SHOPPING RUSH Barbadian young leader among finalists for Commonwealth Youth Awards 2021 - UFDC Image Array 2
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Established October 1895 Barbadian young leader
among finalists
for Commonwealth
Youth Awards 2021
PAGE 5
Thursday January 28, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive
SHOPPING RUSH
A CALL made by Prime
Minister Mia Amor Mottley
With the second lockdown
looming as we roll
as there was enough food
and enough time to get
national pause, which would
see activity across the island
see contracted working hours
for supermarkets between
for members of the public i n t o Fe b r u a r y, m a n y their affairs in order. brought to a bare minimum in 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday to
to not panic and rush to Barbadians failed to Addressing locals and a bid to curb the spread of the Friday with them remaining
supermarkets ahead of take heed of the Prime visitors this past Tuesday COVID-19 pandemic. Set to closed on weekends.
next week’s national pause Minister’s appeal to not evening, Prime Minister kick in on February 3 and run
fell on somewhat deaf ears. bombard shopping centres Mottley revealed plans for the for two weeks, the pause will RUSH on Page 3
Mere hours after Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced tougher measures to combat COVID-19, Barbadians rushed to supermarkets to stock up on items
ahead of the lockdown, which comes into effect from Wednesday, February 3. Long lines were the order of the early morning hours and Massy Warrens was no
exception.
Central Bank governor: A difficult 2020
AT the beginning of 2020, triggered global recessionary vulnerabilities of the island. recovery efforts,” said Haynes. virus in the key tourism source
the Central Bank of Barbados conditions and curtailed “However, the progress markets of the island. The IMF,
expected the economy to international travel. Haynes made since the start of the Recovery uncertain in its most recent forecast,
expand slightly by 1.75 per also highlighted that depressed four-year economic adjust- The governor continued by has raised slightly its global
cent, but due to COVID-19, tourism activity, a dampening ment programme with the explaining that despite the forecast for 2021 and a rebound
there was a contraction of the of consumption and delayed International Monetary Fund significant impact on the of growth in the major
real economy by 18 per cent. investment projects led to a (IMF) enabled us to adapt economy last year, the Bank source markets of Barbados
During the 2020 Economic sharp contraction in economic economic policy, quickly was hoping for a strong partial is anticipated. The new
Review yesterday, Governor of activity, elevated the level mobilise external funding, build recovery in 2021. However, that challenges faced include the
the Central Bank of Barbados, of unemployment, subdued unprecedented reserve buffers hope has been muted by the re-emergence of lockdowns
Cleviston Haynes, explained government revenue and and close the financing gap that heightened uncertainty caused
that the pandemic had amplified the economic might otherwise derail our by the ongoing effects of the REVIEW on Page 4
2 • Thursday January 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
COVID-19 update: One death, 16 positives, 22 discharged
ANOTHER Barbadian 11. Barbadian nationality Isolation Facility for as- staff members and 259 1,079 persons have
has passed away from The 761 tests carried and one of unknown na- sessment. male inmates. recovered.
COVID-19. The 51-year- out by the Best-dos tionality. One of the new The total number of To date, Barbados The public health
old woman, who had an Santos Public Health cases is someone who cases at Her Majesty’s has recorded 1,443 laboratory has so far
underlying illness, died Laboratory on Tuesday, was previously sent to Prisons Dodds remains confirmed cases – 580 completed 100,890
on Tuesday, January 26. also identified 16 new the Harrison Point at 361, consisting of 102 females, 863 males – and tests.
The Ministry of Health COVID-19 positive
and Wellness, and by ex- cases, while 22 people
tension the Government recovered from the viral
of Barbados, extend illness and were dis-
sincere condolences to charged from isolation.
the family and friends of As a result, there are
the deceased. Her pass- now 353 active cases on
ing brings the number the island.
of COVID-19 related The 16 new positives
deaths in Barbados to comprise 14 persons of
House fire in St. James
ABOUT 11:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, January 26, Brief facts
2021, a fire of unknown It was reported that
origin destroyed a smoke was coming from
two-bedroom abandoned the abandoned house.
wooden house owned by When neighbours investi-
Peter Hinds of Upper gated, the fire had already
Carlton, Saint James. burnt the mentioned
It also extensively dam- abandoned house and had
aged a wall-constructed started to burn the houses
upstairs and downstairs of Peter Hinds and Mark
house occupied and owned Cadogan.
by the said Peter Hinds. A Three tenders and
third house constructed of 10 personnel from the
wall and board belonging Barbados Fire Service re-
to Mark Cadogan of sponded and extinguished
Upper Carlton, Saint the fire. Investigations are
James was also destroyed. ongoing.
The 16 new positives comprise 14 persons of Barbadian nationality and one of
unknown nationality.
Public in favour of
mask-wearing being
made mandatory
GOVERNMENT’S deci- tecting themselves and colleagues, etc.”
sion to make the wear- their families and every- Jenny Taitt was also
ing of masks in public one else”. in agreement with the
spaces mandatory Echoing similar senti- measure. However, she
from next Wednesday ment, Samantha Pilgrim said it should be effective
has received support said she saw it as a immediately rather than
from members of the positive move made by from February 3.
public. Government. However, “I think they should be
Speaking to The she stated it should have forced to wear it immedi-
Barbados Advocate yes- been mandatory in all ately and yes, I believe
terday, persons said they public spaces rather than there should be a penalty
were in agreement with being only mandatory on for not wearing it in pub-
Tuesday’s announcement public transport and in lic places because the way
made by Prime Minster public buildings from the I see it is if you go in and
Mia Amor Mottley as she beginning of the year. you cough in a space,
gave a COVID-19 update. “Kudos to the powers somebody could very well
Giving his name as that be who finally made end up with it who de-
Kevin, this gentleman the important decision to cided that they don’t need
told this paper he is “glad mandate the wearing of to wear a mask as well
that they implemented masks, not only in public and carry it home to their
that because what you buildings but in public families or friends. So I
would find was that spaces... Because in my believe it is a reasonable
people were not wearing opinion, it not only pro- measure under the cir-
their masks appropri- tects those who are wear- cumstance. The only
ately and thereby endan- ing the masks, but also thing that I think is that
gering others. So maybe protects those who are it could have been [imple-
now that it is an offence around them, especially mented] immediately; all
to not wear your mask, when you go back home the other things could
people will now take to your household, your have fallen into place at
mask-wearing a bit more family, your friends and the time recommended.”
seriously and hereby pro- by extension your work (MG)
The Barbados Advocate Thursday January 28, 2021 • 3
Relieved!
