FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 | ISSUE 228 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG

MJOLNIR MESSIAH IS THE TOP STUDENT FOR CSEC, 2020 SEE PAGE 3

BARS AND CLUBS TO BEGIN REOPENING NEXT WEEK SEE PAGE 8 PAGE 2 FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 EDITORIAL VACCINATION PROGRAMME AT THE CROSSROADS

After a very promising the Oxford-AstraZeneca ing to be vaccinated. among the top ten most start towards the end of vaccine. Here in Anti- It is inevitable, some tourism-dependent February and well into gua and Barbuda our may say, that there ap- countries in the world. the month of March, amount was forty thou- pears to be some po- In this edition of the the vaccination roll-out sand. With the uncer- litical mischief making paper is an article quot- exercise had gathered tainty over when addi- that has somehow been ing the chairman of the momentum with up to tional vaccines would able to wound its way Antigua and Barbuda two thousand individ- arrive, and recognising into the misinformation Hotels and Tourist Asso- uals presenting them- that each person need- and the sowing of seeds ciation stating unequiv- selves to be vaccinated ed two shots of the vac- of doubt. Much as it is ocally that potential vis- in a single day. cine to be fully inoculat- widely accepted that itors are inquiring about Antigua and Barbuda ed, just over twenty-six the vaccination exer- the rate of vaccination had reached a higher thousand doses of the cise is in the best inter- in the country as well as rate of distribution and vaccine were adminis- est of the country and the status of people at uptake than any other tered. Additional vac- at least in their public the various properties. country in the Carib- cines did arrive, but not discourses politicians This is not a game! Tour- bean at that point. We before the exercise was of all colours and hues ism is this country’s life- were all certain that at placed on a hiatus to have voiced support for blood. The pandemic the current pace of the await those vaccines. the programme, one has caused severe harm first few weeks of the roll During this period of wonders if perchance to the industry and to out, the country would a lull in the roll-out, an there are not those who the country generally. have achieved the state aggressive misinfor- view a potential failure Our only way of return- of ‘herd immunity’ by mation campaign was of the roll-out as an op- ing to positive econom- the month of June. launched, exploiting portunity to score polit- ic growth that benefits Unfortunately, there the fears and uncertain- ical points. It really is a all is by up to seventy was one major factor ties about vaccines gen- sad day that in matters per cent of the adult over which the coun- erally among many in as fundamental to the population being vac- try had absolutely no the community. well-being of the coun- cinated. This is not a control: availability of Admittedly, much of try there may be some scare tactic! This is not the vaccine. The gov- this misinformation has people who are playing a joke; the nation stands ernment of India, in a caught root and has re- on the genuine con- at the crossroads of de- remarkable demonstra- sulted in a higher than cerns of some people to velopment or econom- tion of generosity, made expected number of achieve a political out- ic depression. How we available to several Ca- people who have decid- come. decide collectively will ribbean countries vary- ed to opt out of the exer- It bears repeating that determine the path we ing amounts of doses of cise and who are refus- Antigua and Barbuda is take! FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 3

MJOLNIR MESSIAH IS THE TOP STUDENT FOR CSEC, 2020

Seventeen-year-old Academy sat and Mjolnir Messiah is passed twenty-one been named Antigua subjects, securing and Barbuda’s Top sixteen Grade Ones Student for the Ca- and five Grade Twos. ribbean Secondary “In everything that Education Certificate comes with the de- (CSEC) for the year sired outcomes is the 2020. result of much hard Messiah, a former work and dedication. student of St. Joseph’s First, I must thank

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God for his blessings fall into line,” he of his non-stop ad- out a doubt, SJA has and guidance as well added. vancement well into continued to im- as my teachers and He also reported that the far flung future,” pact the education- parents for the sup- he intends to pursue Browne stated. al landscape of our port that they gave a career in medicine, “I applaud his par- nation in indelible me as these efforts with a specialisation ents whose love and ways,” director Clare allowed me to do in pathology. support have assist- Browne declared. well in my exams,” Director of Educa- ed in creating that Mjolnir Messiah is he told PointeXpress tion, Clare Browne, enabling environ- currently enrolled newspaper. on Thursday morn- ment that has pro- in the baccalaureate Messiah said he kept ing contacted Mjol- pelled him to this programme offered his focus on his stud- nir’s mother, Nata- academic apex.” by Island Academy. ies and while he en- sha Messiah, with The faculty of St. Jo- J’Shawni Vickery of gages in extra-cur- the exciting news seph’s Academy has St. Joseph’s Acade- ricular activities, he and conveyed con- also been singled my was named most strongly believes gratulations on be- out by the director outstanding student that there must be half of the ministry. for the role it has in second place and a balance between “I am thrilled to ap- played in Messiah’s Ajonte Josiah, Bap- those activities and plaud Mjolnir Mes- achievements. tist Academy of An- his studies. “Nothing siah on his outstand- “SJA has maintained tigua in third place. comes easy in life. ing achievement at an academic excel- The CSEC modified You have to put your the 2020 CSEC ex- lence and competi- examinations were best foot forward aminations. Make tive will, which have administered by the and work towards no mistake about it, placed it among the Caribbean Examina- your goal. Once you even as I celebrate top secondary insti- tions Council (CXC) have the drive to do with him today, I tutions in Antigua from 13th July to 4th well and you focus, make bold to say and Barbuda and August 2020. everything else will that I expect to hear the region. With- FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 5

CABINET MEMBERS FULLY VACCINATED

On the heels of healthcare work- lic that it is important to obtain effects of the vaccine. I am also ers receiving their second dose of the second dose to increase the imploring our young adults to go the COVID-19 AstraZeneca vac- efficacy of the vaccine and boost out and get vaccinated. We can’t cine, members of Cabinet gath- protection against COVID-19. get to herd immunity without ered at the Office of the Prime The COVID-19 vaccine prevents you.” Dr. Lewis said. Minister to receive their second serious illness, hospitalisation, The general public is asked to dose, officially making them ful- and death.” pay attention to dates given ly vaccinated against COVID-19. Dr. Courtney Lewis, Medical Di- within their vaccination card for Their vaccination took place with rector of Dr. Lewis Medical and their second dose. A subsequent the presence of the media in an Associates, issued a public ser- announcement will be made for effort to help inspire the general vice announcement remind- the second dose schedule for population to get vaccinated. ing the public to get vaccinated. uniformed bodies and targeted According to the Ministry of “Getting your second dose en- groups. Health, Wellness and the Envi- sures you get your maximum To date, Antigua and Barbuda ronment, “Health officials are protection against COVID-19 has vaccinated over thirty thou- reminding members of the pub- as well as the longest protective sand citizens and residents.

