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The following analysis prepared by Amit @caribbeansignal.com

The last time I researched and wrote anything COVID-19 related was back in June, 2020. Back then, I wrote a series of weekly “Covid-19 vs. The Caribbean” articles. Every Friday night, I’d scour several data sources for reports of confirmed new cases across the Caribbean, compile the data into spreadsheets, and publish some basic analysis on this site. All in all, I analyzed 13 weeks of data.

Much has changed since then. People across the globe are still suffering, as are our economies. Our lives have changed, no matter who you are or what you have (or don’t). Life events are either pre-Covid or post-Covid. Such is the scale and scope of this deadly virus. Despite that, Science has offered solutions. Vaccines were quickly developed (some would argue to quickly?) and are now being deployed globally and across the Region. We Humans have also learned to adapt, as Humans often do. Of-course, the Virus has adapted (as they often do), and the impact of vaccines on mutations is neither clear, nor certain. Ironically, neither is Life in general, except for death and taxes, or so they say.

Read full article: COVID-19 vs The Caribbean: Deaths Per Capita


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625 responses to “COVID 19 Versus The Caribbean”


  1. Shut it down for a period and see what happens.



  2. @ John March 3, 2021 9:06 AM

    You could be as nitpicking and pedantic as much as you like in order to skirt around the gravamen of the faecal matter.

    But the point remains that all water on the island ends up in the sea (where it comes from in the first place); whether it is by way of the desal plant ‘network’, sewage water infected with viruses (based on your iron-clad claims) or from the BWA wells in the high elevation areas to service households; excluding yours, of course.

    How do people who go into the sea -including the naïve tourists- are able to expertly differentiate (like you are able to) which part of the water is infected with viruses, including your brand of polio and Covid, from the part discharged from your toilet called the ‘John’ from Highland plantation?


  3. It’s all about concentration!!

    If you accept the sea has sewage issues and it bothers you, you won’t go in.

    I haven’t been in the sea on the west coast since the late 80’s and stopped on the south coast in the 90’s.

    The sea on the west coast I won’t be crossing because like many Bajans, I frighten for it and it has no back door.

    I don’t do in the sea in Barbados and most places I go.

    However, if you do go in there is a good chance you won’t have a problem …. remember … the two ministers who went in the sea in St. Lawrence Gap to prove to the rest of us it was ok.

    I remember one was John Boyce but I can’t remember the other fellow’s name.


  4. Look at this zoning proposal.

    If I told you the red blobs are around the pumping stations and are to ensure that bacteria and viruses arrive dead, what would you say about the desal plant?

    https://imgur.com/WEGqW3s


  5. You will see they want to put a Zone A around the desal plant.

    What do you think that will mean for the housing area?


  6. Guess what, the zoning does not work for chemical contamination.

    Chemicals in solution are already “dead”.

    The issue becomes will they cause cancers?

    Very different from COVID, but clearly of concern.

    A lot more cancer deaths than COVID deaths in Barbados.


  7. The sea on the west coast I won’t be crossing because like many Bajans, I frighten for it and it has no back door.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Ooops, east


  8. Hal AustinMarch 3, 2021 8:28 AM

    @ Quaker John

    To your knowledge, does the government of Barbados separate out those who die FROM CoVid and those who die WITH CoVid?

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Don’ know.

    You would have to ask God.


  9. An ENT specialist told me in the late 90’s that he could not count the number of tourists who he has seen with ear infections.

    He used to ask them a simple question!!

    Were you in the sea off the Esplanade?

    It doesn’t mean if you go in the sea there you will get an ear infection.

    Just that you probably will.

    I spoke to a tourist years ago who told me he puts brandy in his ears and swims with earplugs.


