INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS SCALED DOWN Story on Page 2 - Page 3 - New Deputy Chief for ABDF WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 128 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS SCALED DOWN Story on Page 2 - Page 3 - New deputy chief for ABDF WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

PAGE 2 Local News

Minister responsible for Festivals, Daryll Matthew today announced that Cab- Independence inet has approved a scaled down schedule of events for the country’s celebra- tion of its 39th Anniversary celebrations of Political Independence. Minister Matthew said that the events running from Sunday scaled down 25th October to Monday He noted that the new of thanksgiving during ed out that the Ceremonial 2nd November will addition to the schedule, the competition to win the Parade and the National feature the Independence the Independence Calyp- main prize. Registration is Heroes Day Ceremony will Thanksgiving Service, so Competition, will be now open at the Festivals be TV/Radio events with National Heroes Day held at the Dean William Office on Redcliffe Street limited audience. “We ceremony, Golden Age Lake Cultural Centre on for interested artistes. will be strictly adhering to events, National Dress Day, Saturday 21st October The Festivals Minister the protocols established a virtual Independence and will be in the form further outlined that the to combat COVID-19,” he Calypso Competition, the of a virtual competition. scaling down of the events said. Ceremonial Parade and He said that calypsonians is due to the country’s fight The theme for the events Honors Ceremony and will be required to sing against the spread of the will be announced later Barbuda Day activities. one new patriotic/ song coronavirus. It was point- this week. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Local News PAGE 3 New deputy chief for Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Career Army Officer with over -thir ty-five years of service in the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, Lieutenant Colonel Trevor K. Pennyfeather has been appointed as Deputy Chief of De- fence Staff. Chief of Defence Staff, Colonel Tel- bert Benjamin said he is pleased to make the announcement of the elevation of Lieutenant Colonel Pennyfeather as he has worked tirelessly over the past three decades as a member of the force, mov- ing upwards through the ranks. He said that he looks forward to continue working with Pennyfeather in reforming the ABDF. Lieutenant Colonel Pennyfeather currently serves as Staff Officer Intelligence and Security and Staff Coordinator Force Headquarters. He has also served as Command of Antigua and Barbuda’s – US-sponsored Counter Narcotics In- telligence Centre from 1993 to 2003, Chief of Defence Staff, Colonel Telbert Benjamin, left, with the new Deputy Chief of and Officer in Command of the Region- Defence Staff Lieutenant Colonel Trevor K. Pennyfeather al Security System Maritime School of TRADEWINDS and Commanding and he welcomes the new appointment Excellence from 2005 to 2007. Officer of 1st Battalion Antigua and as he believes the ABDF is poised to In addition, Lt. Colonel Pennyfeath- Barbuda Regiment and Service and play a more significant role in the safe- er has been Antigua and Barbuda’s Al- Support Battalion. ty, security and development of Antigua ternate National Point of Contact on Lieutenant Colonel Pennyfeather who and Barbuda. Intelligence since 2010. He has also is trained in intelligence and Counter Lt. Colonel Pennyfeather is married served as Joint Coordinator Exercise Narcotics said that he is pleased to serve for over 32 years and has four children. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020 PAGE 4 Local News Londel Benjamin gives back

As the nation’s schools reopened this week in the heart of the coronavirus pandemic, a number of in- stitutions and individuals have been the recipients of an outpouring of donations. One such person who took a decision to support those facing extreme diffi- culty is the Member of Par- liament for St John’s Rural West, Londel Benjamin. Benjamin made a significant donation of school and other supplies to the Greenbay Primary and Five Islands Primary schools on Tuesday.. In addition to school supplies, a wheel chair and beds to furnish a sick bay were donated . Benjamin said he was happy to be able to give back to the community and to make a contribution to the children, many of whom may have been im- pacted negatively by the pandemic. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Local News PAGE 5 Gov’t rejects UK demands over capital punishment A condition set by the Unit- gate of criticism by many An- ed Kingdom government tiguans and Barbudans who regarding a request it has re- may interpret the move as ceived for its assistance with an attempt by the executive a local homicide investiga- to interfere with an aspect of tion has been firmly rejected governance that is reserved by the Antigua and Barbuda for the judiciary. government. “There are those who Antigua and Barbuda ap- would see this as ‘proof’ that proached the UK’s Scotland the courts are being manip- Yard for assistance with in- ulated by the government. vestigations into the 10th July Even those who oppose the abduction and shooting death Caribbean Court of Justice of former Customs Depart- (CCJ) would also jump on ment officer, Nigel Christian. the bandwagon,” he noted. The UK has since respond- Despite the UK govern- ed however, it has insisted ment’s reluctance to offer it will only accede to the re- assistance, the Christian in- quest if the government gives vestigation benefited from the commitment that anyone assistance provided by the found guilty of murder will USA’s Federal Bureau of In- not face the death penalty. vestigations (FBI). Foreign Affairs Minister, E.P Chet Greene, has since retorted that capital punishment falls under the laws of Antigua and Barbuda and is a matter to be determined by the judiciary, not the executive arm of government. “Until the people of Anti- gua and Barbuda decide in a referendum that they no longer wish to have capital punishment as part of the laws of the country, it is my view that the issue is one that should be left up to the courts to decide,” Greene remarked. The Foreign Affairs minister continued that if the government were to give that commitment it would expose the government to a flood- WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

PAGE 6 Local News Big jump in traffic accidents The Police Traffic -De people are not paying at- partment is blaming negli- tention to what they are do- gence for a sharp increase ing. When you get behind in traffic accidents over the the wheel of a vehicle your last week. focus must be on the road, Assistant Superintendent your hands on the wheel of Police, Rodney Ellis, and your eyes on the road. who heads the Traffic De- Once you do that, some partment said over the last of these accidents can be seven days a total of 67 avoided. I am therefore ad- collisions were reported vising motorists to focus and on Tuesday at noon on the road ahead to avoid there were five. accidents,” he urged. Noting that most of the He is also advising driv- accidents were minor in- ers to look out for oth- cidents, they reveal a dis- er drivers and pedestri- turbing pattern that needs ans. “The type of asphalt that has defended their instal- to be addressed urgently. ASP Ellis also admitted we use here is not suited lation which they view as “What I can say is that that speed bumps installed for the speed bumps now a deterrent to drivers who these accidents are caused by the Antigua and Barbu- being deployed because insist on speeding. by negligence from the da Transport Board have as soon as you drive over In less than a year how- drivers. Most of them are contributed to some acci- them they soon begin to ever, the speed bumps minor, and these are when dents. move away. I have been in have caused among road touch with the ABTB to in- users. Many have become form them of the issue,” he uneven while others have reported. sunken into the asphalt. Despite criticism from There are also those that motorists that the rubber have metal bolts protrud- speed bumps were unsuit- ing from them that can able for Antigua’s road- cause major damage to ways, the Antigua and tires which can also con- Barbuda Transport Board tribute to accidents. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Local News PAGE 7 Banks unlikely to return to ‘regular’ hours At least one commercial Despite the government’s there is regular cleaning tomers have not been made bank has announced ad- call, President of the An- that must also take place at to suffer as a result of the justments in its opening tigua and Barbuda Bank- each institution. adjusted hours as banks hours beginning next Mon- ers Association, Michael Spencer said since June, have encouraged their day, but a banking official Spencer, said returning to banks have been operating customers to make use of has said it is unlikely they pre-pandemic hours is un- Monday to Thursday from online banking and debit will return to pre-pandem- likely as the State of Emer- 8:00am to 1:00pm and on cards. ic operating hours anytime gency has led to banks be- Fridays 8:00am to 2:00pm. “These hours of opera- soon. ing required to follow strict The Royal Bank of Canada tion have not affected the The Eastern Caribbe- protocols which, among closes one hour earlier. services that we offer. We an Amalgamated Bank other things, limit the num- “These are likely to con- currently are operating as (ECAB) has informed its ber of customers and staff tinue for the foreseeable normal as we can under the customers that as of Mon- allowed in the building at future,” he remarked. present circumstances,” he day 14th September 2020, any one time. In addition, Spencer noted that cus- stated. they will extend their hours to allow customers to conduct specific transactions Gov’t denies ownership between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m at their Redcliffe Street of Great Bird Island and Woods branches. The Antigua and Barbu- Clients will only be able da government is deny- to take advantage of the ing media reports that it extended hours by appoint- intends to sell Great Bird ment. Island, one of the islands Between 2pm and 5pm that formerly comprised account updates, online Guiana Island Farms Ltd. and mobile banking oper- (GIFL). ations, online and mobile According to govern- banking demos and debit ment spokesman, Lionel and credit card applications “Max” Hurst, this is be- will be handled. cause the government is Bank card and cheque not the owner of the Great book collection will also Bird Island and is there- which ultimately failed to sale. So the debate in sec- take place during the ex- fore incapable of selling it. materialize. tions of the media regard- tended hours. Hurst explained that The original sale of the ing a proposed sale of the Recently, the Cabinet GIFL, was owned by at- islands by Fuller, howev- island by the government called on businesses, in- torney John Fuller, who er, had not included Great is clearly without merit cluding banks to return sold the islands to the gov- Bird Island. Fuller trans- as the government cannot to regular hours effective ernment who in turn sold ferred ownership of that sell what it does not own,” September 1, 2020 over them to Malaysian inves- island to another interest. Hurst declared. concerns that reduced tor Dato Tan Kay Hock. “Great Bird Island was Hurst continued that the schedules were having a Kay Hock was to have never turned over to the government was unaware negative impact on the used the lands to develop Asian Village project as it of any existing plans to country’s economy. the Asian Village project was never included in the sell Great Bird Island. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

