Blackwater Ledger No. 74

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Bureau of Investigation Founded

SECRET SERVICE VETERANS JOIN STAFF. PROMISE TO ROOT OUT ORGANIZED CRIME.

The Attorney General has formed an autonomous investigative agency to be headed up by veteran law enforcement officer Edgar Ross in an attempt to track high profile and dangerous criminals. The Bureau will also be tasked with investigating financial fraud and other organized crimes.

Ross served for many years as a senior agent with the Pinkerton Detective Agency under the mentorship of the late Andrew Milton and then went on to work at the National Bureau of Criminal Identification, founded by the National Chiefs of Police Union in 1896, which was tasked to record information on criminals and gangs and work with law enforcement. He has been billed as one of the most humble, innovative and honest law enforcement officers of his class, and colleagues say that Ross produces results where others fail. Upon swearing in, he stated: "I want all criminals to know that here in America, everyone will eventually pay for what they have done."

Unrest in the Tropics

COST OF FOOD, FUEL ANGERS CITIZENS. SUGAR BARONS TO BLAME.

Island residents from Barbados to Cuba are experiencing soaring prices and short supply of food and fuel. They are blaming local politicians and sugar barons for the situation. Shortly after the political unrest in the area, including the assassination of prominent sugar industry advocate and Guarman governor Alberto Fussar in 1899, American banking institutions, including JD McKnight and Co., took control of the sugar industry on several islands, including Barbados, the Virgin Islands, and Guarma.

Fields which once flourished with locally grown foods and were used to feed the island nation suddenly switched to growing sugar cane. As a result of a single crop economy, all foodstuffs are imported, to great expense for local peoples. Foreign investors hire locals to guard and police their massive plantations, subjecting workers to harsh conditions and penalties.

Local groups argue that island residents are suffering the most, while businesses say heavy investments by American financial institutions have allowed for the revitalization of the local economies.

'We Are Helpless'

TOWNS DECRY UNCHECKED VIOLENCE. OUTLAW GANGS RUNNING RAMPANT. LED BY NOTORIOUS CRIMINAL MICAH BELL.

A cacophony of outrage has been building at the lawlessness that prevails in towns across the area. Numerous outlaw gangs seem to operate unchecked or unstoppable by law enforcement, rendering terrified citizens helpless. The reward for the killing or capture of infamous outlaw Micah Bell and his gang was recently increased by government officials in response to the unanimous outcry from citizens that something must be done about this murderous gang of thieves and killers.

Mr. Bell and his associates continue their spree of killing and robbing while running roughshod over law enforcement. His acts of lawlessness rival that of Van der Linde himself. They pay no debts and dynamite banks and buildings as a recreational pastime. Bell has long been a suspect in the Blackwater Bank Robbery and Strawberry massacre back in 1899 and numerous train robberies that have ended in dismemberment or death of passengers in the years since then. Little is known of Mr. Bell's origins.

Reverend Swanson Leads NY Church

DELIVERS POWERFUL MESSAGE

Reverend Orville Swanson was inducted into his official capacity as minister at the First Congregational Church of New York this week, having moved to the city to accept the position. A service was held and then a reception was given to celebrate the appointment. Encouraging reports from attendees indicate that Reverend Swanson delivered an impassioned and heartfelt sermon about acknowledging sin and seeking redemption. He spoke about his own break from faith, a dark period when he could not attend church, falling into sin, depravity and wanton gluttony.

He chronicled the period where he rediscovered his faith and began witnessing on street-corners, to then become assistant pastor at a church in Ohio and now New York. During his recent attendance at the Convention Meeting of First Congregational Churches he delivered a very moving oration, impressing attendees as an eloquent and persuasive speaker, and was almost immediately offered the position.

Tallulah Jetty Gang Killed

BANK RAIDED IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. CITIZENS FORM POSSE.

United States Marshal Fulkerton received a dispatch from Silver Springs indicating that after years of evading capture, the Tallulah Jetty Gang was chased down after a brazen bank robbery in broad daylight. After a series of outrages, including the killing of several women and elders, officers placed 200 men in pursuit of the gang, which was overtaken near Anadarko.

A combination force of Cherokee Indians and a militia formed after the bank robbery pursued the gang to a cave in the bluffs south of the area, where a spectacular gun battle took place, killing several officers. After a period of quiet, one man entered the cave where he found a gravely wounded William Bishop bleeding out next to deceased henchmen Harold Sutton and James Shaw.

Liquor Smuggled Into Indian Territory

DEPUTIES PURSUE OUTLAWS, ONE KILLED.

A dispatch received from Comanche Indian territory yesterday says that Deputy United States Marshal Tidwell and another deputy attempted to arrest Cletus Yarnell and Lawrence Branch for introducing intoxicating liquors into Indian Territory. The outlaws resisted arrest and a gun battle ensued, with Marshal Tidwell's horse being shot out from under him. The desperados fled into Indian territory and were pursued. Yarnell was mortally wounded, Branch was arrested.

Bubonic Plague in San Francisco

CITY STILL REELING AFTER EARTHQUAKE THAT KILLED 3,000.

After an earthquake that destroyed 80 percent of the city and killed over 3,000 people, the city of San Francisco now reports that a second epidemic of bubonic plague has broken out. It is believed the outbreak is due to the large number of rats in the area. Fleas from infected rats transmit the disease, resulting in fever symptoms, seizures, gangrene and necrosis of the extremities, along with, in many cases, death.

New Railroad Completed

A GRAND PROJECT OUR MANIFEST DESTINY

The final ties were laid and spikes driven through to complete the Central Union rail line stretching through New Hanover. Passengers will be able to bypass the Grizzlies, Rhodes, and Scarlett Meadows, drastically reducing travel time. Now with a direct line connecting Cornwall Kerosene and Tar and Saint Denis, freight and commuters will flow fast and freely.

The project came with complications, including controversy over missing workers' wages and a land dispute. Representatives from towns such as Van Horn Trading Post and Annesburg say the new line will result in the decline of their towns. Civic planners hail the railroad as a new dawning day in American progress and history.

The Art of Angling by Jeremy Gill

SOCKEYE SALMON.

Last year while fishing in the Alaskan territories, I soon discovered that a family of bears was fishing too, and one particularly angry Kodiak took exception to my overwhelming success of pulling dozens of Sockeye Salmon out of the water. I could not blame him; however, now his head sits sentry above my foyer with a salmon in its mouth, a testament to the hunter becoming the hunted.

In cold streams, and particularly in the Grizzlies, salmon will strike river lures and are possibly the best tasting fish you can bring home for supper. They are so plentiful you may take as many as you like with no consequence. Happy casting.

For decades men held prominent positions of power not only in BARBADOS but around the world. So anyone who has a problem with female leading from the fore well that says a lot!!! As we are in the month of Black History Month let us celebrate these Black Barbadian Women. Well done Ladies!!! You’ve worked hard and are highly qualified for these positions. President – Sandra Mason Prime Minister- Mia Amor Mottley DEPUTY- PM - Santia Bradshaw Cabinet Secretary- Donna Cadogan Chief Education Officer –Ramona Archer Bradshaw Chief Fisheries Officer- Shelly Ann Cox/ Chief Agricultural Officer- Keeley Holder DPP -Donna Babb Agard. Director of DEM- Emergency Man. Sherry Hinds Chief Air Traffic Control Officer- Zeta Morris Chief Aeronautical Information Service Officer- Shirley Ford Director of Analytical Services- Beverley P Wood Director Barbados Drug Services- Mary Ann Hinds Coordinator Children Dev. Cente-Yvette Cumberbatch Registrar of Cooperatives-Sharon Drayton Chief Community Dev. Officer- Sandra Greenidge Registrar Corporate Affairs – Tamiesha Rochester Chief Archivist – Ingrid Thompson Dept. Constituency Empowerment- Sandra Greenidge Chief Electoral Officer - Angela Taylor Director Forensic Sciences-Cheryl Corbin Government Printer – Joan Griffith Chief Immigration Officer- Margaret Inniss Registrar of titles –Land Reg.-Michelle Johnson Post Master General- Shelia Greaves This is the perfect time to inspire your daughters by reading this list to them. As we celebrate all the amazing things other women around the world have accomplished we can also celebrate our own! #thechasefiles #blackhistorymonth #womeninpower #empoweringwomen #putawomaninfront #thetimeisnow #melaninmagic #blackgirlmagic https://www.instagram.com/p/CoUZwmCg0yeQVKtprnNDWV0HG8OWeMkj85uLqE0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Navigating Diplomatic Channels: Certificate Requirements for Foreign Government Service in Barbados

Embarking on a career in foreign government service for Barbados is a journey marked by cultural vibrancy, historical significance, and diplomatic finesse. For individuals aspiring to represent Barbados on the global stage, understanding the certification requirements is crucial. In this guide, we explore the essential steps and considerations for obtaining certificates for certificate to foreign governmentservice in Barbados, offering valuable insights for aspiring diplomats and proponents of international relations.

