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Established October 1895
ACCESS FOR ALL
See inside
Monday February 10, 2020 $1 VAT Inclusive
CONTINUING education
must not only be made
for those academically
inclined, but for all.
Making this statement,
Parliamentary Secretary in
the Ministry of Education,
Technological and Vocational
Training, Senator Dr. Romel
Springer, said continuing
education must foster
sustainable and inclusive
economic growth, noting this
was achievable if areas of focus
were linked to the needs of
society.
“It is therefore absolutely
essential that we conduct a
critical analysis of our societal,
social and economic needs,
with the intention of creating
programmes which identify
and hone the requisite skills to
address the challenges we face
as a people here in Barbados,”
he said.
“While the courses offered
are varied, there is still some
scope, once resources permit,
for the inclusion of more
general interest and skill-based
subjects. This would ensure a
greater balance between those
areas that currently target
teachers and prospective
teachers, and those that can
target persons who may not
want to enter into the teaching
profession, but may want to
enter the industry,” he stressed.
At the time, he was delivering
the feature address to the
2020 Graduating Class of the
China’s approach to tackling new virus lauded
Top Male Student, Bradley Holder, receives his official document from Chair of the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, Dr. Sylvia
EDUCATION on Page 3 Henry.
THE executive of the May last year, he commended support services have been governor noted that there is discussion panels by leading
Association for Barbados the Chinese government on put in place. a wealth of information that experts from all around the
China Friendship (ABCF) is how it has been handling the “The World Health can keep persons up to date world; and live reports from
throwing its full support crisis situation thus far. Organisation has commended with ongoing efforts being Wuhan and other locations
behind the Chinese “We are grateful for the the Chinese authorities on the undertaken by China. within China and abroad.
Government and members of measures that the government wealth and pertinence of the “Comprehensive up to “There are videos of new
Chinese communities. It comes and the people of the People’s information made publicly the minute information on hospitals being built and
as that country grapples Republic of China has taken available. The medical developments with respect equipped, interviews with
with containing the spread of to contain the virus within authorities and all related to the novel coronavirus is medical staff on the frontline
the novel coronavirus and is China. We are full of agencies in China are in active available to Barbadians from of the fight against the
working to find a treatment admiration for the collaboration with a global the China Global Television epidemic and other real-time
with a network of scientists extraordinary speed and network of scientists from Network to be found in English coverage of life in China and
from across the globe. decisiveness within which leading medical centres in the on MCTV Channel 209 and on how it has been affected by the
In a statement issued by quarantines have been US, Europe and around the YouTube. CGTN programmes crisis. Information on the
former Governor of the Central implemented, new specialised world, in a race against time to include a daily news virus is also available on the
Bank of Barbados, Dr. DeLisle hospitals have been built, find treatment and vaccines conference from Hubei website and Facebook page
Worrell, who announced the supplies of food and medicines for the new virus.” Province – the epicentre of of the Chinese Embassy in
formation of the ABCF back in have been mobilised and The former Central Bank the virus; data and informed Barbados,” Dr. Worrell said.
2 • Monday February 10, 2020 The Barbados Advocate
Erdiston exploring
The Barbados Advocate Monday February 10, 2020 • 3
Parents
online courses
cautioned!
By Marsha Gittens
ERDISTON Teachers’ be offered online,” she of continuing education DISTRICT Education
Training College may said. programmes in Barbados, Officer, Lomer Rock, is
soon add another set In preparation for this, while ensuring that the cautioning parents and
of offerings to prospec- she revealed training had courses developed were guardians to closely
tive students – online begun for a cadre of full- enough to help partici- supervise how their
courses. time staff in teaching in pants adapt to future young charges use elec-
Addressing the 2020 the online environment, needs, issues and chal- tronic devices such as
Graduation Ceremony at “and it is our hope to ex- lenges of our evolving tablets.
the College’s grounds on pand this training to our society. His comments came
Saturday night, Principal part-time staff, so that Outlining the various as he voiced his agree-
Dr. Patricia Saul said tech- some of our continuing ed- courses offered by the ment that technology
nology was available to ucation courses could be college, she expressed can be useful, espe-
increase access for adults accessed online”. concern that out of the 263 cially to assist students
who may find it difficult “This would provide a persons who enrolled in learning concepts on
to arrange their schedules wider cadre of persons in- the programme last year, their own.
to physically enter classes novative possibilities to re- a mere seven had been “If it is not super-
and the institution must alise lifelong learning and males. vised, then students
embrace this. reduce their dependence “This is a clear indica- can get distracted and
“Through mobile de- on traditional face-to-face tion that our females con- they can spend lots of
vices, electronic network- modalities,” she contin- tinue to outdo the males in time on it doing a lot
ing, social media and on- ued. terms of accessing contin- of things that are not
line courses, adult learn- Saul highlighted only ued education opportuni- connected to their
ers can have the opportu- moments earlier that it ties and it might mean education, so it has to
nity to learn anytime and was the wish of the educa- that as a college, we may be supervised.”
anywhere. Hence, it is our tional institution to con- have to look at some other He added, “But in
hope, that in the very near tinue to provide suitable options that may be more terms of students
Push for girls
future, some of our contin- structures and mecha- attractive to the males,” Angela Butcher is all smiles after achieving an learning on their own
ued education courses can nisms for the development she added. (JMB) Advanced Counselling Degree. and guided discovery,
that is where the most
important component
to enter STEM
of it lies, in getting the
student to research
even before they come
to a class and also get-
ting the student to re-
inforce after the lesson
has been taught. You
BREAK gender stereo- remain for women and can go on YouTube and
types that link science to girls in science. you can see the very
masculinity and expose Less than 30 per cent of same thing that the
young generations to pos- the world’s researchers teacher taught you and
itive role models – women are women, with studies you say, ‘Oh, that is
engineers, astronauts and showing that women in how it works.’ So the
researchers. science, technology, engi- importance is reinforc-
That’s the call of Under- neering and mathematics ing and discovery.”
