Congress Rushes Toward Vote on $900B COVID Relief Bill

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Page 8/9 Aruba’s ONLY English newspaper Congress rushes toward vote on $900B COVID relief bill By ANDREW TAYLOR WASHINGTON (AP) — Run- ning out of time and ex- cuses, Congress took up a $900 billion pandemic relief package Monday night that would finally deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a fright- ening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. Lawmakers tacked on a $1.4 trillion catchall spending bill and thousands of pages of other end-of-session business in a massive bundle of bipartisan legislation as Capitol Hill prepared to close the books on the year. The relief package, agreed to on Sunday and finally released in bill form Monday afternoon, remained on track for votes in the House and Senate. It would establish a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is seen at the U.S. Capitol at night after negotiators sealed a deal for COVID relief Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, benefit and a $600 direct in Washington. stimulus payment to most Associated Press Americans, along with a new round of subsidies for eviction. posturing and postelection proached. President-elect my, even though it was less hard-hit businesses and The 5,593-page legislation negotiating that reined in Joe Biden was eager for a than half the size that Dem- restaurants and money for — the longest bill ever by far a number of Democratic deal to deliver long-await- ocrats wanted in the fall. schools, health care pro- — came together Sunday demands as the end of the ed help to suffering people viders and renters facing after months of battling, congressional session ap- and a boost to the econo- Continued on next page A2 Tuesday 22 December 2020 UP FRONT “At times we felt like we were in the wilderness because people on all sides of the aisle didn’t want to give, in order to give the other side a win,” Slotkin said. “And it was gross to watch, frankly.” Republicans were most intent on reviving the Pay- check Protection Program with $284 billion, which would cover a second round of PPP grants to especially hard-hit businesses. Democrats won set-asides for low-income and minor- ity communities. The sweeping bill also con- tains $25 billion in rental assistance, $15 billion for theaters and other live venues, $82 billion for local schools, colleges and universities, and $10 billion for child care. The governmentwide ap- propriations bill was likely to provide a last $1.4 billion installment for Trump’s U.S.-Mexico border wall as In this Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020, file photo, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, speaks during a news conference with other Senate Republicans on Capitol Hill in Washington, while Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, listens at left. a condition of winning his Associated Press signature. The Pentagon would receive $696 bil- Continued from Front not. And whether we help at the time was scoffed at and would be limited to 11 lion. Democrats and Sen- The House was cruising to those dealing with a job by House Speaker Nancy weeks instead of 16 weeks. ate Republicans prevailed a vote Monday night and loss or not. To me, this is not Pelosi, D-Calif., as way too The direct $600 stimulus in a bid to use bookkeep- the Senate was expected a tough call.” little. payment was also half the ing maneuvers to squeeze to vote shortly afterward. Democrats promised more Majority Leader Mitch Mc- March payment. $12.5 billion more for do- Congress was passing a aid to come once Biden Connell, R-Ky., took a vic- The CARES Act was cred- mestic programs into the one-week stopgap spend- takes office, but Republi- tory lap after blocking far ited with keeping the legislation. ing bill to avert a partial cans were signaling a wait- more ambitious legislation economy from falling off The bill was an engine to government shutdown at and-see approach. from reaching the Senate a cliff during widespread carry much of Capitol Hill’s midnight and give Presi- The final agreement would floor. He said the pragmat- lockdowns in the spring, unfinished business, includ- dent Donald Trump time to add to a national debt that ic approach of Biden was but Republicans controlling ing an almost 400-page sign the sweeping legisla- has spiked by $7 trillion to key. the Senate cited debt con- water resources bill that tion. $27.5 trillion during Trump’s “A few days ago, with a cerns in pushing against targets $10 billion for 46 Treasury Secretary Steven term. new president-elect of Democratic demands. Army Corps of Engineers Mnuchin, a key negotia- The measure would fund their own party, everything “Anyone who thinks this bill flood control, environmen- tor, said on CNBC Monday the government through changed. Democrats sud- is enough hasn’t heard the tal and coastal protection morning that the direct September, wrapping a denly came around to our desperation in the voices of projects. Another addition payments would begin ar- year’s worth of action on position that we should their constituents, has not would extend a batch of riving in bank accounts annual spending bills into a find consensus, make law looked into the eyes of the soon-to-expire tax breaks, next week. single package that never where we agree, and get small-business owner on the such as one for craft brew- Democrats acknowledged saw Senate committee or urgent help out the door,” brink of ruin,” Schumer said. ers, wineries and distillers. it wasn’t as robust a relief floor debate. McConnell said. Progress came after a bi- It also would carry numer- package as they initially The legislation followed a On direct payments, the bill partisan group of prag- ous clean-energy provi- sought — or, they say, the tortured path. Democrats provides $600 to individuals matists and moderates sions sought by Democrats country needs. played hardball up until making up to $75,000 per devised a $908 billion plan with fossil fuel incentives “This deal is not everything Election Day, amid accu- year and $1,200 to couples that built a middle-ground favored by Republicans, $7 I want — not by a long sations that they wanted making up to $150,000, position that the top four billion to increase access shot,” said Rules Commit- to deny Trump a victory with payments phased out leaders of Congress — the to broadband, $4 billion to tee Chairman Jim McGov- that might help him prevail. for higher incomes. An ad- GOP and Democratic help other nations vacci- ern, R-Mass., a longstand- Democrats denied that, ditional $600 payment will leaders of both the House nate their people, $14 bil- ing voice in the party’s old- but their demands indeed be made per dependent and Senate — used as the lion for cash-starved transit school liberal wing. “The became more realistic child, similar to the last basis for their talks. The law- systems, $1 billion for Am- choice before us is simple. after Trump’s loss and as round of relief payments in makers urged leaders on trak and $2 billion for air- It’s about whether we help Biden made it clear that the spring. both sides to back off of ports and concessionaires. families or not. It’s about half a loaf was better than The $300 per week bonus hardline positions. The Senate Historical Office whether we help small none. jobless benefit was half the Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., said the previous record for businesses and restaurants The final bill bore ample re- supplemental federal un- said delivering the virus re- the length of legislation was or not. It’s about whether semblance to a $1 trillion employment benefit pro- lief means there’s still a “pi- the 2,847-page tax reform we boost (food stamp) package put together by vided under the $1.8 billion lot light of hope of biparti- bill on 1986 — about one- benefits and strengthen Senate Republican lead- CARES Act in March. That sanship that we can build half the size of Monday’s anti-hunger programs or ers in July, a proposal that more generous benefit on to get things done.” behemoth.q A3 U.S. NEWS Tuesday 22 December 2020 Barr undercuts Trump on election and Hunter Biden inquiries By MICHAEL BALSAMO As- cluded that "we haven't sociated Press seen anything to substanti- WASHINGTON (AP) — Un- ate that." dercutting President Don- Trump has consulted on ald Trump on multiple special counsels with White fronts, Attorney General House chief of staff Mark William Barr said Monday Meadows, White House he saw no reason to ap- counsel Pat Cipollone and point a special counsel to outside allies, according to look into the president's several Trump administra- claims about the 2020 election officials and Repub- tion or to name one for the licans close to the White tax investigation of Presi- House who spoke to The As- dent-elect Joe Biden's son. sociated Press on condition Barr, in his final public ap- of anonymity because they pearance as a member of weren't authorized discuss Trump's Cabinet, also rein- the matter publicly. forced the belief of federal Trump was interested both officials that Russia was be- in a counsel to investigate hind a massive hack of U.S. the younger Biden's tax government agencies, not dealings and a second to China as the president has look into election fraud. suggested. He even floated the idea Barr is leaving the Justice of naming attorney Sidney Attorney General William Barr speaks during a news conference, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020 at the Department this week, hav- Justice Department in Washington. Powell as the counsel — ing morphed from one of Associated Press though Powell was booted Trump's most loyal allies to from Trump's legal team af- one of the few members of a press conference to an- refuses to accept his loss. would accomplish. ter she made a series of in- the Cabinet willing to con- nounce additional criminal Among those allies is Rudy For his part, Barr said he saw creasingly wild conspirato- tradict the president open- charges in the bombing of Giuliani, who during a no reason to seize them. rial claims about the elec- ly. That's been particularly Pan Am Flight 103, which meeting Friday pushed Earlier this month, Barr also tion. true since the election, with killed 190 Americans, an is- Trump to seize voting ma- told AP that the Justice De- Federal law requires that Barr declaring in an inter- sue he had worked on in his chines in his hunt for evi- partment and Homeland an attorney general ap- view with The AP that he previous stint as attorney dence of fraud. The Home- Security had looked into point any special counsels. had seen no evidence of general in the early 1990s. land Security Department the claims "that machines Barr also said Monday the widespread voting fraud, He'll step down on Wednes- made clear, however, that were programmed essen- hack of U.S. government even as Trump continued day and be replaced by it had no authority to do so. tially to skew the election agencies "certainly ap- to make false claims about acting Attorney General It is also unclear what that results" and ultimately con- pears to be the Russians."q the integrity of the contest. Jeffrey Rosen. The president has also Barr's statements on the grown particularly angry special counsel may make that Barr didn't announce it easier for Rosen to resist the existence of a two- pressure from the White year-old investigation of House to open any special Hunter Biden before the counsel investigation. election. On Monday, Barr In his 2019 confirmation said that investigation was hearing for deputy attor- "being handled responsibly ney general, Rosen said he and professionally." was willing to rebuff politi- "I have not seen a reason cal pressure from the White to appoint a special coun- House if necessary. He sel and I have no plan to told legislators that crimi- do so before I leave," he nal investigations should said, adding that there was "proceed on the facts and also no need for a special the law" and prosecutions counsel to investigate the should be "free of improper election. political influences." A special counsel would "If the appropriate answer make it more difficult for is to say no to somebody, Biden and his yet-to-be- then I will say no," he said at named attorney general to the time. close investigations begun Trump and his allies have under Trump. Such an ap- filed roughly 50 lawsuits pointment could also add a challenging election results false legitimacy to baseless and nearly all have been claims, particularly to the dismissed or dropped. He's throngs of Trump supporters also lost twice at the U.S. who believe the election Supreme Court. was stolen because Trump With no further tenable le- keeps wrongly claiming it gal recourse, Trump has was. been fuming and pepper- Barr's comments came at ing allies for options as he A4 Tuesday 22 December 2020 U.S. NEWS Volcano erupts on Hawaii's Big Island, draws crowds to park By CALEB JONES the sky. HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii's David Phillips, a Hawai- Kilauea volcano on the Big ian Volcano Observatory Island erupted and shot a spokesman, said the agen- steam and ash cloud into cy was monitoring the "rap- the atmosphere that lasted idly evolving" situation. about an hour, an official "We will send out further no- with the National Weather tifications on Kilauea and Service said early Monday. other Hawaiian volcanoes The eruption began late as we observe changes," Sunday within Kilauea's he said. summit crater, the U.S. Geo- A magnitude 4.4 earth- logical Survey said. The cra- quake hit about an hour ter, named Halemaumau, after the volcano began is located within Hawaii erupting. Volcanoes National Park The USGS said it received and was home to a long- more than 500 reports of standing lava lake that was people who felt the earth- present for years before a quake but significant dam- 2018 eruption caused it to age to buildings or struc- drain. tures was not expected. Tom Birchard, a senior fore- Kilauea last erupted in caster with the National 2018, destroying more than Weather Service in Hawaii, 700 homes and spewing said lava interacted with a enough lava to fill 320,000 pool of water that had ac- Olympic-sized swimming cumulated inside the cra- In this April 25, 2019, photo, a group of Native Hawaiians stand next to the collapsed caldera floor pools. An area more than ter, leading to a short-lived of Kilauea volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island. half the size of Manhat- but fairly vigorous eruption. Associated Press tan was buried in up to 80 When lava interacts with feet (24 meters) of now- water it can cause explo- the National Weather Ser- there are high amounts of she said. hardened lava. The lava sive reactions. vice in Honolulu, warning of hazardous sulfur dioxide Ferracane also said people flowed over the course of All the water evaporated fallen ash from the volcano. gas and particulates and should be mindful of the four months. out of the lake and a steam Excessive exposure to ash is those are billowing out of coronavirus pandemic and The 2018 eruption occurred cloud shot up about 30,000 an eye and respiratory ir- the crater right now and take measures to remain along a rift zone on the vol- feet (9 kilometers) into the ritant, it said. The agency those present a danger to safe. cano's flank where many atmosphere, Birchard said. later said the eruption was everyone, especially peo- "We're not doing crowd residential neighborhoods The water was the first ever easing and a "low-level ple with heart or respiratory control yet, but that could had been developed. Last recorded in the summit steam cloud" was lingering problems, infants, young happen," she said. "Right night's eruption was con- crater of Kilauea volcano. in the area. children and pregnant now, we're urging people tained to the summit cal- In 2019, after a week of Hawaii Volcanoes National women." to wear a mask to reduce dera within the national questions about a myste- Park spokeswoman Jessica She also said cars are lining the spread of COVID-19. park. rious green patch at the Ferracane said in a tele- up at the park entrance to We did see quite a few visi- The volcano had not erupt- bottom of the volcano's phone interview that the get a glimpse of the lava. tors last night unmasked." ed since 2018 but before crater, researchers con- volcanic activity is a risk to "There is a lot of cars wait- By 1 a.m., USGS officials then had active lava flows firmed the presence of wa- people in the park and that ing on Crater Rim Drive to told Hawaii News Now that for more than three de- ter. The lake had continued caution is needed. get out to Kilauea overlook. there were reported lava cades. Kilauea is one of the to fill since then. "It's pretty spectacular this People should expect long fountains shooting about most active volcanoes on An advisory was issued by morning," she said, "but waits for parking places," 165 feet (50 meters) into earth.q