PAGE 8 Local News The key role of parents Having returned to school on Mon- most of the new learning environment Roberts said while teachers are com- day, students are familiarizing them- at a disadvantage. mitted to rising to the challenge, par- selves with the new system of face-to “The reality is that most of our chil- ents must also play their part. face learning complemented with a dren who are coming to this school are “We can’t achieve anything without virtual classroom environment. coming from homes where there are the support of the parents, especially This is one of the changes to take challenges. All of our children may where online learning is concerned. If place as people continue to adjust to not have access to a device. Those who the parents do not lend support to chil- the “new normal” and as the govern- have access may not have the internet. dren with the online learning; see to it ment establishes mechanisms to re- This now creates a challenge for the that they do the work that is submitted duce the spread of the coronavirus. teacher. by the teacher, then all of our efforts Despite these measures, the Prin- “How do I reach all the children that would be in vain,” he warned. cipal of the Ottos Comprehensive I have in my form so that at the end of As the ability to return to a tradition- School, Foster Roberts, is concerned the day when I am doing my assess- al learning environment is no longer that the system of blended learning ment I can fairly assess every child? possible, Roberts underscored the im- will put at risk students who cannot That is going to be the challenge,” he portance of parents ensuring that their afford the tools required to make the indicated. children’s time is properly utilized. Royalton reopens in November Royalton Hotel has announced that it will reopen on 29th November, 2020. While this is welcomed news for an industry deci- mated by the coronavirus pandemic, one senior government official has said that this will depend on when Canadian borders are reopened. The hotel is owned by the Sunwing Travel group which also owns Sunwing Airlines. The closure of Canada’s borders has affected Sun- wing Airlines ability to fly passengers to its many destinations. Sunwing’s guests they are putting safe- proximately 500 workers located on the site of the inability to transport pas- ty first and have increased employed by Royalton former Royal Antiguan sengers out of Canada led their health and safety pro- Antigua Resort and Spa Resort, employed a large to its decision to not renew tocols with advanced clean- were laid off due to a sig- number of Antiguans and the management contract of ing measures. They will nificant decline in bookings Barbudans on a full and the Jolly Beach hotel which now also offer free medical as a result of the spread of part time basis. has since been put up for assistance for direct book- COVID-19. It is unclear how many of sale. ings through www.royal- The Royalton opened for those that were laid off will The Royalton Hotel is tonresorts.com. business in 2019. return to the hotel when it also assuring potential In March this year, ap- The 294 room resort, reopens. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Local News PAGE 9 Effective COVID-19 management allowed schools to reopen Minister of Health, Mol- buda remains at ninety-five to approach the pandemic and ninety-seven persons wyn Joseph has credited with one active case. seriously by following the have been tested. the government’s handling Minister Joseph said advice of health officials As of Tuesday, there were of the coronavirus pandem- leadership, the psycholog- and complying with the es- eighteen (18) persons in ic for its ability to reopen ical preparedness of the tablished protocols, all con- government staffed quar- schools this week. population and the com- tributed to the low number antine while three hundred Joseph said the low num- mitment of the majority of of local COVID-19 cases. forty-five (345) persons ber of COVID-19 cases, Antiguans and Barbudans A total of two thousand were under self quarantine. the effective management of the pandemic and the health and safety protocols implemented, resulted in schools reopening after the premature closure of the previous academic year. “If we had a lot of active cases, the recommendation from my ministry would be to delay the opening of schools, but there was a pe- riod of time where we had no laboratory confirmed cases and as we speak we only have one active case,” Minister Joseph said. According to reports from the Ministry of Health, as of Monday, 7th Sep- tember 2020, there are no new laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Anti- gua and Barbuda. “Twelve samples were processed at the Mount St. John’s Medical Cen- ter’s (MSJMC) Labora- tory which increased the pending results from zero to twelve,” said a statement from the Ministry of Health. The twelve samples yielded negative results. As a result, the total number of persons with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Antigua and Bar- WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

PAGE 10 Charity at Work

Island Academy gets helping hand As concerns grow over Commenting on the dis- the operations of private- bursement, Executive Di- ly run schools, the Is- rector of the CAF, Corinna land Academy, located in Delowsky, said that dona- Buckley’s, has received a tions of this nature signifi- major financial boost from cantly assist in eliminating the Calvin Ayre Founda- school debt and provide tion (CAF). motivation toward the At the start of the new goal of completing school. school year last week, ten According to Delows- students from low income ky, this year’s donation is ic has resulted in many CAF donation to the Is- homes received admission in addition to the annual parents experiencing sig- land Academy will pro- to the institution thanks to bursary of USD$200,000 nificant financial pressure vide welcome reprieve to a US$100,000 donation which presently supports through job loss or a re- the families of the stu- in extra funding to the twenty deserving students. duction in salary. dents who have received school. The COVID-19 pandem- It is expected that the scholarships. Back-to-school with the Rotary Sundown Rotary Club of Antigua Sun- sented 130 units to Dr. Jonathon down is stepping up its commu- McComie, who is based at the All nity service efforts by donating Saints Clinic. The packages will school supplies to students across be distributed to children who at- Antigua. tend the clinic for health screen- The timely donations come as ings. students head back to the class- The remaining items will be room this week. used in the club’s annual Back To The donations include well School “Backpack” programme. stocked totes containing health The school Backpack pro- related literature, healthy snacks, gramme is a joint initiative be- juices and milk, general hygiene tween the Rotary Club of Antigua products and multivitamins. Sundown and Counsellor Koren President Julian Wilkins pre- Norton. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Charity at Work PAGE 11

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Our client, a medium sized business operating in the Our client, a medium sized business operating in the wholesale and retail of food and beverage, isis seekingseeking to recruit and retain a qualified individual for the to recruit and retain a qualified individual for the position of Sales Manager.