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CAUTIOUS CARNIVAL RESUMPTION TWO MONTHS FROM NOW

By Shelton Daniel adherence to protec- was disclosed that “pro- Industries [Hon. Dar- MONTHStive measures FROM against moters NOW of Carnival fetes yl Matthew] in order A tentative and test- COVID-19 that have and other kinds of large- to seek approval for … the-waters resumption been proposed and group entertainment conducting of … large of Carnival festivities is agreed to by authorities events were invited to public gatherings in the contemplated for An- and organisers of mass Cabinet [at its weekly months ahead, espe- tigua and Barbuda this crowd events. meeting on Wednesday] cially at Carnival.” year. During this week’s by the Minister respon- According to the But it will depend on post-Cabinet briefing it sible for the Creative post-Cabinet briefing FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 7 notes circulated by Office of the switching and the patrons will dia briefing on Thursday morn- Prime Minister, “The promoters be provided coloured bracelets ing, Information Minister Mel- agreed that vaccination of the upon entry to ensure that they ford Nicholas provided some promoters, their patrons, and can mingle freely while obeying further elaboration. their guest artistes is a prerequi- the protocols established.” “We are satisfied now that the site to holding those parties and Alluding to a definite timeline promoters are indeed aligned in fetes during the Carnival holiday taking this major step to some re- their efforts and their approach, period and beyond … After in- sumption of normality, following and in the observance of the tense discussions, it was agreed the suffocating restrictions oc- protocols, to ensure that the first that a vaccine regime for all fans casioned by the pandemic since of those events – all things be- and events’ organisers, requiring March 2020, the statement an- ing considered equal – could be the presentation of vaccine cer- nounced thus: “If all the systems staged as early as mid-July … tificates and a government-is- are put in place, the first of these This will be a first case and a test sued identification, in order to events will take place on July 16, which will not involve extreme- enter.” 2021, the start of the Carnival ly large numbers. The optimal The statement added that, season. Everyone is encouraged number will be about three hun- “Tickets are to be purchased in to be vaccinated, and everyone dred in the first instance.” advance of the events and the [intending] to attend these fetes Nicholas added that this would names of the purchasers and the must also be vaccinated almost help “to make a determination as date of their vaccination must immediately and not await the to how large these events could be provided in order to purchase days before the events.” become as more and more per- the tickets. There will be no During the live post-Cabinet me- sons become vaccinated.”

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Bars and clubs to begin reopening next week

By Shelton Daniel

Owners of alco- hol-serving bars and clubs can breathe a sigh of relief that the long period of forced closure they have had to endure because of the COVID-19 pan- demic is about to be lifted. This is according to a statement issued on Thursday morning by the Cabinet of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, following the

Cont’d on pg 9 FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 9 apex executive body’s operators being vac- as bars and clubs im- line for reopening weekly meeting the cinated; patrons com- plement and demon- bars may not coincide previous day. plying with all require- strate compliance with the three-month The post-Cabi- ments for temperature with agreed measures window within which net briefing notes checks, hand-washing for applying and up- persons who have al- state that, “Bars and and sanitisation; and holding the safety pro- ready received their clubs will open next physical distancing tocols. first-dose inoculation Wednesday, May 19, facilitated by the sep- “If the bar … opera- would have been el- 2021.” It explained arated placement of tors are not vaccinated igible for the second that this was the result tables and chairs. they will not be per- – which is necessary of operators “having The grant of reopen- mitted to operate … for someone to be assured the Ministry ing comes with a This is a prerequisite considered fully vacci- of Health, the Chief warning that, “Those step for any of these nated; after which an Health Inspector and bars found to be in operations to go into additional two weeks other enforcement violation of the rules effect again,” Nicholas after the second jab is agencies that all the will have their liquor stated bluntly. medically indicated protocols agreed- licenses revoked, and He further explained for the attainment of to are in place and will be compelled to that the permitted re- immunity. obeyed. Several meet- shut down for long pe- opening of bars will It is therefore likely ings have been held riods.” not result in any mod- that the bar owners/ with the owners of the Speaking on this sub- ification of the existing operators who seek bars and they have put ject during the live curfew hours. to avail themselves of forward acceptable post-Cabinet media “The curfew times this grant to reopen arrangements, the ba- briefing on Thursday continue to be from may in fact, at this sis of which provides morning, Informa- 11:00 p.m. until 5:00 stage, be only partially them the opportunity tion Minister Melford a.m. on a daily basis, immunised. But fur- to open.” Nicholas pointed out and that has not yet ther clarification of These “acceptable ar- that the reopening is been changed …” he this is expected to be rangements” include expected to take place declared. provided in the com- all the bar and club “on a gradual basis” However, the time- ing days. PAGE 10 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 Soup Kitchen Gets $40,000 Boost for Feeding Programme

The Soup Kitchen, one of the island’s premier social pro- tection initiatives for the vul- nerable on the streets of St. John’s, has received a major boost in its meals outreach programme. On Wednesday, the Student Government Association at the American University of Antigua (AUA), donated fif- teen thousand United States dollars (forty thousand East- Ag Insepector Veldon Ragguette, founder of the Soup Kitchen and Nikita Shibalsan, President of Student Government Association, AUA

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John, and Sharon Brusch for helping to facilitate this. The Soup Kitchen, notwithstand- ing the harsh economic con- ditions the pandemic has brought, will continue to pro- vide free, wholesome meals to those most in need. The Soup Kitchen wishes to express profound gratitude to the stu- dents, staff, and administra- tion of AUA for making this timely and impressive con- tribution to the feeding pro- gramme.” The founder went on to state, “This grand dona- tion reminds me of the quote from Melody Beattie which Ag Insepector Veldon Ragguette, founder of the Soup Kitchen and Ni- states, ‘gratitude unlocks the kita Shibalsan, President of Student Government Association, AUA and Vernon Salmon, Vice President, Dean of Students’ Affairs of AUA fullness of life. It turns what we ern Caribbean dollars) to The idea that ending hunger is have into enough and more. It Soup Kitchen to aid in the de- possible with the help of ev- turns denial into acceptance, velopment and continuity of eryone, Ragguette noted. chaos to order, confusion to the daily feeding programme. The donation was handed clarity. It can turn a meal into Ag Insepector Veldon Raggu- over in a brief ceremony at a feast, a house into a home, a ette, the founder of The Soup the AUA campus. According stranger into a friend.’” Kitchen located on lower All to Ragguette, “We say a major “The Soup Kitchen is eternal- Saints Road, explained that thank you to Nikita Shibalsan, ly grateful for all the support, the programme provides free, President of Student Govern- well wishes, and kind gestures wholesome meals for approx- ment Association, AUA, who AUA, citizens, and private sec- imately sixty-five people a day. presented the cheque to us. tor businesses, have shown They are some of the country’s The care demonstrated by the to the initiative,” Ragguette most vulnerable, living on the student government is a good continued. The Soup Kitch- streets or in impoverished liv- example of the future leaders en serves lunch seven days a ing conditions. they will become. Gratitude week, Sunday to Sunday, of- “Each one can feed one” is a is also expressed to Vernon fering members of the public mantra The Soup Kitchen is Salmon, Vice-President, Dean the opportunity to play their said to live by, guided by the of Affairs of AUA, Dara George- part in civic responsibility. PAGE 12 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 ANTIGUA POWER COMPANY WINS TENDER TO SUPPLY CLEAN-ENERGY POWER PLANT

