Covid-19 Vaccines Arrive See Page 4

FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 | ISSUE 190 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG COVID-19 VACCINES ARRIVE SEE PAGE 4

PAGE 3 PAGE 5

Police officer dies in the US Visa renewals now Photo caption: Minister of Health Sir Molwyn Joseph line of duty made easier accepts 5000 doses of the Oxford-AstroZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, a gift from the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Editorial: A standing ovation for India! Page 2 FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 EDITORIAL PAGE 2 EDITORIAL A standing ovation for India!

The previous two editori- borne by his government. improprieties, India has never als published on Monday and What is striking about this sought to threaten or other- Wednesday in PointeXpress ex- timely intervention is that the wise coerce this country to pressed strong condemnation it represents the polar opposi- comply with its wish to have of and disappointment in the te of what is being advanced that person extradited. At all actions of Europe and North by Europe and North America. material times, the government America in their attempts to Make no mistake, this gesture of India has shown respect hoard the world’s vaccines sup- by the government and people for our justice system and has ply for themselves. The editori- of India is a seminal moment acted accordingly. One can als were, we believe, critically in geopolitics and internatio- contrast this with the bullying appropriate and appropriately nal relations. India is rightfully tactics against the Caribbean critical of the philosophy that asserting itself as an emerging and Latin America that is the White is Might is Right. leader, and this is what lea- modus operandi of Europe and While the West is behaving ders do: they seek out those North America. in what is now to be consi- in need and help to save them Like in cricket, the govern- dered par for the course, the from perishing. ment and people of India are government and people of In- If one were paying attention proving to be a leader and dia have demonstrated what to history, this move by the go- an inspiration. It is little sur- can only be considered to be vernment and people of India prise that they have produced tremendous leadership, gene- is not surprising. In many ways, the likes of Bishan Bedi, Sunil rosity, and the kind of huma- India shares a common histo- Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, nitarian spirit that the world ry with the English-speaking Sourav Ganguly, Virenda Seh- desperately needs. High praise Caribbean, as they too were wag, and Virat Kohli, just to and commendation ought to colonized by Britain. The go- name a few. Just like the In- be given to the government of vernment and people of that dian Premier League (IPL) has Prime Minister Narendra Modi country understand the harm provided jobs and hope for a and High Commissioner of In- that colonialism has wreaked better future for many interna- dia to the Caribbean, Dr. K.J. on its people and the peop- tional cricketers, the initiative Srinivasa. les of other regions where the by the government and peop- According to recent media British dominated. It was the le of India to provide vaccines reports, the Government of In- example of India to demand free of cost to the Caribbe- dia will be making an initial full independence from Britain an will provide the region with donation of 500,000 doses of that served as the model for hope—hope for a better future, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vac- the English-speaking Caribbe- hope that the world will con- cine to Guyana and sever- an to follow. In that sense, In- quer COVID-19, hope that the al other Caribbean countries, dia has always been a moral vaccine Apartheid as practised with Antigua and Barbuda leader and an inspiration for by Europe and North America slated to receive 40,000 do- the Caribbean. will not be permitted to pre- ses. The word ‘initial’ indicates Undoubtedly, India is a na- vail. Truly, by its actions, India that it is the intention of the tion that views other nations is proving that, despite the ra- Government of India to make as equals, no matter our size. pacity of some, there are still further donations in the future. Nowhere is that more clearly those who are prepared to be More than that, the Prime Mi- demonstrated than in the case their brothers’ keeper. nister Modi administration has of Antigua and Barbuda. Even indicated that all costs asso- though there exists an ongoing The government and peop- ciated with shipping the vac- issue regarding one of its ci- le of India deserve a standing cines to the Caribbean will be tizens implicated in certain ovation!! Well done!!! PAGE 3 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 Police officer dies in the line of duty The Royal Police of St. John’s Police Force of Antigua and Station’s compound, Barbuda has been there were several plunged into mourn- loud explosions and ing after No. 500 people believed to be Corporal of Police police officers, who Clifton Common died arrived to transport in the line of duty on the youngster, were Thursday afternoon. heard shouting. All The law enforcement this happened before officer sustained in- two vehicles exited juries, allegedly at the yard and sped the hands of twenty- away. year-old Vurel Simon, Mobile phone video who is said to be of later emerged show- unsound mind. ing Simon shackled Reports are some- at the ankles being time around 1:00 p.m. led by police into the Simon, who was be- MSJMC. ing held in a cell at A relative of Simon the St. John’s Police explained the young Station, asked to use man suffered his first the bathroom and mental breakdown was about to be es- around this time last corted to the facili- year. He was taken to ty when he alleged- the psychiatric hos- Corporal of Police Clifton Commom ly attacked Corporal pital, but was never Common by slamming institutionalized. On the cell door on his Thursday morning the head, causing him to relative said he hand- fall. The mentally de- ed over Simon to the ranged man then re- police, after he was peatedly slammed the behaving in an er- metal door of the cell ratic manner on St. against the officer’s John’s Street. head. He was reported- Corporal Common, ly calm in the po- who celebrated his lice vehicle, but after 51st birthday on 11th driving off the police December 2021 was pickup collided with rushed to hospital by another vehicle at his colleagues and Cross and St. John’s died around 2:25 p.m. Streets. At least two while receiving treat- officers were injured ment at Mount St. and were treated and John’s Medical Centre discharged from hos- (MSJMC). pital. The twenty-year-old Family and friends was later removed say Simon is not vio- from St. John’s Po- lent and are shocked lice Station, but it is at the news that he unclear where he is is now responsible for being held. Behind the death of a police Police outriders escort body of fallen officer to the funeral home. the closed red gates officer. FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 4 COVID-19 vaccines arrive

Minister of Health Sir past several months, the Molwyn Joseph was air- frontline workers have side at V.C. Bird Interna- done an outstanding job tional Airport on Thurs- and they deserve to be day to accept 5,000 the priority at this time,” doses of the Oxford-As- Sir Molwyn declared. traZeneca vaccine, a The vaccine doses gift from the Common- will be stored at a se- wealth of Dominica. cure facility operated The vaccines arrived in by the Medical Benefits Antigua on a Regional Scheme, until the distri- Security System aircraft, bution programme be- less than twenty-four gins. According to the hours after the an- minister, when the 40,000 nouncement was made doses arrive from India during a post-Cabi- next week, these will be net press briefing on stored at a new facili- Wednesday. ty being erected at the With this first batch former Air Force base. of Oxford-AstraZeneca, This will be the perma- healthcare workers will nent facility for vaccines be given priority. storage, according to “For the past several Sir Molwyn. months we have been The health minister fighting the transmis- noted that a plan has sion of the disease and been carefully crafted now we have to take that will guide the inoc- the additional step of ulation programme na- inoculating our popula- tionwide. tion. This is an important The government is step because it gives predicting it will have in us now the capacity to its possession at least take care of our front- 85,000 doses of the Ox- line workers. I want to ford-AstraZeneca vac- say publicly, throughout cine within the next two my experience over the weeks. PAGE 5 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 US Visa renewals now made easier