Secretary-General of the (STEM) are published Rock spoke on
United Nations and less, paid less for their re- the sidelines of last
Executive Director of search and do not advance Friday’s presentation
UN Women, Phumzile as far as men in their where 28 Class 3
Mlambo-Ngcuka, ahead careers. pupils of Welches
of International Day of “We need a dedicated Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN Primary School re-
Women and Girls in strategy not only for in- Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. ceived tablets. These
Science, which will be creasing the representa- were given through the
celebrated on Tuesday, tion of women in the tal- gether across sectors to private life in the decades on ‘Technology and Tablet Project of the
February 11. ent pipeline for STEM address these challenges. since, and what this Innovation for Gender Aron and Christina
She said that science jobs, but also for ensuring As we mark the 25th an- means for the ongoing Equality’, with the aim Foundation.
will be essential for decent that they thrive, incen- niversary of the Beijing struggle to achieve gender of catalysing action Rock expressed grat-
work and jobs of the fu- tivizing them to remain in Declaration and Platform equality in science. for game-changing ap- itude to the Foundation
ture, including in the these high-paying jobs for Action (1995), the most “This is a vital part of proaches that provide new on behalf of the
green economy, and it and institutionalising visionary agenda and UN Women’s Generation opportunities to women Education Ministry. He
can create a market for organisational cultures roadmap for women’s and Equality campaign, which and girls, while address- lauded the work the
women’s innovative ideas that enable women to girls’ rights, we need to re- is assembling six diverse ing barriers to connectiv- Foundation does annu-
and products. However, advance in these fields,” flect on the ways in which Action Coalitions to tackle ity, digital inclusion and ally, providing students
she is adamant that there she stressed. the rapid spread of digital the unfinished business digital equality,” Mlambo- with tablets.
is still a long way to go to “This year, we have an technologies has reshaped of gender equality. One Ngcuka pointed out. “Thank you from the
Design relevant courses, says College chair
tackle the challenges that opportunity to work to- every aspect of public and of these will be focused Furthermore, the Ministry of Education
UN Women Executive and we trust that this
Director expressed that will continue and that
generation equality is we will forge greater
a chance to ensure that partnerships, so that
the business community, the future of our chil-
EDUCATION from Meanwhile, in her to those desires. to an established including those in the dren as they go from
Page 1 remarks, Chair of the “It is important that Erdiston Continuing STEM sectors, has a stake school to school, will
College Dr. Sylvia Henry these are done with Education Centre, offer- in and a responsibility be indeed brighter
Erdiston Teachers’ urged the administra- relevance to societal ing formal continuing for gender equality and because they have an
Training College on tors of the programmes change,” she stressed. education credits that women’s empowerment in avenue which they can
Saturday night on the to listen to the needs of Henry encouraged can be articulated across the workplace, market- absorb much informa-
grounds of the educa- the community and to them to develop the the tertiary landscape. place and community. tion.”
tional institution. design courses relevant continuing programme (JMB) (TL)
4• Monday February 10, 2020 The Barbados Advocate
The Barbados Advocate Monday February 10, 2020 • 5
Kamau Brathwaite’s work
remembered and heralded
NEWS of the death of and background to how you did this and you and read her poetry.
Barbados’ literary icon experience his wizardry did dat. But what is that to Kamau, the child good,
Edward Kamau with words. Ultimately you? The road to your and she sounds so much
Brathwaite sent waves however, Kamau’s legacy home still track. It still so like you, but female. You
of grief across the and timeless gift to us all muddy when the rains know how I meaning? She
world last Tuesday. is his powerfully poignant come that Garbage prophesied that a mantle
The award-winning body of work. From collectors come in dry had dropped. That I
Caribbean poet was 89 ‘Odale’s Choice’ and ‘The season. They look should pick it up. That it
years old and would have Arrivants’; to ‘Mother embarrassed as they tell falls for me. What does she
celebrated his 90th Poem’ and ‘Born to Slow Mistress Beverley how know? She is only a poet.
birthday in May. Horses’, he leaves us sorry they is that she Guidance, and much
Several tributes were priceless literary garbage was left, but the love,
made in memory of the treasures that will delight trucks cannot tek it. De Margaret
literary giant, including and shape our minds for mud and everything. We
Prime Minister of generations to come. left wondering what Robert E. Sandiford,
Barbados, Mia Amor “The numerous stellar everything is. writer and comrade
Mottley, who described awards for his work are In Edmonton in pays tribute to Kamau
Brathwaite as “easily one testament to the global September last year, I “[He was] an artist who
of the titans of post- acclaim and respect nearly see you. Serious. challenged us to
colonial literature and the earned for decades of Diary entry: 2:20 in the emancipate our minds
Arts". His chronicling of exceptional literary afternoon, West and celebrate the
our past through his craftsmanship. Kamau Edmonton humanity of our souls.
magnificent works, shone Brathwaite espoused the Mall,13/09.2019: Dearest Kamau’s example is Kamau Brathwaite
a powerful light on the very best of the Barbadian Kamau, a man just passed uncommon and worthy of
realities of our present personality and I wish me near Tim Hortons special praise: His work blanks filled and Kamau’s confronting that same
and in turn, guided our him safe journey to the Coffee shop, and I could continues to teach the famous quote and book advice. It had the feel of
sense of self and national next realm.” swear that it was you! world about language, title “Words Need Love time and space jumping.
identity”. (Lord, let this not mean history, art, culture, Too” was solved in no time. Who you? Whe you come
In fact, Prime Minister Tutor and author you’ve left us)... I know he religion… about itself. In They really didn’t have from... what you feel about
Mottley said one of the Margaret Gill pays wore a turban, but his tall, helping us to liberate our much clue who he was that... and how much?
highlights of her tenure as tribute frail grace, his somber tongues, many of us have though. Not enough Kamau asks in the first
Minister of Culture was Dear Kamau: eyes when he smiled at found more than our Bajans do. piece of advice, delivered
Barbados’ excellent I dreamed you two me, the way he leaned voices.” Later, I shared “The in his hallmark Nation
presentation at nights before your upon his stick and Nines” – nine nuggets of Language. We consider it
CARIFESTA in Trinidad passing. You had died and wandered past me. Twice Linda M. Deane, writer, timeless advice for artists as we settle down to the
and Tobago, featuring you came to say goodbye. from different directions. editor and co-director and art educators that morning’s work, polishing
Kamau’s seminal work When I awoke I was so In West Edmonton Mall. of ArtsEtc pays tribute Kamau wrote for ArtsEtc our biographical poems. I
“Barabajan". happy it was a dream that Ancestor Poet, was it not for Kamau in 2005. can see – and hear – them
“But his reach and I passed round by Cow you? On Wednesdays, I visit “But I was a baby then,” thinking, thinking...
