmers in the fields, doing ac- tourists have come to visit our degree. development and prosperity for holding fairness and justice.”
tivities such as planting and village,” said 72-year-old Pan “Every village in China is developing countries; and has Some 200 diplomats, UN offi-
harvesting vegetables, feeding Xiannv who is delighted to see unique in its own way, and made an important contribution cials and media representatives,
buffalo and reaping rice. the positive changes in her there is a lot to explore,” he to global development and including about 60 ambassadors,
Dmitry said living in rural hometown. said. boosted the implementation of attended the briefing.
8 • Thursday March 4, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
‘For the cause that lacks assistance, ’Gainst the wrongs that need resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do’
Editorial EU vows legal response as UK moves
NCDs and COVID, unilaterally on Northern Ireland
BRUSSELS/LONDON – The Brexit Withdrawal Agreement but grace period.
striking a balance European Union promised legal
action on Wednesday after the
British government unilaterally
later withdrew them.
The EU said European
Commission Vice-President Maros
“For supermarkets and their
suppliers, as part of the
operational plan the UK
NON-COMMUNICABLE diseases (NCDs) have been on the extended a grace period for checks Sefcovic was holding a call with committed to at the UK-EU Joint
rise here in Barbados for quite some time, and with the on food imports to Northern David Frost, the British minister Committee on 24 February, the
majority of the deaths from COVID-19 in this country being Ireland, a move Brussels said responsible for ties with the EU, to current Scheme for Temporary
persons who also had NCDs, it has brought into sharp focus violated terms of Britain’s divorce express his concern. Agri-food Movements to Northern
the need for our people to develop better lifestyle and eating deal. “The European Commission will Ireland (STAMNI) will continue
habits. Barbados is not unique, as the World Health Since it left the EU last year, respond to these developments in until 1 October,” Lewis said in a
Organisation (WHO) indicated that people with NCDs were Britain’s relations with the bloc accordance with the legal means written statement.
among those most likely to become severely ill or die from have soured, with both sides established by the Withdrawal Ireland’s Foreign Minister
COVID-19, especially those with diabetes and hypertension, accusing the other of acting in bad Agreement and the Trade and Co- Simon Coveney said he had
and there was a call from the WHO to countries to pay greater faith in relation to part of their operation Agreement,” the EU already spoken to Frost to express
attention to NCDs. But even as the WHO made that call, there trade agreement that covers goods statement said. The fate of his regret at the move.
were reports world-wide that people with NCDs have not been movements to Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland was the most “A unilateral announcement is
taking care of themselves as they should, as health facilities The British government bitterly contested issue during deeply unhelpful to building the
have been overwhelmed caring for COVID-19 patients. extended a grace period for some Britain’s Brexit negotiations, with relationship of trust and
Our situation in Barbados has been slightly different, as the checks on agricultural and food London ultimately agreeing to partnership that is central to the
authorities have done their level best to keep those who have products imported by retailers to leave the British-ruled province implementation of the Protocol,”
tested positive for COVID in isolation centres, such that Northern Ireland until Oct. 1 in a aligned to the EU’s single market Coveney said. Some in Northern
where persons with NCDs have needed medical attention, it move it said was necessary to for goods, requiring checks on Ireland and several leading Brexit
has still been available. Nevertheless, we cannot take comfort ensure the free flow of goods to the some items arriving there from supporters want Johnson to scrap
in that, as it is clear that Barbados has a serious problem British region. elsewhere in the United Kingdom. the Brexit deal’s so-called
where NCDs are concerned, and we need to get a handle on In a statement, the European That has already caused Northern Ireland protocol.
this promptly. It is said that one in four Barbadians have at Union expressed “strong concerns” difficulty for businesses who say Johnson said Northern Ireland’s
least one chronic disease and according to the WHO’s NCDs at a move it said amounted to a they have had trouble bringing in place in the UK’s market was “rock
Progress Monitor Report for 2020, NCDs were responsible for violation of the substantive supplies, and more checks were solid and guaranteed”.
2700 deaths in this country, accounting for 83 per cent of the provisions of the Northern Ireland meant to come into force when a “We are making sure that we
overall deaths.Also, it stated that the probability of premature Protocol, the most contentious part grace period ends on March 31. underscore that with some
mortality from NCDs stood at 16 per cent. of Britain’s divorce deal with the Prime Minister Boris Johnson temporary operational easings in
It is crucial that those persons who have diabetes, EU. reiterated a vow on Wednesday to order to protect the market in
hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease and who are “This is the second time that the leave nothing off the table to some areas, such as food supplies,
overweight or obese, take special care in monitoring their UK government is set to breach improve post-Brexit trade with pending further discussions with
conditions, take their medication as prescribed and seek to international law,” the statement Northern Ireland. Shortly the EU,” Johnson told parliament.
maintain active lifestyles. This is important especially at said. Britain last year moved to afterwards, his Northern Ireland “We leave nothing off the table in
this time when we run the risk of being infected with COVID, include clauses in draft domestic minister, Brandon Lewis, order to ensure that we get this
because if your condition is not controlled and you get the viral legislation that breached the announced the extension of the right.”
illness, the possibility of a bad outcome is even greater.