Antigua and Barbuda expired within the past nationals wishing to re- twenty-four months. new their United States Ambassador Tagli- entry visas received alatela said the change good news on Thurs- comes in recognition day when the US Am- that the COVID-19 pan- bassador to the Eastern demic has severely af- Caribbean announced fected the ability of changes to the process. people to travel and this United States Ambas- was a move designed to sador to Barbados and make it easier for these the Eastern Caribbean, individuals. Linda Taglialatela, re- The decision also takes vealed that applicants into account that as for renewals will be able previous holders of US to apply online and mail visas the applicants’ bi- their passports to the ographical information US Embassy in Barba- is already in the embas- dos. sy’s system in Barba- By this process, Anti- dos. According to the gua and Barbuda na- ambassador, this new tionals will no longer arrangement is likely to have to travel to Barba- become permanent. dos to renew their visas. The announcement However, at the mo- comes during an inter- ment, this will only ap- view with state media in US Ambassador Linda Taglialatela ply to those whose visas St. John’s. Government employees to work from home and within office bubbles Permanent Secretaries have units, as separate and iso- with their Minister. But in all quarantine facility, Nicholas been charged with imple- lated as possible from other instances we want to ensure said all returning nationals menting measures that will sections. that even within ministries, would be fitted with the re- minimize the risk of COVID-19 This was announced on and even where people recently acquired electronic infection among workers in Wednesday evening by In- turn to work, or are allowed tracking bracelets, regard- the various government of- formation Minister Melford to come to work … to work less of whether they are fices and departments. Nicholas during the weekly in clusters, to work in your quarantining at home or at As such, the administrative post-Cabinet press briefing. own bubbles. So if you’re in a public quarantine center heads of government min- He said the Permanent Sec- the marketing [department] such as Jolly Beach or other istries have been tasked by retaries would be briefed by stay in marketing and do not designated facility. Cabinet to work out prac- the Cabinet Secretary and commingle; such that if there He took the opportunity tical modalities for human the Establishment Division. is an infected person – or if to clarify that the national resource deployment be- “We are going to ask Per- it is brought to attention that isolation facility would be tween those who can and manent Secretaries to revert a person in the marketing housed at the former US should be made to work to a position where we can department is infected – we Air Force compound. “I also from home. reduce some of the num- would not be worried about want to indicate that there But even among staff who bers within government of- the accounts or production are thirty-two rooms that continue to function from fices to the point where we departments.” have been repaired and re- the workplace, there will also may be able to put persons After confirming that the Jol- stored in that facility [which] be a strong focus on keep- on rotation. This obviously ly Beach Resort has been the Ministry of Health has in- ing personnel from different will be done in consultation commissioned as a State dicated [will be used] as an