influence were not limited Pastor but not to stop. Tonight my young Parkinson School to share one of the pupils Robert Edison
to his beloved Barbados What would I say – I neighbour came round to a love of words with Form interjected. Sandiford has written
and the Caribbean. His dream you died? That wake me with your 3K. And we think about that that Kamau often seemed
tenure as an educator at would have been crude passing. She is the one They’re a fun, talkative, for a bit. Back in 2005 to be everywhere. To be
institutions from Ghana and far too awkward. Like who wuk up in the road noisy bunch. But engaged. when I was on the phone omnipresent.
to America allowed Walcott, I would only cry. for my good news. Wanted As part of each session, to Kamau asking for his Maybe he’s just a time
Government tackling loss of water
students of every ethnicity They want me to write to share this passing news we “meet” a Barbadian wisdom on what it takes to traveller.
author via a game of be an artist, any kind of
hangman. The lesson plan artist, and to teach art in (Deane and
is plotted a week ahead. Barbados, this girl was a Sandiford are curators
Yesterday’s author? babe in arms. Suddenly of the online perpetual
AT the Inter-American fashion and not simply generational problem Kamau Brathwaite. The she’s a teenager gallery Kamau 85.)
Development Bank (IDB) replace only where pipes which also plagues
IX Annual Consultation of burst and we need to look Trinidad and Tobago,
Caribbean Governors, at our capital city, we need Jamaica, Guyana. Earlier
Prime Minister Mia Amor to look at our other towns in the week she had
Mottley addressed the that are affecting various announced that road work
issue of water loss in amounts of economic would be done on Highway
Barbados and plans are in activity and we need to do 1 and Highway 7 and that
the works to tackle the it because you cannot have the planning and
issue. a ground water crisis, a preparation was tedious
Sitting with president of drought and then afford to due to the fact that the
the Inter-American waste half of the water that initiative was not solely
Development Bank, Luis is pumping out of the about fixing the road, but
Moreno, Mottley reservoirs.” also replacing the existing
highlighted decisions made The real problem or pipe system below.
by her administration to concern according to the In keeping with the
work on lowering the 40 to Prime Minister was the theme of diversification
50 per cent non-revenue hefty cost attached to and each CARICOM
water crisis in Barbados – replacing the pipes. territory being helpful to
non-revenue water being Approximately one million each other, Mottley said
the rain or groundwater dollars is the price tag for that new ways of raising
‘lost’ before it reaches the each kilometre (km) of pipe capital, sharing planning
customer. replaced with the total documents so a country
“We have only replaced length still to be replaced in does not need to do it on its
less than two per cent of Barbados being close to 2 own and the diversification
the pipes from 100 years 500 km. of risk by pooling on things
ago. Now we have Mottley contended that common to each country
determined that we need the water problem and pipe such as water mains.
to do it in a more strategic replacement was a (AS)
6 • Monday February 10, 2020 The Barbados Advocate
Capitalism dominates, poverty on the rise in the region
NAME CHANGE from development. Pan
Back Page Africanist, David Denny in
his opening remarks
Earlier, Prescod noted shared similar sentiments
that capitalism has become and he called for past Pan
dominant across Latin Africanist, Israel Lovell to
America and the be recognised as a national
Caribbean while poverty is hero.
on the increase, and On Sunday, the
argued that the people of Caribbean Movement for
the region are worst off Peace and Integration
now than in the 20th (Barbados) organised a
Century. programme for Black
He said that it is History Month 2020 at
important that people Browne’s Beach, Bay
make a contribution to Street. The programme
society. Prescod noted that was a tribute to the African
there seemed to be no effort Ancestors and it also
to apply the objective of the recognised the July 26,
past struggles to the 1937, Riots in Barbados.
present situation. The As the ceremony ended,
Minister outlined that members of the movement,
poverty is defined as people along with Cuban
being uneducated and not Ambassador to Barbados,
being able to respect Sergio de Jesus Jorge
themselves and they also Pastrana and Chargé
have the inability to be Baba John Howell begins with a libation to the ancestors. On Sunday, Caribbean Movement for Peace and d’Affaires at the Embassy
happy. Integration (Barbados) organised a programme for Black History Month 2020 at Browne’s Beach, Bay Street. of the Bolivarian Republic
“If you don’t have any The programme was a tribute to the African Ancestors and it also recognised the July 26, 1937 Riots in of Venezuela, Alvaro
principles to live by then Barbados. Sanchez along with their
your life doesn’t have any families, representatives
value. You are not of any he wanted to use the event something is done which passionate social activist, who are not assisting with from the Clement Payne
help to yourself, you are no as a moment of reflection contributes to the uplifting Robert “Bobby” Clarke the development of the movement walked to the
help to your children, you on past experiences and he of the quality of life of our expressed the need for region. He emphasised shore and placed flowers
are no help to the nation,” emphasised that whatever people. He stressed that Caribbean people to care that there must be into the sea for their
said Minister Prescod. time is left to all of them, it none of us can do it alone. and support one another dialogue about the ancestors.