  10. Singapore does not fool around when it comes to water.


  11. Venezuela donates US$200,000 to Grenada for purchase of Covid-19 vaccines
    Foreign Affairs Minister Oliver Joseph has described Venezuela as a genuine friend to Grenada after disclosing that the South American Spanish-speaking nation is one of the countries that has presented the country with cash to help purchase Covid-19 vaccines

    March 3 2021

    Grenada Now

  12. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @ac
    1) it is NOW Grenada, versus Grenada Now. Your effort to quote your source is appreciated.
    2) Venezuela, via Conviasa, is also donating free airfares to Grenada from neighbouring Caribbean nations whom their Gov’t is unable to provide financial help.
    3) I have taken the liberty of booking you onto their March 08, 2021 flight using the name Angela Cox, dep BGI at 2pm, arr GND at 8pm. I am guessing it must stop elsewhere along the way. No ID is required.
    4) You will be staying at the Hotel California.

    cc Artax


  13. @ Angel

    Just ignore stupidity. Some people cannot help looking for cheap laughs. It replaces the need to think.

  14. WURA-War-on-U Avatar

    So what do we call this one. Vaccination tourism.

    “Barbados Could Begin Vaccinating Visitors By End Of April
    by Matt Turner Mar 2, 2021 11:35am
    Share
    Vaccine
    Photo by Getty / E+ / Geber86
    Good news for travelers to the Caribbean: Barbados has announced it is in the process of a mass COVID-19 vaccination program, following the donation of 100,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from India. It adds, with over 25,000 people—approximately 12.5 percent of the adult population—already receiving their first shots within just two weeks, the island leads the way as the most vaccinated country in the Caribbean.

    The first wave of vaccinations was distributed to frontline workers, including those in the tourism sector, as well as the vulnerable population, including the elderly and persons with comorbidities. Now, all citizens over 18 are coming forward to get their first dose of the vaccine.

    The interesting part is this: To ensure widespread protection, the Government of Barbados has signaled its intent to obtain more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for persons on island, whether they are citizens or not, by the end of April or early May 2021. Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) confirmed with Travel Agent that this means that travelers to the island who have not been vaccinated would be able to receive one or more doses.
    Virtual Event
    Pivoting Back to Travel | The Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Edition
    2020 put the nuptial plans of thousands upon thousands of couples on hold, but with the promise of widespread vaccine distribution in the near future, it’s time to get back to planning and ensure your clients live out the destination weddings & honeymoons of their dreams. Hear from top suppliers and destinations on wedding venue & ceremony options, romantic destinations & resorts and more when you watch the event on-demand.
    Watch Now!
    BTMI added that no additional details on this are available yet, so it’s unknown whether the island would be testing for only long-term stays, will prioritize visitors by age or vulnerability, or if any who are interested will be able to receive one—or how.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) describes vaccination as a critical tool in reducing the impact of COVID-19 worldwide.”

  15. WURA-War-on-U Avatar

    Looks like PLT gave up on the government, no more ideas.


  16. Looks like Grenada govt have an ace in the sleeve ( Venezuela) towards their financial in buying vaccine
    Unlike Mottley begging home grown wolves in sheep clothing for help


  17. Covid: Italy ‘blocks’ AstraZeneca vaccine shipment to Australia https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56279202


  18. 29,007 cases in 14,513,982 tests … .0.2%

    Australia is not rushing to vaccinate and following set priorities.

    https://www.health.gov.au/news/first-covid-19-vaccinations-in-australia


  19. Zero deaths in Australia yesterday and day before.

    Check the stats, Australia cool.


  20. Australia has over 900 deaths.


  21. New Zealand too and of course Singapore, Dominica, Greenland … if you need more proof I’ll find it if you want.

    It has to be the lack of control of sewage that is the chief spreader in a country.

    A country in good control of its sewage is a country that protects its citizens from COVID more effectively than a vaccination could ever do.

    Lock down the desal plant and see what happens.