PRESIDENT of the Democratic
Labour Party (DLP), Verla De
Pe i z a , i s r e l i e v e d t h a t t h e
Government has finally taken the
step to implement a lockdown, to
assist in the fight against the
highly contagious and potentially
deadly COVID-19 virus.
In a statement released yesterday,
De Peiza, as she reflected on the meas-
ures announced Tuesday by Prime
Minister Mia Amor Mottley, that are to
be put in place from February 3 to 17,
in an effort to help curb the spread of
the COVID-19 virus in this country,
said that her Party has since last year
been calling on Government to hit
reset in the best interest of the coun-
try. Her comments came as she con-
firmed that the DLP did participate
in the multi-sectoral meeting held
by the Government on Tuesday. The
Things at Cost-U-Less had eased up considerably by mid-morning. political leader indicated that this is
not a new development, contending
that it is in keeping with any national
Long lines at crisis in Barbados, as she added that
the DLP has always played its part in
the democratic process.
supermarkets “Having gone on record consistently
since December of 2020 with our rec-
ommendation for a reset in relation to
RUSH from Page 1 both the protocols and the need for a
short lockdown, we are relieved that
When The Barbados Advocate made the Government has seen the wisdom
the rounds at mid-morning, the lines on of moving in that direction. We were
the outside were somewhat consistent not coping well. We truly needed to
with what they usually are at this time stop to catch ourselves. We know it will
of the month. Visits to Popular Discounts not be easy financially or mentally.
in Spooner’s Hill, PriceSmart, Massy But that is the position we have found
Stores Warrens and Cost-U-Less saw ourselves in today,” she added.
manageable lines with no crowding or While pleased with the decision
need for police intervention. However, re- to shut down temporarily, De Peiza
ports state that earlier in the morning, voiced concern that village shops are to
there were extended lines which started be excluded from the list of businesses
as early as 6 a.m. and wrapped around allowed to operate during the pending
the buildings in some instances. The line at Popular Discounts stretched for some distance at their Spooner’s Hill lockdown. She alluded to the negative
Popular Discounts at Kendal Hill was complex. impact that such closures will have
also reported to have long lines, with on some people in our country, and
video circulating on social media showing Cherish Cosmetique, another popular location, onto Prince William Henry expressed hope that it will be re-
a level of unrest as customers tried to store in Bridgetown, was reported to have Street, James Street and Roebuck Street. viewed.
gain access to their Spry Street store. a line that moved along its Swan Street (MP) “It is hoped though that the decision
in relation to small village shops,
which sustained us during the last
lockdown, will be revisited. It is one
area we had wished addressed. It must
be remembered that for some, the
village shop is their only shopping
option and that $7.00 to get to the su-
permarket represents a large chunk
of their budget,” she stated.
De Peiza went on to express heartfelt
condolences to the families of those
who have died as a result of the virus.
“To those who are ill we say to you:
You are in the hands of some of the
most accomplished medical profession-
als in the region. You must have the
faith and confidence that you will get
through this,” she stated.
Moreover, she called on Barbadians
to recognise the need to protect them-
selves and their loved ones by follow-
ing the protocols, staying home as
much as possible, and getting back to
our roots.
“It doesn’t only take a village to raise
a child, but the village must look out
for the vulnerable amongst us. Know
your neighbour, help your neighbour.
Together we can come out on the other
side better than we were before,” she
PriceSmart had a line that wrapped around their building. added.
4• Thursday January 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
Growth forecast revised downwards
REVIEW from Page 1 travellers, which will slow cines is expected to slow
the recovery of global the spread of the virus and
and travel bans as well as tourism that Barbados is facilitate a gradual return
the tightening of quaran- heavily dependent on. to more normal levels of
tining requirements for “The availability of vac- global economic activity.
However, the rollout across
markets needs to acceler-
ate, so as to create condi-
tions for the return to a
growth-oriented adjust-
ment path,” he said.
The Bank has not yet
taken into account any Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Cleviston Haynes.
potential effects of the re-
cently announced planned tinue to adapt to the eco- activity on revenues and important during this
domestic shutdown by the nomic circumstances and the likely need for the difficult period to provide
Government on Tuesday the front-loaded accumu- Government to continue to support for tourism-
evening, but has revised lation of reserves in 2020 address the health and related businesses as it
downwards its growth will allow Barbados to con- socio-economic issues gen- is critical that the sector,
forecast from the range of tinue to meet its external erated by the pandemic comprising businesses and
7 to 10 per cent to below obligations on time. will force the Government employees, is able to re-
5 per cent. Unlike in the rest of the to keep its fiscal targets, spond nimbly as conditions
“The forecast is sensitive economy, agricultural out- including for the primary improve.
to the demand for tourism put was 1.9 per cent higher balance and debt, under The interest rate envi-
and, given the uncertainty than a year ago. constant review. ronment is expected to
and the omnipresent The main source of the stay low in the midst of the
downside risks in this growth was higher food Recommendations high level of excess liquid-
environment, the Bank crop production. Chicken One of the recommenda- ity. Financial institutions
stands ready to review and production contracted as tions given by the Bank will need to continue to
revise its forecast as events tourism and local demand was the acceleration of the work with their clients on
unfold,” Haynes said. were depressed while milk capital works programme a case by case basis, includ-
The governor expanded production suffered from of the Government and ing providing new funding,
further by stating that the heat-related stress and a also for putting in place where appropriate, to min-
5 per cent growth was an deterioration in grazing the infrastructure to imise the risk of default
optimistic expectation and pasture conditions. secure growth over the and help borrowers to
the number could be lower. The unfavourable im- medium term. Haynes navigate these difficult
Economic policy will con- pact of weak economic noted that it was equally circumstances.
Why leave out the shops?
