WEATHER WARNING Gay named OECS - NET
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Established October 1895
Gay named OECS
ambassador for Barbados
Page 7
Thursday July 1, 2021 $1 VAT Inclusive
WEATHER WARNING
First of two waves
affects island
THE first of two expected
tropical waves passed over
the island yesterday, bring-
ing with it rain, lightning
and thunder along with
flood waters in many areas
of Barbados.
The Barbados Meteorological
Services (MET Office) issued a
Severe Thunderstorm Warning
along with a Flash Flood
Warning around 5:10 am yes-
terday morning as the condi-
tions, brought about by the trop-
ical wave affecting the island,
intensified.
The warnings put Barbadians
on alert for rapid flooding due to
heavy or excessive rainfall in a
short period of time, which
would be accompanied by sig-
nificant lightning activity.
Director of the Barbados
MET on Page 4 Bay Street as usual was flooded and motorists had to navigate the waters wisely.
Damage
to bus
disgraceful
THERE is one less bus on the
road for at least a day or two
and the taxpayers of Barbados
are now forced to pay out in ex-
cess of $1 000 after vandals
struck the Barbados Transport
Board. Around 8:30 on Tuesday
night while transporting pas-
sengers along the St. Patrick's
route, one of the Board's electric
buses was attacked by a person
or group of persons, who threw
stones through the windows.
This was revealed to members
of the media by Chief
Operations Officer of the
Transport Board Lynda Holder
early yesterday morning.
Counting the blessings that no
passengers were injured during
the attack, Holder bemoaned
the actions and noted that this
was not the first time that mem-
bers of the public had made at-
tempts at vandalising the new
fleet of government buses.
“Everyone is aware that the gov-
ernment of Barbados would
have tried to improve on public
Workshop Manager at Caribbean Auto Glass Jamar Russell explaining the procedure for the replacement of the glass for the transportation by purchasing a
front left panel of the bus to Barbados Transport Board Chief Operations Officer Lynda Holder. BUS on Page 3
2 • Thursday July 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
The Barbados Advocate Thursday July 1, 2021 • 3
‘Tread lightly’
WHILE many are breath-
ing a sigh of relief that
of countries to reimpose
lockdowns and other pub-
end of 2020, the current
regime follows the money
Significant losses
Barbados finds itself on lic health restrictions. and not the science with LGBT+ discrimination
United Kingdom’s COVID Fears are rising that the COVID19.” is costing the
19 Green List, Reverend more contagious variant “The too-short, two-day Caribbean region up to
Guy Hewitt is calling on will hamper global efforts quarantine and not lock- 5.7 percent of annual
the powers that be to pro- to contain the pandemic. ing down when the med- gross domestic product
ceed with caution as it re- In the UK, COVID19 ical community signalled (GDP).
lates to the expected in- cases are again starting to an alert, came at a cost to That’s according to Phil
flow of visitors from rise exponentially, and lives and the economy. Crehan, social develop-
Britain. their already exhausted Further, when the crisis ment consultant and one
In a statement to the National Health Service hit, rather than identify of the researchers respon-
media yesterday, (NHS) is seeing a rise in overseas visitors as the sible for the report com-
Reverend Guy Hewitt who hospitalisations.” main perpetrators, they missioned by Open for
is a candidate for presi- Reverend Hewitt says blamed everyday Business, on the
dent of the Democratic that Barbados should not Barbadians for the com- Economic Case for
Labour Party recalled that underestimate this vari- munity spread.” LGBT+ Inclusion in the
on the previous Amber ant, which now accounts He noted that due to the Caribbean. He spoke to
List persons travelling for 99 percent of new spread of the Delta vari- this yesterday during the
from Barbados were re- COVID19 cases in the ant, Brits are now banned launch of the report not-
quired to quarantine at UK. from travelling to 58 coun- ing that in actual figures,
home (or in the place they “It is roughly 60 percent tries including: in Europe: that discrimination re-
were staying) for 10 days more transmissible than Germany, The sults in loss of between
and take COVID19 tests the original Alpha variant Netherlands and US $1.5 billion and US
on day 2 and day 8. and is somewhat more re- Switzerland; in North $4.2 billion in one year
However, now on the sistant to vaccines. A America: Canada & the alone.
Green List, passengers to Public Health England US; in Central America: His comments came as
Britain simply have to (PHE)study showed 29 Argentina, Brazil, he said that the research,
take a COVID-19 test be- percent of the 42 people Panama, & Suriname; in for which the data was col-
fore travelling and an- who recently died after Africa: Kenya & South lected qualitatively and
other one after arrival. No catching the Delta variant Africa; in Asia: China, quantitatively, utilising
quarantine is required. new strain had both vacci- India, Israel, Japan, & surveys and interviews,
He cautioned however nations. Singapore; in the examined exclusion and Phil Crehan, social development consultant
that this ease of travel re- “A PHE technical brief- Caribbean: Bahamas, challenges in family, edu- providing details on the report.
strictions, which is antici- ing on June 25 indicated Bermuda, St Kitts & cation, health, employ-
pated to increase the vol- that figure had risen to 43 Nevis, Trinidad & Tobago; ment, housing, financial Caribbean countries likely to visit local com-
ume of passenger flows be- percent (50 of 117), with and South Pacific: services, brain drain, oc- which included the munities, go into the local
tween the two countries, the majority (60 percent) Australia & New Zealand. cupational segregation, Eastern Caribbean states, nightlife, museums [and]
may come at a cost. having received at least “Persons from the UK tourism among others. Barbados, Trinidad, markets. So it's not just
“The rapid rise of the one dose.” will only be allowed to According to Crehan there Guyana Belize, Jamaica that they want to visit the
highly transmissible He noted that of signifi- enter these countries if was a larger LGBT+ vul- and The Bahamas. country and stay in a re-
Indian-originating Delta cance is that the UK’s they are citizens, perma- nerability to interpersonal “The LGBT+ sample sort, they want to go visit
coronavirus variant strain COVID-19 experience has nent residents, or an im- violence and self-harm, earns 11 percent less than the country and really go
in the UK has put coun- been a precursor of things mediate family member of and he added, that there the mainstream popula- out there and spend more
tries in Europe, North to come for other countries a citizen, but with a few is a significant wage gap tion, and this is absolutely dollars. So that's two
America and elsewhere on including the US and other exceptions. between the average an- exactly in line with global things that we're able to
watch.” Caribbean. Barbados is encouraged to nual income of the LGBT+ literature. And what we plug into an economic
“The rapid global spread “This has proved partic- be vigilant and this time sample and the average can do with that, is we can model,” he said.
of the Delta variant has ularly true in Barbados as follow the science not the annual income of the gen- extrapolate that wage gap Crehan stated that
forced a growing number we watched towards the money,” he opined. eral populations in the 12 to lost productivity in the there is an added value to
workplace, and then fur- having pro LGBT+ poli-
ther extrapolate what cies enacted. He explained
Lawless behaviour a blow that means in terms of
lower economic output...