Embracing Barbados' Diplomatic Heritage

Barbados' diplomatic heritage is characterized by its rich cultural tapestry, commitment to regional cooperation, and advocacy for small island states. As a nation with a proud history of independence and resilience, Barbados plays a vital role in advancing the interests of Caribbean nations and promoting global cooperation on issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and social justice.

The Role of Certification in Diplomatic Service

Certificates serve as tangible endorsements of an individual's qualifications and readiness to undertake diplomatic responsibilities. In the context of foreign government service in Barbados, these credentials validate an applicant's competency, expertise, and dedication to representing Barbados effectively in international forums.

Essential Certificate Requirements

Educational Credentials: A solid educational background is essential for aspiring diplomats. A bachelor's or master's degree in disciplines such as international relations, political science, law, or diplomacy provides the necessary academic foundation for diplomatic roles. Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English, along with other relevant languages such as French or Spanish, is essential for effective communication in diplomatic settings. Applicants must demonstrate fluency in these languages through recognized language proficiency tests or certifications. Cultural Competence: An understanding of Barbadian history, culture, and societal dynamics is crucial for diplomats representing the country abroad. Candidates should possess cultural competence and sensitivity to engage with diverse audiences and promote Barbados' interests and values. Diplomatic Skills: Diplomatic training programs offer valuable insights into negotiation strategies, diplomatic protocols, and international law. Participation in such programs enhances an applicant's diplomatic skills and prepares them for the challenges of diplomatic service. Navigating the Certification Process

Research and Preparation: Thoroughly research the specific requirements and expectations for diplomatic positions in Barbados. Familiarize yourself with the application procedures, eligibility criteria, and any additional certifications mandated by Barbadian government agencies or diplomatic institutions. Skill Development: Invest in enhancing your diplomatic skills and qualifications. Pursue further education, language courses, and professional development opportunities tailored to the requirements of diplomatic service in Barbados. Documentation and Application: Compile all necessary documentation, including academic transcripts, language proficiency certificates, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting materials. Adhere to the application guidelines and deadlines stipulated by Barbadian government agencies or diplomatic missions. Interview and Assessment: Prepare diligently for interviews, assessments, or examinations conducted as part of the selection process. Showcase your diplomatic aptitude, cultural understanding, and commitment to advancing Barbados' diplomatic agenda. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Diplomatic service is dynamic and evolving. Stay informed about global developments, diplomatic trends, and regional dynamics to remain effective in your role as a diplomat representing Barbados. Conclusion

Embarking on a career in foreign government service for Barbados is a noble endeavor that demands dedication, cultural awareness, and a profound commitment to national interests and international cooperation. By understanding the certification requirements and navigating the application process diligently, aspiring diplomats can contribute meaningfully to Barbados' diplomatic endeavors, fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation in an interconnected world.

Mia Mottley's Stand on The Drax Family and Slave Reparations in Barbados

Mia Mottley's Stand on The Drax Family and Slave Reparations in Barbados https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8p8pL4FeXQ Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley recently faced a contentious issue regarding compensation for descendants of slave owners. Learn why the government decided against this move and the broader implications for reparations in the Caribbean. Watch now for the full story! Don't forget to Like and Subscribe for more Caribbean news updates from Caribbean Focus News & Reviews! ► Contact us with any questions, comments, or recommendations: https://ift.tt/LQ7TwYs Travel Insurance: https://ift.tt/gZdxtDR Jirie Caribbean Blog: https://www.jirie.com 🔔 Experience the Caribbean Like Never Before! Subscribe for Unique Adventures, Breathtaking Travel, and Culinary Delights: https://www.youtube.com/@CaribbeanFocus/?sub_confirmation=1 ✅Important Links to Follow 🔗Travel Services https://ift.tt/2kyHbrS 🔗Online Store https://ift.tt/flo9i2q 🔗 Support Our Other Channels ✨Caribbean Focus Travels https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbpbS2NlicZM-nT5_L8qhqA ✨Caribbean Focus Sports https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVOjKpSZxJYB4qe8oOs4Q3w ✅ Stay Connected With Us. 👉Facebook: https://ift.tt/bPdjDXy 👉Instagram: https://ift.tt/t2UHkr0 👉Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/JirieC 👉Pinterest: https://ift.tt/KaDgZrO 👉Website: https://ift.tt/Mt7vpWC ✅ For Business Inquiries: [email protected] ============================= ✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 👉 Trinidad & Tobago Mega Projects https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RkqLNPS63M&t=124s 👉 Jamaica's Mega Projects 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFnaAlajAsQ&t=13s 👉 Guyana's Mega Projects https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YaCEC6jqBU 👉 Top 10 Best Caribbean's Economic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ck9TF2spQs&t=5s ============================ WE LOVE THE CARIBBEAN!!! Our goal at Caribbean Focus by J-irie is to exceed your expectations by creating and delivering a diversified portfolio of authentic, high-quality content around the Caribbean, including all CARICOM member nations and the Caribbean Diaspora globally. Your support and interests drive us to source the most authentic, reliable information to inspire you to the rich Caribbean lifestyle, travel, food, culture, and adventures. We aim to be “Your Go-To Trusted Source” for authentic information about the region. We must bring you the highest quality content, representing our message continually. Your satisfaction is our priority. We look forward to serving you and giving you the best online experience :) Again, we thank you so much for your support! For Collaboration and Business inquiries, please use the contact information below: 📩 Email: [email protected] 🔔 Your Adventure Awaits in the Caribbean! 🌅 Subscribe for Insider Tips on Caribbean Lifestyle, Culture, Hidden Gems, and Breathtaking Travel https://www.youtube.com/@CaribbeanFocus/?sub_confirmation=1 =========================== #barbadosdevelopment #megaprojects #caribbeaninfrastructure #barbados2024 #economicgrowth #sustainabledevelopment ⚠️DISCLAIMER: All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners, and I or this channel do not claim any right over them. Copyright Notice: Under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is permitted by copyright statutes that might otherwise be infringing. AFFILIATE LINKS: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service using our links, Jirie Caribbean may receive a small commission. There is NO ADDITIONAL charge for you! Thank you for supporting Jirie Caribbean so we can continue providing free content about Caribbean Lifestyle and Travel Adventures! © Caribbean Focus FLJ&x% via Caribbean Focus Lifestyle by J-irie https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVK2kdq_dS8AC8-ZyvBMYFw April 29, 2024 at 04:42AM

Energy Ministry: No truth to claims petrol prices adjusted

The Ministry of Energy and Business (MEB) has described as “fake news” information circulating on social media claiming that there has been a price adjustment for petroleum products, dated February 17, 2024.

The ministry has advised that the last price adjustment for petroleum products was September 3, 2023, while liquid petroleum gas (LPG) products were changed on October 15, 2023.

The current prices for petroleum products are gasoline – $4.22 per litre; diesel – $3.47 per litre; and kerosene – $1.99 per litre. The current prices for LPG products are $153.70 for the 100-lb cylinder; $43.52 for the 25-lb cylinder; $38.47 for the 22-lb cylinder; and $34.97 for the 20-lb cylinder.

Members of the public are encouraged to be vigilant and to verify any information they receive from official sources, before sharing it with others.

The ministry stressed that it will continue to update the public on any developments regarding the pricing of petroleum products through the Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS) and other official media channels.