A FORMER Attorney St. John. The small farm- say to the workers that massive error in judge-
General of this ers are already asking, ‘So the shops employ, come let ment. He maintained that
country is asking the where are we going to go?’ me give you some money? when the United States
Government to ex- Because these are not fel- Why the supermarkets took the decision to close
plain its rationale not las that can go to Roberts and not these small the borders to the United
to allow community and buy six and seven and shops?” he queried. Kingdom, Barbados
shops to open during eight bags at a time, not to Brathwaite said a legit- should have followed suit.
the upcoming lock- mention the fact that she imate question to be posed “If Europe as a whole
down period. employs people. I am sure to the Government is said we are closing our
Attorney-at-law and that there are other whether big business is borders to arrivals from
former Member of so-called village shops more important than the the UK and they had a
Parliament, Adriel around Barbados or com- small operators. better capacity to manage
Brathwaite, said while munity shops around “A reasonable inference COVID-19 than small
he understood that the Barbados that are in a that one can draw is, Barbados, who are we to
Government was perhaps similar position, and you were you afraid of the big say you are welcome? So
concerned about people cannot describe them as a businesses who actually don’t take a decision like
congregating at those vil- place that people congre- said that they don’t that and then you end up
lage and community shops gate and are thereby ex- support the shutdown, with the same strain out
and possibly helping to posing themselves and the but they would support of Britain and say there
spread the virus, they community unnecessarily Government because is shared responsibility,
needed to strike the right to COVID,” he told The Government has taken a because it wasn’t shared
balance as the negative Barbados Advocate. position? So it appears responsibility when you
impact of closing those Brathwaite said during you have taken a halfway took the decision. Because
establishments would be the initial lockdown in measure to try to appease if you asked most
far-reaching. 2020, the community them by allowing them to Barbadians, they would
He said while the sug- shops remained opera- open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., have said shut the borders
gestion may be that the tional and he is therefore but to the voiceless, which because it is quite obvious
village shop is where per- curious now why that is the small businesses, that it would come at a
sons hang out, drink, play position has changed. you say you must close for cost,” the former Attorney
dominoes and lime, that’s “I want to know why is two weeks and that’s it,” General said.
not true of all. He said Government taking a po- he lamented. He made the point while
many of those shops pro- sition to bring further un- He expressed concern stating that the country
vide food for the commu- employment to small busi- too that vendors were dis- was doing relatively well
nity and a service to small nesses, who are already advantaged, and main- in the management of
farmers. struggling, and who when tained that supermarkets COVID until the tourists
“What is the definition they send home their peo- were not any safer than a started to come in larger
of a village shop? For ex- ple come February 3rd for vendor selling fruits and numbers. Brathwaite
ample, there is a shop here two weeks, do not have the vegetables to the public. said that sadly, the
in St. John I go by quite resources to pay them to Brathwaite’s comments Government’s economic
often, a large part of her be home. Is Government came as he charged that decision has put the
business is the selling of going to help the shop- Government’s failure to health of the country at
feed to small farmers in keepers, are they going to close the borders was a risk.
The Barbados Advocate Thursday January 28, 2021 • 5
B’dian young leader among finalists Focused on compliance
EVEN as Government Wednesday, the wearing
for Commonwealth Youth Awards 2021 seeks to put some activi-
ties in the country on
pause for at least two
of masks will be manda-
tory in public places, but
she indicated that excep-
BARBADIAN young winners, one outstanding weeks to get COVID-19 tions would be made for
leader Taahir Bulbulia young person will become under control, great persons who are exercis-
is among 20 extraordi- the Commonwealth thought has been given to ing or who have medical
nary young individu- Young Person of the Year ensuring that there is conditions which prevent
als from 18 countries 2021. compliance of the proto- them from doing so.
who have been an- All 20 finalists will cols during the lockdown “If you cannot wear the
nounced as finalists each receive a trophy, cer- period among those who mask or face covering, by
for this year’s tificate and £1,000 to ex- are deemed essential serv- reason of medical, physi-
Commonwealth Youth pand the impact of their ices, and then when the cal or mental illness or
Awards. projects. Each regional country is expected to disability, we will under-
The awards recognise winner will receive reopen around mid- stand that; if you’re eat-
outstanding Common- £3,000 and the overall February. ing or drinking or taking
wealth young people pan-Commonwealth win- During an address to medication or speaking as
whose projects are ner will take home a total the nation on Tuesday I said, we will understand
transforming lives of £5,000. night, Prime Minister that. But let us try to do
in their communities Speaking ahead of Mia Amor Mottley as she the right thing, and that is
and helping to achieve the announcement, outlined a plan to intro- do it because one, you are
the Sustainable the Commonwealth duce a new curfew and the protecting first and fore-
Development Goals Secretary-General closure of most businesses most yourself; secondly,
(SDGs). Patricia Scotland said: from February 3 to 17, the ones that you love;
More than 1,000 “Every day, in all parts revealed that the thirdly, the ones that you
entries from 43 of the Commonwealth, Government has agreed to work with; and fourthly,
Commonwealth coun- young people are deliver- establish posts classified all other Bajans that
tries were received last ing a vast range of im- as chief compliance offi- you’re interacting with.”
year. The finalists were pressive innovations. cers. Their jobs, she said, She added, “We also are
selected across each of Much of what they do will be to make sure that asking you immediately to
the award’s regional may go unnoticed or be in large government de- get back to arming your-
categories following a taken for granted. partments in particular, selves with the hand san-
rigorous judging process. “Yet, often it is what such as the healthcare itizers as a way of life...
This year, the awards young people do which facilities, the protective I am saying to all the
have expanded to include makes all the difference, services, ports of entry women out there, when
five regional categories: especially now at a time and markets that persons you pick up your handbag,
Africa, Asia, the of unimaginable human are complying with all of pick up your hand sani-
Caribbean, Europe and suffering inflicted by the Taahir Bulbulia the protocols. tizer. I’m saying to the
Canada, and the Pacific. pandemic and economic “I’ll be fair, for the men, when you pick up
The top finalist from crisis. bringing innovative ideas development experts most part, businesses in your cell phone, pick up
each region will be an- “The finalists remind and creative solutions to and youth leaders Barbados have literally your hand sanitizer. Let
nounced as the regional us that there is no lack support, lead and deliver from across the been complying with the the cell phone and the
winner at the official of ideas or talent, but of a future of peace, pros- Commonwealth. protocols. Where we have hand sanitizer become a
awards ceremony on 10 support mechanisms perity and progress.” This year’s ceremony dropped our guard as the Siamese twin. Wash your
March 2021. The cere- necessary for young in- The call for nomina- will also recognise a se- Minister of Health has hands and your face as
mony will be held vir- novators. tions was announced on lect number of young peo- told us repeatedly, has often as possible.”
tually for the first time “So, our initiatives such International Youth Day ple who have successfully been in the communities,
due to the COVID-19 as the Youth Awards put on 12 August 2020. The addressed the challenges on the ground, in the Exercise responsibility
pandemic. a spotlight on outstand- judging panel included posed by the pandemic in shops and the blocks, all of The Prime Minister fur-
Of these five regional ing young people who are high commissioners, their communities. those areas and we will ther stated that even
make sure that we aggres- when visiting family or
sively enforce going for- friends, masks should be
PM Mottley announces travel changes ward, because the chances
of persons getting ill when
we don’t enforce are sim-
worn. While acknowledg-
ing that the Government
cannot enforce such a
ply too great,” she con- measure in the home, she
Minimum five-day quarantine, mandatory antigen test on arrival tended. urged persons to do it for
their own safety and that
PRIME Minister Mia welcome you. And the that way we know that five nights before a PCR Barbadians must give of their loved ones.