The Minister said that is important that Also, present, the and commented on those Caribbean’s next step in its (KPB)
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The Barbados Advocate Monday February 10, 2020 • 7 CLIA: Health and safety of cruise passengers top priority CRUISERS are being reassured by 14 days before embarkation. CLIA the leading voice of the global cruise Members are to deny boarding to all industry that their health and safety persons who, within 14 days before is top priority. embarkation, have had close contact with, In response to recent developments or helped care for, anyone suspected or concerning the 2019-novel coronavirus diagnosed as having Coronavirus, or who outbreak and its impact on the global is currently subject to health monitoring cruise industry, the Cruise Lines for possible exposure to Novel Coronavirus. International Association (CLIA) issued a “CLIA Members are to conduct statement on Friday maintaining that preboarding screening necessary to health and safety of passengers and crew effectuate these prevention measures. is and remains the number one priority of Enhanced screening and initial medical CLIA and its member lines, which make support are to be provided, as needed, to up over 90 per cent of ocean-going cruise any persons exhibiting symptoms of capacity world-wide. suspected Novel Coronavirus.” Given the evolving nature of the ongoing In co-ordination with cruise lines, 2019-novel coronavirus outbreak – and medical experts and regulators around the based upon prevailing guidance from world, CLIA and its member lines will global health authorities, including the continue to closely monitor for new World Health Organisation (WHO) – CLIA developments related to the coronavirus Members have adopted enhanced and will modify these policies as necessary protocols for ocean-going guests and crew with the utmost consideration for the who have recently travelled from or health and safety of passengers and crew. through China, including Hong Kong and “Importantly, the cruise industry is one Macau. of the most well-equipped and experienced These enhanced policies, which are in when it comes to managing and effect as of February 7, 2020, build upon monitoring health conditions of those those which were implemented on onboard, with outbreak prevention and January 31, 2020 and continue to allow for response measures in place year-round. informed decisions on a case-by-case basis Furthermore, ships must be fitted with whether a guest or crewmember will be onboard medical facilities, with shipboard permitted to board. medical professionals available around the “CLIA Members are to deny boarding to clock, 24/7, to provide initial medical care all persons who have travelled from,visited in the event of illness and help prevent Import substitution or transited via airports in China, disease transmission,” it was further including Hong Kong and Macau, within pointed out. needed says PM SPEAKING at the luncheon of the able to ask people to come on board to Barbados Chamber of Commerce help us expand production on a number of and Industry (BCCI) held at the key areas of food and vegetables.” Hilton Barbados Resort recently, Highlighting the figures, Mottley Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley argued that spending BDS$4 000 to 5 000 reiterated the fact that there was a over six to eight weeks on an acre of land need for import substitution in to tend string beans could yield Barbados. approximately 2 200 kg at $11 per kg. The Prime Minister was addressing With that fact, she pushed that no one members of the BCCI, saying that there should be hungry in Barbados or without were areas in which Barbados and work. Barbadians could make use of to create Another sore point for the leader of the revenue. Mottley spoke directly to the country was that there was a large banks present, saying there was a lot of demand for furniture, but the majority of domestic liquidity. items are imported at high costs per year. “The banks need to be prepared to have “We import BDS$28 million in furniture an appetite for things that matter in this and we still want to import it instead of country like tourism.The ability for them making it but the problem is we need to lend more aggressively to the tourism design. I asked the Barbados Community sector is absolutely necessary and the College to come up with a programme for ability for us, I know they have an appetite design so that we can have attractiveness for the renewable energy market but there and not only compete on price point.” are a number of other areas like The administration also made a decision agriculture.” regarding the manufacturing of uniforms Prime Minister Mottley said that one of locally. the areas of agriculture being considered “We took decisions as it relates to was that of string beans, and pointed out uniforms. There has to be some level of that in her youth people would eat string import substitution to give people beans, now broccoli is popular. The Prime opportunities in this country.” Minister then stated that recently, the The aim for the administration is to administration had gone through the make the island attractive through the economics of string beans and it could be diversification of products and services a lucrative and stabilising avenue. offered.The step up in production of Non- "The government is going to be actively Sugar based agriculture and an area such promoting the engagement of food as furniture manufacturing could be one security by ordinary methods and using of the steps taken to that goal. the Agricultural Development Fund to be (AS)
8 • Monday February 10, 2020 The Barbados Advocate
Iranian ‘Victory’ satellite
‘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
Mixed views fails to reach orbit
on BERT DUBAI – Iran unveiled
a new short-range
missile called Thunder
yesterday and launched
said the satellite launch
had not gone as planned.
“I wanted to make you
happy with good news
Tehran says it has never
pursued the develop-
ment of nuclear weapons.
State television
launched from Iran’s
Imam Khomeini Space
Center in Iran’s Semnan
province, a facility under
THERE continues to be mixed positions on just how a satellite named Victory but sometimes life does said Iran’s elite the control of the coun-
effective the Barbados Economic Recovery and which failed to reach not go the way we want it Revolutionary Guards try’s defence ministry.
Transformation (BERT) programme has been on orbit. to. The launch was not Corps, which is in charge Tehran launched the
Barbadians. The developments took successful,” he tweeted. of the country’s missile first Iranian-made satel-
Those who are in charge of BERT and who see it place at a time of high A defence ministry program, had unveiled lite in 2009, another in
as beneficial to the island are full of praise for the tension with the United official earlier told state the new missile, called 2011 and a third in 2012,
economic recovery package and what it has done States, which killed television the “Zafar” Raad-500, Farsi for but at least two satellite
to date. Iranian military (“Victory”) satellite had Thunder. launches failed last year.
However, there are others who, in assessing commander Qassem launched successfully Iran’s clerical rulers Iran usually displays
BERT’s impact, believe the programme has put Soleimani in a drone but not reached orbit. have said Tehran’s mis- its military and space
ordinary Barbadians under enormous pressure to strike in Baghdad on “We will make im- sile program is solely achievements in
the point that there are continuing calls for the Jan. 3, prompting an provements for future defensive. February during the
Government to ease the stranglehold which BERT Iranian missile attack on launches,” he said. The first picture the anniversary of its 1979
has on ordinary Barbadians. a US base in Iraq. US officials say they satellite had been due Islamic Revolution that
When Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley warned Iranian Minister fear long-range ballistic to transmit to state toppled the US-backed
last week she is unable to guarantee there won’t be of Information technology used to put media would have been Shah.
further layoffs or additional taxation, that suggests and Communications satellites into orbit could of Soleimani, Azari- There was no immedi-
Dozens of Asia trade fairs,
more pressure for people in future as Government Technology Mohammad also be used to launch Jahromi told state TV. ate US comment on the
looks to achieve its targets including the Javad Azari-Jahromi nuclear warheads. He said it was announcements.
controversial primary balance.