  22. Disgusting Lies & Propaganda TV Avatar
    Disgusting Lies & Propaganda TV

    Maniac John….the Joseph Goebbels of BU…the purveyor of Disgusting Lies and using it as Propaganda

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_lie


  23. JohnMarch 4, 2021 3:47 PM

    New Zealand too and of course Singapore, Dominica, Greenland … if you need more proof I’ll find it if you want.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Oh yeah … and Bermuda and Australia

  24. WURA-War-on-U Avatar

    This is why you don’t rush to take anything unless things settle down, too many frauds out there…the island already has reputation for hosting and allowing criminal Canadians to push fake pills across the earth …that harmed people, especially the elderly.

    “Interpol warns fake vaccines seized in China and South Africa are ‘tip of iceberg’
    Police in China and South Africa have seized thousands of fake doses of Covid-19 vaccine

    In China, police successfully identified a network selling counterfeit Covid vaccines in an investigation supported by Interpol. Photograph: Vito Corleone/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock
    Agence France-Presse
    Thu 4 Mar 2021 01.25 GMT

    370
    Police in China and South Africa have seized thousands of fake doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, the global police organisation Interpol said on Wednesday, warning this represented only the “tip of the iceberg” in vaccine-related crime.

    The Lyon-based agency Interpol said 400 vials – equivalent to around 2,400 doses – containing the fake vaccine were found at a warehouse in Germiston outside Johannesburg in South Africa, where officers also recovered fake masks and arrested three Chinese and a Zambian national.

    In China, police successfully identified a network selling counterfeit Covid-19 vaccines in an investigation supported by Interpol, which has 194 member countries, it said.

    They raided the manufacturing premises, resulting in the arrest of around 80 suspects and seized more than 3,000 fake vaccines on the scene, it said.

    Interpol earlier this year issued an “Orange Notice” warning authorities worldwide to prepare for organised crime networks targeting Covid-19 vaccines, both physically and online.

    “Whilst we welcome this result, this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Covid-19 vaccine related crime,” said Interpol secretary general Juergen Stock.

    Interpol said that in addition to the arrests in South Africa and China it was also receiving additional reports of fake vaccine distribution and scam attempts targeting health bodies such as nursing homes.

    It warned that no approved vaccines were available for sale online.

    “Any vaccine being advertised on websites or the dark web will not be legitimate, will not have been tested and may be dangerous.”

    Stock had warned in December in an interview with German weekly WirtschaftsWoche of a sharp rise in crime due to the vaccine rollout, with thefts and warehouse break-ins and attacks on vaccine shipments.”


  25. Yesterday

    Singapore New Cases = 19, New Deaths = 0, Total Deaths = 29, Total Cases = 59,998
    New Zealand New Cases = 5, New Deaths = 0, Total Deaths = 26, Total Cases = 2,389
    Australia New Cases = 11, New Deaths = 0, Total Deaths = 909, Total Cases = 29,007
    Dominica, New cases = 0, New Deaths = 0 , Total deaths = 0, Total Cases = 144
    Bermuda, New Cases = 5, New Deaths = 0, Total Deaths = 12, Total Cases = 718
    Greenland New Cases = 1, New Deaths = 0, Total Deaths = 0, Total Cases = 31
    Grenada New Cases = 0, New Deaths = 0, Total Deaths = 1, Total Cases = 148
    St. Vincent New Cases = 0 New Deaths = 0, Total Deaths = 8, Total Cases = 1,645
    Iceland
    etc.
    etc.
    etc.

    They all have one thing in common.

    NO SEWAGE IN DRINKING WATER!!

    They accomplish it in three ways.

    Technology – Singapore, New Zealand, Australia
    Nature – Dominica, Greenland, Grenada, St. Vincent
    Roof collection – Bermuda

    I can add others if you like.

    The desal plant is the obvious culprit here.


  26. Australia 909 deaths. You stated in another comment zero. Take a time out please!


  27. If you have a beef with the owners of the desal plant, why not take them to court?

    It is irresponsible to come here and claim they are pumping sewage through the pipes.


