DEBT TRAP FEAR Thursday March 25, 2021 - NET
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Established October 1895
Thursday March 25, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive
DEBT TRAP FEAR
BARBADOS has found itself in a
deadlock and could be heading for a
economist, said the situation in which
the country finds itself has to do with
would tell you that they had to bear the
brunt of fixing that macro-economic
does not turn into what is commonly
known as a debt trap.” The fiscal deficit
debt trap, given the new financing Barbados not having mounted the position by participating in the debt for this current financial year, which ends
which Government intends to raise requisite level of activity to overcome the restructuring. March 31, 2021, is $1.047 billion. What
in the coming financial year. external shock it currently faces. According to her, “Now we find our- was originally budgeted for at the start
This sorry and possible perilous state “We find ourselves in a stagnant posi- selves in a position where we have an in- of this current fiscal year was a deficit
of Barbados was sounded yesterday by tion for an extended period of time,” she creasing fiscal deficit and national debt.” of $255 million, a difference of $781
Opposition Senator, Crystal Drakes, told the sitting. She admitted this is due to COVID-19 million.
who led off her People’s Party for The Senator indicated that while because of the expenditure incurred The country, she explained, had to
Development and Democracy’s (PdP) Barbados’ macro-economic position is im- with the pandemic and the fall in therefore rely on external funding
response to the debate on the Estimates proving, it is doing so at a cost. revenue. sources to make up this shortfall.
for 2021/2022 in the Upper House. The economist said there are many “What we have to do now is to ensure Those funds came from the IMF, the
Senator Drakes, who is also an pensioners and other citizens who that we are vigilant that this situation DEBT on Page 3
Senator
provides
update on
hotel projects
THE new hotel under construction at the
Sam Lord’s Castle property in St. Philip,
is set to be completed by the end of this
year.
That’s according to the Leader of the
Senate, Minister of Foreign Affairs and
Foreign Trade, Senator Dr. Jerome
Walcott. He told those in the Senate
Chamber yesterday that construction
has been completed on 308 of the 450-
room Wyndham Grand Hotel. He went on
to say that the multimillion dollar proj-
ect is being financed through a loan from
Exim Bank of China, to the tune of US
$170 million.
He addressed this as he led off the
debate on the 2021 Appropriation Bill.
Minister Walcott, offering more details on
the project, indicated that when that
hotel is completed, it is expected to em-
ploy 1 000 persons. He added that consis-
tent with government’s policy, the project
will be sold to the private sector, stating
“we don’t believe that we should be
running hotels”.
Walcott went on to speak about a num-
ber of other tourism related projects,
which Government is looking forward to
seeing come to fruition.
Referring to the Hyatt Ziva, which is to
be built on Lower Bay Street, the Leader
of the Senate said while that project was
put on hold because of COVID, it is now
expected to start later this year. He indi-
cated that property is intended to be a
370-room hotel, with 26 residences,
adding that all planning permissions
have been received except for over-
the-water villas. HUSTLE AND BUSTLE! Bridgetown is slowly starting to return to normal – at least in terms of pedestrian
TOURISM PROJECTS on traffic – with some relaxation in restrictions. The Barbados Advocate was on hand to see some shoppers making sure that
Page 5 they got all that they needed.
2 • Thursday March 25, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
The Barbados Advocate Thursday March 25, 2021 • 3
More funds for cash-strapped CBC
THE already cash-strapped quite frankly, at this point in CBC, but in the interim, the sume, and we can start to get ward to the new dawn of CBC
Caribbean Broadcasting time, there is no money coming bills need to be paid, the ACs back with advertising rev- because I believe that with a
Corporation has been hit in for the last maybe nine need to be fixed, place needs to enue,” he said. restructured format, with a lot
hard by the COVID-19 pan- months...since COVID inter- be industrial cleaned, a lot of He noted that the revenue is of the new talent that is there,
demic. rupted businesses in Barbados, repairs needs to be done, there also needed to upgrade equip- with new technology, we can
This was revealed by and definitely since we had the are parts of roofs dropping in. ment. accomplish many great things.
Minister of Home Affairs, shutdown in Barbados...” I don’t want to paint too horri- “...I would tell you, if you look But at this point in time, we
Information and Public Affairs, He explained that the busi- ble a picture, but it is a dire at some of the productions from have a hole. We have a hole
Wilfred Abrahams, in the nesses that would normally situation and there is no money CBC, you realise they’re not as that we have no way of filling.
Lower Chamber during a sup- purchase advertising slots are coming in.” sharp as, for example, CNN. And we had to approach the
plementary to the Estimates not operating. “So with the requisite There’s a difference in quality. Minister of Finance for a
debate on Tuesday night for $5 “So there are no slots being amount of shame, Madam That’s because we are still bailout,” he said.
million. sold there, and no slots being Chair, I had to go cap in hand using old equipment, a lot of (JH)
In his submission, Minister bought. So CBC has been limp- to the Minister of Finance and which has gone well past its
Abrahams noted that the ing along. We had a situation, say help me out. Because quite sell by date, and is in need of
statutory cooperation is trying
its best to make ends meet
Madam Chair, where we just
managed with the cooperation
frankly, we can’t afford for our
television station to get to the
shelving.
“Even our boxes, Madam
Opposition:
through advertising. of the Union, to avert indus- point where it closes down. Chair, our Multi-Choice which
“We were doing quite well at
CBC until COVID interrupted.
trial action at CBC, based on
the fact that the ACs (air-con-
CBC has other expenses as
well that we are trying hard to
is the main revenue earner for
CBC operates on an analogue
Where
We were reformatting the ditioners) weren’t working; the resolve. Like everybody else, signal. That means…your an-
news, CBC News, you have a
new-look news, the sets are
place needed to be industrial
cleaned; equipment was break-
we keep our fingers crossed
that the period of national
tenna [must be] able to pick up
another antenna for transmis-
will the
being upgraded, the quality of ing down…it’s not a happy pause will soon be coming sion as opposed to a digital for-
the programming has in-
creased tremendously. But
place to work.
“We have great plans for
to an end and normal com-
merce and business can re-
mat.
“Madam Chair, I look for-
money
come from?