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Sales Manager will be responsible for expanding the will be responsible for expanding the customerManager base, building long term relationships and maximizingcustomer base, sales building. long term relationships and Themaximizing successful sales candidate. will be required to perform the following: The successful candidate will be required to ¨perform Management the following: of daily sales and marketing functions: ¨ ImplementManagement andof executedaily sales annual and Salesmarketing and Marketingfunctions: budget s. ¨ AnalyzeImplement industry and trendsexecute and annual Identify Sales ways andto strengthenMarketing budget and enhances. performance. ¨ WorkAnalyze closely industry with trends suppliers and Identifyto promote ways and to marketstrengthen new and retail enhance brands performance. . ¨ EstablishingWork closely and with maintaining suppliers goodto promote relationship and withmarket suppliers new retail and brandscustomers. . ¨ TrainEstablishing and motivate and maintaining staff to goodobtain relationship maximum resultswith suppliers and achieve and customers targets goals. . ¨ ShouldTrain andbe a motivateself- starter, staff strong to obtain team playermaximum andresults possess and achieveexcellent targets communication goals. skills. ¨ Should be a self- starter, strong team player The andcandidate possess will excellent possess communication the following: skills .

¨The Bachelor’scandidate willdegree possess in theSales following: & Marketing or Business Administration. ¨ TenBachelor’s (10) years’ degree progressive in Sales work & experience Marketing in or SalesBusiness or MarketingAdministration with .at least three years (3) ¨ inTen retail (10) andyears’ wholesale progressive. work experience in ¨ ESalesxtensive or Marketing knowledge with of atbusi leastness three operations years (3) and With a riskin retail-based and techniques wholesale. . ¨ ExperienceExtensive knowledge in the ofexecution business operationsof marketing and promotionsrisk-based techniques of goods and. services. ¨ AbilityExperience to manage in the and superviseexecution staff of efficientlymarketing little help… promotions of goods and services. Candidates¨ Ability shouldto manage also andbe adaptable supervise, staffdetail efficiently oriented, The Sandals Foundation on education. and possess strong negotiation skills. Excellent is offering congratulations “The partnership com- writtenCandidates and should oral alsocommunication, be adaptable ,analytic detail oriented,al, time to Nicola James, whose menced in 2013 with her managementand possess andstrong organizational negotiation skills.skills areExcellent also requiredwritten .and oral communication, analytical, time education it has supported enrollment at the Princess management and organizational skills are also for several years. Margaret School, followed Allrequired applications. must be submitted along with a James has successfully by her two years at the An- detailed Curriculum Vitae no later than September completed her Advanced tigua State College. 15,All 2020applications to: must be submitted along with a Level studies at the Anti- “James plans to become detailed Curriculum Vitae no later than September 15, 2020The to: Infrastructure Manager gua State College. a certified accountant and BDO Eastern Caribbean The non-profit organisa- also has her sights set on Cnr.The InfrastructureFactory Road &Manager Carnival Gardens tion has consistently sup- studying law,” the foun- P.O.BDO EasternBox 3109 Caribbean ported James’ academic dation said in a media re- St.Cnr. John’s, Factory Antigua Road & Carnival Gardens e-mail: [email protected]. Box 3109 journey as part of its focus lease. St. John’s, Antigua e-mail: [email protected]

WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

PAGE 12 Local News WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Feature PAGE 13 Stop burnout dead in its tracks: Spotlight on self-care As Human Resource Practitioners we work on the frontline to ensure that members of staff have everything they need to function as safely and produc- tively as possible while at work. From facilitating the training to perform their roles to helping create a harmonious work environment, our efforts aim to give peace of mind and ensure that the employees’ work contributes to the success of the organization. In the age of COVID, we are intensi- fying our efforts to ensure that employees are safe and feel comfortable in the ‘workplace’, particularly in the face of new challenges such as remote working or enhanced COVID protocols on er and our regional counterparts, how production of pleasure inducing hor- the job and personal anxiety caused by to improve our emotional health and mones of dopamine and serotonin the pandemic. We are serving the di- resilience. We explored the various Take time off to destress and unplug. verse needs of our staff through coun- causes and types of stress, the impact For many of us, vacation overseas is seling, mentoring and coaching. Some of stress on our minds, bodies, and our off the table this year. Indulge in a stay- colleagues have been checking in with productivity. Understanding the differ- cation – you deserve it. Spend a de- workers especially those with small ent methods that could remedy stress vice-free day at the beach off the grid. children and those who are vulnera- while we seek to develop a healthy bal- Be more active. Step away from your ble to the physical impact of the virus. ance between work and our personal screens and go outside. Take hikes or Our expertise as a trusted source of in- lives was key this month. long walks. formation on labour matters has been The threat of burnout is real. Self- Remember that while we take care of called upon by executives and we are care is critical more than ever. You do others, we are at our best when we take leading tough layoff and severance not need to make drastic changes. Start time out for ourselves as well. Let us processes. small. Shift yourself from survival commit to wellness. These are stressful situations; but mode, try taking twenty long, slow di- The Human Resource Professionals who takes care of us? As HR practi- aphragmatic breaths each morning and of Antigua and Barbuda (HRPAB) is tioners, we need to be mindful of the night. This helps to activate the para- a registered non-profit, professional dangers of running on empty. We need sympathetic nervous system (PNS), association dedicated to the advance- to make our wellness a priority because the body’s natural “rest and repair” ment of the HR profession for nation- we are also integral to the survival and system that balances out the “fight or al development. We began informally success of the company. flight” - the part of our nervous system from 2009 and legally registered in Feel like you are running on emp- called the sympathetic nervous system 2011. HRPAB’s growing membership ty? Remember “you can’t pour from (SNS). It might not sound like much, represents private and public organi- an empty cup”. It is imperative that but it can make a world of difference zations as well as independent consul- we focus on our wellbeing so that we and is a great first step. tants specializing in one or more areas can better assist others. For this rea- Adjusting our diet can be a tremen- of human resource management and son, HRPAB dedicated this past month dous help. Add foods like avocados, development. Membership is offered to pause and reflect on our wellbeing chocolate, oatmeal, and green leafy for three categories: professional, as members. We shared with each oth- vegetables to help boost our body’s non-professional, and honorary. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020 PAGE 14 Commentary Why vaccine nationalism should concern the Caribbean Wealthy countries are vying to be the of orders from suppliers in a way that first to produce and roll out a fully test- ensures that low and middle income ed and safe vaccine, test their citizens, countries can receive the vaccine at and seize the global financial oppor- lower prices. tunity that being first presents. David In the last few days, however, it has Jessop asks how prepared the Carib- become apparent that the financing bean is to respond to vaccine nation- of the scheme may be in trouble as alism. some wealthy countries have decid- How well prepared is the Caribbean ed to adopt a go it alone approach by to respond to the politically led emer- sourcing their vaccine requirements in- gence of ‘vaccine nationalism’, an dependently. This, they say, is because approach likely to see countries with they believe they can obtain the vaccine advanced bio-pharma facilities initially more rapidly and cheaply outside of the restrict the availability of a COVID-19 multilateral scheme that the WHO has vaccine? developed. At present about 100 vaccines are In a statement, the US has suggested David Jessop is a consultant to the Ca- being developed around the world. If something more. It said that it would ribbean Council and can be contacted proven to be effective, one or more of not join due to the group’s association at david.jessop@caribbean-council. these may play a role in either eventu- with the WHO. “The United States will org. Previous columns can be found ally eradicating or addressing the worst continue to engage our international at www.caribbean-council.org 6 Sep- effects of the disease. partners to ensure we defeat this virus, tember 2020 However, at present only two such but we will not be constrained by mul- Although the early introduction candidate vaccines for equitable dis- tilateral organisations influenced by the of measures to control the spread of tribution have been included in a col- corrupt World Health Organisation and COVID-19 meant that by the end of laborative Coronavirus-related initia- China”, Judd Deere, a spokesman for June most nations in the region had tive known as COVAX, involving the the White House told the Washington largely halted the domestic spread of World Health Organisation (WHO) Post the virus, a mix of social indiscipline, and other global partners. One is being Other governments pursuing a less the sometimes lax enforcement of pub- produced by Astra Zeneca in the UK political but unilateral path include Ja- lic health requirements, the human de- and the other by Moderna in the US. pan, the UK and Turkey, while others sire for social contact, and the importa- Both are presently being tested in clin- including Germany and the European tion of the disease by some visitors and ical trials on thousands of volunteers Commission remain supportive. returnees has meant that several coun- around the world for efficacy and safe- The likelihood now is that a small tries are now seeing increasing rates of ty, with the results expected sometime number of wealthier nations able to fi- infection. later this year. nance their own requirements will see If the pandemic has proved anything COVAX is also evaluating vaccine most of their citizens vaccinated as soon it is that to again see growth almost ev- development elsewhere and supporting as a viable product becomes available, ery economy in the region will have to the building of manufacturing capacity while poorer nations struggle to obtain find a way to ensure the safe and full and procurement with the overall ob- enough vaccinations for at-risk citizens return of tourism. jective of having 2bn doses available and their wider populations. A recently published International for ‘fair distribution’ globally by the For the Caribbean and other regions Labour Organisation (ILO) COVID-19 end of 2021. like it, all of this is far from helpful at a related report makes clear that up to The scheme is meant to work by en- time when it is becoming apparent that half a million Caribbean workers in di- couraging wealthier nations to make achieving a gradual return to normality rect, indirect and induced employment a commitment to fund and buy vac- is proving much harder than anticipat- in tourism face the prospect of job cines, thereby creating a critical mass ed. cont’d on pg 15 WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Commentary PAGE 15 cont’d from pg 14 soon as a vaccine becomes losses, reductions in work- available, this may not be ing hours, falling incomes, a possible if primary access higher incidence of informal is determined by something employment, if the virus is akin to a bidding war, and the not eradicated soon. WHO’s COVAX initiative is Three linked problems only able to meet a limited Have a small now face the region. How to amount of the demand from resuscitate the wider econo- developing countries. my and tourism in particular There remain, in addition, business? without visitors contributing many other imponderables to the renewed spread of the and hard to answer ques- Let us help you navigate virus; how to obtain suffi- tions. Will China’s promise the new normal cient supplies of any vaccine of universal access to its that might become available candidate vaccine and a loan next year; and how to ad- fund of US$1bn to support dress the complex logistical access to it for the nations problems associated with of Latin America and the developing national vacci- Caribbean, occur in time to nation programmes. ensure economic recovery? The latter issue has been Can the Caribbean success- little discussed. Despite the fully combine with partners region’s relative success in in the African Caribbean and delivering a vaccination pro- Pacific group of nations (the gramme during the H1-N1 ACP) to maximise buying 2009 flu pandemic a recent power? Will Cuba’s clinical paper for the Tony Blair trials of its candidate vac- Institute suggests that sub- cine Soberana-1 prove suc- stantial logistical challenges cessful, and its plans to build now face every country in manufacturing capacity to delivering national vaccina- produce enough vaccine to tion programmes. protect its population, be Apart from indicating the extended to the rest of the need for early resolution of region? And above all, what issues including regulation will any vaccine’s cost be to and logistics, who will have already heavily indebted na- primary access, and the de- tions? velopment of electronic im- The danger now is that the munisation records for all closer the world comes to citizens, the paper’s author achieving one or more prov- expresses concern that effi- en vaccines, the more likely cient vaccine delivery will it is that availability will be- requires ‘radical, fast and come the subject of divisive global approach’ at a time national and international when international leader- politics and that wealthy (268) 480 6187 ship is lacking. countries vie to be the first to The implication is that de- produce and roll out a fully [email protected] spite it being important for tested and safe vaccine, then social, economic and public protect their citizens, and Find us on health reasons to vaccinate after that seize the global fi- every Caribbean citizens as nancial opportunity. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