Amor Mottley has an- truth be told, we need you you fall within the 72-hour swab is then taken to de- their help and support “In a sense, this talk this
nounced changes to proto- here. We really do. But we category.” termine whether you are With that in mind, the evening is as much about
cols for persons entering also want you to respect The prime minister also suitable for safe exit from Prime Minister reminded the adoption of personal
the island. and adhere to our proto- announced the introduc- that facility. Barbadians tuning in to responsibility as anything
In an address to the cols and other regula- tion of a mandatory rapid “If you are positive with the televised address, that else...When we became in-
nation on Tuesday night, tions.” antigen test on arrival. the rapid antigen test, even with aggressive en- dependent, we did a won-
Prime Minister Mottley As such Prime Minister “Because those tests pick then you must go immedi- forcement, they have a derful job of telling people
declared war on COVID- Mottley said, “Effective up persons who are posi- ately to Harrison’s Point part to play as well, and about our rights, but we
19 and revealed a suite February 3rd, all persons tive and who can be pulled for assessment, because must be willing to give didn’t do as good a job of
of changes coming not desirous of visiting out immediately for any obviously you have, as oth- their help and support to reinforcing what our re-
only to everyday life of Barbados shall be permit- further action. And that ers who have tested posi- ensure the fight against sponsibilities are. And as
Barbadians, but for per- ted to board a plane only takes care of the period of tive, to be assessed by the COVID can be a success. I’ve said on so many occa-
sons making their way if, as has happened before, time of additional risk be- doctors to ensure that She suggested that once sions, if we left a house un-
into the country during they are in a possession of tween when taking the they can appropriately the protocols are followed, attended to, then it would
the pandemic. a negative PCR test, but I test between then and the categorise where you are. there is at least an 80 per start to fall apart on its
During the broadcast, want you to listen to me point of arrival. And I say so because there cent chance of fighting own because we’re not
Prime Minister Mottley carefully – the test taken “We are then saying, is a view that a PCR or COVID-19, which she de- maintaining it. Similarly,
said, “Persons visiting no more than three days once you have a negative antigen test is just a sim- scribed as an “invisible if we don’t exercise re-
Barbados as Barbadians prior to departure. And test, you will then go to a ple issue. It is not. The doc- enemy”. sponsibility first to our-
coming home, as I’m making this clear be- Government-authorised tors have insisted on as- Her comments came as selves, our bodies, to our
Barbadian residents, as cause in some instances quarantine centre where sessment of patients when she urged Barbadians to families, to everyone in
persons who are long-stay people have been coming you will then spend – and they have tested positive, ensure they wear their our immediate environ-
residents but not with a test result dated whether that is a free so they may appropriately masks correctly and ment, our work col-
Barbadian, as Welcome three days before. We one or whether that is one determine the type of care sanitise their hands on a leagues, then we put them
Stampers, as visitors, want the tests to be done where you pay, you will and the type of facility regular basis to keep the all at risk,” the country’s
tourists. We love you. We three days before, because then spend a minimum of that is needed.” (JH) virus at bay. From next leader contended. (JRT)
6 • Thursday January 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
Education sector members urged
to dedicate time for prayer
iPRAY Caribbean programme’s 24-hr prayer
initiative to take place between January 30 and 31
IF there was ever a guidance in education, all including teachers, stu- and others – whether in
time for prayer within of our lives, the lives of oth- dents, parents and person, on telephones or
the education sector, ers, other sectors and insti- guardians and said per- virtually,” he continued.
it is now. tutions, our economy, our sons could seek out God’s He sent out a special call
Founder of the country, our Caribbean re- wisdom in the solutions. for prayer for those “who
FreeMind Institute Errol gion, and even the world. Urging persons to regis- do not believe in God or
Griffith is therefore urg- Let us ask God to lead us ter at www.ipray- not absolutely sure that
ing all persons to take the in the reshaping and caribbean.com for neces- God is real, asking God
time to pray during a rebuilding of our lives, sary details, Griffith stated to reveal himself to
24-hour period between our country and the persons are asked to indi- them that they would
January 30 and 31 Caribbean, and in making cate their intention to join forever know that He is
through the iPRAY them the best that they in the time of prayer. real.”
Caribbean programme. can possibly be. What do “Persons are asked to “iPRAY CARIBBEAN
“iPRAY CARIBBEAN we have to lose in doing pray as led, and pray any asks that you and all
proposes that this is a this?” he said. and everywhere and for associated with your insti-
time, if there was ever one, Griffith, a Personal whatever length of time tution – teachers, staff,
for all in the education sec- Development Specialist during the 24 hours. students, parents, alumni
tor to dedicate time to pointed out that this Persons can choose to pray and others – be encour-
prayer as one. Let us ask pandemic time was a alone privately, as families, aged to join in this time of
God for His wisdom and traumatic one for many with friends, colleagues prayer,” Griffith stated.
2021 dedicated to Creative Economy
THIS year has been innovation and problem-
dedicated to the creative solving to imagine
economy and its critical ourselves out of the
role in promoting challenges of inequality
sustainable development, and vulnerability that we
especially in a post-coron- face daily. The creative
avirus world. industries, the lifeblood of
Deputy Secretary- the creative economy, are
General of the United well placed to help.”
Nations Conference on The resolution recog-
Trade and Development nises that the creative
(UNCTAD) Isabelle economy has the potential
Durant said that the reso- to support developing
lution by the United countries and countries
Nations (UN) to declare with economies in
2021 “International Year transition in diversifying
of Creative Economy for production and exports
Sustainable Development” and to deliver sustainable
was timely. development in an
“The creative industries inclusive and equitable
are critical to the sustain- manner.
able development agenda.
