MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020 | ISSUE 79 | www.pointville.com PRICE$3 TEN-HOUR FIRE FIGHT

Story on Page 3 MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

PAGE 2 Local News Union boss calls for unemployment insurance The general secretary for the Antigua guides whenever the twin-island state and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU), decides to go that route. David Massiah, is calling for the estab- He noted that the fallout from the lishment of a national unemployment COVID-19 pandemic has been quite insurance scheme for the country. severe and he recalled that following And according to Massiah, this was Hurricane Luis in 1995 many workers one of the recommendations he made in the hotel sector were made idle for when the National Recovery Commit- six months in some cases. In making a tee (ERC) met last week to plan Anti- case for the unemployment insurance, gua and Barbuda-post COVID-19 path General Secretary for the Antigua and he said whether it’s a health issue, as to recovery. Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU), David is the current case, or following a natu- The union official said the proposed Massiah ral disaster, workers quite often have to scheme should run along the lines of subject of discussions between all par- shoulder ‘too heavy a burden’ because similar schemes in both Barbados and ties; government, employers and em- there is no protection for them under St Kitts and Nevis. “This unemploy- ployees. “We can set up a tiered system these or other circumstances of eco- ment insurance should be administered where we determine for how long a nomic shock. by the Social Security scheme with worker who loses his/her job receives In related development, Massiah contributions made by both employers benefit; whether it’s for six months, wants the tripartite arrangements now and employees. This will help take care three months or another configuration,” in place with the establishment of the of workers who suffer job losses when Massiah stated. ERC to be formally institutionalized. businesses downside and are forced to The ABWU general secretary said “We are happy to be involved with the closed for reasons such as the current Antigua and Barbuda doesn’t have ERC but our wish is for it to be in place, pandemic,” he explained. to reinvent the wheel since similar not just in times of crisis, but to become He suggested that the details of how schemes are already in operation within the way we function as a nation moving the scheme will operate must be the the Caribbean and these should serve as forward,” he outlined. MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

Local News PAGE 3

A fire at a warehouse on the Blue Waters Road engaged firemen from two of the- is Firemen battle fire land’s fire stations for more than ten hours on Sunday as they attempted to bring it un- through the night der control. Reporting from the scene phatically. of the fire late last night, Fire Weaver said the building Chief, Elvis Weaver, lament- is owned by Alan Aflak and ed that his men had been bat- he was told that while the tling the fire for more than building was not yet quite nine hours without bringing completed, it was already the fire under control. rented by a major distributor “We received the call for company that stored wines the fire about 12:45 Sunday and other spirits there. “There afternoon at up to 11:30 pm have been numerous explo- we are still on the scene with- sions since we have been here out being able to bring the fire which I suspect came from under control. It is a two-sto- the wines and other spirits rey structure and the second exploding,” he revealed. floor collapse down unto the The building was made of first floor,” Weaver stated. steel and corrugated galva- Weaver summoned two nize and located near North fire trucks from the St John’s coast hardware. station as well as a third fire It was the second fire that tender from the Coolidge sta- the fire fought on Sunday. tion. They were buttressed Earlier in the day, the firemen with a water truck from Willy responded to a house fire in D’s as well as one from with- York’s village. “The call for in the fire service. this morning’s fire in York’s But Weaver complained came at 8.35 am. It was a two that the construction of the bedroom wooden structure building made it dangerous - 18×22 – as well as a Store- the fire. Electricity, he noted, utilize the remaining water for his men to get close to the room - 8×6 – and another was attached to the house but they had and to return to their actual fire. “I am not sending house and its contents were it was not insured. A nearby respective stations. “I believe my men into the building to all completely destroyed,” house 24×25 got heat dam- we may return in the morning have any materials fall down Weaver reported. age. (today) with special equip- unto them. It is just too dan- He disclosed that the owner After almost twelve hours, ment or just let the fire burn gerous,” Weaver stated em- was not at home at the time of Weaver instructed his men to itself out,” Weaver remarked. MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020 PAGE 4 Local News Bars, nightclubs can help speed up their return - Nicholas Bars and nightclubs are tors are concerned about the among business categories health of not only ourselves still awaiting the green light as operators, but the health to reopen, as Antigua and of our patrons and the health Barbuda gradually eases of our nation; so, if we are a weeks-old lockdown to permitted to operate, this is contain the COVID-19 pan- what we are proposing to do demic. to ensure that we can main- The deadly respiratory vi- tain those particular health rus is so far known to have standards’.” infected 25 persons and Nicholas then appealed to claimed three lives in the any “persons out there who twin-island state, prompt- are operating bars and that ing a state of emergency type of establishment, they that brought an almost com- may want to look within plete shutdown of economic themselves and maybe start and recreational activities determining what could be Information Minister Melford Nicholas across multiple sectors such put in place, and to start an as tourism, sports and edu- the consumption of alcohol to lead towards cross con- engagement with the gov- cation. may result in impaired judg- tamination by persons who ernment.” Barber shops and beauty ment and flippant compro- have the virus, if they enter According to the Minis- salons were last week given mising of best practices. that environment, would ter, “Government would not clearance to reopen – sub- That was a question put to lend itself to spreading the turn its back on a discussion ject to strict regulations gov- Information Minister Mel- virus, and that is what we do of that type, but we have to erning the interaction of pa- ford Nicholas during the last not want.” approach this thing with … trons and service providers, post-Cabinet press briefing: Nicholas said he was un- trepidation, not wanting to such as wearing of masks, Were any protocols being aware of any protocols that lead to any situation where maintenance of physical crafted to take account of have been developed for the we are going to lose control distancing, and adherence the livelihoods impacted reopening of bars and night- of the virus again.” to hygiene and sanitization by the continued closure of clubs. “I don’t think we have He ended by urging bar protocols. bars and nightclubs, while been in contact with anyone and nightclub owners to en- But that reprieve has not mitigating the health risks who has actually proposed gage their minds in thinking yet been extended to bars that their reopening could that these are some of the about reopening, not only and nightclubs – among pose? regulations that may be con- for the purpose of having the most heavily patronized “Anywhere that liveli- sidered.” their cash tills ringing again, commercial establishments hoods are affected is of con- The Minister suggested “but about what you can do – many of whom are very cern for the Cabinet,” he that operators of bars and yourselves to ensure that the small family-owned/oper- stated. “But I think the over- nightclubs should perhaps health aspect of engagement ated enterprises on which riding issue here is what im- do what their hairdressing with people is given fair multiple interconnected pact would bars and estab- salon counterparts had done consideration. livelihoods depend. lishments like those – even when their reopening was “I would like to encourage Authorities are concerned gymnasiums – where we being mulled: “Many of those persons to think about about whether the risk-min- know for a fact that those them had actually come up how they can conduct their imization protocols will be environments and the activ- with a set of self-regulations business that would lead adhered to in these recre- ities that they would support and have offered to say, to healthy outcomes for all ational environments where are the ones that are likely ‘Listen, we too as opera- concerned.” MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