Barbados Statistical Service launches new website DEBT from
Page 1
AFTER last having a mass by the Statistical Act to collect Inter-American Development
roll-call in 2010, the National and compile data on individu- Bank, the Caribbean Develop-
Population and Housing Census als, households and businesses ment Bank and others.
is set to begin on August 1 this and to publish the information This year, the government is
year. for public consumption. expected to run a fiscal deficit
This, among other things, was However, she noted that the Act of $782 million and based
revealed yesterday by Minister was set in motion in 1958 and as on the 2021/2022 Estimates
in the Ministry of Economic such the government is well of Revenue and Expenditure,
Affairs and Investment, Marsha aware that the Act has served the government is seeking to
Caddle, as she delivered the its time and simply does not suit get $447 million in financing
feature remarks during the a modern agenda for data collec- from external sources and
launch of the Barbados tion, for data analysis and for non project loans of $250
Statistical Service’s (BSS) new data sharing. million.
website. “This new website is just one On the domestic side, govern-
With the previous website de- of those ways in which that ment is seeking to finance
commissioned in mid-2019 and transformation is taking place. this deficit by looking to raise
work beginning on the current But the transformation has to $334 million, of which $293
product in the latter part of that happen, not just in function, but million will be sourced from
year, the project was completed in the structure that would be financing which is not deben-
with technical assistance pro- able to deliver that function. tures, bonds, and treasury
vided by Statistics Canada. And so that’s one of the reasons bills, financial instruments
Noting that there is to be con- that we have been working with which are usually available to
tinued development and mem- the team at BSS to be able to government.
bers of the public are encour- transition, not just in terms of Senator Drakes said she is yet
aged to use it and give feedback, updated legislation that will to hear from the government
Minister Caddle called it the modernise the way we share both on the external side and the
“home of statistics in Barbados”. data across ministries and de- domestic side, where this financ-
With the census marking the partments and also the public, ing is likely to come from, and
first done in Barbados online but we also are starting a also the cost of it.
and hoping to capture informa- transition from Barbados She said, “The size of the debt
tion such as population growth Statistic Service to a Statistics that we are incurring is one
and movement of persons be- and Data Analytics Authority,” thing, but the profile is also
tween parishes, Minister she said. equally important because the
Caddle appealed with members Going on to say that a large level of interest that we will pos-
of the public to give their full amount of data is generated sibly be paying along with the re-
support and cooperation. daily in Barbados through the payment period is also equally
“This is critical for policy- use of public and private sector Minister in the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Investment, important.
making! A country cannot es- services, she highlighted just Marsha Caddle, as she spoke during yesterday’s launch of the She went on, “And I think once
tablish policy if we do not know why it is important to collect Barbados Statistical Service’s new website. we are running these types of
how many people live in a coun- and analyse the information. deficits, it will be prudent that
try; if we do not know what per- “That information is very im- test what our hypotheses are. dents, and that legislation is in the government also articulates
centage of those people are portant. One of the reasons that We want to understand what is place to help promote that trust. where it intends to get those
women or men; of people living we need information is that in- going on in the lives of every Minister Caddle also made financing from.
with disabilities. We cannot formation is evidence, and what single Barbadian,” she ex- mention that since there are “So…falling into a debt trap
plan unless we understand the we need to be able to continue to plained. numerous calls for the diversi- could be possible because what
groups that comprise the soci- do is have evidence-based policy Caddle added that data pro- fication of the local economy, we are seeing is a ballooning of
ety,” she said. making. It means that we don’t tection is also very high on the data analytics is a new fiscal deficit not because of in-
Speaking to the changes just want to use anecdotal evi- list of concerns, pointing out and emerging sector that creased expenditure ... but the
made over the last year to the dence. We don’t just want to be that there is a need to promote Barbadians businesses can cash fall in government revenue,” she
BSS, Minister Caddle stated looking around and thinking and establish trust between in on. added.
that the agency was authorised ‘this is what we see.’ We want to BSS and users and respon- (MP) (JB)
4• Thursday March 25, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
Postal Service releases new commemorative issue ‘Transform NCF’
THE Barbados Postal Service released are – Loveseat, 10 cents; Four Poster Covers may be purchased from the AN Opposition Senator is calling for a re-
a new Commemorative Stamp Issue fea- Bed, 65 cents; Rocking Chair, $1.40; and Philatelic Bureau, General Post Office, structuring of the Governed National
turing Antique Furniture on March 15. Mahogany Drum Table, $2.20. Cheapside, Bridgetown, Monday to Cultural Foundation (NCF).
The denominations for the four stamps The set of four and Official First Day Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. Senator Crystal Drakes of the People’s
Party for Democracy and Development
made the call in the Senate yesterday as
she contributed to the debate on the
Cycling Union 2021/2022 Estimates of Revenue and
Expenditure.
She said that for the forthcoming fi-
nancial year the NCF has been allocated
pushing road safety $9.9 million.
In spite of that, Senator Drakes said
she is yet to hear about any real plans to
awareness campaign transform the NCF to an organisation
that pivots under a new direction and pro-
vide increased economic opportunities for
By Krystal Penny Bowen marks the third cyclist death for 2021. local artists.
Two of these three fatalities occurred on She said that traditionally the NCF is
A LEADER of a local cycling organi- a section of the highway. responsible for events planning and mass
sation has coordinated a campaign events like Crop Over.
to sensitise Barbadians about road Reckless drivers “But I think it is time that that organi-
safety and highlight the cyclists who Headley told The Barbados Advocate that sation be re-purposed,” said Senator
have lost their lives on the roads of since COVID-19, with less traffic on the Drakes.
this country. This as the island roads, motorists are driving faster and She reasoned that the NCF, which is
records the third death of a cyclist in more recklessly. He proposed that cyclists, supposed to be supporting arts and cul-
two months. bicyclists, and walkers should be given ture, now has a new mandate that allows
Vice President of the Barbados Cycling the last Sunday of the month to exercise for a real development of cultural indus-
Union (BCU), Livingston "Livvy" on a closed-off stretch of the Mighty Vice President of the Barbados tries, as stated by the programme state-
Headley, revealed this to The Barbados Grynner highway. Cycling Union (BCU), Livingston ‘Livvy’ ment in the Estimates.
Advocate on Tuesday. Headley. Senator Drakes recalled that from con-
In early March, Headley, an experi- Remembering those who have lost versations with some artists, she said the
enced cyclist, and his colleagues collabo- their lives Works and Water Resources, Ian Edghill- way in which they described their involve-
rated to create a short video and shared As one of the leaders of the umbrella body Gooding; President of the Barbados Road ment with the Foundation, they believe it
it on social media. At the end of the video, for all cycling in Barbados, Headley be- Safety Association (BRSA), Sharmane is more interested in preserving its own in-
the names of cyclists who have died re- lieves that more awareness is necessary Roland-Bowen; and local biking groups stitutional footprint or existence than in
cently are displayed. to mitigate the current problem. about addressing the current issue of road developing artists.