They stimulate innovation Creative industries
and diversification, are an badly hit by pandemic
important factor in the COVID-19 has dealt a
burgeoning services sector, terrible blow to the
support entrepreneurship, creative industries, which
and contribute to cultural employ more than 30 mil-
diversity,” she said. lion people globally, mostly
The creative and cul- young people. In 2020,
tural industries have also estimates say the cancella-
played a major role in tion of public perform-
mediating the digital ances alone has cost
transformation happening authors roughly 30% of
globally, and more so since global royalties, while the
COVID-19 pushed us global film industry has
online in unprecedented lost $7 billion in revenues.
numbers. UNCTAD has tracked
“When the resolution trade in creative goods and Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations
was being negotiated and services for close to Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
approved, no one could 20 years, during which the Isabelle Durant.
have anticipated what the growth rate of creative
intervening year would economy exports has often look bleak,” Henderson Goals (SDGs),” she added.
hold: a status quo-shatter- outpaced that of other indicated, “Hence the “Without them, the
ing pandemic,” said industries. urgent need to both economic development,
Marisa Henderson, Head “No new estimates are promote and protect the women’s empowerment,
of UNCTAD’s Creative available for the creative creative industries espe- and cultural and poverty
Economy Programme. economy in 2020 yet but, cially in the decade we alleviation targets within
“But more than ever, we due to the COVID-19 have left to achieve the the SDGs are unlikely
need creative thinking, pandemic, the prospects Sustainable Development to be met.”
The Barbados Advocate Thursday January 28, 2021 • 7
China urges less travel during upcoming holiday
CHINA has rolled out a se- high risk of COVID-19 shall and the State Council. travelling unless necessary, manded smooth logistics that those who work during
ries of guidelines to ensure stay at their current resid- Travel from medium-risk the circular said. and transport services to the holiday enjoy due over-
the well-being of people ing localities to prevent areas will need permission According to the circular, meet the needs for shop- time payments and rest
who had been asked to spreading the epidemic, from the local all localities, especially ping, recreation, and enter- under the relevant laws.
avoid travelling during the said a recent circular re- epidemic prevention and large and medium-sized tainment of people who The Spring Festival, or
upcoming Spring Festival leased by the general offices control authorities. Those cities, are asked to guaran- stay where they work dur- the Chinese Lunar New
holiday. of the Communist Party of living in low-risk areas tee stable supplies of neces- ing the holiday. Year, falls on Feb. 12 this
All residents in areas at China Central Committee shall be advised to avoid sities and energy. It de- Efforts should ensure year.
China vows
to root out
corruption
CHINA’S top discipli- smooth implementation of
nary body on Sunday the 14th Five-Year Plan
adopted a commu- with strong political over-
niqué, vowing unremit- sight;
ting efforts to improve -- Deepen the anti-cor-
Party conduct, build a ruption campaign and ad-
clean government and vance the system under
fight corruption to en- which officials “don’t dare
sure the implementa- to, are unable to and have
tion of the targets and no desire to commit acts of
tasks set for the 14th corruption” as a whole; in-
Five-Year Plan period vestigate corruption cases
(2021-2025). in which political and eco-
The communique was nomic issues are inter-
adopted at the fifth ple- twined;
nary session of the 19th -- Beef up the fight
Central Commission for against deep-rooted prac-
Discipline Inspection tices of formalities for for-
(CCDI) of the Communist malities’ sake and bureau-
A worker at the Sonam Dargye protection station in the Hoh Xil National Reserve in Qinghai Province, Party of China (CPC), cratism; curb behaviours
northwest China, feeds Tibetan antelope calves on December 7, 2020. which was held in Beijing related to hedonism and
from Friday to Sunday. extravagance; supervise
Conservation efforts have revived Xi Jinping, general sec-
retary of the CPC Central
Committee, Chinese pres-
the implementation of reg-
ulations related to doing
business by leading offi-
ident and chairman of the cials’ spouses, children,
population of endangered species Central Military Com-
mission, attended and ad-
and their children’s
spouses;
AT the Sonam Dargye pro- pointing to a 5-month-old. he said. adopted to revive them. dressed the session. Other -- Address corruption
tection station in the Hoh “It was injured in a traffic Established in 1997, the Statistics from the NFGA Party and state leaders, in- and misconduct that occur
Xil National Reserve in accident.When I rushed to station has saved over 300 show that the artificially cluding Li Keqiang, Li on the people’s doorsteps
Qinghai Province, north- the site, it seemed to be Tibetan antelopes. The bred population of over 300 Zhanshu, Wang Yang, to promote social fairness
west China, the staff has dying. The volunteers at number of the animals in endangered wild animal Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and justice as well as safe-
been babysitting an un- the station operated on it Hoh Xil has increased species has been stabilised and Han Zheng, also at- guard the legitimate
usual group of kids for and saved its life.” from fewer than 20,000 in in the past five years. The tended the meeting. rights and interests of the
more than five months. Caisuojia told China the 1980s to over 70,000. number of artificially bred The session reviewed people;
These are baby Tibetan News Service he is respon- Thanks to the protection and wild Crested Ibis, a the CCDI’s progress in -- Improve coordination
antelopes that have been sible for feeding the calves, efforts, China has more bird known as the oriental 2020, laid out its tasks for in disciplinary inspections
rescued from injuries and cleaning their pens and ex- than 300,000 wild Tibetan gem, has surpassed 4,000; 2021 and passed a work at different levels, giving
other mishaps. amining them.The station antelopes at present, ac- and that of wild Asian ele- report delivered by Zhao full play to intraparty su-
The lake at Hoh Xil has has 13 caretakers. Every cording to data released by phants has increased to on behalf of the Standing pervision and public over-
been dubbed the delivery morning, they prepare the National Forestry and 300. Committee of the CCDI, sight;
room of Tibetan antelopes. milk for the antelopes. Grassland Administration Some artificially bred according to the commu- -- Integrate various
Every year from May to “Every milk bottle has to (NFGA) on January 4. endangered animals have nique. forms of supervision and
July, pregnant females be disinfected with hot The population of other been released in the wild. A speech made by Xi at improve the effectiveness
from the Sanjiangyuan re- water and dried. We have endangered wild species In November 2020, a batch the session was studied, of supervision and gover-
gion in Qinghai, Xinjiang to first test the tempera- has also seen stable of 25 milu deer, also known and it was agreed that nance, including strength-
Uygur Autonomous ture of the milk by squeez- growth in the past five as Pere David’s deer, were the speech provides impor- ening oversight on leading
Region, also in the north- ing a few drops on the back years, according to the ad- released in the Dafeng tant guidance to further bodies and their heads;
west, and Tibet Autono- of our hands,” he said. ministration. Nature re- Milu Deer National enforce full, rigorous -- Deepen the reform of
mous Region in southwest After the eight antelopes serves have been set up to Nature Reserve in Dafeng, self-discipline within the discipline inspection and
China make the long jour- turn 2 years old, they will protect endangered wild Jiangsu Province in east Party. supervision systems and
ney there to give birth. be trained to live in the species. Today, nature re- China.This was the eighth An eight-point list of re- promote intraparty and
When they return with the wild and finally returned serves cover 18 percent of time the reserve had re- quirements was put for- state supervision across
calves, some of the babies to nature. China’s land area and pro- leased the milu into the ward by the session: the board;
fall behind and get sepa- “Every year when we re- tect 90 percent of flora wild. -- Uphold Xi’s position as -- Conduct strict self-su-
rated from the herd. This lease them, we feel very species and 85 percent of The deer, with a horse’s the core of the CPC pervision and self-disci-
year, the rangers at the sad, especially when they protected wildlife species. face, a donkey’s tail, cow’s Central Committee and pline and build an iron
station saved eight such turn around to look at us. Milu revival hooves and stag’s antlers, the whole Party, as well as anti-graft team that is
abandoned calves. However we tell ourselves In addition to protecting is native to China. the authority of the CPC loyal, clean, professional
“We saved this one in that since the kids have endangered species in However, overhunting and Central Committee and its and with a strong sense of
July,” said Caisuojia, a grown up, we the parents their natural habitat, arti- habitat loss led to its near centralized, unified lead- political integrity and re-
worker at the station, have to bid them goodbye,” ficial breeding is also extinction. ership to ensure the sponsibility.