Local News PAGE 5 Bus drivers want government relief Bus operators want the government to offer them relief in the face of se- vere economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. President of the Antigua and Barbu- da Bus Association, Keithroy Black, said the association will be writing to the government this week seeking a facility similar to fishermen who pay $10.00 per gallon for a gallon of gas. The association represents bus drivers at the West Bus Station and some at the East Bus Station. “The association has already made President of the Antigua and Barbuda Bus Association, Keithroy Black contact with several members of the Cabinet to plead our case and we a time when ridership on all routes will be requesting that the matter be are down significantly, and not just brought to the attention of the entire because of the health protocols. He Cabinet when it meets on Wednes- said the lockdown and the closure of President of the Northeast Bus Associa- day,” Black stated. hotels and schools translate to less tion, Veronica Andrew He explained that the economic people using buses to travel to and “This new arrangement is killing us; impact of the pandemic on bus oper- from the city. we can’t attempt to carry a full load ators has been quite severe with most “With all this in mind, we think or the passengers themselves will drivers being made idle, especially that it is only fair that to seek assis- complain, even though it is not in the during the first weeks of the - lock tance from the government to help law,” she declared. down under the state of emergency. struggling bus drivers. We have to In highlighting the decline in rid- “Since the loosening of the curfew work out the logistics of this assis- ership, she said her 6:30 am run pri- and bus drivers are allowed to re- tance, but it is badly needed because or to the pandemic would see her sume operations, we are doing so at our bus men and women are operat- moving off with a full load. Howev- a tremendous loss. Under the health ing at a loss. er, since the lockdown it now takes protocols, we are not allowed to “Fishermen, for example, get re- much longer. “Sometimes I have to carry a full trip. What this means is lief in the cost of fuel and they sell circle through the village (Parham) that the 14-seater buses are only al- their produce at prices that they can several times in order to get a just lowed to carry 9-passengers and the increase, but our rates are set by six passengers,” she noted. 15-seaters carry 10. The bigger bus- the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Despite the fact that drivers from es – 29 or 30-seaters – are now only Board. We cannot change them,” he both associations are facing the same allowed to carry 17 passengers,” he added. hardships, it is unlikely that they will detailed. Meanwhile, President of the North- unite around this central issue. An- He revealed that for each trip, bus east Bus Association, Veronica An- drew said her attempts to reach out drivers are losing $12:00 to $14:00 drew, whose association broke away to Black for a joint approach to the per trip for the 14 and 15-seaters from the main bus association about government has been rebuffed. while the 29 and 30-seaters lose a year ago, said members of her as- Black said the new association $17:00 per trip. Coupled with this, sociation, which operates out of the had refused an earlier move by his the bus drivers pay an average of East Bus Station, are hurting just as association and the three main taxi $125 to $130 per day in fuel costs well. associations to form the Public for the smaller buses. The costs are She said under the current health Transportation Association (PTA). even higher for the bigger buses, he protocols bus drivers with 14-seater The Northeast Bus Association is the explained. buses carry 9 passengers, but they only such organisation that is not a According to Black this comes at are licensed and insured to carry 14. member of the PTA. MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

PAGE 6 Local News 30 tons of medical supplies arrive to help fight COVID-19 The V.C Bird Internation- equipment and supplies. al Airport sprung to life on At the official handing Saturday as it welcomed over on Saturday, May 16, and cleared its first inter- 2020, Permanent Secretary national flight since the within the Ministry, EnaD- country closed its borders. also-Henry along with Di- Though the British Airways rector of Pharmaceutical flight landed with only crew Services within the Minis- members and cargo, airport try, Alfred Athill accepted staff and personnel were the timely donation which on full alert as the plane is said to be worth over four touched down. (4) million dollars. This scene came together Packed in the privately thanks to Ambassador Cal- charted cargo flight, origi- vin Ayre and his foundation, nating out of Hong Kong, Ministry of Health P.S EnaDalso-Henry coveys thanks to Jamilla Kirwan and Corina Delowsky of the Calvin Ayre Foundation. as they chartered a private China where disposable BA1157 cargo flight, packed gloves; N95 masks; full- gowns and forehead tem- la Kirwan said, “We feel with over 30 tons of medical length shields; surgical perature thermometers. that it is important that the These items form apart of people who are risking their critical gear for medical lives protecting us, those workers known as Person- on the front line, deserved al Protective Equipment to be protected. We com- (PPE), items needed while mend them, we applaud working with COVID-19 them for all the hard work patients or suspected pa- that they have been doing tients. in helping us to manage this In handing over the items COVID-19 pandemic and to the Ministry of Health, so we think that it is our Media Relations Specialist duty as good corporate cit- for the Ayre group, Jamil- cont’d on pg 7

Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, Mrs. EnaDalso-Henry along with Director of Pharmaceutical Services within the Minis- try, Mr. Alfred Athill MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

Local News PAGE 7 Antiguan student excels at US university An Antiguan student, who is a Prime ship recipient. She is the daughter of Minister Scholarship recipient, has Heatherlyn Millett and Daniel Jordan won a top award for graduating top of (Barbados). her class at the prestigious, Howard For more than a century, the Amer- University in Washington, D.C, the ican Institute of Architecture (AIA) United States capital. has provided a medal of excellence to Danique Nailah Lynzi Jordan is be- the top graduating students in National ing congratulated for being awarded Architectural Accreditation Board or the Henry Adams Medal of Excellence Canadian Architectural Certification from Howard University Washington Board (CACB) accredited degrees, DC. Danique received the medal in the Bachelors of Architecture, Master of University’s online graduation cere- Architecture and Doctor of Architec- mony held Friday May 15, 2020. She ture. graduated with a Bachelor in Architec- The award is named in honor of Hen- ture from University’s College of Engi- ry Adams (1838 -1918) a historian who neering and Architecture. donated his book, Mont-Saint-Michel Danique graduated from Baptist and Chartres, and eventually the royal- Danique Nailah Lynzi Jordan Academy as the Top CSEC student in ties from his book to the AIA. announced that aligns with the original 2015 and is a Prime Minister Scholar- In 2018, a new medal and process was 1914 that established the award.

cont’d from pg 6 are the people who risk their equipment and PPE for our of technology since every- izens, to play our role and lives to protect others and frontline workers.” thing is being done remotely we encourage others to do we feel it is our duty to en- As reported in a previous now. “I want you to convey the same.” sure that they are adequately print of PointeXpress, the to Ambassador Calvin Ayre, In an earlier statement protected.” CAF also donated some our heartfelt appreciation,” made by Chairman of the Accepting the donation twenty (20) high tech lap- P.S Henry declared during CAF, Ambassador Ayre not- on behalf of the health min- tops to the health ministry the handing over ceremony. ed his foundation was hap- istry, P. S Henry articulated for data collection and re- A team from the Calvin py to assist. “We are truly her ministry’s gratitude for porting. The health minis- Ayre Foundation including, happy to be in a position the medical supplies. She try’s permanent secretary Corina Delowsky - Execu- to assist the government said, “I think I speak for the used the opportunity on tive Director for the Calvin and citizens of Antigua and entire ministry when I say Saturday, to thank the foun- Ayre Foundation were also Barbuda, and especially the we can all rest a little more dation for the technological in attendance at Saturday’s brave people on the front comfortable knowing that boost as well, citing that this inaugural cargo flight land- line,” Ayre added, “these we have a safe supply of will aid them to keep abreast ing. MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020 PAGE 8 Local News Secondary schools reopen to prepare for CSEC exams Teaching and adminis- Major and multiple re- dents, having them to com- they must not try to visit trative staff at secondary scheduling of school terms plete their SBAs; as having schools, whether to accom- schools in Antigua and Bar- and examination timetables to complete SBA’s would pany or see their children, buda are heading back to have been put in place to certainly require some face- or to have discussions with work this morning, spend- facilitate a resumption of to-face situation.” staff in order to avoid any ing today and tomorrow face-to-face interactions for Browne elaborated that compromise of social dis- preparing for a limited re- students to complete their “the current academic year, tancing. They are instead sumption of classes begin- school-based assessments third term, would come to encouraged to use the tele- ning on Wednesday, 20th or SBAs on which a signif- an end on the 26th of June. phone for communication. May 2020. icant portion of their final The 4K to Fourth Form, we “We are encouraging per- That is when Fifth Form examination grading de- are asking them to contin- sons, do not visit schools if and other students enrolled pends. ue operating in the remote you do not really have to,” to write CSEC Examina- Director of Education learning environment. For said E. Jonah-Greene, depu- tions this year will return to Clare Browne explained that the CSEC students – Fifth ty director of education. “It school in order to prepare, “the Ministry realized we Form and other students – would put additional strain after weeks of closure in must find a way to continue we are seeking to clear the on the school administration response to the COVID-19 the education of our CSEC way for schools (the physi- to engage visitors. Make an global pandemic. students and our CAPE stu- cal facilities) to reopen as of appointment. We are happy the 18th of May.” to speak to you via phone … But students are not re- However, when it becomes quired to be at the schools to- absolutely necessary that day and tomorrow, Browne there has to be visitation into explained: “We are expect- schools, you would have to ing principals and teachers follow the protocols … We and other staff members to will not allow any visitors be at school, organizing for into our classrooms.” the receipt of students. On Parents have also been Wednesday, we are hoping asked to keep their chil- that the students can begin dren at home once they are going back to their respec- observed or suspected to tive secondary institutions.” be displaying any sign of CSEC Exams this year illness. All students, upon will run from the 29th June arrival at school will have to the 17th of July. their temperatures checked Every student will be pro- at the point of entry, before vided with a package con- proceeding to hand-washing taining hand sanitizer and a and sanitizing stations that face mask, but parents have have reportedly been set up been asked to step in and at schools in preparation. supplement this with an ad- Students are further asked ditional supply of hand san- to bring snacks and drinking itizer and tissue as part of water with them, as school their children’s provisions cafeterias will remain from home. closed and vendors will not Parents and others have be permitted to operate any- further been warned that where nearby. MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