On Monday, 21-year-old Ritre Alleyne The BCU Vice President also disclosed safety and the safety of cyclists on the According to her, that is a sad situation.
became the latest cyclist to die after col- that fellow cyclist, Randy Licorish, will roads. “We cannot have an organisation which is
liding with a car. Melanie Watts, who was help memorialise the deaths of local cy- He suggested that in the case of mo- put in place to support artists being caught
36 years old, died on March 12 after col- clists by riding (one lap for each victim) torists and transport board operators of up in their own institutional grandeur.
liding with a vehicle. Well-known crick- around Barbados. the quieter electric buses, providing some “So I think there needs to be a whole
eter, Ezra Moseley, died after a similar Headley added that he has had discus- signal like tooting of a horn once can let transformation of the NCF,” Senator
incident on February 6. Alleyne’s death sions with the Minister of Transportation, the cyclist know that they are there. Drakes reiterated.
Coalition pleased with government
support for nutrition labelling
HEALTHY Caribbean Coalition (HCC) Regional Standard for Specification –
President and Chairman of the Barbados FDCRS 5:2010”. The FDCRS-5 includes
National NCD Commission, Sir Trevor the octagon-shaped front-of-package
Hassell, has applauded what he describes warning labels indicating if a product is
as the fearless leadership of Minister in “HIGH IN” one or more critical nutrients
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and such as sugars, sodium, or fats, which are
Foreign Trade, Sandra Husbands, for her linked to obesity and chronic noncommu-
recent comments in support of front of nicable diseases (NCDs) when consumed
package nutrition warning labelling. in excess.
Just this month, in another section of “Caribbean citizens should be proud of
the press, Minister Husbands reportedly the FDCRS and those who have been
inquired regarding progress of the nutri- engaged in this arduous process, led by
tion labelling plan and indicated that she the regional CARICOM Regional
too is trying to get manufacturers fully on Organisation for Standards and Quality
board. (CROSQ), since the Standard meets the
“Rest assured that we were able to re- highest level of scientific rigor and sup-
assure the private sector that, from the ports the right of every consumer to know
perspective of foreign trade, we will be ex- what is in their food. Unhealthy diets are
amining the very best way to make the one of the major risk factors for obesity Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Healthy Caribbean Coalition President
transition so as to minimise the impact on and NCDs and which are themselves Affairs and Foreign Trade, Sandra and Chairman of the Barbados
business and ensure we are WTO compli- major risk factors for severe COVID ill- Husbands. National NCD Commission, Sir Trevor
ant. But most assuredly, that we will be ness. Now more than ever, Caribbean peo- Hassell.
moving forward without any unnecessary ple have a right to the information they further pointed out.
delay to take the necessary steps in order need to make informed food purchasing The Coalition meanwhile says the and ultra-processed food and beverage
to protect our population from the impact decisions,” the Healthy Caribbean Standard has strong support across the re- sector.
of sugar, salt and fats in their diets, and to Coalition noted. gional and national public health commu- Should this current voting stage be suc-
ensure that we are able to provide a very “The Standard, if approved, could set in nity, including the Pan American Health cessful, the Standard will then go back to
healthy diet for the people of Barbados motion a series of regulatory steps at the Organisation (PAHO), the Caribbean the CROSQ Council and then onto the
and the region,” Husbands was quoted as national level, to introduce warning la- Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the CARICOM Council of Trade and
stating. bels on packaged products across the re- national Ministries of Health. However, Economic Development (COTED) for en-
Meanwhile, Hassell pointed out that the gion, which would ensure that Caribbean support from a critical decision-making dorsement. The support of Ministers of
Caribbean region is currently voting on people who have the highest rates of obe- stakeholder – Trade – has been lukewarm, Trade across the region therefore is essen-
the adoption of a regional standard for sity and NCDs in the Americas, have due to scientifically baseless fears of neg- tial for the ultimate adoption of the
the labelling of pre-packaged foods, which better labels to make better choices, ulti- ative impacts on trade and the economy, FDCRS as a regionally approved stan-
serves as the “Final Draft CARICOM mately leading to better health,” the HCC promulgated by the regional processed dard. (RSM)
The Barbados Advocate Thursday March 25, 2021 • 5
It’s not Denny: Rename Queen’s Park Lots of
House of Assembly, she was a former Governor
adding By Marsha Gittens
QUEEN’S Park should be
said that Queen’s Park is
to be used for a new pur-
General. Yes, she was the
sister of the Prime
projects
up, says
renamed after the first
female Governor General
pose and be renamed at
an appropriate time.
Minister of Barbados, but
she played a major role in in the
of Barbados, Dame Nita Mottley also proposed the international libera-
Drakes
Barrow.
This suggestion comes
the “little amphitheatre”
which is situated in
tion struggle and she was
also one of the leading
works
from General Secretary Queen’s Park be named in personalities that helped TOURISM PROJECTS
for the Caribbean Move- honour of Jamaican polit- to organise for the release from Page 1
OPPOSITION Senator ment of Peace and Inte- ical activist, Marcus of Nelson Mandela. She
Crystal Drakes is gration, David Denny, who Garvey. has done a lot of commu- He added that another
charging that the spoke to The Barbados Denny stated, “I think nity work in Barbados hotel is coming not too far
2021/2022 Estimates of Advocate during an in- the entire park should be also,” he said. David Denny from that site. Walcott
Revenue and Expen- terview yesterday. renamed and it should be This is another occasion told fellow senators that
diture contains a num- His comment comes on named after Dame Nita in recent years where stages of discussions the seven-acre property
ber of errors. the heels of remarks made Barrow, who is a Barba- Queen’s Park’s name has about whether Queen’s owned by Massy Pierhead
She said in the Upper by Prime Minister, Mia dian, but the amphithe- come into sharp focus. Park should or should not is being acquired by an in-
House yesterday that we Amor Mottley this week atre could be named after Back in 2015, the then be renamed. The new vestor, who has plans to
have projected total capi- as she spoke about gov- Marcus Garvey.” Minister of Culture, name suggested then was build a 250-bed hotel. He
tal expenditure of $127.2 ernment’s plans for the “Dame Nita Barrow was Sports and Youth, Stephen National Heroes Park in stated that the property
million, however the ac- redevelopment of the city not a member of any of the Lashley, stated govern- honour of this island’s is also expected to feature
tual amount is $118.6 location. Addressing the political parties but she ment was in the early National Heroes. condos and retail space.
million and the projected “The investor is not in-
capital expenditure for terested in a high rise or
February and March 2021 Eight new in dense development, but
is $28.5 million.According in a beautiful family type
to her, the $118.6 million
and the $28.5 million do
COVID cases, hotel with adequate green
and blue spaces, and
not add up to $127.2 mil-
lion.