Kansas City Star apologizes for racially biased coverage KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — residents only as criminals past racially biased cover- The Kansas City Star's top or people living in crime- age. The Montgomery, Ala- editor has apologized for plagued neighborhoods bama, Advertiser in 2018 past decades of racially and ignored segregation apologized for "shameful" biased coverage and the in Kansas City, Missouri, and decades of coverage of newspaper has posted a its public schools. lynchings, and National series of stories examining "It is well past time for an Geographic magazine how it ignored the con- apology, acknowledging, apologized the same year cerns and achievements of as we do so, that the sins for its past racist coverage. Black residents and helped of our past still reverberate Fannin wrote that The Star keep Kansas City segregat- today," Star President and had reinforced segrega- ed. The newspaper said a Editor Mike Fannin wrote. tion, "disenfranchised, ig- detailed examination of its The Star's apology and its nored and scorned gen- past coverage and that of lengthy series of stories, erations" of Black residents its longtime sister newspa- posted on its website Sun- and for decades "robbed This undated file photo shows men in the newsroom of the The Kansas City Star on 18th Street and Grand Avenue in Kansas per, the Kansas City Times, day, followed a Los Ange- an entire community of op- City, Mo. documented how they les Times editorial in Sep- portunity, dignity, justice Associated Press often wrote about Black tember apologizing for and recognition."q A5 WORLD NEWS Tuesday 22 December 2020 Cut off: Britain hit with travel bans over new virus strain By PAN PYLAS liminary analysis suggests Associated Press the new variant is "signifi- LONDON (AP) — Trucks cantly more transmissible," waiting to get out of Britain there is no indication that backed up for miles and infections are more severe. people were left stranded Still, experts have stressed at airports Monday as doz- that more infections will ens of countries around the lead to more hospitaliza- world slapped tough travel tions and deaths. restrictions on the U.K. be- The Stockholm-based cause of a new and seem- agency said a few cases ingly more contagious of the variant have been strain of the coronavirus in reported by Iceland, Den- England. mark and the Netherlands. From Canada to India, It also cited news reports of one nation after another cases in Belgium and Italy. banned flights from Britain, With the rollout of coronavi- while France barred the rus vaccines set to pick up entry of trucks from Britain speed in early 2021, coun- for 48 hours while the strain tries are clearly worried is assessed. about the new variant. The precautions raised "I think the vaccine will be fears of food shortages fine," said Dr. Julian Tang, a in Britain if the restrictions clinical virologist at the Uni- drag on. versity of Leicester. But the After a conversation with new strain "is spreading so A police officer directs traffic at the entrance to the closed ferry terminal in Dover, England, Mon- French President Emman- day, Dec. 21, 2020, after the Port of Dover was closed and access to the Eurotunnel terminal sus- fast we may not be able to uel Macron, British Prime pended following the French government's announcement. reach the vulnerable pop- Minister Boris Johnson said Associated Press ulation, the elderly, in time he understood the reason with the vaccine before for the new measures and every day, accounting for continent return laden with tor that carries passengers the virus does." expressed hope for a swift about 20% of the country's goods for Britain's use. The and freight between Britain The chaos at the border resumption in the free flow trade in goods. fear is that the ban will lead and mainland Europe, also comes at a time of huge of traffic between the U.K. Meanwhile, the European to a drop in such deliveries. suspended service out of uncertainty for Britain, less and France, perhaps within Union gave the go-ahead Also, some drivers or their the U.K. than two weeks before it a few hours. to the coronavirus vaccine employers might decide Sophie Taxil, a Frenchwom- completes its exit from the He said officials from both developed by Pfizer and against entering Britain for an who lives in London, EU and frees itself from the countries were working "to BioNTech, setting the stage fear they won't be able to caught a train back home bloc's rules. Talks on a post- unblock the flow of trade for the first COVID-19 shots get back home. from Paris and urged every- Brexit trade relationship as fast as possible." Macron across the 27-nation bloc Supermarket chain Sains- one in Britain to follow the between the two sides are said earlier that France was to begin just after Christ- bury's warned that some rules. deadlocked. looking at establishing sys- mas. products, such as lettuce, "I live there and I need to The retail industry played tematic testing of people "This is a very good way to cauliflower, broccoli and go back there; my family is down fears of food short- for the virus on arrival. end this difficult year and citrus fruits, could soon be there," she said. "I think that ages in the short term but Over the weekend, John- to finally start turning the in short supply if the crisis phlegmatic British nature warned of problems if the son imposed strict lock- page on COVID-19," said not resolved in the coming suits these COVID times: travel bans last for a while down measures in London European Commission Pres- days. Stay calm and carry on, fair and if Britain and the EU and neighboring areas ident Ursula von der Leyen. Canada, India, France, play." fail to reach a trade deal. where Health Secretary The approval came just Germany, Italy, Spain and Over the weekend, John- Trade association Logistics Matt Hancock said the hours after the EU's drug Sweden were among the son said early indications U.K. urged people to stay new strain is "out of control." regulatory agency said the countries that suspended are that the variant is 70% calm and resist panic-buy- Experts said the early evi- vaccine meets safety and flights from Britain for vari- more transmissible and is ing in supermarkets. dence indicates the strain quality standards. It is al- ous lengths of time. driving the rapid spread "If freight gets moving again is not more lethal, and they ready being dispensed in In the United States, New of infections in the capital today, then the overall im- expressed confidence that Britain and the U.S. York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and surrounding areas. pact on fresh produce arriv- the vaccines now being The virus is blamed for 1.7 who has been calling on As a result, he scrapped ing to supermarkets should rolled out would still be ef- million deaths worldwide, the U.S. to halt flights as a planned relaxation of be fairly minimal," said Kev- fective against it. including about 68,000 in well, said he asked airlines rules over Christmastime in Green, the association's After France announced Britain, the second-highest flying into his state from the for millions of people and director of marketing and Sunday night that it was death toll in Europe, behind U.K. to make all passengers imposed other tough new communications.q closing its borders to trucks Italy's 69,000. take a coronavirus test be- restrictions in the affected from Britain, hundreds of While the French ban does fore boarding. zone. No indoor mixing of vehicles, mainly operated not prevent trucks from He said at least one carrier, households will be allowed, by drivers from continental entering Britain, the move British Airways, agreed to and only essential travel will Europe, became stranded stoked worries about short- do so. be permitted. Stores selling outside the English Chan- ages at a time of year when At Germany's Berlin and nonessential goods were nel port of Dover. The lines the UK produces very little Frankfurt airports, passen- ordered closed, putting a shrank over the course of of its food and relies heavily gers arriving from Britain crimp in Christmas shop- the day from 500 trucks to on produce delivered from had to spend Sunday night ping. about 175, authorities said. Europe by truck. in the terminals as they The European Centre for Around 10,000 trucks pass Many trucks that carry awaited test results. Disease Prevention and through the port of Dover cargo from the U.K. to the Eurotunnel, the rail opera- Control said that while pre- A6 Tuesday 22 December 2020 WORLD NEWS Iran urged not to squander chance to salvage nuclear deal BERLIN (AP) — Countries try- there must be no more tac- ing to keep alive the 2015 tical maneuvers of the kind deal on Iran's nuclear pro- we have seen plenty of in gram agreed Monday to recent times — they would "positively address" the pos- do nothing but further un- sibility of a U.S. return to the dermine the agreement," accord under the incom- he added. ing Biden administration. "The opportunity that is now Germany's foreign minister being offered — this last urged Iran not to waste window of opportunity — what he called a final win- must not be squandered," dow of opportunity. Maas said. "We made that Monday's virtual meeting very clear today to Iran in of parties to the agreement particular." — the first at the level of for- British Foreign Secretary eign ministers in over a year Dominic Raab tweeted — came as the deal is in that he "made it abso- what German Foreign Min- lutely clear Iran must not ister Heiko Maas called a implement the recently "downward spiral" caused announced expansions to by a mixture of strong U.S. its nuclear programme. To pressure on Iran and Teh- do so would undermine the Heiko Maas, German Foreign Minister, gives a press conference on the informal virtual meeting ran's violations of the ac- on the informal virtual meeting of the foreign ministers of the member states of the Vienna nuclear opportunities for progress cord. agreement in Berlin, Germany, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. we hope to see in 2021." The remaining countries Associated Press The deal promises Iran that signed the agree- economic incentives in ex- ment with Iran — Germany, it doesn't want to do. after Monday's meeting in a joint effort," the state- change for curbs on its nu- France, Britain, China and President-elect Joe Biden said participants in the ment said. clear program, but with the Russia — have been trying has said he hopes to return deal, known as the Joint "We are standing at a cross- reinstatement of American to keep it from collapsing the U.S. to the deal, which Comprehensive Plan of Ac- roads today," Germany's sanctions, the other nations after the unilateral with- was negotiated while he tion or JCPOA, "re-empha- Maas told reporters in Ber- have been struggling to drawal of the United States was vice president. sized their commitment to lin, adding that the deal's provide Iran the assistance in 2018. Complicating that, Iran is preserve the agreement" survival or otherwise will be it seeks. The three European powers now in violation of most and discussed the fact that determined in the coming Iranian Foreign Minister Mo- have expressed hope that major restrictions set out in "full and effective imple- weeks and months. hammad Javad Zarif said with the change of admin- the agreement, including mentation of the JCPOA by The European powers after Monday's meeting istrations in Washington, the the amount of enriched all remains crucial." stressed Monday that "just that Iran would "rapidly re- U.S. could be brought back uranium it is allowed to "Ministers acknowledged a commitment" to the ac- verse" its violations of the into the deal, whose goal stockpile and the purity to the prospect of a return of cord on everyone's part is nuclear accord when the is to prevent Iran from de- which it is allowed to enrich the U.S. to the JCPOA and not enough, Maas said. United States and the three veloping a nuclear bomb uranium. underlined their readiness "To make possible a rap- European powers "perform — something Tehran insists A joint statement released to positively address this prochement under Biden, their duties." q