(BGIS)

Indian Passport Holders Have Visa-Free Access or Visa-On-Arrival To 57 Countries

The influence of a country is often assessed by the strength of its passport. Developed nations enjoy the advantage of extensive travel opportunities without lengthy visa processes. At the same time, developing countries are also striving to enhance their citizens' mobility, whether for business, education, or tourism purposes.

According to Henley Passport Index, Individuals holding Indian passports were allowed to enter 57 countries without obtaining a visa in advance. They could either enter these countries without a visa at all (visa-free access) or obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport or border crossing (visa-on-arrival). These countries are as follows:

Oceania:

Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Niue, Palau Islands, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Middle East:

Iran, Jordan, Oman, Qatar

Caribbean:

Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago

Asia:

Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macao (SAR China), Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste

Americas:

Bolivia, El Salvador

Africa:

Burundi, Cape Verde Islands, Comoro Islands, Djibouti, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Zimbabwe

It's essential to keep in mind that each country may have specific conditions and restrictions regarding the length of stay, purpose of travel, and other requirements, which travellers should check before planning their trips. One should also keep in mind that visa policies can change, and it's always essential to check with the official government websites or embassies for the latest and most accurate information.

Indian passport holders can still apply for visas to various other destinations with the assistance of VisaMint Overseas Services. As a leading Immigration Consultant, we take pride in helping you assess your requirements, handle documentation, and guide you through the visa application process, ensuring that your dreams are fulfilled with us.

No need to delay any further! Reach out to us by leaving a message on WhatsApp or sending an email, and we'll promptly get in touch with you for a thorough discussion.

A few lines in business news last week marked the emergence of a new powerhouse in Canada's forestry sector, as a company called Paper Excellence officially gobbled up Montreal-based Resolute Forest Products.

After 15 years of buying up Canadian pulp, paper, and lumber mills, Paper Excellence is now the largest paper mill in the country, with about 20 percent of all mill capacity—50 percent more than its closest rival, Canfor, according to data from pulp-market analysts TTOBMA.

But for such a major player, Paper Excellence is remarkably quiet about the inner workings of its business.

Who exactly runs the company? Who is Jackson Wijaya, the elusive founder and CEO, from whom it borrows billions of dollars to fund its acquisitions, and what does it plan to do with the nearly 22 million hectares of Canadian forest it now manages--an area four times the size of Nova Scotia?

The answers are hugely important for one of Canada's most iconic natural resources, its immense tracts of forest.

"Jackson Wijaya established Paper Excellence… with a dream to build a strong business in the pulp and paper industry in the Americas and Europe," the company said in a statement to CBC and five other media outlets last week, and is to create and develop a healthy and sustainable business."

But a months-long investigation by CBC News, in collaboration with Canadian and international media partners as part of a wider look at the global forestry industry by 40 media outlets under the umbrella of the Washington-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, has found that reality and rhetoric often don't align.

The people behind or associated with Paper Excellence appear to have a pattern of using thickets of corporations, including in tax havens, to effectively shield transactions and assets from public and government scrutiny.

The company won't open up about its past financing, some of which was facilitated by the China Development Bank, which is owned by the Chinese government.

CBC's investigation also found leaked records and insider accounts that show that Paper Excellence, at least until a few years ago, appeared to have been closely and secretly coordinating business and strategy decisions with Asia Pulp & Paper, one of the world's biggest pulp and paper players, which has a track record of environmental destruction.

"It's not normal for a company that has such a huge impact on such a vast area of forests, which goes to the heart of Canadian identity in so many ways… "A company with such impact wouldn't have transparency," said Shane Moffatt, head of the nature and food campaign with Greenpeace Canada.

Ask Greenpeace or any of a dozen environmental groups why they're concerned about Paper Excellence, and they link it immediately to a conglomerate called Sinar Mas. Owned and run by a billionaire Indonesian family of Chinese origin, the Wijayas family has interests in palm oil, real estate, financial services, and a controlling stake in Asia Pulp & Paper (APP).

Sinar Mas and its subsidiaries have been the target of environmental advocacy groups for years, with reports of tropical rainforest clearing, peatland destruction, and "extensive ties" to companies linked to fires and deforestation in Indonesia.

In 2007, APP lost its sustainability certification from the Forest Stewardship Council "because of substantial, publicly available information that APP was involved in destructive forestry practices," the FSC said. It has never regained it.

And that's where it gets tricky. Paper Excellence's official founder and CEO, Jackson Wijaya, is the grandson of the tycoon who created Sinar Mas in the 1960s and has held numerous positions with Sinar Mas, including as a director of an APP China holding company and offshore corporations set up in the tax haven of Barbados. 

In return, he's benefited from his family's wealth and financial connections.

The first Canadian mill acquired, in Meadow Lake, Sask., in 2007, operated under the Sinar Mas banner for several years; the mill's website said it had been purchased by an Indonesia-based company in 2008; Paper Excellence was incorporated in the Netherlands next year; it was still a fledgling company, yet it received a $17-million US loan at near-zero interest from family-owned Bank International Ningbo.

Now, 16 years later, Paper Excellence insists there are no ties between the two sides.

"Paper Excellence is owned solely by Jackson Wijaya and is completely independent of Asia Pulp & Paper," it said in a statement to the CBC and its media partners last week, "and has never been or is the ultimate owner or controller of any of the companies in Paper Excellence."

That air of independence is important to its business. Most of Paper Excellence's operations have some kind of FSC certification, which enables a pulp-and-paper company to command higher prices for its output and attract environmentally conscious brands, which are shown to be a branch of the disqualified APP Excellence and could put its certification at risk.

The company's claims of independence are also impossible to verify as a private corporation, and despite saying it's Canadian-based, its ownership chain actually traces through companies set up in the Netherlands, Malaysia, the Malaysian offshore jurisdiction of Labuan, and two shell companies in the British Virgin Islands.

CBC and its media partners, including Glacier Media in B.C., the Halifax Examiner, Radio France, and the French newspaper Le Monde, twice asked Paper Excellence to provide some kind of proof of who really owns its company; it did not.

Behind the scenes, though, there is evidence that Paper Excellence and Asia Pulp & Paper have worked cheek by-jowl on everything from regulatory submissions to supply and pricing, at least until a few years ago.

Emails and internal company documents first obtained by the Halifax Examiner show there was close cooperation between APP staff in China and Paper Excellence personnel over a relatively short period of time in the late 2010s; these are not necessarily indicative of either company's practices today.

In 2017, for instance, Paper Excellence's Vancouver-based sales executive Edwin Widjaja emailed a vice president at APP in China, asking for information on how much he should charge a potential client for a kind of wood pulp known as unbleached kraft, or UKP.

The reply came quickly, in the form of a directive now: "Don't sell any UKP to non-sister mills," the APP executive wrote first, while we decide in a couple of days on what to do for 2018, and please don't commit to any long-term contracts till we get our UKP study done." 

The next year, a sales executive for Paper Excellence's two mills in France had an email exchange with the same APP vice president in China, also about unbleached kraft, and asked for a monthly breakdown of how much one of the French mills was going to produce, so "we can plan ahead of time how to introduce this new pulp to our customers."

The exchanges blur the line between corporate entities that are supposedly independent, which is a red flag, according to Ottawa-based competition expert Keldon Bester.

"That kind of language is red meat for antitrust enforcers," he said to your competitors about quantity and distribution."

The leaked records were provided to the Halifax Examiner and later to CBC by a source who said that Paper Excellence's real nerve centre wasn't in Richmond, B.C., but in Shanghai, in the same offices as APP; in fact, at the time, Paper Excellence's entire back office, including the teams handling legal, accounting, finance, and market analysis, was run by APP, and there were no boundaries between staff working for one or the other company.

The source said, for example, that the sales manager for Paper Excellence's subsidiary in France attended strategy meetings at APP's Shanghai offices with other APP teams from Asia and Europe.

"It's extremely nebulous; you never know who's working for who," another former executive at that French subsidiary told CBC's reporting partner Le Monde, on condition of confidentiality because he still works in the industry.

But an employee who worked for APP for nearly a decade said that didn't reflect his experience, which was that APP and Paper Excellence were "pretty well siloed."

However, records show APP employees seem to have handled important Paper Excellence business outright with outside lawyers, and the in-house legal department stickhandled submissions to Chinese antitrust authorities when Paper Excellence wanted to buy the Eldorado pulp mill in south-central Brazil; ironically, the drafts even went so far as to list APP as a competitor of Paper Excellence.