cont’d on pg 5 FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 6 Government launches national road safety survey The Ministry of Works outlined. mendous national burden to the consultant agency (MOW) is undertaking a The statement said the results from road crashes where it will be collected, national road safety sur- survey is being conduct- and thus there is direct so- grouped and analyzed. No vey designed determine ed by a consulting agency cial economic cost, adding individual participants will just how road users comply based in Italy, FRED. Details that a multi-sectorial ap- be identified. with the existing traffic laws of the survey will be pub- proach is required to ef- The GOAB is asking driv- as well as the degree to lished on the Government fectively tackle the problem ers, passengers, pedes- which people use mobile of Antigua and Barbuda and reduce the number of trians, and cyclists aged devices while driving. (GOAB) website, https:// deaths due to road acci- eighteen years and over “The survey aims to col- ab.gov.ag, for two weeks dents. residing in Antigua and lect data on community from Monday 15th Feb- The Project Implemen- Barbuda to complete the knowledge, attitudes and ruary 2021, to Monday 1st tation Management Unit survey in order to get a self-reported behaviours March 2021. (PIMU), the agency respon- full and accurate picture on our roads. The data Ministry of Works Perma- sible for the rolling out of all across all communities. collected from the survey nent Secretary, Clarence the road rehabilitation cap- A survey report will be will examine current issues Pilgrim, views road safety ital projects, is encouraging submitted to the govern- affecting drivers, passen- not only as a social and road users to participate in ment and key findings will gers, bicyclists, pedestrians, traffic issue, but also an this important survey. be posted online and pro- and at-risk groups develop economic one and calls It must be noted that vided to the media during initiatives to make roads in for the full participation of survey information is con- the 6th Global Road Safe- Antigua and Barbuda saf- road users. fidential and survey re- ty Week, 17th – 23rd May er,” a statement from MOW Pilgrim said that a tre- sponses will go directly 2021. Testing for COVID-19 to be carried out at District A Court Mass testing of employees was sanitized. odically. dance of caution. will be carried out at the St. The Sergeant of Police It is alleged he may have Going forward, it is report- John’s Magistrate Court on is reportedly attached to contracted the virus from ed that a rotation system Friday, after a Police Pros- the Traffic Court, presided his wife, an employee of would be put in place to ecutor was confirmed with over by Magistrate Dexter A.S. Bryden & Sons, who deal with new cases em- COVID-19, possibly expos- Wason. reportedly tested positive anating out of District A. ing staff and his colleague Reports are the prosecutor twice for the virus. The Staff will work on a limit- prosecutors in the District A worked in the Traffic Court distribution company has ed basis for the next two Court. on Wednesday 10th Febru- closed until 26th February weeks from 8:30 a.m. to As a result of the devel- ary 10 and his test results to facilitate COVID-19 test- noon for payment of fines opment, the Court, located were confirmed after but ing of employees. and distribution of child at ‘Knuckle Block’ in Grays some Court employees are Chief Magistrate Joanne maintenance cheques. Farm, closed early on worried, after saying the Walsh closed the Court on Thursday and the building officer was coughing peri- Thursday out of an abun- cont’d from pg 5 isolation facility.” is the time window within pitalization or critical care, sort, given that they are not People are placed in quar- which symptoms of infection they are then transferred going to put that back on antine for fourteen days manifest or can be detected. to isolation until recovery or the market just now, to use when their infection status Once infection is confirmed other case termination. that as an isolation facility is unknown and test results by testing, and the persons “We are [also] seeking to as well,” Nicholas said. are being awaited, as this affected do not require hos- utilize the Halcyon Cove Re- PAGE 7 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 US-based Willikies group donates to school Several Willikies villagers Gore Primary School, Wil- who now reside in the likies Child Development United States are joining Center, Gilbert’s Memorial efforts in the fight to keep Methodist Church and St. villagers in Antigua safe Stephen’s Anglican Church. from the COVID-19 pan- The group also made indi- demic. vidual donation of dispos- The organization—Sons able underwear and food and daughters of Willikies packages to persons in (both the local chapter in the villages of Willikies and Antigua and Barbuda and Glanvilles. its North American chap- Principal A. Spencer of the ter in the New York and Nelvie N. Gore Primary the Tri-State area)—made School thanked the presi- timely donations to a num- dent and her team for the ber of local and surround- gift of the much-needed ing institutions. items and she conveyed A spokesman for the thanks on behalf of all the group said the donated students and staff of the items include the following: institution. “Although the temperature guns, disin- school has closed from fectants, hand sanitizers, physical sessions and has facemasks both N-95 and gone online, once the stu- reusable/washable masks, dents return to in-person face shields, and digital learning we will be using temperature checks for the supplies to continue small children. the safety and protection The donations were pre- of students and staff,” she sented to the Nelvie N. noted. COVID-19 outbreaks wreak havoc in public and private sectors The recent spike in sion to immediately close its toms and Excise Division fast-food outlet, as well as COVID-19 cases in Antigua headquarters Thursday. have steadfastly committed several government depart- and Barbuda continues to “Acting on information to their duties during this ments, including the APUA wreak havoc among the of a suspected case of period of crisis, functioning branch in the Village Walk public and private sectors COVID-19, the building was at great risk to ensure the mall and the Antigua and in the country. closed to members of the country’s economic survival Barbuda Investment Au- Several government de- public and cleared of all at this trying time. thority, have had to curtail partments as well as private officers and employees to “The adherence to pro- operations because of the sector companies have facilitate an intensive protocols is to ensure that the pandemic. been forced to close to the gramme of cleaning and safety of our dedicated of- Meanwhile, the Inland public for varying periods sanitization,” a release from ficers and members of the Revenue Department (IRD) as they deal with possible the division explained. public are assured,” it con- has announced plans to COVID-19 cases among It added that the decision tinued. limit the flow of traffic to their respective staff mem- was taken out of an abun- The Permanent Secretary its office. The IRD is advis- bers. dance of caution as part in the Ministry of Finance ing the public that there are The latest to join the grow- of the standard operating has been advised the Cus- drop box services available ing list of entities forced to procedures that were acti- toms headquarters will cur- at Woods and English Har- close because of COVID-19 vated since the onset of the tail operations from today. bour for some services and is the Customs and Excise pandemic. Over the past week, sev- that tax payments may now Division, which took a deci- “The officers of the Cus- eral financial institutions, a be done online. FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 8 Education to be major component of vaccine rollout By Shelton Daniel they have indicated that public education, Nicholas for vaccination in order to At least 85,000 doses they will be looking to uti- said Cabinet has “agreed attain the population per- of COVID-19 vaccine are lize the polyclinics in Wil- to support the creation of centage required for herd expected to be available likies and Villa, the Sir Viv- a vaccine education and immunity, Nicholas said for use in Antigua and ian Richards Stadium, and public relations team that the education programme Barbuda within the next the Multi-Purpose Center.” will be managed under would be seeking to pre- few weeks, according to Nicholas said Cabinet the Ministry of Health, but vent that from happening. Information Minister Mel- had “implored” the health will be cross-functional in “More than likely, we ford Nicholas. ministry to also “consider the sense that persons would have to increase The Oxford-AstraZen- … going into the communi- will come from the media the education and the eca vaccines have been ties and utilizing the facili- and other areas within the public awareness … In all obtained via donations of ties of the primary schools country to support the circumstances, we think 5,000 and 40,000 doses … so we could [embark] efforts of the Ministry of that our people are bright, from the governments of on a national inoculation Health in getting the in- intelligent and sophisticat- Dominica and India re- programme.” formation out.” ed people, and they will spectively, while the oth- He disclosed that gov- Nicholas added that always do what is in their er 40,000 has been pro- ernment is negotiating the vaccine education best interests. And so, we cured via the WHO/PAHO to purchase a further and public relations team think once the information COVAX arrangement. 100,000 doses of the vac- “would be supported by … is made available to them Nicholas said ahead of cine. “So over the next six medical practitioners” and … they will overcome some the arrival of the vaccine weeks, we are expecting the country could there- of those fears, uncertain- shipments and the com- to have an accelerated fore “expect to see some ties and doubts … Much mencement of their being programme where we are accelerated public rela- of this anti-vax nonsense administered in a spec- going to be able to in- tions and different pro- that’s taking place in the ified priority order, there oculate upwards of eighty grammes that are being media is not going to is to be an intense pro- per cent of the popula- put in place to educate serve the general interests gramme of education and tion. This is going to re- the public on the use of of the population, and I other required prepara- quire … the willingness of vaccines and the validity think eventually there are tions for the rollout. persons to come forward of the vaccines program.” persons who are going “The Ministry of Health and be inoculated. We’re Asked what would hap- to come to the determi- has already begun to put not going to make this pen if sufficient numbers nation that it is in [their] measures in place to de- mandatory.” of people did not volun- best interests to take the ploy those vaccines, and Turning to the subject of tarily present themselves vaccine.” Sandals Foundation donates books to National Library The Sandals Foun- sections in the fa- dation has donat- cility. ed several books to Additionally, the the National Public foundation donated Library on Thursday school bags packed through its contin- with school supplies ued support of lit- to the eleven-year- eracy in Antigua old triplets, Na- and Barbuda. talya, Nadira and Library Director Naima Alie, whose Ryllis Mannix ac- home was recently cepted the items destroyed by fire. and noted that they The triplets also re- will be put to good ceived educational use in the relevant games. PAGE 9 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 STATEMENT ISSUED BY MOUNT ST JOHN’S MEDICAL CENTRE Pay Incentive for Frontline Staff at Mount St. John’s Medical Centre In April 2020, a decision was place by the hospital re- sive as we possibly can,” and we’re all grateful. We made by the Government quired a nurse to work a said Dr. Albert Duncan, MS- are committed to resolving of Antigua and Barbuda minimum of thirty-two hours JMC Medical Director. “This matters that are of concern to offer an honorarium to in order to receive the allot- means that other members to them.” nurses on the frontline car- ment of $1000 monthly. We of our team such as our or- The pay incentive is for a ing for COVID-19 patients. have since realized the in- derlies and technicians will period of one year, com- Since then, our hospital has equities in the process and also be eligible for this pay mencing 1st March 2020. All been working on putting a are taking the necessary incentive. They are all shoul- eligible MSJMC employees system in place to enact steps to address. Moving dering an incredible burden will be paid $1000 retroac- this policy. forward, all nurses working as well as increased risks to tively for this period. However, like all other hos- with COVID-19 patients will their emotional and physi- Added Dr. Duncan, “Delays pitals, we are not immune to receive a $1000 pay incen- cal health.” send the wrong message, the ever-escalating health- tive. Nurses who have re- “All of our nurses are val- and we want to apologize care costs and all of the ceived less than the $1000 ued employees and we to not just our nurses but other pressures associated will be paid the shortfall recognize their service our entire team for this. We with operating a healthcare retroactively. and commitment to pa- recognize the urgent need facility, especially during this “We have always been and tient care,” said Jacqueline for these funds as well as time. This was one of the continue to be committed Jno-Baptiste, MSJMC Direc- the length of time it has main reasons for our delay to ensuring that our team – tor of Nursing. “Through- taken to distribute. We are in starting the process of nurses and all others - are out this entire crisis they’ve confident that the employ- payment. supported. We are making been on the frontlines at ees will begin to receive The payment criteria put in every effort to be as inclu- high risk and high exposure payment in short time.” FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 FEATURE PAGE 10 Haiti – on the edge of disaster again (The writer is the Ambassa- about peace and to assist in dor of Antigua and Barbuda to resolving the issues that are the U.S. and the Organization causing violence and destruc- of American States. He is also tion. While the Haitian gov- a senior fellow at the Institute ernment might not agree, the of Commonwealth Studies, Uni- present circumstances of the versity of London and at Massey country are crying out for re- College in the University of To- medial action. ronto) Hence, CARICOM was right, on February 11, to issue a pub- Haiti – a country to which all lic statement “encouraging all other countries that suffered parties to engage in mean- slavery are deeply indebted – ingful dialogue in the interest is once again in turmoil. of peace and stability” and Therefore, no Caribbean “strongly urging that action be Community (CARICOM) coun- taken to foster a safe environ- try should stand aside, silently, ment, a return to normal life By Sir Ronald Sanders while Haiti is sliding into fur- and the building of sustainable More recent events in Haiti, ther catastrophe, retarding its democratic institutions”. however, have attracted strong already impoverished econo- Since October 2019, when criticism of Moïse. The most my and depriving the Haitian President Jovenel Moïse post- compelling condemnation has people of hope for an im- poned parliamentary and lo- come from seven members proved future. cal elections, there has been of the House of Representa- Of course, no country should no legislature in Haiti. The tives of the United States of interfere in the internal affairs President has ruled the coun- America (U.S.). In early Feb- of any other state. CARICOM try by decree, contrary to its ruary, they wrote to the Secre- has never done that. In the Constitution. Even at the mu- tary of State, Anthony Blinken, times, when the organization nicipal level, when the terms demanding the departure of has played a role in resolving of elected Mayors end, Moïse Moïse “in accordance with the political, electoral, and consti- has appointed persons of his Haitian Constitution”. tutional issues in a CARICOM own choosing. For several months, the con- member-state, it has done so Further, in the absence of tention has been made by po- at the invitation of the Gov- a legislature which, under the litical and civil rights groups in ernment and other political Constitution, is required to Haiti, that in conformity with parties. This occurred most approve appointments to in- the Constitution, the Presi- recently in Guyana, where dependent institutions and dent’s term ended on Febru- CARICOM played a pivotal law enforcement agencies, in- ary 7 – five years after the last role in upholding democracy cluding the Police, President elections in November 2016. and ensuring the credible re- Moïse has unilaterally installed He has contended that, not- sult of elections. favoured persons. For over withstanding the position stat- Non-interference in the inter- a year, these circumstanc- ed in the Constitution about nal affairs of a state should es have infuriated opposition the life of the President’s term, not be construed as approval. parties as would be expected, he is entitled to remain in of- And, when conditions reach but they also caused alarm fice for another year, since the point of loss of lives, the among human rights groups he did not assume office until least that friendly states should within the country and inter- February 2017. do is to offer to help to bring nationally. In a situation in which a Presi- cont’d on pg 11 PAGE 11 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 cont’d from pg 10 dent’s stewardship has ty. Kidnappings him. Police arrested plans to hold a ref- brought peace, eco- and killings haunted and detained 23 per- erendum on April 25 nomic development rich and poor alike, sons, including a for- on a draft constitu- and social progress, and marauding gangs mer presidential can- tion that his Com- the Haitian society ruled districts driving didate, a high-ranking mittee has drafted. may have gone along fear into communities. police inspector and Amongst other things, with Moïse’s view. Massacres occurred a judge on the coun- the draft constitution, Unfortunately, the sit- in neighbourhoods try’s highest court. will set the stage for uation on the ground where opposition to Additionally, Mosie, Presidential and other in Haiti has been very Moïse is strong. arbitrarily sent three elections. The pro- different. Moïse was All this led to street judges of the Court of cess has no credibility not a popularly elect- protests which the Justice on retirement. and no support from ed President. The 2016 government met with One of these judg- opposition political elections had a low an iron fist. In recent es was named joint- parties and civil rights turnout of voters. His weeks, Police have ly by the Opposition groups and, therefore, actions, since then, fired live ammunition parties as the “Inter- will continue to rouse especially his ruling by into crowds, killing im President” of Haiti protests and crowd decree, weakened his and wounded people – much as happened demonstrations. approval still further. including two journal- with Venezuela’s Juan Haiti, including Pres- In this atmosphere, ists, one of whom is in Guaidó. The U.S. Em- ident Moïse, and all the country slipped a critical condition. bassy in Haiti issued the other actors – po- into lawlessness – During this, on Feb- a statement question- litical and civil – need some of it alleged- ruary 7, Moïse al- ing the merits of the the help of honest ly engendered by leged that there was action to unseat the brokers and mediators Moïse’s ruling par- a plot to overthrow judges. to help create agreed Several non-CAR- conditions to remedy ICOM countries, look- the institutional issues, ing for a solution to including the election the current problem, machinery. Without it, are doing what they the situation is Haiti