Kushner to lead maiden flight from Israel to Morocco The flight, set to depart matters and I believe to- come under some criticism, Tuesday, marks the fourth gether we've achieved both for including generous diplomatic pact brokered some historic results," said U.S. weapons sales to the by the Trump administra- Kushner, who is President Arab countries and for side- tion between Israel and an Donald Trump's son-in-law. lining the Palestinian issue. Arab country. The agree- "As this new Middle East The Palestinians severed ments, known as "the moves forward, I hope that ties with the U.S. after Abraham Accords," have all countries will focus on Trump recognized the con- reshaped the Middle East, pursuing common interests tested city of Jerusalem as reflecting a shared con- for the benefits of their citi- Israel's capital in late 2017. cern among many Arab zens, instead of being held The Palestinians rejected countries and Israel about back by stale thinking and Trump's Mideast plan early Iran and a departure from old conflicts," he added. this year, paving the way the traditional focus on the Since August, the U.S. has for the U.S. to turn its focus Palestinian struggle for in- brokered agreements to to Israel's separate agree- U.S. White House Senior Adviser Jared Kushner wears a cloth dependence. establish diplomatic ties ments with Arab countries. mask at the U.S. embassy during an event where U.S. Ambassa- dor to Israel David Friedman, unveiled a plaque, designating it At a news conference with between Israel and the Netanyahu, who has en- as the "Kushner Courtyard," in his honor, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. Israeli Prime Minister Ben- United Arab Emirates, Bah- joyed close relations with Associated Press jamin Netanyahu, Kushner rain, Sudan and Morocco. Trump, presented Kushner said the agreements re- Netanyahu praised Kush- with a plaque of appre- JERUSALEM (AP) — Senior direct flight to Morocco flected "common sense" ner for showing "how wrong ciation. Earlier on Monday, White House adviser Jared to celebrate the U.S.-bro- and the administration's these naysayers were," and he also joined Kushner at Kushner announced Mon- kered agreement estab- new approach to the Mid- said Israel is "deeply indebt- a tree planting at the new day that he will join an Is- lishing ties between the two dle East. ed" to the Trump adminis- "Kushner Garden of Peace" raeli delegation on the first Mideast countries. "The results are really what tration. The accords have in a Jerusalem forest.q A7 WORLD NEWS Tuesday 22 December 2020 Nicaragua essentially bans opposition from 2021 elections MANAGUA, Nicaragua rights violations he has (AP) — Nicaragua's ruling committed and the dam- party-dominated Congress age he has done," Cham- passed a law Monday that orro wrote in his social me- would essentially ban op- dia accounts. position candidates from The elections are sched- running in the 2021 presi- uled for Nov. 7, 2021, and dential elections. despite term limits — which The law gives the govern- Ortega has already ex- ment of President Daniel ceeded — the 75-year-old Ortega the power to unilat- leader is expected to run erally declare citizens "ter- again. rorists" or coup-mongers, Ortega initially led Nicara- classify them as "traitors to gua from 1979 to 1990 fol- the homeland" and ban lowing the Sandinista revo- them from running as can- lution that ousted the So- didates. moza dictatorship, but he Given that Ortega has al- lost the presidential elec- ready applied those terms tion in 1990. to virtually the entire op- He returned to the presi- position and the leaders dency in 2007 after three of massive 2018 protests failed election attempts, against his regime, the law and he won re-election in approved Monday ap- 2011. He then sidestepped In this May 26, 2018 file photo, the Spanish word for "Murderer" covers a mural of Nicaragua's pears aimed at sweeping term limits to get himself President Daniel Ortega, as part of anti-government protests demanding his resignation in Mana- aside the last roadblock gua, Nicaragua. re-elected in 2016, and to Ortega's continuing his Associated Press packed courts and govern- near-perpetual rule over ment agencies with allies. the Central American na- against Nicaragua or its aimed at bringing about The leader of the opposi- His Sandinista party controls tion. citizens." free elections. tion coalition Alianza Cívi- the courts and the legisla- The law bans candidates So far, the United States The law says people des- ca, Juan Sebastián Cham- ture. Seventy Sandinista "who lead or finance a has imposed sanctions on ignated by Ortega "will be orro, wrote that Ortega legislators voted in favor of coup ... encourage foreign about 27 people close to traitors to the homeland, should be the first person to the law passed Monday, interference, ask for military Ortega and his wife, Vice and for that reason may be banned under the new while 14 opposition legisla- intervention ... propose or President Rosario Murillo, in- not run for public office." law. tors voted against it, argu- plan economic blockades, cluding Murillo herself and Treason is punishable by "The one who they should ing it violated the Constitu- applaud and champion three of her children with prison terms of up to 15 apply this law to is Daniel tion's guarantee of political the imposition of sanctions Ortega. The sanctions are years. Ortega, for all the human rights for all citizens.q