Paper Excellence did not respond to our inquiries about the above allegations.

APP said any suggestion that its staff have worked on behalf of or alongside Paper Excellence is wrong and has not shared confidential information with Paper Excellence nor have its employees engaged in any work with Paper Excellence," the company said in response to questions from CBC and its media partners.

Bester said the Competition Bureau's process doesn't provide much opportunity for the public to know what a company did or didn't disclose.

"If the bureau has been misled or things have been omitted that are relevant to the competition analysis, the bureau would be extremely interested in knowing that for sure because we don't know what they were and were not provided with."

It takes billions of dollars to build a new, world-class pulp mill. Paper Excellence's expansion in Canada deliberately took a different tack. Its early acquisitions initially under the Sinar Mas banner, and later in its name were older, often shuttered or insolvent mills in B.C. and Saskatchewan.

But then there were costs for upgrades and repairs, and the company's ambitions grew.

By 2012, Paper Excellence sought big financing which came in the form of a credit of $1.25 billion US obtained from a Chinese government-owned bank.

CBC's investigation has revealed that the China Development Bank had mortgages with a debenture for that amount on three Canadian pulp mills owned by Paper Excellence starting in August 2012 as part of the security for financing that was repayable on demand.

Paper Excellence would not answer questions about how much of that credit it drew on, nor why it sought financing through a Chinese government-owned bank.

The loan was typical of many of the bank's investments at the time, said Rebecca Ray, a senior academic researcher at Boston University's Global Development Policy Center and China Development Bank.

"The kind of very large-scale financing that you were talking about in 2012 for raw commodity production, that comes as no surprise to me in that's the same kind of financing in those years that we see to major commodity producers around the world … as China is establishing the supply chains that it needs to support its new cities."

The discharge of the loan also corresponds to a time frame when the China Development Bank was pulling back from large loans to natural resource companies. This was in favour of the government's revised policy of smaller, more strategic lending, she said.

Throughout 2020, the mortgages on the Meadow Lake, Mackenzie, and Howe Sound mills were discharged and replaced with loans from two Indonesian government-owned banks, Bank Mandiri and Bank Negara Indonesia, which can now be repaid as needed.

The financing to Paper Excellence is the only time the China Development Bank or the Indonesian banks have registered any mortgages in British Columbia, the province's land records show.

The company didn't directly answer why it chose to finance in this way. "Paper Excellence constantly reviews market conditions and market circumstances in determining its financing strategies/options," the company said last week.

"To see that one of the biggest forestry players on Crown land in eastern Canada is an Indonesian giant, formerly financed by China, is not reassuring to us. We do not want to plunder our forests here in Quebec," said Daniel Cloutier, executive director of the Unifor local that represents unionized workers at Resolute and Domtar.

Lumber and forestry have long been of interest to China, and the China Development Bank often plays a key role in advancing the country's goals, says Margaret McCuaig-Johnston, a former top official in the federal government's Industry and Natural Resources departments, and an expert on China.

"It's often one of the first organizations in the door when China wants to enter a market and acquire resources in another country," McCuaig-Johnston said.

McCuaig-Johnston said companies owned by foreign interests with Chinese partners could decide to export their production to China and Indonesia.

"The reason Canadians should care is that we have seen in China's behaviour in other resource companies that they will often export all of the product to China for China's use," she said. "Canada needs its products from its natural resources and we need to be assured that we will have access to them."

Fittingly a double celebration for us loyal and independently so, proud Bajans!

By Stanley Collymore The earnest recognition of fifty   six years of independence as   a distinctly proud, basically   well coordinated, and equally also   an ambitious, discernibly forward looking and evidently a staunchly unquestionably, politically stable Afro-Caribbean, nation entity. So   as we cherish and too, celebrate these achievements we all of us   with crucially fond and devoted   memories, essentially do firmly solemnly recall, the multiplicity   of courageous individuals over   four centuries, whose crucially   quite tireless endeavours plus   altruistic actions: prominently   individually as well as literally   collectively, made it evidently   possible and clearly continue   to do so; for all of us to aptly,   and likewise truthfully say as   will certainly and undeniably   too future generations; that   we're endemically, blissfully   pleased, and similarly quite   committed to being Bajans!   (C) Stanley V. Collymore   30 November 2022.   Author's Remarks:   Heartiest and corollary, sincerest congratulations to the Nation of Barbados, its Government and all of our citizens both at home and additionally across our global Diaspora on the absolute and also excellent achievement on this day - 30 November 2022 - of 56 years of independence and likewise too the first anniversary of our dearly beloved Nation actually becoming a Republic.   And as we proudly reflect on our many achievements as a people, among them a stable and fittingly well informed political electorate; a truly and highly prized, excellent educational system that's second to none and that comprehensively caters distinctively nationally and similarly also both legislatively and automatically freely to every Bajan citizen irrespective of where they were actually born or grew up, this discernibly from kindergarten age to postgraduate university studies; and a National Health Service with the same concept of distinctly full and unquestionably free inclusivity at whatever point of entry.   We Bajans earnestly recall and are deeply and enduringly grateful too to all those, our cherished past as well as present innovators, who in their inimitable ways clearly made all this possible, and in the course of progressively and imaginatively doing so, thus creating an ongoing process that's not just beneficial to ourselves currently but also future Bajans, as we nationally, politically and societally very avidly culturally carry on with our quite committed and very assiduous endeavours of Democracy, Equality and certainly Meritocracy!   Happy Anniversary Barbados; and quite naturally joyous celebrations to all my fellow Bajans!

Barbados EDC: Importance

https://pl.ivisa.com/barbados-ed-card

The Barbados ED Card is a required international travel document for all international tourists wishing to visit Barbados. This card can be used to access services and facilities at Barbados's airports and seaports. The issuer of this card is the Barbados International Airport Company (BAIC). For many years, the card has assisted people to travel between the different parts of Barbados and it also helps them during check-in and check-out times. The services offered by the BAIC have greatly improved with the increase in tourists to the island nation.

The Barbados International Airport Company, a division of Government of Barbados is responsible for ensuring efficient and efficient immigration procedures at Barbados airport. Travelers can use the Barbados and Card to obtain information about Barbados during their stay. They can then proceed to the Barbados International Airport immigration office. There are three branches to the BAIC: the Domestic Barbados Branch (Overseas Barbados Branch), and the International Barbados Branch (International Barbados Branch). All travelers to Barbados need to visit one of these branches so that they can obtain an International Airport Identification Card (IAIC). The International Airport Identification Card (IAIC) issued by the BAIC contains important information about the holder such as his or her name, date of birth, passport or other documents required for travel, photo identification, and contact details such as e-mail address, phone number, fax number, and mailing address.

The International Airport in Barbados has been operating since 1963 and was one of the first airports in Barbados to be equipped with an Air Traffic Control Centre (ATC). Because of the boom in trade activity in Barbados, the ATC was created. This is where all visitors' flight information is stored. This system is now being utilised at all airports all over the world, and even at the Barbados International Airport the passengers have access to their own personalisedised IATA (Barbados International Airline Terminal) cards. The International Airport Identification Card (IAIC) issued by the Barbados government contains information such as the arrival and departure time of each passenger, the name of the traveler, the airport or terminal where the traveler will be departing from, the route taken, and the time he or she will arrive at the destination.

The International Airline Card System benefits not only the Barbados government, but also the incoming visitors. The system helps the government officials in collecting valuable information about the passengers of the plane, which in turn helps the authorities in assessing the security risks associated with each passenger. According to the regulations, the Barbados government is allowed to keep this information confidential, but it is also required to disseminate it among all interested parties such as the airport authority, immigration authorities, and the FBI among others. In turn, the Barbados government issues a series of official ID cards that contain all the necessary data about travelers.

The Barbados EDC (earnings deprivation check) is basically an annual check that allows the customs officials to assess if a person has sufficient cash on him or her before departure. This is usually conducted two to four weeks before any scheduled departure. This means that travelers' personal belongings are not checked throughout the year. The Barbados mask policy was introduced in 1998, and ever since then the citizens of Barbados can purchase a Barbados mask for themselves and everyone in their household, without any restrictions.