The Antigua Pow- a variety of sources, in- er Company Limited cluding Trinidad and (APC) has been award- Tobago, Venezuela and ed the contract to sup- the United States. ply the Antigua Pub- The APUA sources say lic Utilities Authority it is too early to say (APUA) with the coun- how the operation of try’s first clean-energy this plant will affect the power plant. cost of electricity in the APUA sources said APC country as these are used to produce elec- was among several en- scribed as the cleanest matters still to be nego- tricity in the country at tities which submit- of the fossil fuel energy tiated. the moment. It will also ted bids in a tendering sources as it does not be the first plant of its process administered do as much harm to the AUCTION SALE kind to be in operation by the Antigua and Bar- environment as heavy NOTICE fuel and diesel, both within the OECS. Instructed by the ANTIGUA AND buda Tender’s Board. BARBUDA DEVELOPMENT of which are currently LNG is available from BANK of 27 St. Mary’s Street, in The APC proposal was the City of Saint John, in the State of Antigua and Barbuda, I will sell by public auction on Tuesday 18 selected by the board May 2021 at 10:00 a.m. on site, the under mentioned property owned as the ‘preferred bidder’ by Ms. Laura Nicholas of Cedar and best suited for the Grove, St. John’s, Antigua. The property is located at Mount Pleasant, St. John’s, Antigua and country at this time. consists of a vacant parcel of land of an area of approximately The sources said that 11,835.22 sq. ft. / 0.27 Acre. The service lines for potable water, while the Tenders Board electricity and telephone which are provided by A.P.U.A are accessible recommended the APC to the property. proposal, no final con- The land is registered under the Registered Land Act, 1975 as tract has been signed follows:- REGISTRATION SECTION: with the company as Hodges Bay & Thibous the recommendations BLOCK: 43 1896A are that further nego- PARCEL: tiations take place be- 643 tween APUA and the Parcel No. 643 of Block No. 43 1896A is bounded by the following: company. On the North by: Parcel 560 ; On the South by: Public Road; Under the contract, On the East by: Parcel 644 ; On the West by: Parcel 642 APC will construct a Particulars of the sale can be Liquefied National Gas obtained from: Mr. Trevor ‘Teddy’ Santos (LNG) plant to gener- Licensed Auctioneer ate power which APUA Office: (268) 562-7653 Cell & WhatsApp: (268) 464-7653 will purchase at an Email: [email protected] Instagram: tts_auction_antigua agreed rate. LNG is de- Facebook: Auction Antigua FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 13 IT’S TEACHERS’ APPRECIATION DAY MAY 14, 2021 COVID-19 pandemic, we could not have but its excellent exe- managed in this criti- cution is yet another cal period as well as we demonstration that have done. We salute amidst the uncertain- you and we encour- ties, there are possibil- age you to continue to ities - the contagions of prioritise the interests hope that create path- of the youth we serve ways into a brighter fu- above all else,” he de- ture,” he observed. clared. Browne also spoke The teachers who are highly of the efforts of being honoured today the ABUT in working are: (Retirees) Hya- along with the ministry cinth Gonsalves-Bar- to provide education to reiro, Angella James, the nation’s youth in a Rose-Marie Lake, Joy- Today, 14th May 2021 is the activities marking time of a crisis affect- celyn Henry, Violet Teachers’ Appreciation Teachers Week 2021. ing the entire world. Lake, Vernest Mack, Day! A time when the In prepared remarks “Honest reflections on Gwendolyn Willock, society pauses to pay to be delivered to the what has transpired in Jennifer Jarvis, Avon homage to members of function today, Direc- our schools since the Rosemarie Browne, this noble profession. tor of Education, Clare COVID-19 virus made Lucina Nathaniel, This year, as has been Browne, is commend- its unwelcome arriv- George Edwards, Ar- the norm for the past ing all teachers for the al to our shores and gyll Stevens, Aury Car- several years, the An- yeoman service they gushed into the field of ter-George, Thom- tigua and Barbuda provided the nation education have led us asene Daniel, Alice Union of Teachers in this its time of chal- to concede that we owe Webber-David, Veron- (ABUT) and the Min- lenge caused by the a debt of gratitude to ica Haywood, Sher- istry of Education are coronavirus pandem- the Union. If the lead- rylaine Bowens, and taking part in an appre- ic. ership of the Antigua Donna Francis. Those ciation luncheon for “The Annual Week of and Barbuda Union of with twenty-five years over twenty teachers Activities of the An- Teachers had not stood of service are: Andrea who are either retiring tigua and Barbuda alongside the Ministry Richards, Gayle Sam- from the profession or Union of Teachers is of Education with the uel-Walter, Juliet Ha- who have completed taking place within a singular aim of ensur- zelwood, Winston over twenty-five years context of national, re- ing that our education Charles, Elton Isaac, of service to teach- gional and global un- system proved to be Anthea Thomas, Cov- ing. The celebration of certainties resulting as agile as any other in ette Samuel and Latoya teachers forms part of from the effects of the any part of the globe, Wallace. PAGE 14 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021

