MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 | ISSUE 173 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG NEW YEAR’S FIRST MAJOR FIRE

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PAGE 5 PAGE 7 PAGE 16 No travel Hugh Marshall: Fu Manchu: No restrictions Satisfaction comes simple voice against Barbados from helping people

Editorial: Goodbye 2020... Welcome, 2021 Page 2 MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 EDITORIAL PAGE 2 GOODBYE 2020… WELCOME, 2021! The year 2020 will cer- campus at Five Islands whatsoever, yet, that in- given the fact that we tainly be recorded in the to better arm themselves dividual is able to spread continue to welcome na- annals of human history with higher certificates the virus. tionals and visitors from as the ‘year of the great or diplomas for the ex- So the virus spread many of the hotspots. plague’. pected job openings. from country to coun- What of the year be- Even less than a week The world was ours try and by March, the fore us? Everyone has into the New Year, there to conquer, or so we World Health Organiza- expressed fatigue with are aspects of the year thought! tion declared it a pan- the need to wear masks, that just ended that Then came news to- demic. That same month, social distancing, and seemed to have disap- wards the end of 2019 the Antigua and Barbu- other protocols. Every- peared from our collec- of a strange disease da government closed one wants to be able to tive consciousness. “You that was killing scores of the nation’s borders. The return to what for them quite often heard ques- people in Wuhan, China. airport and cruise ports is ‘normal’. The question tions such as ‘did that Many were hearing of grounded to a halt. is, when will that be? happen this year?’ and Wuhan for the first time A state of emergen- The vaccine will not be ‘are you sure it didn’t so it was understandable cy was enforced as we widely available in An- happen earlier?’ that for them, the prob- moved from a hard lock- tigua and Barbuda until 2020 had cast such lem was literally and fig- down to one that takes the second quarter of a dark cloud of gloom uratively, a world away. effect from 11:00 pm to the year at the earliest, over our lives that there But we did not take 5:00 am. This is likely to or so we have been told. seems to have been a one important factor be in effect until the end It will be months before decision, unconsciously, into account; interna- of March this year. most people are vacci- to forget many of the tional travel. The inter- There was the mass nated. It therefore won’t things that happened connectivity of the world cancelation of events be until the second half during the year. today means that you or the scaling down of of the year that some But however much we can be in St John’s today others; Carnival, Sail- semblance of normality tried, it has been diffi- and be in Wuhan within ing Week, sports, church returns. cult, even impossible, to twenty-four hours with services, beaches, and Nevertheless, the New fully erase the deluge of the right connections. independence festivities Year opens with prom- negatives that will al- A second key factor; to name a few. ises and expectations ways be associated with viruses, which caused Yet, despite this, the that can still be realized. the year in review. the illness discovered in people of Antigua and We have shown much It was a year that ush- Wuhan, know no bound- Barbuda have largely resilience and creativi- ered in a promise of aries. They can infect a adhered to the health ty during the year 2020 better economic perfor- human and he/she would protocols instituted and these ought to be mances both locally and not show any symptoms by the government to the foundation upon in the important source until much later. Mean- combat the spread of which we build for the markets for tourism. Sev- while, that individu- the disease. So far, the future; with resolve and eral new projects that al may have had close country has been able steadfastness. ‘There’s promised jobs and oth- contacts with personnel to hold the of COVID nothing to fear, but fear er benefits were an- at airports, the aircraft, active cases within sin- itself!’ Franklyn D. Roo- nounced. taxis, hotels, etc. infect- gle digits even though sevelt told that to the In their personal devel- ing others without know- the numbers of con- American people at the opment planning, many ing it. firmed cases have been height of the Great De- expressed a desire to In this case, the cul- ticking upwards in recent pression of the 1930s. It take advantage of the prit, COVID-19, can in- weeks. was a rallying cry for opening of the new Uni- fect a person who does The government says America, it can be ours versity of the West Indies not show any symptoms this can be expected today! PAGE 3 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 New Year’s First major fire It took two visits from in time to help the firemen firemen to fully extinguish with access to the building a fire that completely de- both from the front and stroyed the interior of a the back,” Core stated. nightclub and restaurant The businessman said he that operated just yards had made significant in- away from the St John’s vestments into the business Police Station over the hol- with multiple A/C units, iday weekend. big screen televisions and Fire Chief Elvis Weav- other equipment as well er said the St John’s Fire as stocks which he said Station received a call is quite substantial. “I will just after 11 p.m. on Friday have to sit down and put (New Year’s night) to put the figures together care- out a fire in a building on fully, but my initial guess is Church Street that housed that the losses will amount Best Buy variety store on to about $150,000.00. Nei- the first floor and Eastern ther the building nor the Nightclub and Restaurant contents were insured so on the second floor. this is a personal loss to “The call came in at me,” he revealed. 11:03 pm on Friday night He also complained that about a building on fire the firemen did not allow on Church Street…they re- him to secure any of the sponded and met the up- stock or equipment after stairs of the building on fire the first visit. and the officers used water Weaver is however de- to extinguish the fire. The fending the fire department concrete building is 55 x 61 calling the suggestion that feet in diameter. Sometime his men did not do a good later, at 4:21 am Saturday job the first time around as morning came a second ‘unfortunate’. “My men as- call about the building be- sured me that they put out ing on fire again. This time all the fire that they could they sought assistance from see during the visit,” he de- Coolidge and All Saints fire clared. stations to put out the fire,” Asked what could cause Weaver reported. the fire to reignite after This time the interior of the firemen left, Weaver the nightclub and restau- said there are several pos- rant was fully gutted by sibilities. “It could be that the fire, embers were burning in Weaver also reported the roof which the firemen that two elderly women could not see when they who live in the adjacent first visited the scene. That property – Thelma Cama- could have continued to cho, 99 and her daughter burning causing the sec- Rosalie, said to be in her Saturday morning and are guished when the firemen ond flare up,” he added. 60’s - had to be evacuated said to be doing well. left the scene Saturday The Best Buy store only by the firemen and moved Meanwhile, a distraught morning after the first call. suffered water damage. to a neighbour’s house be- Wayne Core, the propri- “I received a call from The fire department will cause of the smoke inha- etor of the nightclub and a friend saying that the undertake a full investiga- lation. Both women were restaurant is asking wheth- building was on fire so I tion into the cause of the returned to their home on er the fire was fully extin- immediately rushed back fire. MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 4 Record number of barrels cleared in 2020 More than eleven thousand of a programme designed to help the port. (11,000) barrels were processed by families in Antigua and Barbuda Boddu said the programme offi- the Customs Division between April cope with the fallout from the pan- cially ended at the end of Decem- and December as families took ad- demic. ber although barrels that landed vantage of a government relief pro- Under the programme, families prior to that date will still be pro- gramme because of the COVID-19 could import barrels of food and cessed. “It will be up to the Cabinet pandemic. toiletries as well as anti-COVID to determine whether to extend the This comes from Comptroller of items such as hand sanitizers and programme any further,” he indicat- Customs, Raju Boddu, who report- disinfectant spray and only pay a ed in response to queries about the ed to PointeXpress on the success $10.00 processing fee to Customs at possible extension of the initiative. Dates for Throne Speech and Budget estimates set The dates for formal opening ceremonial wear. He will also review place. “The number of people who of the fourth session in the life of a Guard of Honours assembled for will be invited will be limited and the current parliament as well as the occasion on the parliament everyone will be required to wear the 2021 Budget presentation have grounds. masks. The social distancing rule will been set for later this month. Following this exercise, he will then be practiced as some of the seats Chief of Staff in the Office of the proceed to the parliament chamber will be blocked off ‘similar to what prime Minister, Lionel Hurst said the where he will address a joint sit- happens in churches’,” he revealed. Throne Speech where the Governor ting of the Senate and the House Meanwhile, Hurst is commending General, Sir Rodney Williams, will of Representatives. the people of Antigua and Barbu- present the government’s legislative Two weeks later, on January 28, da for their adherence to the health and social agenda for the year will Prime Minister Gaston Browne will protocols especially over the just take place on January 14. present the 2021 Budget estimates. concluded holiday period. He cred- The Throne Speech presentation Hurst said both occasions which its the almost universal adherence is an occasion accompanied by normally draw large numbers of to the protocols for the country’s much pomp and circumstance with attendees will see changes as relative success in containing the the Governor General dressed in full COVID-19 health protocols will be in spread of the coronavirus. Trevor Young is leaving UPP There seems to be no end to the Lewis, for the party leadership. exodus from the country’s main op- In the letter, to be made public lat- position political party, the United er today, Young opined that if the Progressive Party (UPP), with the current trend continues in the UPP announcement expected today that the party will ‘never rise again’ in this Trevor Young is about to tender his country. resignation. Young said he was recently lam- Young, a former senior police offi- basted by a radio host following the cer, joined the party in 2016 and con- release of his 2021 calendar. He said tested the 2018 general elections; he Former UPP candidate Trevor Young he believed that he was singled out was the party’s candidate in the St because he chose pink as the most John’s Rural East constituency. He lost Nicholas, outlining his ‘several’ griev- dominant color on the calendar. to a newcomer, Maria Browne, wife ances. The former police officer turned of the prime minister. He contends that there are efforts politician remained tightlipped about Young confirmed that he intends afoot in the party to ostracize those his political future but he suggested to present an eight-page letter to members who have sided with the that some may wish to take some the party’s general Secretary, Shawn Minority leader in the Senate, Richard hints from the calendar. PAGE 5 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 No travel restrictions against Barbados The Antigua and Barbuda gov- Honourable Mia Mottley M.P. under control and new measures ernment will not impose any restric- Prime Minister introduced to stop a recurrence. tions on travel to or from Barbados Office of the Prime Minister Apart from expressing my soli- despite a sharp rise in COVID-19 Bridgetown BARBADOS darity with you, the purpose of this cases on that island. letter is to advise that, while our The assurance is contained in a Dear Mia, border authorities will continue rig- letter from Prime Minister Gaston I was deeply troubled to learn id adherence to our protocols for Browne penned to his Barbadian of recent events in Barbados that entry into Antigua and Barbuda, counterpart Mia Mottley dated have caused a sudden surge in the we will not be prohibiting travel January 3, 2021. number of COVID-19 cases, despite from and to Barbados. Browne also expressed solidarity all the diligence and careful proto- Further, I want to assure you of with the Barbadian government as cols that your government imple- my Government’s readiness to be it navigates this difficult period and mented to ensure that the virus did of any help that we are capable he also offered to assist the sister not spread in the community. of giving to the Government and CARICOM state in whatever way it I know that your health authori- people of Barbados at this difficult can during this time. ties and law enforcement agencies time. Barbados is not alone. With have acted swiftly to address the kind regards. The full letter is published below; problem and I am confident that, January 3, 2021 with the support of the Barbadian Gaston Browne M.P. people, the situation will be brought Prime Minister MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 6 New Head of ECCAA expected shortly Prime Ministers and heads September, but he was held sources, there are current- of government of the Orga- over until December 31, 2020. ly ongoing discussions taking nization of Eastern Caribbean The spotlight shines brightly place in Washington involv- States (OECS) are to decide on ECCAA during 2021 when it ing Ambassador to the US, on a new head of the Eastern was announced that its cov- Sir Ronald Sanders who has Caribbean Civil Aviation Au- eted Category 1 designation been working assiduously on thority (ECCAA) shortly. was downgraded to Category the matter. Informed sources said that 2 by the Federal Aviation Au- Prime Minister Gaston after an extensive search, a thority of the US. The sources Browne has been named the shortlist of candidates has said the downgrading came lead prime minister on ECCAA been presented to the heads because of issues relating to affairs by the current OECS to make a final determination ECCAA notably due to regu- chairman, Dominica’s Prime on who will succeed the for- latory and oversight matters Minister Roosevelt Skerritt. mer head, Donald McPhail. that are the purview of the The issues surrounding the The St Vincent and the organization. return to Category 1 are like- Grenadines national head- Since then, there have been ly to be among the first ma- ed ECCAA for more than ten intense efforts to have the jor tasks placed on the desk years and was originally due Category 1 designation re- of the new Director-General to demit office at the end of instated. According to the whenever he/she takes office. PAGE 7 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 Hugh Marshall: satisfaction comes from helping people Former politician, to the Governor-Gen- as there were people charge in establish- Hugh Marshall Snr, eral, Sir Rodney Wil- around us who gave ing Antigua and Bar- who was named to liams, who made the us support and guid- buda’s first Industrial the Queen’s New recommendation, ance and with God’s Park and was instru- Year’s Awards List, and to Prime Minister grace, we made it. mental in producing said he is ‘very Gaston Browne who That’s why I entered Antigua and Barbu- grateful’ for the se- endorsed the deci- politics so that I da’s largest quantum lection of the award sion. could help lift peo- of non-sugar exports of Commander of the In accepting the ple out of poverty,” to date. Most Excellent Order award, the former St he remarked. Hugh Charlesworth of the British Empire Mary’s South repre- The official state- Marshall Sr. CBE is (CBE) given by the sentative gave credit ment from Govern- now an official mem- Queen. to those who helped ment House an- ber of the Most Ex- Marshall said he is him to overcome be- nouncing the award cellent Order of the happy to accept the ing born into poverty noted that Marshall British Empire for award and he ex- to rise to the senior served Antigua and Services to Antigua pressed his gratitude levels of government. Barbuda as a Par- and Barbuda. “I don’t look for liamentary Secretary honours; but the re- for the period 1976 ward comes from my – 1980 when he was being able to assist elected to the lower NOTICE people and to see house as a Member NOTICE the satisfaction on of Parliament and To: The Commissioner of Police To: The Commissioner of Police Police Headquarters their faces. We were appointed as a Min- Police Headquarters American Road born in poverty; we ister of Government American Road St. John’s St. John’s Antigua faced neglect with until 1994. Antigua