PAGE 16 Regional News Guyana: Police detain more suspects in brutal killings of two cousins (CMC) The Guyana Po- date compels this entity to lice Force (GPF) Tuesday engage and work for racial said it had detained seven harmony and justice,” said people so far for question- ACDA,, adding that the ing in relation to the bru- growing tensions resulting tal murders of two cousins from those murders must be over the lasr weekend that addressed by condign ac- have sparked widespread tions that demonstrate ad- protest in the Hopetown, herence to the Rule of Law West Coast Berbice area. and its decrees on justice. “Relative to the murder of ACDA, a 27-year-old or- Joel and Isiah Henry, please ganisation, said it is hoping be advised that seven sus- also that the police would pects have been arrested so be able to conduct a thor- far. Further the GPF would ough investigation to arrive like to assure the general Cousins Joel Henry and Isaiah Henry murdered. at incontrovertible evidence public that it is aggressive- ful that the protest actions some agitators who are that would not be thrown ly investigating this crime which began soon after the characterizing the incident out by a court of law and to bring the perpetrators to bodies were discovered on of the death itself without so free those who would be justice,” the GPF said in a Sunday, could descend into any evidence that it racially charged and prosecuted. brief statement on its Face- further lawlessness. motivated and even worse “We do hope that the Po- book page. Benn said the police are that certain villages have to lice Force will be allowed Acting Police Commis- now being forced to inves- take steps to protect them- to conduct an independent sioner Nigel Hoppie in a tigate a number of illegals selves in a vigilante mode,” investigation to bring to jus- video posted on the GPF acts including robberies, Benn said. tice all those who were in- Facebook page, said that urging “persons to desist On Tuesday several, volved in these heinous acts. the post mortem examina- from unlawful practices,” pro-African groups called ACDA wants the charges to tion on the bodies of the adding “we now have a on the various leaders, as be properly executed so as two teenagers will be done joint services operation to well as the Ethnic Rela- not to include flaws that can on Wednesday. He also restore calm and order to tions Commission (ERC) result in members of the Ju- urged protestors to end their the affected areas. to help the country grapple diciary having excuses for action and allow law en- “Unfortunately, there are with political race relations throwing these cases out on forcement authorities to ful- repeated incidents where worsened by the recent kill- a legal technicality,” it said. ly investigate the murders motorists and others are ings. The International Decade of cousins Isaiah Henry, 16, attacked and their proper- The African Cultural and for People of African De- and Joel Henry, 19. ty damaged and robberies Development Association scent Assembly-Guyana Their bodies bore sever- of those persons and other (ACDA), said the “callous (IDPADA-G) in appealing al chop wounds. Isaiah had unlawful and unruly inci- race-driven” murders of Or- for calm dismissed sugges- the letter ‘X’ carved on the dents which in occurring do lando Jonas as well as cous- tions that the killings were back of his head and fore- not bring calm to situation ins Isaiah and Joel Henry isolated incidents, adding head, while Joel’s chest was and runs the risk of bring- suggests the need for the that they symbolise Guy- cut open, exposing his or- ing the general descent into ERC to find solutions to the ana’s deep-seated problems gans and also suffered sev- lawlessness,” the Security political race problems fac- that have at times been ig- eral broken bones Minister said. ing the country. nored by the international Home Affairs Minister, “I note with regret the “We call on the Ethnic community. “IDPADA-G Robeson Benn,, Tuesday statements from some lead- Relations Commission, begs to differ. We wish to appealed for calm fear- ing political persons and whose constitutional man- cont’d on pg 17 WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Regional News PAGE 17 Jamaican seeking $27M in damages from Bahamas for false imprisonment (Jamaica Gleaner) A Supreme Court judge in The Bahamas has ruled in fa- vour of Jamaican Matthew Sewell after years of a legal battle with the government over his false imprisonment. Eyewitness News in the Bahamas is reporting that Justice Ruth Bowe-Dar- ville on Monday struck out the defence filed by the government respon- dents and upheld submissions made by Sewell in his application. It is reported that the Jamaican was first arrested in June 2006 at age 18 after being accused of raping a six-year- old girl. At the time, he was reportedly grant- ed a stay of three weeks in the country to visit his father. He was subsequently arrested five more times on different charges and detained at the Carmichael Road De- Jamaican Matthew Sewell (centre) and his attorney Fred Smith in the Bahamas after tention Centre on the grounds that he his release in 2015 was in the country illegally. He is asking the court to be awarded of rulings by the Supreme Court, the For more than nine years, he was re- $27,533,700 along with special dam- executive branch of government con- portedly imprisoned and detained on ages. tinues to make the same mistakes,” and off without facing a hearing on The court is expected to hear sub- Smith was quoted as saying by Eye- charges of sexual assault, housebreak- missions on the matter on October 28. witness News. ing and murder. Sewell’s attorney, Fred Smith, QC, Smith reportedly indicated that over Sewell is reportedly suing the gov- reportedly described the ruling as the nine years and nine months in and ernment for damages pertaining to “vindication” for his client. out of jail, courts, and the detention false imprisonment, assault and bat- “It’s very disconcerting as a human centre, Sewell has had his eye near- tery, malicious prosecution, arbitrary rights advocate and as a lawyer who ly gouged out with a pen, his nose and unlawful detention, and breaches believes in the rule of law and fights broken, and has been diagnosed with of his fundamental rights under the for that for every person in The Baha- post-traumatic stress disorder from the Constitution. mas, that despite dozens and dozens conditions in which he was held. cont’d from pg 16 foreign actors, have turned petrated on social media. (SAGE) in its appeal to confront this act as yet an- a blind eye and even aided “A cursory review of so- the police to dispassionate- other manifestation of the and abetted from time”. cial media would reveal ly pursue the perpetrators festering division, ethnic IDPADA-G, which was that this physically violent of this “racially motivated strife and utter contempt for established by the former act is but the heinous phys- crime with political over- the lives of those from other coalition administration un- ical manifestation of the tones,” said there was no ethnic groups, which have der the auspices of the Unit- everyday verbal ethnic vio- room for “silence and emp- characterized the evolution ed Nations Decade for Peo- lence that is prevalent in our ty chats of peace” of Guyanese society and ple of African Descent, also society,” it added. It said resistance must be to which many, including lamented the mental racial The Society for African meted out depending on ac- various Governments and violence that is being per- Guyanese Empowerment tion by police and soldiers. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