COVID-19 VACCINE ROLLOUT TEAMS SHOW APPRECIATION FOR VACCINE NURSES “Nurses: Resilient Frontline According to the Ministry of In a message to the nurses, Healthcare Providers” is the Health, Wellness and the En- the administrative staff wrote, theme for this year’s Nurses vironment, “Despite the pres- “Save one life, you’re a hero; Week, where nurses across the ent pandemic with all its trials, save one hundred lives, you’re world are celebrated for their nurses continue to demon- a nurse. We will always appre- resilience, commitment, and strate their commitment to ad- ciate you.” dedication to the nursing pro- ministering quality healthcare. The administrative staff noted fession. In an effort to offer relief and that there are approximately Locally, nurses in Antigua and save lives, many continuously thirty-five nurses involved in Barbuda engaged in a week- go beyond the call of duty.” the day to day operation of the long series of events to help Joining the call to celebrate vaccination centres and mo- celebrate. nurses were Minister of Health bile team, which includes the Throughout the pandem- Sir Molwyn Joseph, and the Principal Nursing Officer Mar- ic, nurses are said to be at the administrative staff of the garet Smith, Superintendent of forefront of the fight against COVID-19 vaccination centres, Public Health Nursing (SPHN) COVID-19 and now, some of who presented tokens and gifts Almarie Coates, and the Dep- the key players in the COVID-19 to the nurses involved in the uty Superintendent of Public vaccination programme. vaccination process. Health Nursing, Nurse Samuel. FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 15 HOTELIERS TO REQUIRE VACCINATION FOR NEW STAFF

travel. For example, the U.K. will review its traf- fic light system for ap- proved travel in another few weeks and while we are tipped to be includ- ed any surge in the rate of infection of the coro- navirus or a continued low rate of vaccination could determine a per- son’s choice for a vaca- tion,” he remarked. Jeffers said the hotels have agreed to contin- ue to encourage exist- ing staff members to be vaccinated and they have also discussed ways to assist their staff in the process. As a condition of their Vernon Jeffers reopening last year, ho- People seeking employ- this is the way forward want to vacation in a tels had to implement ment in the hotel sector for future employment country with a low rate stringent health pro- as first timers will soon in the sector. of vaccination,” he ex- tocols thus creating a have to present a certif- “Our members are tell- plained. biosphere of their prop- icate of vaccination as ing us that there are nu- According to the ABHTA erties as they welcomed a condition of employ- merous inquiries from executive chairman, the guests from abroad. ment. guests making reserva- matter is quite serious Antigua and Barbuda is Executive Chairman of tions, asking about the as many people in the one of the world’s most the Antigua and Barbu- vaccination status of traditional source mar- tourism dependent da Hotels and Tourist the staff and the hotel. kets are paying atten- countries and these Association (ABHTA), Many of these potential tion to everything that is measures are being im- Vernon Jeffers, said guests are coming from happening in the coun- plemented to help pro- while this has not yet areas where they have try. “They are watching tect the future of this been formalised into a been vaccinated and to see the latest uptake critical sector of the written policy, most ho- it would be unwise to in the vaccination rate tourism plant. tels have indicated that expect that they would in a country before they PAGE 16 FEATURE FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021

SIR MOLWYN TOURS FLOOD-PRONE AREA IN HIS CONSTITUENCY

A concerted effort look at the scope of the the low-lying commu- Big Creek bridge area is underway in the work being done to al- nity is better drain and where work is also Cashew Hill area to leviate stagnant water gutter management, being done to repair eliminate much of that provides the con- as well as the upgrad- damage to this import- the problem caused dition for mosquito ing and resurfacing of ant roadway caused by by perennial flood- breeding. the white mall roads in the heavy last Novem- ing during periods of The exercise provid- the area. ber. heavy rainfall. ed an opportunity for Work on constructing The work is being car- On Thursday, area rep- the minister to assess concrete roads in the ried out by the govern- resentative, Sir Mol- the ongoing rehabili- area will commence ment’s Works Depart- wyn Joseph, toured the tative work in the area. next week. Sir Mol- ment. area to get a firsthand Among the plans for wyn also visited the FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 FEATURE PAGE 17 FLOW AND MOE NAME TIK TOK VIDEO WINNERS

Flow congratulates Gabrielle Education Tik Tok video com- The young ladies both received Tuckett, a Grade Four student petition in the Primary and mobile handsets from Flow of the St. John’s Catholic Prima- Secondary School categories for winning the competition. ry and Kaylee Otto, a From One respectively. The competition Samantha Daley, Flow’s Retail student of Christ the King High was held as part of the activi- Store Coordinator, presented School. They were the winners ties to celebrate International the prizes to the winners. of the Flow and Ministry of Girls in ICT Day 2021.

AUCTION SALE NOTICE

Instructed by the ANTIGUA AND BAR- BUDA DEVELOPMENT BANK of 27 St. Mary’s Street, in the City of Saint John, in the State of Antigua and Barbuda, I will sell by public auction on Tuesday 06 July 2021 at 10:00 a.m. on site, the under mentioned property under the ad- ministration of Mr. Sawandi Merchant, Administrator of the Estate of the late Ms. Colleen Lovence, formerly of New Win- thorpes, St. Georges’s, Antigua.

The property is located at Lamberts in New Winthorpes, St. George’s, Antigua and consists of a parcel of land of an area of approximately 5,449 sq. ft./ 0.1 acre, with a single storey, two (2) bedroom, one (1) bathroom wooden dwelling thereon.

The service lines for potable water, elec- tricity and telephone which are provided by A.P.U.A are accessible to the property.

The land is registered under the Registered Land Act, 1975 as follows:-

REGISTRATION SECTION: Cassada Gardens & New Winthorpes

BLOCK: 42 1995E

PARCEL: 256

Parcel No. 256 of Block No. 42 1995E is bounded by the following: -On the North by: Parcel 251; -On the South by: Public Road; -On the East by: Public Road; -On the West by: Parcel 255

Particulars of the sale can be obtained from: Mr. Trevor ‘Teddy’ Santos Licensed Auctioneer Office: (268) 562-7653 Cell & WhatsApp: (268) 464-7653 Email: [email protected] Instagram: tts_auction_antigua Facebook: Auction Antigua PAGE 18 FEATURE FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 VACCINATE OR SUFFOCATE – THE STARK CHOICE