But all of this comes down
that when the LGBT+
and non LGBT+ partici-
pants were asked if they
to, that we can with as- would visit a country be-
to tax-paying public surance... say that be-
tween 1.5 billion and 4.2
billion dollars are lost an-
nually due to LGBT+ ex-
fore or after it passes leg-
islation supporting same
sex civil unions, 60 per-
cent of the entire sample,
BUS from Page 1 work. “It means that this were only a few of the bur- Barbadians to be more clusion and that’s up to said only after such laws
bus, BM615, is now off the dens that the public had to mindful and caring. “The 5.7 percent of the regional were in place.
number of electric vehi- road until we can fix this bear. “We want to make buses came on the road GDP,” he stated. “This is really interest-
cles. After spending just situation.The cost of doing sure we share this mes- just under a year ago. The He went further indi- ing, because it shows us
over $22 million BDS to this, if it continues, will ob- sage with the traveling first bus was deployed on cating that 18 percent of that a lot of LGBT+ trav-
purchase buses, put in in- viously grow and it will di- public so people would un- August 23rd so we're com- the tourism sample said ellers, of course, looking at
frastructure and train minish the value of what derstand that when you ing into 12 months of the they would not visit the the context in which they
staff, it is quite unfortu- we are seeking to achieve. engage in vandalism it buses being on the road. region due to the percep- want to travel, but per-
nate that some members We cannot replace a small has long-term ripple ef- We don't want persons to tion of anti LGBT+ laws haps more importantly, al-
of our society do not ap- piece of the glass, we have fects. It isn't just that the forget the joy that all of us as well as stigma. In that lies, non LGBT+ people
preciate and extend a cer- to replace the entire win- bus is off the road, it is the experienced when we saw vein, he explained that up are also looking at that.
tain level of care,” she said. dow and this is not some- cost of bringing that bus these buses on the road for to US $689 million, which So this really represents a
Explaining that three thing that is even stored back on the road, it is the the first time and because is approximately 2.93 per- significant way to really
quarters of the bus body is here in Barbados. We have loss of goodwill when we we have now gotten accus- cent of regional GDP, is bolster better travel and
glass and that entire sec- to bring it in as a spare cannot then service some tomed to it, feel that the lost per year as a result. tourism outcomes. But re-
tions need to be replaced part,” Holder noted. areas and then there is value of it has dimin- “What's unique about ally, to do so entails look-
in the instance of shatter- Going on to say that ul- the financial issue.” ished,” she said. our sample is that the av- ing at those constraints on
ing, Holder said that the timately incidents like With the Royal The Transport Board erage budget of partici- tourism as they currently
Board has been working these were unfortunate Barbados Police Force cur- has 35 electric buses in its pants was twice the exist. This is so important
closely with Caribbean and unacceptable due to rently investigating the fleet with 30 currently on amount of general trav- as we emerge from the
Auto Glass to do the re- the lack of care for the matter, Holder gave a re- the road. Four are out for ellers to the region. That's COVID-19 pandemic and
pairs as they were the safety of others she also minder that our pubic their servicing with the one interesting finding. many countries are re-
only company they discov- added that the impact to transport system was in- fifth, BM615, expected But another interesting launching many of their
ered at present on-island taxpayers through loss of tegral to our economic and back in rotation by tomor- finding is actually our tourism strategies,” he
that could facilitate the use and lack of service social wellbeing and urged row at latest. (MP) sample is much more stated. (JRT)
4• Thursday July 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
Regardless of development,
second wave may impact island
MET from Page 1 "We are advising every- 11 am yesterday it was lo- towards the west/west
Meteorological Services one to be careful on the cated near 41 W with an northwestward at 35km/h
(MET Office), Dr Sabu roads, especially during associated broad area of (22mph).
Best highlighted that the lightning activity. Try not low pressure centered The alert from the MET
lightning and thunder was to be outdoors during se- near 9.2N 41.7W or about Office stated that regard-
part of the segment of the vere lightning activity and 1240 miles to the east of less of development, this
wave, which had passed in plan your outdoor move- Barbados. system has the potential
the wee hours but another ments accordingly. If you Showers and thunder- to produce heavy rainfall,
would affect the island in know certain roads tend to storms associated with thunderstorms and gusty
the late morning and early flood, plan your routes ac- this feature continued to winds across Barbados
afternoon. The showers cordingly," said Best. become better organised and the southern Matching! Decked out in matching boots and um-
and flooding mostly af- The MET Office is also overnight and some slow Windwards by tomorrow brella, this young lady braves the weather, under
fected the north and cen- following the path of a sec- development of this sys- morning, Friday 2nd July the protective eye of the gentleman on
tral parts of the island. ond tropical storm and at tem is possible as it tracks 2021. (AS) Martindale's Road.
Prepare!
BARBADOS was under their ability to recover
a severe flash flood and from an impact.
thunderstorm warning She implored persons to
yesterday as the first of not only secure their
two tropical waves af- homes and carry out miti-
fected the island. gation work around them
And, residents are again and in their neighbour-
being cautioned to prepare hoods to reduce the poten-
for any type of weather tial for flooding, but to also
event, and to monitor offi- insure their homes and
cial channels for weather properties.
updates throughout the “There is nothing worse
day. than seeing the roof of
Director of the your home and all your
Department of Emergency possessions destroyed by
Management (DEM), a storm or hurricane, and
Kerry Hinds, is reminding not having the means to
persons that being pre- replace them. Please in-
pared ahead of time is key sure your homes and busi-
in the response and recov- nesses,” she urged.
ery phases. Ms. Hinds stressed that
She made these re- in the event of an emer-
marks as the Barbados gency, residents should
Meteorological Services contact the Royal
(MET Office) issued the Barbados Police Force at
warnings at 5 a.m. yester- 211; the Barbados Fire
day as the island began to Service at 311, and the
feel the effects of the first Barbados Ambulance
weather system. Service at 511.
Meanwhile, the MET To report any damage in
Office also stated that the the wake of an event, per-
second tropical wave has sons may call the DEM at
the potential to produce 438-7575, so a record of
heavy rainfall, thunder- the report could be made
storms and gusty winds and the relevant response
across Barbados by Friday agencies activated to pro-
(July 2) afternoon. vide assistance, if neces-
With this in mind, the sary.
DEM Director reminded In addition, persons may
persons that weather sys- also find the list of hurri-
tems are unpredictable, as cane shelters on the
they could either DEM’s website at
strengthen, weaken or dis- www.dem.gov.bb, or the
sipate at short notice. Barbados Government
“The key therefore is to Information Service web-
be prepared at all times. site at www.gisbarbados.