To: Your Worship no proper schools, He was actively in- To: Your Worship St. John’s Magistrate’s Court ​​​​​​​​​ however, in spite volved in national de- St. John’s Magistrate’s Court ​​​​​​​​​ Gray’s Farm Gray’s Farm St. John’s ​​​​​​​​ of this, our teach- velopment for many St. John’s ​​​​​​​​ Antigua ers gave the best of years and made a Antigua what they had and number of significant Dear Sir/Madame, helped to mold many contributions such Dear Sir/Madame, Re: Notice - Application for Tavern of us into successful as the inclusion of Re: Notice - Application for Tavern License men and women,” he a clause in the Con- License I, Amella Bird, of Cassada Gardens, stated. stitution of Antigua I, Amella Bird, of Cassada Gardens, with registered business situated at with registered business situated at Redcliffe Street in St. John’s Antigua and Marshall, who es- and Barbuda to en- English Harbour in St. Paul Antigua and Barbuda DO HERE BY GIVE NOTICE, tablished himself as able the transfer of Barbuda DO HERE BY GIVE NOTICE, that it is our intention to apply at the that it is our intention to apply at the next sitting of the liquor licensing court one of the coun- citizenship to grand- next sitting of the liquor licensing court to be held at the Magistrate’s Court, try’s most successful children; the devel- to be held at the Magistrate’s Court, Grays Farm, St John’s Antigua on Grays Farm, St John’s Antigua on Thursday, January 7th, 2021, ensuring for trade ministers, gave opment of a num- Thursday, January 7th, 2021, ensuring for a Liquor Licensing pursuant of section meaning to the Afri- ber of major tourism a Liquor Licensing pursuant of section 11 (5) of the Licensing (Intoxicating 11 (5) of the Licensing (Intoxicating Liquor) Act, Cap. 249 of the Laws of can proverb ‘it takes properties which are Liquor) Act, Cap. 249 of the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda Revised Edition Antigua and Barbuda Revised Edition 1992, in respect of premises known a village to raise a still thriving; the in- 1992, in respect of premises known as “Clean Food ‘N Jooce”, located child’ when he noted troduction of the still as “Clean Food ‘N Jooce”, located in at Redcliffe Street in the parish of St. English Harbour in the parish of St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. that he, like many of successful State In- Paul, Antigua and Barbuda. Tel# 736 his generation, was surance Corporation 9010 raised by a commu- and the OECS Stock Dated the 21st day of December, 2020 nity. Market. Dated the 21st day of December, 2020 “We did not make it As Minister of on our own account Trade, he led the MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 FEATURE PAGE 8 SJPC hosts Annual National Prayer Service The clergy and members of the St Williams and Prime Minister Gaston unavoidably absent. John’s Pentecostal Church on Sun- Browne brought greetings on behalf Apostle Stephen Andrew, the senior day hosted the annual National Ser- of the nation with PM Browne also pastor at SJPC, brought the message vice of Thanksgiving and Prayer that reading one of the lessons. Oppo- which many in attendance described brought together parliamentarians sition Leader, Jamale Pringle was as ‘moving’ and ‘quite timely’. and other government officials. also down to participate but he sent PointeXpress presents a pictorial Both, Governor General, Sir Rodney word to indicate that he would be of the Service. PAGE 9 FEATURE MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021

MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 BUSINESS AND ECONOMY PAGE 12 Focus on the Antiguan and Barbudan Business Community…

By Martin Cave financial services sector sought The year began with the busi- to be more client convenient. ness community being buoyed Some banks have extended by the outstanding performance hours for a non-cash business. of the main sector, tourism from E-commerce has been able to fill November 2019. This optimism some customer interface points, was further encouraged by the such as on-line delivery ser- Government of Antigua and Bar- vices for food and other goods. buda’s 2020 Budget Statement More business outsourcing ser- delivered in January 2020, which vice providers have sprung up projected economic growth of since some skilled persons have 6.5%, sustaining the growth of found themselves out of a sala- 6.2% or better over the current ry. And the concept of working three-year period (2018-2020). from home has become a nec- Unfortunately, the world, (and essary human resource option. Antigua and Barbuda in March Martin Cave How then, given what has being no exception) was hit passed do we negotiate 2021? with the SARS-Co-V-2, popular- of closures is unknown). We have an opportunity for ly known as the COVID-19 vi- As is to be expected, this a successful build-back. The rus. The impact was far-reach- would have a domino effect government must see itself as ing: beginning first, and to the on the country, since reduced providing the necessary frame- greatest extent with, the travel business activity translates into work in which the private sector and hospitality sector, and con- fewer customs, duties, and tax- should be able to flourish: sequently affecting all the sup- es for the central government; Taxes and Regulations: porting industries. After confer- fewer remittances being paid to • A low tax environment ring with various social partners, the socialized support systems which will encourage the the government agreed to: have of the Social Security Board, increase in new business- APUA to offer discounts, elimi- Medical Benefits Scheme, and es, as well as the growth nate penalties; Inland Revenue Board of Education. of existing businesses. A Department to defer deadlines Further, the reduced circula- revision of Unincorporated and certain penalties on tax- tion of money would affect re- Business Tax. es; encourage banks to institute tail shops; stores; supermarkets; • Reduced regulations, mak- moratoria; encouraged land- and a myriad of businesses of ing it easier for businesses lords to apply leniency; and de- all sizes. And while larger and to start-up, and continue. fer minimum wage discussions, better-capitalized business- The work commenced by to name some responses. es could sustain a few months the Antigua and Barbuda While the government sought of reduced activity, those with Intellectual and Property to contain the spread of the marginal profitability would fall Commerce Office (ABIPCO) virus with the introduction of victim to sustained business clo- to lead this rationalization lockdowns, the reduced hours sures. It was therefore with re- must be funded. of business, and consequently lief that the business community • One online portal for the reduced business activity, re- greeted the reopening of the payment of all statutory sulted in reduced hours of work country’s airport in June, and obligations, including all for front-line staff, imposed lay- subsequent relaxation of curfew taxes. offs of staff or retrenchment, re- hours to 23:00 to 05:00. Macro Policy: sulting in down-sizing of some We however welcomed the ini- • The private sector must not businesses, or in extreme cases, tiatives which have come out as just be called the engine of business closures (the number responses, as companies in the growth but must be seen cont’d on pg 12 PAGE 13 BUSINESS AND ECONOMY MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021

cont’d from pg 12 as such; the state should a key development sec- coupled with logistics not be taxing and compet- tor, from which the econ- • A serious effort at manu- ing at the same time. omy can be spring board- facturing which will howev- • There must be regular and ed: through food security, er need to be supported by meaningful dialogue be- and well as agro-process- low cost energy, and low tween at a minimum the ing. Import substitution will cost as well as reliable po- public and private sectors. greatly reduce our external table water. • Sector/Industry realign- dependencies. Crises bring not just disasters, ment: • ICT development must be but opportunities. It is up to us • Agriculture must be seen seen as a delivery channel which one we wish to dwell in.

What will Cuba’s new single currency mean for the island? Cuba is devaluing its peso for the first time since the 1959 revolution with profound consequences for its people.

By Kaelyn Forde The Cuban government formally ended its dual currency system on Friday, devaluing its peso for the first time since the 1959 revolution that swept the late Fidel Castro to power. The government has set the ex- change rate at 24 Cuban pesos to $1, and the convertible Cuban peso, known as the CUC, will be phased out completely by June, leaving the island with one currency for the first time in more than 20 years. So what does that mean for Cu- bans and visitors to the island? Here’s what you need to know.