11 recovered again this is now expected
to commence this year,
She also told the Senate THE island recorded eight with an estimated budget
that there are other new positive cases of of US$120 million,” he
errors given the number COVID-19 – two men and stated.
of amendments sent to six women – on Tuesday, Minister Walcott went
members. March 23. on to say that plans to de-
Senator Drakes pointed They were identified velop the Bridge House at
out that those types of from among the 441 tests the Pierhead property
mistakes are concerning conducted by the Best-dos into a hotel have been
to persons who do not Santos Public Health abandoned in favour of an
know if they are immate- Laboratory. A total of 11 entertainment and retail
rial or just editing errors. people recovered and were space. However, he said
She said however, that discharged from isolation. the upper floors of the
there are a lot of things The number of cases in property are likely to be
happening at the moment isolation is now 149. recovered since March 137,567 tests. To date, a total of 62,765 condos. He said the in-
and that sometimes emo- There have been 3,582 2020. Forty people have On Tuesday, 945 people vaccinations have been ad- vestors are also looking to
tions tend to override confirmed cases – 1,718 died from COVID-19. were vaccinated as part of ministered – 26,065 men start this year.
facts. females and 1,864 males – The public health labora- the National Vaccination and 36,700 women. Meanwhile, Minister
To this end, the and 3,401 people have tory has so far completed Programme for COVID-19. (BGIS) Walcott indicated the
Opposition Senator Carlisle House property
thought it necessary to is to be developed by a
cross reference the Jamaica investor, who is
Estimates with the
Throne Speech delivered
Opposition Leader calls for more airtime working with JADA. He
stated that they are seek-
last September, and the OPPOSITION Leader Estimates debate here in Parliament of Barbados, understand the complaint ing to acquire more land
change in direction Bishop Joseph Atherley has this Parliament this week, and it’s not only now but and the concern with re- to make the project scala-
Government thought nec- queried his limited airtime and I have had people com- I’m speaking with respect spect to the file photo. And ble.
essary because of COVID. on the island’s lone state- plaining to me about the to these Estimates, it is the I will actually investigate Speaking also to work
She said that according owned television kind of coverage that CBC voice of the government that and get back to the being done by the Bar-
to the Throne Speech, the station, particularly during has been giving, which rep- which is heard in multiple Honourable Leader of bados Tourism Invest-
point was made that it the Estimates debate resents a clear bias. Now forms. You hear that voice, Opposition because quite ment Inc., he said the
was important to take which concluded on the leader of the Oppo- given the side of a govern- frankly, CBC is a national Speightstown flood miti-
fresh guard and to articu- Tuesday night. sition, in the minds of some ment, but other people are television station.And if the gation project, which
late a new vision. It was Bishop Atherley posed at CBC, or elsewhere, may not allowed to speak. Honourable Leader of started last December,
acknowledged too that the question directly to not have anything of sub- “When out of a sense of Opposition speaks, then he was paused for a month
Barbados had entered a Minister of Home Affairs, stance to say, but ma’am, compulsion, they do feel it should be accorded the because of the shutdown,
new era and that old Information and Public you have spoken in these necessary to give a moment same courtesy as to any and is expected to be com-
things had passed away. Affairs,Wilfred Abrahams, debates,ma’am,and I think to the Leader of the other member with respect pleted by February 2022.
“If that is the case, then after seeking $5 million that you have said things of Opposition, it is not an to the presentation of his He added that phase
these Estimates should supplementary for the significance – no coverage image of the Leader of the points.” three of the Constitution
reflect that,” Senator Caribbean Broadcasting of that on CBC. I have Opposition standing in this “So where his points are River Flood Mitigation
Drakes maintained. Corporation in the Lower heard the Honourable parliament speaking like newsworthy…they will be Project recommenced on
The Senator noted Chamber. members for Michael East anybody else, it is a file carried.And if they’re news- March 1 after the national
further that also giving In fact, Bishop Atherley speak in very strong terms photo as though they had worthy enough to be car- pause, and if all goes well,
these Estimates context challenged that the report- in the Estimates debate, no no access to this place. And ried, then it must be expla- is slated to be completed
is the fact that Barbados ing of political news in coverage on CBC; I have those things represent a nation if a file photo was next March.
is still in an Extended Barbados is “coloured of heard the member for St. clear bias. Anybody who is put up. I undertake to the Walcott also spoke to
Fund Facility programme bias in the favour of Andrew, speak in very ro- honest can see these things Honourable Leader of the plans for the Golden
with the “International government” and queried bust terms, no coverage on are real.” Opposition that I will in- Square Freedom Park, in-
Monetary Fund, which who might have given that CBC because all of those In response, Minister vestigate that and come dicating that it is expected
still ring-fences us in rela- directive. submissions...were not nec- Abrahams noted that real- back to him personally with to be completed by the
tion to what we can do as Addressing Chairman of essarily favourable to gov- istically with 29 to one, it an explanation,and if there second quarter of the up-
a country, and how we go Committees Dr. Sonia ernment. would be difficult to hear is no sufficient explanation coming financial year. He
about doing it”. Browne, he said: “ We have “But every time CBC the one.“However, I do take then with the appropriate disclosed that it is esti-
(JB) had the annual exercise of brings news from the his point, but I’m trying to apology,” he said. (JH) mated to cost $8 million.
6 • Thursday March 25, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
CARPHA the new Chair for GHSA Action Package Prevent-3
IN 2019 CARPHA became an active prepare, detect and respond to public Sankarsingh, Biorisk Manager will work of experts and leaders across 60-plus
member of the international health threats. So, this opportunity as with over 150 professionals from thirty countries and non-governmental
network for the Global Health the Chair has seen CARPHA connecting countries and international organisations that seek to advance global
Security Agenda (GHSA) Action to the Global Health Security Agenda organisations to take collective action to biosafety and biosecurity capacity under
Package for Biosafety and and supporting Member States in improve biosafety and biosecurity the auspices of the Global Health
Biosecurity (Action Package improving their national capacities indicators and achieve the target set by Security Agenda.
Prevent-3). On request of the across the various IHR requirements the GHSA 2024 framework. The GHSA serves as a catalyst for
previous Chair – Portugal, CARPHA including Biosafety and Biosecurity; and As Chair, CARPHA will advance global attaining a world safe and secure from
assumed responsibilities as the National Laboratory Systems. Biosafety biosafety and biosecurity initiatives in global infectious disease threats and
Chair of the GHSA APP3 for the and Biosecurity is considered a pillar for countries who have committed to seeks to elevate global health security
period October 2020 to September regional health security in the Caribbean improve their Joint External Evaluation as a national and international leader-
2021. The agency is the only and our new role as Chair of this global (JEE) scores and support international level priority. The GHSA is a
participating organisation to network allows us to share our and regional activities which accelerate collaborative multi-sectoral initiative,
assume this status. experiences and advocate for sustainable the translation of these commitments to bringing together 65 countries
According to Dr. Joy St. John, Executive systems which are appropriate to the national actions that result in representing nearly six billion people,
Director, “CARPHA as the Secretariat of regional and national communities we measurable improvements in biosecurity regional and international organisations,
the Regional Co-ordinating Mechanism serve.” and biosafety capacity. and non-governmental and private sector
on Health Security (RCM-HS) is driving During this period, CARPHA The Action Package Prevent-3 (APP3) partners to build and strengthen health
regional multisectoral co-ordination to represented by Ms. Sacha Wallace- Biosafety and Biosecurity is a collection security capacity.