A Barbados EDC does not oblige a traveler to prove his or her identity or to provide any proof that he or she intends to enter the country. The Barbados card holder must complete the application form and submit it to customs officials at the airport. In addition, all members of the family must also sign the document provided by the customs. After all formalities are completed, a Barbados EDC is issued to the individual, allowing them to enter the country.

On this day 55 years ago —18 April 1966— Ethiopia’s Emperor Haile Selassie came to Trinidad on a four-day visit. He’d been invited by T&T’s first prime minister Dr. Eric Williams who, the year before, had gone to Ethiopia as part of a nine-nation African tour three years after T&T gained political independence from Britain. To facilitate the Emperor’s trip, Williams coordinated a Caribbean tour that also included Jamaica, Haiti, and Barbados. Selassie was welcomed by thousands of people at Piarco Airport, greeted by Governor General Solomon Hochoy, and given a 21-gun Imperial Salute by 150 officers of the T&T Regiment. His first stop from the airport was the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Arouca where he read an excerpt from the Scriptures, then closed the Book with what was described as a “strikingly fervent kiss”. The Emperor also met with representatives of various faiths, and made a donation for a foundation in one of the poorer areas of the country. When Selassie visited the Parliament, he urged the representatives of the people to look beyond the confines of their sectarian concerns to embrace national and international interests. He also visited The University of the West Indies, laid a wreath at the Cenotaph at Memorial Square, paid a courtesy call on the Mayor of Port-of-Spain Edward Taylor and the San Fernando Borough Council, and attended a Cultural Rally at the Queen’s Park Oval. On his final day, in Tobago, he visited a Ethiopian Orthodox Church service. Credit: @dominickalipersad . Photo by Noel Norton shows Selassie being introduced to ANR Robinson by Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams. . Video: Vintage footage courtesy Government Information Service. . . #haileselassie #ethiopianemperor #selassievisitstrinidad #tthistory #vintagetrinidad . - #jamaica #carnival #jerkchicken #trinidad #soca #trinidadandtobago #carnivalcruise #grenada🇬🇩 #stlucia #barbados #jamaica🇯🇲 #trinidadcarnival #caribbeanlife #caribbeanfood #stvincent #socamusic #carnivalparty #socatrucks #socado #trinidadandtobago🇹🇹 #carnival2019 #carnivalpalette #carnivalweddingphotographer #carnivalbkk https://www.instagram.com/p/CN2c_R0J9i_/?igshid=nb1gzfjc2y4k

Saint Denis Times No. 55

-Click here to return to the index for Newspapers-

This issue is available after completion of the mission: Uncle’s Bad Day

(All article transcripts below the cut)

Articles marked with * are exclusive to this region’s issue.

Articles marked with ** are only there upon completion of the related mission.

Bureau of Investigation Founded

SECRET SERVICE VETERANS JOIN STAFF. PROMISE TO ROOT OUT ORGANIZED CRIME.

The Attorney General has formed an autonomous investigative agency to be headed up by veteran law enforcement officer Edgar Ross in an attempt to track high profile and dangerous criminals. The Bureau will also be tasked with investigating financial fraud and other organized crimes.

Ross served for many years as a senior agent with the Pinkerton Detective Agency under the mentorship of the late Andrew Milton and then went on to work at the National Bureau of Criminal Identification, founded by the National Chiefs of Police Union in 1896, which was tasked to record information on criminals and gangs and work with law enforcement. He has been billed as one of the most humble, innovative and honest law enforcement officers of his class, and colleagues say that Ross produces results where others fail. Upon swearing in, he stated: "I want all criminals to know that here in America, everyone will eventually pay for what they have done."

Unrest in the Tropics

COST OF FOOD, FUEL ANGERS CITIZENS. SUGAR BARONS TO BLAME.

Island residents from Barbados to Cuba are experiencing soaring prices and short supply of food and fuel. They are blaming local politicians and sugar barons for the situation. Shortly after the political unrest in the area, including the assassination of prominent sugar industry advocate and Guarman governor Alberto Fussar in 1899, American banking institutions, including JD McKnight and Co., took control of the sugar industry on several islands, including Barbados, the Virgin Islands, and Guarma.

Fields which once flourished with locally grown foods and were used to feed the island nation suddenly switched to growing sugar cane. As a result of a single crop economy, all foodstuffs are imported, to great expense for local peoples. Foreign investors hire locals to guard and police their massive plantations, subjecting workers to harsh conditions and penalties.

Local groups argue that island residents are suffering the most, while businesses say heavy investments by American financial institutions have allowed for the revitalization of the local economies.

'We Are Helpless'

TOWNS DECRY UNCHECKED VIOLENCE. OUTLAW GANGS RUNNING RAMPANT. LED BY NOTORIOUS CRIMINAL MICAH BELL.

A cacophony of outrage has been building at the lawlessness that prevails in towns across the area. Numerous outlaw gangs seem to operate unchecked or unstoppable by law enforcement, rendering terrified citizens helpless. The reward for the killing or capture of infamous outlaw Micah Bell and his gang was recently increased by government officials in response to the unanimous outcry from citizens that something must be done about this murderous gang of thieves and killers.

Mr. Bell and his associates continue their spree of killing and robbing while running roughshod over law enforcement. His acts of lawlessness rival that of Van der Linde himself. They pay no debts and dynamite banks and buildings as a recreational pastime. Bell has long been a suspect in the Blackwater Bank Robbery and Strawberry massacre back in 1899 and numerous train robberies that have ended in dismemberment or death of passengers in the years since then. Little is known of Mr. Bell's origins.

Reverend Swanson Leads NY Church

DELIVERS POWERFUL MESSAGE

Reverend Orville Swanson was inducted into his official capacity as minister at the First Congregational Church of New York this week, having moved to the city to accept the position. A service was held and then a reception was given to celebrate the appointment. Encouraging reports from attendees indicate that Reverend Swanson delivered an impassioned and heartfelt sermon about acknowledging sin and seeking redemption. He spoke about his own break from faith, a dark period when he could not attend church, falling into sin, depravity and wanton gluttony.

He chronicled the period where he rediscovered his faith and began witnessing on street-corners, to then become assistant pastor at a church in Ohio and now New York. During his recent attendance at the Convention Meeting of First Congregational Churches he delivered a very moving oration, impressing attendees as an eloquent and persuasive speaker, and was almost immediately offered the position.

Tallulah Jetty Gang Killed

BANK RAIDED IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. CITIZENS FORM POSSE.

United States Marshal Fulkerton received a dispatch from Silver Springs indicating that after years of evading capture, the Tallulah Jetty Gang was chased down after a brazen bank robbery in broad daylight. After a series of outrages, including the killing of several women and elders, officers placed 200 men in pursuit of the gang, which was overtaken near Anadarko.

A combination force of Cherokee Indians and a militia formed after the bank robbery pursued the gang to a cave in the bluffs south of the area, where a spectacular gun battle took place, killing several officers. After a period of quiet, one man entered the cave where he found a gravely wounded William Bishop bleeding out next to deceased henchmen Harold Sutton and James Shaw.

Liquor Smuggled Into Indian Territory

DEPUTIES PURSUE OUTLAWS, ONE KILLED.

A dispatch received from Comanche Indian territory yesterday says that Deputy United States Marshal Tidwell and another deputy attempted to arrest Cletus Yarnell and Lawrence Branch for introducing intoxicating liquors into Indian Territory. The outlaws resisted arrest and a gun battle ensued, with Marshal Tidwell's horse being shot out from under him. The desperados fled into Indian territory and were pursued. Yarnell was mortally wounded, Branch was arrested.

Bubonic Plague in San Francisco

CITY STILL REELING AFTER EARTHQUAKE THAT KILLED 3,000.

After an earthquake that destroyed 80 percent of the city and killed over 3,000 people, the city of San Francisco now reports that a second epidemic of bubonic plague has broken out. It is believed the outbreak is due to the large number of rats in the area. Fleas from infected rats transmit the disease, resulting in fever symptoms, seizures, gangrene and necrosis of the extremities, along with, in many cases, death.