usually do – focussing will worsen. on Presidential elec- No country or or- PDV CAB announces that regrettably, due to restrictions put in place by the tions to end the con- ganisation can impose Health Department, we are not able to distribute our utility subsidy voucher flict. itself to assist Haiti. booklets as customary. Therefore, there will be no booklet distribution this The problem is that The Haitian players month at the Multipurpose Cultural Centre or at our offices at Long Street until there is no credible must invite such help. further notice. election machinery in Until they do so, all

Haiit, including no up- organisations, includ- Instead, our partner, APUA, will credit beneficiaries $100 monthly on their registered electricity accounts for the months of March, April and May 2021. to-date and verifiable ing CARICOM and the electoral list. What is Organisation of Amer- Beneficiaries who have received their new booklets for the period March to more, Moïse appoint- ican States should ex- August 2021, are asked to utilize the vouchers with APUA as per usual. ed a Committee of his press their concerns associates to make and stand ready to Regular updates will be provided in the media and for further information you recommendations on be helpful to the peo- may contact the PDV CAB office at 562-6185 or 562-6189. institutional and po- ple of Haiti who de- litical reform, includ- serve the chance for Do continue to stay safe and observe all established health and safety protocols. ing of the provisional a better life. electoral council (CEP) which administers Responses and pre- elections. vious commentaries: The much great- www.sirronaldsanders. er problem is that he com FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 12 Antiguan Artist ‘K-Lee’ plans to take the world by storm and he’s well rounded in bass gui- tar and piano,” he said, explaining that musical talents run in his blood. And over the years as he pro- gressed into an adult, he perfected his dancing and singing abilities. “Some of my best memories was touring with my siblings in our earlier years performing in St. Thomas as a family,” he disclosed. But it was not all easy, he explained. “My musical career and journey have been exciting, draining; full of twists and turns like disappoint- ments…but rewarding and I am forever grateful to continue learn and develop as an artist and moreso as a person.” The twenty-nine-year-old has since been able to tour and perform for crowds in Rotterdam last year. “People that don’t speak my language,” he said jokingly. K-Lee also moved crowds in Mont- serrat in 2017, New York in 2019, London in 2019 and 2020 and the Netherlands also in 2020. “And the response was amazing. It was exciting to see people dancing and getting on bad, singing out to my music and thrilled with my per- formance,” the singer added. And he intends to perform for more audiences in every part of the world and “to make Antigua well recog- nized for having the most beautiful and talented people on earth.” K-Lee, is a member of Limerz Inc, a multi-media entertainment company who can be credited for pushing Antiguan artist Kieffer ‘K-Lee’ Lee him into international markets. “Ever since we teamed up, we’ve Inspired by soca stars like Kes the Antigua and Barbuda soca mon- been blessed to collab and work Band and award winning Pop R&B arch finals in 2019 with his jumpy on projects with some very tal- singer Chris Brown, Antiguan art- song ‘Push,’ grew up in the village ented international producers, DJ’s ist Kieffer ‘K-Lee’ Lee, plans to take of Bolans where from a very tender and song writers,” he shared. the world by storm, one stage at age he fell in love with music. Fans of the multi-talented singer a time. “My mom would sing and play gui- can expect a new song and music K-Lee, who made his way to the tar and my dad played in bands video sometime in March. WE ARE MAKING CHANGES FOR YOU The health and safety of sta and customers remain a top priority for us at the Caribbean Union Bank. Therefore, we have made some adjustments to our operations to enhance our COVID-19 safety protocols, while guaranteeing our customers the same great service to which they have been accustomed. These changes will become e ective on Monday 15th February, 2021.

Starling Business Centre Branch – Factory Road

The following services will be available:

All In-Branch Teller Services Debit Card Collection and Pinning New Account Applications and Appointments Account Withdrawals and Deposits Wire Transfers, Drafts, Currency Exchange Credit Card Collection, Payments and Enquiries Cheque Cashing and Cheque Deposits Merchant Applications, Settlements and Enquiries

Friar’s Hill Branch

The following services will be available:

Drive-Thru Teller Service ONLY Night Deposit Drop O and Collection Cheque Book Order and Collection New Account Applications and Appointments Debit Card Collection and Pinning

For your convenience and safety, please utilize our Electronic Banking Services to include Electronic Fund Transfers (EFTs), Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), International Credit and Debit Cards and Bill payments services.