SUPREME COURT OF BARBADOS BARBADOS
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE APPLICATION NO: RT2021000030
LAND (TITLE DEEDS RESTORATION) ACT, CHAPTER 229C
CLAIM NO. LTP 9 of 2021 OF THE LAWS OF BARBADOS
(Section 3)
IN THE MATTER OF:
The Land (Title Proceedings)Act, 2011 Section 3 RESTORATION OF THE TITLE DEEDS DESTROYED BY
DISASTER OR OTHERWISE, OR LOST OR STOLEN
AND IN THE MATTER OF ALL THAT LAND SITUATE AT
TAKE NOTICE that an application has been made to the
APPLEBY NEAR RISK ROAD, FITT’S VILLAGE IN THE
Registrar of Titles by LACHMAN UDHARAM KHIALANI of 4th Avenue,
PARISH OF SAINT JAMES IN BARBADOS CONTAINING BY Belleville in the parish of Saint Michael in Barbados, for the restoration
ADMEASUREMENT 4212.3 SQUARE METRES ON A PLAN of the title deeds to the land situate at 4th Avenue, Belleville in the parish
CERTIFIED THE 7TH DAY OF MARCH 2020 BY ANDRE P.G. of Saint Michael in Barbados (more particularly described in the
CLARKE LAND SURVEYOR, (RECORDED IN THE LANDS Schedule hereto) on the ground that the original title deeds have been
AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT ON THE 16TH DAY OF MARCH lost or mislaid and have never been recovered.
2020 AS DEED NO. 370/ 2020) (HEREINAFTER CALLED “THE
ALSO TAKE NOTICE that unless notification is received at
SAID PLAN”) ABUTTING AND BOUNDING TOWARDS THE
the Land Registry, “Warrens Office Complex”, Warrens, Saint Michael by
WEST ON LANDS OF EGBERT J.R SMITH AND LUCILLE the 28th day of April 2021 that the original title deeds have not been lost
BREWSTER TOWARDS THE NORTH ON LANDS OF EILEEN or are being lawfully held by some other person, the Registrar of Titles
ODLE, ERIC M. HARRIS, PETER D. CARMICHAEL, PEARSON shall immediately proceed to determine the said application according to
G. CARMICHAEL, IRVIN M. BEST AND MAXINE C. GASKIN law.
TOWARDS THE EAST ON LANDS NOW OR FORMERLY OF
NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION AND TOWARDS THE Dated this 4th day of March 2021.
SOUTH ON LANDS OF ARRINDEL EVELYN AND VERONICA
YEARWOOD & BOYCE
EVELYN, CLENNEL BYNOE, CLEMENT VAUGHN, MILLBAR Attorneys-at-Law for the Applicant
LTD AND LUTHER G. MILLER.
SCHEDULE
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR
DECLARATION OF OWNERSHIP ALL THAT land (formerly part of a larger area containing by
AND CERTIFICATE OF TITLE admeasurement 2579.37 square metres being the metric conversion
from 27,765 square feet or thereabouts) situate at 4th Avenue, Belleville
in the parish of Saint Michael in Barbados containing 780.82
TAKE NOTICE that JOYCE ANITA BREWSTER square metres being the metric conversion from 8,405 square feet or
(acting herein by her duly Constituted Attorney on record Colleen thereabouts (of which area 23.23 square metres being the metric
Yvette Brewster) the Qualified Administratrix of the Estate of conversion from 250 square feet are contained in the road reserve)
Alexander Brewster late of Fitt’s Village in the parish of Saint ABUTTING AND BOUNDING on lands now or late of Mrs. Gordon
James and JOYCE ANITA BREWSTER and COLLEEN Murray, on lands now or late of the Ladies Association for the Relief of
YVETTE BREWSTER in their individual capacities have applied the Indigent Sick and Infirm, on lands formerly of Mrs. Goddard but now
to the High Court for a declaration of ownership and a certificate or late of one Jones and on the Public Road called 4th Avenue or
however else the same may abut and bound together with the
of the title in respect of the property described above.
dwellinghouse thereon called “Padamar”.
Any person having any adverse claim, lien or charge The Title Deeds to be restored are:
against the said property should submit the claim duly
authenticated on oath to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, (1) Conveyance dated the 22nd day of February 1974 recorded in the
Bridgetown, on or before the 13th day of May, 2021. Registration Office of Barbados on the 5th day of March 1974 as Deed
Nos. 1151 of 1974 and made between The Ladies Association for the
Relief of the Indigent Sick and Infirm of the One Part and Kishinchand
Any other person who has any information relating to
Jethanand Uttamchandani of the Other Part.
the ownership of the said property is invited to submit that
information in writing to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, (2) Mortgage dated 31st day of July 1974 recorded in the Registration
White Park Road, Bridgetown on or before the 13th day of May, Office of Barbados on the 7th day of August 1974 as Deed No. 4216 of
2021. 1974 and made between Kishinchand Jethanand Uttamchandani of the
One Part and The Bank of Nova Scotia of the Other Part.
Dated this 25th day of March, 2021.
(3) Further Charge dated the 27th day of February 1979 recorded in the
Registration Office of Barbados on the 8th day of March 1979 as Deed
JENNIVIEVE L. MAYNARD Attorney-at-Law for the Claimant No. 1587 of 1979 and made between Kishinchand Jethanand
whose place of business and address for service is Inn Uttamchandani of the One Part and The Bank of Nova Scotia of the
Chambers, Lucas Street, Bridgetown, St. Michael. Other Part.