It is imperative that even as the health authorities promote
the need for persons to wear masks, sanitise their hands and
observe physical distancing to help keep COVID at bay, that
Iran looms over Senate hearing for
they also drill home the importance of persons with NCDs
especially, exercising, taking their medications as required
and eating healthy meals. To encourage the latter, the price
Biden nominee for senior US State post
of fruits and vegetables could be reduced, so that more persons WASHINGTON – US senators approach to Iran of former top Republican, also called for
are inclined to eat healthy. peppered President Joe Biden’s President Barack Obama, for bipartisan policy and said he
For diabetics and hypertensive patients, it is important that nominee to be the No. 2 official at whom Biden was vice president. opposed a return to the nuclear
they know their numbers. These persons should be checking the State Department with Biden’s approach must “be pact.
their blood pressure and blood glucose on a regular basis, so questions about Iran yesterday, a decided on the merits of where we Sherman was State Department
that should they notice any change, they are able to take sign she could face difficulty are today, not nostalgia for what counsellor from 1997 to 2001, when
corrective action immediately to address it. winning support from Republicans might have been,” she said. she was also policy co-ordinator on
The fact is one in three Barbadians has hypertension, one even as she warned against The world had changed since North Korea. From 1993 to 1996
in two has high cholesterol and one in five adults over the age “nostalgia” for the Iran nuclear 2016, when the deal was she served as assistant secretary of
of 25 years has diabetes. Perhaps Government should deal she helped broker. implemented, Sherman said.“The state for legislative affairs.
consider ensuring that those persons with hypertension and Wendy Sherman, who helped facts on the ground have changed, Several committee Democrats
diabetes who cannot afford to purchase the machines needed negotiate the international accord the geopolitics of the region have said they looked forward to
to monitor their conditions are provided with them. in 2015, promised a new approach changed, and the way forward supporting Sherman’s nomination
They could perhaps partner with the private sector to make to Iran at her Senate Foreign must similarly change,” she said. but it was not clear how much
them available to persons at a reduced cost.A blood pressure Relations Committee confirmation Sherman said she did not know support she would receive from
monitor for instance can cost between $80 and $130, but for hearing. what the administration’s ultimate Republicans. She can be
someone who is on a reduced income because they have been The 2015 deal, aimed at Iran policy would be, but stressed confirmed without Republican
unemployed or have had their income cut because of the preventing Tehran from acquiring that Biden was determined not to support, since Democrats control
downturn in the economy, it is perhaps not something they nuclear weapons, was fiercely let Iran obtain a nuclear weapon. the Senate.
can afford. opposed by Republicans and some “Iran is a long way from The hearing also considered one
Perhaps consideration could be given to removing duties Democrats, including Senator Bob compliance (with the nuclear of Biden’s long-time foreign policy
and taxes on those devices, as well as home cholesterol tests Menendez, who is now the agreement), as we well know,” she advisers, Brian McKeon, to be
and in the case of diabetics, the testing strips for glucometers, committee’s chairman. Former said. Deputy Secretary of State for
as these items can be quite costly. In fact, one box of 50 Republican President Donald Menendez said while he Management and Resources.
glucometer strips could cost as much as $100 in some cases. Trump withdrew from the pact in supported the Biden McKeon, who was praised by
At this time when we want to encourage these persons to 2018. administration’s decision to engage senators from both parties, served
better monitor their conditions, Government should consider Sherman said she did not expect with Iran, any policy needed as counsel for the committee when
making those strips available to diabetics more frequently as the Democratic Biden bipartisan support to succeed. then-Senator Biden was its
diabetics on insulin get one box per month, while diabetics administration to duplicate the Senator Jim Risch, the panel’s chairman.
using tablets get one box every three months. So to keep a
close eye on their numbers, they would have to purchase Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000
News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes
Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite
extra, but many cannot afford it. E-mail Address: news@barbadosadvocate.com Sports Editor: Corey Greaves
General Manager: Sandra Clarke
Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen
Certainly we can do more to help our people who have Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan
NCDs. Action is needed now if we are to help save lives. @The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate
The Barbados Advocate Thursday March 4, 2021 • 9
South Seas Hideaway Crystal Lagoon Swim-Up One-Bedroom Butler Suite with
Infinity-edge Pool at Sandals Royal Barbados. Patio Tranquility Soaking Tub.