Last week a team from the International
conferences postponed
Monetary Fund completed an assignment in
Barbados, which the team leader, Dr. Bert van Selm,
said was at the request of the Government.
In a news release issued just before the IMF
team departed the island, Dr. van Selm said
that Barbados continues to make progress in
implementing its economic recovery programme.
He cited, among other things, the improved position SHANGHAI/BEIJING – and household goods, an- The annual China tional staff in Singapore
of the country’s international reserves, noting that More than two dozen nounced $2.3 billion in Development Forum, a in January contracted the
they had increased from Bds$440 million at May large trade fairs and deals last year. high-level gathering of in- virus, sparking a World
2018, to Bds$1.48 billion at December last year. industry conferences in The Chinese govern- ternational leaders, whose Health Organisation in-
An IMF team will be returning to Barbados in Asia have been postponed ment has also asked local past attendees included vestigation of the case.
May this year, he said. because of the spread of authorities and business Apple (AAPL.O) Chief Some hotels are bracing
The Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados the China coronavirus, associations to hold off Executive Tim Cook, will for the impact to be at
has lauded the efforts Barbados is making with the shuttering events where hosting events and confer- be delayed, its organisers least as bad as the 2003
programme, although agreeing that more needs billions of dollars worth ences, as concerns rise said. It is usually held in outbreak of Severe Acute
to be done. In talks at a recent IDB function, of deals have been signed about the disease that has late March. Respiratory Syndrome,
Ms. Mottley said that this year promises to be a in the past. killed more than 560 peo- The outbreak casts based on booking cancella-
good one for the country. The pushed back ple and infected over doubt on attendance at tions so far, industry
The BERT programme was implemented in late events, including some 28,000. high-profile events out- sources said.
2018 to correct what the Government said were scheduled as late as the “Clients are asking me, side China as well, indus- “Multinational compa-
a series of economic imbalances. BERT therefore end of March, show the is it safe to go to China try executives said, as nies who are the main cus-
involved a mixture of revenue-raising and ripple effect the virus is and that’s a very hard companies restrict main- tomers of luxury hotels
expenditure-cutting measures, which were aimed having on businesses question to answer,” said land Chinese visitors from have halted trips to China
at bringing down a high fiscal deficit estimated globally, with airlines Malcolm McNeil, a part- travelling to other coun- ... all big events have
at around four per cent of GDP, dealing with cancelling flights as gov- ner at global law firm tries. been called off across the
inefficiencies in the public service, and setting a ernments and companies Arent Fox, whose clients Korea’s LG Electronics country,” said Mei Xin,
broad range of policies to deal with the State-Owned curb travel, and thousand include US-based firms (066570.KS) has with- an analyst with Huatai
Enterprises (SOEs). The programme featured as of factories and shops re- with business interests in drawn from the Mobile Securities in Beijing,
well a domestic and external debt restructuring main shut. China. World Congress event in adding that these were
component, both of which were done; and to The venue of China’s A client scheduled to go Barcelona scheduled for key revenue sources for
reposition the economy for future economic growth. oldest and biggest trade to Shenzhen in southern Feb. 24-27. high-end hotels.
At the end of December 2019, the economy was still fair, the Canton Fair, has China decided to put that Hotel occupancy in
very much in recession. suspended exhibitions off until June, McNeil Hospitality impact China, at 70% on Jan. 14,
For those who have been analysing the until further notice. It was said. He expects it to take In Singapore, Food & dropped by three quarters
programme, their conclusion is that BERT has due to hold its spring exhi- at least six-nine months Hotel Asia’s trade show, within the next two
resulted in real problems for ordinary Barbadians. bition at the complex from before people regain full which attracted more weeks, a report by hospi-
Many of them have lost their jobs in both the public April 15. Last year, $29.7 confidence to travel to than 80,000 people in tality industry consul-
and private sectors as Government went about its billion worth of deals were China again for business. 2018, has postponed the tancy STR published on
economic recovery programme. They are paying signed at the event. Other postponed events, first of two events it had Tuesday showed.
more taxes and higher fees for government services Organisers of the East due to be held in the last planned in the city-state A report by data consul-
including bus fares; and the cost of living, which was China Import and Export two weeks of March, in- this year. tancy Tourism Economics
blamed on the National Social Responsibility Levy Commodity Fair – due to clude the annual trade Travel fair NATAS published last week fore-
(which is now history), remains a real burden for be held in Shanghai over conference for the global Travel 2020 has also been casted that visits to the
people. March 1-4 – said they chip industry in China, pushed back. United States from China
Some commentators are questioning the economic would postpone the event, SEMICON, and the At least four employees could drop by 28% in 2020,
growth projections which the Central Bank released without giving later dates. International Building of a multinational com- equivalent to 4.6 million
at its January 29th economic review. While there The fair that usually at- and Construction Trade pany that held a meeting hotel room nights and $5.8
have been some improvements, the policies have tracts traders of garments Fair in Shanghai. of more than 100 interna- billion in visitor spending.
