WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 | ISSUE 221 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG 2021: REVENUE RECOVERY YEAR SEE PAGE 3

WIOC ANNOUNCES NEW CLOSING DATE FOR SHARE OFFER PAGE 5 PAGE 2 WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 EDITORIAL POLICING IN THE US COMES UNDER THE MICROSCOPE, FINALLY!

The unrelenting killing which protects them ing black’. utes, Yet less than an of African Americans from civil lawsuits for By comparison, white hour after the verdict, in the United States by actions that may have alleged perpetrators a teenage black girl law enforcement offi- committed in carrying of mass killings in the was shot dead by po- cers must be a matter out their duties. “In the US are more likely to liced in Indiana and of concern for all of United States, quali- be taken in alive by the in North Carolina the humanity. fied immunity is a legal police, except in those autopsy has indicated The United States has principle that grants cases where they kill that a black man shot often promoted itself government officials themselves. dead the day after, was as the leader of the de- performing discre- The matter moved executed. mocracy world where tionary functions im- from the sublime to It is against this the principles of dem- munity from civil suits the ridiculous when background that we ocratic, justice and fair unless the plaintiff the white teenager welcomed the an- play are deeply em- shows that the official who killed eight peo- nouncement from the bedded into the coun- violated “clearly es- ple who were praying International Com- try’s legal and political tablished statutory or at a church, had po- mission of Legal Ex- systems. constitutional rights lice officers stopped perts that they were Yet despite its self-righ- of which a reasonable at a fast food restau- releasing a report teous posture on the person would have rant to purchase food on Tuesday of their world stage, there is known”. This is how for him. Then the findings on racist po- an ugly under-belly to the term is explained man who murdered lice tactics in the US. the US justice system in the literature. another eight people The commission also that has been playing The rate of police kill- – six of whom were found the US guilty before our collective ings of black people in Asian Americans - at of crimes against hu- eyes for generations the US is like a disease massage parlors last manity. (That report with no let-up in site. in the American body month, the police has since been re- That ugly under-belly politic; no other race chief reported to the leased). The report of the US justice sys- in the US has suffered media that the perpe- is the culmination of tem is the killing of as much at the hands trator ‘had a bad day’. weeks of live hear- mainly African Ameri- of law enforcement. White police officer, ings in the cases of 45 can young men by po- What is particular- Derek Chauvin, was people of African de- lice officers. ly troubling is that in convicted for the mur- scent killed by police Police officers in the most cases the victims der of George Floyd and one who was left United States have en- have been stopped last week for kneeling paralyzed, as well as joyed what is termed for minor traffic viola- on this man’s neck for months of review of qualified immunity tions or simply for ‘be- nine and a half min- relevant documents.

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The Commission lor of the UWI, Sir Hil- South Africa. It was tional efforts to pres- comprised Antigua ary Beckles. that pressure that pre- sure the US to end and Barbuda’s Gover- The internation- cipitated the fall of the the murder of black nor General Deputy, al community took cruel system. There Americans. Enough is Sir Clare Roberts as a stance against the needs to be a similar enough! well as Vice Chancel- apartheid system in coalescing of interna- 2021: A YEAR OF REVENUE RECOVERY the figures for Anti- in revenues from their gua and Barbuda have customs division. been considered to be Referring to the de- among the best perfor- cline in revenues for mance by a customs the first quarter of the division throughout month compared with the Caribbean. He not- last year, Boddu said ed that most Caribbe- he is not surprised as an territories recorded prior to the lock-down Raju Boddu much steeper declines caused by the corona- Revenue collections at last year. Figures from the Customs and Ex- the division show that cise Division, one of so far this month col- the country’s main rev- lections have totalled enue centres, declined $22,054,321.00 which by almost twelve per is less by almost two cent in the last year million from last April’s when compared with total of $24,051,354.00. the previous year, 2019. For the period, January However, although rev- to April last year, the enue collections at the Customs Division col- department are down lected $119,034,336.00 for the first four months compared with of the year compared 104,779,310.00. Overall with the corresponding collections for the year period last year, Comp- 2020, was $343.6 mil- troller of Custom, Raju lion which represented Boddu, is predicting a decline of over elev- that collections will en per cent over the rebound this year to 2019 figures of $389.6 make up much of the million. According to losses encountered the Customs chief, Cont’d on pg 4 PAGE 4 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 virus pandemic, the di- first quarter of 2021 is when there was nearly lion lost last year. How- vision was on the way down compared with a fifty per cent decline ever, he said the con- to recording perhaps the same time last in economic activity. So tinued spread of the its best year ever. “2020 year that the gains in by June we should be virus in some countries March was a very good revenue collections on par with collections makes achieving this month for us; we were will begin manifest- for last year,” he stat- ‘a daunting task.’ This off to a flying start. ing themselves by the ed. As the easing of the ‘third wave’ has had an At the end of the first second quarter of this COVID-19 restrictions impact on the supply quarter, we were up by year. The comptroller in the country contin- chain, thus affecting a surplus of two million reported that the sec- ues and there is some world trade. dollars on the best per- ond quarter of last year measure of normality, “The cascading effect forming year – 2019. was particularly bad Boddu is firmly of the can be felt by some This means we were for revenue collections view that 2021 will see countries like us. We heading towards that at the division because revenues of about $370 therefore expect to re- goal of collecting in that period was when million, much closer to gain $30-35 million excess of $400 million the lock-down was ful- the 389 million collect- which we lost. 2021 is before the pandemic ly enforced. “The next ed last year. for me a recovery year, derailed all that,” he quarter – April, May According to Boddu, how much we recover explained. and June – will be bet- the aim at the Customs depends on how the Boddu predicts that ter than the last quarter and Excise Division is economic activities while revenue for the or last year at this time to regain the $43 mil- unfold,” he declared. WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 5 WIOC ANNOUNCES NEW CLOSING DATE FOR SHARE OFFER 50,000,” he noted, ers the 2020 perfor- Georges is of the view mance commendable that many of the insti- and a reflection of the tutional players would Company’s resilience wish to invest as much and diversity. Georg- as three million dol- es commented that lars, which is what the “although 2020 saw a 50,000 shares repre- decline due to the on- sent. Up to 21st April, going COVID-19 pan- the first deadline for demic, his expectation the share offer, most is that the company Gregory Georges CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER of the shares were be- will return to pre- ing purchased by the COVID-19 levels of The West Indies Oil ally, an amendment individual investors revenue and earnings Company (WIOC) to the prospectus al- as up to that point after 2022.” He com- has announced a new lows for the maximum close to five hundred mented further that closing date for the share per applicant to had applied to pur- he is confident in the offer of its shares for increase from 15,096 chase shares. WIOC company’s strategic sale to members of shares to 50,000 has experienced con- thrust which includes the public. Originally shares,” the statement sistent growth across the following projects set for 21st April, the said. WIOC Chief Ex- its business through- and initiatives: company last week ecutive Officer Greg- out the years with the 1. Investment in indicated that the ory Georges said the pre-COVID period renewable energy share offering would decision to extend in the financial year 2. Rebranding and be extended for up to the share offering was 2019, recorded profits upgrading of service a month. In a press based on the need to amassing over twen- stations statement, WIOC has attract more institu- ty-six million dollars. 3. New partner- formally announced tional investors. “We In 2020, despite the ship in fuel supply at that the closing date wanted to give them negative impact of the VC.. Bird Interna- for the sale is now more time to make reduced traffic at the tional Airport 21st May 2021. The their decisions regard- V.C. Bird Internation- The offer of the sale of company has also ing their investment al Airport and lim- shares in WIOC was a announced changes strategies. But at the ited business with commitment made to the share offering. same time, we want- key customers in the by the Antigua and “A new closing date ed to make it worth hotel and restaurant Barbuda government of 21st May 2021 has their while hence the sector, WIOC gener- immediately after it been set and will al- reason to increase the ated net income of purchased the com- low for further inves- maximum amount $14.5 million dollars. pany from the Bruce tor engagement with of shares per appli- CEO Georges consid- Rappaport estate. the public. Addition- cant from 15,096 to PAGE 6 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 Prime Minister Gaston Browne expresses solidarity with India

uous support and ing tragedy. Photos well-wishes,” PM show grieving families Browne added. dressed in full protec- According to CNN, tive suits at mass cre- “The country is expe- mations, performing riencing the world’s last rites surrounded worst outbreak. Daily by dozens of other cases have been ris- burning funeral pyres. ing continuously for Hospitals have run out the past ten days; on of basic medical sup- Monday, India report- plies, with many pa- ed 352,991 new cases, tients dying due to ox- breaking yet another ygen shortages. Family record for the highest members are driving single-day figure glob- from clinic to clinic, ally. On the ground, frantically searching these numbers trans- for open ICU beds for late to heart wrench- their loved ones.”