  28. 6 000 families hurting
    By Colville Mounsey
    colvillemounsey@nationnews.com
    Barbados’ welfare numbers are through the roof.
    The situation is so dire that even middle class Barbadians are feeling the pain and clamouring for assistance.
    Government is now trying to fast-track several mitigation programmes to help thousands of Barbadians disadvantaged by the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic which hit the country hard last year.
    Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs Cynthia Forde said the number of people requiring welfare assistance in Barbados had grown “exponentially” between 2020 and 2021, as thousands of workers were sent home and those already on the breadline continued to struggle.
    Forde told the Weekend Nation that while the overall tally was still to be tabulated, the Household Survival Programme, which was originally designed as a stipend of $600 to be paid to about 1 500 vulnerable households, had now grown to almost 6 000 families.
    In fact, she explained that with the request for assistance still coming in, were it solely up to her, the programme, which had already been extended past the original six-month timeline, would be allowed to continue even further.
    The minister further explained that even a few people from the lower middle-income brackets, such as hotel workers, had now fallen on hard times as a result of the pandemic and need the assistance of the state.
    “We really did have a large volume of persons largely because of the COVID-19 situation, particularly those that were into the tourism sector and then the small businesspeople who had to shut down. That is why the Prime Minister [Mia Amor Mottley] had come up with the notion of ensuring that we cushion those impacted persons, especially if they have children.
    “We came up with the debit card project where we gave $600 every month, which was supposed to be for the first six months but had to be extended to the end of this financial year. However, based on how we are seeing things happening it really is looking to me as though the extension is going to have to happen,” she said, noting that the programme had already paid out $40 million, which was buffered to some extent by corporate Barbados.
    Forde revealed that in the latter part of 2020, that programme had grown to just over 4 000 recipients, but the latest count showed that just around 6 000 families were now depending on those payments. She further disclosed that Government was hoping to expand upon the 60 000 care packages that were being distributed throughout last month’s lockdown, noting that the need for assistance was far-reaching.
    ‘Suffering’
    “This project is vital to keeping persons’ heads above water and in fact I believe that it is the only place in the Caribbean that is pursuing something as significant as this. We want to make sure that every household has something to eat during the lockdown time and after. Poor people are suffering, but I can tell you that we now have groups of persons who are living in the heights and other middle-income communities that are also in pain. This is generally in the tourism sector and many of them are now on the breadline as well,” she lamented Forde also noted that there has also been a rise in the number of people, especially single mothers, who have made request for assistance with housing, as evictions have been on the increase in recent months.
    “The numbers at the Welfare Department have grown significantly not only for the food vouchers, but also for housing. Many people were unable to pay the rent on time as a result of COVID and the Welfare Department has been able to step in and assist to bring down the arrears and ensure that people have shelter,” she stressed.
    Last March, Mottley announced a $20 million “survival” stimulus package even as the country braced for significant loss in revenue and increased expenditure during the beginning stages of the country’s experience with the pandemic.
    In the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, Mottley announced the immediate establishment of a Household Survival Programme to help around 1 500 vulnerable families. Under this programme, Government provided up to $600 per month to each family through the Welfare Department.

    Source: Nation

  29. WURA-War-on-U Avatar

    So let me get this right, when i posted that info regarding vaccination tourism, i really thought that Mia had already INFORMED THE TAXPAYERS IN BARBADOS WHO PAY HER SALARY about this and only just seconds ago came to learn THAT SHE DID NOT but sent the info to foreign press and magazines..

    ….oh really, while begging Black Bajans for money to fund vaccines for tourists….are you out of your GODDAMN MIND…

    but what do you expect from DISRESPECTFUL SELLOUT NIGAS..

    i really had no idea that the people didn’t know..

  30. WURA-War-on-U Avatar

    “The situation is so dire that even middle class Barbadians are feeling the pain and clamouring for assistance.”

    when you tell the idiots on BU that, they want to pretend it’s not happening, let anyone die from starvation on the island and yall will see, ya already in my bad books for that nastiness and corruption at the supreme court against personal injury claimaints etc…..so keep it up…ah will be happy to BURY ALL OF YOU….planning to anyway..