WE ALSO ADVISE THAT OUR ATM HAS REINSTALLED IN THE JOLLY HARBOUR AREA, ADJACENT TO THE MAIN COMMERCIAL COMPLEX. All health and safety protocols are mandatory including sanitizing, physical distancing, and the wearing of masks. You may contact us via email at [email protected] or call (268) 481-8278

STAY SAFE. STAY SECURE #CUBCARES! FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 14 Guyana receives COVID-19 vaccines from Barbados doses will go exclusively to on this, and I really want our frontline workers.” to thank him…We’ve also On Tuesday, Barbados agreed that members of received 100,000 doses of the OECS, and indeed the Oxford-AstraZeneca in Barbados’ case Trin- vaccine from the govern- idad and Guyana, who ment and people of India. have helped us over the Dominica also received course of last year…that 70,000 doses of the vac- some of the vaccines we cine that was transported have received will go to to Roseau by the Regional our brothers and sisters in Security System. those territories.” Prime Minister Mia Mot- “I hope that Barbados, tley said Tuesday she had Dominica and the rest of Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali worked along with Prime the Caribbean can be an Minister Roosevelt Skerrit example to the rest of the (Barbados Today): Guy- am pleased to announce to secure the vaccines and world about how you co- ana’s President Irfaan Ali the arrival of the first batch they intended to share with operate. And even when announced on Wednesday of COVID-19 vaccines, of other CARICOM member you have a little, you share that Barbados is sharing which one hundred doses states. and you work together some of its COVID vac- will go to the CARICOM She said: “Prime Min- because we know that’s cines with Guyana. Secretariat and the re- ister Skerrit and myself the only thing missing in He said in a statement: “I maining fourteen hundred have worked very closely the world today,” she said. T&T murder suspect beaten to death

Donald Burris. The cause of death is simi- The autopsy, which revealed lar to that of the first suspect, that Balcon died from multi- Andrew Morris, who was also ple blunt trauma to the body, allegedly beaten to death in was completed shortly before the presence of police offi- 1:00 p.m. This meant that he cers. had been beaten about his Guardian Media had report- body. ed that Morris died from blunt Balcon was taken to hospital force trauma. in an unconscious state after His injuries included brain he being detained by police fractures, several broken ribs, for several hours on 31st Jan- bleeding from internal organs, uary. He died at the Eric Wil- burn marks to the back (pos- liams Medical Science Com- sibly from a taser) contusion plex on Monday 8th February. to the right eye, bleeding to Murder suspect Joel Balcon Police sources said he never the brain, damage to the legs regained consciousness and and shoulders. (Trinidad & Tobago Guard- was also paralyzed. Morris’s relatives claimed ian): An autopsy on the main Balcon was the main suspect he had been beaten in their suspect in the death of Andrea in the kidnapping and murder presence by officers of the Bharatt, Joel Balcon, shows he of Bharatt. She was snatched Special Operations Response was beaten to death. It was in Arima on 29th January. Team (SORT) at his home on done this week at the Foren- The body was identified by Tumpuna Road, Arima, when sic Sciences Centre, St James Balcon’s father Trevor Neal he was detained early in the by pathologist Dr Eastlyn Mc- and uncle Marvin Bramble. morning on 31st January. PAGE 15 REGIONAL NEWS FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 Dominica PM says receipt of COVID-19 vaccine signals start of fightback

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit received first batch of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine from the government of India

(CMC): The donation gion. Both countries re- the danger of passing Also heaping praise on of several batches of ceived shipments of the up such an opportunity Prime Minister Mottley the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines earlier that as this to safeguard the for ensuring Barbadians vaccine by the govern- day. health of yourself and receive the vaccines, the ment of India to Barba- Addressing nation- your loved ones.” Dominican leader noted dos and Dominica has als of both countries, Skerrit said that being the batches of the Ox- been hailed as the start Skerrit said: “Guided by the leader of a small ford-AstraZeneca vac- of the region’s fightback the results of the latest Caribbean island, with cine would be securely against the dreaded studies, this vaccine will a population of just stored and, like Barba- COVID-19 pandemic. reduce the likelihood of 72,000, he did not ex- dos, his country would Dominica’s Prime Min- transmission to others; pect such a swift posi- soon be advancing its ister Roosevelt Skerrit this means that Dom- tive response to his re- public awareness cam- emphasized that Tues- inica as a country will quest for the vaccines paign and rolling out its day night as he joined soon be empowered to from India’s Prime Min- vaccination exercise this his Barbadian counter- achieve a crucial objec- ister Narendra Modi. month. part Mia Mottley via tive, which is to further Skerrit also recog- Stating that this would Zoom at a press con- minimize and eventual- nized the part played start on 22nd February, ference that saw them ly stamp out the impact by scientists and those he outlined the first to expressing gratitude to of the various strains of responsible for the “tire- receive vaccines would the government and COVID-19. The vaccine less research and trials be frontline workers, people of India for the will not be mandatory, that went into manufac- senior citizens who are first ever donation of but I would encourage turing this formula for at risk ,and members of the vaccine to the re- all citizens to consider resistance.” cabinet and parliament. FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS PAGE 16 Mexico president warns against believing US now has ‘open doors’