Rewind. Why does Cuba have two currencies? The Cuban peso, known as the will fare better — especially when it may provide stability, it gives gov- CUP, was created as the island’s comes to buying imported goods. ernments far less control over their currency by the first president of If people use another currency monetary policy. the country’s post-revolution Cen- unofficially, it can create a thriving Countries can also choose to use tral Bank, Ernesto “Che” Guevara. black market and exert extreme both a domestic currency and a But thanks to an embargo by pressure on the national economy. foreign one at the same time. That the United States and some of the Sometimes, countries officially turn is what Cuba elected to do after island’s state-run economic poli- to the US dollar in what’s known as the collapse of the Soviet Union, cies, the value of Cuba’s currency “dollarisation”, or the euro. when Havana legalised the use of evolved to become a tricky issue. OK, so does that mean they use the US dollar alongside the Cuban When a country’s domestic curren- only a foreign currency instead peso in 1993. cy is unstable, subject to high rates of their own? of inflation or generally not trusted Countries can opt to fully adopt So is Cuba also using the US dol- to hold its value, people may start the US dollar or another foreign lar now? to use a second currency they think currency as their own, but though it Sometimes. Earlier this year, Cuba cont’d on pg 14 MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 BUSINESS AND ECONOMY PAGE 14 cont’d from pg 13 reallowed “dollar stores”, which let vertible pesos floating around? Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel people buy goods like food, toilet- Cubans will have through June said the reforms were necessary ries and electronics with bank cards 2021 to trade in CUCs for Cuban “to go ahead with the transfor- loaded with US dollars or other for- pesos, according to a decree pub- mations that we need to update eign currency. That, in turn, let the lished in the Cuban government’s our economic and social model”, government snap up those dollars official gazette on December 10. Bloomberg News reported. to help deal with its liquidity crisis, But the devaluation of the currency Reuters news agency reported. at 24 Cuban pesos to 1 CUC means What will that mean for Cubans? The use of US dollars had previ- they’ll lose a significant amount of A painful transition. Cubans may ously been banned in 2004 when money in doing so, something that see the price of everyday goods go the government created the CUC. is likely to hit private-sector workers up at a time when they are already The CUC has historically been used who have been paid in CUCs for dealing with shortages. One of the for state business and buying goods years particularly hard. country’s main supporters in the re- from abroad, but it can’t be taken It’s already been a tough year for gion, Venezuela, has similarly seen out of the country. It is pegged 1:1 those workers, many of whom are its economy further pummeled this to the dollar but exchanged with employed in the country’s tourism year by skyrocketing inflation and the public at a rate of 24 to buy sector, which has been decimated US sanctions. and 25 to sell. by coronavirus-related travel re- Cuba’s government announced it The CUP is still used for everyday strictions and the Trump adminis- will also require all incoming travel- domestic transactions, and many tration’s harsh policies toward the lers to present a negative COVID-19 Cubans are paid their wages in island. test before entering the country be- CUPs. What is the Cuban government ginning on Friday. doing? That means the tourists who typ- Confusing. Are they worth the Cuba announced it would increase ically flock to the island nation’s same thing? government workers’ salaries and beaches and city streets to hear No. For the average Cuban, one pensions to adjust for inflation. But Cuban music, enjoy a meal and CUC is worth 25 times more than private-sector workers won’t have experience its unique culture likely one CUP, and not everyone can get those protections and will be able won’t return until widespread vac- their hands on them. CUCs are used to afford less when paying with cination makes international travel in businesses that involve foreign their new Cuban pesos than with more feasible. money — such as tourism or buying their convertible ones. Until then, Cubans are left to do goods imported from abroad. In announcing the currency unifi- what they have successfully done But most Cubans who don’t work cation plan, the Cuban government for decades — adapt to tough in the tourism sector are still paid said it would publish the exchange economic conditions and innovate in CUPs, and this dual system has rate for the Cuban peso daily on where they can. created a lot of disparities — which the Central Bank’s website, mean- is one reason why CUCs are being ing that it could potentially fluctuate scrapped. rather than stay at its fixed rate. That’s also new for the island. So what happens to all those con- In a speech earlier this month,

Belize to launch NBB Pay e-wallet in early 2021

CARICOM BUSINESS REPORT- simple secure and efficient payment ness-to-business, customer-to busi- solutions as they recover from the ness transfers, or vice versa, as well The National Bank of Belize (NBB) global economic crisis,” a release as pay bills. has solicited the expertise of Barba- from the Government-owned bank This partnership with Bitt comes at dos-based financial technology firm stated. a time when the entity is working with Bitt to create and launch a digital The NBB reportedly plans to have the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank wallet that will complement the bank’s a soft launch of the NBB Pay eWallet and Central Bank of Barbados to mobile banking services. in early 2021, followed by a roll-out to launch their own government-backed “NBB is licensing a digital curren- all customers and businesses around digital currencies — DCash and cy infrastructure from Bitt to support mid-2021. With the e-wallet, users can mMoney respectively. retail and business users’ access to conduct customer-to-customer, busi- PAGE 15 BUSINESS AND ECONOMY MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

WIOC ROLLS OUT ULTRA-LOW SULPHUR DIESEL ACROSS ITS ENTIRE NETWORK IN ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

St John’s, Antigua…December 29, 2020 – The West Indies Oil Company Limited (WIOC) continues to extend the frontiers in delivering the best value to our customers. The exclusive supplier of all petroleum products in Antigua and Barbuda is delighted to announce that Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (USLD), a fuel-efficient and high-performance diesel can now be purchased at all locations across its network of 17 service stations in Antigua and Barbuda. ULSD is a cleaner-burn fuel and is less harmful to the environment than regular diesel. WIOC is confident that having phased out the regular diesel product, customers will be highly impressed with the greater efficiency and performance of their vehicles from using ULSD. We take this opportunity to also reaffirm our relentless commitment to providing high quality petroleum products in an environmentally- sustainable manner. This product is being retailed for EC$12.20 per Imperial Gallon, the same price as the regular diesel which has now been discontinued. We are excited that customers can now enjoy the greater value of an improved product at a lower cost. ULSD is already being used globally and the full roll-out of this product in this market is another milestone on the impressive growth and expansion trajectory upon which WIOC has embarked, buttressed by our core values of Safety, Integrity, Reliability, Innovation and Excellence. For more information, please visit our website www.westindiesoil.com and our Facebook page for updates. We wish for you and your families the very best for 2021.

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MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 TRIBUTE PAGE 16 Fu Manchu – No Simple Voice By Dr James E. Knight the St Joseph’s Academy and the US bases, bounced out of the SJA It was first rumored that Vere compound and found hoops on Christian, known to all as Fu Man- lamp posts, etc, around urban vil- chu (the name of a cinema char- lages. The boys from Point and acter of the last century) had Villa turned the quadrangle in the passed away in the afternoon of Villa Primary School into the first February 27th, with his voice still major basketball court in any vil- resonating in the ears of radio lis- lage, and that’s where Fu Manchu teners, from earlier that day. There made himself a star. was disbelief – and rightly so. He Fellows came from all the villag- had not died. es in St John’s to basketball games I don’t usually listen to radio at Villa School at night, and they talk shows, but I’m sometimes a all looked forward to seeing Fu guest on any of the three most Manchu play. He was never really popular stations, and on many of slim, but he was nimble. He was those occasions, Fu Manchu has strikingly skillful and most enter- called in. His is the only voice taining to watch. His talent was that I ever recognized, and that’s not questionable, and he took it because I’ve known it for the last also to the football field. half-century. Knowing Fu Manchu only in more When I began attending regular recent years, it would be difficult Thursday night meetings of what for one to imagine how very ath- was then the Afro-Caribbean letic he was back then. But cer- Movement, ACM, in the year 1971, tainly, he was, and with that tal- there were members of a group ent and his ability to comprehend, based in the Point, by the name of Vere ‘Fu Manchu’ Christian were it not for the alphabetic lim- itations, he would have been eligi- Youth Forces for Liberation, YFL, ing, a lecture, or any discussion. Fu ble for an athletic scholarship. attending those meetings also. Fu Manchu has had that over them. Manchu was among them, as was Opinions differ, but they are only valid as opinions when there the late Rupert ‘Little Man’ Pelle, Talented Sportsman who had followed him so closely is some logical reasoning behind them. Without that, they are simply into the world of the ancestors, In the nineteen sixties, there expressions of prejudice. only a few days ago. was a principal at the St Joseph’s There might be flaws in the rea- Though he dodged the litera- Academy, by the name of Broth- soning, but then, those can be cy classes offered by the YFL, Fu er Wakeham. He broke from the pointed out. Opinion cannot be Manchu didn’t miss the regular school’s tradition by admitting a what anyone just feels like saying. meetings of either organization; significant number of boys from Fu Manchu has voiced many val- and when the two merged to form the urban working class villages, id opinions on the air. Unlike many the Antigua-Caribbean Liberation who did not have to belong to the with significant formal schooling, Movement, he attended all the Catholic Church. he has been prepared to lend discussions, listened keenly, asked Most of these were boys who some thought and his voice to the questions, and participated in all did not make the limited number national discourse, by the means the projects of the organization. admitted to the Princess Margaret convenient to him. That’s a signif- Today, when most young people School annually. Some might have icant part of what being a citizen have had secondary education, made 13 years of age before they is about. very few of them bother to read could get into that public sec- For their athletic prowess and anything of substance, anyway. ondary school and therefore may intelligent participation in the dis- Nor do most show significant in- have dropped out of the public course of the marketplace, mem- terest in understanding important school system at that point, or bers of ancient Greek society be- issues at the national, regional, or perhaps later, before completing came celebrated citizens. international level. It is extreme- the three post-primary years. Fu Manchu clearly had that po- ly difficult to get these educated Basketball, which until then had tential. He was no simple voice. young people to attend a meet- only been played in Antigua at PAGE 17 REGIONAL NEWS MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 CTO: Caribbean’s safe and healthy travel position must be defended