By now, persons should gov.bb.
have started stocking up The Director also en-
on their canned items and couraged persons to down-
other supplies. They load the Common Alerting
should also seek to rein- Protocol (CAP) app on
force their homes to in- their Android and Apple
crease their resilience devices to stay abreast of
against potential damage, the updates.Alternatively,
should one of the systems they may download the
impact the country,” she BMS app – BMS Insight –
said. to receive updates on sys-
Ms. Hinds further tems likely to affect the is-
stressed that how persons land. This app is only
prepared for the hurricane available on Android de-
season, would determine vices at this time.
The Barbados Advocate Thursday July 1, 2021 • 5
Wet Wednesday AT LEFT:
These ladies
THE final day of June Barbadians were awak- made sure
2021, proved to be a ened to a strong thunder- they were
very wet one as the is- storm advisory by the well pro-
land was impacted by Barbados MET services as tected from
the passage of a strong the system started to the rain.
tropical wave. make its presence felt.
BELOW: Large
puddles of
water were a
challenge for
drivers.
This gentleman was all smiles as he moved
through Swan Street.
6 • Thursday July 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
New CDB president
meets with PM Mottley
THE economic challenges of year, and surmised that this Dr. Leon said the issue of cli-
tourist and travel depend- level of double-digit economic mate change was critical and
ent Caribbean countries, as decline had pushed the island must be a main area of focus.
a result of the COVID-19 back by one or two decades. She He added that sustainable and
pandemic, and possible so- lamented that no responses had inclusive growth could only
lutions to them were dis- been forthcoming as yet to meet come about with resilience, and
cussed, when the new the needs of the region, as she if there was innovation.
President of the Caribbean highlighted the volcanic erup- He underscored the impor-
Development Bank (CDB), tion in St. Vincent and the tance of partnership and work-
Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon, re- Grenadines and the recent ing closely together, and stressed
cently paid Prime Minister weather-related “freak event” in that the development of the re-
Mia Amor Mottley a courtesy Barbados, as issues that com- gion remains the goal of the
call. pounded the situation. CDB.
Ms. Mottley highlighted sta- Therefore, she expressed the Prime Minister Mottley and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley in discussion with new
tistics, in the IMF World view that there needs to be an Dr. Leon also spoke about the President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
Economic Outlook for last year, engagement and review of the importance of a vulnerability Dr. Hyginus Leon, during a recent courtesy call. (BGIS)
to prove the point that with the Bretton Woods institutions of index; COVID-19 and the need
exception of a few war-torn the IMF and World Bank to for the region to access more Chief Economic Counsellor, Dr. Leon was accompanied by
states, highly dependent tourist meet the needs of countries. vaccines; marine transport in Ambassador Clyde Mascoll; Vice President (Operations),
and travel countries in the During the discussions, she the region; food security and ed- Director of Finance and Isaac Solomon; Vice President
Caribbean were greatly im- underscored the importance of ucation, among others. Economic Affairs, Ian (Corporate Services), Yvette
pacted economically by the pan- natural disaster and pandemic Government representatives at- Carrington; Economic Advisor Lemonias Seale; Advisor to the
demic. bonds, and said that now, more tending the courtesy call in- to Government, Dr. Kevin Vice President (Corporate
The Prime Minister said than ever, the Caribbean must cluded Minister in the Ministry Greenidge, and Permanent Services), Fay Alleyne Kirnon;
Barbados had registered a 17.6 speak with one voice and act col- of Economic Affairs and Secretary in the Prime and Advisor to the President,
per cent decline in GDP last lectively. Investment, Marsha Caddle; Minister’s Office, Alies Jordan. Dorla Humes. (SA/BGIS)
Land (Title Proceedings) Act, 2011 SUPREME COURT OF BARBADOS BARBADOS
(Act 2011-7) IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE
FORM 3 APPLICATION NO.: RT 35 of 2021
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR DECLARATION OF CLAIM NO. LTP 48 of 2019
OWNERSHIP AND CERTIFICATE OF TITLE IN RESPECT OF LAND TITLE DEEDS RESTORATION ACT CAP. 229C
ALL THAT LAND CONTAINING BY ADMEASUREMENT 694.3 IN THE MATTER OF THE LAND (TITLE PROCEEDINGS)
SQUARE METRES OF LAND AT LOT 35 OCEAN CITY A IN (SECTION 3)
THE PARISH OF SAINT PHILIP IN THIS ISLAND ACT, 2011 (Section 3);
RESTORATION OF TITLE DEEDS DESTROYED
SUPREME COURT OF BARBADOS AND IN THE MATTER OF ALL THAT land situate Pilgrim Road, BY DISASTER OR OTHERWISE LOST OR STOLEN
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE Pilgrim Place in the parish of Christ Church in this Island
Barbados containing by admeasurement 60720.0 square metres TAKE NOTICE that an Application has been made to the
CLAIM NO. LTP 18/2021
as shown on a Plan made and certified on the 5th day of Registrar of Titles by KELVIN LOVELLE also known as KELVIN
IN THE MATTER OF THE LAND (TITLE September, 2019 by Lloyd Powlett, Land Surveyor, abutting and JUNIOR LOVELL and KELVIN LOVELL (JUNIOR) of 98 E
PROCEEDINGS) ACT, 2011 (SECTION 3); bounding to the North on a public road, to the East on lands now Block Guinness Trust Buildings, Fulham Palace Road, London
or formerly of Frank Clarke, Victor Brathwaite, Sheila Stuart and W6 8BG. England for the Restoration of the Title Deed to Lot 27
AND IN THE MATTER OF ALL THAT PIECE
OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE AT LOT 35 Arthur Gooding, to the South on a public road and to the West
Durants in the Parish of Christ Church (more particularly
OCEAN CITY A IN THE PARISH OF SAINT on lands now or formerly of Lillian Watson, Marva Woodroffe and
described in the schedule hereto) on the grounds that the
PHILIP IN THIS ISLAND CONTAINING a pubic road or however else the same may abut and bound.
BY ADMEASUREMENT 694.3 SQUARE Original Title Deed to the Property was lost or misplaced and has
METRES OF LAND OF WHICH 209.1 never been recovered.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR DECLARATION
SQUARE METRES ARE CONTAINED IN
THE ROAD ABUTTING ON THE NORTH OF OWNERSHIP AND CERTIFICATE OF TITLE
ALSO TAKE NOTICE that unless notification is received at the
ON LOT 34 OR LANDS OF PATRICK
WAITHE ON THE WEST ON LOT 36 OR TAKE NOTICE that Horris Linton of 270 Kingsland Land Registry ‘Warrens Office Complex’, Warrens, in the Parish
LANDS OF KEITH ELCOCK ON THE Development, Stage 2, Kingsland in the parish of Christ Church of Saint Michael in Barbados by the 29th day of July, 2021 that
SOUTH ON 3RD AVENUE OCEAN CITY the Title Deed has not been lost or are being lawfully held by
AND ON THE EAST ON A ROAD in Barbados has applied to the High Court for a declaration of his
ownership and a certificate of the title in respect of the property some person, the Registrar of Titles shall immediately proceed
RESERVED 7.92 METRES WIDE OR
HOWEVER ELSE THE SAME MAY ABUT described above. to determine the said Application according to law.