(Aljazeera): Mex- ple, that there is States and they will people to put them- ican President An- a US immigration be regularized, that selves at danger at dres Manuel Lo- policy to regular- has not been de- a time where it is pez Obrador said ize the situation of fined yet,” he said. not the right time on Thursday that migrants, Mexicans “Our brother mi- to come,” she said. migrants who be- and our Central grants should have Alluding to Trump’s lieve the “doors are American brothers, this information so border policy to open” to the United people think that that they won’t be separate families States, now that Joe now the doors are deceived by human after they cross, Biden is president, open, that Presi- traffickers, who Psaki said that mi- are wrong. dent Biden is go- paint a rosy pic- grants who are Lopez Obrador ing to immediately ture.” travelling with chil- urged migrants not regularize all mi- In Washington, dren are a “differ- to believe traffick- grants,” Lopez Ob- White House press ent circumstance” ers who tell them rador said. secretary Jen Psa- that will be handled they could get legal “It is not true that ki reiterated that “carefully.” status immediately. everyone can go Biden is commit- During his news “Now, for exam- now to the United ted to moving away conference, Lopez from the Trump ad- Obrador also cited AUCTION SALE NOTICE AUCTION SALE NOTICE ministration’s immi- the recent massacre gration policies, but of nineteen people, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA A.D. 2021 A.D. 2021 added that it is a including at least process that is go- fourteen Guatema- Instructed by the ANTIGUA AND Instructed by the ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA DEVELOPMENT BANK BARBUDA DEVELOPMENT BANK of 27 ing to take time. lan migrants, as of 27 St. Mary’s Street, in the City of St. Mary’s Street, in the City of Saint John, Saint John, in the State of Antigua and in the State of Antigua and Barbuda, I “[T]his is not the justification for his Barbuda, I will sell by public auction on will sell by public auction on Tuesday 23 time to come,” she policy of stopping Tuesday 02 March 2021 at 10:00 a.m. February 2021 at 12:00 p.m. on site, the on site, the under mentioned property under mentioned property owned by the said. Central American owned by Ms. Laura Nicholas of Cedar late Mr. John Richards of Five Islands, St. “The president is migrants at Mexi- Grove, St. John’s, Antigua. John’s, Antigua. committed to put- co’s southern bor- The property is located at Mount The property is located at Five Islands, St. ting in place, in der with Guatemala. Pleasant, St. John’s, Antigua and consists John’s, Antigua and consists of a parcel of land of an area of approximately of a vacant parcel of land of an area partnership with He said the mas- 6,534 sq. ft. with a single storey two (2) of approximately 11,835.22 sq. ft. / 0.27 bedroom, one (1) bathroom residential Acre. our Department of sacre showed that it dwelling of wooden and masonry walls thereon of an area offering approximately Homeland Securi- was too dangerous The service lines for potable water, 862 sq. ft. of living space. ty, a moral and hu- to allow migrants to electricity and telephone which are provided by A.P.U.A are accessible to The service lines for potable water, mane process for travel through drug the property. electricity and telephone which are provided by A.P.U.A are accessible to the processing people cartel turf in north- The land is registered under the property. at the border, but ern Mexico. Registered Land Act, 1975 as follows:- REGISTRATION SECTION: Hodges The land is registered under the that capacity is lim- “This was always Bay & Thibous Registered Land Act, 1975 as follows:- ited,” Psaki said. our argument, that BLOCK: 43 1896A REGISTRATION SECTION: Five Islands PARCEL: 643 BLOCK: 54 1292E “Right now, and it we need to protect PARCEL: 8 Parcel No. 643 of Block No. 43 1896A is means we’re just not migrants, watch out bounded by the following: Parcel No. 8 of Block No. 54 1292E is equipped to pro- for them,” he said. On the North by: Parcel 560 ; bounded by the following: On the South by: Public Road; On the North by: Parcel 167 ; cess people at the “If they enter [Mex- On the East by: Parcel 644 ; On the South by: Parcel 9 ; pace that we would ico] and spread On the West by: Parcel 642 On the East by: Public Road; On the West by: Parcel 7 ; like to do.” out, we cannot keep Particulars of the sale can be obtained from: Particulars of the sale can be obtained Psaki said the ad- an eye on them or Mr. Trevor ‘Teddy’ Santos from: ministration is con- protect them, and Licensed Auctioneer Mr. Trevor ‘Teddy’ Santos Office: (268) 562-7653 Licensed Auctioneer cerned about mi- they wind up in the Cell & WhatsApp: (268) 464-7653 Office: (268) 562-7653 grants who continue hands of organized Email: [email protected] Cell & WhatsApp: (268) 464-7653 Instagram: tts_auction_antigua Email: [email protected] to arrive at the bor- crime, they are in Facebook: Auction Antigua Instagram: tts_auction_antigua Facebook: Auction Antigua der. “We don’t want danger.” PAGE 17 INTERNATIONAL NEWS FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 China bans BBC World News from broadcasting (BBC): China has China has been systemati- banned BBC World News cally blocking or banning from broadcasting in foreign media, including in the country, its television effect expelling journalists and radio regulator an- from three US newspapers nounced on Thursday. in 2020. The BBC website China has criticized and its app are already the BBC for its report- banned in the country. ing on coronavirus and In February, the BBC the persecution of eth- published a report featur- nic minority Uighurs. ing interviews with Uighur The BBC said it was “dis- women who said they appointed” by the decision. had been systematical- It follows British me- China’s national interests.” move an “unacceptable cur- ly raped, sexually abused dia regulator Ofcom re- It said that the BBC’s ap- tailing of media freedom.” and tortured in China’s voking state broadcaster plication to air for another The US State Depart- “re-education” camps in China Global Television year would not be accepted. ment condemned the de- Xinjiang. China’s foreign Network’s (CGTN) licence The BBC said in a state- cision, calling it part of a ministry accused the BBC to broadcast in the UK. ment: ‘We are disappointed wider campaign to sup- of making a “false report.” Ofcom’s decision earli- that the Chinese authori- press free media in China. Last month the US said er this month came after ties have decided to take Relations between Chi- China has committed it found that CGTN’s li- this course of action. The na and the UK have seen genocide in its repression cence was wrongfully held BBC is the world’s most a serious deterioration in of the Uighurs and oth- by Star China Media Ltd. trusted international news recent months over Hong er mainly Muslim groups. CGTN was also found in broadcaster and reports Kong, where Beijing intro- According to esti- breach of British broad- on stories from around duced a controversial new mates, more than a mil- casting regulations last the world fairly, impartially security law after a large lion Uighurs and other year, for airing the alleged- and without fear or favour.” pro-democracy move- minorities have been de- ly forced confession of UK The commercially-funded ment swept the ex-colony. tained in camps in China. citizen Peter Humphrey. BBC World News TV chan- In January the UK in- China denies that Uighurs In its decision, China’s nel broadcasts globally in troduced a new visa that are persecuted. Last year, State Film, TV and Radio Ad- English. In China it is large- gives 5.4 million Hong China’s UK ambassador Liu ministration said BBC World ly restricted and appears Kong residents the right to Xiaoming told the BBC’s An- News reports about China only in international hotels live in the UK and even- drew Marr that reports of were found to “seriously vi- and some diplomatic com- tually become citizens be- concentration camps were olate” broadcast guidelines, pounds, meaning most Chi- cause it believes China is “fake” and the Uighurs re- including “the requirement nese people cannot view it. undermining the territo- ceived the same treatment that news should be truth- British Foreign Secretary ry’s rights and freedoms. under the law as other eth- ful and fair” and not “harm Dominic Raab called the And in the past two years nic groups in his country. cont’d from pg 18 echoes of last year’s im- day drew a direct line from of it, and urged his support- Rep. Diana DeGette of Col- peachment and acquittal his repeated comments ers to “stop the steal” of the orado. “The president told over the Ukraine matter, as condoning and even cel- presidency. them to be there.” prosecutors warn senators ebrating violence—prais- Prosecutors used the ri- At the White House, Pres- that Trump has shown no ing “both sides” after the oters’ own videos from that ident Joe Biden said he bounds and will do it again, 2017 outbreak at the white day to pin responsibility on believed “some minds may posing a danger to the civic supremacist rally in Char- Trump. “We were invited be changed” after senators order unless he is convicted lottesville, Virginia — and here,” said one. “Trump sent saw chilling security video and banned from future of- urging his rally crowd last us,” said another. “He’ll be Wednesday of the deadly fice. Even out of the White month to go to the Capitol happy. We’re fighting for insurrection at the Capitol, House, the former president and fight for his presiden- Trump.” including of rioters search- holds influence over large cy. He spread false claims “They truly believed that ing menacingly for House swaths of voters. about election fraud, even the whole intrusion was at Speaker Nancy Pelosi and The prosecutors on Thurs- there has been no evidence the president’s orders,” said Vice President Mike Pence. FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS PAGE 18 Once down in the weeds, cash-strapped pot producers raise billions in market rally (Reuters): A political ly in shares, owing to the tial public offering, accord- upside from U.S. decrimi- shift in the United States fact that they have been ing to a company filing. nalization. has unlocked an estimat- allowed to list on U.S. ex- Calgary, Alberta-based Viridian said the turned $1.38 billion jackpot for changes, while U.S. com- Sundial, a medical canna- around in Sundial’s for- struggling pot producers panies that harvest or sell bis producer, has issued tunes is good for them, who have cashed in on a marijuana within the coun- over a billion new shares but the advisory firm is surge in their shares since try are forbidden from do- since September. “a bit skeptical about any President Joe Biden’s elec- ing so. Considered by many an- fundamental changes at tion in November. Retail investors have also alysts to be a bankruptcy the company justifying this Cannabis producers piled into the pot sec- risk earlier, the company Cinderella story.” have issued stock worth tor this week, with Tilray, has improved its cash po- AMC Entertainment and this amount in the first five Aphria and Sundial Grow- sition from $22 million to American Airlines were weeks of 2021, investment ers emerging as the new over $600 million in just among a handful of com- firm Viridian Capital Ad- favorites of Reddit’s pop- four months and fully re- panies to have raised visors estimates, as prices ular WallStreetBets forum paid its current debt obli- funds from the market have risen on a promise that was behind recent ral- gations. when their shares soared of federal decriminaliza- lies in some shorted stocks. Market experts, howev- last month. tion of marijuana and a In a vote of confidence er, have said the cannabis GameStop could not host of other reforms by in the sector, a single un- rally is already overdone seize on the Reddit-fueled the incoming Biden admin- named institutional investor and valuations are once rally to sell shares because istration. this week bought $100 mil- again becoming unrealis- of regulatory restrictions, Canadian pot compa- lion worth of stock in U.S.- tic, especially for the Ca- according to three people nies have been the largest based pot producer Green nadian companies that familiar with the matter. beneficiaries of the ral- Thumbs Industries Inc’s ini- may not even get much Rioters acted on Trump’s ‘order,’ Democrats insist in trial Trump’s pattern of spread- it all for Trump. ing false and violent rheto- “If we pretend this didn’t ric that will continue to vex happen, or worse, if we let American politics if left unit go unanswered, who’s to checked. say it won’t happen again?” The Democratic prose- argued prosecutor Rep. Joe cutors described in stark, Neguse, D-Colo. personal terms the horror Trump’s defence will take faced that January day, in- the floor on Friday, and the cluding in the very Senate proceedings could finish chamber where Trump’s trial with a vote this weekend. is underway. They displayed The Democrats, with lit- the many public and explicit tle hope of conviction by instructions Trump gave his two-thirds of the evenly di- supporters—long before the vided Senate, are making White House rally that un- their most graphic case to leashed the Capitol attack the American public, while as Congress was certifying Trump’s lawyers and the Biden’s victory. Five people Republicans are focused on House impeachment manager Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo. died in the chaos and its af- legal rather than emotional termath, a domestic attack or historic questions, hoping (AP): House prosecu- sisting the Capitol invaders unparalleled in U.S. history. to get it all behind as quick- tors concluded two days believed they were acting In videos, some posted ly as possible. of emotional arguments in on “the president’s orders” to social media by rioters This second impeachment Donald Trump’s impeach- to stop Joe Biden’s election, themselves, invaders talked trial, on the charge of in- ment trial late Thursday, in- the deadly culmination of about how they were doing citement of insurrection, has cont’d on pg 17 PAGE 19 FUN ZONE FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021