(Loopslu): Caribbean borders and the vast ma- “The pandemic has iden- “In addition, our collab- Tourism Organization (CTO) jority of reopened coun- tified one critical common orative efforts will continue Acting Secretary General tries had also started ac- factor — the need for to ensure that the tourism Neil Walters said the re- cepting commercial travel change, the need to think sector works with other gion’s position as a safe and visitors to their shores. outside of the box and sectors such as health to and healthy travel destina- “In all cases, this process identify different ways of enhance the prospects of tion must be defended. has been done within the doing things.” the region as we transition He made the comment in parameters of protocols He said since the falloff to a new paradigm of nor- his New Year’s message. designed to complement in tourism activity in March malcy. “Certainly, 2020 was a the health infrastructure of 2020, all tourism policy- “Our collective efforts to year which highlighted the country. makers, destination man- date have positioned the many of our vulnerabili- “The stories which de- agement organisations and Caribbean, from a glob- ties, but more importantly, pict this process of infec- other tourism stakeholders al standpoint, in this pan- it taught us many lessons tion control and reopening have spent time critical- demic, as a region which is about our abilities to adapt of borders in the face of ly analysing and rethink- healthy and safe for trav- in the face of crisis, abilities second and third waves ing the way they manage el. It is a position which which I am sure many of us of viral spread in our main tourism in their individual we must defend, while we did not even know existed.” source markets, speak vol- destinations. make every effort to im- He said the COVID-19 umes about the adapt- “This has led to a spir- prove on the other facets pandemic crippled the ability of our people and it of greater cooperation of the visitor experience.” economies of several coun- specifically about the travel and collaboration which He recalled in the New tries, with the most serious and tourism sector in the was needed in the sector Year message for 2020, effects being felt in small Caribbean which has been but which has now been CTO lauded the region for economies and specifically given no choice, other than clearly shown to be critical recovering in 2019 after the those reliant on travel and to quickly identify, learn to the sector’s future and 2017 hurricanes, and for the movement of people. and adapt to the changing its success. exceeding the world aver- “Indeed, these two char- environment we have ex- All of this has also been age for tourism growth. acteristics essentially de- perienced over the past 12 mirrored at the regional “While those traditional scribe all the countries of months.” level, where regional stake- metrics may paint a differ- the Caribbean, and conse- He said the region, there- holders in tourism, health ent picture this year, we in quently, from an economic fore, moves into 2021 armed and general government the Caribbean can still be standpoint, the Caribbean with a new set of lessons have collaborated to cre- pleased with our efforts. has been one of the hard- learnt and with the proof ate standards for the re- This time we have proven est-hit regions in the world. that the Caribbean tourism opening of the sector and ourselves leaders via the “Fortunately, for the most sector along with its coun- continued to collaborate in collaboration of tourism part, as a region, we have terpart in public health has the face of an ever-chang- and public health to create been able to control the the collaborative power ing regional and extra-re- protocols for the reopening spread of the virus with- to restart, re-energise and gional environment.” of the sector. in our local populations. rebuild tourism in the Ca- He reported during 2021, “We still cannot rest on This has been achieved by ribbean stronger and more the programmes of the our laurels, but continue to the implementation of very resilient, and ready to face Caribbean Tourism Organi- use the momentum created stringent control mecha- the next challenge. zation (CTO) will continue by our efforts in 2020 and nisms which have varied Walters said while the the work started in 2020 on the resilience of our peo- from state to state, and pandemic has threatened research, product develop- ple to rebuild the tourism included in most instances, the Caribbean tourism sec- ment — including heritage sector like all other sectors temporary closure of inter- tor, it has also created the and community-based to full functionality again, national borders.” opportunity to assess the tourism — and human re- and buttress it against all Walters said by the last sector and implement ac- sources development — in- future challenges which, al- quarter of 2020 most of tions which have been dif- cluding a regional tourism though we pray otherwise, the countries in the Carib- ficult during the last 20 to sector human resources are sure to come.” bean had reopened their 30 years of mass tourism. audit and training. MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 18 Cuban doctors nominated for Nobel Prize (CMC):A proposal to mentarians, academics, award the 2021 Nobel awardees, judges of in- Peace Prize to a contin- ternational courts, and gent of Cuban doctors active or retired mem- who specialise in disas- bers of the Committee. ter situations and seri- The Cuban Ministry ous epidemics was en- of Foreign Affairs said dorsed by four members that since its creation in of the British Parliament. 2005, the Henry Reeve According to the of- International Contingent ficial site of the Cuba of Doctors Specialised Solidarity Campaign in in Disaster Situations the United Kingdom, and Serious Epidemics the four members of national Contingent of another eight were sent has saved hundreds of the House of Commons Doctors. by academics from the thousands of lives in – Paula Barker, Ian By- With the four for- United Kingdom. areas of Africa, Latin rne, Dan Carden and mal nominations of the Nominations for the America, the Caribbean Kim Johnson, highlight- legislators, 16 requests Nobel Peace Prize have and Asia, which have ed the humanitarian aid submitted by British a deadline of January been hit by earthquakes, provided by Cuba and parliamentarians are 31 of each year and can hurricanes, floods and the Henry Reeve Inter- accumulated, to which only be made by parlia- epidemics.