U.S. nuclear submarine transits Strait of Hormuz amid tensions DUBAI, United Arab Emir- ates (AP) — An American nuclear-powered guided- missile submarine traversed the strategically vital wa- terway between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula on Monday, the U.S. Navy said, a rare announcement that comes amid rising tensions with Iran. The Navy's 5th Fleet based in Bahrain said the Ohio- In this photo made available by the U.S. Navy, the guided-mis- class guided-missile sub- sile submarine USS Georgia transits the Strait of Hormuz in Per- marine USS Georgia, ac- sian Gulf, Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. companied by two other Associated Press warships, passed through the Strait of Hormuz, a nar- entist named by the West to seek revenge for both row passageway through as the leader of the Islam- killings. The Ohio-class bal- which a fifth of the world's ic Republic's disbanded listic-missile submarine's oil supplies travel. military nuclear program. presence in Mideast water- The unusual transit in the It also comes some two ways signals the U.S. Navy's Persian Gulf's shallow wa- weeks before the anniver- "commitment to regional ters, aimed at underscoring sary of the American drone partners and maritime se- American military might in strike in January that killed curity," the Navy said, dem- the region, follows the kill- top Iranian military com- onstrating its readiness "to ing last month of Mohsen mander Gen. Qassem So- defend against any threat Fakhrizadeh, an Iranian sci- leimani. Iran has promised at any time." q A8 Tuesday 22 December 2020 local The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba: Their brand culture makes them unique, join this Culinary Voyage

PALM BEACH — Paradise is a place where you encounter unforgettable experiences. From a culinary perspective, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is your only choice. The brand’s culture is oriented towards the guests’ experience and supporting local community at the same time. “At The Ritz-Carlton the genuine care and comfort of our guests is our highest mission and we need to anticipate and fulfill their unexpressed wishes and needs. We focus on that once -in- a -lifetime luxury experience,” states Executive Chef Rafael Lopez Aliaga.