Local News PAGE 9 Teachers celebrate amid COVID-19 Teachers across Antigua ‘Transforming education from the post last month. and Barbuda are taking through empowerment Teachers have had to time out to celebrate and and capacity-building’. continue classes using so- to acknowledge their con- Some of the highlights cial platforms since the tributions to nation build- of the week include me- entire education system ing in the annual Teachers dia appearances, a virtual grounded to a halt as the Week activities. workshop, ‘a state of the government imposed a But Teachers Week 2020 union’ address by acting state of emergency to stop is like no other; as teach- president, Tashena Fred- the spread of the coronavi- ing like practically all rick, and an appreciation rus in the country. professions has been se- dinner where seventeen It is also during this week verely disrupted by the awardees will be honoured General Secretary, Annetta Al- that some teachers are re- COVID-19 pandemic. for long-service to the pro- exander-Hunt turning to the classroom to General Secretary, An- fession. lect a permanent president help prepare fifth form stu- netta Alexander-Hunt, said There will not be elec- following the sudden de- dents to prepare the annual the theme of the week is tion during the week to se- parture of Ashworth Azille CSEC examinations. Jamaica appoints honorary consul in Antigua and Barbuda Former journalist, turned business- • Processing documents, such as woman, Onika Campbell, has been visa applications, passport applica- appointed by the Jamaican govern- tions and supporting documents and ment as its honorary consul to Anti- authenticating and transmitting offi- gua and Barbuda. cial and legal documents The announcement comes from • Issuing of emergency travel doc- High Commissioner for Jamaica to uments to Jamaican nationals Antigua and Barbuda, His Excel- • Issuing visas to foreign nationals lency Arthur Williams, who says the wishing to visit to Jamaica appointment of Campbell takes im- • Visiting and providing assistance, mediate effect. as appropriate to nationals who have Campbell, a multi award-winning been arrested or incarcerated journalist and former journalism lec- • Fostering friendly and mutually turer, has been appointed to the post beneficially relations between Jamai- which became vacant in 2012 fol- ca and Antigua and Barbuda through lowing the resignation of Attorney at the promotion of tourism, trade and Law, Septimus Rhudd. investment The new honorary consul, who Campbell has been resident in An- hails from the parish of Hanover in tigua and Barbuda since 2003. She Jamaica, received her Writ of Com- was once employed by the Observer mission from the Government of Media Group and she also served as Jamaica in December 2019, and is Public Relations Officer to the Min- charged with the Government’s man- istry of Agriculture during the Unit- Former journalist, Onika Campbell date to protect the interests of Jamai- ed Progressive Party Administration. sons wishing to reach the Honorary ca and Jamaican nationals, within The Jamaican Consulate is locat- Consul can call 734-5244 or visit the limits prescribed by international ed in the Obeez Complex Sir Sidney them on facebook at Jamaican Con- law, which includes; Walling Highway (Factory Rd). Per- sular Services in Antigua. MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

PAGE 10 Local News ‘Time from Cabinet boosted me in constituency’ – Dean Jonas The elected parliamentarian who it will.” was on Friday reinstated to the Cabi- Concerning the allegations about net of Ministers says he used the time his interpersonal skills and personal away to reconnect with his constitu- integrity, Jonas said there was never ents, and to engage in the reflection any wrong doing on his part. that the person who sacked him had “I will always have a toxic relation- requested. ship with people who are lazy, peo- Prime Minister Browne had stated ple who don’t work, people who do that Jonas’s suspension from Cabi- not perform. I don’t make any apol- net was initially for a period of six ogy for that at all. Once you do your months, but decided to re-admit the work, once you perform to the best former deputy speaker back into the of your ability and according to your fold two months earlier. level and qualifications, you will “The last four months afforded me have no problems working with me. the opportunity to reconnect with “As a matter of fact you will have a members of my constituency. I’ve al- very good working relationship with ways been on the ground in the com- me. I am a team player and it shows munity, but at a much deeper level throughout my community, and I will this time, and I took great advantage bring it bear again within this new of that, so it was a big plus for me” Ministry. The accusations were false Jonas said in an exclusive interview Social Transformation Minister Dean Jo- and the matter is dead now.” with PointeXpress following the nas The term Blue Economy refers to brief swearing-in ceremony. Jonas believes his support base in the sustainable use of ocean resourc- Jonas was accompanied by his St. George has increased over the last es for economic growth, employment wife, Ann, a former Permanent Sec- four months as a consequence of how generation and improvement of live- retary who is now the Governor Gen- he spent and used his period of Cab- lihoods while maintaining the health eral’s personal secretary. inet exile. “I fully aim to continue to of marine ecosystems. “I wasn’t just sitting and twiddling increase on it; strengthen myself in As an economic development poli- my thumbs,” he quipped from behind the community.” cy, it has been collectively embraced his COVID mask, “I went out there The agriculture ministry contains by the Organization of Eastern Ca- and was continuing to work on the tremendous potential to spur nation- ribbean States (OECS) with a Strate- ground in my community.” al growth and development, Jonas gy and Action Plan developed by the Asked whether he had learned any opined. “I think agriculture can be a OECS Commission in collaboration lessons from his times out of Cabi- key contributor to the overall econ- with the Caribbean Natural Resourc- net, Jonas chuckled before reply- omy, and that was my aim. Many of es Institute (CANARI). ing, “Well, patience is one, and you the persons within the Ministry of Upon taking office following her have to learn to give and take. That Agriculture are technocrats, they’re party’s clean sweep of all 30 seats was one of the takeaways. As I said, scientists. in the general elections of May it was a time for me to reflect, but I “Many of them are trained agron- 2018, Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia wasn’t just sitting down waiting for omists and this sort of thing. But the Mottley appointed one of her more things to happen. key shortcoming within the Ministry youthful Cabinet members, Kirk “I went out there in my community is the business side of agriculture. Humphrey, to be the Minister for and listened to the people and inter- Running a farm is a business, and Maritime Affairs and the Blue Econ- acted with them. I provided for them that is one of the key messages that omy – a first time appointment, now wherever I had the ability or the op- I tried to drive home. I don’t know if seemingly emulated in Antigua and portunity to so do.” it got through, but I am hoping that Barbuda. MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

Opinion PAGE 11 Did House Speaker Sir Gerald fall to Pringle’s orchestrated plot? By Political Watcher After Prime Minister not know or remember his that you are outspoken and It’s clear, if not pellucid, Gaston Browne tabled the lines when asked to carry a unduly influenced but it’s an- that the Opposition Lead- resolution to extend by six- task beyond his capacity. other thing to display states- er came to Parliament last ty days the current state of Pringle conveniently used manlike discipline when you Thursday with a sinister plot emergency to combat the Sir Gerald’s ultimatum are under pressure. to be disruptive, disrespect- spread of the COVID-19 that he should apologise or And the pressure took its ful and downright rude. pandemic in the country, the leave the sitting for the rest toll. His heated temper tan- Jamale Pringle’s dubious Speaker asked for debate. of the day to storm out of trum would sit squarely with rant about being unfairly But by then, we suspect the Chambers with his tail a toddler who was refused a treated by the House Speak- those who were pulling his firmly between his legs. His lollipop. er Sir Gerald Watt, QC, was string were working over- uncouth behaviour was un- Blindly his political syco- a red herring intended for it time on whatsapp and tex- becoming and completely phants have been gloating to be: as distraction to cause ting furiously that he should out-of-order. that he was right “to stand attention. use his next opportunity to His inexperience of parlia- his ground”. His sole mean spirited attack the Speaker. mentary procedure and his If Pringle, and that’s a objective was to deflect -at So Pringle rose to ostensi- political naivety were laid big ‘if’, is going to recover tention from the mountain bly present his response but bare as was his well-orches- from this political fallout he of criticism he has been re- with nothing to contribute to trated puppetry. would be well-advised to ceiving for childishly not ac- the motion he went after the It’s one thing to brag be- tread cautiously where fools cepting to sit on the national Speaker in a way unimag- fore your media of choice rush in. Economic Recovery Com- inable. mittee (ERC). Even when Sir Gerald So, along with so-called stood on his feet to caution advisors, they hatched a the unruly member did Prin- plan to use the House of gle respect the chair. He con- Representatives as the play- tinued his tirade at Speaker ground for their nonsensical spouting accusations that act of deception. Sadly, it he could not substantiate or now appears as if Sir Ger- corroborate. ald got caught in their ploy Maybe if Sir Gerald had and Pringle’s behaviour re- allowed him to spew his duced the highest court in verbal garbage then there the country to a verbal brawl would not have been any befitting of a rum shop. fallout. But that would have He was primed by his pup- been tantamount to allowing pet masters to disregard the a member to disrespect the Standing Orders in an at- chair with impunity with no tempt to agitate the Speaker redress. to allow him to whimsically And although the Speaker address his refusal to serve requested an apology, mind- on the ERC under agenda ful of him being the only op- item: Personal Explanation. position voice in the House When Sir Gerald right- and that his contribution fully indicated he could not to the motion was needed, do so he reluctantly took his Pringle couldn’t care less. seat as the proceedings con- He demonstrated like an tinued uninterrupted. errant messenger who did MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