Hemisphere, except for countries – Dominica, the wealthiest nations, will Grenada and St Kitts-Nev- continue to experience a is – report sporadic cases. health and economic cri- While it is not a magic sis. All who yearn for a bullet that will eliminate return to the pre-COVID the coronavirus, the an- period of unrestricted ac- ti-COVID vaccine is the tivity will not only endure best solution for the peo- an exceedingly long wait- ple of CARICOM countries ing period, but they will to save themselves, their also experience increased families and their friends, numbers of infections and to place themselves in and deaths. The latter a position to recover from will overburden already their present health and fatigued medical capabili- economic crises. Those ties and strain morgue and who refuse to be vacci- By Sir Ronald Sanders burial facilities. nated or propagandize (The writer is Antigua and fusal to be inoculated Figures from Caribbean against it, are endangering Barbuda’s Ambassador to against the coronavirus, countries are worrying, de- themselves and all who live the United States and the COVID-19. spite the efforts of govern- in their countries. Indeed, Organization of American At the time of writing (May ments and their medical they could be described as States. He is also a Senior 13), 159.5 million persons authorities, to prevent in- choosing to commit sui- Fellow at the Institute of have been infected with fections and deaths. The cide and to take along with Commonwealth Studies at the virus worldwide. Of Pan-American Health themselves many other the University of London this number, almost 3.4 Organization (PAHO) re- people. This not only lacks and Massey College in the million have died. Shock- cords community spread good judgement in per- University of Toronto. The ingly, the countries of the in 8 of the 14 independent sonal terms, but it is also a views expressed are entire- Americas from Canada to CARICOM countries – clear and present danger ly his own) Argentina, including the Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, to their entire societies. Caribbean, account for al- Jamaica, St Lucia, St Vin- When the COVID-19 pan- Sections of the popu- most half of the global in- cent and the Grenadines, demic started, all nations lation in many of the 14 fections and deaths - 64.1 Suriname and Trinidad cried out for vaccines. The independent CARICOM million infections and 1.5 and Tobago. Cluster cas- wealthier nations invested countries are in grave dan- million deaths. es are registered in two billions of dollars in the big ger of undermining their While this persistent rate countries, namely Antigua pharmaceutical compa- own health and econom- of infections and deaths and Barbuda and The Ba- nies to develop and test ic interests by their re- continues, the entire hamas. The other three vaccines. Four types were

Cont’d on pg 19 FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 FEATURE PAGE 19 quickly developed and (lockjaw). These vaccines tries, they weaken consid- which he took to try to al- approved after extensive were administered and ac- erably the argument that lay fears. Now, even with testing by AstraZeneca, cepted routinely because CARICOM governments other safe and reliable Pfizer, Moderna and John- they saved lives. What have been advancing in vaccines available, some son & Johnson. On May those vaccines have done the international com- politicians are putting pol- 7 the World Health Or- in the past, and still do, munity that we need ac- itics ahead of patriotism ganization also approved anti-COVID-19 vaccines cess to more vaccines. Ten by promoting the idea that the Sinopharm COVID-19 can do today. But, vacci- wealthy countries have the only acceptable vac- vaccine from China. nation rates in CARICOM secured 75 per cent of the cine is Moderna. From Fear has been expressed countries are too low. The 1.36 billion doses already my own discussions with about taking any of these anti-vaccination pro- administered to vaccinate Moderna and Pfizer, I vaccines based on the paganda seems to have 8.6 per cent of the world’s know that no new supplies relatively rapid rate in overtaken government in- population. Other coun- will be available until Jan- which they were devel- formation and education tries are struggling. There uary 2022 at the earliest. oped in comparison with machinery - something is a strong moral argument None of this anti-vaccina- vaccine development in governments must reverse for equitable distribution. tion propaganda is help- the past. This trepidation swiftly, including by better But, if Caribbean coun- ing the Caribbean. The should take account of the use of social media plat- tries have vaccines that are region needs to reach herd fact, that unlike as in the forms and by direct com- not being taken-up and immunity soon if econo- past, science and technol- munication with influenc- which must be discarded mies are not to decline and ogy have vastly improved, ers in communities. Thus because they have expired, wither, affecting everyone. allowing for reliable results far in the vaccination suc- the argument about being The fate or the future of to be obtained faster. Fur- cess table, Antigua and deprived of vaccines by the region is now in the ther, at no previous time Barbuda (31.74%), Bar- rich countries will quickly hands of the region’s peo- in human history has such bados (26.9%), Domini- be discounted. ple themselves – rejecting large sums of money been ca (26.2%), St Kitts-Nevis A few politicians in some vaccinations is a sure way devoted to the research (24.3%), Guyana at 19.16%, countries, such as Antigua of widening the path to and development of a vac- and Grenada (11.1%) are and Barbuda, while pub- misfortune. The words of cine. the six leaders; all others licly supporting vaccines, Dr Carissa Etienne, the Di- Regarding those who are below 10% and four have joined the anti-vac- rector of PAHO, should be take the simple view that of them Jamaica, Trinidad cination propaganda be- the clarion call – “The best they reject vaccines as and Tobago, St Lucia and hind the scenes with what vaccine is the vaccine that unnecessary and harm- St Vincent and the Grena- appears to be an intent to is available”. ful, Caribbean history dines are at less than 5%. promote circumstances The alternative is a pro- reveals that what made Where countries such to blame the governments longed period of misery, Caribbean people survive as Antigua and Barbuda for a lack of progress. In including an increase in and lead productive lives, and Barbados have some Antigua and Barbuda, infections and deaths. were vaccines against vaccines, but people are for instance, political fo- None of this is exaggerat- mumps, measles, chick- falling prey to propagan- cus has been placed on ed. en pox, Hepatitis A and da, endangering their own its Prime Minister Gaston Responses and previous B, diphtheria, whooping and other lives, as well as Browne who was gifted commentaries: www.sir- cough, polio and tetanus the recovery of their coun- with the Moderna vaccine ronaldsanders.com

ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 20 REGIONAL NEWS FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021

Injured eye of the school girl

Girl fears for life after being attacked at Choiseul Secondary School

LOOP NEWS ST. LUCIA - A student of the Choiseul Secondary School who was in- jured by another student says she does not feel like going back to school. “I am afraid for my life,” the 14-year-old Form 3 student told Loop News in the pres- ence of her mother, who works at the school.

According to the student, the incident start- ed after she was trying to stop an altercation between the attacker and her cousin.

“He choked me and I could not breathe. I fly my juice on him,” she recounted. “He gave me a punch in my face, I could not see any- thing. I felt my whole head was bursting and my eyes popping out. I was ‘black out’.” FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 21

Injured eye of the school girl Mandatory vaccination for tourism workers as Dominica prepares for the return of cruise ships