St Vincent puts Barbados on COVID ‘high risk’ travel list

(Source Searchlight ple tested positive for the some of which are now lic, Mexico, Brazil, India, Newspaper): Effective Mon- COVID-19 virus and that closed. Officials are also Panama, Argentina, Peru, day, January 4, 2021, trav- public health officials are looking at two smaller clus- Haiti, Colombia, South Af- elers from Barbados will investigating at least three ters comprising seven and rica, Nigeria, Indonesia, be categorized as arriving clusters, one of which is a four cases, respectively, Philippines, Italy, Bahamas, from a high-risk country, super spreader event ac- centering around a visitor Canada, Turks and Caicos and must quarantine in an counting for the majority of and a hotel worker. There Islands, France (including approved hotel for 10 days. new cases. is a possibility of two more overseas regions), Spain This change in the pro- Head of the Barba- clusters, but these have not and Russia. tocol for entry of travel- dos Cabinet COVID-19 returned any positive cases The protocol lists medium ers to St Vincent and the sub-committee, Senator Dr. at this time. risk countries as Taiwan, Grenadines (SVG) was an- Jerome Walcott, said 161 Walcott said more than Cuba and Antigua & Bar- nounced by the National people at Her Majesty’s 1 000 samples were taken buda. Emergency Management Prison Dodds, comprising and the contact tracing Low risk countries are Organsation (NEMO) Sat- inmates, wardens and civil- has been fairly successful. Anguilla, Dominica, Mont- urday night. ian staff returned positive Minister of Health and serrat, St. Kitts and Nevis. A change has also been tests. And on Friday and Wellness Jeffrey Bostic said Travelers from these coun- made to the protocol for Saturday, 33 cases outside “we are on top of this sit- tries must arrive with a neg- entry of travelers to SVG of the prison – via contact uation as far as the prison ative result of a COVID-19 from medium risk coun- tracing and visitors at the is concerned”. (RT-PCR) test done no tries, who will now have to Grantley Adams Interna- High risk countries are: more than 72 hours before spend five days in an ap- tional Airport – were also United States of America, arrival; may be tested on proved hotel. recorded. including the United States arrival in SVG at the dis- The change in catego- Of that 161, there are 113 Virgin Islands (USVI), China, cretion of the Port Health rization of Barbados from inmates and 48 staff who United Kingdom, Germany, Officer. medium risk to high risk tested positive. Barbados, British Virgin Is- The country of residence came just hours after the The main super spreader lands, Guyana, Suriname, is defined as the last coun- Barbados government an- event is a Boxing Day bus Belize, St. Lucia, Grenada, try that the traveler was nounced that over the past crawl that made several Jamaica, Trinidad and To- present in for at least 21 two days, almost 200 peo- stops at West Coast bars, bago, Dominican Repub- days. PAGE 19 INTERNATIONAL NEWS MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 Coronavirus: India approves vaccines from Bharat Biotech and Oxford/AstraZeneca (BBC): India has formal- Nearly 150,000 people bai, told the BBC doctors a limited number of times ly approved the emergen- have died. were in a difficult position. - a particular challenge in cy use of two coronavirus On Saturday India held “I understand there is a India, where summer tem- vaccines as it prepares nationwide drills to pre- need to go through the peratures can reach 50C. for one of the world’s pare more than 90,000 process quickly, remove The local vaccine, how- biggest inoculation drives. health care workers regulatory hurdles,” he ever, was approved de- The drugs regulatory to administer vaccines said. “However... [gov- spite the absence of data authority gave the green across the country, which ernments and regulators] on how efficient it can be. light to the jabs devel- has a population of 1.3 have a duty to be trans- It has yet to go through oped by AstraZeneca billion people. parent about the data large-scale trials. with Oxford University The Drugs Control- they have reviewed and The Drugs Controller and by local firm Bharat ler General of India said the process involved in General, V.G. Somani, said Biotech. both manufacturers had making the decision to Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin Prime Minister Narendra submitted data showing authorise a vaccine, be- was “safe and provides a Modi called it “a decisive their vaccines were safe cause if they don’t do robust immune response”. turning point”. to use. this, it can affect the pub- Mr. Somani said it had India plans to inoculate However, opposition lic’s faith in the process.” been approved “in public some 300 million people politicians and some doc- The Oxford/AstraZene- interest as an abundance on a priority list this year. tors have criticised a lack ca vaccine is being man- of precaution, in clinical It has recorded the sec- of transparency in the ufactured locally by the trial mode, to have more ond-highest number of in- approval process. Serum Institute of India, options for vaccinations, fections in the world, with Dr. Swapneil Parikh, an the world’s largest vac- especially in case of in- more than 10.3 million infectious diseases re- cine manufacturer. It says fection by mutant strains”. confirmed cases to date. searcher based in Mum- it is producing more than India, which makes 50 million doses a month. about 60% of vaccines Adar Poonawalla, the globally, plans to immu- company’s CEO, told the nise about 300 million BBC in November that he people by July 2021. It aimed to ramp up pro- will prioritise health care duction to 100 million dos- workers, the emergen- es a month after receiv- cy services, and those ing regulatory approval. who are clinically vulner- The jab, which is known able because of age or as Covishield in India, is pre-existing conditions. administered in two doses India’s existing vaccina- given between four and tion programme already 12 weeks apart. It can be reaches about 55 million safely stored at tempera- people a year, adminis- tures of 2C to 8C, about tering 390 million free jabs the same as a domestic against a dozen diseases. fridge, and can be de- It stocks and tracks the livered in existing health vaccines through a well- care settings such as oiled electronic system. doctors’ surgeries. Pfizer, whose vaccine This makes it easier to has already been ap- distribute than some of proved for use in juris- the other vaccines. The dictions including the UK, jab developed by Pfiz- the US and the EU, is also er/BioNTech - which is seeking emergency au- currently being adminis- thorisation in India. tered in several countries In all, some 30 vaccine - must be stored at -70C candidates are being de- and can only be moved veloped in India. MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS PAGE 20 Pope criticizes people going on holiday to avoid Covid-19 lockdowns (CNN): Pope Francis has the world are facing re- condemned people who newed lockdowns and traveled abroad for a va- travel restrictions, with 84 cation and avoid Covid-19 million people now infected lockdowns, adding that by the virus. At least 1.83 holidaymakers were not million people have died, considering the effect of according to figures from their actions on others. Johns Hopkins University. The pontiff said Sunday Renewing his best wish- he was “saddened” by es for the New Year, Pope news reports claiming that Francis said: “What each of people were flying abroad us -- and all of us together to have fun amid the pan- -- can do is commit our- demic. selves a little more to take “They are good people, care of each other and but they didn’t think about of what was created, our those who were staying Pope Francis common home.” at home, of the economic In the past, the Pope problems of many people and having fun. This pained rather than from the usual has also criticized peo- who have been hit hard by me a lot,” the Pope said at window overlooking St. Pe- ple who refused to wear the lockdown, or the sick the end of his Sunday An- ter’s Square where crowds masks or who protested people,” Pope Francis said gelus prayer. would usually gather, in or- against coronavirus restric- Sunday. Pope Francis held his der to limit the spread of tions, commenting that they “[They thought] only Sunday prayers from the the virus. move in “their own little about going on holiday Apostolic Palace library, Many countries around world of interests”.

Trump, on tape, presses Ga. official to ‘find’ Trump votes

(AP) — President Donald gia that will determine con- Georgia’s certified election democracy,” Bauer said. Trump badgered and plead- trol of the Senate. results show Biden won the At another point in the con- ed with Georgia’s election Trump confirmed in a tweet state’s Nov. 3 election by versation, Trump appeared chief to overturn Joe Biden’s Sunday that he had spo- 11,779 votes. to threaten Raffensperger win in the state, suggesting ken with Georgia’s secretary The White House referred and Ryan Germany, the sec- in a telephone call that the of state, Republican Brad questions to Trump’s reelec- retary of state’s legal coun- official “find” enough votes to Raffensperger, a day earlier. tion campaign, which did sel, by suggesting both could hand Trump the victory. Audio snippets of the con- not respond Sunday to an be criminally liable if they The conversation Saturday versation were posted online emailed request for comment. failed to find that thousands was the latest step in an un- by The Washington Post. A Raffensperger’s office did not of ballots in Fulton County precedented effort by a sit- recording of the call was lat- respond to a text message had been illegally destroyed. ting president to pressure a er obtained by The Associat- seeking comment. There is no evidence to sup- state official to reverse the ed Press from a person who Biden senior adviser Bob port Trump’s claim. outcome of a free and fair was on the call. Bauer said the recording was “That’s a criminal offense,” election that he lost. The re- The president, who has re- “irrefutable proof” of Trump Trump says. “And you can’t newed intervention and the fused to accept his loss to the pressuring and threatening let that happen. persistent and unfounded Democratic president-elect, is an official in his own party to Trump has repeatedly at- claims of fraud by the first heard telling Raffensperger at “rescind a state’s lawful, certi- tacked how Raffensperger president to lose reelection in one point: “All I want to do is fied vote count and fabricate ran Georgia’s elections, claim- almost 30 years come near- this. I just want to find 11,780 another in its place.” ing without evidence that the ly two weeks before Trump votes, which is one more “It captures the whole, dis- state’s 16 electoral votes were leaves office and two days than we have. Because we graceful story about Donald wrongly given to Biden. before twin runoffs in Geor- won the state.” Trump’s assault on American PAGE 21 FUN ZONE MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021

QuickQUICK crossword CROSSWORD no 15,677 1 2 3 4 5 Across 1 World War II ying bomb (V-1) (9) 6 7 8 School principals (5) 9 North African country (7) 8 9 10 Raised (8) 11 Supreme god of ancient Greece (4) 13 David Bowie's Space ___ (6) 14 Turf accountant (6) 16 Rescue (4) 10 11 17 Flee (4,4) 19 Parent's sisters (informal) (7) 20 Displayed (5) 12 21 Proscribed (9)