Lopez Aliaga has been working for the Ritz-Carlton company for fourteen years and the last four years he has been in Aruba. The Peruvian chef is clear about it: “We call our employees ladies and gentlemen because only when you take good care of your people can they genuinely care for the guests. And we do. We understand what our guests are looking for and we need to be one step ahead and make a personal con- nection. Knowing their name and remembering their preferences is what elevates their experience and gives our guests that ‘home away from home’ sensation.” Lopez Aliaga together with Executive Sous Chef, Stanwick Bloem, oversee the entire culinary department “Our goal is to create the best food experience so that our guests come back every time” says Bloem. The attention for detail at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is exceptional; children are invited into the kitchen to help bake pancakes, the complete staff is intensely trained on allergens and wherever you walk you are greeted with a sincere smile and with a ‘Good Day’. This makes you feel very special and lifts up your mood.

Join us on the culinary voyage to paradise:

Rung 1 BLT Steak, excelling in steaks Aruban Mitchell Pereira is the Chef de Cuisine of BLT Steak. “We are a modern steakhouse with a menu that offers the best steaks on the island and a weekly menu that appears on our Blackboard to provide guests with the choice to try something different.” He is extremely happy that The Ritz- Carlton, Aruba strives to employ as many locals as possible. “I am a young, local chef, ambitious to work with local farmers and fishermen. We offer delicious local lettuce and mouthwatering Aruban cheeses. With us, you get the highest quality with a local touch.” When it comes to steaks, his personal favorite is the Dry Aged Kansas City Steak. How- ever, the American Wagyu and Australian Wagyu are suc- culent as well. For seafood lovers BLT Steak offers East and Australian Wagyu (left) and West coast oysters, caviar, king crab, lobsters and much the Cowboy Steak (right) more. The Blackboard menu of this week invites you to savior a wonderful Steak tartare, 12oz. Black Angus rib eye, 7oz. Caribbean Seabass, Jalapeño Potato, and a delicious Apple Crumble.

Rung 2 Madero Pool & Beach Grill, whole fish experience The Ritz-Carlton’s philosophy to support the local community is exemplified by their part- nership with local fishermen. The impression of travelers of the Caribbean is the white- sandy beaches, waving palm trees and fresh, grilled fish from the sea to their plate; and that is exactly what Madero Pool & Beach Grill offers. “Sharing is caring, families love that,” says Bloem. Therefore, the Whole Fish Experience offers a head- to-tail fresh catch of the day, Executive Sous Chef Stanwick grilled to perfection, and served for two people in its entire- Bloem presenting a Whole ty to enjoy. “Of course the fish is deboned yet still presented with head and tail and ac- Local Fish – grilled or fried companied by local sides like sweet plantain. Usually, we serve a delicious Red Snapper because this fish has very nice white meat, but it may vary depending on the catch and season.” Tropical delight to the extreme we would say because Madero Pool & Beach Grill represents the sea, the white beach and grilled fish as a tasty gift of happiness. Continued on Page 9 A9 LOCAL Tuesday 22 December 2020

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba: Their brand culture makes them unique, join this Culinary Voyage

Rung 5 Solanio, strong start The ultimate start of your day in paradise starts with a breakfast buffet at Solanio. The Ritz-Carl- ton, Aruba takes food safety and guest safety very seriously and adheres to all the necessary protocols. Lopez Aliaga is delighted to serve the best of the best prepared by amazing talent. “As The Ritz- Carlton, we feel that it is our responsibility to enliven the Aruban culture. My goal is to have our kitchen run by locals combined with international talent. It would be my utmost pride to Homemade pasta with seasonal fresh ingredients. watch the team grow and share the Aruban Continued from Page 8 culture and knowledge with other Ritz-Carlton’s Executive Chef Rafael Lopez Aliaga with tiradito, q Tuna Nikkei Ceviche around the world. Rung 3 Casa Nonna New York Rung 4 The name means ‘Grandmother’s House’ in Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge, dushi Sushi Italian. There are only two of them: one in the The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba stands out in many as- heart of New York City’s Theater District, and pects, not only with its captivating dishes, but the other one is on Aruba. In case you would also in creating unforgettable experiences. The like to taste what real Italian food with a New resort encompasses the values and philosophy York twist is all about, you must come here. The on which they exercise an un-wavering com- menu is a culmination of traditional Roman and mitment to service. Now, there are many cor- Tuscan fare, highlighted by fresh, local and ners in the hotel that can trigger your senses, seasonal ingredients. From salami, cheese and but there is one place that you just cannot miss: antipasti platters, to house-made pastas, the the Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge. At this contempo- menu is available á la carte and family style, rary bar you will find the finest sushi, ceviche overflowing with options ideal for sharing. An- and poke bowls. Pick up your chopsticks and diamo a mangiare! get ready to indulge. A10 Tuesday 22 December 2020 local Happy 70th birthday Perret – Ingenieros de Caracas

Venezuelan investors Alberto (COO) and Irwin Perret-Gentil, (CEO) of PERING, Azure Residences facing Eagle Beach. Perret Ingenieros de Caracas.

By Clyde Harms jobs during the construction of the ORANJESTAD — PERING (Perret In- properties and other hundreds to genieros de Caracas), the Vene- operate and maintain them. zuelan company managed by the brothers Irwin and Alberto Perret- The Harbour House project at West- Gentil, is celebrating its 70th anni- straat, across the quay where the versary. PERING has been operat- cruise ships dock, will eventually re- ing in Aruba for over two decades. sult in the restoration of a section of It developed Oceania I & II, Blue Oranjestad that is very important Residences and Azure Residences for the cruise ship tourism. It will also at Eagle Beach, and currently is help to realize the government’s finishing Harbour House in Oranjes- goal of stimulating more activity in tad. the center of Oranjestad. The local fishermen also will benefit greatly As Honorary President and Trea- of the renovation, restoration and surer of the Nuevo Mundo Foun- additions that are being made in Harbor House under construction in front of the local fishermen’s wharf. dation, an organization that has that area under the strict supervi- benefitted greatly from the many many masters and guest artists sion of the Aruba Ports Authority. contributions that PERING has with their families during all five fes- made to Aruba, I would like to use tivals. Indeed, had it not been for Social facet this occasion to thank them for all the generous support of the Perret- Together with other Venezuelan that the company has done for us Gentil brothers, we would not have investors in Aruba, the brothers and for different facets of the Aru- been able to present one festival. Perret-Gentil founded PANA 9Pa ban community. Amor di Nos Aruba. In Venezuela Economic the word “pana” is used to denote Cultural PERING’s investments here run in a friend, and PANA has been a In addition to contributing person- the millions of dollars. There is no very good friend to our commu- nel and other resources to help doubt that the almost 500 Con- nity. It organized and financed the Nuevo Mundo Foundation to raise dos that PERING has constructed “Street Sinterklaas” program to dis- funds to cover its expenses, the Per- in Aruba have contributed enor- tribute gifts to needy Aruban chil- ret-Gentil brothers have supported mously to the growth of tourism dren. PANA donated school ma- the Aruba Symphony Festival gen- PANA, an organization founded and and the economy of our island. terial to the Cayena Kleuterschool erously with monetary donations funded by Venezuelan investors in Using local contractors for its proj- (Kindergarten) and another school Aruba, arranged for Sinterklaas to dis- and by providing FREE lodging for ects, PERING created hundreds of in San Nicolas. This year PANA con- tribute gifts to needy Aruban children. tributed generously to the Heroes Program to support those who are on the forefront of the fight against the pandemic Covid-19. Last year the Perret-Gentil brothers financed the publication of the book “An Aruban in Libya” that is sold to raise funds for the Koningin Wilhelmina Fonds, the Aruban equivalent of the American Cancer Society.