New Railroad Completed

A GRAND PROJECT OUR MANIFEST DESTINY

The final ties were laid and spikes driven through to complete the Central Union rail line stretching through New Hanover. Passengers will be able to bypass the Grizzlies, Rhodes, and Scarlett Meadows, drastically reducing travel time. Now with a direct line connecting Cornwall Kerosene and Tar and Saint Denis, freight and commuters will flow fast and freely.

The project came with complications, including controversy over missing workers' wages and a land dispute. Representatives from towns such as Van Horn Trading Post and Annesburg say the new line will result in the decline of their towns. Civic planners hail the railroad as a new dawning day in American progress and history.

The Art of Angling by Jeremy Gill

SOCKEYE SALMON.

Last year while fishing in the Alaskan territories, I soon discovered that a family of bears was fishing too, and one particularly angry Kodiak took exception to my overwhelming success of pulling dozens of Sockeye Salmon out of the water. I could not blame him; however, now his head sits sentry above my foyer with a salmon in its mouth, a testament to the hunter becoming the hunted.

In cold streams, and particularly in the Grizzlies, salmon will strike river lures and are possibly the best tasting fish you can bring home for supper. They are so plentiful you may take as many as you like with no consequence. Happy casting.

The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training (METVT) is informing parents/guardians of students of the Frederick Smith Secondary School, located at Trents, St James, that the school will remain closed for all STUDENTS on Monday, March 13, 2023. The Chief Education Officer, Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw and several senior officials of the METVT met with the principal and staff of the Frederick Secondary School on Friday, March 10, 2023. During the four-hour meeting, teachers were provided with an opportunity to discuss concerns with the Ministry officials. Several recommendations were made by the staff for areas of improvement. At the end of the meeting, it was agreed that there was a need to develop an action plan for the way forward for the school. To this end, the school will remain closed for students on Monday, March 13, 2023. All staff members will be required to report to work and students are required to check their Google Classrooms for work assignments from their teachers. Please note that all field athletes of the School’s Athletic Team are still expected to report at 9:00 a.m. to Harrison College for the BSSAC Field Meet on Monday, March 13, 2023, as previously advised. The METVT regrets any inconvenience this closure may cause. Regular school should resume on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Source: Government Information Service BARBADOS https://www.instagram.com/p/CprBqbwtY6I0C_Vvqj19ZejtLD4oFh_vz2X9fY0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Maldives Health Declaration

https://es.ivisa.com/maldives-health-declaration-form

Maldives Health Declaration Form is a document that must be introduced to the federal House of Assembly before or during the annual general election. The purpose of this document is to commit Maldives to achieving universal health care coverage for all its occupants, with particular reference to women and children. The declaration made would be to create an independent autonomous government with regard to health matters. The Maldives is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Yemen. Due to its strategic location, it's been a favourite venue for diplomatic discussions and trade talks between different nations, such as the Maldives. It is also a favorite venue for the yearly meetings of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Currently, the Maldives has among the best healthcare delivery systems in the world with a national healthcare system handled through an inter-ministerial committee. But, there are lots of challenges that the country is facing, including the challenge of fighting the international economic recession; the deteriorating infrastructure and the restricted accessibility to quality health services due to security constraints. The Maldives has made an attempt to reform the ineffective public health program by developing the Strategic Health Exchange; an internet database that provides patients with information on quality and treatment solutions. However, despite these attempts, the statement still lags behind other countries in regards to healthcare coverage. Because of this, the Maldives Health Declaration has been adopted so as to ratchet up international investment and aid from the country's health care system.

The Maldives Health Declaration covers a wide variety of topics, which include the environment, human rights, community development, family and communal harmony, international health, immigration, international legal matters, occupational health, sport and recreational health, religion and belief, sanitation and hygiene, tourism and travel, workers' compensation, women and child development, and political stability and security. Although most members of this community are not aware of this kind, nearly all Maldives residents need to register with the regional Health Department to get health services. Registration is mandatory for each and every citizen, male or female, old or young. The process of registration involves submitting a birth certificate or identity cardreceiving immunization certificates; completing prescribed eligibility records; and undergoing a background check, such as reference checks and drug testing. However, once all files have been submitted, the individual is able to receive medical support at reduced price.

In addition to the aforementioned applications, Maldives has also created its own system of community health services for senior citizens called the Senior Citizen Health Care System (SCHC). The SCHC was implemented to boost general quality of life for seniors living in the Maldives. It aims at promoting healthy lifestyles, promoting self-sufficiency, reducing societal stigma, and preventing diseases. Since the SCHC was created in 2021, more than twenty Maldives Islands are included; St. Lucia, Antigua, Bonaire, and Barbados. The government of Maldives is concerned in the administration of this SCHC and all residents are responsible for adhering to the key program fundamentals.

Despite the Maldives Health Declaration, the nation isn't without its problems. On the mainland, the overall population is overweight or obese with hypertension and diabetes, which lead to heart issues and premature death. On the islands, however, the prevalence of these conditions is much less since the residents consume very low levels of fat and cholesterol and have reduced consumption of animal products and tobacco goods. But, higher sodium and potassium intake, as well as bad dietary habits, may put the inhabitants at risk of elevated blood pressure and diabetes. As a result, the government is encouraging residents to monitor their blood pressure and diet; see their physician on a regular basis, and choose hypertensive medications if needed.

Overall, the Maldives Health Declaration is an attempt by the authorities to provide its citizens with the resources necessary to live a healthful life. Even though the declaration might have gaps in coverage and effectiveness, the machine itself remains comprehensive. But, residents are invited to go to their doctors regularly, follow the stipulated guidelines, and request medical assistance when it's needed. The declaration does not mean that the healthcare system is ideal, but it will offer residents some expect and assistance when they need it .

The Political and Economic Origins of Systemic Racism

“In Barbados, as in Virginia, the historical foundations of race and slavery can be traced back to the struggle between the planter elite and a labor force of bound servants and African slaves who resisted oppression.” - Edward B. Rugemer, from “The Development of Mastery and Race in the Comprehensive Slave Codes of the Greater Caribbean during the Seventeenth Century”

A couple weeks ago I attempted to provide a unifying solution to the question of “why are things so fucked in 2020?” and I provided what is, I suppose at least on the surface, an economic answer: capitalism. I then briefly attempted to show how the blind pursuit of profit, engendered by our own economic system, is in fact the very heart of many of our contemporary crises, from climate change to racism. 

This week I want to focus on racism. I’ve been doing some research with my favorite search engine (JStor) in order to clarify, for myself, the vague memories of what I learned in college in regards to race and American history. So, if you’ll forgive my arrogance, I would like to propose what I would posit to be the formula for modern racial oppression: a social elite’s desire for profit + human ignorance + vulnerable populations = systemic racism.

It may seem like an obvious statement, but I think a lot of people would like to chalk up White Supremacy to white ignorance alone, which is dangerous. If you think racism comes solely from the masses of white people just not knowing any better, then the solution is simple and obvious: educate the racists, make them see the error of their ways and thus eradicate racism with a single, equitable blow- oppression be gone!  We tend to see racism as a disease. I would not deny that racism is, in some cases, comparable to a sickness. However, you could just as easily look at it as a tool. This shift in perception, in turn, alters how you analyze the whole situation. If someone has a sickness you ask if there is a cure. If someone is using a tool, you ask yourself why they’re using it, how they’re using it and what the effect of that use is. The problem with our conceptualization of racism is that we look at it as an inevitable aspect of nature (like a disease) and not as something consciously produced (like a machine). Racists then universally become victims (since they’re sick) who need to be healed because they are hurting, instead of oppressors who need to be stopped from hurting others. 

Certainly, there are racists (particularly the poorer ones) who are victims of their own ignorance- but this cannot be said for all of them. White Supremacy is profitable and we can never forget it. Everyone cheers when a disease is cured, but try to take a valuable tool from the hand wielding it and you can expect a fight. So, in the interest of preparation, let it be said: modern racism is not simply the result of human nature run amok, it was created and improved over time by amplifying and codifying our tendencies to tribalism in a manner that primarily benefited a small, economic elite. In short, racism was and is the tool of the bourgeoisie. 