13 14 Down 1 Antipathy (8) 15 2 Stableman at a coaching inn (6) 3 Protracted (4) 16 17 4 Silent lm comedy star, d. 1966 (6,6) 5 Unacknowledged barrier to career advancement (5,7) 6 Senior ocer's principal aide and condant (5,2,5) 18 7 Dowser, traditionally using a forked stick (5,7) 12 Funny business (6-2) 19 20 15 Cared for (6) 18 Audio equipment (2-2)

21

DAILY COMICS SUDOKU

Dilbert

Garfield

Cathy

How to play Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9. There is no math involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic. MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 WHAT’S UP? PAGE 22 LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST COMMUNITY NOTICES

COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP NOMINATIONS The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United King- dom is inviting nominations from Antigua and Barbuda for Com- monwealth Master’s Scholarships tenable from 2021. Closing date for nominations is 1st March, 2021. Deadline for submission of applications to the Ministry of Educa- tion, Sports and Creative Industries is 19th February, 2021. Full details of the scholarships are included in the 2021 terms and conditions, available at: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/about-us/scholarships

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

ARIES | Mar. 21-Apr. 19 LIBRA Sept. | 23-Oct. 22 QUALITY ASSURANCE UNIT The Quality Assurance Unit, Ministry of Tourism will be suspend- You can’t do it all today, which is a Been bored lately? Well, that’s all about fact that will become all too apparent to change when your routine gets dis- ing operations from December 15, 2020 to January 15, 2021. All as soon as you get started this morn- rupted and your daily life gets turned on property owners are asked to take note as no inspections and ing. But instead of feeling frustrated, its ear! An exciting surprise could throw covid-19 certifications will be executed during this period. For start paring off a few tasks and adjust you for a loop, but it will also energize your expectations. you in a way you haven’t felt in ages. more information contact the department t 468-4061/4003.

TAURUS | Apr. 20-May 20 SCORPIO Oct. | 23-Nov. 21 EARLT CLOSURE Right now, it’s a good idea for you to You might have to put some upcoming The general public is advised that the headquarters of the Minis- stick close to home and focus on one plans on hold. Something is still up in the air, try of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, Government Of- or two people who matter the most and you won’t be able to make any firm to you. Things around your home, like plans until it can be pinned down. Don’t fice Complex, will close at 11am on Wednesday, 23rd December, warmth and safety, are very appeal- make any financial commitments, no matter 2020. This is to facilitate a staff function. Normal office hours will ing and satisfying for you. how pressing your deadline may be. resume on Thursday 24th December, 2020. Any inconvenience caused is regretted. GEMINI | May 21-June 20 SAGITTARIUS | Nov. 22-Dec. 21 When it comes to improving the There are reserves of unbeatable charm health of your finances right now, ev- inside of you, so go in deep enough to erything else has to take a back seat. utilize them today. Once you do, you’re If you’re afraid that you’ll be called a sure to come out on top in any kind of cheapskate by your friends, you need competition. Whatever you’re fighting, you’ll to get over it fast. have an edge that will get you noticed.

CANCER | June 21-July 22 CAPRICORN | Dec. 22-Jan. 19 You are feeling and looking extremely Put your household issues on the good today, and your positive energy top or your priority list. From fixing will only grow with every encounter a dripping faucet to painting a room you have. Talk it up and get your flirt or even just moving some furniture on. Shine your bright light on everyone around, you need to get hands-on you meet, and you will make their day! experience in your home!

LEO | July 23-Aug. 22 AQUARIUS | Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Look out for people who are emo- You should try to start moving yourself tionally on edge today. That kind of away from your emotions. It’s not that irregular energy is contagious, and they aren’t important, it’s just that they ar- it’s the last thing you need to catch! en’t helping you make the decisions you Understand that irrational people are need to make. They’re distracting you not a good influence on your life. from putting the right priorities together.

VIRGO | Aug. 23-Sept. 22 PISCES | Feb. 19-Mar. 20 Moving among many different groups Your urge to travel and go on adven- will give you a big boost right now. tures could be waning right now, and You’ll be energized by others, especial- you’re going to start being much more ly those who have done things you’ve tuned in to the idea of sticking close always wanted to do or been to plac- to home. You don’t need to wander all es you’ve always wanted to visit. around the world to find fun.

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

MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 SPORTS NEWS PAGE 24 THE YEAR IN SPORTS Sports suffered in 2020 By Vernon ‘Epilus’ Edwards March 13, 2020, will be remem- and Italy. tournament in December featuring bered and felt by all involved in The Antigua and Barbuda Foot- 10 teams at the Sir Vivian Richards sports in Antigua and Barbuda. ball Association eventually decid- Stadium. Many footballers who participated ed to cancel the remainder of the The tournament was won by the in the Antigua and Football Associ- 2019/20 season declaring no win- powerhouse, PIC Liberta, who se- ation’s First Division (ABFA) were al- ners while promoting six teams from cured their 35 championships in do- ready on buses, in cars, or traveling the second and first divisions and mestic cricket over the past 8 years. on foot to their respective games demoting no teams from the pre- The Antigua and Barbuda Body- as the division was five weeks away mier division. building and weightlifting federation from its climax before a call came Cricket West Indies had to can- brought joy to the nation in Decem- for the ABFA office indicating the cel the regional tournaments while ber when Melissa Seaforth swept government had brought a halt to local cricket came to a standstill. the 45 Central America and Ca- competitive sports because of the The COVID-19 pandemic has ham- ribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness coronavirus pandemic. pered the development of athletes Championship in the Dominican No one expected the long tough all across the island and frustrated Republic winning her class, overall, break that athletes would have to many who were preparing to rep- and first Elite PRO show and card, endure as all sports had to end their resent their country on the interna- all in one night. programs or in other cases halt the tional scene. President of local federation Dave start of their domestic seasons. Over the past four months, the George was elated noting his ath- Athletes were preparing for uni- government has permitted sports to letes continue to shine and lead the versity and professional trials in Eu- resume training following the nec- way for others to follow. rope while technicians, who were on essary protocols while cricket re- 2021 can only be better for local the island to lay the Mundo track at ceived the green light to resume athletes in Antigua and Barbuda YASCO, had to be rushed out of competitive matches which led to with several associations hopeful of the island for fear of being trapped the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket restarting competitive sports follow- away from their families in Panama Association host their 10 Splash T10 ing the lead of local cricket. PAGE 25 SPORTS NEWS MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 Bangladesh ideal for Rakeem Cornwall West Indies dynamic pitches in Bangladesh. all-rounder Rakeem Jim- ‘Jimbo’ as he is affec- bo Cornwall is looking tionately called, said he forward to the upcom- is in a good space pres- ing tour of Bangladesh to ently and he is aware take advantage of their Bangladesh is more con- spin friendly environment. ducive to spin, so he just With 10 players opting has to set his mind for a out of the tour because next bubble and go out of concerns over the and perform. spike in coronavirus cases Cornwall said there was in the South Asian coun- nothing in the pitches try, Cornwall who accept- for spinners in New Zea- ed the invitation to tour is land and England but fi- expected to play a criti- nally the upcoming tour cal role for the Caribbean has something that suits side with ball and bat. his game the 27-year-old The Antiguan, who was added. part of the West Indies The Antiguan will harbor squad that toured En- great memories perform- gland and New Zealand ing in Asia after claiming last year, is hoping to have his career best 7 for 75 a major impact on the against Bangladesh last Rakeem ‘Jimbo’ Cornwall slower, more spin-friendly year. CWI excited about packed schedule for 2021 Cricket West Indies kistan are all expected in the upcoming obligation ers and staff caused by (CWI) is excited about the the Caribbean. in South Asia CWI will host the disruption due to four major home tours this The Coronavirus ham- their Super-50 Cup, a tour Covid-19. year which should provide pered CWI 2020 itinerary by Sri Lanka, followed by Presently there are no an injection of money after with several planned home South Africa, Australia and direct financial gains for struggling through 2020 tours being scrapped. Pakistan before the Carib- the West Indies to tour because of the Covid-19 West Indies are scheduled bean Premier League. Bangladesh or go on any pandemic. to play nearly all their Under the current In- away tour because of the The Antiguan based cricket at home this year. ternational Cricket Coun- way international cricket body (CWI) will be host- CWI chief executive offi- cil arrangement only host is structured. West Indies ing its first home series cer Johnny Grave said the boards benefit financially will fly out in seven days since Ireland toured for a upcoming tour of Bangla- from bilateral series with for three ODIs, and two mixture of One- Day In- desh will be the Caribbe- CWI excited about their tests against Bangladesh, ternationals last January. an side’s last away obli- 2021 projected financial with the matches being This year, Sri Lanka, South gation for 11 months. gains after being forced played between January Africa, Australia and Pa- Grave added that after into salary cuts for play- 20 to February 15. MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 SPORTS NEWS PAGE 26 New PSG coach Pochettino wants ‘combative’ identity for team