Congratulations Perret Ingenieros de Caracas, with your 70th anni- versary. Congratulations, Alberto and Irwin, and many thanks for Aruba Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Simon Gollo who is also the founder and Artistic Director of the Aruba all that you have done for our be- Symphony Festival. loved Aruba.q A11 BUSINESS Tuesday 22 December 2020 The holidays could make or break struggling stores By ANNE D'INNOCENZIO holiday season. But with NEW YORK (AP) — Cloth- restrictions and people ing stores and specialty nervous about shopping, retailers are offering big she has just a few people discounts and heavily pro- coming in per day. After moting curbside pickup in being forced to close in hopes of rescuing a lacklus- the spring, Liana reopened ter holiday shopping sea- in July, but she's only re- son in which surging coro- captured about one third navirus cases have kept of her typical sales. She's many shoppers at home. been on the verge of clos- For some, it could be their ing her business three times last chance at survival. And "It's definitely been rough, even a last-minute sales "said Pai, who has been boost could be too late to stepping up FaceTime with save them. her customers , market- The holiday season, which ing her shop on Instagram accounts for about 20% of and offering fat discounts the retail industry's annual during the final days of the sales, has always been season. She noted that she make-or-break for strug- needed to do well dur- gling stores. But it's even ing the holidays because more important this year it helps her get through as they look to make up the slow period of January A Target employee places a curbside pickup purchase into the trunk of a customer in Jackson, for sales lost since the pan- through March. Miss., Thursday, Nov. 5, 2020. After a weak start to the holiday season for many mall-based retail- demic forced them to tem- ers, the strugglers are making their final push in the final days before and the week after Christmas. "We're scraping by," she porarily close locations. Associated Press said. That's a big challenge given Others have managed a that the deadline to order roughly 100 chains he mon- that they normally get, we eration, the nation's largest successful transition to on- online and get items in time itors to be down 2.1%, with are going to see an uptick retail trade group, expects line sales. Camp, a small for Christmas has passed. mall-based retailers down in bankruptcies and store holiday sales to increase chain that designed its toy Retailers also can't rely on nearly 30% and stores lo- closures in the first quarter," between 3.6 percent and shops to be places kids big crowds of procrastina- cated outside of malls up said Natalie Kotlyar, a na- 5.2 percent compared to wanted to play, had to tors because of restrictions 3.4%. A recent report from tional leader of BDO's Re- 2019, mostly due to strong temporarily close all five of on how many people can S&P Global highlighted tail & Consumer Products sales at the big box stores. its locations in the spring. It shop at once. seven publicly traded mall practice. "I think many re- Those numbers, which ex- regrouped, shifting activi- Big box retailers like landlords who are facing a tailers were holding out fil- clude automobile dealers, ties like birthday parties on- Walmart and Target, which brutal winter. ing bankruptcy to see how gasoline stations and res- line and launching a holi- have been deemed essen- Already, more than 40 the holiday season is going taurants, compare with last day gift exchange 10 days tial and mostly allowed to U.S. retailers have filed for to go." year's gain of 4%. ago. remain open throughout Chapter 11 since the pan- Retail sales fell a seasonally The holiday season is also Online sales increased the pandemic, have done demic started forcing shut- adjusted 1.1% in Novem- the time when stores typi- 40% compared with last well by attracting shoppers downs in March. And more ber, according to the U.S. cally get a chance to at- year and overall sales with safety concerns who than 8,600 stores have Commerce Department. tract new customers. Nearly have tripled. Since stores don't want to go to multiple closed this year, accord- It was the biggest drop in 90% of customers polled by reopened, traffic has in- stores. Supermarkets, home ing to Coresight Research. seven months, with many America's Research Group creased an average of improvement stores and Just in the last month, mu- types of retailers seeing in recent years said that 17% each week. Tiffany online retailers have also sic chain Guitar Center Inc. declines. The biggest drop when they shop at a new Markofsky, Camp's chief seen strong sales. and clothier Francesca's was at department stores, store for the first time, it's marketing officer, says an But many clothing and Holdings Corp. filed for down 7.7%. during the holidays. That's outdoor location outside department stores have Chapter 11 bankruptcy. There's also other evidence not happening this year. of a Manhattan store and struggled, especially those Meanwhile, retailers like of growing consumer cau- Shoppers are cutting back ticketed shopping times in shopping malls, some of Neiman Marcus and J.C. tion: Overall spending from the number of stores they have helped shoppers feel which were already in trou- Penney that emerged from roughly Oct. 30 through visit to four or five, from six comfortable. ble even before the coro- bankruptcy this past fall are Dec. 14 is down 5.4%, from to eight, says C. Britt Beem- "We are in a much better navirus upended the retail looking to regain their foot- the equivalent period last er, chairman of the group. place than last year," said landscape. ing. year, according to JPMor- Liana Pai, who co-owns Markofsky, noting a strong "People are spending mon- Neiman Marcus is among gan Chase, which tracks clothing store Liana in Man- holiday season. "A lot of ey. It's just falling in pockets the companies heavily pro- activity on 30 million of its hattan, says her family busi- this stuff we were thinking of areas like home improve- moting curbside pickup in debit and credit cards. ness used to be bustling about in our minds. But CO- ment and food," said Ken the final days before Christ- Still, the National Retail Fed- with customers during the VID crystalized it."q Perkins of RetailMetrics LLC, mas. The luxury depart- a retail research firm. "You ment store chain is offering have to worry about the customers a $25 gift card if mall-based retailer. When they use the service. the dust settles after the The worst could still be fourth quarter, you've got ahead, with COVID-19 cas- to wonder what kind of po- es on the rise in the U.S. and sition some of these chains the possibility of more store are going to to be in." closures and restrictions in Perkins expects fourth- 2021. quarter earnings for the "Without this extra boost A12 Tuesday 22 December 2020 TECHNOLOGY Report: Social media manipulation affects even U.S. senators By ERIKA KINETZ pictures of dogs and food, Associated Press to avoid actual impact BRUSSELS (AP) — The con- during the U.S. election versation taking place season. around two U.S. sena- Ben Scott, executive direc- tors' verified social media tor of Reset.tech, a London- accounts remained vul- based initiative that works nerable to manipulation to combat digital threats to through artificially inflated democracy, said the inves- shares and likes from fake tigation showed how easy users, even amid height- it is to manipulate political ened scrutiny in the run communication and how up to the U.S. presiden- little platforms have done tial election, an investiga- to fix long-standing prob- tion by the NATO Strategic lems. Communications Centre of "What's most galling is the Excellence found. simplicity of manipulation," Researchers from the cen- he said. "Basic democratic ter, a NATO-accredited principles of how societies research group based in make decisions get cor- Riga, Latvia, paid three Rus- rupted if you have orga- sian companies 300 euros nized manipulation that is ($368) to buy 337,768 fake this widespread and this likes, views and shares of In this Monday, Oct. 12, 2020 file photo, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, uses his smartphone during easy to do." posts on Facebook, Insta- a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Twitter said it proactively gram, Twitter, YouTube and Associated Press tackles platform manipula- TikTok, including content tion and works to mitigate from verified accounts of forms and more needs to active after four weeks, re- to cause the most harm," it at scale. Sens. Chuck Grassley and be done to prevent abuse." searchers found, and 97% a Facebook company "This is an evolving chal- Chris Murphy. In an age when much pub- of the accounts they re- spokesperson said in an lenge and this study re- Grassley's office confirmed lic debate has moved on- ported for inauthentic ac- email. flects the immense effort that the Republican from line, widespread social me- tivity were still active five But YouTube and Face- that Twitter has made to Iowa participated in the dia manipulation not only days later. book-owned Instagram re- improve the health of the experiment. Murphy, a distorts commercial mar- NATO StratCom did a simi- main vulnerable, research- public conversation," Yoel Connecticut Democrat, kets, it is also a threat to na- lar exercise in 2019 with ers said, and TikTok ap- Roth, Twitter's head of site said in a statement that he tional security, NATO Strat- the accounts of European peared "defenseless." integrity, said in an email. agreed to participate be- Com director Janis Sarts officials. They found that "The level of resources they YouTube said it has put in cause it's important to un- told The Associated Press. Twitter is now taking down spend matters a lot to how place safeguards to root derstand how vulnerable "These kinds of inauthentic inauthentic content faster vulnerable they are," said out inauthentic activity even verified accounts are. accounts are being hired and Facebook has made Sebastian Bay, the lead au- on its site, and noted that "We've seen how easy it is to trick the algorithm into it harder to create fake ac- thor of the report. "It means more than 2 million videos for foreign adversaries to thinking this is very popular counts, pushing manipula- you are unequally pro- were removed from the site use social media as a tool information and thus make tors to use real people in- tected across social me- in the third quarter of 2020 to manipulate election divisive things seem more stead of bots, which is more dia platforms. It makes the for violating its spam poli- campaigns and stoke po- popular and get them to costly and less scalable. case for regulation stron- cies. litical unrest," Murphy said. more people. That in turn "We've spent years ger. It's as if you had cars "We'll continue to deal with "It's clear that social media deepens divisions and thus strengthening our detec- with and without seatbelts." attempts to abuse our sys- companies are not doing weakens us as a society," tion systems against fake Researchers said that for tems and share relevant enough to combat misin- he explained. engagement with a focus the purposes of this experi- information with industry formation and paid manip- More than 98% of the fake on stopping the accounts ment they promoted apo- partners," the company ulation on their own plat- engagements remained that have the potential litical content, including said in a statement.q E.U. clears Google's $2.1B takeover of Fitbit, with conditions LONDON (AP) — The Euro- tracted scrutiny in Australia, open and competitive." pean Union on Thursday where competition regula- Google said it "worked approved Google's plan to tors are mulling a similar of- constructively" with EU buy fitness gadget maker fer from Google. regulators to resolve their Fitbit for $2.1 billion after The EU was initially worried concerns, including the set it promised to restrict user the deal would expand of legally binding commit- data and ensure Android Google's "data advan- ments that the European phones work with other tage" and raise barriers for Commission accepted. wearable devices for at rivals in the online ad indus- "These build on assuranc- least 10 years. try. The EU's competition es we have made since Human rights and con- commissioner, Margrethe the beginning that we are sumer groups, which had Vestager, said she cleared committed to protecting called on authorities to the deal because Google's Fitbit users' privacy and will block the deal over priva- commitments "will ensure continue to invest in and In this Aug. 16, 2018, file photo, the Fitbit Charge 3 fitness track- cy and antitrust concerns, that the market for wear- support manufacturers and ers are displayed in New York. were unhappy with the ables and the nascent digi- developers," the company Associated Press decision. The deal also at- tal health space will remain said in a statement. q A13 CLASSIFIED Tuesday 22 December 2020 HEALTH