QuickQUICK crossword CROSSWORD no 15,694 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Across 1 Cut into small cubes (4) 8 3 Spread scandalous information (8) 9 Flower of the buttercup family — name one (anag) (7) 10 Flowering plant of the legume family (5) 9 10 11 India's National Capital Territory (5) 12 A handsome young man (loved by both Aphrodite and Persephone) (6) 14 Get to the nub of the matter (3,2,3,5) 11 12 17 Consumption (6) 19 Primate native to Madagascar (5) 22 Following (5) 13 23 Daughter of the king of Spain (7) 24 Typical example (8) 14 15 16 Down 1 Person with zero chance of success (4,4) 2 Angler's wicker basket (5) 17 18 19 20 4 Performing better than expected (13) 5 Fusillade (5) 6 Powdered spice made from sweet peppers (7) 21 7 Sand hill (4) 8 Tile with dots on it, used in a game for two (6) 22 23 13 Winter month in the Northern hemisphere (8) 15 Publican — spatter (anag) (7) 16 Civil and religious leaders of a Muslim country (6) 18 Pungent (5) 20 Norwegian painter, d. 1944 (5) 24 25 21 Bivouac (4)

DAILY COMICS SUDOKU

Dilbert

Garfield

Cathy

How to play Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9. There is no math involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 WHAT’S UP? PAGE 20 LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST COMMUNITY NOTICES

THE CATHEDRAL AND PARISH OF ST. JOHN Considering the current restrictions there will be no in-person wor- ship at any of our parish churches for the next two weeks. We do apologise for any inconvenience.

CHSS DARE TO D.E.A.R. BOOK DRIVE 2020 Clare Hall Secondary School is inviting past Clarehalites, enter- tainers, radio personalities and the general public to participate in its DARE to D.E.A.R (Drop Everything and Read) Book Drive 2020. Send us a video recording about your favourite book and donate a copy or multiple copies of that book to our school library. Give us a call at 462-3487 or mail us at [email protected]. The book drive culminates in December 2020. We DARE you to D.E.A.R with us and help us promote literacy amongst our students.

YOUR DAILY HOROSCOPE

ARIES | Mar. 21-Apr. 19 LIBRA Sept. | 23-Oct. 22 As an Aries, you don’t always recog- Friday’s skies kick you into high-gear, nize when you’re in need of a break. Libra. The moon cruises into feel-it-all The cosmos are gently reminding you Pisces this morning, directing the bulk to pull back and nurture yourself to- of your attention towards your current day, as the moon slips into dreamy to-do list and any imbalances taking Pisces. place around your health.

TAURUS | Apr. 20-May 20 SCORPIO Oct. | 23-Nov. 21 Everything has been riding on the Things have been a bit too heavy for changes taking place in your ca- you lately, Scorpio. The cosmos work reer, Taurus. So much so that you to give you the break you deserve may feel a bit disconnected from today, as the moon wades into richly the community of friends that mat- creative Pisces. Luna’s stay here helps ter to you. to restore a sense of balance.

GEMINI | May 21-June 20 SAGITTARIUS | Nov. 22-Dec. 21 You’ve been so in your head, Gemini. You rarely let yourself get the rest you need, It’s time to come back to Earth and Sagittarius. The universe is encouraging you make your visions a reality! It’s an ideal to slow your pace today. You’ll be happiest day to put yourself in front of the right if you keep a low social profile and stick to people, as you tend to stand out from small tasks around the house, rather than the pack during this time of the month. continue to tax yourself mentally.

CANCER | June 21-July 22 CAPRICORN | Dec. 22-Jan. 19 One more day of the same old routine A busy day lies ahead, Capricorn. After a is bound to drive you crazy, Cancer. few days of ruminating on your potential, Find a way to shake things up under you’re ready to begin doing your part to Friday’s skies, lest you go stir-crazy. share your story. The moon slides into po- The moon moves into ethereal Pisces, etic Pisces this morning, gearing you up for helping you reconnect with yourself. any activities that require self-expression.

LEO | July 23-Aug. 22 AQUARIUS | Jan. 20-Feb. 18 As a Leo, it can be difficult for you to Friday’s skies are all about taking stock sit with your messier emotions. You tend of what you’ve already got, Aquarius. to joke about them or avoid them alto- The moon drifts into emotionally rich gether if they try to swallow your shine. Pisces this morning, turning your atten- This sweet young dog named Hazel (the colour of her eyes) is at the Friday’s skies ask you to approach any tion to your current set of skills and the Humane Society‛s Animal Shelter in Bethesda waiting for a forever unsettled feelings from a patient place. state of your financial resources. home. She has been wormed, dipped for fleas and ticks and vaccinated. She will be spayed next week and will be available from February 20. If you would like to adopt Hazel, please call us at 461-4957 or visit the VIRGO | Aug. 23-Sept. 22 PISCES | Feb. 19-Mar. 20 shelter from Monday to Saturday between 10 am and 4 pm. So much of your energy has been invest- You’ve been hard to reach, Pisces. ed into your workflow lately, Virgo. The uni- The universe has encouraged you to The Antigua & Barbuda Humane verse works to balance your life back out make this inwardly focused move, as Tel: (268) 461-4957 today. Relationships and their concerns you’ve needed to face the worn-out Email: [email protected] dominate the day ahead, as you find parts of your personality that are in Website: www.antiguaanimals.com yourself devoting energy to your love life. need of release. Facebook: Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society