With that being said, I would like to illustrate this by briefly providing a few notes on the origins of racism in the United States of America. In order to do so, however, I must speak about places outside of the U.S. as well. The United States started out as an English colony, and learned how to successfully oppress and exploit African human beings from the other English colonies who paved the way before them: Barbados and Jamaica. Jamaica largely borrowed its laws concerning slavery from the English colony of Barbados, and South Carolina borrowed her slave laws from the colony of Jamaica. Human exploitation has always been a global business.

So with no further ado, I present a brief account of the origins of modern racism (I will provide a bibliography for all this information at the end of my post): 

The English settled in Barbados in 1627. By 1640 they had cleared much of its forests and began cultivating indigo and cotton. Later they would expand into producing sugar. 

At first, most of this labor was done by white indentured, landless servants in the service of wealthier landowners. This labor source was occasionally supplemented by people of African or indigenous American descent, but they did not yet supply a majority of the labor.

Indentured servants were treated poorly, especially after sugar production began in earnest. They were given inadequate food and lodging and routinely beaten. In fact, conditions were hard enough that in 1634 they attempted to organize a rebellion. 

In 1636 the Barbados Council resolved that “Negroes and Indians, that came here to be sold, should serve for Life, unless a Contract was before made to the contrary.” From the start, we can see that there was some form of racialization at work here. However, it was still vague and incomplete: not all Africans or “Indians” would theoretically be bound for life, and the primary division in society was largely between the “free” and the unfree, the latter including both white and Black laborers. 

Whenever a colony began to seriously invest in a profitable crop (like cotton or tobacco), they usually ended up requiring more labor than what the flow of European immigrants could provide. As demand increased relative to supply, the cost of indentured servants grew as well. This led many planters to turn to slavery in order to solve their labor issues. 

Meanwhile, in 1649, “rebellious servants formed a conspiracy to ‘cut the throats of their masters’ and ‘make themselves not only freemen, but Masters of the Island.’ According to one contemporary source, this rebellion involved the whole island and most of the servants; 18 people were executed.

In the 1650s increasing numbers of Africans and “undesirables”, such as the Irish, were being sent to the colonies. According to one of the servants' accounts, they could be bought and sold to planters, beaten at pleasure, slept in styes and ate nothing but potatoes and drank nothing but water. The enslaved Africans were treated, of course, no better.

By 1655 many enslaved Africans and Irish servants were out in rebellion.

There were definitely distinctions in the ways servants and slaves were treated, but many of the laws passed by the Barbados Assembly did not actually distinguish between the two groups and “treated indentured servants and African slaves in the same act.” (Rugemer)

The legal term for the economic elite was “masters”. Regardless of their ethnic origin, no one who served another was “worthy of a master’s civility.” (Rugemer) Both servants and slaves were treated by the law as property that could be seized to satisfy debts, thus being placed in the same category as cattle and horses. 

The inhumanity with which their laborers were treated, however, caused the masters problems- not the least of which was rebellion. In order to better order their society, in 1661 the Barbados assembly set down two methodical and exhaustive pieces of legislation. They were titled: 

“An act for the good governing of Servants, and ordaining the Rights between Masters and Servants.” and

“An act for the better ordering and governing of Negroes”

As you can see, both servants and slaves needed to be “governed” by their masters (I wonder who watched the watchmen?), but under these laws only servants were recognized as having rights. Also, the word “Negro” was codified into being interchangeable with “slave.”

The acts went further in describing the distinctions between the two groups. Both slaves and servants were, naturally, labelled as criminals. Rebellion against oppression, as opposed to oppression itself, has always carried the stigma of criminality. Africans, however, were further described as “heathenish, brutish and an uncertain dangerous pride of people” who required harsher laws “for the benefit and good of the colony”.

“The law defined Africans by pointing out their dark complexions, by asserting offensive cultural characteristics, and by animalizing them as dangerous, exotic lions who needed to be caged.” (Rugemer)

Presumably, “the barbarism of Africans precluded them from the possession of rights as the English understood them.” (Rugemer) The 1661 Slave Act did not attribute any rights to slaves whatsoever.

White “informers”, including indentured servants, were expected to alert the authorities to any unauthorized movements of the enslaved off of their plantations. Slaveholders or overseers who failed to capture and whip a runaway slave were fined; this was not the case for servants. 

“The law aimed to compel Europeans to control the movements of Africans through the threat of a hefty fine. And with the use of informers, a group that included indentured servants, the law created an incentive structure for all Europeans, free and bound, to monitor their neighbor’s management of enslaved Africans.” (Rugemer)

The 1661 act provided a financial incentive for whites to capture a runaway slave by offering a bounty of a hundred pounds of sugar.

Thus, the laws passed by the Barbados assembly in 1661 raised the status of (soon to be known as “white”) indentured servants and codified their rights even as it lowered the status of African slaves (the two acts were passed within three days of one another).

It’s important to note, however, that at the time the Barbados assembly divided their laborers into “Christians” and “Negroes”, a distinction which worked because they believed Africans did not have the capacity to become Christian. “Whiteness” had yet to fully evolve into its present meaning.

Meanwhile, the colony of Jamaica was experimenting with slavery as well. In 1681 they passed their own versions of the Barbados servant and slave acts, with only a few differences between them. 

Around the same time, Quakers (members of a fairly radical Christian denomination) began inviting Africans to their religious meetings and initiating the process of conversion in earnest. As could be expected, this upset the slave masters, who tried unsuccessfully to stop this from happening.

The slave masters reasoning should be clear: if Africans were to become Christians, the cultural differences that necessitated those “harsher laws” and differential treatment would begin to fade. The problem with the earlier distinction was therefore exposed: it was unsustainable to differentiate on the basis of culture and religion because “Negroes” could convert.

A moral solution, of course, would have been to emancipate converted slaves...this was not done for obvious reasons.

By 1684, Jamaican law had begun to use “white” instead of “Christian” to identify their European laborers. Religious conversion would not compromise their labor source.

A byproduct of this change is that Black subjugation was no longer justified on the basis of cultural differences but on the innate racial, and not the religious superiority, of “white” people.

In 1691, the South Carolina Assembly adopted Jamaica’s revised 1684 Slave Act as their own, with only a few slight differences.

South Carolina’s assemblymen were, nevertheless, innovators as well. Under South Carolina law, for example, a runaway would be branded for a first offense. A second offense, however, would require a woman to lose an ear and for a man to be castrated. The inspiration for castration was the cattle-rearing practices of slave-owners and implicitly identified African laborers as simple beasts of burden.

“Severe whippings, the slitting of noses, the slicing off of ears, and ultimately gelding [or castration]—all of these punishments had the same aim, the bestialization of black people and the consolidation of racial slavery.” (Rugemer)

In the continental United States, as in the Carribean, “White servants had rights, and after freedom, options. Blacks enjoyed neither.” (Main)

The inhumanity of African laborers was maintained even when they bore the children of their masters: “Like other British colonies in the New World, Maryland reversed the usual English custom in which the condition of children normally followed that of the father. Many white men, therefore, came to treat their own [mixed race] children as property, denying them all claims on themselves as a parent. Illegitimate white children could press no claims under English law, either, but they were born free. The zealous protection of property rights so characteristic of English society, with its rigorous insistence on the sanctity of contracts and patrilineal priority, here seems to have gone awry. Racism and greed combined to override English justice.” (Main)

In the earliest years of slavery on the American continent, indentured servants and slaves dealt with similar overlords and encountered similar material conditions. They were divided, however, by differences in status within an ideological system that privileged whiteness and condemned Blackness. Indentured servants, despite their oppressions, generally chose their lot and could find freedom after a set period of service. African laborers, being reduced to the status of chattel, had neither consolation. 

“The most burdensome legacy of enslavement, surely, was its hopelessness.” (Main)

There are few general observations that should be made about the developments that I have outlined here. The first is that the only real agency within this story is held by a small economic elite. The legal and ideological tenets of systemic racism were adopted by the common masses of white people, but they were engineered primarily by and for the benefit of wealthy landowners. Actually, in the early days of the continental American colonies, it was only a small portion of landowners who could afford slaves in the first place. The second observation that one should make is that systemic racism was not a spontaneous event. Rather, it came about only after colonial elites passed legislation that increasingly dehumanized their African laborers and justified that dehumanization by highlighting and exaggerating their “otherness.” 