AND BOUND
Any person having any adverse claim, lien or charge or right or Dated this 1st day of July 2021
TAKE NOTICE that PATRICK WAITHE of Lot 34 Ocean City A in
the parish of Saint Philip has applied to the High Court for a dec- interest against the said property should submit a claim duly
laration of his ownership and a certificate of title in respect of the authenticated on oath to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Hilford A. Murrell
property described above. Bridgetown, on or before the 30th day of August 2021 and Attorney-at-Law
immediately thereafter serve a true copy on the undersigned.
Any person having any adverse claim, lien or charge or right or
interest against the said property should submit the claim duly SCHEDULE
authenticated on oath to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Any person who has information relating to the ownership of the 1) ALL THAT land situate at Lot 27 Durants in the Parish of
Bridgetown on or before the 29th day of July 2021. said property is invited to give such information in writing to the Christ Church in this Island containing by admeasurement
Registrar of the Supreme Court, Bridgetown, on or before the 830.18 square metres or thereabouts.
Any other person who has any information relating to the
ownership of the said property is invited to give such information 30th day of August 2021.
in writing to the Registrar of the Supreme Court, Bridgetown on 2) The Title Deed to be restored is:
or before the 29th day of July 2021. Dated the 17th day of June, 2021
Conveyance dated 11th day of December 1984 made between
Dated the 17th day of June 2021. Grace A. Mc.Caskie (Ms), AILEEN DECOVERLEY WARD of the ONE PART and KELVIN
Alicia A. Archer Attorney-at-Law for the Claimant whose place of business DARWINTON LOVELL and ALFREDA ELGINA LOVELL of the
Attorney-at-law for the Claimant Whose place of business and address for service is First Floor, One Welches,
and address for service is Artemis Law, Venus House, OTHER PART recorded in the Registration Office on the 21st
Walrond Street, Bridgetown, Barbados. Welches, St. Thomas BB22025 in Barbados. day of December 1984 as Deed No. 9033/84.
The Barbados Advocate Thursday July 1, 2021 • 7 Gay named OECS ambassador for Barbados GABRIELLE GAY is the cur- University of The West Indies ardising the ability of future programme Gabrielle Gay rent Organisation of Eastern Cave Hill Campus, said despite generations to meet their own Award for Literacy is in coun- Caribbean States (OECS) her stellar resume, she is still needs. For me, that is best tries all over the world and she Ambassador for Barbados and is shocked each time she receives achieved via Education, legisla- is now an OECS ambassador. the first Barbadian to be recog- correspondence that she has tive and public policy change. Therefore, it is no surprise that nised for her unique contribu- won an award or received am- This is the foundation of the she is keen on assisting the tion to the education sector. bassador status. OECS Sustainable Government of Barbados with Gay said that the experience “It surprises me in the best Development Movement, so that the redevelopment of the cur- of being recognised as the OECS way whenever it happens, be- is why I am so passionate about rent education sector. ambassador was an extremely cause I never take any of it for it,” she said. “I am definitely open to work- humbling experience. granted. I believe that the Gay explained that as an am- ing together with the govern- “It’s honestly extremely hum- minute you become complacent bassador for the OECS all am- ment to further spearhead per- bling. The OECS is without a and settled in any sphere, that is bassadors are mandated to host manent progress in the educa- doubt one of the most presti- when you lose your edge and vi- an event. She explained that she tional, legislative and executive gious international institutions sionary essence. Therefore, I see is hosting a virtual conference spaces. Governments need the of regionalism, so to be recog- every win, small or big, as a won- on the topic, “Technology on the input of the youth who are in nised by them as a key global derful surprise and blessing. I frontline: Is the medical arena the field with the issues faced. I leader from a shortlist of over never want to get comfortable equipped for technological am always willing to partner for 250 of the best Youth Leaders in this regard, ever,” she said. progress, post-COVID 19? We the greater good of humanity,” worldwide- is such a fulfilling The newly appointed ambas- will be exploring this highly rel- she said. achievement!” sador of the OECS said that she evant and exciting new topic Gay shared some words of en- She said it was on her Goals is passionate about sustainable which will have a team of ex- couragement to the members of List for over a year. “So when it development. “Sustainable de- perts which include global and the youth. “Take time out to Gabrielle Gay is the newly manifested, I cried many happy velopment is by and large eco- regional experts from the write each of your goals down appointed Ambassador for tears. This is such a proud mo- nomic development conducted health, technology and medical on paper or digitally. Begin to the Office of Eastern ment for The Gabrielle Gay by countries and leaders, with- sector,” she said. identify individuals or entities Caribbean States. Award for Excellence in Reading out the depletion of natural re- Gay was honoured by Queen that are aligned with those goals and Literacy Mentorship sources. I deeply believe this Elizabeth II in the Queen’s and then proceed from there. I media and follow along for mo- Programme,” she said. style of ethical societal progres- Young Leaders Programme, con- am always open to offer advice tivation, and tips on building a Gay, who is a final year sion is compulsory as it allows ferred ambassadorship by the and assistance, so please feel legacy that is selfless and bene- Bachelor of Law Student, at the us to move forward without jeop- World Literacy Foundation, her free to reach out to me on social fits all,” she said. (PR) DEM Director: Interest in competition pleasing POETRY from Back Page creativity while actively engag- this month”. Director of the DEM, Kerry ing children to learn more about Hinds encouraged all five Hinds, in her remarks, said she the major hazard that can po- prize winners to continue writ- was truly pleased the competi- tentially affect us annually. The ing and to see themselves as am- tion generated such a great in- judges’ feedback- generally well bassadors for disaster prepared- terest among the youth. She fur- structured, creative, informa- ness. Also, she urged them to en- ther said “the competition’s en- tional pieces. I am also pleased courage their families and trants wrote on the topics of to note the competition of itself friends to be prepared, to be storms and hurricanes and “we generated a lot of buzzy on our aware and know what actions thought that this competition social media platforms and it to take to keep themselves was a great avenue to encourage maybe our most popular activity safe.(MG) Maliah Chandler won the second-place prize. Director of the DEM, Kerry Hinds. Kayley Bovell won the fourth-place prize.
8 • Thursday July 1, 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 Indonesia considers broader curbs
COVID vaccine as coronavirus crisis deepens
encouraged JAKARTA – Indonesia is
finalising emergency
measures aimed at
said.