  31. DavidMarch 5, 2021 5:35 AM

    Australia 909 deaths. You stated in another comment zero. Take a time out please!

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    I never said Australia had zero deaths.

    If you look at the graph I posted you would understand that Australia has overcome their challenge.

    I am glad you noticed because hopefully, you will go and check!!

    You will also see Australia and New Zealand are working together.

    Lock down the desal plant.

    It is the most likely source of the continued spread.

    Get help from Singapore and audit its processes.

    COVID can be defeated in the water.


  32. BS. You


  33. Have been hearing rumors for a while but this is something worth confirming.

    https://www.facebook.com/654890151623943/videos/333911131395109/


  34. David / John;

    John (and BU as an unwitting conduit) is spreading unverified, dangerous, irresponsible fake opinions. eg “Lock down the desal plant. It is the most likely source of the continued spread (of Covid-19).”.

    Any further postings along that line by John should be banned as it seeks to undermine the use of the most basic resource for our survival on this Island. i,e Total access to clean water.

    John’s argument makes absolutely no sense especially since no information has been given that there is or was any abnormal incidence of Covid-19 in those communities which use desal water and no dangerous outflow of live covid-19 particles has been demonstrated anywhere from desalination of brackish water and that very regular testing is conducted of desalinated water afaik. The only basis that John gives for his false assertion is that desalination is the most likely source of the continued spread of Covid-19. But positivity rates for Covid 4 have actually been decreasing since mid February and are now at under 4% for the past 3 days.

    It is THE BIG LIE

    Some action needs to be taken to stop him spreading it immediately.


  35. Hotel industry gets 300million of taxpayers.money meanwhile 6000 bajans struggling to make ends meet and the welfare system and NIS cant find resources to aid barbadians Shame Shame Shame


  36. “Any further postings along that line by John should be banned as it seeks to undermine the use of the most basic resource for our survival on this Island. i,e Total access to clean water.”

    isn’t one of the tiefing, racist, covetous minorities who wanted to get the BWA for free…bizzy (gimme) the one controling the desal plant at a cost of 25 million a year or more to taxpayers and still nothing to show……negro John is the messenger….the danger lies in allowing thieves racists and frauds any control at all over the island’s water or food supply.


  37. Wura

    It should be in Bizzee’s interest to provide data on the testing of the desal plant’s water.


  38. @Lyall

    John is a Barbados scholar.


  39. Lyall …I thought all info in that regard would come directly from the desal plant ..or from the government who pick up taxpayer’s dollars by the tens of millions like if it’s theirs and pay to these crooks…..and not from some brain-damaged blogger.


  40. Govt ought to ashamed to put statements in the media in reference to the awful state of the NIS and Welfare Boatd
    Isnt this the same govt who has offered Tourist refunds
    Let the big Cruise Industry docked in barbados waters exempt of docking fees
    Waiver unpaid taxes for big. Corporations
    Now people mostly black are sufferingg and all gpvt has is long talk fot these poor people


  41. I think former DLP ministers like Chris Sinckler should fill up the NIS with their private wealth and their high pensions.

    Also, all former DLP ministers and all civil servants with DLP party papers should forgo a government-funded COVID19 vaccination and pay for it themselves – as reparations for 10 years of economic terror and racism against the black masses. We must by no means look only to Richard Drax for restitution, but also to his willing helpers.


  42. TheOGazertsMarch 5, 2021 5:49 AM

    If you have a beef with the owners of the desal plant, why not take them to court?

    It is irresponsible to come here and claim they are pumping sewage through the pipes.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    The owners of the plant, or rather the GOB from whom I purchased water have not caused me any damage.

    I’ve not lost any loved ones in Barbados.

    I am also at an elevation at which it is unlikely that I get any water from the desal plant.

    However, with my knowledge and experience I know what can happen in a production process.

    I would be at fault if I did not apply what God has given me to the solution of the problem.