Cruise ship berthed in Dominica

Dominica News Online etc., before you can get to want to know that you things we read on You- - As Dominica prepares the food handlers license are vaccinated because Tube and Facebook and for the return of cruise – and for good reason they are going to want all these social media ships, which officials … if you want our bank to protect themselves,” platforms. It is import- say will commence in account to start receiv- he reasoned. “And they ant for us to read those June 2021, Prime Min- ing income in the man- are going to demand things, but we need to ister Roosevelt Skerrit ner in which we were re- that they will only go on understand what we are has announced that his ceiving it in 2019.” a tour with people who reading to comprehend government will amend The Prime Minister also are vaccinated and the what we are reading and the certification criteria stated that along with person would have a to understand what is to include vaccination the new protocols which right to demand so.” in our best interest,” the for those involved in the will be put in place for Skerrit further noted prime minister said. sector. tourism and hospitality that vendors who will Skerrit admitted that this According to the Prime workers, adjustments be in daily contact with comes with risks, “but Minister, these mea- will also be made for visitors would need that we have to recognize the sures need to be imple- cruise passengers wish- added “amour of de- need for us to get back to mented for the safety of ing to explore the island. fence with the vaccine” a state of normalcy”. both visitors and locals, “You cannot be a tour and further emphasized He gave the assurance and to grow the econo- guide and not want to the importance of those that his government had my back to the place it get vaccinated, because in the hospitality and not taken the decision once was. the person who is going tourism sector getting lightly and had done so “Similar to how the food to want you to take them vaccinated. in consultation with the handlers’ license is done to Titou Gorge and Tra- “So, it is important for cruise lines, regional – that you have to go and falgar Falls and the boil- us to recognize that we counterparts and stake- do a tuberculosis test, ing lake, they are going have to set aside all these holders in Dominica. PAGE 22 REGIONAL NEWS FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 T&T RECORDS DEADLIEST DAY OF COVID hours, the total number of people tested at pri- vate and public facilities stands at 147,470, ris- ing by 5,920. This marks the largest increase on record. However, 5,136 people were tested at pri- vate facilities in the last week. T&T’s COVID-19 hospitals continue to be under strain due to rising cases. With a total of 335 in hospital, this marks the second-highest number of patients since the pandemic began. T&T’s overall COVID-19 hospital occupancy stands at 51 percent across all levels of care People still defy mask mandate in both islands, with a T&T has recorded the morbidities. There were through May 10, 2021. slightly higher 54 percent deadliest day for the three elderly males, three T&T’s total COVID-19 when only accounting for COVID-19 pandemic to elderly females, and one cases stand at 13,802, Trinidad’s beds. Based on date. In the last 24 hours, middle-aged female. In with a record high of the latest numbers from nine people have suc- addition, the remaining 4,078 cases considered the Ministry of Health, cumbed to the disease. two were a middle-aged active. Active cases in- there are 138 hospitalised The country has re- male and a middle-aged clude COVID-19 positive at the Couva Hospital corded 55 deaths for the female without comor- people isolated at home, and Multi-Training Facil- month, making May bidities. These deaths in step-down facilities, ity, marking a 67 percent 2021 the deadliest month have taken the total or in hospitals across the occupancy. The Caura for the pandemic, aver- number of COVID-19 re- country. As of May 11th, Hospital currently is at aging five deaths a day lated deaths to 224. 2,972 cases have been a 78 percent occupancy for the last 11 days. The In the last 24 hours, 348 recorded month-to-date, level. At Arima Gener- previous record-high people have tested pos- marking the highest al Hospital, there is a 69 monthly death toll oc- itive for the disease, number of cases record- percent occupancy. The curred in September marking the third-high- ed in a single month. The Augustus Long Hospital 2020, with 54 deaths re- est jump in daily report- previous record occurred is also reporting a 75 per- ported. According to the ed COVID-19 cases to last month with 2,798 cent occupancy. The St. Ministry of Health, the date. The cases reported cases. Testing continues Ann’s Hospital, with 10 nine deceased included yesterday reflect sam- to occur across T&T at a beds available, remains seven people with co- ples taken from May 8 record pace. In the last 24 at zero percent capacity. FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 23

ULP MEMBERS ‘FEEL THEY CAN FLEX WITH THEIR GUN’ — LEACOCK Member of Parliament for Central Kingstown, opposition lawmaker St. Clair Leacock speaking outside Parliament on Tuesday. (iWN photo iWitnessNewsSVG - Op- media outside Parlia- ing elevated to be press completion of an inves- position lawmaker St. ment on Tuesday. secretary to the prime tigation in an April 13 Clair Leacock says the “Every time a member minister. You have all the shooting at Diamond. gun-wielding allegation and the hierarchy of the consulates doing all sorts Morgan is alleged to have against government sen- Unity Labour Party has of nonsense stories, no been present when Cor- ator Ashelle Morgan is a problem, they feel they clear action.” nelius John, a 60-year-old the latest in a series of can flex with their gun,” businessman, was shot incidents in which mem- Leacock said. Leacock was speaking in the leg at his home in bers of the ruling Unity “We had a situation immediately after he and the East St. George com- Labour Party (ULP) “feel of Hans King [former other opposition law- munity. they can flex with their press secretary to Prime makers walked out of She is further alleged gun”. Minister Ralph Gon- Parliament in support of to have wielded a gun “In this country of St. salves], if he was on main- opposition leader God- during the incident. Vincent, we have had land St. Vincent, what win Friday who was or- Commissioner of Police more people lose their he would have done; dered to leave after defy- Colin John has confirmed lives to the gun than we we had [MP for North ing the Speaker’s ruling. that Morgan and Assis- have lost through [the Leeward] Carlos James, Friday had asked House tant Director of Public eruption of La] Soufriere, [then a ULP candidate] Speaker Rochelle Forde Prosecution Karim Nel- through COVID or den- pulling his gun [in 2015] to order Morgan, who is son are “persons of inter- gue, and this is a culture and doing what he had to also Deputy Speaker of est” in the investigation. that you all don’t want do; we had a guy beating the House of Assembly, Nelson has taken leave to address,” the Central his wife in America and to excuse herself from of his post, pending the Kingstown MP told the coming here and be- Parliament until the outcome of the investi- FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 PAGE 24 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