Indonesia reported
21,807 COVID-19 cases on
closure of non-essential
offices, according to a
government document
said was about 200,000 to
300,000 a day at present.
“There is no bargaining”,
OVER the weekend during a press conference to controlling Southeast Wednesday and 467 seen by Reuters. Jokowi added.
update the country on the COVID-19 pandemic, Asia’s worst coronavirus deaths, one of six days of The proposals, which Just 13 million people
officials from the Ministry Health and Wellness told epidemic, its president record cases since June 21. were preliminary and have have received two vaccine
Barbadians of the importance of getting tested and said yesterday, as the Movement curbs were yet to be endorsed, were shots in Indonesia. Of its
vaccinated, if the country is to get a better handle on country reported record tightened last week in so- made by the coordinating more than 270 million
the spread of the virus. COVID-19 cases for the called “red zone” areas ministry for maritime people, 181.5 million are
Given that developing countries like ours have had second day this week. where cases have jumped, affairs and investment and targeted for immunisation.
a hard time securing vaccines, it was pleasing to hear President Joko Widodo but health experts said would apply from July 3 to The president had
officials urging more Barbadians to get the shot. said authorities were those were insufficient. 20, on the islands of Bali previously resisted calls
Vaccine inequality is real, but with some luck and mulling whether to tighten Social mobility and the and densely populated from health experts for a
smart negotiations, we have been able to secure the restrictions for one week presence of highly Java. full lockdown and warned
precious commodity, and as of Tuesday, 70,948 persons or two weeks and urged transmissible variants has The document last week that curbs
received two doses of the vaccine and 95,264 had been the public to remain been blamed for a surge recommends critical should be implemented
administered one dose.At present, the country has one vigilant and focus less on that has pushed many sectors remain open but that avoid “killing” the
of the highest vaccination rates not just in the the health of the economy. hospitals to their limits. for malls to close and a economy.
Caribbean, but the world, and if Barbados is to achieve “Today it will be Bed occupancy ratio was work from home policy for But Hasbullah
herd immunity, then this trend must continue. finalised, because the at 72% nationally, Jokowi non-essential workers. Thabrany, chief of the
We well remember back in May of this year, Prime spike is very high,” the said, although some local It suggests reduced Indonesian Health
Minister Mia Amor Mottley made a promise to ensure president, better known as authorities have reported public transport capacity Economic Association, said
that the country has vaccines on demand. With the Jokowi, told a business rates far higher, including and requirements of more comprehensive
arrival of the Sinopharm vaccine from China this event, referring to the Jakarta. vaccines or COVID-19 measures were necessary
week, and news that we are also set to secure vials of emergency protocols. In a bid to halve the tests for domestic air and the economy would
the Pfizer vaccine, which has been approved for “I ask that we all be current daily cases to travelers. not suffer badly.
persons 12 years and older, there is even greater hope careful and don't let our below 10,000, Indonesia is Jokowi also pledged to “No restrictions will kill
that more Barbadians will be able to get vaccinated as guard down. Don't just proposing tighter expedite vaccinations to the people’s economy. It
needed and we will move closer to achieving the herd talk about the economy, restrictions on movement one million doses per day just pauses economic
immunity that is required to get our economy back on while we don’t see the and air travel, a ban on in July and two million in activities to keep the virus
track. health aspect,” Jokowi restaurant dining and August, up from what he at bay,” he said.
But, we appreciate that some people are hesitant
to get vaccinated. Therefore, as officials urge more
persons to get the shot, they may have to put greater
effort into tailoring their messages to combat vaccine
hesitancy and also ensure that persons are inclined to
2 Australian states urge against
go back for the second dose where applicable.
Last Saturday during the press conference, Chief
Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kenneth George, said
under 40s taking AZ vaccine
that in particular, they want to encourage healthcare CANBERRA, Australia – Australians have a as ATAGI, recommends administered to people
workers to get vaccinated, stating that it is important, The Queensland and choice of only two vaccines Pfizer for people under 60 under 60 “for whom Pfizer
not only for them to protect themselves, but for the Western Australia state and locally manufactured because of the clotting risk. is not available.”
protection of colleagues and the clients that they serve. governments yesterday AstraZeneca is more AstraZeneca had been Conditions included that
We echo his call, because healthcare workers are at advised people under age plentiful. recommended for all adults benefits were likely to
increased risk of being infected with COVID-19, and 40 not to take the Queensland Chief until a 48-year-old outweigh risks and that
given that a number of persons are ignoring symptoms AstraZeneca vaccine Health Officer Jeannette Australian woman died the decision to take
and not getting tested and that numerous others get because of the risk of a rare Young said younger adults from clotting in April. The AstraZeneca was
COVID and are asymptomatic, the possibility of those blood clotting disorder, should wait for Pfizer to vaccine was then informed.
in the healthcare sector being exposed to COVID, despite the Australian become available, despite recommended for people “We deeply respect
should such persons seek medical attention is real. government making those only 5% of all Australians older than 50 until a 52- throughout the course of
According to Dr. George the percentage of staff at shots available to all being fully vaccinated. year-old died in May. the pandemic there have
the government healthcare facilities that have been adults. With only 42 coronavirus As concerns grew about been a range of views put
vaccinated varies from 35 to 60 percent, but they want The state governments’ cases active in new infections, the federal forward, but the critical
it in the region of 70 percent. So it is clear that the advice to those under 40 is Queensland, AstraZeneca government on Monday elements are that we have
Ministry of Health has to work at encouraging more based on British was not worth the risk for decided to make a national vaccine
employees of these institutions to safeguard their government guidelines, younger adults, she said. AstraZeneca available to program, which is based on
health and the health of the persons they care for. while the new federal “No, I do not want under all adults and to indemnify the medical advice and
While admittedly the vaccine does not prevent government’s position 40s to get AstraZeneca against lawsuits doctors continues to be based on
infection, it has been proven to prevent serious acknowledges the scarcity because they are at who administer it. that medical advice,” Hunt
complications, and given the number of lives that have of the Pfizer vaccine and increased risk of getting – Western Australia said.
been claimed by COVID-19, it should be embraced. an urgent need to it is rare – but they’re at Premier Mark McGowan Hunt declined to say
On Saturday, we also heard that people are not accelerate a slow national increased risk of getting said his government took a whether Australians
getting tested even though they are experiencing rollout. that rare clotting “different approach” to the younger than 40 should
symptoms. There are a number of reasons this could The disagreement has syndrome,” Young said. federal government. expect doctors would inject
be the case - they are afraid of the test, afraid of what stoked confusion as around “I don’t want an 18-year- “Under 40s shouldn’t them with AstraZeneca.
the results will be, or afraid of having to go into half Australia’s population old in Queensland dying have it,” McGowan said, “I certainly would never
isolation. What they are not realising is that by not is locked down in from a clotting illness who, referring to AstraZeneca. step between a patient and
getting tested, if they are infected and become severely Queensland, Western if they got COVID, Health Minister Greg a doctor where an informed
ill, they are at risk of dying, especially if they do not Australia, New South probably wouldn’t die,” Hunt said the ATAGI decision to be vaccinated
get medical attention. We urge persons to make Wales and the Northern Young added. advice continued to be his was made,” Hunt said.
themselves au fait with the various symptoms of the Territory due to new Australia’s adviser on government’s “guiding Many younger
virus and encourage them, should they experience clusters, mostly of the delta vaccines, Australian light.” Australians have proved
any of the symptoms, not to brush them off, but to go variant, which is thought Technical Advisory Group But ATAGI advised that eager to accept the
and get tested. to be more contagious. on Immunization, known AstraZeneca could be AstraZeneca option.