PAGE 12 Opinion Lost Files capture hidden Antiguan soca tunes By Colin James get. I want people around me and the “As a DJ, if we don’t tell our stories, There is now a new opportunity for world to know, “Hey!!! Ah Antigua mi who will? That’s what The Lost Files the promotion of Antigua and Barbu- come From!” is all about! Telling our story through da’s soca music. His goal is to see Antigua music atop music. I took over 30 songs from car- US-born DJ, Reckless Music, who’s of the industry, nival 2019 and created a music playlist based in New York City, has just re- “I feel in the social media world that I know everyone will enjoy and gave leased Lost Flies, a compilation of we live in, Antiguan music is only these artists and their music a second some top soca hits from Antigua’s given 15 to 45 seconds to prove its chance. Carnival 2019, produced by Limerz worth,” he bemoaned. “The hope is that some of these art- Inc, a US-based company. “And that’s a total injustice to the art ists will gain new fans, new followers They have been hidden under the ra- form and the hard work these artists and more opportunities to put Antigua dar but they have now been brought to on the forefront of the SOCA Music the forefront. “As a DJ representing Industry.” There are thirty-two tunes that will Antiguan music, we have to The lost Files, music from Antigua’s carnival 2019 were released only last keep us dancing and jamming and be able to give our artist an help to reminisce on Carnival when week and it is already a buzz on social this year’s festival has been cancelled opportunity to shine way media. because of the COVID-19 pandemic. past the summer carnival With a unique approach, Reckless These include artists like former festival.” Music has taken the lead by expos- soca monarch King Hard Knaxs, Kim- ing some of the missing gems that my, K- Lee, AC Tafari, Young Lyrics, put into the music. I can remember nu- you might have missed or never heard and Leon Norville. merous summers going to Antigua for during the carnival season. “I believe in giving them the oppor- carnival and everyone singing, jam- “I must admit that I missed some of tunity to shine on our biggest platforms ming, and loving the music. these songs during carnival 2019 and for the world to see,” said DJ Reckless, “Then by the end of August, the was not aware of some of these artists real name, Brandon Williams. same songs are no longer being played he featured on this mix,” he confessed. It is so refreshing to find a DJ with on radio or being talked about on so- “It is truly a good blend of groovy a passion for Antiguan soca music. cial media. and power tracks that will keep you He wears this pride on his sleeves and “As a DJ representing Antiguan bouncing and before you know it the he believes that Antigua soca music music, we have to be able to give our mix is over. I can only imagine if more matches the levels of music of any Ca- artist an opportunity to shine way past of us had this type of passion for our ribbean island. He believes the music the summer carnival festival. music, where the future will lead us!! just needs an outlet to the world to ex- “For this reason, I created this mix Reckless Music took a risk and he perience and listen to the sound. to give people a taste of some of the has delivered what he considers to be Having grown-up in NYC with An- talents representing the island of An- “a gem.” tiguan parents, Reckless’ appetite was tigua. We need to give the artist and His goal is to take Antigua soca wetted for music from his ancestry. He their music a chance to reach others music to a higher level. His mission would come to Antigua for Carnival on a more global level. I created the on this mix was to give the unknown yearly and he undoubtedly loved the Lost Files, with the intention to high- voices a voice. It looks like his mis- music. Antigua Carnival represented light artists who give their all to the sion has now been accomplished. for him the best summer festival. music form but may sometimes go Listen out for future releases by As a DJ he felt proud to represent overlooked. Reckless Music. Antigua everywhere he went. “Antigua has some good artists with FACEBOOK:Brandon Williams “I fly my flag high every chance I really good music that needs to be IG: reckless_music highlighted and featured. SoundCloud/Reckless268 MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

Obituary PAGE 13 Tribute to Oliver Clarke

By Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies (The UWI).

Any tribute to Oliver Clarke The UWI’s strategies and resource for the University to showcase its bridge to business. We were bond- should depart from his renowned needs with stakeholders. We appre- enormous legacy during its 70th ed in our commitment to this proj- trademark; the sharp, critical mind, ciated the many meals over which anniversary. The University was ect. spiced with a mischievous “wicked we mulled over the details of our offered full editorial freedom over And what a gentleman. No wit” and gentle charm of character. strategic plan. OFC came on board a Gleaner supplement that enabled dinner or lunch to which he was So deeply embedded were these to support our industry-academic it to tell its story and to project its invited went by for long without effervescent elements it’s now partnership and our preparations to thinking about the future. the host receiving a card of appre- challenging imagining the end of take The UWI to market in search Oliver didn’t suffer foolishness ciation. I shall miss this hugely mis- Oliver’s innings at the wicket. of private sector investment. in his rush to support and promote understood man. In recent years he batted brilliant- A high point in proof of our part- good works. In this regard, he was And so, far too soon, the “wick- ly for The University of the West nering came in 2018. His commit- an effective advisor, and a reliable ed wit” man left the wicket. What Indies. There were several invita- ment was tested. He rose beyond ally. Private business was his life an outstanding innings played for tions to his famed Gleaner break- the parameters of our request, and hallmark. The University, he his family, country and region! fast meetings to share and discuss and offered us the opportunity urged, should build a two-way MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020 PAGE 14 Special Feature COVID-19: A catalyst for entrepreneurship Series: The creative mecca of COVID-19 through fashion By Angelica O’Donoghue However, in the face of adversity, creativity and ad- The COVID-19 pandem- aptation evolve. ic has undoubtedly had an This week’s entrepreneur immense impact on almost feature embodies this man- every revenue-generating tra. Fashion school gradu- business in the world. ate, Launesha Barnes speaks Internationally, major on how she has managed to fashion houses, retail stores, use her discipline to traverse and textile companies have the challenges COVID-19 faced devastating economic has brought to Antigua and turmoil as the COVID-19 Barbuda. pandemic unleashes a cata- Launesha creates fash- strophic financial downturn. ionable, trendy, and textile According to the ‘Fashion masks as a personal protec- Revolution’ organization, tive gear for persons seeking “Retailers are shutting their to be out and about in the doors around the world.” public. While Bloomberg reports Since the start of the coun- that about “1,089 garment try’s instituted a state of factories in Bangladesh have emergency, wearing masks had orders cancelled worth Launesha Barnes while in public became a roughly $1.5 billion due to mandatory safety measure issued by the government. It mitigate problems through the coronavirus outbreak.” is here, Launesha saw an av- designing and creating. “I’ve enue for her particular skill- always been a creative per- set. son; I knew from very young The young fashion design- that I NEEDED to work in a er said she has always had creative field. I channel cre- an interest in finding ways to Cont’d on pg 15 MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