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Divi Links Golf A14 Tuesday 22 December 2020 PEOPLE & ARTS From his home, Attenborough shows viewers 'A Perfect Planet' By HILARY FOX United Nations Climate Associated Press Change Conference was LONDON (AP) — Sir David postponed until next year, Attenborough is a globe- the presenter and activist trotter, discovering far-flung hopes "A Perfect Planet" lands and exotic species will give the event a "push." for TV audiences since the "It's very important to give 1950s. The pandemic may people solutions. I think have kept him at home for otherwise people stick much of 2020, but it hasn't their head in the sand. You stopped the legendary need to tell them what host from continuing his they can do to help turn work to get the world to act things around," said Fother- on climate change. gill, who is a long-time At- Attenborough record- tenborough collaborator. ed one of his trademark As for how nature has voiceovers — warm, calm been healing during the and full of contagious fas- pandemic, Attenborough cination for the natural knows it's at a high cost: world — for the new BBC "People are dying by the and Discovery series "A Per- thousands. Let's not mini- fect Planet," which arrives mize it. in early January. "It should cause the rest of This image released by Discovery shows David Attenborough who narrates a new TV show called Staying home hasn't com- “A Perfect Planet,” which celebrates the harmony of the natural world and warns of human disrup- us, the survivors as it were, pletely cut Attenborough, tion to this delicate ecosystem. to pull ourselves together 94, off from nature. Associated Press and see that we can act "I've seen the world go by together," he said. "We can in the natural world in my went out the window so the forest to the Indian Ocean co-exist. Shot in 31 coun- think of solutions, analysis, garden with a continuity sound could be recorded — was also recorded at a tries, it took 4 years and six and apply them interna- and intensity that I haven't by a crew member in the distance. volcanic eruptions to col- tionally." been able to give it for, al- garden. "Our amazing composer lect up-close footage that It's a message he believes most forever, really." "He's now got a caboose (Ilan Ishkeri) worked with includes river turtles laying people are listening to. He's only left the house because the winter came, an orchestra in Iceland be- eggs in the Amazon's sand "If the human race is to sur- twice, to go to the dentist. we got a hut for him. But in cause Iceland was not very bars, brown bears fishing vive without major catas- Recording "A Perfect Plan- the summer he was sitting locked down. They had for salmon in Russia and the trophes, now is the time to et" required some redeco- out in the rain and he was very little COVID. He actu- swinging gibbons of South do so." rating of the dining room at listening to what I was say- ally directed and conduct- East Asia's tropical forests. Attenborough said he's Attenborough's west Lon- ing and recording it," Atten- ed that orchestra from the Different episodes look at grateful that he's still able don home. borough said. U.K.," says Fothergill. the essential roles played to tell the planet's story. Comforters or duvets were This wasn't the only remote- "It's been challenging. But I by the sun, ocean, vol- "It's nice to actually feel that hung around the walls to controlled achievement on think that the final product canoes, weather and of you're still competent to do muffle any echo and a the series. is absolutely up to the really course, humans. it. I'm waiting for them to tell technical set up allowed The musical soundtrack — high standards we set our- Everything Attenborough me I'm not. But I mean I am Attenborough to view the accompanying anything selves." does addresses the climate very lucky," Attenborough footage, while Executive from thousands of flamin- The premise of the series crisis and what people can told The Associated Press. Producer Alastair Fothergill gos nesting in the hostile is a celebration of why do, and what they should "An awful lot of my friends, advised him, from over 100 salt lakes of Central Africa Earth is such the ideal en- stop doing, to help save no fault of their own, they miles away in Bristol. to Christmas Island's red vironment for so many dif- this delicate ecosystem. can't do it and they can't The microphone cable crabs migrating from the ferent species to live and Initially disappointed the get about."q 'Wonder Woman 1984' grabs $38.5 million overseas The film starring Gal Gadot " Wonder Woman 1984 " was that the sequel, which started its rollout abroad won't open in U.S. theaters cost around $200 million to last week, opening in 32 until Christmas Day, when it make, would even surpass markets including China will also debut on HBO Max. that total. and playing on upwards The pandemic has forced Warner Bros. has tried a few of 30,000 screens. The stu- studios like Warner Bros. to different strategies with its dio said admissions totaled embrace unconventional films this year, including re- over 6 million and that the release plans to get films leasing "Tenet" in theaters largely positive reviews out to audiences. and sending "The Witches" bode well for its future. Originally, "Wonder Wom- straight to HBO Max. Finally Most of the earnings came an 1984" was supposed to last month the studio de- from Chinese theaters, open in theaters worldwide cided to embrace a hybrid where it earned an estimat- this summer, but its release release for "Wonder Wom- ed $18.8 million. It wasn't date kept getting pushed an 1984." "Tenet" opened By LINDSEY BAHR has earned an estimated enough to take first place back. The first film made internationally first as well, AP Film Writer $38.5 million in ticket sales in the country, however — over $821 million world- taking off with $53 million The superhero sequel from international theaters, that honor went to a local wide in 2017 and absent from 41 markets in late "Wonder Woman 1984" Warner Bros. said Sunday. release. the pandemic, the hope August.q A15 SPORTS Tuesday 22 December 2020