Also, we urge Barbadians, as more persons become
fully vaccinated, not to drop their guard and ensure Telephone: 467-2000 News Fax: 434-1000 News Editor: Dorian Bryan Executive Editor: Allison Downes
that they continue to physical distance, wear masks E-mail Address: news@barbadosadvocate.com Business Editor: Jewel Brathwaite General Manager: Sandra Clarke
Sports Editor: Corey Greaves Assistant Managing Director: Sean Eteen
and sanitise their hands to help keep COVID at Website: www.barbadosadvocate.com
Publisher: Sir Anthony Bryan
bay.
@The Barbados Advocate @barbadosadvocate
The Barbados Advocate Thursday July 1, 2021 • 9
World Bank approves US$50m to SVG
THE World Bank has operation aims to assist “The volcanic eruption “The eruptions displaced their attempts to manage needs, while also encour-
signed US$50 million the country cover a wide started as St Vincent, and approximately to a the impacts of both aging long-term develop-
in Supplemental unexpected financing gap the Grenadines was quarter of the island’s COVID-19 also this ment goals.
Financing for the and address emergency re- still coping with the dev- population and harshly crisis.” The operation helps the
Second Fiscal Reform quirements caused by the astating socioeconomic im- impacted livelihoods. We The volcano eruption & country’s program to
and Resilience Develo- La Soufrière volcano pacts of the coronavirus value our strong ties the ensuing ashfall, respond to the COVID-19
ment Policy Credit eruption. pandemic,” said Tahseen with St Vincent and the mudslides, and pyroclastic pandemic, strengthen
(DPC) for St Vincent Notably, the original Sayed, World Bank Grenadines, & the World flows have had disastrous fiscal sustainability, and
and the Grenadines. DPC was approved in June Country Director for the Bank remains dedicated to impacts on people’s improve climate and dis-
This quick-disbursing 2020. Caribbean. supporting the people in livelihoods also the aster resilience.
economy of St Vincent and The grant, which is
the Grenadines. from the International
Stocks trade mixed, hovering near record levels This supplemental fund-
ing to the DPC approved
Development Association
(IDA), is interest-free with
last year will assist the a maturity of 40 years,
STOCKS were mixed hovering at or near record 692,000 versus the 600,000 the balance sheets of government address emer- including a grace period
Wednesday to hover close levels while traders await expected. consumers." gency response & recovery of ten years.
to all-time highs. Traders more catalysts to push eq- Consumer confidence “It’s a lot of dry powder
considered stronger-than- uities higher. Many have has also risen and pointed for continued gains in the
expected prints on private pointed to the prospects of to Americans’ increased economy, and that trans-
payroll gains and pending another batch of strong propensity to spend, lates into good news for
home sales and looked corporate earnings results with the Conference corporate profits down the
ahead to more economic as a likely source of upcom- Board's consumer confi- road,” he added.
data out at the end of ing strength, given the dence index racing to Wednesday’s session also
this week. firming economic backdrop the highest level marks the final day of trad-
The S&P 500 was as pandemic risks in the since February 2020 ing for the month of June,
slightly higher, while the US recede further. in June. the second quarter, and
Nasdaq traded to the On Wednesday, traders “If you look at what’s the first half of 2021.
downside Both indexes set got stronger than expected really been powering the In the S&P 500, the real
record levels yet again dur- update on the labor market economy and powering estate, information tech-
ing Tuesday’s regular trad- in ADP’s June private the stock market, it’s been nology and communication
ing day.The Dow gained as payrolls report. This the fact that there’s been services sectors have come
shares of Walmart (WMT) underscored the ongoing so much fiscal stimulus in at the top-performers
outperformed. economic recovery with a pour into the economy,” for the March through
The major US stock in- sixth straight monthly David Lefkowitz, UBS June quarter, and only the
dexes have moved only increase in employment, Global Wealth Manage- utilities sector is on track
modestly so far this week, with jobs rising by ment head of equities for to end the quarter lower.
the Americas told Yahoo For the year-to-date
Finance. “What’s really through Tuesday’s close,
Saudi unemployment crucial though is that a lot
of that fiscal stimulus
the S&P 500 has increased
14.3%, the Nasdaq by
has actually not been spent 12.7% and the Dow
down to pre-pandemic year. It’s sitting on by 12%.
levels in Quarter 1
BANK RATES
as economy rebounds Commercial bank rates to the public at the close of
business yesterday by the Central Bank of Barbados.
DUBAI – Unemployment expected to grow 2.1% this
among Saudi citizens year after shrinking Valid for July 1, 2021
dropped to 11.7% by 4.1% in 2020, the Notes:
in the first quarter of this International Monetary Currency Buying Selling
year from 12.6% at the end Fund has said. Belizean Dollar 1.00000 1.00000
of 2020, official data In the first quarter, real Canadian Dollar 1.59154 1.63862
showed on Wednesday, as gross domestic product East Caribbean $ 0.73704 0.74445
the economy of the world’s shrank 0.5% quarter-on- Euro 2.32064 2.41836
biggest oil exporter picked quarter mainly because of Pound Sterling 2.70397 2.81783
up after a sharp contrac- a drop in the oil sector, United States Dollar 1.98000 2.02857
tion last year. reflecting the kingdom’s Demand/Sight:
Saudi Arabia has been voluntary oil output cuts. Currency Buying Selling
Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313
pushing through economic The non-oil economy Canadian Dollar 1.60060 1.63718
reforms since 2016 to grew by 4.9% compared East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306
create millions of jobs and with the last three months Euro 2.35469 2.40335
aims to reduce unemploy- of last year, driven by a Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948
ment to 7% by 2030, 6.3% private sector Pound Sterling 2.74364 2.80034
but those plans were expansion. United States Dollar 1.99000 2.02768
disrupted by the coron- Recent data suggest Telegraphic Transfer
avirus crisis that sent oil economic activity picked Currency Buying Selling
prices plummeting. up further in the second Belizean Dollar 0.99688 1.00313
Unemployment hit a quarter, London-based Canadian Dollar 1.60364 1.63718
East Caribbean Dollar 0.73843 0.74306
record high of 15.4% in the Capital Economic said this Euro 2.35912 2.40335
second quarter last year. week, estimating a 3.5% Guyana Dollar 0.00942 0.00948
“In the first quarter of quarter-on-quarter growth Pound Sterling 2.74881 2.80034
2021, the overall Saudi un- in Q2. United States Dollar 1.99375 2.02768
employment rate “Saudi Arabia’s eco-
decreased to 11.7% com- nomic recovery seems to INDICATIVE RATES FOR SOME REGIONAL
pared to 12.6% in the last have got back on track in CURRENCIES AS ADVISED BY THE
quarter of 2020, reaching a Q2 and, as virus restric- RESPECTIVE CENTRAL BANKS
level below pre-pandemic,” tions are eased further and N.B.: These rates are not meant to be used for trading.