Special Feature PAGE 15 demand.” owner says she also “thinks Though the young fash- about other small business ion designer is capitaliz- owners and how they are ing on the demand for her coping.” Launesha is ad- products, she explains that vising other budding en- it does come with some trepreneurs to stay positive phycological impacts. “The through these unprecedented psychological repercussions times. In her message to as- of the demand can some- piring business owners, she times take a toll on me, as articulated “go for a walk. it not only presents itself as Breathe, meditate, think another opportunity to make deeply about where you are some money but what we’re now, and where you want making it for. Sometimes the to be. Drink water, stay hy- thought of the “why” is what drated. Practice safety mea- gets to me, making masks sures. These are the things becomes a task because the we can control now, the pan- situation sometimes feels demic is beyond our control, ativity in different ways and COVID-19 in both good, so dire and we don’t know but we can control how we I always felt strongly, that I and bad ways. “2020, was when it will end. They go be- view ourselves within this was born to share that with a great start for me, things yond the fashion statement pandemic. The upcoming the rest of the world. In a were starting to pick up, and become function and weeks are going to be hard, nutshell, I go by the mantra: and there were a few proj- necessity, and I think about and that’s the reality, but if using the within to create the ects I had taken on. With that every time I make a new we keep our eye on our fu- without. It drives me; com- the onset of COVID, things mask. I think about the per- ture goals, maintain a pos- ing up with different ways have slowed to a near halt son wearing it, I think about itive mindset and healthy of problem-solving and dif- and I’ve had to put a few of how easily it spreads and habits, we can get through ferent avenues to reinvent or those earlier projects on the I think about what else can it. And if any of those things to invent!” Launesha com- backburner. However, I’ve we do to protect ourselves.” are difficult to do, reach out mented. resorted to making and sell- Launesha said. to someone. Speak your Barnes, who studied fash- ing masks as they are now in The emphatic business truth. Work through it.” ion in Trinidad and Tobago reflected on how she had to reintegrate herself in An- tigua after returning from school to maneuver around other businesses which were into fashion as well. Starting with no capital injection, Launesha who operates a fashion house called TAOTM said, “I pret- ty much started with what I had which wasn’t much. One thing we were taught in design school is to be re- sourceful, you can start with nothing and an idea, it comes down to how you plan on ex- ecuting that idea.” Conversely, Launesha in- dicated that as a small busi- ness, she too is affected by MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020 PAGE 16 Regional News IMF Predicts Economic Growth of 6.25% for Grenada in 2021

Dr. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada

The International Monetary a favorable multi-year macro- While revised projections sug- materialize”. Prime Minister and Fund (IMF) is predicting econom- economic performance prior to gest a sharp decline in growth Minister of Finance, Dr. the Right ic growth of 6.25% for Grenada in the COVID-19 outbreak”, with given the considerable impact on Honorable Keith Mitchell has 2021. growth averaging “almost 5 per- tourism, the IMF said, “the projec- welcomed the IMF projections The projection is contained in cent in 2014-19, well above the tions assume a modest recovery saying, “it is reflective of the level the latest IMF Country Report on 20-year historical average of 2¾ beginning in Q4 2020 leading to of confidence in Grenada’s econo- Grenada, issued after the IMF Ex- percent”. a perceptible rebound in 2021, my and the country’s future, based ecutive Board recently approved The report identified tourism, when the economy is projected to both on Government’s manage- the disbursement of US $22.4 mil- construction and agriculture as the grow by about 6¼ percent”. The ment of the economy and the level lion for Grenada under the Rapid sectors that supported this growth IMF report also noted that “given of economic activity that is expect- Credit Facility, to help the country and it acknowledged that prior the strong prior fiscal position, the ed, primarily in the construction deal with the economic impact of to the pandemic, “Grenada’s key Government financing situation sector with several major public COVID-19. macro-economic indicators were looks manageable if the fiscal and private sector investments un- In its report, the IMF noted that expected to remain broadly at liquidity is well-protected and derway, as we re-open that sector Grenada’s economy “enjoyed 2019 levels.” extreme shock scenarios do not for activities.” MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

Regional News PAGE 17 Jamaica: Bring Them Home... PNP Wants Shipworkers Repatriated

Opposition spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Lisa Hanna The People’s National Par- only country that has so far spokesperson on Foreign people really need to ask. ty (PNP) is putting pressure failed to do similarly,” Jack- Affairs and Foreign Trade, Where’s the Red Cross? on the Government to ad- son said. Lisa Hanna, questioned Where’s the Social Develop- dress plans for some 1,044 Jackson called on the Gov- whether proper logistics ment Commission?” Hanna Jamaican ship workers to ernment to immediately put are in place to receive the questioned. land in Falmouth tomorrow. arrangements in place to en- nationals. She underscored Hanna demanded answers The crew members are sure that the Jamaicans are that it was the Government’s on whether the incoming aboard the Royal Caribbean allowed to disembark upon responsibility to ensure the ship has been granted per- cruise liner — Adventure of fulfilling health protocols. safe repatriation of those mission to sail into Jamai- the Seas, which is now en “Even at this late stage, aboard. can waters because “we are route to Jamaica. there are safe and secure ar- “In this time, we’re not hearing that they have not PNP Chairman Fitz Jack- rangements that can be im- seeing certain people as been given permission just son told a media briefing on plemented,” said Jackson, a part of this. If you’ll re- yet”. Sunday, that some stranded who is also the Opposition member when the earth- “It almost appears as if the ship workers and their fami- spokesman on national se- quake happened in Haiti, Government, or this partic- lies reached out to the party curity. the Jamaican army was sent ular Government, with our for help. “We demand that our fel- to Haiti to help the Haitian nationals, that’s a pattern is “All other countries in the low Jamaicans now in dis- Government deal with lo- emerging because somehow region have put the neces- tress and uncertainty be al- gistics in that crisis. Why when our nationals are over- sary plans in plans in place lowed to join their families hasn’t the army been called seas, they seem to be forgot- and accepted their nation- and loved ones here in Ja- out now? Who is managing ten about; we have to start als back to their respective maica,” he added. the protocols here? These caring for our people better homeland. Jamaica is the Meanwhile, Opposition are questions the Jamaican than this,” Hanna insisted. MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020 PAGE 18 Regional News Trinidad’s Public Utilities Minister resigns – PM Rowley accepts Trinidad and Tobago’s Public Utilities Minister Robert Le Hunte has re- signed. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley has accept- ed the resignation of Sen- ator Le Hunte, who is also vice-chairman of the Road to Recovery Committee tasked with resetting the country economy post-COVID-19. The resignation letter is dated Friday (May 15). The resignation follows a conflict that arose during last Thursday’s Cabinet meet- ing. The Communications Ministry issued a statement this afternoon, confirming the resignation. The statement read: Prime Minister accepts resignation of Robert Le Hunte The Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. the Honour- able Keith Rowley accepted the resignation of Minister of Public Utilities Robert Le Senator Robert Le Hunte Hunte. The resignation became more than 30 years, the ma- Director of the then Bar- pated in the Advanced Man- effective yesterday, 16 May jority of which was spent at bados National Bank, now agement Program at Har- 2020. the Managerial and Execu- Republic Bank (Barbados) vard University. The Prime Minister is in tive levels. His career at Re- Limited, and Managing Di- Le Hunte has also made the process of making the public Bank culminated in rector of HFC Bank (Ghana) time for national interests, necessary adjustments con- his appointment to the Exec- Limited. by serving on a number of sequent to Mr. Le Hunte’s utive Director level in 2016, Le Hunte holds a Master’s Boards, including the Na- resignation. where he was charged with Degree in Business Admin- tional Flour Mills, National Who is Robert Le Hunte? the responsibility of execut- istration from the University Feed Mills, the Environ- Senator Robert Le Hunte ing the bank’s African Con- of Manchester, and a Master mental Management Au- assumed the portfolio as tinent expansion strategy, a of Science Degree in Ac- thority and National Initia- Minister of Public Utilities role he held just prior to opt- counting from the Universi- tive for Service Excellence, in September 2017. ing for early retirement. ty of the West Indies, as well Barbados. He also served as Prior to his appointment as Other notable highlights as a Bachelor of Arts degree President of both the Carib- Minister, Senator Le Hunte during his career with Re- in Economics from the Uni- bean Association of Indige- has been a career banker for public Bank include his versity of Western Ontario, nous Banks, and the Barba- appointments as Managing Canada. He has also partici- dos Bankers Association. MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