PAGE 18 Regional News Caribbean Airlines seeks approval for Barbados to Dominica flight (LoopNewsBarbados) Caribbean Airlines could soon be adding a new route to its roster. Starting September 19, the airline is looking to offer service between Bar- bados and Dominica. In a release dated September 8, the regional carrier said this latest offering is subject to approval by the Trin- idad and Tobago Civil Aviation Au- thority. The addition of Dominica to the network is part of the airline’s current strategic plan to expand into the East- ern Caribbean. The increase in commercial flights CEO of Caribbean Airlines, Garvin and St. Lucia, with more destinations will auger well for trade and econom- Medera stated: “Our Eastern Carib- to be added in the coming weeks.” ic activity in the region. bean expansion with the addition of He said the flight schedule is also de- The flight schedule, the airline said, Dominica to our network. signed to offer seamless connections is timed to facilitate easy connections “We have set up a temporary base in to international destinations including to/from regional and international Barbados, providing much needed air- London, via our expanded interline destinations including London, UK. lift to Dominica, St. Vincent, Grenada agreement with Virgin Atlantic. PM Skerrit: Government delivering on its promise of 5000 houses (LoopNewsCaribbean) his Anou Palay programme Prime Minister Roosevelt recently of the govern- Skerrit said his government ment’s self-imposed man- is delivering on its promise date to build 5000 resilient to deliver housing to the homes for Dominicans and people of Dominica. indicated that about 1500 Last week he announced people had already received that 90 citizens will receive the keys to their homes. keys to their new apartment Despite the challenges, he in a matter of days. remains confident that the Prior to the last election, government will achieve its Prime Minister Skerrit housing goals. promised to deliver 5000 Prime Minister Skerrit homes to the people of said several housing proj- Dominica. ects are currently under- During the last instal- Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit way. These buildings which ment of the Anou Palay ering on this promise as homes. are located at Upper River programme, he said they’re some 1500 people had al- The Prime Minister re- Bank will house at least 60 well on their way to deliv- ready received keys to their minded the public during families. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Regional News PAGE 19 Grenadian woman convicted for the murder of Maurice Bishop passes away (Thenewtodaygrenada.com) 73-year old Phyllis Coard, the lone woman who was convicted for the 1983 murder of Marxist Prime Minister Maurice Bish- op, died a few hours ago in Jamaica. Mrs. Coard is the wife of former Dep- uty Prime Minister Bernard Coard who was often fingered as the mastermind of the bloody army coup in which Bish- op was killed amidst a power struggle within the then ruling New Jewel movement (NJM) which created the 1979-83 ill-fated Grenada Revolution. She and her husband and several government and army officials were round- ed up by U.S and Caribbean troops that stormed the island on October 25, 1983 – six days after Bishop was executed at Fort George along with three ministers – Unison Whiteman, Norris Bain and Jacqueline Creft. The late Phyllis Coard and her husband, ex-deputy Prime Minister Bernard Coard. A close friend of the family told THE NEW TODAY that Phyllis Coard had ing body of the NJM known as the Cen- around current Prime Minister Mitch- been ailing for a number of years and tral Committee (CC) and also served as ell. virtually spent the last few months in the Deputy Minister of Information in His key evidence was that the CC and out of hospital suffering from med- the People’s Revolutionary Govern- members held a meeting on Fort Freder- ical complications. ment (PRG). ick, which is overlooking Fort George, The source quoted a daughter of Mrs. She was also the President of the and voted overwhelmingly for the ex- Coard as saying that her mother died at powerful National Women’s Organisa- ecution after Bishop was recaptured a hospital in Kingston. tion (NWO) which was an arm of the within hours of supporters storming his The medical doctor who was looking NJM. official residence at Mt Wheldale and after Phyllis reportedly told the daugh- During the Maurice Bishop murder freed him from house arrest. ter that she was without pulse when trial, state prosecutors were able to con- Phyllis Coard was released from pris- they got to her. vince the jury panel that it was the CC on in 2000 on compassionate grounds “She was not breathing when they that took the decision to carry out the by the New National Party (NNP) gov- got to her. (They) tried to revive her executions. ernment of Prime Minister Dr. Keith (but it was) unsuccessful,” the daughter A key witness that provided the ev- Mitchell to allow her to receive medi- was quoted as saying. idence for the prosecution, headed by cal treatment abroad. According to the family member, late Trinidad & Tobago, QC, Karl Hud- The Mitchell government had as- Phyllis’ passing has shattered her hus- son-Phillip was Cletus St. Paul, the for- sured the nation that Mrs. Coard will be band, Bernard Coard who had been mer chief bodyguard to Prime Minister returning to Grenada after she received taking care of her personally over the Bishop who was arrested by members the medical treatment but this never years. of the security forces who were then happened. “He really, really, really loved Phyl,” loyal to Coard. The late Phyllis Coard came from he said. St Paul who is now facing a num- a wealthy Jamaican family and was The Jamaican-born Phyllis Coard was ber of sexually related offences is now known to be heir to the Tia Maria cof- a member of the major decision-mak- a key member of the security detail fee liqueur brand. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