the General Authority for oil production cuts are BDS$
Guyana Dollar 0.00945
Statistics said on scaled back, a strong Jamaica Dollar 0.01335
Wednesday. second half of the year lies T & T Dollar 0.29690
The Saudi economy is in store,” it said.
10 • Thursday July 1, 2021 The Barbados Advocate
WHO
officially
declares
China
malaria-free
GENEVA – The World
Health Organization
(WHO) yesterday officially
granted China a malaria-
free certification as a token
of celebration of the
country’s successful
elimination of the disease
after 70 years of its
struggles against malaria.
From 30 million malaria
cases in the 1940s, China
brought down that number
over the last decades, to
finally achieve no cases in
the last four years, the
WHO said.
“Today we congratulate
the people of China on
ridding the country of
malaria,” said WHO
Director-General Tedros
Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of “Their success was hard-
the Central Military Commission, walks with the recipients of the July 1 Medal, the Party’s highest honour, into the venue of the earned and came only after
award ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 29, 2021. The award ceremony of the July 1 decades of targeted and
Medal was held yesterday morning at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. sustained action,” he
added.
Xi awards highest Party honour to China’s efforts against
malaria started in the
1950s, as the disease was
rampant in the southern
role models ahead of CPC centenary part of the country, close to
other hotspots in mainland
Southeast Asia.
BEIJING – Xi Jinping, Xi also told CPC a volunteer who has million members. The “523 Project” – a
general secretary of Role models members to work spent decades serving her Xi called on the Party research program
the Communist Party Over the past 100 diligently, maintain high community, a Uygur to follow the example set launched in 1967 – allowed
of China (CPC) years, generations of CPC morale, tackle challenges village official resolutely by the awardees, saying Chinese Nobel Prize
Central Committee, on members have worked and continue the fine fighting ethnic separatist every CPC member can winner Tu Youyou to
Tuesday conferred the hard and made selfless traditions of hard work activities, a welder, a make accomplishments discover artemisinin, one
July 1 Medal, the contributions in the and plain living, and to weaver, a veteran for the Party and the of the most effective
Party’s highest pursuit of national put public interests above diplomat and a police people in the great cause antimalarial drugs
honour, on model CPC independence and the personal interests. detective. of national rejuvenation. nowadays, according to the
members. liberation of the people, The ceremony was A battalion commander “The new era needs WHO.
A total of 29 CPC as well as in striving for a presided over by Wang who sacrificed his life heroes and can give birth Over the last two
members who have prosperous and strong Huning, and attended by defending the Chinese to heroes,” he said. decades, China ramped up
made “outstanding country and the people’s Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, border, a Party official At the end of the its efforts and reduced the
contributions to the Party well-being, said Xi. Wang Yang, Zhao Leji who was sent to a village speech, Xi called on CPC number of cases in the
and the people” received Noting that the and Han Zheng – all to fight poverty and died members and officials to 1990s from 117,000 to
the honour, some awardees have been members of the Standing on the front line, and a boldly advance toward 5,000 annually by
posthumously. outstanding represen- Committee of the war hero who worked in the second centenary goal providing staff training,
This is the first time tatives of CPC members Political Bureau of the obscurity after retiring of fully building a modern laboratory equipment,
the medal has been on all fronts, Xi said they CPC Central Committee, from the military were socialist country, as well antimalarial medicines
awarded as the CPC is embody Party members’ as well as Vice President awarded the honor as the Chinese Dream of and new methods to
set to celebrate its staunch faith, fighting Wang Qishan. posthumously. national rejuvenation. control mosquito
centenary today, July 1. and dedicated spirit, Wang Huning read a Zhang Guimei, the After the ceremony, Xi propagation.
Over the past 100 integrity and devotion, decision of the CPC principal of a senior high and other leaders took a The “1-3-7” strategy –
years, the Party “has and loyalty to the Party’s Central Committee on school that offers free group photo with the one day to report a case,
written a splendid fundamental tenet – conferring the medals. education to girls from medal recipients. three days to confirm a
chapter in the history of putting the people at the impoverished families, Before the ceremony, Xi case and seven days to
the Chinese nation’s very center of their Everyday heroes called herself an and other leaders met prevent further spread of
development and that of hearts, and whole- The recipients of the “ordinary teacher” when with awardees of the the disease – was also a
humanity’s progress,” heartedly serving the medals all come from the she delivered a speech on titles of outstanding tool of success and is still
said Xi, also Chinese people. people and are rooted in behalf of the honorees Party members, used nowadays for
president and chairman To maintain staunch the people. They are after receiving her medal. exemplary Party travelers coming from
of the Central Military faith is to stay true to the everyday heroes who “The honor belongs to workers, and advanced malaria-infected countries.