Sandals Royal Barbados announces expansion plans
SANDALS Resorts These accommodations resort’s total restaurant vegetable smoothies and guests also have full rants, 14 bars, 11 pools
International (SRI) will also showcase black- count to nine. The juices. exchange privileges with and five whirlpools.
continues its develop- out shades, soothing Greenhouse, a rustic Two new freshwater the neighboring Sandals Sandals Royal
ment in the Caribbean lights, and an in-room farm-to-table eatery, will swimming pools will be Barbados, creating a Barbados is now accept-
as Sandals Royal aromatherapy system offer guests elegant cui- tucked away in a tranquil mega-vacation that in- ing reservations for these
Barbados breaks with relaxing essential sine prepared with lo- section of the South Seas cludes two all-inclusive accommodations for ar-
ground on an exciting oils to personalize scent cally sourced meats and Village. One swimming resorts for the price of rivals beginning July 1,
new expansion, just in experiences and promote seafood and straight- pool will have a full-serv- one – 20 total restau- 2021.
time for the summer a great night’s rest. from-the-garden fruits ice pool bar offering
season. Guests staying in the and vegetables. Heart newly curated low-calo-
Set to premiere July 1, new butler suites cate- and Sol, the resort’s café, rie cocktails. With vari-
2021, the South Seas gory will also enjoy a per- combines the variety, ous flavors to choose from
Village at Sandals Royal sonal butler, 24-hour speed and service of a like the Ginger Mule,
Barbados will be home room service, and VIP New York-style deli with Brûléed Lemon Sour,
to 66 new suites, bring- check-in. locally sourced culinary Green Gin and Cucumber
ing the total room count “Sandals Royal offerings for a fresh and Slush, guests can enjoy
to 338, which include Barbados is the ultimate clean alternative to sand- the taste of the
the brand’s signature indulgent resort for cou- wiches, soups, salads, en- Caribbean without the
Rondoval™ suites, ples who are looking for ergy-boosting smoothie guilt.
Skypool and Crystal top-of-the-line luxury. bowls, and nutrient- When staying at
Lagoon Swim-Up suites We’ve added more suites, packed fresh fruit and Sandals Royal Barbados,
and Millionaire Butler restaurants, and pools to
suite concepts; two new elevate our options which
wellness-inspired eater- further enhance the al- BANK RATES
ies, The Greenhouse ready incredible guest ex- Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of
Restaurant and Heart & perience,” said Adam business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados.
Sol café, bringing the re- Stewart, Executive
sort’s impressive restau- Chairman of Sandals Valid for March 4, 2021
rant count to nine; and Resorts International. Notes:
two new relaxing pools. “This news comes on Currency Buying Selling
Flanked between lush the heels of our recent ex- Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000
gardens and the pristine, pansion at Sandals South Canadian Dollar 1.56405 1.61031
white sand beach of Coast, bringing the East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445
Maxwell Beach, the ex- world’s first Swim-up Euro 2.36559 2.46521
ceedingly romantic addi- Rondoval Suites to Pound Sterling 2.73903 2.85437
tions will be character- Jamaica and a re-imag- United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857
ized by spacious and ined beachfront Dutch Demand/Sight:
bright rooms, high- Village, as well as new Currency Buying Selling
Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313
pitched ceilings and chic properties in Curaçao Canadian Dollar 1.57295 1.60890
furnished light-wood fin- and Saint Vincent and East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306
ishes with quartz inlay - the Grenadines, marking Euro 2.40030 2.44991
designed for seclusion, re- nine Caribbean islands Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948
laxation and serenity. for the Sandals Resorts Pound Sterling 2.77922 2.83665
The South Seas Village International footprint. United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768
will include hallmark of- This moment of unparal- Telegraphic Transfer
ferings such as the leled expansion at Currency Buying Selling
Sandals Tranquility Sandals® Resorts is Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313
Blissful Bed™, with a something we are proud Canadian Dollar 1.57593 1.60890
East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306
premium king-size bed, of, as we continue to raise Euro 2.40482 2.44991
complemented by fine the bar on the Luxury Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948
linens and a pillow Included® vacation Pound Sterling 2.78445 2.83665
menu, marble baths experience and support United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768
adorned, his and her the region we love so
sinks, bath amenities by deeply,” Stewart contin- INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL
the Red Lane® Spa, a pri- ued. CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE
vate outdoor Tranquility RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS.
Soaking Tub™ for two New restaurants N.B. These rates are not meant to be used for trading.
and a full in-room bar Two new culinary con- BDS$
Guyana Dollar 0.00945
complete with a selection cepts will also be intro- Jamaica Dollar 0.01329
of liquors including duced at Sandals Royal T & T Dollar 0.29896
Robert Mondavi wine. Barbados, bringing the10 • Thursday March 4, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
Bahamas PM urges
full support for UWI
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As “Allow me to make a plea to all global development and ex-
annual budget meetings at the governments of contribut- pressed his pride in being a UWI
The University of the West ing territories to make good on graduate himself.