proven to be costly. This is where BERT is at. We
therefore expect these differences of opinions to News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes
Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000
continue so long as the policy script hits people in Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke
E-mail Address: news@barbadosadvocate.com
their pockets and affect their standard of living. Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com
Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen
Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan
The Barbados Advocate Monday February 10, 2020 • 9 Beijing forging ahead with 2022 preparations WHEN it comes to Alpine Skiing Center in organising Olympic Yanqing are ready. Games, setting new The mascots have been standards is no easy unveiled, and the global task. recruitment process for But Beijing looks set to Games volunteers has raise the bar for a second begun. time, just as it did in 2008 This year the construc- when the 29th Summer tion of all the competition Olympics were staged in and non-competition ven- the capital. ues will be completed. Despite the ongoing Beijing 2022 organisers coronavirus outbreak say they are committed forcing the first Beijing to delivering a “fantastic, 2022 official test event extraordinary and excel- (the FIS Alpine Ski World lent” Olympic and Cup meet in Yanqing) to Paralympic Winter Photo taken on Dec. 31, 2019 shows the National Speed Skating Oval, also known as the ‘Ice Ribbon’, in be cancelled, preparations Games, as the focus of Beijing. [PHOTO: XINHUA] for the Winter Games re- preparations shifts from main well on track. venue construction to Beijing will be the first Even since the out- Chinese Olympic sustainability in areas The high-speed railway management and opera- city in Olympic history to break of novel coron- Committee. such as waste manage- line connecting Beijing tion. organise both the winter avirus, Bach has contin- This year work will step ment, energy efficiency with co-host city International Olympic and summer Games,” ued to express his full up on slogans, medals and and carbon management. Zhangjiakou began oper- Committee president Bach said last month at a support for China. the torch design, while Natural carbon dioxide ation on Dec. 30 last year. Thomas Bach has ex- ceremony introducing the “We are fully confident the torch-relay route refrigeration systems will A permanent Big pressed his confidence Beijing 2022 mascots to that preparations for the and theme songs for the be used for the first time Air ramp at Shougang in Beijing on numerous the Olympic Museum in Games will not be af- Games will also be re- at a Winter Olympics, re- Industrial Park staged occasions since July 31, Lausanne, Switzerland. fected (by the virus), and leased. A creative team ducing Beijing 2022’s car- its first competition – 2015, when he announced “Beijing 2022’s prepa- that your country can will be formed to plan bon footprint. The system a World Cup meet – to in Kuala Lumpur that the ration work is going very look forward to once again the opening and closing will be used at the speed much acclaim from elite city would host the 2022 well so we can already inviting the athletes of ceremonies. skating and figure skat- athletes in December. Games. look forward to an excel- the world to compete in In line with the 2020 ing competition venues, The course and support “In two years, China lent Winter Olympic Beijing,” Bach wrote in Olympic Agenda, a key as well as the ice hockey Nestle to further tap China market with new drip coffee facilities of the National will write history again. Games from now on.” a recent letter to the focus of Beijing 2022 is training venues. CHINESE consumers’ Coffee is the mainstay said China has big poten- rising awareness of coffee of Nestle’s beverage tial for coffee consump- varieties, their demand business that boasts tion. To exploit opportu- for beverages made of three brands: Nescafe, nities brought by the freshly ground beans, Nespresso and Starbucks. rapid development of the with an emphasis on con- While full-year coffee Chinese market, brands venience and low price, business figures for 2019 must keep changing and have accelerated the de- are yet to be finalised, innovating, he said. velopment of drip coffee Nestle China said it grew Nestle is not the only products in the market. in double digits in 2018 company that has taken Global food and bever- on the back of innovation. a shine to drip coffees. age producer Nestle un- The new drip products Luckin, which operates veiled its first drip coffee have been launched in re- coffee houses that com- product in China last sponse to the fast-grow- pete with Starbucks, has month. ing market trend in jumped on the drip band- Drip coffees, or small China. Ground coffee has wagon. Its mobile app as cones or cubes containing the potential to become a well as its e-stores on JD ground coffee that “hang further growth driver, just and Tmall are seeking to by the ear”, to use as instant coffee varieties capitalise on its large Chinese consumers’ pre- became popular a few database of consumers. To ferred phrase for them, decades back, according further endear itself to allow fresh brews to drip to Nestle. coffee connoisseurs on its through them when im- Nestle is also the app, Luckin rolled out its mersed in hot water in a world’s largest coffee snack business as a bonus mug. producer, taking up 23 in November last year. Nescafe’s gold drip cof- per cent of the $77 billion The coffee chain store A man browses Nestle coffee products at a supermarket in Yichang, Hubei fee series have launched global coffee retail operator-turned-retailer province. [PHOTO BY LIU JUNFENG/FOR CHINA DAILY] two products in the consumption market. established its coffee bean emerging market seg- Nescafe is available in roasting factory in Fujian The Fujian factory can products are emerging According to Mintel ment. The hand-brew more than 180 countries. in July last year. For the annually produce some as a growth point in Group Ltd., China’s hand- master drip coffee, in Nespresso has over 600 purpose, it collaborated 30,000 metric tons of the coffee market that brewed coffee house mar- turn, has two kinds-dark boutiques and attracts with two entities: Japan’s roasted coffee beans was tending toward ket sales were worth 64.7 roast and medium roast, about 465,000 daily visits Mitsui Foods, one of the worth 1.5 billion yuan homogenisation. Drip billion yuan in 2018, up mixing coffee beans to its e-commerce plat- world’s top three coffee ($215.2 million). coffees are cheaper and 7.5 per cent over 2017. grown in Yunnan forms. bean traders, and Yeuan Zhu Danpeng, an offer more convenience Mintel estimated the province with those from Adrian Ho, senior vice- Yeou Enterprise, a promi- independent food and compared with hand- market is expected to rise Colombia, Brazil and president, coffee business nent professional coffee beverage analyst, said it brewed coffee consumed at 6 per cent year-on-year Ethiopia. unit, Nestle China Ltd., roaster in Asia. is no surprise that drip at coffee houses, he said. between 2019 and 2023.
10 • Monday February 10, 2020 The Barbados Advocate
The Barbados Advocate Monday February 10, 2020 • 11
12 • Monday February 10, 2020 The Barbados Advocate
The Barbados Advocate Monday February 10, 2020 • 13
Positive bribery news for J’ca
International agency ranks island 50th out of 200 countries on 2019 index
PUBLIC officials in ures bribery risks in 200 main difference between risk.