Commission. Party’s original have fulfilled their duties every CPC member community-level Party “Over many decades,
In the Great Hall of the aspiration and dedicate and made contributions, working on different organizations from across China’s ability to think
People, Xi draped the everything, even one's said Xi. fronts,” said Zhang. the country, and took a outside the box served the
medals around the necks precious life, to the cause They include a veteran “What we’ve done is just group photo with them. country well in its own
of the recipients, shook of the Party and the of the Red Army and what many CPC The meeting on response to malaria, and
their hands and people, said Xi. those who fought in the members are doing every awarding the three titles also had a significant
congratulated them. All Party members War of Liberation and the day.” was held Monday, which ripple effect globally,” said
Xi addressed the should trust, love and War to Resist U.S. According to figures was attended by Wang Pedro Alonso, director of
attendees after devote themselves to the Aggression and Aid released last year, the Huning and Zhao the WHO Global Malaria
presenting the medals. Party, he said. Korea. They also include CPC has more than 91 Leji. Programme.The Barbados Advocate Thursday July 1, 2021 • 11 Grenada designated world’s first ‘culinary capital’ THE World Food Travel Association handcrafted rums and nutmeg ice cream. (WFTA) has designated Grenada Spices on the island are used for both and its sister islands of Carriacou & food as well as medicinal & wellness Petite Martinique as the world’s purposes,” the WFTA statement noted. first Culinary Capital. As per the WFTA, the Culinary ‘Spice of the Caribbean’ Capitals programme intends to focus Grenada comprises three islands located on culinary cultures worldwide as in the Caribbean’s southernmost region. the tourism sector starts to recover later The Island country boasts of 60 the long pandemic-induced hiatus. unforgettable dive sites, including the The WFTA, which is considered as the largest shipwreck in the Caribbean & world’s leading authority on food and the world’s 1st Underwater Sculpture beverage tourism, said the combination Park. of spices into the nation’s cuisine has Grenada also has 50 world-class resulted in an overall robust and white sand beaches, 15 breathtaking flavourful Grenada food profile. waterfalls and countless hiking trails. The World Food Travel Association (WFTA) has designated Grenada and its sister From casual beachside restaurants to Kirl Grant-Hoschtialek, the interim islands of Carriacou & Petite Martinique as the world’s first Culinary Capital. fine dining and even street food, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Grenadians’ taste and the flair for called the Culinary Capital accreditation attract discerning travellers,” he said. plantations. delicious food is undeniable, the WFTA a significant achievement for the country. Grenada is a Caribbean country It’s also the place of the capital, said. “We are known as the Spice of the containing the main island, also called St. George’s, whose colourful homes, “The islands showcase many unique Caribbean. So it is fitting that we are the Grenada, and smaller circling islands. Georgian buildings and early-18th-cen- culinary assets. These hold the tradition 1st Caribbean island to earn the designa- Dubbed the “Spice Isle,” the hilly main tury Fort George overlook narrow of ‘saraka’, the national dish ‘oil down’, tion of Culinary Capital. This will island is home to numerous nutmeg Carenage Harbour. PM Holness rejects claims COVID rules relaxed as election sweetener KINGSTON, Jamaica – PM Holness says have been relaxed to pave the way remarks at the opening of the Olympic be deferred up to February 27, 2022. an election will not be held this year and for local government elections. Gardens Police Station in St Andrew The bill was piloted by Local certainly not until he is satisfied that Holness says an election will not be held Wednesday morning. Government Minister, Desmond Jamaica is on the right trajectory this year and certainly not until he is sat- Last November, the House of McKenzie. for vaccination. isfied that Jamaica is on the right Representatives approved amendments Local elections are held every four years Prime Minister Andrew Holness has trajectory for vaccination. to the Representation of the People Act to and the last poll was conducted refuted claims that COVID-19 measures He made the declaration as he gave allow the local government elections to on November 28, 2016. Jamaica Gov’t pushes ahead with Six Delta variant infections identified summer school despite objections as active cases rise in Bermuda KINGSTON, Jamaica – THE education gagement. HAMILTON, Bermuda – Six people have ant and five the Beta or South African ministry of Jamaica is pressing ahead When the diagnostic test data becomes been infected with the Covid-19 Delta variant, according to Dr Oyinloye. with plans to hold summer classes, available this will be used to guide variant, a more virulent strain of the The Delta variant, linked to outbreaks notwithstanding clear indication from the further support for summer school and be- coronavirus, it was announced at in India, can infect five to eight people island’s teachers that they are not yond. We sent out the analysis report for Tuesday night’s Government press on average from one case. in favour of the move. our grade nine students today [Tuesday], conference. Patients in the original outbreaks of the On Tuesday, portfolio minister Fayval and the schools now have this data to David Burt, the Premier, called the news virus across Europe appeared to infect Williams announced that summer begin planning learning for these “disappointing” and said it highlighted the about three different people, while those school will start on Monday, July 5, and students,” she advised. need for vigilance, even as Bermuda’s with the Alpha or British variant continue through August, with the A tiered system is to be used to number of fully vaccinated people passed responsible for Bermuda’s surge this assistance of available trained teachers prioritise students for face-to-face learn- the 60 per cent mark. spring typically infected between four and retired teachers as tutors, as well as ing, supplemented by online instruction, Burt remained upbeat that the island or five others, he said. final-year teachers’ college students the minister said, with tier-two students could still hit its goal of 70 per cent immu- Dr Oyinloye said the Beta strain as assistant tutors. being facilitated virtually only, guided by nisations, saying the arrival last week of appeared more adept at evading the full The plan is for face-to-face learning to their classroom teachers “who may 4,000 fresh doses of the Pfizer vaccine put protection offered by the vaccine – but run for the first four weeks, and virtual volunteer to assist” or by tutors recruited the jab within reach of anyone not emphasised the vaccine remained the best classes to continue throughout by the ministry. vaccinated so far. line of defence. August. Meanwhile, Minister Williams said the Ayo Oyinloye, the Chief Medical Officer, Mr Burt, who was heckled outside the When the plan for mandatory summer previously announced national extra said it was now clear that “variants of Cabinet office by protesters Wednesday school was first announced the Jamaica lessons/homework programme commis- concern are on the island – there’s no morning, acknowledged that some of the Teachers’ Association (JTA) had came out sioned by the ministry will be delivered argument about that”. Government’s restrictions had proven in opposed, positing that teachers had primarily online, and that tutors/teachers Four new positive coronavirus cases unpopular. become burnt out and needed time to re- would be required to manage both face-to- were announced, bringing the total active He conceded that early confusion over coup for the start of the new school year face and online classes. cases to 15 – almost quadruple the four the implementation of the travel in September. The teachers said “The national summer school and cases just two weeks ago. authorisation form at the island’s the summer break should, instead, be national homework and national extra It was also revealed that large group borders was “not the Government’s finest used to strategise and plan for the term lesson intervention or programme is for gatherings will be cut from 100 to hour”. ahead. every student who want to avail them- 50 people from tomorrow, due to the But the Premier maintained that strict Williams later advised that summer selves of it. We would love for those who increase in cases. two-week supervised quarantines for school would be voluntary, but that the are below the line to participate, Health minister Kim Wilson said the non-immunised incoming travellers were ministry would roll out a structured but it is for every single student,” four cases were from 7,048 test results scientifically proven as necessary. programme. she stressed. since the last pandemic update, giving a He said, “Strong leadership will be In a statement to the House of The ministry has also promised to track test positivity rate of 0.1 per cent. necessary in the face of criticism and Representatives on Tuesday, she said the down and bring into the loop the 120,000 Ms Wilson said the 15 active cases were differing views.” ministry would begin the summer school students reported to have not been in all under public health monitoring with He added it did not mean “we will programme using existing performance contact with the education system since none in hospital. make decisions without listening to data on the students to guide its initial en- last March. Six of the active cases are the Delta vari- the people”.
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