Regional News PAGE 19 UWI Caribbean Students Feel Trapped, Abandoned In Ja Caribbean students still stuck at “Initially, contact was not made The University of the West Indies, to us by the government,” the Vin- Mona, are anxious to get home as centian said. “It was after a while the coronavirus pandemic con- when people realised things were tinues to wreak havoc across the getting serious … that we reached globe. They also fear that their ex- out to the honorary consul as to tended stay on campus could result what could be done, but it wasn’t in them having to fork out more until late that the government got payment for dorm rooms, putting truly involved.” In a letter earli- further pressure on their dwindling er this month, St Vincent and the financial resources. Two students Grenadines Honorary Consul to from St Vincent and the Grena- Jamaica, June Barbour, told the A student walks towards the Main Library at The University of dines, whose identities The Sunday stranded students wanting to re- the West Indies, Mona, in this August 2018 Gleaner photo. Gleaner is protecting out of a gener- turn home amid the coronavirus al fear among Vincentians that they that they would each have to pay Vincentian student, echoed this I also keep frequent contact with could lose scholarships for speak- more than US$1,330 for a return frustration. “Personally, I am not in my family and friends who are ing out, have said that they feel let charter flight, warning that the agreement with the plans that have back home …. Their support defi- down by their government in how airfare could increase if there are been made to fly us home. The nitely keeps me going,” she told it is communicating with them and fewer than 56 students making the time period in which they would The Sunday Gleaner. how plans for their return home are journey. Bentley and other students like to send the flight is not the best She is hoping that she will be being handled. David Bentley* found the price quoted by the Anti- for me, neither was the cost. There able to return home sooner rather numbers among roughly 200 stu- guan-based regional airline, LIAT, has also been a lot of tug of war re- than later as news of the pandemic dents believed to have remained of which St Vincent and the Gren- garding what airline we would be can be unnerving. on campus since the suspension adines is a shareholder, to be exor- taking,” she said. “Flights should “I think what unsettles me most of physical classes in March as Ja- bitant, given the limited resources be scheduled for next Tuesday and is the media. There are so many maica recorded its first coronavirus they had. This has left some parents Thursday, but the flights would stories surrounding this virus that it case. “COVID-19 has created a to be desperately trying to organ- only leave if enough persons are is very easy to fall prey to those that spirit of anxiety in me,” he told The ise their own transportation home. able to go.” The students said they incite fear and panic, which I, too, Sunday Gleaner last week. “Being However, there is no official word have been adopting different strat- have felt from time to time …. locked in now because you have on departure dates due to ongoing egies to ease their anxiety. “My biggest fear about this crisis to has produced the psychological dialogue in regard to the reopen- For Bentley, writing journal en- is the fact that it does not discrim- feeling that you are trapped.” Now ing of different countries’ borders. tries, listening to music, exercising inate,” Lisa added, although she is one of the last occupants of his “I think that the government did and watching plays have helped happy that the St Lucian govern- dorm as Jamaican students were not do enough ... in terms of early him through the often-lonely expe- ment has made contact with her. given notice to vacate several halls communication,” Bentley said. “If rience. On the other hand, Wisdom Conversely, Jennifer, a Barba- within hours of news that classes we were communicated with, …. has found that being involved in her dian student, has not found solace would be suspended, Bentley said then we would have understood. studies takes her mind off the pan- with these sentiments. the uncertainty surrounding trans- [Initially,] we listened to the prime demic. Other Caribbean nationals “My fear is that the date for the portation arrangements have added minister’s delivery of the country’s have also expressed worry even borders to reopen keeps being to his anxiety. Jamaica and several stimulus package; nothing was as they rally together to keep their pushed back, which prevents me other Caribbean countries have mentioned about us. We had await- spirits up during the pandemic. from returning home,” she lament- closed their borders to incoming ed further correspondence from the Lisa, a St Lucian student, has ex- ed. “My challenge with remaining passenger traffic as part of efforts National Student Loan Company, pressed that she has grown closer on campus is the uncertainty of to contain the deadly pandemic. and nothing was said. Only one with her fellow colleagues on cam- whether or not the university will However, special arrangements email came that told us to continue pus. “We have tried to band togeth- charge me for my extended stay. have been made by some govern- washing our hands.” er during this time by engaging in There has been talk about us being ments to bring home stranded citi- STUCK IN LIMBO different activities such as exercis- charged, but no one can either con- zens to mixed reaction. Deborah Wisdom*, another ing, cooking and studying together. firm or deny.” MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

PAGE 20 International AROUND THE WORLD Iran warns US against disrupting fuel shipments to Venezuela

Iran’s foreign minister on Sunday warned the United States against deploying its navy in the Caribbean to dis- rupt Iranian fuel shipments to Venezuela. According to an oil shipment analyst, five Ira- nian-flagged tankers loaded with tens of millions of dol- lars worth of fuel are heading towards Venezuela. In a letter to United Nations chief Antonio Guterres, Mo- hammad Javad Zarif warned against “America’s move- ments in deploying its navy to the Caribbean in order to in- tervene and create disruption in [the] transfer of Iran’s fuel to Venezuela”. He said any such action would be “illegal and a form of piracy” adding the US would be responsible for “the consequences”, according to a foreign ministry statement. A senior official in US Pres- ident Donald Trump’s admin- istration told Reuters news agency on Thursday that the In retaliation, the British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero was seized in the Strait of Hormuz in July US was considering measures 2019 by the Revolutionary Guard [Morteza Akhoondi/Tasnim News Agency via AP] it could take in response to Iran’s shipment of fuel to cri- sis-stricken Venezuela. warning” on Sunday. Abbas worth of petrol and simi- aging refinery amid a petrol Iran’s Fars News reported Araghchi said any potential lar products are now sail- shortage, a symptom of the on Saturday it received in- threat to Iran’s tankers would ing to Venezuela, part of a wider economic and political formation that four US Navy be met with a “quick and de- wider deal between the two chaos gripping Latin Ameri- warships are in the Caribbean cisive response”. US-sanctioned nations amid ca’s one-time largest oil pro- for a “possible confrontation The US has imposed unilat- heightened tensions between ducer. with Iran’s tankers”. eral sanctions aimed at ending Tehran and Washington. The For Iran, the tankers rep- Zarif’s deputy summoned oil exports by both Iran and tankers’ voyage come after resent a way to bring money the Swiss ambassador, who Venezuela, both major crude Venezuela’s socialist lead- into its cash-starved coun- represents Washington’s in- producers. er Nicolas Maduro already try and put its own pressure terests in Tehran, to com- Five Iranian tankers like- turned to Iran for help in fly- on the US, which, under municate Iran’s “serious ly carrying at least $45.5m ing in chemicals needed at an President Trump, has pur- MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

International PAGE 21 AROUND THE WORLD sued maximalist campaigns data on any Iranian petrol against both nations. But the shipment ever going to South strategy invites the chance of America before. Chinese a renewed confrontation be- TankerTrackers.com, a tween the Islamic Republic website focused on the oil ambassador to and the US both in the Gulf, trade at sea, first reported the which saw a series of escalat- ships likely were heading to Israel is found ing incidents often involving Venezuela. the oil industry last year, and The capacity of the five wider afield. ships is some 175,000 metric dead in his “This is like a new one tonnes. On the open market, for everyone,” said Captain the petrol and product carried home, Foreign Ranjith Raja, an analyst who within them would be worth tracks oil shipments by sea at at least $45.5m, though Iran Ministry says the data firm Refinitiv, of the likely reached a discounted, petrol shipments. “We hav- non-cash deal with Caracas en’t seen anything like this given the circumstances the before.” two nations face, Raja said. All the vessels involved be- It remains unclear how the long to Iranian state-owned US will respond to the tank- or state-linked companies, ers. On Thursday, the US flying under the Iranian flag. Treasury, State Department Since a pressure campaign on and Coast Guard issued an Iranian vessels began, notably advisory warning the mari- with the temporary seizure of time industry of illegal ship- an Iranian tanker last year by ping and sanctions-dodging Gibraltar, the country’s ships tactics by countries including have been unable to fly flags Iran. The advisory repeated an of convenience of other na- earlier promise of up to $15m Du Wei was married with one son. tions, a common practice in for information disrupting international shipping. the Revolutionary Guard’s China’s Ambassador to Is- ing major infrastructure and The ships all appear to have finances. It also warned any- rael, Du Wei, was found dead communications deals with been loaded from the Persian one “knowingly engaged in a inside his official residence Chinese companies. There Gulf Star Refinery near Ban- significant transaction for the Sunday morning, a spokes- has been no comment on the dar Abbas, Iran, which makes purchase, acquisition, sale, woman for Israel’s Ministry ambassador’s death from the petrol, Raja said. The ships transport or marketing of pe- of Foreign Affairs told CNN. Chinese embassy in Israel or then travelled around the Ara- troleum” faced US sanctions. At this stage, the 57-year- the Ministry of Foreign Af- bian Peninsula and through The US State Department old’s death is not being treat- fairs in Beijing. the Suez Canal into the Med- and the Pentagon did not ed as suspicious. Ambassador Du assumed iterranean Sea, according to immediately respond to a re- Police are outside the am- his current role in Israel in data collected from the ship’s quest for comment. bassador’s residence in Her- February 2020, according Automatic Identification Sys- Analysts already have been zliya -- to the north of Tel to the embassy’s webpage, tem, or AIS, which acts as a warning about the growing Aviv -- as part of standard as the coronavirus pandem- tracking beacon. chance for a renewed con- procedure, the spokeswom- ic was sweeping across the Given the crushing US frontation between the US an said. His death comes less globe. He wrote in an article sanctions imposed on Iran, and Iran. than a week after US Secre- in the Jerusalem Post in mid- also-sanctioned Venezuela In April, the US accused tary of State Mike Pompeo March that he immediately appears to be a country that Iran of conducting “danger- visited Jerusalem, openly had to enter two weeks of would have nothing to lose ous and harassing” manoeu- criticizing China’s actions mandatory self-quarantine on from accepting the shipments. vres near American warships during the coronavirus pan- his arrival. Raja said Refinitiv had no in the northern Gulf. demic, as well as calling on Ambassador Du was mar- Israeli leaders to stop sign- ried with one son. MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