CDC: Fully vaccinated people can largely ditch masks indoors

WASHINGTON (AP) back to some sense of ed change is thanks to indoors. — In a major step to- normalcy,” said Dr. Ro- millions of people get- President Joe Biden ward returning to chelle Walensky, the di- ting vaccinated — and was set to highlight the pre-pandemic life, rector of the CDC. based on the latest sci- new guidance Thurs- the US Centers for The announcement ence about how well day afternoon in a Disease Control and comes as the CDC and those shots are work- speech from the White Prevention (CDC) on the Biden administra- ing. House. Thursday eased in- tion have faced pres- “Anyone who is fully To date about 154 door mask-wearing sure to ease restrictions vaccinated can par- million Americans, guidance for fully vac- on fully vaccinated ticipate in indoor and more than 46% of the cinated people, allow- people — people who outdoor activities – population, have re- ing them to stop wear- are two weeks past their large or small — with- ceived at least one dose ing masks outdoors in last required COVID-19 out wearing a mask or of the COVID-19 vac- crowds and inside in vaccine dose — in part physically distancing,” cines and more than most situations. to highlight the bene- Walensky said. “If you 117 million are fully The new guidance fits of getting the shot. are fully vaccinated, vaccinated. The rate still calls for wearing The country’s aggres- you can start doing the of new vaccinations masks in crowded in- sive vaccination cam- things that you had has slowed in recent door settings like bus- paign has paid off: US stopped doing because weeks, but with the au- es, planes, hospitals, virus cases are at their of the pandemic.” thorization Wednesday prisons and homeless lowest rate since Sep- The easing guid- of the Pfizer vaccine for shelters, but will help tember; deaths are at ance is likely to open children ages 12 to 15, clear the way for re- their lowest point since the door to confusion, a new burst of doses is opening workplaces, last April; and the test since there is no sure- expected in the coming schools, and other ven- positivity rate is at the fire way for businesses days. Just two weeks ues — even removing lowest point since the or others to distinguish ago, the CDC recom- the need for masks or pandemic began. between those fully mended that fully vac- social distancing for Walensky announced vaccinated and those cinated people con- those who are fully the new guidance on who are not. Walensky tinue to wear masks vaccinated. “We have Thursday afternoon at said those who are not indoors in all settings all longed for this mo- a White House briefing, fully vaccinated should and outdoors in large ment when we can get saying the long-await- continue to wear masks crowds. FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD PAGE 25

Colombia protests: Shortages in Cali as demonstrations rumble on

Long queues formed at petrol stations

Three weeks into na- lished last week, the dis- Cali, in any case, is Cali’s Mayor Jorge Iván tionwide anti-govern- ruption has been severe. paralysed. Everyday life Ospina said it was vital ment protests, residents The demonstrations has been affected by the that supplies be allowed in Colombia’s third-larg- over the past two days blockades and petrol through without any est city, Cali, say they are in Cali may have been shortages: if you need hold-ups. “Some sup- struggling to get petrol massive, but they were a plumber or someone plies or limited supplies and some food items. peaceful and colour- to fix your internet con- are not enough,” he said Protesters have blocked ful, with dances, music nection, you are going to about the agreement some of the main access and artistic tributes paid have to wait for days or with protesters blocking roads into the city, and to those who died or even weeks. Most shops the roads to let some de- deliveries have been se- were wounded in previ- are shuttered and their livery trucks pass. verely disrupted. ous protests. You don’t doors have been sprayed The city depended on Cali has been the scene see many police on the with anti-government food from neighbour- of some of the worst streets. However, reports graffiti. Young masked ing regions to feed its clashes between protest- of police violence con- protesters have blocked residents, he explained. ers and security forces. tinue to come in from roads with branches and Traders at one market At least 42 have died in other parts of the coun- wires. They tell me they said there was a shortage the protests. While food try. Not far from here, are protesting “for a dif- of potatoes, while those and medicine have been in Popayán, dozens of ferent country” and I at another market said reaching the city after a civilians were injured can’t see them giving up they had received a de- number of “humanitari- in clashes with security anytime soon. livery, but at a price 30% an corridors” were estab- forces on Wednesday. higher than usual. FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 PAGE 26 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

Israel begins firing shells into Gaza as fighting escalates Smoke rises following Israeli airstrikes on a building in Gaza City, Thursday May 13, 2021

GAZA CITY, Gaza use of artillery fire in Weary Palestinians, ber of militants dead Strip (AP) — Hamas Israel’s four-day-old meanwhile, somberly is much higher. sent a heavy barrage offensive raised the marked the end of the Seven people have of rockets deep into likelihood of civilian Muslim holy month of been killed in Israel. Israel on Thursday as casualties. Ramadan on Thurs- Among them were a Israel pounded Gaza Previous fighting be- day as militants fired soldier killed by an an- with more airstrikes tween Israel and Gaza’s one barrage of rock- ti-tank missile and a and shells and called Hamas rulers, includ- ets after another and 6-year-old child hit in up 9,000 more reserv- ing a devastating 2014 Israel carried out a rocket attack. ists who could be used war, was largely con- waves of bone-rattling Many world leaders to stage a ground in- fined to the impover- airstrikes. Since the have condemned the vasion. The hostilities ished and blockaded rockets began Mon- violence and urged intensified despite Palestinian territory day, Israel has top- restraint, and a visit mediation efforts by and Israeli commu- pled three high-rise by Egyptian security Egyptian negotiators nities on the frontier. buildings that it said officials was a signif- who held in-person But this round seems housed Hamas facil- icant development talks with both sides. to be rippling farther ities after warning ci- in international ef- In another poten- and wider than at any vilians to evacuate. forts to bring about tial escalation, at least time since the 2000 Gaza’s Health Min- a cease-fire. Such ef- three rockets were Palestinian intifada, or istry said the death forts have been key to fired from southern uprising. toll has climbed to 87 ending past rounds of Lebanon toward Is- While some rocket Palestinians, includ- fighting. The officials rael, an attack that attacks have reached ing 18 children and met first with Hamas threatened to open a the Tel Aviv area, Arab eight women, with leaders in Gaza before new front in the fight- and Jewish mobs have 530 people wound- holding talks with the ing. rampaged through the ed. Islamic Jihad con- Israelis in Tel Aviv, two The artillery and streets, savagely beat- firmed the deaths of Egyptian intelligence tank shells that began ing people and torch- seven militants, while officials said. They falling into Gaza in the ing cars. Flights have Hamas has acknowl- spoke on condition of evening forced scores been canceled or di- edged 13 of its mili- anonymity because of families to flee their verted away from the tants killed, including they were not autho- homes, Palestinian country’s main air- a senior commander. rized to talk to the witnesses said. The port. Israel says the num- press. FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD PAGE 27

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appear at a WE event Trudeau cleared of ethics wrongdoing in political scandal