Jamaica are less likely countries and ranks the TRACE Bribery Risk When the Matrix was
to demand a bribe than Jamaica second in the re- Matrix and other com- first developed, Jamaica
those in more than 10 gion at number 50, just monly used measures is was rated roughly average
other regional states, below St. Vincent and the that TRACE focuses on in terms of overall bribery
despite several reports Grenadines, which is business bribery risk. risk.
of politicians and gov- ranked at 49. “Other indices of corrup- Since the 2017 edition,
ernment workers de- Among the other re- tion risk tend to focus on Jamaica’s rank has held
manding money to gional states listed are general corruption issues, steady at approximately
push through some Barbados, which is ranked and they are often based 50 out 200.
projects and docu- at number 66; The on perceptions, either from “That shift may reflect
ments. Bahamas (81); Trinidad experts or the general pop- some degree of improve-
That’s the finding of the and Tobago (115); Cuba ulation. While there are ment in the country’s risk
2019 Bribery Risk Matrix (144); and Haiti (170). limitations to all types of profile between 2016 and
produced by TRACE While the Bribery Risk corruption measurements, 2017, but it is likely also
International, a non-profit Matrix is often compared purely perception-based heavily influenced by
business association to the more well-known measures can be inade- methodological develop-
founded in 2001 to provide Transparency quate indicators of busi- ments over the course of
multinational companies International’s Corruption ness bribery risk,” argued the first few years of the
and their commercial in- Perceptions Index (CPI), Alexandra Wrage, Matrix’s publication,” said
termediaries with anti- there are a few fundamen- TRACE’s president and Wrage.
bribery compliance sup- tal differentiators under- founder. According to Wrage,
port. lined by TRACE officials. “The difference lies pri- Jamaica’s favourable score
The 2019 Matrix meas- They argue that the marily in the Matrix’s is largely supported by the Alexandra Wrage, TRACE’s president and founder.
Selected ranking of regional states in
recognition of the role that high quality of its govern-
governmental trans- mental and financial mental activity and the bribes. Jamaica is cur-
the 2019 TRACE Bribery Risk Matrix
parency, press freedom transparency, as well as by bribery-related expecta- rently deemed average in
and a robust civil society the strength of its press tions they foster. both of these respects, giv-
play in reducing the likeli- freedoms and civil society “Jamaica has also grad- ing it still considerable
St. Vincent & the Grenadines Rank: 66 hood of bribery. institutions. ually eased burdensome room for improvement,”
Score: 41 “In all of these areas, “The data underlying Government regulation, added Wrage.
Rank: 49 out of 200 Grenada Jamaica scores better than the Matrix indicate a which can allow corrupt She pointed out that
Score: 46 average. So while the steady improvement over public officials to take ad- data from international
Jamaica Rank: 67
country demonstrates an the past decade with re- vantage of administrative agencies are used to com-
Score: 41
Haiti rocked by minor earthquake
Rank: 50 The Bahamas average expectation of spect to corrupt govern- inefficiency by coercing pile the Matrix.
Score: 48 bribery by world stan-
Dominica Rank: 81 dards, it also shows the po-
Score: 42 tential for holding those
Rank: 54 Dominican Republic expectations in check,”
Score: 55 Wrage told the Jamaica PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti and 5.6 km northwest of bulletin, based on the reg-
St. Lucia Rank: 112
Observer. – An earthquake with La Salle. istration of national and
Score: 43
Rank: 61 Trinidad and Tobago She noted that the a magnitude of 3.4 on The earthquake was seismological networks,
Score: 56 Matrix, which was first the Richter scale was noticeable in the metro- 24 earthquakes between
St. Kitts and Nevis Rank: 115 done in 2014, provides nu- recorded to the west of politan areas of Port-au- 1.4 and 3.5 were recorded
Score: 44 anced and multidimen- here on Saturday. Prince, Kenscoff and across the country.
Rank: 63 Cuba sional analysis of the root The Bureau of Mines Pétion-ville. The regional The faults affected by
Score: 60 causes of bribery risk. and Energy (BME) says office of the Directorate of the tremors were found
Antigua and Barbuda Rank: 144
Score: 44
The Matrix provides an the epicentre of the quake Civil Protection did not mainly in the north and
Rank: 64 Haiti overall risk score and risk was located 20 km west report any damage or loss west of the country and
Score: 68 scores in four domains of Port-au-Prince, be- of life. occurred mainly in the
Barbados Rank: 170 deemed to be indicators of tween the commune of According to the sea at depths varying be-
Score: 45 potential business bribery Léogâne and Carrefour January 2020 seismic tween 8 and 96 km.
Final efforts to stop deportation of Jamaicans in UK expected to be made today
ADVOCATES in the return to the country on the government will lis- Supporters have been urged the British Prime quoted Johnson as saying
United Kingdom are Tuesday. ten to the arguments and pressuring the govern- Minister, Boris Johnson, that it was “right to send
expected to make a last Speaking on Radio reverse its decision. ment to halt the planned to suspend the flight back foreign national of-
effort today to convince Jamaica’s Beyond the However, Public Law deportation. until a report into the fenders”.
the British government Headlines on Friday, Barrister in the UK, The BBC reported that Windrush scandal is A leaked copy of the
to reconsider its planned Shadow Home Secretary Matondo Mukulu, said the UK-based charity, the published. Windrush review has
deportation of 50 in the Labour Party, the cost to fight some of Joint Council for Welfare However, the British recommended that the
Jamaicans. Diane Abbott, said she the legal hurdles the of Immigrants had ar- government has main- government consider
The Jamaicans, many would be making submis- Jamaicans are facing gued that some of those tained that all those set ending the deportation of
of whom have been living sions to the government will be high, based on the being deported could be for deportation are crim- foreign-born offenders
in Britain since they were to review its decision. She administrative require- victims of human traf- inals and no Windrush who went to the UK as
children, are expected to said she is hopeful that ments of the Home Office. ficking. A Labour MP also victims are involved. It children.
Fair to partly cloudy,
hazy and breezy with a few
brief isolated showers.
High: 4:58 a.m.
and 4:46 p.m.