PAGE 20 International AROUND THE WORLD AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine study paused after one illness Late-stage studies of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate are on temporary hold while the company investigates whether a recipient’s “potentially unexplained” illness is a side effect of the shot. In a statement issued Tuesday evening, the company said its “standard review process triggered a pause to vaccination to allow review of safety data.” AstraZeneca didn’t reveal any information about the possible side effect except to call it “a potentially unexplained illness.” The health news site STAT first reported the pause in testing, saying the possible side effect occurred in the United Kingdom. In this Aug. 14, 2020, file photo, laboratory technicians work at the mAbxience bio- An AstraZeneca spokesperson con- pharmaceutical company on an experimental coronavirus vaccine developed by Ox- firmed the pause in vaccinations covers ford University and the laboratory AstraZeneca in Garin, Argentina studies in the U.S. and other countries. any potential impact on the trial time- Columbia University in New York, Late last month, AstraZeneca began line,” the company statement said. tweeted that the illness may be unre- recruiting 30,000 people in the U.S. It’s likely the unexplained illness lated to the vaccine, “but the important for its largest study of the vaccine. It was serious enough to require hospi- part is that this is why we do trials be- also is testing the vaccine, developed talization and not a mild side effect fore rolling out a vaccine to the gener- by Oxford University, in thousands of such as fever or muscle pain, said al public.” people in Britain, and in smaller stud- Deborah Fuller, a University of Wash- During the third and final stage of ies in Brazil and South Africa. ington researcher who is working on a testing, researchers look for any signs Two other vaccines are in huge, fi- different COVID-19 vaccine that has of possible side effects that may have nal-stage tests in the United States, one not yet started human testing. gone undetected in earlier patient re- made by Moderna Inc. and the other “This is not something to be alarmed search. Because of their large size, the by Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech. about,” Fuller said. Instead, it’s reas- studies are considered the most im- Those two vaccines work differently suring that the company is pausing the portant study phase for picking up less than AstraZeneca’s, and the studies al- study to figure out what’s happening common side effects and establishing ready have recruited about two-thirds and carefully monitoring the health of safety. of the needed volunteers. study participants. The trials also assess effectiveness Temporary holds of large medical Dr. Ashish Jha of Brown University by tracking who gets sick and who studies aren’t unusual, and investigat- said via Twitter that the significance of doesn’t between patients getting the ing any serious or unexpected reaction the interruption was unclear but that vaccine and those receiving a dummy is a mandatory part of safety testing. he was “still optimistic” that an effec- shot. AstraZeneca pointed out that it’s pos- tive vaccine will be found in the com- The development came the same sible the problem could be a coinci- ing months. day that AstraZeneca and eight other dence; illnesses of all sorts could arise “But optimism isn’t evidence,” he drugmakers issued an unusual pledge, in studies of thousands of people. wrote. “Let’s let science drive this pro- vowing to uphold the highest ethical “We are working to expedite the re- cess.” and scientific standards in developing view of the single event to minimize Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at their vaccines. cont’d on pg 21 WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

International PAGE 21 AROUND THE WORLD Police chief resigns in wake of Daniel Prude’s death Rochester, New York’s po- handling of Prude’s arrest lice chief abruptly resigned and death, said Singletary’s on Tuesday along with his deputy, Joseph Morabito, command staff, saying there had also retired and that had been a “mischaracter- “there may be a number of ization and politicization” others that will decide to of his actions following the leave as well.” death of Daniel Prude in po- The mayor said she was lice custody. unsure when the retirements Rochester Mayor Lovely would take effect. Warren told a City Council Free the People ROC, a meeting that she had not local Black Lives Matter asked Chief La’Ron Single- group, welcomed the resig- tary to resign, though she Rochester Police Chief, La’Ron Singletary speaks during a nations in a Facebook post said there was “information news conference regarding the protests over the death of a but demanded more. Black man, Daniel Prude, after police put a spit hood over his that was brought to light to- head during an arrest on March 23, in Rochester, New York, “Let’s keep the pressure day that I have not previous- U.S. September 6, 2020 up until all those respon- ly seen before.” She did not five months after Prude’s asphyxiation, with the drug sible for Daniel Prude’s elaborate. death had raised questions PCP a contributing factor. murder and cover up — in- Rochester, a city of of a possible cover-up and He was having a psychotic cluding Mayor Lovely War- 200,000 people on Lake On- turned Rochester into the episode when he was arrest- ren - have resigned, taken tario, erupted with protests latest flashpoint in a summer ed. responsibility and donated last week after the Prude of protests over racial injus- Black Lives Matter activ- their pensions to the fam- family released body cam- tice first sparked by George ists had called for Single- ilies they allowed to be era footage showing officers Floyd’s May 25 death. tary’s resignation. But as harmed,” it wrote. had used a mesh hood and Seven police officers -in recently as Sunday, amid a Warren apologized to the pinned Prude, a 41-year-old volved in the arrest were weekend of demonstrations, Prude family last week and Black man, to the pavement suspended last week. The he had said he intended to suggested she had been mis- during the March arrest. medical examiner ruled stay on, and Warren backed led by Singletary - an alle- The release of the footage Prude’s death a homicide by him. Both he and the mayor gation he denied. Singletary are Black. also pointed to his ordering cont’d from pg 20 “As a man of integrity, of an internal investigation The announcement follows worries that President Don- I will not sit idly by while soon after the incident. ald Trump will pressure the U.S. Food and Drug Admin- outside entities attempt to The Rochester police istration to approve a vaccine before it’s proven to be safe destroy my character,” Sin- union’s head, Michael and effective. gletary said in a statement, Mazzeo, defended the offi- The U.S. has invested billions of dollars in efforts to noting his 20 years on the cers last week, saying they quickly develop multiple vaccines against COVID-19. force. followed procedure in using But public fears that a vaccine is unsafe or ineffective “The mischaracterization the so-called “spit hood,” could be disastrous, derailing the effort to vaccinate mil- and the politicization of the necessary because Prude lions of Americans. actions that I took after be- claimed he had the corona- Representatives for the FDA did not immediately re- ing informed of Mr. Prude’s virus. Mazzeo also said Sin- spond to requests for comment Tuesday evening. death is not based on facts, gletary’s office told him af- AstraZeneca’s U.S.-traded shares fell more than 6% and is not what I stand for.” ter the arrest there were “no in after-hours trading following reports of the trial being Warren, who has also concerns” with the officers’ paused. come under pressure for the actions. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

PAGE 22 International AROUND THE WORLD Coronavirus: Social gatherings above six to be banned in England (BBC) Social gatherings of more than six people will be illegal in En- gland from Monday - with some exemptions - amid a steep rise in coronavirus cases. A new legal limit will ban larger groups meeting anywhere socially indoors or outdoors, No 10 said. But it will not apply to schools, workplaces or Covid-secure wed- dings, funerals and organised team sports. It will be enforced through a £100 fine if people fail to comply with police, doubling up to a maximum of £3,200. Several exemptions apply to the It also became illegal for people in Bolton to socialise with those outside their own new rules - which come into force on household in any setting, even outdoors 14 September - with households and homes, public outdoor spaces, and he rise in cases seen in recent days support bubbles bigger than six peo- venues such as pubs and restaurants. has caused alarm among ministers and ple unaffected. The devolved administrations in their health advisers. A full list of exemptions will be Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland They believe the UK is at a critical published by the government later. are able to set their own coronavirus point ahead of the onset of autumn Prime Minister Boris Johnson is ex- restrictions and, while largely imple- and winter when respiratory viruses pected to deliver further details at a menting similar rules, have moved at tend to thrive. Downing Street news conference on their own pace during the pandemic. Close contact within homes remains Wednesday. Downing Street said Mr Johnson the most common risk of transmission In a preview of his address, the PM held a virtual roundtable with police identified by contact tracers. said: “We need to act now to stop the forces which heard officers wanted Clearly people living with an infect- virus spreading. So we are simplifying clearer rules and enforcement on so- ed person are most at risk. and strengthening the rules on social cial contact. But, after that, the most common contact - making them easier to under- Previously, guidance in England al- contact infected individuals have is stand and for the police to enforce. lowed gatherings of up to six people with visitors to their household, ac- “It is absolutely critical that people from different households - or up to cording to data gathered by England’s now abide by these rules and remem- 30 people from two households. NHS Test and Trace service. ber the basics - washing your hands, Ministers and government advis- It is ahead of leisure venues, shops, covering your face, keeping space ers earlier expressed concern over a workplaces and health and care set- from others, and getting a test if you “sharp rise” in cases and a “heartfelt” tings. have symptoms.” apology was issued following short- Clearly large gatherings in homes - No 10 said any group of seven or ages in England’s testing system. especially indoors which is more like- more people gathering anywhere Overall, there have been 8,396 new ly to happen when the weather turns “risks being dispersed by police or cases reported since Sunday - with - present the greatest risk. fined for non-compliance”. 2,460 reported on Tuesday alone. Ministers will also make it clear on The change applies to England only, There were also 32 deaths reported, Wednesday further restrictions will to people of all ages, and to gather- but these will not have been related to follow if the rise in infections is not ings indoors and outdoors, in private the most recent rise in cases. curbed.

WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

International PAGE 23 AROUND THE WORLD India, China accuse each other of firing shots at tense border (Aljazeera News) China and India have accused each other of firing shots India has deployed thousands on their flashpoint Himalayan border of soldiers following deadly in a further escalation of military ten- border clashes in June sion between the nuclear-armed Asian rivals. The relationship between the two countries has deteriorated since a hand-to-hand combat clash in the La- dakh region on June 15 in which 20 Indian troops were killed. Experts fear the latest incident will intensify a months-long standoff between the Asian giants that erupted in late April. Beijing’s defence ministry accused India of “severe military straint and behaved in a mature and re- PLA, said India had violated agree- provocation”, saying soldiers sponsible manner,” the statement said. ments reached by the two countries crossed the Line of Actual Control Al Jazeera’s Elizabeth Puranam, re- and warned their actions could “easi- (LAC) in the western border reporting from New Delhi said that, ac- ly cause misunderstandings and mis- gion on Monday and “opened fire cording to India, “China’s army was judgements”. to threaten the Chinese border de- trying to close in on one of India’s China’s foreign ministry said Indian fence patrol officers”. positions - and that when they [China] troops had illegally crossed the LAC “According to the Chinese side, were dissuaded by their own troops, and had been the first to fire shots. Chinese troops approached the In- they fired in the air”. “This is a serious military provoca- dia side for negotiations, and then The countries fought a brief border tion,” spokesman Zhao Lijian told a they say some Indian troops fired war in 1962 but, officially, no shots daily news conference in Beijing on at the Chinese side,” Al Jazeera’s have been fired in the area since 1975 Tuesday. Katrina Yu reported from Beijing. when four Indian troops were killed in Late last month, India said its sol- “As a result, China’s military said an ambush. diers had thwarted the Chinese mil- it was forced to take countermea- A spokesperson for the Chinese Peo- itary’s moves “to change the status sures - although we don’t know ple’s Liberation Army (PLA) gave no quo”, also on the southern shore of what those countermeasures were, specifics and did not report casualties, Pangong Lake, in violation of a con- or if there were any casualties,” she calling on India to investigate the in- sensus reached in past efforts to settle added. cident. the standoff. In turn, China also ac- New Delhi was swift to give its own China’s western military command cused Indian troops of crossing estab- account, accusing Chinese border forc- said the incursion occurred on Mon- lished lines of control. es of “blatantly violating agreements” day along the southern shore of Pan- Both sides have sent tens of thou- and firing “a few rounds in the air” to gong Tso Lake in the area known in sands of troops to the disputed Hima- intimidate their Indian rivals. Chinese as Shenpaoshan. On the Indi- layan border, which sits at an altitude “It is the PLA that has been blatantly an side, the area is known as Chushul, of more than 4,000 metres (13,500 violating agreements and carrying out where the two countries’ local military feet). aggressive manoeuvres,” the Indian commanders have held several rounds Their troops have had several show- army said in a statement on Tuesday. of talks to defuse the tense standoff. downs since the June 15 clash. China “Despite the grave provocation, Zhang Shuili, spokesperson for the has also acknowledged it has had ca- (our) own troops exercised great re- Western Theater Command of the sualties but not given figures. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020 PAGE 24 LEISURE WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

LEISURE PAGE 25

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr. 19): You might see only the choice a sudden whim. between the frying pan and the fire. Although there are other options, you may not see them as yet. Try to let things LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.): Don’t be surprised to learn that someone thinks you are glamorous and accomplished. simmer down before you make an impulsive decision you One admirer might want to strike up a new relationship, could regret. but it’s best to spend time paying attention to your existing ties. TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): Risky activities or rapid SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Let things settle and do decisions might trip you up. You may want to challenge the not meddle. Someone in the immediate environment could status quo but will make more progress working gradually be disruptive or difficult to deal with. It may not bein and concentrating on finding solutions that work for your best interests to jump in to defend someone if a small everyone. disagreement erupts. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You are usually GEMINI (May 21-June 20): With Venus in your wise about your finances, so be careful if someone tempts sign, you may yearn for lighthearted fun and hope to fit you with a get-rich scheme. Sudden changes at work or seamlessly into a group or social activity. Test the waters at home may either give you an enjoyable break from by participating in an online video session or a conference routines or stress you out. call before you commit yourself. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You can’t please all CANCER (June 21-July 22): This may be one of those the people all the time -- someone might be envious or just days when you might feel awkward and prefer to blend having a bad day. When dreaming of the future, remember into the background. Don’t gamble with your money, that the possibilities are endless, but potential pitfalls must feelings or future unless you feel highly confident about be considered too. the outcome. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): First impressions count. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Some days it’s hard to make the Use your good manners, as that new person you talk to right choice. You may end up doubting that you’ve made might be sensitive or easily upset. Beware of something the correct decision. Instead of overthinking it now, give you see as a surprise that could cause turmoil for someone things time to develop before you work out your next move. else.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You may detect the subtle PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): You may receive link between you and a loved one. Perhaps you think unconditional love, but you shouldn’t expect to receive about someone special and just then the phone rings or a unlimited gifts. Your great capacity for affection is best text message appears. Avoid buying unnecessary items on expressed through sincere acts of kindness rather than impulsive purchases. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

PAGE 26 Sports News Kevin De Bruyne named PFA Men’s Player of the Year Manchester City midfielder, Kevin de Bruyne, has won the Professional Footballers’ Association Men’s Play- ers’ Player of the Year award. De Bruyne beat last year’s winner, Virgil van Dijk along with Alexan- der-Arnold, Sadio Mane, Henderson and City teammate Raheem Sterling to the award voted for by his fellow players. The 29-year-old Belgian is the first Manchester City player to win the award since its inception at the end of the 1973-74 season. “This is a big honour,” he said. “To be voted by your colleagues, compet- Manchester City midfielder, Kevin de Bruyne itors from other teams who you al- “He gives me a lot of freedom; I don’t win the Premier League title. ways play against on the field. That know why, that’s just the way it goes Reds pair Van Dijk and Mohamed they vote for you for best player; it’s between us. Salah were the past two winners and amazing. “He knows in one way I will always went on to lift the trophy last season, “It’s maybe strange that I’m the first put the team first and then obviously having come close in previous years. one at City, seeing all the good play- if I can help myself I’m going to do De Bruyne, though, contributed a ers who played there before and who that. He trusts me completely.” record equalling 20 assists and scored are still playing. But it’s nice to repre- For the third consecutive year, the 13 goals as Guardiola’s side came sent the club.” top award for the men’s category runners-up to Jurgen Klopp’s team Commenting on Guardiola, he said, went to a player whose team did not last term. Football still in crisis management mode Football clubs are still in “crisis man Agnelli. management” mode in the face of “I still think we are in the middle of a 20% to 30% shrink in the transfer a management crisis,” he said. market, says European Club Associ- Agnelli claims European govern- ation Chairman, Andrea Agnelli. This ing body UEFA will lose about €575 is despite a more upbeat message million in income from international from Union of European Football As- club competitions money that would sociations (UEFA) President, Alek- have normally been distributed to sander Ceferin. clubs. Football shut down across most of He added, “We are looking at a top Europe amid the coronavirus pan- revenue decrease of approximately demic and then adapted key compe- €4 billion in the next two years and titions. according to FIFA, 90% of those Games in empty stadiums, rebates topline losses will be borne by clubs.” to broadcasters and reduced sponsor- UEFA’s President Ceferin said, “We ship will continue to hurt clubs finan- cannot say everything is normal, but European Club Association Chairman, An- cially, according to Juventus Chair- it will be normal soon.” drea Agnelli WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020