The Barbados Advocate Thursday March 25, 2021 • 7 Chinese Americans speak out in the face of growing hate crimes THE anxiety and pain that Chinese Americans have long endured with various cold looks and verbal abuse were finally ignited by the bullets and fists from strong white men. The silent Asians, who are used to holding back, finally let the whole of American society hear their own pained cries. Holding signs reading “Asian Lives Matter” and “Make Racism Wrong Again” with excited or grave expressions while Julie Tran holds her phone during a candlelight vigil in Garden Grove, California, the US, on March 17, 2021. raising their arms and shouting, within a few days, “Stop Asian Hate” Experts told the Global Times that in was verbally abused by the daughter of a against Asians, which have gripped my demonstrations swept across the United the face of the US government’s increased famous American politician Daniel heart,” Choi said. States. Chinese Americans took to the hostility toward China and the continued Patrick Moynihan for no reason on the Zhou Yanyu, executive president of the streets along with people from different festering legacy of former president street, telling her to “Go Back to China”. Chinese American Culture Exchange races and nationalities. Donald Trump, deep-seated hatred for On March 18, two elderly Asians were Association living in Los Angeles told the “This time, Asian Americans will not Asians will continue to loom over America violently attacked by a strong man on the Global Times that since the outbreak of continue to cower at home and wait for and further tear it apart. streets of San Francisco in one day. the COVID-19 pandemic, too many time to wash things away,” Feng Yi, a While it made people clap their hands Chinese people have been living in fear, resident of San Francisco told the Global Chronic disease further deterioration for Xie Xiaozhen, the 76-year-old elderly and have had to be mentally prepared to Times. “Every time a new attack against Asian Chinese woman who bravely fought back deal with the crisis at any time. Facing the death of six Asian women in Americans happens, it will make us feel against the attacker’s fists, her family told Now she is leading local Chinese people an Atlanta shooting and a series of more vulnerable. We are also tired of the the Global Times the granny was now in to join the Asian rights organisations malevolent crimes against Asians, many fact that the escalating insults we suffer a state of panic awaiting the results of across the US and actively raised money local Chinese Americans said that they are being ignored by the authorities over police investigations to determine to hire lawyers and provide protection for are calling on more of their counterparts and over again,” a Chinese American left whether racial bias was a motivating Chinese people who suffered to “stand up,” “We’re not united just for a comment under the news of the Atlanta factor. discrimination. this highly visible moment, but start shooting. “There are far more incidents of Asian Zhou said not long ago, a gang of together to build a foundation for Asians The scars of hate and violent crimes hate around us than what are reported in teenagers in Orange County harassed her to gain a foothold in America!” against Asians have finally been the news,” Philip Choi, advisor of the compatriots around the clock, smashing The latest USA Today and Ipsos poll uncovered after a white 21-year-old Chinese American Association of glass doors with stones.The situation was found that one in four Americans have gunman went on a shooting rampage at Commerce living in San Francisco told improved when local Chinese people set recently witnessed Asian people being three Atlanta-area spas and massage the Global Times. He also took part in up patrols to ensure the safety of their blamed for the COVID-19 pandemic. parlors. several rallies against anti-Asian racism communities. While most Americans believe the Although the local police downplayed in the Bay Area. Zhou pointed out that in the past, COVID-19 outbreak is a natural disaster, the killer’s motives as “not racist,” a series Choi noted that in the past few months, Chinese people mainly faced verbal about a quarter of them continue to blame of vicious incidents subsequently exposed several elderly Chinese people have died insults, but now there are many people it on China. further showed to the world that Asians, due to violent hate crime attacks in San who even had their lives seriously However, many struggling Chinese who were originally part of the Francisco, and there were also many threatened.“Currently, we are even afraid people question how much they can marginalised groups in the US, were Chinese shops that were vandalised and to wear headphones to listen to music achieve with their protests. How long can suffering even more harm. looted. when walking, because we must always such a moment of peace and national On March 14, Maria Ha, a Korean- “Now the vulnerable groups can more pay attention to what is going on around attention be maintained? American fashion blogger in New York, easily be subject to discriminatory cases us.” Shanghai the first to announce COVID-19 vaccine inoculation plan for foreigners in China FOREIGNERS in Shanghai who meet in Shanghai will enjoy same policy as About 882 000 people in Shanghai need to fly international in the future. I the requirement will be eligible to take Chinese nationals. People who do not have their second COVID-19 vaccination am young and need to wait a long time domestic made COVID-19 vaccines, have medical insurance need to take and about 836 000 people have had their to get a vaccine in my home country,” municipal authorities announced on vaccines at their own expense, about 100 first dose as of Sunday, according to the Chris said. Tuesday night, making Shanghai the yuan ($15.4) per dose. Shanghai Health Commission. However, a Filipino said he would first Chinese city to publicise inoculation They need to take their permanent After Shanghai announced the policy, listen to World Health Organisation plan for foreigners. The move has residence identity card or passport or the public has been discussing whether (WHO) advisory and is not in a hurry. sparked heated discussions on whether valid residence permit to the designated more Chinese cities, such as Beijing and Before the Chinese vaccines are more cities would follow suit. sites after successful registration and Guangzhou which have large expat approved by the WHO, he prefers Pfizer Foreigners in Shanghai who want to follow the process such as signing an communities, will follow suit. and Moderna, which are not available in be vaccinated can make an online informed consent and a disclaimer of A British education consultant who China so far. appointment through the “Health undertaking. works in Beijing told the Global Times Chinese vaccine producers Sinopharm Cloud” app to register starting Monday. Healthcare professionals will that he has been waiting for such a and Sinovac have submitted materials to Shanghai is using domestic two-dose determine whether they are eligible for policy since his Chinese friends were the WHO for review, a required step inactivated vaccines. the vaccination based on the information able to get vaccinated. “Getting before the organisation can recommend Foreigners who have social insurance they have been given, authorities said. vaccinated will make me feel safer if I it.
8 • Thursday March 25, 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 People-minded policies
Development By Jenique Belgrave
DO we know our people?
ble in the population
would be given care pack-
ages. While persons were
however, is that while
some of those in the above
mentioned long, winding
days of more long lines
and frustrated health
workers, but the most
This question has been encouraged to call in to re- supermarket lines, and hurtful aspect was all of
encouraged forefront in my mind over
the past months in con-
templating the various
quest these, it appeared
the belief that those in
need may not have the
those who ran down the
BDF trucks received those
care packages, all of the
the elderly who were left
waiting in the sun and
rain for a one-second jab,
in Bridgetown decisions made by govern-
ment as the island
navigates the COVID-19
means to reach out and
that the perishable goods
would spoil before reach-
truly vulnerable did not.