8 • Thursday January 28, 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 US terrorism alert warns of
In a fight for politically motivated violence
WASHINGTON – The dential transition, as well and advisories about the 2020 election results or
Department of Homeland as other perceived griev- prospect for violence tied police use of force. It also
our lives Security issued a national
terrorism bulletin yester-
day warning of the
ances fueled by false
narratives, could continue
to mobilise to incite or
to a particular date or
event, such as July 4.
However this particular
singles out racially moti-
vated acts of violence such
as the 2019 rampage tar-
EARLIER this week Prime Minister Mia Amor potential for lingering commit violence? the bul- bulletin, issued through geting Hispanics in Texas,
Mottley announced her Government’s intention to violence from people moti- letin said. the the department’s as well as the threat posed
impose a two-week “national pause”, to help the vated by anti-government It did not mention any National Terrorism by extremists motivated
country to get a handle on the COVID-19 cases, sentiment after President ideological or political affil- Advisory System, is no- by foreign terrorist
which have skyrocketed since the end of last Joe Biden’s election, sug- iation, instead warning table because it effectively organisations.
year – this is to be commended. gesting the January 6 riot more broadly about “indi- places the Biden adminis- The alert comes at a
No one can deny that we need to stop, take stock at the Capitol may viduals frustrated with the tration into the politically tense time after the riot at
of where we are and take firm and decisive steps to embolden extremists and exercise of governmental charged debate over how the Capitol by supporters
ensure that the number of cases do not continue to set the stage for additional authority and the presi- to describe or characterise of then-President Donald
rise. Now, while Government says that it has the attacks. dential transition, as well acts motivated by political Trump who were seeking
capacity in the healthcare facilities that is needed The department did not as other perceived griev- ideology and suggests that to overturn the presiden-
to deal with the situation, the nature of this virus, cite a specific threat, but ances and ideological it sees violence aimed at tial election. DHS also
and the fact that we have also discovered that the pointed to “a heightened causes fueled by false overturning the election as notes violent riots in
British variant is present on the island – a variant threat environment across narratives.” akin to terrorism. “recent days,” an apparent
that is said to spread faster, and could be as much the United States” that it These individuals, DHS The wording of the reference to events in
as 30 percent more lethal than earlier versions, believes “will persist” said, “could continue to single-page document Portland, Oregon, linked to
is definitely cause for concern. since Biden took office on mobilize a broad range suggests that national anarchist groups.
Sadly, it would seem that 2021 is shaping up to be January 20. of ideologically-motivated security officials see a The alert was issued by
an even worse year than 2020, if that is even “Information suggests actors to incite or commit connective thread between acting Homeland Security
possible. COVID has not only decimated our tourism that some ideologically- violence. recent violence over the Secretary David Pekoske.
industry, but has put our healthcare system under motivated violent extrem- It is not uncommon for last year motivated by Biden’s nominee for the
tremendous pressure. As of January 26, we had a ists with objections to the the federal government to anti-government griev- Cabinet post, Alejandro
total of 1 443 cases, of which 353 were active exercise of governmental warn local law enforce- ances, whether over Mayorkas, has not been
and yesterday we recorded our 11th death from authority and the presi- ment through bulletins COVID-19 restrictions, the confirmed by the Senate.
COVID, and the fourth for the month of January.
These are alarming figures, and while it is hoped
that the two-week shutdown should help to get a
handle on the situation, unless the people in this
country are willing to play their part, then the
Fed on hold as officials weigh pandemic
shutdown will be all for naught.
The truth is that the country’s economy really
cannot afford a shutdown at this time, but we can-
against vaccines, fiscal support
not afford not to shut down, and then have an even WASHINGTON – The cause them to waver on the pre-pandemic level, That’s designed to help
greater outbreak of the virus and more deaths. So Federal Reserve is ex- promise of continued loose Bostjancic wrote. push the economy onto
we all have to do our part – wear our masks pected to keep US mone- monetary policy. Since approval of the a path of both higher
when in public places, on public transport and even tary policy locked in crisis- Like many economists, first coronavirus vaccines employment and one that
when around family and friends who do not live fighting mode at its meet- Oxford Economics Chief in December, Fed officials meets, after years of
in the same household as us. ing ending yesterday as U.S. Financial Economist have shared a general misses, the Fed’s 2% infla-
We also have to sanitise our hands and in that policymakers assess an Kathy Bostjancic said she view that the US economy tion goal.