Prime Minister Gas- Minister, and we can ton Browne wrote to only imagine the Prime Minister Na- mounting challenge rendra Modi of the which the circum- Republic of India ex- stances now pose for pressing his gratitude your government and to the Indian gov- people. We pray for ernment for support India’s recovery and during the pandemic. stand in solidarity with In the letter to Prime India at this time,” PM Minister Modi, PM Browne said. Browne expressed the The country’s lead- solidarity of Antigua er went on to thank and Barbuda in the Prime Minister Modi crisis which India now for his extreme gener- faces as COVID-19 osity and the consis- cases explode in your tent support shown to many cities and com- Antigua and Barbuda. munities. “My heart “Be assured of my feels your pain, Prime country’s contin-

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Media reports from Public Health Founda- facturer of vaccines. India donated one around the globe are tion of India on Mon- Countries including million dollars’ worth also suggesting that day. “The kind of data Antigua and Barbuda, of Personal Protective the situation may pos- that we see, (we are) the Bahamas, Barba- Equipment to Anti- sibly get worse. at least two to three dos, Belize, Dominica, gua and Barbuda to “The government has weeks away from the Montserrat, Saint Kitts help fight COVID-19. been scrambling to peak.” and Nevis, Trinidad The items donated to respond to the crisis, The majority of the and Tobago, Surina- the twin-island state with countries around COVID-19 vaccines, me, Grenada, Guyana, included 115,000 sur- the world offering aid. which are said to Haiti, Jamaica, Saint gical masks, two thou- But for now, the out- be the best weapon Lucia, Saint Vincent sand full-cover protec- break shows no signs against serious illness, and the Grenadines, tive goggles, 200,000 of letting up, and ex- hospitalisation or and the Dominican examination gloves, perts warn it could get death from COVID-19 Republic have all ben- two thousand face even worse. are coming from the efitted from India’s hu- shields, 10,000 dis- “I’m afraid this is not Serum Institute of In- manitarian aid. posable impervious the peak,” said Dr. Gi- dia (SII) – which is the During the height of gowns, and six ventila- ridhara R. Babu of the world’s largest manu- the pandemic in 2020, tors. PAGE 8 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 UK BORDER FORCE DONATES EQUIPMENT TO CUSTOMS DIVISION he related. In fact, Bod- “a further example of the du reported that prior to continued close coop- the onset of the corona- eration between the UK virus pandemic, a team and Antigua and Barbu- from UK Border Force da governments.” was embedded in the “With two flights weekly Customs Division, of- between our two coun- fering advice in several tries, the UK is keenly areas. “They helped us aware of the importance to improve the opera- of supporting our cus- tions at the airport and toms and border part- elsewhere as well as in in ners across the Atlantic,” specialised training,” he she remarked. recalled. She added that it is im- The comptroller an- portant that customs nounced that the UK officers carry out their Border Force has also duties in an atmosphere been offering advice and of health and safety. The training to the local Cus- list of equipment in- toms Division on im- cludes the following: plementing the NCEN software programme. • Shoes (weather- “We have tested and proof and oil resistant are ready to implement leather boots) the programme which • Latex gloves allows us to share infor- • Knee Pads UK’s Resident High Commissioner, Lindsy Thompson mation with other cus- toms divisions across the • Goggles The United Kingdom grammes of assistance globe. This programme • Flashlights government, through from the UK Border will help us to secure the Border Force, has Force over the past sev- the borders against illic- • Hard Hats made a donation of eral years. “The UK Bor- it trade, illicit drugs and • Ear defenders equipment to the Anti- der Force has long been firearms that may be en- gua and Barbuda Cus- a longstanding trusted tering the country,” he • Cameras toms Division. partner of the Customs stated. • Hex Key Sets At a brief hand-over Division, advising us on The UK’s resident High • Binoculars ceremony on Tuesday, enforcement strategies Commissioner, Lindsy Comptoller of Customs as well as assisting us Thompson, said the do- • Night Raju Boddu, said the di- in kind or by providing nation of fifteen thou- vision headset vision has been the ben- equipment to improve sand dollars worth of • Ladders eficiary of several pro- the work that we do,” equipment represents WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 9 VACCINATION TOTALS EXCEED THIRTY THOUSAND

The number of people who have received vac- cines under the government’s vaccination pro- gramme has now exceeded thirty thousand.

The Ministry of Health has revealed that to date up to 30, 316 individuals have presented them- selves to be vaccinated with their first jab of the vaccine.

Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph expressed his appreciation to members of the public who turned out to receive the COVID-19 vaccine over the weekend at the public market. As a result of the success of the mobile vaccination service at the public market, the Ministry of Health, is ex- panding the service and taking it to the people in areas with high human traffic. Three additional strategic locations for the mobile vaccination service will be announced during the week.

The ministry has expressed appreciation to healthcare workers, police officers and volun- teers for going beyond the call of duty, for their recognition of the importance of the COVID-19 vaccination programme and for their assistance last weekend. PAGE 10 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 CALVIN AYRE FOUNDATION MAKES DONATION TO SVG RELIEF

The Calvin Ayre Foundation still very real here in Antigua Foundation for this very lin, the donation will assist (CAF) has made a significant and Barbuda, we think it is timely donation to assist the NODS in procuring essential financial donation to the re- incumbent upon us to help people of St. Vincent and the items from a volcano relief lief efforts now underway in our brothers and sisters in St. Grenadines, in a very spe- needs list, which will include St. Vincent and the Grena- Vincent and the Grenadines cial way. They are now going general needs such as hy- dines where thousands have in their time of need.” through some challenges, giene products and medical been made homeless fol- Mullin expressed his grati- which will probably contin- equipment such as defibril- lowing this month’s eruption tude on behalf NODS and ue for some time and so it lators, cardiac monitors, of the La Soufrière volcano. the Government of Antigua would be nice if other good wheelchairs, portable oxy- The donation of EC$540,000 and Barbuda, for what he corporate citizens can come gen cylinders, air purifiers, (US$200,000) was made to considers a timely donation. forward and make some respirator masks. Other sec- the National Office of Di- “I want to use this opportu- more donations to assist tors of need include health, saster Services (NODS). The nity to thank the Calvin Ayre them.” According to Mul- structural and agriculture. announcement was made during a brief presentation with Director Philmore Mul- lin at his office at NODS. CAF’s Executive Director, Corinna Delowsky, after an extensive review of the situation, said “Now, more than ever, we have to be our brother’s keeper. So, on be- half of CAF and Ambassador Calvin Ayre, we’re proud to assist by donating this chec- que.” Media Relations Spe- cialist Jamilla Kirwan said, “One of our Pillars of Giving at the Calvin Ayre Founda- tion is Emergency Response, which we’ve been doing since the beginning of this pandemic, and, while we know that the pandemic is WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 11