PAGE 22 International AROUND THE WORLD

US Federal Reserve chairman Powell warns downturn ‘may last until late 2020

Jerome Powell added in a CBS interview that a full rebound may not be possible until a vaccine for the virus is discovered. Earlier this week, Mr Powell had called on US lawmakers to pass more economic stimulus and relief aid. Over 36m Americans have filed for unemployment benefits since mid-March. What did Powell say? In an interview with CBS’ 60 minutes, Mr Power said: “This is a time of great suffering and dif- ficulty... you can’t really put into words the pain people are feeling. “This economy will recover. It may take a while,” he said. “It could stretch through the end of next year. We really don’t know.” He added that he expected the The chairman of the US Federal Reserve has warned that the American economy may economy to “recover steadily not recover from the coronavirus pandemic until late 2021. through the second half of this year” - provided there was “not a relief package. However, it is not day that the Centers for Disease ple doing things that are irrespon- second wave of the coronavirus”. expected to pass the Republi- Control and Prevention (CDC) sible,” he said. “We’ve got to get But, he said, “for the economy can-majority Senate, where lead- “really let the country down with this economy open and our peo- to fully recover, people will have er Mitch McConnell has argued the testing”. ple out and about, working and to be fully confident. And that there is “no urgency” to act. “I don’t believe the CDC let going to school again.” may have to await the arrival of ‘States are safe to reopen’ this country down,” Mr Azar What is the current death toll? a vaccine.” Meanwhile, US Health and responded. “I believe the CDC There are more than 1.4m He argued that “in the long run, Human Services Secretary Alex serves an important public health cases of Covid-19 in the US, and even in the medium run, you Azar has defended the decision role and what was always critical and 89,000 deaths, according to wouldn’t want to bet against the by most states to begin lifting the was to get the private sector to the Johns Hopkins University. American economy.” lockdown measures. table.” On Saturday, Texas reported The US has already approved He told CNN on Sunday that Test kits sent out to states by the its largest one-day spike in new nearly $3tn (£2.5tn) in new stim- the decisions should be made by CDC in February were found to cases since the pandemic began, ulus spending - packages worth local leaders, because “in almost be faulty, leading to criticism of with 1,801 new infections. an estimated 14% of the coun- half of our reporting counties, we the CDC’s role in the crisis. It comes after the governor al- try’s economy. The Fed has also have had not a single death”, and Mr Azar added that he was not lowed all retail businesses to re- taken radical steps to shore up the over 50% of cases came from concerned by images of people open on 1 May, but with restric- economy, pumping trillions of just 2% of those counties. in bars not practicing social dis- tions on capacity. dollars into the financial system. He also said he disagreed with tancing. Thirty-three more people died On Friday, Democrats in the White House trade advisor Peter “I think in any individual in- on Saturday, bringing the state- House of Representatives passed Navarro, who said earlier on Sun- stance you are going to see peo- wide death toll to 1,305. an additional $3tn coronavirus MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

International PAGE 23 AROUND THE WORLD Obama tells graduating HBCU students to step up because leaders ‘not even pretending to be in charge’

Former President Barack the disproportionate rate at which Obama urged graduating students black people are dying from from historically black colleges and COVID-19, the illness caused by universities to take charge as they the virus, and the recent killing of step into the real world because, he Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old said, if they want to see change, it black man who was on a jog and won’t come from current leaders. encountered by Gregory and Tra- Obama said the novel corona- vis McMichael, both white and virus pandemic has “more than armed with guns. anything ... fully, finally torn back Obama did not mention Arbery the curtain on the idea that so many by name, but said the injustices of of the folks in charge know what the world were seen “when a black they’re doing.” man goes for a jog, and some folks His remarks were made during a virtual commencement “A lot of them aren’t even pre- feel like they can stop and question speech. tending to be in charge,” he add- and shoot him if he doesn’t submit ed in his virtual commencement to their questioning.” the United Negro College Fund, as Thurgood Marshall, Dr. Martin speech Saturday to HBCU stu- He called on the graduates to be the National Association for Equal Luther King Jr., Toni Morrison and dents. The U.S. currently has by bold in their vision of the world. Opportunity, the NBA, Paul Quinn Spike Lee. He offered the class of far the most confirmed cases and “If the world’s going to get better, College, Howard University and 2020 three pieces of advice: use deaths due to the virus in the world. it’s going to be up to you,” Obama JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing your voice in real communities at Polls have shown that a numeric said, later adding, “No generation Black Pathways Initiative, accord- a grassroots level and not only on- high of 57% of Americans disap- has been better positioned to be ing to the former president’s office. line, work with allies and be active proved of how President Donald warriors of justice and remake the Obama applauded the students in leadership. Trump has handled the pandemic. world.” His speech was part of a for choosing to attend an HBCU. “So many of us believe in you,” Obama said that the virus also larger virtual event, titled “Show He said that while they could have Obama said. “I’m so proud of “just spotlights the underlying in- Me Your Walk, HBCU Edition.” chosen any school in the country, you.” Obama will also address the equalities and extra burdens that It was a two-hour virtual HBCU they chose an HBCU to help them high school seniors of 2020 in a black communities have historical- commencement program present- “sow seeds of change” and fol- virtual speech at 8 p.m. ET on Sat- ly had to deal with in this country.” ed by Chase in partnership with the low in the footsteps of those who urday broadcast on ABC, NBC, Specifically, Obama mentioned Thurgood Marshall College Fund, “shook the system to its core,” such CBS and Fox. MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020 PAGE 24 Leisure

Quick crossword No Quick crossword No 15,608 15,606

Across Down 1 Send to Coventry (9) 2 Dickens’s miser (7) 8 French couturier, creator of the New Look in 1947 (4) 3 Terms of reference (5) 9 Impetus gained by a moving object (8) 4 Funny (5) 10 Cease operating (3,3) 5 Star round which we orbit (3) 11 Dead body (6) 6 Calculate — fathom (6,3) 13 Change sides (6) 7 Bold in speech (9) 15 Monkey (6) 12 Remind someone of an embarrassment (3,2,2) 16 Last match in a knockout football competition (3,5) 14 Restorative (5) 18 Consequently (4) 15 Intimidate (5) 17 Excess body weight (3) 19 Unpleasant conclusion (6,3)