vein, we think it is imperative that the COVID-19 economy still struggling anticipates a “mini-boom” was likely entering what Investors appear to have
Monitoring Unit ensures that those establishments through the shock of a pan- beginning in the spring as one called the “endgame” taken the Fed’s higher in-
that will remain open during the lockdown period demic but looking forward more of the population is of the pandemic, with flation talk seriously. The
are following the protocols, and that includes to relief from ongoing vaccinated, people feel short-term risks but expected inflation rate
ensuring, for example, that the hand sanitising vaccinations and new freer to travel and spend, a likely buoyant second over the longer term as
stations at supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations government spending and the Biden administra- half of this year. measured by Treasury
and the like, are actually emitting an adequate plans. tion’s own spending plans However they’ve also securities indexed for
amount of sanitiser, as we have had reports that Over its last few meet- moved forward. noted the large hole left in inflation has moved above
there are some which do not. ings the Fed has rolled out About 25 million people the economy, particularly 2%. Fed officials them-
But sadly, COVID is not the only virus that we significant changes to US had received at least one of the job market, after a year selves have begun laying
have to contend with at this time. For a few months policy, linking any future the required two vaccine that saw activity crash the foundation to ignore
now we have been hearing about a rise in increase in interest rates doses as of Sunday, and spectacularly last spring what’s expected to be a
dengue cases and deaths across the Caribbean to a persistent rise in infla- Biden hopes to boost the and come back only spike in prices this spring
region. tion, and tying any change pace of daily shots to partially so far due to the and summer, spurred by
From 2019, the Caribbean Public Health Agency in its $120 billion in 1.5 million. He has ongoing health crisis. faster economic activity
has been warning about the likelihood for an out- monthly bond purchases requested an additional The United States actually but also distorted by
break of the mosquito-borne viral illness and it to “substantial further $1.9 trillion in government lost jobs in December. comparison to weak prices
seems now to be upon us. And while here in progress” on its employ- spending to speed vaccina- Many of the steps that last year.
Barbados, the Ministry of Health has been trying to ment and inflation tions and expand benefits the Fed took last spring in “The rebound in market-
educate persons about the signs of severe dengue, targets. available for households response to the onset based inflation compensa-
a lot of that information is lost in the COVID noise. If anything, economic and businesses. of recession, including tion measures will not
Many people are not taking heed to the messages to data since the Fed met in Though that could fuel slashing interest rates to alarm the Fed,” said
keep their surroundings free of stagnant water, December has disap- faster economic growth, zero, are now expected Paul Ashworth, chief US
perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and pointed, and analysts say “Powell will maintain his to remain in place for a economist for Capital
because the focus is on COVID, not much is said of central bank policymakers dovish tone for now,” by potentially extended pe- Economics. “Instead, Fed
the dengue cases until they take a turn for the will likely fend off any noting that inflation riod of time - with policy- officials are more likely to
worse. suggestion that the remains below the Fed’s makers not anticipating view the rise as a welcome
As it stands, we have had three dengue-related economic boost from vac- 2% annual target and the the need to raise interest vindication of the tweaks
deaths so far and if we are to ensure that cines or a possible surge level of jobs is still about rates for perhaps three they made to the policy
no more occur, then Barbadians also need in prices this spring will ten million short of its years. framework.”
to be vigilant as it relates to mosquitoes. Certainly
we know that persons are perhaps feeling Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes
overwhelmed by all this sickness, but we must have E-mail Address: news@barbadosadvocate.com Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite
Sports Editor: Corey Greaves
General Manager: Sandra Clarke
Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen
faith and remember that prevention is better than Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com
Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan
cure.
@The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate
The Barbados Advocate Thursday January 28, 2021 • 9
Dow, S&P 500 sink 1% on Boeing results
THE Dow and the S&P are just getting pum- pected to keep monetary the top drags on the Dow In a week packed with jors have recently come
500 slid more than 1% meled,” said Sean O’Hara, policy locked in crisis- Jones Industrial Average quarterly earnings from back into favor after
on Wednesday as president of Pacer ETF fighting mode, with in- after the planemaker mega-cap companies, blowout results from
Boeing slumped on Distributors in Malvern, vestors also looking for- took a hefty $6.5 billion Microsoft Corp rose 1.9% streaming giant Netflix
posting a record an- Pennsylvania. ward to relief from ongo- charge on its all-new after its results as the Inc, and as investors
nual loss, while de- Focus later in the day ing vaccination programs 777X jetliner due to the software maker continues dumped economy-linked
clines were exacer- will be on the Federal and new fiscal spending COVID-19 pandemic and to benefit from remote banks, energy and small-
bated by hedge funds Reserve’s statement after plans. the aftermath of a two- working and learning cap stocks.
selling off long posi- a two-day policy meeting. Meanwhile, Boeing Co year safety crisis over its trends globally. However, concerns
tions to cover a short The central bank is ex- fell 3.1% and was among 737 MAX. Microsoft’s results set a about heightened stock
squeeze sparked by a positive precedent for market valuations, raging
sharp rally in other technology-related coronavirus cases and
GameStop and AMC. companies including any potential disruption
Shares of videogame re- Apple Inc, Tesla Inc and to vaccine rollouts have
tailer GameStop Corp Facebook Inc, which are spooked investors about
and movie theater opera- set to report quarterly a pullback and increase
tor AMC Entertainment numbers later in the day. in volatility in the near-
Holdings Inc each more These heavyweight ma- term.
than doubled on
Wednesday as amateur
investors again piled into
the stocks, forcing short-
sellers such as Citron to
abandon their losing bets.
“As weird as that may
sound, what is partially
responsible for what’s
going on today in the
market is that there’s a
lot of selling going on to
raise cash to cover some
of these big shorts that Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York.
Wall Street expects near-record iPhone
sales despite delay, shut Apple stores
DURING the last three the installed base getting we struggle to see case for ment or migration to a
months of 2020, Apple Inc older, but people were not material outperformance bundled hardware sub-
delivered its flagship refreshing. I think (Apple) in (Apple), absent a sur- scription model,” he wrote
iPhone 12 model weeks knew it would be heavy re- prise product announce- in a note to clients.
later than normal iPhone fresh cycle.”
debuts and shuttered Analyst also expect
some of its stores due to strong Mac sales of $8.69 BANK RATES
the pandemic. billion, according to Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of
But Wall Street is still Refinitiv data from Jan. business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados.