APUA EXPLAINS TWO-DAY BROADBAND OUTAGES

The APUA Telecoms units are currently up and APUA is assuring its major network upgrade Business Unit is provid- running; however, sub- customers of its com- currently underway. ing information regard- scribers who may still be mitment to continually ing a two-day broadband without service are asked improve its services and AUCTION SALE outage earlier this week. to contact Customer Sup- they can look forward to NOTICE Instructed by the ANTIGUA AND In a statement apologiz- port at 611 immediately,” the new offerings that will BARBUDA DEVELOPMENT BANK of 27 St. Mary’s Street, in ing to its broadband sub- the statement added. be available following its the City of Saint John, in the State of Antigua and Barbuda, I will sell scribers, APUA said the by public auction on Tuesday 18 May 2021 at 10:00 a.m. on site, the outage, on Sunday and under mentioned property owned by Ms. Laura Nicholas of Cedar Monday, affected cus- Grove, St. John’s, Antigua. tomers in the following The property is located at Mount Pleasant, St. John’s, Antigua and areas: Old Parham Road, consists of a vacant parcel of land of an area of approximately New Winthropes, Ren- 11,835.22 sq. ft. / 0.27 Acre. frews, Belmont, Buck- The service lines for potable water, electricity and telephone which are leys, Cedar Valley, Clarke’s provided by A.P.U.A are accessible to the property.

Hill, Fitches Creek, Gun- The land is registered under the Registered Land Act, 1975 as thropes, Lightfoot and follows:- Potters. REGISTRATION SECTION: According to the state- Hodges Bay & Thibous BLOCK: ment, some mobile sub- 43 1896A scribers also experienced PARCEL: challenges during this 643 time as well. Parcel No. 643 of Block No. 43 1896A is bounded by the following: “The outage was the re- On the North by: Parcel 560 ; On the South by: Public Road; sult of technical issues On the East by: Parcel 644 ; that affected the power On the West by: Parcel 642 supply to a major net- Particulars of the sale can be obtained from: work point at Cassada Mr. Trevor ‘Teddy’ Santos Gardens. The engineer- Licensed Auctioneer Office: (268) 562-7653 ing team was able to iso- Cell & WhatsApp: (268) 464-7653 late the issue and a strong Email: [email protected] Instagram: tts_auction_antigua effort was quickly mobil- Facebook: Auction Antigua ised to restore services. All PAGE 12 UWI MEDIA RELEASE WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021

The UWI’s Stellar Leadership Confirmed: Times Higher Education 2021 Impact Rankings.

The UWI Regional excellence. The rank- latest rankings during a the University’s strategy Headquarters, Jamai- ings for 2021 are more media conference held for pursuing advance- ca W.I. Tuesday, April competitive than prior earlier today. Joined by ment of the SDGs in 27, 2021. —The Times years. In 2020, 768 uni- Pro Vice-Chancellor for the region. The Times Higher Education versities were ranked Global Affairs, Dr Luz Higher Education Im- (THE) has released its from 85 countries. In Longsworth and Pro pact Rankings are long-anticipated, pres- 2021, the number in- Vice-Chancellor for Ac- based on universities’ tigious 2021 Global Uni- creased to 1,115 univer- ademic, Industry Part- performance across versity Rankings for the sities from 98 countries nerships and Planning, the spectrum of the category—national, re- and cities, an increase Professor Densil Wil- United Nations Sus- gional and internation- of 45%.Vice-Chancel- liams, he shared details tainable Development al “Impact”. The best lor Professor Sir Hilary of how The UWI has Goals (SDGs). Univer- universities are ranked Beckles made the an- consistently top per- sities that met the merit using “Impact” as the nouncement and dis- formed in Times High- bar for rankings are as- criterion for measur- cussed the University’s er Education’s rankings sessed using four of the ing their performance performance in these since 2018, as well as SDGs. They are evaluat- WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 UWI MEDIA RELEASE PAGE 13 ed using data that high- was included in the top mance as a reputable funding will be mini- light their performance 1,115 of these universi- higher educational in- mal without top class in three areas: leader- ties for world SDG “Im- stitution on the global international partner- ship and stewardship; pact Ranking”. Using stage. This is a testa- ships.” These assess- research output and UNESCO’s base data, ment that, through the ments were supported teaching and advocacy. the Times impact rank- work of our scholars, by Vice-Chancellor, Of the four SDGs, only ing positions The UWI administrators, and Professor Sir Hilary one, SDG 17 – Partner- in the top 2.5% of the students; and with the Beckles, who said that ships for the Goals, is best universities global- support of our govern- “through international compulsory, while the ly in 2021.This impres- mental partners, pluri- partnerships univer- three other SDGs are sive result confirms lateral agencies and the sities are positioned open choices. The UWI that the strategic lead- regional private sector, to develop innovative chose: SDG 3 (Good ership and stewardship The UWI continues to research, mobilize sci- Health and Well-being); of The UWI, and its add significant value to ence, and distribute SDG 5 (Gender Equali- scholastic research out- the regional and glob- knowledge in order ty) and SDG 13 (Climate put and advocacy, were al community,” stated to impact policies for Action). The UWI’s rel- internationally mon- Pro Vice-Chancellor, economic growth, so- ative performance in itored and measured Professor Densil Wil- cial inclusion and job these four categories and adjudged to be liams, The UWI’s lead creation.” He added further enhanced its excellent. They reflect strategic planner. Pro further, “The UWI is international standing, the excellence of UWI Vice-Chancellor for here to serve the de- consolidating its repu- researchers in the SDG Global Affairs, Dr Luz velopment of our re- tation as a global leader. categories, and support Longsworth, noted that gion as its top priority. It maintained its status the effectiveness of The “The UWI’s emergence In a community that is as the only university UWI’s global partner- in the global higher ed- vulnerable to existen- in the English-speak- ing strategies. They also ucation arena is the ba- tial threats—climate ing Caribbean to make give context to the Unit- sis of its future financial change, chronic diseas- the global elite rank- ed Nations’ selection sustainability. Without es, and COVID-19—the ing.According to UN- of our Vice-Chancellor a respected ranking impact of universities ESCO and the Interna- as a higher education status there will be no such as ours has never tional Association of strategist to provide vi- competitive success in been more critical. This Universities, 20,000 of sioning for the global winning international global ranking con- the 30,586 universities university sector up to students, and securing firms that The UWI is at in the world from 196 2030 and beyond. “THE substantial research once excellent and eth- countries are officially continues to affirm The grants; and critically, ical.” accredited. The UWI UWI’s stellar perfor- international donor PAGE 14 CARICOM BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021

Lead Arranger: FirstCaribbean International Bank (Barbados) Limited – Barbados Michael Mansoor Building, Warrens, St. Michael | Barbados BB 22126 www.cibcfcib.com

Co – Arranger and Principal Broker: Bank of Saint Lucia Limited. WEST INDIES OIL COMPANY LIMITED #1 Bridge Street, P O Box 1860, Castries LC04 101 | Saint Lucia Press Release www.bankofsaintlucia.com The Broker Dealer: WIOC SHARE DIVESTMENT CONTINUES WITH NEW CLOSING DATE Bank of Saint Lucia Limited. Mr. Lawrence Jean ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – April 28, 2021 Tel: 1 (268) 736-2137 or 1 (758) 724-6898 The West Indies Oil Company Limited, (WIOC) – continues its divestment of ten percent (10%) E: [email protected] shares owned by the Government of Antigua & Barbuda (GOAB). A new closing date of May 21, 2021 has been set and will allow for further investor engagement with the public. Additionally, Ms. Deesha Lewis an amendment to the prospectus allows for the maximum share per applicant to increase from Tel: 1 (758) 456-6684 or 1 (758) 712-8912 15,096 shares to 50,000 shares. E: [email protected]