Mauricio Pochettino fell short against its main pledged to instill rivals, losing 1-0 at home a “combative and to Lyon and Marseille, attacking” identity for and drawing 0-0 at Lille. Paris Saint-Germain as It also lost two of the he takes over as coach. first three games in the The French champions Champions League but announced the hiring of ended up advancing to Pochettino — their former the knockout stage by captain — on Saturday topping its group. to replace the recently The season start fired Thomas Tuchel. was delayed after “This team has fantastic Mauricio Pochettino several players — potential and my staff including Neymar and and I will do everything captain Marquinhos from 2001-03 and was a he led PSG to the 2020 we can to get the best — tested positive for fan favorite. Champions League final for Paris Saint-Germain the coronavirus after “I have wonderful — losing 1-0 to Bayern in all competitions,” returning from a club- memories, especially of Munich. Pochettino said. “We will sanctioned trip to the the unique atmosphere “The return of Mauricio also do our utmost to give Spanish party resort of of the Parc des Princes,” fits perfectly with our our team the combative Ibiza. he said. “I return to the ambitions and it will be and attacking playing Tuchel also clashed club today with a lot of another exciting chapter identity that Parisian with PSG sporting ambition and humility, for the club and one I fans have always loved.” director Leonardo, who and am eager to work am positive the fans will Pochettino, who publicly rebuked him with some of the world’s enjoy,” PSG chairman brought Tottenham to over comments made most talented players.” Nasser Al-Khelaïfi said. the Champions League shortly before the end Among those stars are PSG finished 2020 just final in 2019, signed a of the transfer window in Kylian Mbappé, Angel one point back in third contract to coach PSG October. Di Maria and Brazilians place in the French through June 2022 with Tuchel said he needed Neymar and Marquinhos. league after beating an option for an extra new recruits and that During the recent Strasbourg 4-0 on Dec. year, the club said. the club let players go break, Neymar was 23, but Tuchel was The 48-year-old too easily, such as 200- under scrutiny from questioned after the Pochettino inherits a goal scorer Edinson media reports claiming game about comments squad that is talented Cavani and stalwart he flouted pandemic he made to German but underperforming defender Thiago Silva. warnings with a large broadcaster SPORT1. — by PSG standards. It Their contracts were not New Year’s bash at The German coach starts the new year in renewed and both are or near his mansion in reportedly claimed that third place behind Lyon doing well in the English Rio de Janeiro state. managing PSG was and Lille. Premier League. Goal- Representatives for more akin to being a His first training scoring winger Di Maria Neymar denied the star’s politician or a sports session is Sunday ahead is also nearing the end links to the party. minister, such was the of Wednesday’s visit of his contract. Tottenham fired level of difficulty, and to Saint-Etienne. PSG Pochettino was Pochettino in November that he did not receive faces Barcelona in the Tottenham’s manager for 2019, only months after enough recognition for Champions League five years after helping the Champions League leading the club to its round of 16 in February Southampton avoid final appearance, first Champions League and March. relegation in the Premier where Spurs lost 2-0 to final. Pochettino played 95 League. He began his Liverpool. PSG has struggled at games for PSG as a coaching career at Similarly, Tuchel was times this season with rugged central defender Espanyol in 2009. fired four months after four league defeats. It PAGE 27 SPORTS NEWS MONDAY, 4 JANUARY, 2021 CWI chief selector Roger Harper responds to LICB (Guyana Chronicle): is also questioning the CRICKET West Indies omission of players – (CWI) chief selector Roger Kieran Powell, Sheno Harper, in his response to Berridge and Devon the letter from Leeward Thomas – to the squads Islands Cricket Board for the tour of Bangladesh (LICB), admitted that while this month. statistical performance To this end, Harper, the is very highly weighted former Guyana and West among the criteria used Indies off-spinner claimed for team selection, there in his letter that while the are other components selection panel is aware that are also seriously that the trio performed considered, and which very well in CWI’s last impact upon the finalSuper50 tournament, selection decision of the Powell and Thomas have Cricket West Indies chief selctor Roger Harper panel. not yet met the CWI The LICB, through minimum fitness standard. the West Indies team for it clear to all concerned its acting CEO, Peter “As CEO of the Leeward failure to meet the fitness that it is the responsibility Abraham Jr, has written Islands Cricket Board, I standard,” Harper stated of each player to attain to Harper, questioning the expect that you are aware in his response. and maintain at least selection policy of CWI, of CWI’s fitness policy He further added, “Since the minimum standard. highlighting specificallyand its requirements. You then, players who have According to my the metrics, criteria and may recall that earlier this not met that minimum information, two of the standards used to select year we strengthened its standard, unless given players mentioned in your West Indies Test and ODI implementation, and for a medical exemption, letter have not yet met squads. the first time players were have not been selected. the CWI minimum fitness In the letter, the board actually omitted from We have tried to make standard.” Britain’s Andy Murray delays 2021 season Britain’s former world Players have to pass a series At 122 in the world, Murray is number one Andy Murray has of COVID tests during a 14-day ranked too low to gain direct pulled out of next week’s ATP quarantine in Melbourne before entry into the tournament so event in Delray Beach- but not the Grand Slam. The tournament the 33-year-old, a five-time because of injury concerns. starts on 8 February after runner-up in Melbourne, has Murray had accepted a being pushed back three weeks been given a wild card. wildcard to start his 2021 because of the coronavirus The three-time Grand Slam season at the Florida event. pandemic. singles champion was able The Scot said given the Murray appearance at to play only seven official increase in COVID-19 rates and Melbourne Park will come two matches in 2020 because of a the transatlantic flights involved, years after he played there in lingering pelvic injury, and the he wants to minimized the risks what he feared would be his five months suspension of the ahead of the Australian Open. final match as a professional. tours. PAGE 28 MONDAY 4 JANUARY 2021 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG New Year’s Golf Championship

Glentist Martin Paullus Martin Patricia Matthew

It was a battle of epic players ended the 18-hole Viva wine. proportions but in the end competition with identical Apart from the trio, the it was Paullus Martin who scores of 90. other contenders were soared above the rest in the For his successful efforts, former West Indies middle Patricia Matthew and Cool the champion took home order batsman, Sylvester and Smooth New Year’s the top hardware as well as “Bouncing” Joseph, Gary Family Golf Championship at a bottle of yellow Barefoot Pigott, Josh Crooke, Kori Cedar Valley on Sunday. wine while Glentist walked Robertson, Winston Moore Martin clinched the title away with the runners up Jr and head chef at Big after dismantling his younger trophy and a bottle of pink Banana restaurant, Walcott brother, Glentist Martin in a wine. Haywood. three-hole playoff after both Their eldest brother, Aubrey The next event on the Matthew was third and he family’s calendar will be the was awarded the third place third edition of the ‘Rumble trophy and a bottle of red in the Jungle’.

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