    The only pipes through which sewage/waste water would flow would be the input pipes to the plant.

    That’s just a fact of life because of the heavily built up area around it.

    No one could dispute that unless somehow a sewage system had miraculously appeared in the areas I know have to be affecting the input.

    The most likely source of virus in the drinking water if it were present would have to be the desal plant.

    In fact, if you look at the WHO standards it is acceptable to have up to a certain level of dissolved solids in drinking water,


  43. If on the other hand, families of loved ones lost could prove that their loved ones lived in an area which was supplied by the GOB with water and that could be proved to be the reason for the demise of their loved ones, those families might feel themselves aggrieved and seek redress against the GOB.


  44. I told you from the beginning that the GOB was going to break the NIS.

    It needs a solution and I believe I am giving it one.

    Lock down the desal plant and see what happens.

    Link the 11 or more hot spots to one or more reservoirs and see if the desal plant is the common denominator.

    Learn from the countries that have overcome it.


  45. JohnMarch 5, 2021 8:13 AM

    DavidMarch 5, 2021 5:35 AM

    Australia 909 deaths. You stated in another comment zero. Take a time out please!

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    I never said Australia had zero deaths.

    If you look at the graph I posted you would understand that Australia has overcome their challenge.

    I am glad you noticed because hopefully, you will go and check!!

    You will also see Australia and New Zealand are working together.

    Lock down the desal plant.

    It is the most likely source of the continued spread.

    Get help from Singapore and audit its processes.

    COVID can be defeated in the water.

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    The last reported death in Australia was on December 28th 2020 when one single person succumbed.

    The one before that was on November 30th when one person succumbed.

    Australia has got it, like New Zealand, Singapore, Dominica, Greenland, Bermuda Iceland etc etc etc.

    There has to be a second means of spreading it besides droplets.

    I say it has to be water.

    These countries obviously have their water in control and reap the benefits for their citizens.


  46. Here is the graph for Australia I posted.

    Notice they got their new cases to close to zero after their second “wave”.

    https://imgur.com/XeC23Pe


  47. This is us.

    We now got problems.

    https://imgur.com/F4DlWEQ

  48. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @ac
    “Govt ought to ashamed to put statements in the media in reference to the awful state of the NIS and Welfare Boatd”
    Should they say nothing? They may well be ashamed, but are they speaking mistruths? Is the NIS in sound financial condition?
    The NIS is a spinning battle you will not win. Best to leave alone.


  49. @ John March 5, 2021 1:28 PM
    “I told you from the beginning that the GOB was going to break the NIS.
    It needs a solution and I believe I am giving it one.
    Lock down the desal plant and see what happens.
    Link the 11 or more hot spots to one or more reservoirs and see if the desal plant is the common denominator.
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Yes indeed, the ‘locking down of the desal plant’ will definitely provide the GoB with ‘the final solution’ to the ‘broke’ NIS.

    Where would the people currently serviced by the same desal plant get their share of vital water whose curtailment will definitely lead to death. Hence, the elimination of liabilities both current and future since dead people can make NO claims on the cracked and fast leaking ‘fixed’ money pot.

    What you are postulating here is that the desal plant is the only ‘reservoir ‘ affected by the underground movement of the virus carrying human faecal-infected water.

    We have on more than one previous occasion posed this conundrum to you which you have evaded like how Covid-19 has avoided infecting your personal god-given share of water.

    But we will try one more time to get you to exit your pit toilet for a ‘john’ by filtering out the ‘solid shit’ from your watery and rather smelly discharges of verbal effluence of pure hot air.

    What about the thousands of suck wells sunk on the properties of the thousands of households right cross the tiny island of Barbados?

    Don’t these suck wells also supply Covid-infected sewage to underground conduits which lead to the very sources of water for the BWA’s other reservoirs like the Belle?

    Or are you stating in the most unequivocal manner that only the members in households served by the desal plant are covid-19 carriers in Barbados?

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