Canada’s ethics watch- denied it was because a report that found Mor- giving WE preferential dog has cleared Prime of this case. Morneau neau had placed himself treatment”, the report Minister Justin Trudeau faced pressure to step in a conflict of interest said. In a statement, of wrongdoing in the down last summer after “on several occasions” in Morneau reiterated that WE Charity scandal. The it was revealed WE had other ways. The former he should have recused charity had been tapped covered some of his ex- finance minister’s rela- himself from the gov- by his government last penses while he was on tionship with the chari- ernment’s discussion re- year to oversee a vol- two trips with his fam- ty and a friendship with garding the charity, given unteer programme for ily to see some of the WE co-founder Craig his personal ties. He had students during the pan- charity’s work in Kenya Kielburger, in particular, previously apologised demic. Mr. Trudeau later and Ecuador. He said it “afforded WE unfettered for failing to do so. faced scrutiny when it was an oversight and re- access to the Office of The former finance was revealed he had per- paid C$41,000 ($33,000; the Minister of Finance”, minister also reiterated sonal ties to the organ- £ 24,000). In October, Mr. Dion wrote. a finding of the report isation. But the report Federal Ethics Com- Mr. Morneau broke - that he did not have found former finance missioner Mario Dion conflict of interest rules direct involvement in minister Bill Morneau cleared Morneau of eth- by “improperly further- the recommendation of had breached federal ical wrongdoing for that, ing WE’s private inter- WE Charity for the pro- ethics rules in the scan- saying it appeared to be a ests, by failing to recuse gramme. dal. Morneau resigned genuine mistake. But on himself from decisions in August, although he Thursday, Dion released relating to WE, and by PAGE 28 FUN ZONE FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021

Speedy crossword No 1,336

Speedy crossword No 1,336

YOUR DAILY HOROSCOPE

FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 WHAT’S UP PAGE 29

LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST

COMICS

TELL US WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Submit community notices to [email protected] PAGE 30 SPORTS NEWS FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021

MAN UTD 2-4 LIVERPOOL: VISITORS END 7-YEAR WAIT FOR OLD TRAFFORD WIN

Sky pundits have been ing me high fives. If he sees “We have to win all the discussing the moment the player upset then back games. That’s why the after full time when Sa- away.”More from Liverpool draws we have had against dio Mane chose not to ac- manager Jurgen Klopp, Newcastle and Leeds felt knowledge manager Jurgen speaking to BBC Sport: like defeats. Being in a po- Klopp ... “[Roberto Firmino] was sition where you have it in Graeme Souness: “Disre- very helpful and these kind your own hands to qualify spectful. If I was the man- of things are really import- for the Champions League ager I wouldn’t be happy. ant. That’s what we needed is a big thing. Two or three He should show a bit of to stay in the race. years ago that was our life.” respect. It’s disrespectful to “We have really tough On Sadio Mane’s reac- the manager and the club. games coming up. West tion: “It was because [on] How can he argue? He’s not Brom will be completely Wednesday I changed had a great season and Liv- free of pressure, which can things pretty late in train- erpool have won here 4-2.” do strange things. Burnley, ing. My boys are used to Roy Keane: “The player is with supporters, is a tough me explaining and I didn’t. out of order, but when I was one and we will see what No time, forgot it, whatever. a player I didn’t want the we have to do against Crys- And that was it. It’s all fine.” manager coming on giv- tal Palace. FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 SPORTS NEWS PAGE 31

A female umpire standing in a match

CWI RETAINS 13 SENIOR CRICKET UMPIRES

ST. JOHN’S, Antigua - Cricket West Indies (CWI) CWI’s Senior Panel of Umpires 2021/22 has announced that annual retainer contracts 1. Zahid Bassarath have been offered to all 13 members of the exist- 2. Johnathan Blades ing Senior Panel of Umpires for the new contract 3. Gregory Brathwaite period April 1st 2021- March 31st 2022. The signif- 4. Deighton Butler icant reduction in regional cricket in the last con- 5. Nigel Duguid tracting period, due to the impact of COVID-19, 6. Patrick Gustard has resulted in no changes being made to the list of 7. Danesh Ramdhanie umpires to be offered contracts. CWI invests annu- 8. Leslie Reifer ally in the panel of umpires due to their fundamen- 9. Verdayne Smith tal role in ensuring that the spirit and integrity of 10. Christopher Taylor cricket is preserved, and that the highest possible 11. Carl Tuckett quality fair play is upheld on the field. Investing in 12. Jacqueline Williams a broader pool of umpires – who can be rewarded 13. Christopher Wright for their hard work and application in developing During the recent international home series between their skills – is vital for the health of cricket at all lev- West Indies and Sri Lanka all match officials, for the first els. CWI’s Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams said, “I time, were of Caribbean origin due to the ICC temporarily am pleased that even in the midst of our financial permitting the appointment of locally-based match offi- constraints, CWI will be re-engaging our Senior cials from the Emirates Elite Panel of match officials and Panel of Umpires as we recognize and appreciate the Emirates ICC International Panel of match officials. their important role within the game. We all hope This was due to the logistics challenges caused by the that there will be increasing amounts of cricket COVID-19 pandemic. One very positive outcome was for within the region in the months ahead to allow our Barbadian and West Indies umpire, Gregory Brathwaite, best umpires to continue their ongoing develop- to officiate in his first Test match. ment.”The Senior Panel of Umpires being offered retainer contracts is as follows: PAGE 32 FRIDAY 14TH MAY 2021 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG CAPTAIN KRAIGG SAYS “SKY IS THE LIMIT” AS WEST INDIES RISE IN TEST RANKINGS

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The West Indies in the ICC One-Day International (ODI) things right in the preparation and the team has made a significant move up the rankings, following the 3-0 clean sweep execution on the field. Once we contin- International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Test over Sri Lanka in the CG Insurance ODI ue to do the small things right, and have Match rankings, following the release of Series. Test Captain Kraigg Brathwaite the right attitude – because Test cricket is the latest rankings on Thursday morning. was full of praise for his players and sup- never easy – the sky is the limit.”Among West Indies moved up two places to sixth, port staff. He said this is the beginning of the ICC MRF Tyres player rankings also leapfrogging South Africa and Sri Lanka. the climb towards higher rankings. The unveiled, Jason Holder remains the Num- West Indies are on 84 points ahead of the experienced opener spoke to CWI Media ber 1 Test all-rounder and is also our high- Proteas on 80 and Sri Lanka on 78. India on Thursday morning from Bristol in En- est ranked Test bowler at Number 8. Ke- lead the rankings on 121, with New Zea- gland where he is playing for Gloucester- mar Roach is the next highest at Number land (120), England (109), Australia (108) shire in the County Championship. 12.Following the soon-to-be-announced and Pakistan (94).The West Indies growth Brathwaite said: “I’m very proud of Test Series against South Africa in June, and progress is the result of the memora- the team to jump two places in the Test the West Indies will then face fifth-ranked ble 2-0 win away to Bangladesh and the rankings. I think this is just the begin- Pakistan in a Test Series due to played in hard-fought 0-0 draw in the Sandals Test ning of good things to come. As a group, August 2021 as part of the next cycle of the Series at home against Sri Lanka. It signals it shows that we can climb up the ladder ICC World Test Championship. an overall rise for the team. Last month it and it’s just important for us to work hard was announced they moved up one spot and keep the belief and attitude to doing

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