Dilbert MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

Leisure PAGE 25

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr. 19): Your week ahead could include LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.): Your social life could be at a a profusion of confusion. Be alert to potential hackers or low point. If you become bored or restless, your imagination phishing scams, and don’t click on email links or give out might go into overdrive. Wishful thinking could cause you personal information. Reassure any loved ones who have to be misled by someone in the week ahead, so be alert for doubts. tricks.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): Apologize if you make SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Rein in any roving desire a mistake or commit some slip-up. If you and loved ones for romance. Keep your money in your pocket and your can agree to disagree, your week to come will run more mind sharp. In the week to come, make decisions based on smoothly. Don’t go on a spending spree thinking it will facts and don’t rely on others to guide your hand. solve a problem. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll run fewer GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Someone may tell you risks if your cash and credit card remain safely tucked away only what you want to hear. Check the facts twice before in your wallet. Avoid making an issue of someone’s hedging embarking on new enterprises in the upcoming week. during the week ahead to preserve the tranquility of a valued Someone who is demanding or is dealing with an emotional relationship. issue could drain your energy. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You are probably CANCER (June 21-July 22): You or a family member feeling good about yourself and welcome some new could be subject to online tricks, misleading offers or activities as this week begins to unfold, but remain aware of false advertising. Change your passwords and update your your fiscal and social responsibilities. Take advantage of a security applications so that you can rest easy in the week chance for fun that costs little. ahead. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may see evidence of LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You might not recognize which your need to work harder as this week unfolds. It might be people have your best interests at heart. Any skepticism pointed out that you have not always made the most of your may prevent you from making an advantageous choice. As time. Put a hold on major expenditures until you are more this week unfolds, focus on being responsible as well as comfortable. reasonable. PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Out of sight, out of mind. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Get it while you can. If This is a good week to maintain a low profile and steer clear you ask for forgiveness or assistance, your wish might of misunderstandings. Your intuition could be less accurate be fulfilled. Don’t be surprised if you find hidden strings than usual in the upcoming week, and you may want to be attached to a purchase or investment in the week ahead that out of the loop in social situations. changes your mind. MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

PAGE 26 Sports News Some regret, zero bitterness – the Austin Richards Jr story Austin Richards Jr grew 13 to play in an under-15 “At an early age Taddy up in a cricketing family tournament and I did very exposed me to real fire from where his father and uncles well. That was followed by some of the island’s fast- were involved in the sport. an outing in St. Kitts in the est bowlers like Cleave Jo- “I started playing cricket Leeward Islands Under-15 seph and Vaughn ‘Hungry’ on the road and at the beach tournament where I per- Walsh,” Richards said. before playing formally at a formed, setting a platform “I remember my first game very young age,” the former for my progression,” the for Antigua and Barbuda se- national cricketer explained. man from the east stated. nior team at the age of 15 “I watched people like “I was first an all-rounder and being given words of Jensen Joseph Jr and How- before focusing more on my encouragement by players ard Warner play and they batting,” Austin Jr said. His like Dave Joseph who made inspired me to participate. transition from junior crick- it clear this is war when we At the age of 13, I was ap- et to the senior level was not battle teams like St. Kitts proached to play and the rest hard because of the founda- and Nevis in the Leeward Austin Richards Jr is history,” Richards noted. tion laid by Taddy Arindale Islands tournament. Montserrat, 115, an innings “I made my first tour to who assisted in developing “My first senior century at I will never forget,” said the Montserrat at the age of his game at factory grounds. regional level came against cont’d on pg 27 MONDAY 18TH MAY 2020

Sports News PAGE 27 Gayle avoids punishment for Sarwan comments Chris Gayle avoided punishment for in late April following his release from plaining his initial comments, even his criticism of Ramnarresh Sarwan, Caribbean Premier League (CPL) side though he has not retracted them. despite standing by his comments in Jamaica Tallawahs where Sarwan is “In so far as my resentment at the which he called the former West Indies assistant coach. treatment, I stand by my comments in teammate “evil” and a “snake”. The CPL Tournament Committee is those videos. My words were spoken Gayle made the remarks on YouTube satisfied with Gayle’s statement- ex from the heart,” said Gayle who won the CPL with Jamaica in 2013 and Bayern Munich returns 2016. “Having said that, I must be honest to Bundesliga with win and say I now realize how portions of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich elite league to return to action, with my comments may be viewed as be- comfortably beat Union Berlin in a substitutes and coaches socially dis- ing damaging to CWI and to the CPL strange game at the league’s return tancing on the bench – including using Tournament and its brand – a tourna- during the coronavirus pandemic. the front rows of the otherwise empty ment which I have sincerely enjoyed It has been allowed to restart with- stands. not just being a part of, but also help- out fans, most people off the pitch In other games played in Germany ing to build and promote. wearing masks, and muted goal cele- over the weekend, Eintracht Frank- “I made these videos with one sin- brations. furt’s rolled over Borussia Monchen- gle intention: to explain to the fans in Robert Lewandowski gave the gladbach 3-1. Borussia Dortmund Jamaica the reasons behind what has champions the lead with a penalty, hammered Schalke 4-0, while FC now become my second departure his 40th goal in 34 Bayern games this Koln and Mainz 05 played to a 2-2 from the Tallawahs franchise. season. Benjamin Pavard headed in a draw. Gayle will represent the St. Lucia late second from Joshua Kimmich’s Players noted that playing without Zouks franchise in the 2020 CPL, due corner. fans made the minutes seem very long to begin in August against Barbados The Bundesliga became the first until the final whistle. Tridents, the defending champions. cont’d from pg 26 left hander. gle One Day International spare time, I assist my dad the island and has started Austin talked about his (ODI) for the West Indies with his business.” his coaching license, but he love for Parish League: and one T20 game, but he is Richards Jr said he wants is not sure he wants to coach “Whenever you were out of of the view that had he been to help young cricketers on full time. form there were so [many] afforded another opportuni- experienced players partic- ty, he would have pushed on ipating in the league, that and cemented his place. you were exposed to a lot of “The game I played, I bat- educated advice as to what ted at number six when I am to and how.” an opening batsman. I did Richards described former not have the best game, but West Indies wicketkeep- that was it. Another oppor- er-batsman Ridley Jacobs as tunity never came,” Austin one of his idols because of said. his toughness and temper- “I am not bitter and thank ament. “Whenever Ridley God for the opportunities got the crease and the team I had to meet lots of good was in trouble you know people and make many something positive was go- friends in the sport,” the for- ing to happen,” Richards mer West Indies player said. added. “I am now a Fire Police Austin Jr played a sin- enjoying my job and, in my MONDAY18TH MAY 2020 Female trailblazer conquers male fortress

Mrs. Renee Edwards Am- my job training with LIAT male to race at the St. James brose – a dynamic, confident before leaving for Canada raceway in Nevis and the beautiful lady who has been to study pilot aviation,” Am- Pearis Speedway in Grenada. making her mark in the field brose noted. Renee was also awarded of Drag Racing, a sport dom- “On returning to Antigua, it best female racer at the Trin- inated mostly by males – al- was difficult finding employ- idad and Tobago Auto Sports ways wanted to be involved ment and LIAT was offering Association event (dubbed in the field of engineering scholarships in aircraft engi- Carnival Drags) in 2017, and when she grew up attending neering. I applied, was suc- nominated as ABDRA’s 2016 the Liberta Primary School. cessful, and left for Guyana to Female Drag Racer of the Buttaz is also a model who “I started in modeling but study,” Ambrose explained. Year. has successfully participated my passion and drive was Renee has overcome many In 2020 Ambrose added the in a number of events across always leaning towards engi- obstacles in a male-dominat- Women of Wadadli award in the region. neering, fast cars and things ed sport. In 10 events that sports. Renee is presently em- of that sort,” Ambrose ex- her team participated in, they The founder and accom- ployed as an aircraft mainte- pressed. mounted the podium seven plished racer of the Caribbe- nance engineer at LIAT 1974 “After leaving the Liberta times. an’s first all-female drag rac- Ltd and is the owner of LHF School, I went on to Antigua Buttaz, as she is affection- ing Team Lady Horsepower Motorsports Racing. Girl High School, then the ately called, holds the record Farm (now LHF Motor- Drag racer, model, entre- Antigua State College where for being the fastest Antiguan sports) has also launched the preneur, aircraft maintenance I studied automotive engi- on four wheels (drag racing). LadyMex Mechanic Work- engineer, a mentor to young neering. After school I did Ambrose is also the fastest fe- shop, of which Renee seeks aspiring females in Antigua to educate and empower and Barbuda and across the women motorists about their region who encourages her vehicles. peers to reach for the sky Editor : Everton Barnes, Published by Pointville Communications, Lower North Street, St. John’s, Antigua Tel:-1- and believe in themselves: 268-562 4989, Editor: [email protected] Meet Renee Edwards “But- Advertisement: [email protected], Reporting: [email protected] taz” Ambrose.