expecting a near-record 26, thanks in part to the
sales quarter for the introduction of models Valid for January 28, 2021
Cupertino, California com- with the first central Notes:
pany’s signature device processor chip for its lap- Currency Buying Selling
when it reports fiscal first- tops and desktop that Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000
quarter earnings on Apple designed itself. Canadian Dollar 1.54786 1.59365
Wednesday, with esti- Overall, analysts expect East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445
mates of $59.8 billion, ac- $103.28 billion in sales Euro 2.37245 2.47235
cording to IBES data from and earnings per share of Pound Sterling 2.68634 2.79946
Refinitiv as of Jan. 26. If $1.41 for Apple’s fiscal United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857
Apple beats the number, first quarter. Demand/Sight:
it could eclipse its all-time A “super cycle” of booms Currency Buying Selling
Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313
record of $61.58 billion in in iPhone sales after sev- Canadian Dollar 1.55668 1.59225
iPhone sales for the first eral more modest years East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306
quarter of fiscal 2018. are not new to Apple - the Euro 2.40726 2.45701
Analyst largely attrib- company’s previous high Guyana Dollar 0.00943 0.00949
ute the boost to the timing came after it announced Pound Sterling 2.72576 2.78208
of the iPhone 12 lineup, the iPhone X, with a new United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768
which had a new look, 5G design. During previous Telegraphic Transfer
cellular data connectivity cycles, Apple’s shares Currency Buying Selling
and new models at the top often traded at lower Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313
and bottom of the sizing price-to-earnings ratios Canadian Dollar 1.55963 1.59225
East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306
range. than its rivals due to Euro 2.41179 2.45701
“They have an ex- Apple’s dependence on the Guyana Dollar 0.00943 0.00949
tremely good understand- iPhone. Pound Sterling 2.73089 2.78208
ing of what their refresh But those ratios have United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768
cycle looks like and when risen over the past year,
waves are possible and and analyst Toni INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL
whey they are not,” said Sacconaghi of Bernstein CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE
Ben Bajarin, head of con- wondered how much fur- RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS
sumer technologies at ther they can go. N.B.: These rates are not meant to be used for trading.
Creative Strategies. “At 33x consensus (fis- BDS$
Guyana Dollar 0.00946
“Every bit of data across cal year 2021 earnings per Jamaica Dollar 0.01361
China and Europe has share), and buyside expec- T & T Dollar 0.29560
shown that not only was tations above the Street’s,
10 • Thursday January 28, 2021 The Barbados Advocate Grenada extends nightly curfew for at least two more weeks THE nightly curfew in Grenada, COVID-19. tem, weaknesses still exist, as hours. We would love to be able people would like to hear, as implemented to help curb the According to Minister Steele, is the case in every other coun- to find comfort in that to say, let they were looking forward to the potential spread of COVID-19 “The threat of COVID-19 has try around the world. He noted us relax, but we also have to look further easement, but at this through social activities, will re- never been greater from outside too that the virus is getting at everything else that is going point, we cannot find a way to main in place, at least for the of Grenada.”Reference was stronger and claiming more and on.” accommodate a curfew going next two weeks. made to the increasing number more victims. He likewise noted that while later, that is, allowing more so- During Tuesday’s Post- of cases in both Barbados and The Health Minister said, “I the government wants to find cial activity, with the risks Cabinet Press Briefing, Minister St. Vincent and the Grenadines, do understand and hear the the balance between lives and where they are right now.” of Health, Honourable Nickolas two of Grenada’s closest neigh- calls from individuals who are livelihoods, what is happening Minister Steele encouraged Steele confirmed that the bours. saying that there is no cluster or throughout the region and the Grenadians and visitors alike to Cabinet agreed to keep the Minister Steele said despite community spread in Grenada changes seen with this virus, maintain compliance with the 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew in tremendous improvements and all active cases are travel re- they prefer to err on the side of COVID-19 protocols, to wear place, although the country cur- made in both the health care lated. In fact, we have not picked caution. their masks in public spaces and rently has only 11 active cases of system and border control sys- up one of those in the last 24- “I know that is not what many to respect the curfew. Jamaica police make early breakthrough in homeless killings KINGSTON – Jamaican po- tern of similar attacks, killed lice said on Tuesday they while they were sleeping, said had detained a person of in- Dennis Brooks, a spokesman for terest as part of their inves- the Jamaica Constabulary tigation into an attack over Force. the weekend on six homeless “We will spare no effort in in- men in Kingston in which vestigating the heinous and bar- four were hacked to death baric murders of these men who and two critically injured. are among our society’s most While Jamaica has one of the vulnerable,” Jamaican Prime highest homicide rates in the Minister Andrew Holness said. world, the attack was particu- Minister of Local Government larly grisly. All suffered chop Desmond McKenzie said the in- A resident of central kingston throws sawdust on blood-soaked cardboard that was used for wounds to the head and the two cident was a reminder “to en- sleeping by a homeless man who was chopped to death at the Intersection of Sutton and Hanover who survived were in a critical sure that the vulnerable among streets on Monday, January 25. Three homeless men were slain in downtown Kingston and a state, police said. us are never seen or treated as fourth further west near Bumper Hall. More worrying still to the local expendable,” urging the home- homeless population, this was less population to stay in shel- Lying on some cardboard on a ways a level of fear from living dered last year in Jamaica, with not the first such occurrence and ters. city sidewalk, flanked by two on the streets of Kingston. gang violence to blame for much could be the work of a serial Some were defiant, though, shopping bags full of posses- “But if anybody goes for me of the violence, and several com- killer. and preferred the relative free- sions, Zenas Gayle, 55, said he (attacks me), I will go back,” he munities remain under a state Several years ago, homeless dom of the streets over the con- would not consider going to a said. of emergency, under constant men were the victims of a pat- straints of shelters. shelter although there was al- Over 1,300 people were mur- watch by security forces. US Customs seizes US$500 000 in vessel headed to Bahamas MIAMI – The United States ronments,” said Tony Arevalo, Customs and Border Protection Director, Air and Marine (CBP) agency said Tuesday Operation, Miami Air and that agents from its Air and Marine Branch. “Nefarious ac- Marine Operations (AMO) and tors often seek to conceal and US federal partners, seized move currency from their ac- about US$500 000 in unde- tivities.” clared currency after stopping a CBP said Air and Marine vessel heading to the Bahamas, Operations “safeguards our na- for an outbound inspection near tion by anticipating and con- Fort Lauderdale, Florida. fronting security threats CBP said the Fort Lauder- through our aviation and mar- dale Marine Unit, Miami itime law enforcement expert- Marine Unit and Miami Air ise, innovative capabilities, and and Marine Branch Multi-Role partnerships at the border and Enforcement Aircraft crew beyond. stopped the vessel and coordi- In 2020, CBP said AMO en- nated with US Homeland forcement actions resulted in Security Investigations and the the seizure or disruption of Drug Enforcement Adminis- 194,220 pounds of cocaine, tration during the vessel in- 278,492 pounds of marijuana, spection. 15,985 pounds of methamphet- Agents discovered the cur- The undeclared currency was discovered in the lining of a cooler and laundry detergent boxes. amine, 952 weapons and rency in the lining of a cooler US$51.5 million, 1,066 arrests, and laundry detergent boxes, 9. work closely with law enforce- paralleled domain awareness 47,872 apprehensions of illegal after being alerted to it by a K- “Air and Marine Operations ment partners to provide un- in the air and maritime envi- migrants.
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