One can only hope that
through the information
and those deemed to be at
high-risk being relegated
to waiting for a call weeks
THERE has been quite a lot of talk in recent years environment. ing them, propelled the gleaned by the Welfare after those with no NCDs
about tourism development in the country’s capital We all heard the criti- move to head into the Department, the Family had received the first
city, and from recent reports it seems poised to hap- cism levelled at many of communities and give Assistance Programme, course of their inoculation.
pen this year, once the COVID-19 pandemic permits. our own for waking at the these away to each house- various charity, church Imagine if the National
Many of the projects referred to yesterday in the crack of dawn and lining hold. and community organisa- Vaccination Programme
Senate Chamber by the Leader of the Senate, Senator up for hours to head into A firm believer only tions and the District had commenced with sev-
Dr. Jerome Walcott, had been previously spoken the supermarket during those in real need should Emergency Organisations eral satellite centres being
about, but because of COVID they have been unable the lockdown. Some were receive, the Barbados who are supposed to have opened for those walk-ins,
to get off the ground, and to breathe new life into the flabbergasted there was a Defence Force personnel a list of the vulnerable in while allowing only those
city. Now if what Minister Walcott says is true, and at desire to stand in long, jokingly said my kitchen their respective districts, with appointments and
least two hotels are coming to Bridgetown, there is winding lines for a few was obviously stocked like that the majority of these elderly persons over the
much to celebrate. Not only will these construction items, and acted as though Popular when I refused individuals did. age of 70 at certain poly-
projects bring jobs to many Barbadians, directly and this was not considered to the package as they made What about when the clinics from the very be-
indirectly, but once completed, the hotels will also be be a normal reaction due their way through my announcement came that ginning. But once more, it
employing Barbadians to work. Admittedly, many to the sense of uncertainty. neighbourhood. One of my the vaccine had arrived, appeared as though we
people hearing of these projects may be apprehensive Consider what hap- neighbours chastised me, and once again it ap- were caught unawares as
given the fact that the global pandemic has virtually pened when the protocols saying I could not be a peared we were unaware to the interest of the pub-
wiped out our tourism sector, but if we believe that it were eased, did the fall off Barbadian and pass up of the beliefs of our people. lic in taking the vaccine,
is only for a time, we must be poised, when interna- in supermarket lines not ‘freeness’, but there are Citizens, including our even though we constantly
tional travel resumes, to welcome people to our shores occur almost simultane- still a few of us who know elderly and those with tout that our people are
and to tell of plans in the pipeline to make the desti- ously? Of course, there there is no such thing. chronic non-communica- educated and, for the most
nation even more desirable. were those who just Therefore, Minister Ryan ble diseases, were encour- part, responsible.
Certainly we welcome such development in the cap- wanted to be able to leave Straughn’s announcement aged to register online for As we progress, there
ital city, and hope that it sparks even more investors home as going to the su- on Tuesday night during appointments, and many must be the understand-
to see Bridgetown as an ideal place to invest. The fact permarket was the only the Appropriations Bill de- did diligently. In the next ing of how decisions will
is that while we have seen some beautification of the real activity allowed, but bate that the venture had breath, however, all others be viewed, internalised
city over the years in areas such as Church Street, truly can such a behaviour cost the public purse $8 were told “come and get and acted upon by
Constitution River and the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, be transformed quickly? million plus was no shock. the vaccine as no one Barbadians due to our tra-
it has not gone far enough. Added to that, since Then came the an- What is saddening and will be turned away”. ditions, our beliefs and our
COVID hit, some businesses in the city have had to nouncement the vulnera- somewhat maddening, Unsurprisingly, this led to ever changing culture.
close their doors permanently, and sometimes one
has to wonder if Bridgetown is not fast becoming a
ghost town, as more businesspersons also seek to
locate their establishment in commercial hubs outside
of the city.
EU and UK try to end row
So yes, hotels are welcome, but we also want to see
the other commercial initiatives – luxury shops, fine
dining restaurants and the construction of residential
with ‘win-win’ on vaccines
accommodation and parks. These are needed if we THE UK and the same pandemic and the Asked whether the UK ficial told the BBC he
want to see true revitalisation of Bridgetown. Indeed, European Union have third wave makes co-op- might retaliate, Mr asked for the weekend
then the news that the development of the Golden said they are working to- eration between the EU Johnson told MPs he did raid to ensure everything
Square Freedom Park is still on the cards is also wel- gether to improve their and UK even more impor- not believe “that block- was on track
come, but we urge the authorities to ensure that it is relationship, after weeks tant,” it said. ades of either vaccines or • Meanwhile in
a true green space, much needed in the concrete of tensions over COVID “We will continue our of medicines, of ingredi- Germany, Chancellor
jungle of the city. vaccine supplies. discussions.” ents for vaccines” would Angela Merkel made a
In that vein, we also urge the authorities to bear in In a joint statement, But there was little be “sensible”. Companies dramatic U-turn and can-
mind that Bridgetown is still a UNESCO World they said they wanted to harmony earlier yester- might draw conclusions celled a planned five-day
Heritage Site, and so any construction must not put “create a win-win situa- day when the Com- about future investments lockdown over Easter
that designation in jeopardy, even though we have not tion and expand vaccine mission announced plans “in countries where arbi- following widespread crit-
made the most of that honour in the way we should. supply for all”. for all vaccine shipments trary blockades are im- icism.
June will mark the 10th anniversary of Historic The European Com- to be assessed on the des- posed”, he added. “This mistake is
Bridgetown and its Garrison receiving that distinc- mission earlier proposed tination country’s rate of my mistake alone,” she
tion, and it is one of a few such sites in this part of the tougher export controls vaccinations and exports. Meanwhile, in other said
world, but little has been done over the years to cap- on vaccines, amid ten- The proposals, which will developments: • EU states are trying
italise on the value, monetary and otherwise, that sions over supplies of be put before EU leaders • Amid continuing to speed up their vaccina-
such a designation can bring to our country. Sadly, the Oxford-AstraZeneca today, are seen as focused anger in Europe at tion campaigns after a
tourism dependent countries like ours where such jab. on the UK and US in AstraZeneca, a French sluggish start. Italy’s PM
sites are located, have too often seen themselves as Prime Minister Boris particular. government spokesman said he wanted to in-
mostly sun, sand and sea destinations and have failed Johnson warned that EU Health Commis- said the UK-Swedish crease the country’s rate
to tap into the economic potential of their cultural and “blockades” were not sioner Stella Kyriakides company’s failure to de- of inoculations from
heritage. But all is not lost and there is still time. “sensible”. rejected a suggestion that liver on its commitments 170,000 to half a million a
As we are hopefully able to re-engage tourists in the The joint UK-EU state- the aim was to punish the was “totally unaccept- month
coming months, as vaccination programmes are rolled ment said that “openness UK. able” • Some 19 EU states
out around the world to curb the spread of the COVID- and global co-operation” “We’re dealing with a • In Italy, police raided are recording a rise
19 virus, it is imperative that we market Barbados to would be key to tackling pandemic and this is not a plant where 29 million in infections – these in-
the hilt, showcasing all of what it has to offer, includ- the pandemic. seeking to punish any AstraZeneca doses had clude Poland, Spain and
ing our various attractions and our rich cultural his- “We are all facing the countries,” she said. been processed. An EU of- France
tory. Now is also the time to start to make Barbados
the destination of choice for persons wishing to travel, Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes
for as travel resumes worldwide, every destination E-mail Address: news@barbadosadvocate.com Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite
Sports Editor: Corey Greaves
General Manager: Sandra Clarke
Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen
will be clamouring for tourists and we must ensure Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com
Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan
that we stand head and shoulders above the rest.