On Football: With Brady on verge of playoffs, Patriots done By BARRY WILNER No one is saying the Patri- AP Pro Football Writer ots have lacked heart this Three AFC East teams won season; their close victories in Week 15 — yes, even the against Baltimore, Arizona Jets. The one defeat, by and even the Jets prove the Patriots, was historic. their grit. Such veterans as For the first time since the Devin McCourty, Stephon 2008 season, New England Gilmore and Matthew Slat- will not make the playoffs, er would never allow ennui nor win the division. For the to invade their locker room. first time since 2000, the But they also lost to Den- opening year of Bill Belich- ver, San Francisco and ick's reign in Foxborough, Houston, all of which will the Patriots will not have a be spending the postsea- winning record. son as home, too. Without New England has the NFL's Brady, the onus was too longest string of making the heavy on a defense that postseason, 11 seasons, often was undermanned. all with a guy named Tom Without Brady — not to Brady at quarterback. Dal- mention Julian Edelman las holds the NFL mark with and Rob Gronkowski — 20 straight seasons with there was no one to lift the a winning record. Minus offense. And without Brady, Brady, the Patriots fall one only very rarely was there year short of that. New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick stands on the sidelines during the second half of any significant boost from an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Dour as always, Belichick The Dolphins defeated the Patriots 22-12. the coaching staff. offered little insight into how Associated Press "It's felt like we've chased a perennial champion- it the whole year, whether ship contender has slipped "To win these games, we've headsets and those with and their mojo. Like Mi- it's offense, defense, one to a 6-8 record. He wasn't got to do a better job," he helmets on. chael Jordan and Wayne play, a missed opportunity about to mention that a said after a 22-12 loss in Mi- "I got to do a better job Gretzky, Brady made ev- on defense, a turnover on major reason — and prob- ami that spotlighted the and, collectively as a staff eryone around him — in- offense, it just seems like no ably the main reason for all problems the 2020 Patriots and a team, we've got to cluding the coaches — far matter what, it's just right that success through two have had: little talent on perform better than this." better performers. He did it out of our reach," McCour- decades — is now wearing offense; sketchy defense, In essence, the Patriots lost not only during games, but ty said. "That's how you end a Buccaneers uniform. And particularly in clutch situ- more than their winning during the week in prepa- up in the position we're in." almost certainly headed to ations; a lack of precision; ways when they lost their ration. He did it through So what is that position as the playoffs Belichick and and, yes, little cohesion quarterback. They lost lead- motivation. He did it with his the Patriots move forward? company will miss. between the guys wearing ership, direction, big plays, arm, his head and his heart. Unenviable.q Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, Tiafoe win ATP awards for 2020 LONDON (AP) — Novak a record-extending 18th tioned signed memorabilia Djokovic, Roger Federer, straight year, and Nadal re- to Athletes for COVID-19 Rafael Nadal and Frances ceived the Stefan Edberg Relief and posted a video Tiafoe were among the win- Sportsmanship Award for that united the Black tennis ners of the ATP's top awards the third year straight and community in the wake of for 2020 on Monday. fourth time overall after George Floyd's killing. Djokovic was the year-end winning a 13th Roland Gar- The 17-year-old Carlos Al- No. 1 for a record-equaling ros crown. Andrey Rublev caraz of Spain was the sixth time after winning four of Russia was the most im- newcomer of the year after titles including a record proved in rising from No. 23 winning three Challengers. eighth Australian Open. to a career-high 8 after win- Vasek Pospisil is the come- U.S. Open champions Mate ning five titles, more than back player of the year Pavic and Bruno Soares are anyone else on the tour. after undergoing back sur- the doubles No. 1s. Tiafoe was given the Ar- gery in 2019. The Canadian In this Monday, Feb. 3, 2020 file photo, Serbia's Novak Djokovic holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after defeating Aus- Federer, who played only thur Ashe Humanitarian reached two finals and rose tria's Dominic Thiem in the men's singles final of the Australian six singles all year, was the Award for his social ac- to No. 61 after dropping to Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia. singles fans' favorite for tivity. The American auc- No. 150 in 2019.q Associated Press A16 Tuesday 22 December 2020 local

Bonfires, light and darkness Episode LXXXIV -84

ORANJESTAD — All around the world there are popular festivals where bonfires play an important role and a well-known for our island is the festival of San Juan during the summer solstice. Traditionally, bonfires were lit to protect the townspeople from the evil spirits that were believed to roam the Earth when the sun was heading south.

In Aruba it is a night expected by the community and with the firefighters on alert. But what mysteries do bonfires unveil and what is behind theses celebrations? When we all lit a fire, we were absorbed for a moment before the sinuosity of the flames and closing our eyes, we breathed strongly the fragrance that emanates. There is no doubt that yesterday’s bonfires were a ritual practice, but what made them magi- cal?

Branches, barks, fruits and roots are lit in the bonfires. But not everything burnt generates the same effect. From time to time, fire manifests itself in a special way. Sometimes with a strange fragrance, others with perfume perhaps are intoxi- cating. achieve purification. A tribute to those Flames have the power of change; noth- Since ancient times, before a bonfire, the human being has who do not fear but respect and who ing that belongs to nature remains the encountered a mystery difficult to explain. Surely the fire or they wanted to be close to. same after being consumed by fire. Ev- the smoke of those bonfires made him come into contact erything changes undergoes a meta- with ghosts, monsters and incomprehensible beings to which The smoke of incense or a resin such as morphosis and even death. he undoubtedly gave a divine character. The shamans were myrrh, the grace of a bonfire of a partic- always there to clarify what was happening since they were ular tree was the remedies used through All cultures relate in one way or another the experts in igneous subjects. Not to mention also a hallu- fire to reach other states of conscious- fire with death. We have the symbolic cinogenic state caused by the combustion of certain plant ness. In this way, in the bonfires, gods, de- hell of perpetual flames in which to burn components of alkaloids that led them to another world. mons and different entities participated according to Christian tradition or the in a ritual communion. purifying fire that eliminates the physical Ancient cultures see the fire of the bonfire as a way to residue of the body allowing its evolu- tion and future reincarnation, according to Hindu tradition. For many cultures, the deceased, helped by the fire, left this world, heading to the other, guided by the unknown entities that lived in the flames and through them reached another universe. It is not surprising that through the flames of a bonfire we await a response from those who are no lon- ger…Behind old doors mysteries or an- cestral knowledge is waiting for you.q

To get to know a little more regard- ing Aruba and its cultural origins, we highly recommend you to book your participation in our cultural encounter session.

A mind opening revelation and en- tertaining island experience awaits you.

Mail us at [email protected], our facilities and activities take place close to high rise hotels.