Sports News PAGE 27 Trinbago Knight Riders one win away from perfection The Trinbago Knight Riders spinners tance with a quick googly. That finally blasted a hole in the Jamaica Tallawahs brought Andre Russell to the crease, but top order to set up a cruise to a subpar to- Narine put an end to his innings before tal with a full five overs to go, and leave it got going. Russell was beaten in the themselves one win away from complet- flight, the ball looped to DJ Bravo at slip ing the first perfect season in Hero Ca- and the umpire adjudged it came off bat ribbean Premier League (CPL) history. and pad. The Tallawahs had lost their Knight Riders captain Kieron Pollard biggest weapon, and were 68/6 in the had enough faith in his opening bowl- 14th. ers to start with himself at short leg and Three more boundary-less overs came Akeal Hosein repaid that faith by bowl- and went. Rovman Powell had now paddled him for four first ball and then ing Jermaine Blackwood. faced 32 balls for his 26 runs, Carlos pulled Mujeeb to the fence, and the The Tallawahs sprung a surprise send- Brathwaite had managed only one off Knight Riders closed the Powerplay at ing Mujeeb Ur Rahman in at number his 10 balls, and something had to give 42/1. The required run rate was already three, who just about played out a wick- off Pierre’s last over. Powell hit one under five an over. et-maiden. Hero Maximum, the first of the innings, Simmons marred a good over from The Tallawahs were rocked further but picked out Pollard at deep mid-off Lamichhane with a slog-swept Hero when Glenn Phillips cut Khary Pierre to trying to repeat the shot next ball. Even Maximum, bringing up the Knight Rid- Ali Khan. Nkrumah Bonner finally hit with that six, he finished under a run a ers’ 50. Simmons and Webster were the game’s first boundary, easing Hosein ball, and the Tallawahs were 92/7 off 18. able to work Lamichhane around as through cover, but the Mujeeb experi- Brathwaite was lucky not to be run out no-one had all tournament and though ment failed as he edged a reverse sweep first ball of the 19th, bowled by DJ Bravo Permaul’s second went for just two and onto his pad and was caught at slip, and whose three overs didn’t contain a single his third was a maiden, at halfway the the Tallawahs had slumped to 10/3 off boundary. Ali Khan got the unusual job Knight Riders were comfortable at 61/1, three overs. of bowling only the 20th over, and while needing just 47 more to win. Five wides from Pierre and a straight Brathwaite finished the innings with a Russell was called on to bowl, but four by Bonner more than doubled the Hero Maximum that was only the third Simmons pulled him for a Hero Maxi- Tallawahs tally, however as Asif Ali got boundary in the last 11 overs of the in- mum and, when Russell bowled a sec- off the mark with a four over Hosein’s nings. ond short ball which was called a no- head he fell next ball cutting to Pollard Lendl Simmons steered then pulled Fi- ball, helicoptered the free hit for four. at point. Pollard immediately returned del Edwards for consecutive fours to end Permaul bowled out with another eco- to short leg and remained there for the the first over, but Narine wasn’t able to nomical over, but Simmons again pulled returning Sunil Narine who went for just provide his usual powerful start, bowled Russell for six to take 10 off the 13th three to close out a dominant power play by Mujeeb’s arm ball. Powell followed over. The Knight Riders were now 90/1 for the Knight Riders which left the Tal- Pollard’s aggressive lead by putting and needed just 18 more. lawahs reeling at 28/4. himself at short leg, but Tion Webster Webster guided Lamichhane through As Bonner continued to resist, he cut was not intimidated, slapping Veerasam- cover for four to end the Nepali’s only Fawad Ahmed powerfully for four, a my Permaul through cover then slicing wicketless spell of an excellent tourna- misfield which gave him another off Na- him for four to ruin a tight start to the ment, and Simmons became the leading rine to take him to 30. He pulled Fawad over. After three overs, the Knight Rid- 50-maker in the tournament’s history, to take the Tallawahs past 50. Pierre re- ers were 23/1. overtaking Chris Gayle with a cover turned with a tight over that went for just Webster was confident enough to drive for four off Brathwaite, and Web- three and at the 10 over mark the Talla- cut Mujeeb’s googly for four, and with ster finished the job that same over. wahs were 55/4. wickets a must Powell for the first time Simmons needs just three more runs Hosein bowled out with an over of just in Hero CPL 2020 went to Sandeep La- in Thursday’s final to overtake Gayle as five, and Fawad ended Bonner’s - resis michhane in the Powerplay. Simmons Hero CPL’s all-time leading scorer. WENDESDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER 2020 Sports department remains active, creative Director and Assistant will soon engage the Min- Director of Sports, Heather istry of Education to deter- Samuel Daley and Evans mine the most productive “Jawaki” Jones, both for- ways of working together mer national athletes, met and with students. with sports coordinators last A decision has been tak- week to continue discus- en in the Ministry of Sports sions on the way forward to disallow coaches from for sport in schools during returning to schools until the coronavirus pandemic. comprehensive discussions The coordinators present with the Ministries of Ed- were Rosley Lewis, Ridley ucation and Health have Evans “Jawaki” Jones Jacobs, Mitchell Brown, taken place. There will also to meet to discuss a plan to William Richards and Larry be no competitive sports phase in the return of prac- Heather Samuel Daley Michael Joyce Odonohue. during the present semester. tical classes with coaches gaging the students virtually Carl “Boli” Knight was rep- Physical Education will while observing national while themselves engaging resented by a member of the return to schools this semes- COVID-19 protocols. in regular meetings, work- basketball unit. ter, however, the Ministries Meanwhile coordinators shops, theoretical and prac- The Ministry of Sports of Sports and Education are and coaches have been en- tical classroom sessions. Four Knights Academy heading in the right direction The principals of the Four the academy’s future. Knights Academy, Sir Vivi- Speaking to PointeXpress, an Richards, Sir Andy Rob- former West Indies captain, erts, Sir Curtley Ambrose Sir Richie Richarson, de- and Sir Richie Richardson scribed the discussion as held a meeting last Friday very progressive and con- with the Chief Executive tinued that the 4 Knights Officer of Cricket West In- Academy will soon submit dies (CWI), Johnny Graves, a proposal to the Coolidge Chief Executive Officer of and Minister of Sports, Hon. Cricket Ground which is CWI, Johnny Graves Daryll Matthew, to discuss owned by the government and CWI. Minister of Sports, Daryll Mat- thew Minister Matthew re- with the outcome of the dis- marked that he was pleased cussions and promised that Editor : Everton Barnes, Published by Pointville Communications, Lower North Street, St. John’s, Antigua Tel:-1- there will be ongoing meet- 268-562 4989, Editor: [email protected] ings geared at charting a Advertisement: [email protected], Reporting: [email protected] way forward.