Tell us what’s happening in your community. Submit community notices to [email protected]

FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 SPORTS NEWS PAGE 22 T&T Red Force get off to a winning start in the CWI Super50 of-the-match Carty struck a superb unbeaten 123 that included nine fours and three sixes. But it was Hayden Walsh Jr’s destructive innings that sealed the deal in the dying moments of the game. With an asking rate of close to fourteen runs per over, the man from Liberta hammered three massive sixes off Chemar Holder over to Elvin Lewis left, Darren Bravo, right score twenty-eight off just Trinidad and Tobago Lewis, looking to force and five sixes, while the nine balls, which kept the Red Force, led by better his way back into the West exciting Nicolas Pooran Hurricanes in the game. than a run-a-ball 107 by Indies ODI team for the added 43. Brandon King Twenty-six runs were Evin Lewis, eased past upcoming series against made 97 in the Jamaica taken from the over Jamaica Scorpions with Sri Lanka, featured in a Scorpions innings; and that positioned fifty-five balls to spare. 112-run partnership with however, Jamaica could the Leewards on the The left-hander faced Jason Mohammed that only manage 103 runs path to victory chasing just ninety-two deliveries, laid the foundation for from the last 17 overs on 302. After losing their cracking eight fours and the Red Force’s chase, an excellent batting track. first encounter to the seven sixes as the Red after Lendl Simmons fell On Wednesday at the Windward Volcanoes, the Force chased 258 for 6 for a duck to Sheldon Coolidge Ground Kacey Hurricanes brought joy made by the Scorpions. Cotterell. Carty’s maiden List A to their supporters and The two sides met on Darren Bravo was century led the Leeward positioned themselves for Thursday at the Sir Vivian unbeaten on a run a ball Hurricanes to victory over a top four spot in the Richards Cricket Stadium. 59 that included two fours the Barbados Pride. Man- semifinals later this month. Chris Gayle launches Triple century records said he has many songs ready,” Gayle expressed. in the pipeline and he is “I said it was a joke, but already receiving calls the remix was done and it from artist in India and turned out to be a hit,” the from all over the world. left-handed power hitter The man called the noted. Gayle said many of ‘Universe Boss’ said what artistes have reached out started as a joke with to him, including prominent Jamaican entertainer Stylo artistes from India where G has been transformed he has almost god-like into a serious business status. opportunity. Gayle “There have also been The ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle explained Stylo G had people from South Africa done a song and he joked and Australia who have Chris Gayle is promising music, the man who has with the artist about doing reached out, saying they to deliver hits of different smashed more than a a remix for a song called listen to the song I did kinds of music in the near thousand sixes in T20 ‘Too Hot Celebrity.’ with Stylo G and they love future with the formation cricket has plans to spit “I indicated to Stylo G ‘let’s it. I am the Universe Boss, of his record label Triple out musical hit after hit. do a remix’ and eventually it’s my world; you can look Century records. Gayle, who indicated the the artist appeared at out for some big things,” As his love grows for label was formed in 2020, my home saying he was the Jamaican said. PAGE 23 SPORTS NEWS FRIDAY, 12 FEBRUARY, 2021 English football chiefs pen letter to Twitter and Facebook Several footballers have weeks have seen the levels abhor racism, sexism don’t want hate and been targeted by racist of vicious, offensive abuse and discrimination of racism on our platforms abuse on social media from users of your services any kind. We have had and remove it when we in the last few weeks aimed at footballers and many meetings with find it. The new measures and governing bodies in match officials rise. Even your executives over the announced Wednesday, England have called for further, we write to ask years but the reality is which include tougher greater action. that for reasons of basic your platforms remain action when we become The chiefs of football human decency you use havens for abuse. Many aware of people breaking governing bodies across the power of your global footballers in English the rules in DM’s further England have joined systems to bring this to football receive illegal build on the work we do forces to pen a letter to an end.” abuse from accounts all to tackle the situation. We Twitter and Facebook, “The language used over the world and your will continue to work with demanding stronger is debasing, often companies have the Kick-it-Out, all industry action amid footballers threatening and illegal power to bring this to an bodies, the police and and officials beingand causes distress to end,” the letter urged. the government to help targeted with vile abuse. recipients and the vast A Facebook tackle racism both on The letter reads: “Recent majority of people who spokesperson said: “We and offline.”

Mavs owner insists he did not cancel anthem

them. Cuban’s decision went unnoticed for the first ten regular season home games because fans had not been allowed to at- tend due to coronavirus restrictions. But after a limited number of spectators attended Monday’s game against the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Cuban had previously decided to dis- continue the song. The sixty-two-year-old billionaire later revealed Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban that he and his players felt the song is not represen- After discontinuing the “We didn’t make any our flag flying proud up tative of all communities. national anthem at home decision to never play the on the wall at the Amer- The NBA responded games, only to have the national anthem then—that ican Airlines Center and Wednesday by releasing NBA reinstate its long- wasn’t the case at all,” Cu- everybody had the op- a statement, saying that standing policy requiring ban told ESPN’s The Jump portunity to address it and all teams were expected teams to stand for the on Wednesday amid a pray to it or salute to it to stand: “With NBA teams Star-Spangled banner, growing controversy over or whatever their feelings now in the process of Dallas Mavericks owner the initial decision to stop are.” welcoming fans back into Mark Cuban is now insist- playing the anthem before Cuban said there was their arenas, all teams will ing he did not cancel the games. “We didn’t cancel never any final decision play the national anthem song and never actually the national anthem,” he that was made that they in keeping with longstand- changed any team policy. continued, “We still had would not play the an- ing league policy.” PAGE 24 FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY 2021 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG Sir Vivian Richards Stadium ready for an active 2021 Manager of the Sir Vivian that Antigua and Barbuda Richards Stadium, Keithroy will be hosting cricket Black, said management every month of the year and staff are ready for an with an economic injection active year of cricket at anticipated in certain the facility. sectors. Presently the CWI Black said his staff have Super50 is being hosted at been working diligently to the facility, with six matches make sure that everything that started Thursday is in place to host the scheduled to be played. Super50, Sri Lanka, South Black, speaking to Africa, and Australia during PointeXpress, said in his 2021 cricket calendar. Plans conversation and meetings were in place to celebrate with lead grounds-man, the sixty-ninth birthday of former Leeward Islands Sir Vivian Richards but the player Anthony Merrick, stadium manager noted Sir Vivian RIchards Stadium manager Keithroy Black he has been given the that if fans are not allowed assurance that the pitch into the stadium during this government and health reinforced and prepared is in great condition and year’s cricket cycle, they officials to facilitate a certain to sell marketing spots to ready to facilitate cricket will have to cancel the number of spectators for businesses as a way of for the entire year. events. the semifinals and final. Six securing much needed Recently in Parliament, No fans are allowed in matches will be played in revenue. Minister of Sports Daryl the games being played at this year’s Super50 at the “We are trying our best Matthew informed his the Coolidge Ground and venue. to create as much revenue colleagues and the nation Sir Vivian Richards Stadium The marketing team at centers as possible to but Cricket West the stadium have embarked alleviate the pressure on Indies is hoping on a programme to have the government to subsidize to convince the several of the gated areas the facility,” stated Black.

Editor: Everton Barnes, Published by Pointville Communications, Lower North Street, St. John’s, Antigua 1(268) 562-4989 Editorials: [email protected], Advertising: [email protected], Reporting: [email protected]