The decision to divest shares is a result of the GOAB making good on its commitment of This advertisement does not constitute a recommendation by the Joint Lead Arrangers, the Offeror or WIOC to any creating an opportunity for Antiguans & Barbudans to become shareholders of WIOC; the first recipient of this material in relation to this Offer. Each person should consult with a financial advisor licensed to provide financial advice by the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission before making any investment private Antiguan & Barbudan non-financial institution to go public. decision. Prospective investors understand that there are risks involved in acquiring or holding the securities being advertised. Securities- may fluctuate in value in money terms and the investor may not get back the amount WIOC has experienced consistent growth across its business throughout the years with the invested. Income (dividends) from the securities may fluctuate in value in money terms. The securities are not traded pre-COVID period in the financial year 2019, recorded profits amassing over $26 million dollars. on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange so it may be difficult for investors to sell the security or to obtain reliable information on its value or the risks to which it is exposed. Prospective investors understand that any In 2020, despite the negative impact of reduced traffic at the VC Bird International Airport and forward-looking statements made do not constitute guarantees of future performance and involve assumptions, limited business with key customers in the hotel and restaurant sector, WIOC generated net uncertainties, risks and various factors that are difficult to predict and may cause forecasts to materially differ from income of $14.5 million dollars. CEO Mr. Gregory Georges considers the 2020 performance reality. commendable and a reflection of the Company’s resilience and diversity. (Ends) Mr. Georges commented that “although 2020 saw a decline due to the ongoing COVID-19 Joint Lead Arrangers: pandemic, his expectation is that the company will return to pre COVID-19 levels of revenue and earnings after 2022”. He commented further that he is confident in the Company’s strategic thrust which includes the following projects and initiatives:

1. Investment in renewable energy 2. Rebranding and upgrading of service stations 3. New partnership in fuel supply at the VC Bird International Airport

The CEO gave special mention to a Business Park project on Friars Hill Road, adding that the groundbreaking is planned for later this year. “With a healthy portfolio of innovative projects combined with a committed and talented team of employees, the future of WIOC looks bright” ended Georges.

Additional information and Prospectus can be found at www.westindiesoil.com/invest The Offer is subject to the laws of Antigua and Barbuda, specifically the Securities Act 2001 and the Companies Act 1995. WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 CARICOM BUSINESS PAGE 15

(continued)

LeadLead Arranger: Arranger: FirstCaribbeanFirstCaribbean International International Bank Bank (Barbados) (Barbados) Limited Limited – Barbados – Barbados MichaelMichael Mansoor Mansoor Building, Building, Warrens, Warrens, St. St.Michael Michael | Barbados | Barbados BB BB 22126 22126 www.cibcfcib.comwww.cibcfcib.com

Co Co– Arranger – Arranger and and Principal Principal Broker: Broker: BankBank of Saintof Saint Lucia Lucia Limited. Limited. WEST INDIES OIL COMPANY LIMITED #1 Bridge#1 Bridge Street, Street, P O P BoxO Box 1860, 1860, Castries Castries LC04 LC04 101 101 | Saint | Saint Lucia Lucia Press Release www.bankofsaintlucia.comwww.bankofsaintlucia.com TheThe Broker Broker Dealer: Dealer: WIOCWIOC SHARE SHARE DIVESTMENT DIVESTMENT CONTINUES CONTINUES WITH WITH NEW NEW CLOSING CLOSING DATE DATE BankBank of Saintof Saint Lucia Lucia Limited. Limited. Mr.Mr. Lawrence Lawrence Jean Jean ST.ST. JOHN’S, JOHN’S, Antigua Antigua and and Barbuda Barbuda – April – April 28, 28, 2021 2021 Tel:Tel: 1 (268) 1 (268) 736-2137 736-2137 or 1or (758) 1 (758) 724-6898 724-6898 TheThe West West Indies Indies Oil Oil Company Company Limited, Limited, (WIOC) (WIOC) – continues – continues its itsdivestment divestment of tenof ten percent percent (10%) (10%) E: [email protected]: [email protected] sharesshares owned owned by bythe the Government Government of Antiguaof Antigua & Barbuda & Barbuda (GOAB). (GOAB). A new A new closing closing date date of Mayof May 21, 21, 20212021 has has been been set set and and will will allow allow for forfurther further investor investor engagement engagement with with the the public. public. Additionally, Additionally, Ms.Ms. Deesha Deesha Lewis Lewis an anamendment amendment to theto the prospectus prospectus allows allows for forthe the maximum maximum share share per per applicant applicant to increaseto increase from from Tel:Tel: 1 (758) 1 (758) 456-6684 456-6684 or 1or (758) 1 (758) 712-8912 712-8912 15,09615,096 shares shares to 50,000to 50,000 shares. shares. E: [email protected]: [email protected]

TheThe decision decision to todivest divest shares shares is ais resulta result of ofthe the GOAB GOAB making making good good on onits itscommitment commitment of of ThisThis advertisement advertisement does does not not constitute constitute a recommendation a recommendation by theby theJoint Joint Lead Lead Arrangers, Arrangers, the theOfferor Offeror or WIOC or WIOC to any to any recipient of this material in relation to this Offer. Each person should consult with a financial advisor licensed to creatingcreating an anopportunity opportunity for forAntiguans Antiguans & Barbudans & Barbudans to becometo become shareholders shareholders of WIOC;of WIOC; the the first first recipient of this material in relation to this Offer. Each person should consult with a financial advisor licensed to provideprovide financial financial advice advice by theby theEastern Eastern Caribbean Caribbean Securities Securities Regulatory Regulatory Commission Commission before before making making any any investment investment privateprivate Antiguan Antiguan & Barbudan & Barbudan non-financial non-financial institution institution to goto gopublic. public. decision.decision. Prospective Prospective investors investors understand understand that that there there are arerisks risks involved involved in acquiring in acquiring or holding or holding the thesecurities securities being being advertised.advertised. Securities- Securities- may may fluctuate fluctuate in value in value in money in money terms terms and and the the investor investor may may not not get get back back the the amount amount WIOCWIOC has has experienced experienced consistent consistent growth growth across across its itsbusiness business throughout throughout the the years years with with the the invested.invested. Income Income (dividends) (dividends) from from the thesecurities securities may may fluctuate fluctuate in value in value in money in money terms. terms. The The securities securities are arenot not traded traded pre-COVIDpre-COVID period period in thein the financial financial year year 2019, 2019, recorded recorded profits profits amassing amassing over over $26 $26 million million dollars. dollars. on on the the Eastern Eastern Caribbean Caribbean Securities Securities Exchange Exchange so it so may it may be difficultbe difficult for forinvestors investors to sell to sell the the security security or to or obtain to obtain reliable information on its value or the risks to which it is exposed. Prospective investors understand that any In 2020, despite the negative impact of reduced traffic at the VC Bird International Airport and reliable information on its value or the risks to which it is exposed. Prospective investors understand that any In 2020, despite the negative impact of reduced traffic at the VC Bird International Airport and forward-lookingforward-looking statements statements made made do notdo not constitute constitute guarantees guarantees of future of future performance performance and and involve involve assumptions, assumptions, limitedlimited business business with with key key customers customers in thein the hotel hotel and and restaurant restaurant sector, sector, WIOC WIOC generated generated net net uncertainties,uncertainties, risks risks and and various various factors factors that that are aredifficult difficult to predict to predict and and may may cause cause forecasts forecasts to materially to materially differ differ from from incomeincome of of $14.5 $14.5 million million dollars. dollars. CEO CEO Mr. Mr. Gregory Gregory Georges Georges considers considers the the 2020 2020 performance performance reality.reality. commendablecommendable and and a reflection a reflection of theof the Company’s Company’s resilience resilience and and diversity. diversity. (Ends)(Ends) Mr.Mr. Georges Georges commented commented that that “although “although 2020 2020 saw saw a declinea decline due due to tothe the ongoing ongoing COVID-19 COVID-19 JointJoint Lead Lead Arrangers: Arrangers: pandemic,pandemic, his his expectation expectation is that is that the the company company will will return return to preto pre COVID-19 COVID-19 levels levels of revenueof revenue and and earningsearnings after after 2022”. 2022”. He He commented commented further further that that he heis confidentis confident in thein the Company’s Company’s strategic strategic thrustthrust which which includes includes the the following following projects projects and and initiatives: initiatives:

1. Investment1. Investment in renewablein renewable energy energy 2. Rebranding 2. Rebranding and and upgrading upgrading of serviceof service stations stations 3. New 3. New partnership partnership in fuelin fuel supply supply at theat the VC VC Bird Bird International International Airport Airport

TheThe CEO CEO gave gave special special mention mention to ato Business a Business Park Park project project on onFriars Friars Hill Hill Road, Road, adding adding that that the the groundbreakinggroundbreaking is plannedis planned for forlater later this this year. year. “With “With a healthy a healthy portfolio portfolio of innovativeof innovative projects projects combinedcombined with with a committed a committed and and talented talented team team of employees,of employees, the the future future of WIOCof WIOC looks looks bright” bright” endedended Georges. Georges.

AdditionalAdditional information information and and Prospectus Prospectus can can be befound found at www.westindiesoil.com/investat www.westindiesoil.com/invest TheThe Offer Offer is subject is subject to theto the laws laws of Antiguaof Antigua and and Barbuda, Barbuda, specifically specifically the the Securities Securities Act Act 2001 2001 and and thethe Companies Companies Act Act 1995. 1995. PAGE 16 FEATURES WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 ACCOMMODATING EMPLOYEES WITH NCD’S.

This article provides guid- vidual employee and will sionals once there is an at- factorily. ance on best practices for be based on the require- mosphere of trust and the This will allow HR to dis- providing accommoda- ments of the job they hold complete confidence that cuss the proposed ac- tions to employees who and on recommendations where possible, accom- commodations with the suffer from Non-Commu- from the employee and/or modations may be mu- affected employee’s direct nicable Diseases. NCD’s their health care provider. tually agreed to. A vigilant supervisor or department are defined by the World All employers should HR professional would head to determine wheth- Health Organization have an established pol- note a decrease in pro- er they are feasible. In (WHO) as chronic dis- icy where they embrace ductivity caused by an in- some instances, accom- eases, which tend to be of diversity in the employee crease in sick days as a sig- modation is not possible. long duration, and are the body and understand and nal that an employee may For example, if a porter result of a combination accept that employees be struggling with a health who is hired to lift boxes of genetic, physiological, with a disabling NCD can challenge. There must be sustains an injury to his environmental, and be- be valued contributors to dialogue between em- back which prevents him havioral factors. The main the company’s success. ployee and employer for from lifting boxes per- types of NCDs are car- Clear communication accommodations to take manently, he may not be diovascular diseases like of this policy must begin place. able to continue in the heart attacks and strokes, even before an employ- HRPAB recommends a role in which he was hired. cancers, chronic respira- ee is hired. In many in- simple process for pro- In these circumstances, tory diseases, and diabe- stances, especially where viding accommodations, a reassignment may be tes. According to the Soci- a company does not re- which may be initiated appropriate before sever- ety for Human Resource quire a pre-employment either by the employee or ance is considered. Management (SHRM), physical as part of the the HR professional. Analysis should then be an accommodation is a recruitment and selec- First, have a discussion done of the request in- modification at the work- tion process, prospective with the employee about cluding cost as some ac- place which will allow the employees are afraid to their requested accom- commodations may not employee to continue to communicate honestly modations. Employee be feasible even though perform their duties. This regarding their NCD’s out must provide appropri- they are possible as they includes modifying work of fear that they will not be ate documentation from may be too costly or too schedules, restructuring selected for the job if they their health care provider disruptive to normal op- job functions, providing disclose them. to support their request, erations. For example, the special leave, providing Members of HRPAB have which should disclose the provision of a special van specialized equipment, or noted that when NCD’s nature of the impairment to transport a disabled retrofitting workspaces. develop after an employee or medical condition, the employee to and from In general, no one size fits is already engaged, em- severity of the condition work may pose an undue all approach is possible ployees are more likely to and the extent to which hardship for a small com- with accommodations. discuss their health chal- the condition impairs the pany. Rather, they must be tai- lenges with their Human employee’s ability to per- After this analysis, it is lored to suit each indi- Resource (HR) profes- form his/her duties satis- then HR’s responsibility WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 FEATURES PAGE 17 to communicate with the employee in writing the ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA NATIONAL company’s position. HR should also review peri- odically, the efficacy of the ACCREDITATION BOARD accommodations estab- lished as changes may be required. Personal Development In summary, though not Personal development takes place over the course of a always practicable, ac- person's entire life. It covers improving self-awareness, commodations are an identity, potential, goals, enhancing the quality of life option for employers and contributing to the realization of dreams and who value their human aspirations. resources and want to re- tain the services of their employees who might otherwise be barred from Self-awareness Goals work due to their medical Identifying your goals is important. This conditions. You must first explore who you are as requires you to ask yourself a few The Human Resource an individual. Developing an idea for questions. What is important to you? Professionals of Antigua your future gives you a better sense of What new skills do you want to acquire? and Barbuda (HRPAB) control over your life. Which achievements would make you is a registered non-prof- happier? Do you want to move ahead to the next stage in your career? it, professional associa- tion dedicated to the ad- vancement of the HR profession for national Planning Set a deadline development. We began informally from 2009 and legally registered in 2011. HRPAB’s growing mem- Make a list. Take a look at your list and select one goal When planning, we must be realistic. It is always good to determine how long it will take to achieve your bership represents private which is most important that you’ll work on first. After doing this, arrange your priority list and begin to plan the goal(s). Once you’ve established a realistic timeframe and public organizations steps that will be taken to get you closer to your goal(s). for those goal(s), it is important to stay committed. as well as independent consultants specializing in one or more areas of human resource manage- ment and development.

Membership is offered for Take Action Monitor Progress three categories: profes- sional, non-professional, Once you’ve made a start, the momentum will increase. The best motivator in achieving goals is to monitor your and honorary. You may Take small steps each day. progress. It is important to recognize when you are moving forward. Celebrate/commend yourself on the contact us via email at hr- things that you are doing well. If something is not going [email protected] or on so well, ask yourself what you can do differently. Apply a Facebook and Instagram new direction and keep moving. @HRPro268. Tel: (268) 562-8173 Location: 2nd Floor, Aflak Building (office of NTA - Upstairs Beautyrama) Email: [email protected] Facebook: abnab Instagram: abnationalaccreditationboard

PAGE 18 REGIONAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 Five more Brazilian variant cases, nine in a week