@The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate
The Barbados Advocate Thursday March 25, 2021 • 9
Recovery from COVID-19 must lead to a better world
United Nations partnership done.
Tourism, one of the most dynamic sec-
provides roadmap tors in our region and one in which job
creation is strongest, has been one of the
By Dr. Garry Conille with Jomain hardest hit by the current crisis. Large-
McKenzie and small-scale businesses are calling
for a build-back-better agenda that
Unprecedented challenges, embraces tourism in more sustainable,
extraordinary opportunities equitable and environmentally respon-
WE are living in unprecedented times. sible ways. In so doing, we ensure that
COVID-19 continues to devastate health tourism, as well as the entertainment
systems, cripple economies, and exacer- and creative industries, regain their po-
bate inequalities across the globe. As I sitions as providers of decent jobs and
write these words, the Caribbean region stable incomes and as guardians of our
remains a hotspot of a disease which is cultural and natural heritage. Beyond
highlighting a simple reality: global economic indicators, tourism, travel
crises require global solutions. and entertainment bring people closer
This pandemic is our opportunity to together and remind us of our common
strengthen regional collaboration and humanity.
global solidarity to address our shared In the heart of the pandemic, the
challenges and move forward. This can United Nations, supported by its part-
only happen if we are courageous and ners, directed millions of dollars to am-
dedicated enough to seize the opportuni- plify the fight against gender-based vio-
ties presented to us. lence across the region and the world. In
the Caribbean, through the European
Where do we go from here? Garry Conille (PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO UNRCO) Jomain McKenzie (PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO UNRCO) Union-funded Spotlight Initiative and
This week Jamaica received its first others, there was marked acceleration
deliveries of COVAX-funded COVID-19 in the development of virtual and inno-
vaccines and some fifteen Caribbean vative resources for women and girls, in-
countries will receive just over 2.1 mil- cluding a greater push for safe transition
lion doses of COVAX vaccines by May. shelters for victims of abuse. Still, the
Administering and implementing effec- epidemic of femicide and family violence
tive and equitable COVID-19 vaccina- still looms – dismantling families, reduc-
tion programmes is one of the first steps ing the economic workforce and threat-
in the long journey to recover, rebuild ening to erode the moral fibre of our so-
and re-establish the hard-won levels of cieties. The women and children of our
development that countries like Jamaica region deserve better, and they should
have had. not have to wait. This build-back-better
To further support reconstruction, and agenda should not leave them behind.
over the coming months, the United
Nations will work with its partners The time for action is now
across the Caribbean to facilitate the Now is the time to reinforce our commit-
development of a build-back-better ment and efforts to build more inclusive
roadmap. The new business plan, a and sustainable economies and societies
multi-year agreement, will define the that are resilient in the face of pan-
areas of support and technical co-oper- demics, climate change and other global
ation that United Nations Country challenges. The United Nations Decade
Teams will provide to the peoples and of Action recognises that these chal-
Governments of the Caribbean. We look lenges require urgency and ambition,
forward to collaborating with all stake- concrete actions and results. While much
holders to get this done. is being done by governments, civil soci-
ety and public-private partnerships, we
Building Back Better grounded in cannot overlook the power of each indi-
tangible goals and outcomes Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina vidual, to not only beat COVID-19, but to
Throughout this process, the common Johnson Smith (left) and former United Nations Resident Co-ordinator, Bruno champion the 2030 Agenda in their daily
compass will remain the 2030 Agenda. If Pouezat, sign an agreement for the UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development lives. From parliaments and board rooms
the past year has taught us anything, it Framework (MSDF) in Jamaica (January 2017). Looking on is Dr. Wayne Henry, to street corners and social media plat-
is that countries will be better placed to Director General, Planning Institute of Jamaica. (PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO UNRCO) forms, each person can commit to better
deal with and recover from shocks, if they respect the planet, to support a neigh-
are closer to achieving the Sustainable the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 of other essential health services and if bour or child in their digital education
Development Goals (SDGs). on livelihoods, boost competitiveness and we strengthen national and global pan- and to commit to speak justice to vio-
This growing consensus is highlighted build resilience, ways to advance innova- demic preparedness and response all lence whether it occurs next door or
by recent efforts of global leaders. In 2020 tion and digital transformation, while while promoting good physical and men- on the Internet – and especially when it
we witnessed first-hand the Canadian fostering sustainability and green tal health among our populations. victimises women, girls and the most
and Jamaican Prime Ministers’ personal growth. And we have taken note. There is also broad agreement on the vulnerable among us.
involvement in major UN efforts to link What we heard is an appetite for: more need to transform educational models. There is no doubt there is a great
COVID-19 financing challenges to the resilient health systems; a transforma- Because of COVID-19, nearly 95% of chil- amount of work to do. To quote the
SDGs. We were encouraged by European tion of educational models; embracing of dren are out of school across the region. United Nations Deputy Secretary
Commission President Ursula von der tourism and entertainment in the build- While teachers across the region have General Amina Mohammed: “Piecemeal,
Leyen’s commitment to making sustain- back-better agenda and doing all of this been dedicating themselves tirelessly ad hoc efforts are not enough; we need
ability the core of the Recovery Plan for in a way that centres the climate and and selflessly to offering learning alter- results at scale and a whole-of-UN and
Europe, inspired, in her words, by the human rights – especially for those who natives for those who need them, chil- [whole-of-society] approach. We can
SDGs. We have also seen public devel- are most vulnerable, including people dren’s education has still been massively make this a year of urgency, and the
opment banks agree to align nearly with disabilities, women and children. interrupted. This is worsened by a digi- 2020s a Decade of Action to achieve the
$2.3 trillion in annual financing with the It is now widely accepted that tal divide resulting in significant in- Sustainable Development Goals.”
SDGs and the Paris Agreement. The mo- Universal access to health can no longer equalities in the provision of and access We cannot succeed working in isol-
mentum is definitely present. be an ideological aspiration but must be to said available learning alternatives. ation. Working together we can build a
At the regional and country levels, a critical goal with a practical plan of ac- Despite the heavy toll on our economies, more inclusive and resilient society be-
our heads of agencies have witnessed tion and significant investment. To this there is notable growing support from ginning with a new multi-year co-opera-
constructive exchanges among govern- end, our health systems will only recover individuals, governments, and the pri- tive agreement that is fit for purpose and
ments, young people, international if we urgently control further transmis- vate sector for digitalisation in educa- leaves no one behind. The region has the
organisations, civil society, and private sion of COVID-19 (including through ac- tion, especially for our most vulnerable full support of the United Nations.
sector experts, passionately debating and cessible and affordable vaccines for all), children and those in rural areas. This is We will build back better if we build
unearthing innovative ways to mitigate if we protect and maintain the delivery commendable, but even more can be back together.
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