New York: 01°C Yesterday: 0.4 mm
Miami: 26°C Low: 10:28 a.m. For the month: 12.0 mm Max: 31.0°C
Toronto: -09°C and 11:15 p.m. For the year: 74.5 mm Min: 25.0°C
Montreal: 00°C
London: 10°C
6:23 a.m. 6:03 p.m.14 • Monday February 10, 2020 The Barbados Advocate
Argentina won’t
repay IMF debt
till recession over,
VP Fernandez says
HAVANA – Argentine cent and the way you exit
Vice President recession is through a lot
Cristina Fernandez of state investment.”
de Kirchner said on Argentina needs to re-
Saturday that the structure $100 billion in
government will not sovereign debt with cred-
pay “even half a itors, including part of a
cent” of its debt back $57 billion credit facility
to the International that the IMF extended the
Monetary Fund before country in 2018.
the country has exited Dealings with the IMF
recession. are key as Argentina
“The first thing we have hopes to avoid a default Argentine Vice-President and President of the Senate Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner speaks during the
to do in order to be able amid a currency crash, Havana’s International Book Fair, in Havana, Cuba, on February 8, 2020.
to pay is to exit the re- steep inflation and a con-
cession,” Fernandez de tracting economy. An IMF a “substantial haircut” on undergoing medical treat- President Miguel Diaz- dent launched Sincerely,
Kirchner said at a technical mission is ex- its IMF debt. ment there. Canel and a raft of other a compilation of personal
presentation of her pected in Buenos Aires A leftist and militant Her book presentation officials. anecdotes and reflections,
Cruise ship with coronavirus
book “Sinceramente” next week to discuss Peronist, she has travelled was attended by Cuban The Argentine ex-presi- in Argentina last year.
(Sincerely) at Havana’s obligations owed to the frequently to Communist-
international book fair. fund. run Cuba over the past
scare heads to Bermuda
“If there is a recession Fernandez de Kirchner year to visit her daughter
9 suspected smugglers
no one will pay even half a said Argentina should get Florencia Kirchner who is
nabbed in Caribbean waters
HAMILTON, Bermuda Bayonne, New Jersey, last deal with the vessel in
– A ship that carried Friday. accordance with our es-
passengers suspected of However, tests showed tablished protocols.”
contracting the novel none of them had the Meanwhile, Royal
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – the operations which took bound target of interest, coronavirus, is due to ar- virus, which has killed Caribbean has said it
United States Customs place on January 24 and southeast of Isla Beata, rive in Bermuda today. more than 800 people. “has enacted their own
and Border Protection January 30. Dominican Republic. The ship comes as Bermuda’s Ministry of stringent protocols with
(CBP) says British Royal In the first interdiction, Two men aboard a go- health officials an- Health and port authori- regards to the screening
Navy and US law enforce- two suspicious go-fast fast were detained after 13 nounced that 14 people ties have said they are of passengers prior to
ment partners seized vessels, about 74 nautical bales of suspected contra- on the island were being prepared for the ship’s boarding. None of the four
13,086 pounds of cocaine miles south of St. Croix, band were discovered. monitored for the virus. visit to Dockyard on the guests showed any clini-
with an estimated street US Virgin Islands, were CBP said it is part of the Four passengers island’s west end. cal signs or symptoms of
value of US$46.2 million, apprehended. Caribbean Border Strike aboard the Royal A spokeswoman said, coronavirus, while they
following the interdiction Seven men were nabbed Force, an initiative of Caribbean’s Anthem of “Bermuda will apply the were on board our ship”.
of two separate drug and 42 bales of suspected the US Attorney’s Office the Seas were taken to necessary protocols upon It said one of the pas-
smuggling events in the contraband were seized. created to disrupt and hospital amid fears they arrival. Residents should sengers had tested posi-
Caribbean Sea. In the second interdic- dismantle major drug traf- may have contracted the be assured that health tive only for Influenza A
Nine suspected smug- tion, a marine patrol air- ficking organisations op- virus after the ship re- and port authorities are and none had been to
Coronavirus could affect Caribbean countries – UNDP
glers were also detained in craft detected a north- erating in the Caribbean. turned to its home port in prepared and equipped to China since January 26.
A SENIOR official of reported to have dropped ity to return to a prede- coronavirus is spreading through trade and FDI five per cent of total FDI,
the United Nations by 20 per cent by some termined path of develop- at a rapid pace and has re- and lending. more than US$90 billion.
Development Programme news outlets,” said Luis F. ment in the shortest pos- sulted in a halt of eco- He said trade between According to Inter-
(UNDP) says Latin Lopez-Calva, the UNDP sible time after suffering nomic activity in China, China and LAC increased American Dialogue,
America and Caribbean Regional Director for from an adverse shock.” as the government limits from US$12 billion in China has positioned over
countries (LAC) will suffer Latin America and the He said that a new the mobility in and out of 2000 to US$306 billion in US$141 billion in loans
disruptions to their Caribbean. source of potential volatil- the country”. 2018 and is indeed Latin into the region since 2005,
supply chains as Chinese Lopez-Calva, who is ity has emerged and while He said while more America’s second-largest which represents more
production of goods has also the UN Assistant it is too early to fully grasp than 31,000 have been in- trading partner. than the World Bank,
come as a result of the Secretary-General, said its impact, a recent threat fected, over 600 casualties He said three years the Inter-American
coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that resilience is one of the to the macroeconomic and cases reported in 28 ago China represented Development Bank
outbreak that has killed main pillars of UNDP’s re- stability of the region is countries, “it is very likely already nine per cent of (IDB) and the CAF
more than 600 people in gional and Caribbean nar- the 2019-nCoV. that the impact of the Latin America’s total ex- Development Bank of
the Asian country. rative and key foundation “How strong will the virus on Chinese growth ports and 18.4 per cent of Latin America combined.
“Notably, today the to promoting sustainable impact of the virus be on and commodity prices will total imports. “The full extent of the
Chinese government an- development in the re- Chinese growth, how it represent a shock to the Similarly, foreign direct impact of the coronavirus
nounced that it will delay gion. will translate to a slow- region”. investment (FDI) and will ultimately depend on
reporting its January “History demonstrates down in the region, and Lopez-Calva said lending from China have how well the outbreak
trade data. Commodity that in the region volatil- how prepared is the re- Latin America and the surged in Latin America is contained, but it is
prices will also likely be ity is the norm and not the gion to weather these im- Caribbean is significantly and the Caribbean over expected that Chinese
impacted by a slowdown exception, and that the de- pacts, are all questions to exposed to China, as eco- the past decade. growth in the first quarter
of the Chinese economy. velopment trajectories of be determined,” he said, nomic relations between Between 2005 and of the year to fall sharply
Chinese oil demand, for countries are not monoto- noting that “what we the two have soared in the 2017, China’s investment and rebound later in the
example, is already being nic. Resilience is the abil- know so far is that the past decades, particularly in the region represented year,” Lopez-Calva said.You can also read