People join queue to be vaccinated inT&T Trinidad Guardian SARS-CoV-2 is the virus ed in three people from said. - There is now grow- that causes COVID-19. St. George Central and The growing number of ing concern about the The first P.1 infection in two people in St. George people testing positive spread of the Brazilian a local sample was con- West. These five were all for the Brazilian variant variant in this country firmed on Monday, April nationals. comes as the country re- after five additional cases 19, by the University of The Ministry of Health’s cords triple-digit figures were reported Monday, the West Indies which release yesterday not- of COVID-19 cases. bringing the number of screens for the variant. It ed that none of the now Yesterday, 120 positive people with the highly was found in a migrant nine people infected cases were recorded. The transmissible variant of in Mayaro. with the variant have death count now stands COVID-19 to nine in a Last Friday (April 23) any epidemiological link at 159. week. the Ministry of Health to each other and cited Hours earlier, the Min- Health officials now fear revealed that three ad- their detection in peo- istry’s Epidemiology that the variant could be ditional samples tested ple from varying areas Division’s Technical Di- circulating in the popu- positive for the variant. across the country. rector, Dr. Avery Hinds, lation. The samples were taken “All contact tracing and acknowledged the prob- In a statement Monday, from the Caroni, Victo- isolation procedures are ability that there were the Ministry of Health ria, and St. George West in progress and are being other people infected confirmed that the Bra- counties. One was a managed by the relevant with the variant outside zilian SARS-CoV-2 Vari- non-national, one a na- County Medical Officer of those already identi- ant of Concern (P.1) was tional, and the other a of Health with the aim fied. detected in five addition- minor. of reducing the spread of “While we cannot yet al unlinked people with- Monday’s variants of this Variant of Concern,” say that this is an estab- in the country’s borders. concern were detect- the Ministry’s release lished set of community WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 19 spread, what we can say is that in the absence of Jamaica hoping to be geographic and epide- miologic links we contin- on list for US vaccines ue to monitor. But it’s en- tirely possible that once the variant is introduced into the population, then it does what variants do, which is to establish itself as one of the circulating strains,” he said. Further increasing this likelihood of it being in circulation undetected, is the university’s lim- ited screening capaci- ty which currently only allows for the random A shipment of AstraZeneca vaccine arrives in Jamaica testing of samples, not all collected. However, Dr. Jamaica Observer - MINISTER of Health and Wellness Dr. Christopher Tufton Hinds noted, there are says the Government has been in communication with the United States and other effective ways to is hoping that Jamaica will be one of the beneficiaries of the 60 million doses of work around the limited AstraZeneca vaccines to be distributed by the US soon. capacity. “We have to wait and see, but we have been in discussions through the Ministry “All positives cannot yet of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade with our partners in the US Administration be tested for variants around accessing vaccines, whether for sale or grant. Those discussions con- of concern, but the ap- tinue, and so we would certainly hope that is the case,” Tufton told the Jamaica propriate follow up for Observer yesterday at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. those who’ve already Monday, the White House announced that the Biden Administration is expect- been confirmed in terms ed to share as many as 60 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines in coming of contact tracing and months, following federal safety reviews. subsequent testing, will But whether or not Jamaica is a recipient of such aid in the now over-a-year- shed some light on addi- long COVID-19 fight is a decision that lies solely in the hands of the US. tional spread in addition “They make those decisions, and our communication lines are open and have to the current random been for some times,” said Tufton. sequencing that is being Jamaica Monday received a fourth shipment of vaccines when 55,200 doses of done,” he said. AstraZeneca arrived in the country through the COVAX medical facility. In re- Dr. Hinds indicated that sponse, Tufton said the country has been making “some progress” in receiving there are ongoing discus- the drug, and that another shipment is expected in May. sions about increasing “We hope that May shipment will be more than the 55,200 we got this time the university’s capacity around. The vaccine does not have the virus in it. There’s a view that somehow to screen for the variant. the vaccine give you COVID and you’re therefore going to have the risk of suf- fering. There’s no way the vaccine is going to create the virus in you. What is important to know is that when you get the first dose of the COVID vaccine, you need between 21 to 28 days for the vaccine to take effect,” he said. PAGE 20 REGIONAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 PM considers early release of 50 prisoners

SVG PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves speaking with reporters on prison release

Kingstown, St. Vincent, North Leeward area in “I’ve requested a list from meeting with the Com- iWitnessNews - Between 2009, Gonsalves said: the Superintendent of mittee of Mercy,” he said, 40 and 50 prisoners “Prisoners are coping Prisons; persons which adding that the number could be released this OK. There are contin- are minor offences and of persons being consid- week following a meet- gency plans if we reach people who haven’t paid ered for release “would ing of the Committee of at this stage in relation a fine and might be there not be a significant num- Mercy. to moving people from and so on, who we can ber”. Prime Minister Ralph here, but that hasn’t aris- release and couple of “I would say across the Gonsalves told the media en.” people who inside for population of 400, might on Saturday that he has He said the Superinten- maintenance monies be 50, 40, from the list asked to be sent a list of dent of Prisons had re- and them kinda thing,” which I did a rough, cur- prisoners who could be ported to him “that the said Gonsalves, who, as sory analysis. It shouldn’t considered for release on prisoners have been very minister of national se- be a lot,” the prime min- compassionate grounds. cooperative in this mat- curity, is responsible for ister said. Speaking in Belle Isle ter” — an apparent refer- prisons. He added: “The Com- outside the correctional ence to the impact of the “So I am trying to see if mittee of Mercy, on these facility his government on-going eruption of La I can organise that for things, is usually very commissioned in that Soufriere volcano. later this week to have a conservative.” WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 21 TAKING TO THE AIR: SCIENTIST TO VISIT VOLCANO FROM THE SKY

Bottled water were some of the items shipped from some of the islands

Barbados Advocate - 32 distinct eruptions at situation report stated nique shipped toiletries, Seismologist Roderick La Soufrière. Both radio that, in the last 24 hours, bottled water and mat- Stewart is expected to guests also indicated that a few long-period hybrid tresses which arrived on visit the summit via air- a posting station locat- and volcano-tectonic the Trinity Transporter craft on Monday to see if ed near the summit has earthquakes have been on Saturday. La Soufrière is building a been destroyed and this recorded – there have In the St. Joseph’s Con- new dome. On the state- has affected their ability been no further tremors. vent in Kingstown, in- owned radio, Professor to collect data on La Sou- The warning level re- dividuals were treated Richard Robertson and frière. While the volcano mains red. to homemade meals Dr. Stewart gave Vincen- is still active, activity has The National Emergen- which included freshly tians an update on the been low. cy Management Organ- prepared bread. A bak- volcano’s activity since its The Caribbean Disas- isation (NEMO) posted er known as “Carib” was April 22 eruption. ter Emergency Manage- images of more supplies designated to prepare The scientists con- ment Agency (CDEMA) arriving on the island. the bread for the evacu- firmed that there were in its April 25th 6:00 p.m. Guadeloupe and Marti- ees’ dinner. PAGE 22 FUN ZONE WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 YOUR DAILY HOROSCOPE

An inspiring idea can be refreshing and If you rush in to do a job without thinking stimulating. Certain actions might be mis- it through first, you can end up entangled construed, or a sincere explanation could be in messy details. Straighten things out by thought inappropriate, so consider staying showing your trustworthiness and people will silent if love or money is a primary issue. rely on your sincerity.

There may be very little opportunity or little Gather all the facts before you implement in- time to put your knowledge to use. Someone novative techniques. Wait for better timing to may become uncomfortable if you ask them revise your schedule or adjust your agenda. personal questions. However, a partner or Use your people skills to navigate challenging loved one will likely be glad to take your side. situations.

Misunderstandings are possible, so it’s a good idea to tread carefully around topics that If you turn on the charm, it will be easy to might be considered sensitive. Discuss the get along with others and do a difficult job. most important matters with your most loyal Organize your thoughts so you can present a friends before acting. convincing argument if needed.

It might be tempting to overreact or lose your It may be difficult to make progress if you are temper due to a mystery or a misunderstand- faced with talented competition. There may ing. You could feel threatened by someone’s be great pressure on you to perform at your avid interest, but it might only be a bit of absolute best, so schedule plenty of breaks self-doubt at work. and get lots of rest.