Indies (The UWI) com- their subventions, particularly Critical decisions aimed at
menced on Tuesday, in these unprecedented finan- bolstering the financial sustain-
Prime Minister of The cial times – the current and ability of The UWI will be made
Commonwealth of The post-pandemic periods” he said. as the meetings end today. They
Bahamas, Dr Hubert Minnis, He added: “The circumstances facilitate dialogue among all 17
urged fellow governments to of COVID-19 dictate that we of the university’s contributing
invest more in the regional must work together to ensure member governments in shap-
university for the future eco- that The UWI, our internation- ing operating budgets.
nomic development. ally recognised, esteemed uni- The gatherings, hosted by the
Addressing the opening cere- versity, stays afloat. Therefore, government of The Bahamas
mony for the meetings of techni- we must carefully plug this year, comprise senior
cal advisory committees (TACs) any holes that we may have government officials and perma-
for The UWI, Minnis called for found in our regional flagship nent secretaries in the min-
an investment rather than an university.” istries responsible for tertiary
expenditure approach to the Minnis also congratulated The education, and finance among
university. UWI on its high reputation and other key stakeholders. Bahamas Prime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis.
Bermuda
re-imposes
curfew after
rise in COVID
cases
HAMILTON, Bermuda —
Bermuda yesterday, reintro-
duced a night-time curfew fol-
lowing a spike in coronavirus
cases in the island, but Premier
David Burt said he “took no joy”
over the measure.
Health Minister Kim Wilson
said the move was made
after the island suffered an
“emerging outbreak” of COVID-
19 which may be linked to
the virulent UK strain of the
virus.
The curfew will run from mid-
night to 5:00 am (local time) and
businesses will have to close at
11:00 pm, she announced at
Tuesday night’s weekly media
A section of the Caroni River contaminated by dirt which caused the shutdown of WASA’s Caroni Water Treatment Plant. briefing.
“The government takes no
joy in re-implementing such
Dirt dumped in river disrupts T&T water supply measures. I take no joy in re-im-
plementing such measures.
AFTER more than 300 000 cus- take to the plant.” ited truck borne supply would The deposited dirt, Gonzales However, we will continue to do
tomers had their water supply Officials said following an in- be available to affected cus- said, discoloured the water. what is necessary to control
disrupted on Tuesday, the spection of the river, the source tomers which priority being Gonzales said such dumping any outbreaks so we can contain
Water and Sewerage Authority of the discharge appeared to be paid to health institutions, gov- was a breach of the Environ- the coronavirus on our shores.
(WASA) has moved to take in the Manuel Congo area in ernment agencies and homes mental Management Authority We learned our lesson in
legal action against a contrac- the vicinity of the compound be- for the elderly. rules. November and we will not make
tor for illegally dumping mate- longing to Harry Persad and Responding to the turbidity “The turbidity was as a re- the same mistakes again,” said
rial into a tributary that Sons Ltd. issue, Public Utilities Minister sult of the irresponsible behav- Burt.
empties into the Caroni Water Around 5 pm on Tuesday, Marvin Gonzales denied there iour of a mining contractor lo- According to Wilson, the island
Treatment Plant. WASA officials estimated the was sabotage at the plant fol- cated in East Trinidad. We are had seen a surge in coronavirus
A press release issued by the production rate to be around 45 lowing calls by Public Services taking this matter very seri- cases in the last two weeks
WASA advised customers that million gallons daily, compared Association president Watson ously and we will be taking ac- and half of the 17 active cases
operations at the plant were to a capacity of 75 million gal- Duke for its members to “rest tion against this contractor to were from on-island transmis-
stopped around 7 am due to ex- lons daily. and reflect” at home. set an example. When we talk sions.
traordinary high turbidity in Customers served by the “It is not sabotage because about the transformation of the She said the new cases were
the raw water in the Caroni treatment plant were advised the executive director (Dr water sector these are the an “emerging outbreak” linked to
River. Operations at the plant that it could take up to 48 hours Lennox Sealy) went on “the things we have to address and a mutation which was first
had to be restarted around 1 for their pipe borne supply to ground of the Manuel Congo tackle head-on.” transmitted locally in mid-
pm on Tuesday. normalise, in keeping with es- River in Arima where they dis- Gonzales said the plant serv- February.
The release stated that it “ap- tablished water supply sched- covered equipment owned by a ices over 300,000 customers Burt added it appeared that
peared to be due to an illegal ules after the plant returns to well-known contractor dump- “both in North and Central the infections happened at a sin-
discharge upstream of the in- full production. They said a lim- ing dirt” into the river. Trinidad.” gle event.You can also read