The development of racism then allowed for three very important things. The first and most obvious result is that the total dehumanization of people of African descent allowed for their unlimited economic exploitation without any regard to their existence as human beings. Of course this benefited the “Masters”, or the only ones actually able to afford slaves, more than anyone else in colonial society. The second result was the pacification of a once rebellious white labor force. Surely, indentured servants and landless whites still lacked political will or agency after the codification of racial hierarchies and they still suffered at the hands of their overlords. Despite this, their newfound “whiteness” offered them some sense of dignity, if not some social mobility, and ideologically connected them to the “master” class. The final effect was the weaponization of the white working or servant class, as they were financially and legally incentivized to assist the master class in the oppression of their African laborers. 

These three effects of early systemic racism can still be seen today. Whether it is through Black prison labor, Mexican field labor or the government revenue generated by the court fees of people of color- one can see how vulnerable populations are still economically exploited to fill the bank accounts of twenty-first century economic elites (sometimes referred to as the “1%,” though that numerical value may be too small). One can also see how appeals to patriotism and ethnocentrism ideologically binds the “white” working class to those who in actuality oppress and exploit them, and how they are made to feel closer to billionaire CEOs than to struggling African and Latino Americans. Finally, it is apparent how conservative rhetoric, and even the “colorblind racism” of white liberals, mobilizes and incentivizes whites to silence minority led movements for equality and equity. 

It is not the billionaire, or the millionaire class that attacks and suppresses protesters or holds “counter-rallies” at BLM protests. The super wealthy do not don police uniforms and enforce an inequitable form of order in communities of color. The foot-work of oppression is done by the white working and middle class. The political legitimacy of racist politicians, and in extension their policies, is supported by working and middle class whites who would actually gain more by aligning themselves with the causes of their non-white neighbors than by those who wouldn’t even dare to live in the same neighborhood as them. In short, the white working and middle classes are very often still weaponized against people of color. The functions that racism fulfills today are largely the same as the functions it fulfilled centuries ago. Racism may not be profitable to society as a whole, but it is certainly useful and profitable for powerful elements within our society. Is racism a sickness? Perhaps, and perhaps we should seek to cure those afflicted. Racism, however, is also a tool, and we must seek to disarm those using it and heal those who have been struck with it. It is my belief that this will not happen without a significant fight, but it’s a fight that is well worth it. The same elites who manufactured racism manufactured capitalism, our modern class divisions and the destruction of our environment. The fight to end their hegemony is a battle to undo their ideological programming and to gain political agency. It is a battle to cure the disease and disarm the oppressor. I can think of no other battle more worth fighting. Bibliography: 

Rugemer, Edward B. “The Development of Mastery and Race in the Comprehensive Slave Codes of the Greater Caribbean during the Seventeenth Century.” The William and Mary Quarterly, Vol. 70, No. 3 (July 2013), pp. 429-458. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5309/willmaryquar.70.3.0429

Main, Gloria L. Tobacco Colony, Life in Early Maryland, 1650-1720. Princeton University Press, 1982. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt7zvk1d

Galenson, David W. “White Servitude and the Growth of Black Slavery in Colonial America.” The Journal of Economic History, Vol. 41, No. 1, The Tasks of Economic History(Mar., 1981), pp. 39-47. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/2120891

THE OFFICIAL DUTIES OF THE QUEEN

The Sovereign’s role comprises two distinct elements:

The role of Head of State, which is a formal constitutional concept, common to all nations, and involves the official duties which The Queen, by constitutional convention, must fulfil.

The role of Head of Nation, a much more symbolic role in the life of the Nation, involving duties which are not directed by the constitution but which The Queen carries out where appropriate or necessary.

Since the United Kingdom has no codified constitution, the role of Monarchy is defined by convention – a non-legal but nevertheless binding rule.

Both of these roles are supported by the Sovereign Grant.

HEAD OF STATE

The Queen is Head of State of the United Kingdom (and fifteen other independent countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu )

Every country has a Head of State with constitutional and representational duties, often laid down in law. The Queen is no different, though the scope of her duties has generally been defined by constitutional convention rather than by statute.

The Queen is politically impartial and exercises her constitutional powers on the advice of Government ministers. The Royal Household works very closely with a number of Government Departments on a wide range of matters, such as constitutional and legislative affairs, security, travel and ceremonial occasions.

The conditions of the Royal Prerogative (Royal Prerogative is the term given to the formal powers of the Crown within the executive process of British politics and which form part of common law) are such that it is difficult to estimate the extent of their provision due to the uncertain nature of the circumstances that might prompt their use (such as a ‘hung parliament’). This is also true of The Queen’s role as Head of Nation, in which She and the Royal Household must be prepared to react appropriately to unpredictable national events. This requires the institution of Monarchy to be flexible, while maintaining the highest possible standards befitting of The Household of The Head of State.

The Queen’s constitutional duties include:

* The State Opening of Parliament;

* The appointment of the Prime Minister;

* The approval of Parliamentary legislation;

* The approval of official appointments;

* The approval of secondary legislation through the Privy Council;

* Representational duties as Head of State – paying and receiving State Visits to and from other Heads of States;

* Receiving the credentials of foreign Ambassadors;

* Regular confidential Audiences with the Prime Minister.

The Queen is also:

* The Fount of Honour, and all honours are awarded in Her name (although, with notable exceptions, most are awarded on the advice of the Government);

* Head of the Armed Forces;

* Head of the Judiciary;

* Head of the Civil Service;

* Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

HEAD OF NATION

The Queen’s role as Head of Nation is as significant as Her role as Head of State, and can be divided into four key elements – unity and national identity, continuity and stability, achievement and success, and support of service.

Unity and National Identity

In all these roles, The Queen provides a sense of continuity, a focus for loyalty and an assurance of political independence and neutrality for these institutions.

The Queen has a significant function as a symbol of national identity, unity and pride. For example, it is as Head of Nation and not as Head of State that The Queen:

* Makes the annual Christmas Broadcast;

* Sends messages of congratulation on national achievements;

* Sends messages of condolence at times of national, international and Commonwealth tragedy.

Continuity and Stability

The Monarchy provides an important sense of continuity and stability at a time of rapid social, cultural and technological change.

The regular rhythm of the Monarchy provides reassurance to many people. This is helped by:

* Recurring traditional events like the State Opening of Parliament, Trooping the Colour, Garter Day, the Royal Maundy Service, Holyrood Week and Royal Ascot Week;

* Anniversaries marked over the course of The Queen’s reign – Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees, Coronation and family anniversaries to which people can relate - Diamond Wedding Anniversary etc;

* The Queen’s impressive personal continuity – She has known thirteen Prime Ministers and met twelve of the last thirteen US Presidents.

In this way The Queen and the Monarchy are a stable fixture in many people’s lives.

Achievement and Success

One of the modern Monarchy’s principal purposes is to recognise, on behalf of the Nation, achievement, excellence and success in our society. This is not just achieved by the Honours system, but by a more informal range of prizes, awards and events. These include:

Prizes & Awards

* The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and Voluntary Service;

* The Queen’s Medal for Music;

* The Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry;

* The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education.

Events

* The Queen entertains 160,000 people a year at garden parties, investitures, receptions, dinners and lunches as a way of acknowledging people’s achievements and contributions;

*Themed receptions at Buckingham Palace recognise the achievements and importance of particular sectors and celebrate and promote aspects of British culture;

* Visits in The Queen’s programme to places and projects help to acknowledge their success, importance or uniqueness.

Anniversary Messages

In the course of The Queen’s reign Her Majesty has sent:

* 265,000 congratulatory telegrams to centenarians on their 100th birthdays;

* 821,400 messages to couples marking their Diamond Wedding anniversaries.

In this unique way the Monarchy can mark these significant milestones in people’s lives.

Support of Service

The Queen endeavours to recognise and support the service given by others to the Nation, whether in the voluntary or charitable sector, in public life, in the armed forces or emergency services, and at a national level or in the community.

The Queen has a direct connection to many charities and organisations through her patronages.

The Queen’s programme brings contact with all sections of society, at all levels and across the country.

In this role The Queen is greatly assisted by other members of the Royal Family and by the traditional political neutrality of the Monarchy.

EXCERPT FROM THIS YEAR'S SOVEREIGN GRANT REPORT