Avoid making crucial financial decisions or Working conditions can quickly improve if you major expenditures at this time, and delay can negotiate a better distribution of duties. A the signing of any agreements. Some of your friend or partner might be able to offer some spur-of-the-moment decisions may help you inventive ideas that will make everything run achieve your primary goals but won’t grant all more smoothly. your wishes.

It’s not wise to test the depth of the water by Your day may feel like you are playing a jumping in headfirst. Loved ones might be game of musical chairs. Someone might urge overly sensitive if you challenge their ideals you to try something that isn’t a fit for your or actions. Say the right things to reassure abilities, leaving you feeling out of the loop. them.

WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 WHAT’S UP PAGE 23 LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST

TELL US WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Submit community notices to [email protected] COMICS WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 PAGE 24 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

Brexit: Tensions overshadow EU vote on UK trade deal

EU Commission Chief, Ursulavon der Leyen oversees trade relations wirth the UK BBC WORLD NEWS - Under a separate pro- Among the areas not channel BFMTV. The European Parliament tocol, Northern Ireland covered by the deal are French fishermen have is expected to ratify the remains a de facto part of foreign policy, financial complained of being pre- post-Brexit EU-UK trade the EU’s single market, so services and student ex- vented from operating in deal - a key move to en- goods arriving there from changes. Cross-Channel British waters because of sure that tariff- and-quo- Britain have to undergo tensions Before the MEPs’ difficulties in obtaining li- ta-free trade continues. EU checks. Since Brexit debate started, French cences. The Trade and Co-op- there has been some dis- Europe Minister Clément Meanwhile, British sea- eration Agreement (TCA) ruption to that trade. Beaune accused the UK of food exporters have been has been operating pro- The TCA covers EU-UK blocking fishing rights. He hit by an EU ban on UK visionally since January. trade in goods, but not said the EU could respond exports of live shellfish. MEPs are expected to vote services. The UK econo- with “reprisals” in finan- Scottish firms account for for it after 20:00 (18:00 my is dominated by ser- cial services. most of that business, and GMT). vices - sectors such as “The United Kingdom is some now face collapse. Brexit tensions remain, banking, insurance, ad- expecting quite a few au- The UK made fishing including a French threat vertising and legal advice. thorisations from us for fi- rights a key issue in the of “reprisals” against the The TCA has still result- nancial services. We won’t negotiations, with control UK over new fishing re- ed in more paperwork, ex- give any for as long as we over access to its waters strictions. tra costs and less trade be- don’t have guarantees on seen as a sign of British Northern Ireland trade tween the two sides since fishing and other issues,” sovereignty. is also a thorny issue. the UK left the EU. he said on French news CDC says many Americans can now go outside without a mask NEW YORK (AP) don’t need to cover The new guidance For most of the past — The Centers for their faces anymore represents another year, the CDC had Disease Control and unless they are in a big carefully calibrated been advising Amer- Prevention eased its crowd of strangers. step on the road back icans to wear masks guidelines Tuesday on And those who are to normal from the outdoors if they are the wearing of masks unvaccinated can go coronavirus outbreak within 6 feet of each outdoors, saying fully outside without masks that has killed over other. The change vaccinated Americans in some cases, too. 570,000 people in U.S. comes as more than

Cont’d on pg 25 WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD PAGE 25

shopping centers, museums and mov- ie theaters. Dr. Babak Javid, a physician-sci- entist at the Univer- sity of California, San Francisco, said the new CDC guidance is sensible. “In the vast majority of outdoor scenarios, transmission risk is low,” Javid said. Javid has favored outdoor mask-wear- ing requirements because he believes half of U.S. adults vaccines, and about ple — defined by the they increase indoor have gotten at least 140 million Ameri- CDC as those who mask-wearing, but he one dose of corona- cans stepping forward have yet to receive said Americans can virus vaccine, and to get their shots. both doses of the Pfiz- understand the rel- more than a third The CDC, which has er or Moderna vac- ative risks and make have been fully vacci- been cautious in its cine or the one-shot good decisions. nated. “It’s the return guidance during the Johnson & Johnson “The key thing is of freedom,” said Dr. crisis, essentially en- formula — should to make sure people Mike Saag, an infec- dorsed what many wear masks at out- wear masks indoors” tious disease expert Americans have al- door gatherings that while in public spac- at the University of ready been doing over include other unvac- es, he said. He added: Alabama at Birming- the past several weeks. cinated people. They “I’m looking forward ham who welcomed The CDC says that also should keep us- to mask-free exis- the change. “It’s the fully vaccinated or ing masks at outdoor tence.” “The timing is return of us being able not, people do not restaurants. right because we now to do normal activities have to wear masks Fully vaccinated have a fair amount of again. We’re not there outdoors when they people do not need to data about the sce- yet, but we’re on the walk, bike or run alone cover up in those situ- narios where trans- exit ramp. And that’s a or with members of ations, the CDC says. mission occurs,” said beautiful thing.” their household. They However, everyone Mercedes Carnethon, More people need can also go maskless should keep wear- a professor and vice to be vaccinated and in small outdoor gath- ing masks at crowded chair of preventive concerns persist erings with fully vacci- outdoor events such medicine at North- about variants and nated people. as concerts or sport- western University’s other possible shifts But from there, the ing events, the CDC Feinberg School of in the epidemic. But CDC has differing says. Medicine in Chicago. Saag said the new guidance for people And the agency con- What’s more, she guidance is a sensible who are fully vaccinat- tinues to recommend said, “the additional reward following the ed and those who are masks at indoor pub- freedoms may serve as development and dis- not. lic places such as hair a motivator” for peo- tribution of effective Unvaccinated peo- salons, restaurants, ple to get vaccinated. PAGE 26 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 Cyber-attack hackers threaten to share US police informant data

BBC World News - Washington DC’s Met- ropolitan Police De- partment has said its computer network has been breached in a tar- geted cyber-attack, US media report. A ran- somware group called Babuk is reportedly threatening to release sensitive data on police informants if it is not contacted within three days. The FBI is inves- tigating the extent of the breach, US media reported, citing the Washington DC police Washington DC’s Metropolian Police have not prtrovided details of the department. Ransom- reported breach ware is used to scram- the reported breach. It based cyber-security data. A spokeswoman ble computer networks is not clear if attackers consultancy Bridewell for the Houston Rock- and steal information. managed to lock police Consulting, James ets, Tracey Hughes, Attackers target com- out of their systems Smith, said a risk re- said that while the panies or organisa- during the breach. Ba- mained for compa- group had accessed tions and can lock their buk, a Russian-speak- nies and organisations some information, it systems, then demand ing ransomware group even if a ransom was failed to install its ran- large sums of money that emerged earlier paid. “With these types somware because of in return for ending this year, said it had of attacks, the data has a security system in the hack. On Monday, downloaded “a suffi- probably been stolen place. Washington DC’s po- cient amount of in- already, before it was Last week, a Russian lice department said formation” from the encrypted, and the man in the US plead- in a statement that it police department’s likelihood that the data ed guilty to plotting to was “aware of unau- internal networks, AP will be sold or stored extort money from the thorised access on our reports. Screenshots by the hacker is great,” electric car compa- server”, AP news agen- said to have been post- he said in a statement ny Tesla. He planned cy reported. “While ed by the group on the to the BBC. Earlier to use ransomware to we determine the full dark web and shared this month, Babuk re- steal company secrets impact and continue on social media ap- portedly targeted the for extortion, prosecu- to review activity, we peared to suggest it Houston Rockets bas- tors said. According to have engaged the FBI had gained access to ketball team with ran- media reports, US gov- to fully investigate this information on crim- somware and claimed ernment agencies have matter,” the statement inal gang activity and to have accessed docu- been targeted 26 times added, without provid- police intelligence re- ments including player so far this year. ing further details of ports. The head of UK- contracts and financial WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD PAGE 27 Medical supplies flow into India as COVID-19 deaths near 200,000 The World Health Organization said it was working to deliver 4,000 oxygen concen- trators to India, where mass gatherings, more contagious variants and low vaccination rates have sparked the outbreak. With vaccine de- mand outstripping supply in the world’s second-most popu- lous country, two U.S. drug makers have of- fered support. Gilead Sciences said Hospitals in India are overwhelmed by recent surge in COVID cases on Monday it would give India at least 450,000 vials of its anti- Reuters - Vital med- week, and Ireland, Ger- Kejriwal, adding that a viral drug Remdesivir, ical supplies began to many and Australia are large public area in the and Merck & Co said reach India on Tuesday sending oxygen con- capital will be convert- on Tuesday it was part- as hospitals starved centrators and ventila- ed into a critical care nering with five Indian of life-saving oxygen tors, an Indian foreign hospital. generic drug makers and beds turned away ministry official said, With frustration to expand production coronavirus patients, underlining the crucial mounting, relatives of and access to its ex- and a surge in infec- need of oxygen. a recently deceased perimental COVID-19 tions pushed the death India’s first “Oxygen COVID-19 patient drug Molnupiravir. toll close to 200,000. Express” train pulled attacked staff with India is also negoti- A shipment from into New Delhi, laden knives at a hospital in ating with the United Britain, including 100 with about 70 tonnes the southeast of New States, which has said ventilators and 95 ox- of oxygen from an east- Delhi, injuring at least it will share 60 million ygen concentrators, ern state, but the crisis one person, a hospital doses of AstraZene- arrived in the capital, has not abated in the spokeswoman said. ca’s COVID-19 vaccine New Delhi, though a city of 20 million at the A video posted on with other countries. A spokesman for Prime epicentre of the latest social media showed senior official partici- Minister Boris John- wave of infections. several people brawl- pating in the talks said son said Britain had no “The current wave is ing with guards at the Prime Minister Nar- surplus COVID-19 vac- extremely dangerous same hospital. Delhi endra Modi had been cine doses to spare. and contagious and High Court has ad- assured of priority for France is sending the hospitals are over- vised local authorities India. eight large oxygen loaded,” said Delhi’s to provide security at generating plants this Chief Minister Arvind hospitals. PAGE 28 SPORTS NEWS WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021

COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO FOOTBALL FOR FRIENDSHIP EWORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

News Americas, NEW the world have been in- consists of a goalkeeper, countries and regions, YORK, NY, Tues. April 27, vited to nominate girls a defender, two midfield and in excess of 6 mil- 2021: The countdown and boys aged 12 to 14 players and two attack- lion supporters. has begun to another as players. The draw that ers. There is also a train- Young Players and Football for Friendship will put the kids into In- er and some substitutes. Young Journalists are eWorld Championship ternational Teams of A game runs for 2 halves the participants in the (eF4F), set for Istanbul, Friendship will be in of 3.5 minutes each. programme – boys and Turkey, this May. the middle of May. The For more, log on girls aged 12, including Some 211 countries Football for Friendship to footballforfriendship. children with disabili- and regions will be rep- eWorld Championship com/ ties. Young Players rep- resented this time at the (eF4F) will take place The International resent different coun- Gazprom’s International from May 27-29. Children’s Social Pro- tries and cultures united Children’s Social Pro- International team gramme Football for in the mixed teams of gramme – taking place matches can be organ- Friendship has been the Football for Friend- again this year in a dig- ised on this platform in run by Gazprom since ship World Champion- ital, multiplayer simu- real time. The individu- 2013. Over the previous ship. They show that lator format, because of al users, each of whom eight seasons, the pro- nationality, gender, and the pandemic. is a player on the team, gramme has brought to- physical abilities aren’t Since April 19th, foot- come from different gether more than 15,000 barriers to becoming a ball academies all over countries. The team participants from 211 team. Young Journalists WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 SPORTS NEWS PAGE 29 cover the events of the Friendship experience Friendship was held anyone can train, join in programme in the In- and promote universal online. A special digi- the international mixed ternational Children’s human values: friend- tal platform connected teams and play their Press Center. All partic- ship, equality, fairness, over 10,000 players of all favourite game in the ipants become Young health, peace, devotion, ages. It has become the Football for Friendship Ambassadors of the pro- victory, traditions, and home for international format without leav- gramme and continue honour. children’s competitions ing the comfort of their to share their Football for In 2020, Football for and a playground where home. TOKYO 2021: BENOIT PAIRE BARRED FROM REPRESENTING FRANCE OVER ‘DEEPLY INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR’

Benoit Paire has been barred After his first-round exit in from representing France at Monte Carlo on Sunday, the Tokyo Olympics in July Paire said tennis “does not because of his “deeply inap- make me happy anymore” propriate behaviour”. and criticised the Covid-19 bubble protocols. As the French number four and world number 35, Paire The FFT said Paire had apol- would have been able to ogised for his behaviour in qualify to represent his coun- Argentina but his comments try. He has been criticised for in Monte Carlo meant they his on-court behaviour, most would not take him to Tokyo. recently for spitting at the Ar- gentina Open in March. Paire was previously sent home from the 2016 Olym- The French Tennis Fed- pics in Rio for poor behaviour eration (FFT) said Paire’s and breaching team rules. behaviour was “totally in- compatible with the Olympic “It is the duty of each player spirit”. and each high-level player to respect the values of our Paire has lost nine of his 10 sport,” FFT president Gilles singles matches this season Moretton said. and has made repeated so- cial media posts about how Paire has been offered “boring” he finds the tour. support by the governing body. Benoit Paire has lost nine of his 10 singles matches this season PAGE 30 WEDNESDAY 28TH APRIL 2021 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG

IPL PLAYERS LEAVE AMID COVID-19 CONCERNS Adam Zampa and Kane Rich- try,” the seamer told Australian we are to be in a bubble and not dollars (£28,006) to the PM Cares ardson have joined fellow Aus- radio station SEN. be affected by it very much.” Fund, specifically to purchase tralian Andrew Tye in ending England limited overs captain India has been reporting more oxygen supplies. their Indian Premier League Eoin Morgan, who is skipper of than 300,000 daily cases for sev- “There has been quite a bit (IPL) season early to return Kolkata Knight Riders, says the eral days, setting new daily glob- of discussion over here as to home. India off-spinner Ravi- tournament should continue al records. On Monday, it had the whether it is appropriate for the chandran Ashwin, 34, also said as long as it does not hamper highest number of daily corona- IPL to continue with Covid-19 he is taking a break from the IPL the efforts to combat Covid-19. virus cases for a fifth straight day, infection rates remain high. I’m to support his family. “… you can play sport while the reporting 352,991 new infections advised that the Indian Govern- The news comes as India country is almost in full lock- and another 2,812 deaths in the ment is of the view that playing struggles with a surge in corona- down … as long as it doesn’t previous 24-hour period. the IPL while the population is in virus cases. disturb what’s happening in the Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight lockdown provides a few hours Tye, who was with Rajasthan public eye.” Riders’ paceman Pat Cummins of joy and respite each day at an Royals, flew to Sydney on Sun- Morgan added that the players has asked his fellow players to otherwise difficult time for the day, citing the “stress of bubble are aware of the rising cases in join him in contributing to help country.” life” and concerns about bor- India. “We’re constantly talking India’s hospitals deal with the Cummins said he hoped that ders closing in Australia. “I just about the situation that is un- pandemic. Cummins, 27, who is “by making this public appeal thought I should try and get on folding outside of our bubble,” among a number of Australia’s we can all channel our emotions the front foot and get home be- he added. “It’s not nice watching top players to remain in India, into action that will bring light fore I got locked out of the coun- from afar, considering how lucky has pledged 50,000 Australian into people’s lives”.

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