RAMADAN 21, 1442 AH MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021

16 Pages Max 37 Min 25º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18425 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

State departments told to address Real Madrid defeat Osasuna, unpaid wages problem, visa trade Atletico scrape past Elche 3 15 Fajr 03:39 Shurooq 05:04 Dhuhr 11:45 Asr 15:21 Maghrib 18:25 Isha 19:49

MP files to grill 2 ministers, deepening political crisis Lawyers Society demands probe into financial rewards to frontline workers

By B Izzak normally made up of several pages. filed to grill Health Minister Sheikh Basel Al-Sabah for Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem said he allegedly failing to manage the coronavirus crisis. More aid lands in KUWAIT: Leading opposition MP Shuaib Al- received the two grillings, which will be added to the Unconfirmed reports state that other opposition Muwaizri yesterday filed to grill the foreign and agenda of the next Assembly session. Assembly ses- MPs may file grillings against other ministers, effective- finance ministers for “failing to respect the constitu- sions have been suspended until after the Eid Al-Fitr ly voting all Cabinet members out of office, which could India; Canada, tion and law” in a move that is expected to deepen the holidays and the first session is not expected before lead to the dissolution of the National Assembly and political crisis in the country. Muwaizri said in a brief May 25. fresh polls. Brazil struggle statement that he filed to grill Foreign Minister Sheikh It was not immediately known if the move is a new Meanwhile, the Lawyers Society in cooperation Ahmad Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah and Finance tactic by the opposition, locked in a standoff with the with the Public Funds Protection Society yesterday NEW DELHI: More international aid arrived in Minister Khalifa Hamada for failing to respect article government and the speaker over a decision to delay asked the Anti-Corruption Authority to launch an India yesterday as the daily COVID-19 death toll 99 of the constitution and article 121 of the Assembly’s grillings of the prime minister for 18 months. The oppo- investigation into financial rewards to frontline work- reached a new record in the South Asian nation. internal charter. sition says the delay is a violation of the constitution. ers, saying the amount is highly inflated. Press reports The country struggled to contain one of the Both articles emphasize the constitutional right of It seems the opposition has decided to grill ministers showed that the government is proposing a financial world’s worst coronavirus outbreaks with nearly all members of parliament to ask questions to the instead of insisting to grill the prime minister first, which reward of KD 586 million to as many as 214,000 400,000 new infections reported. Surges in Brazil prime minister and all Cabinet ministers, and their has already caused the disruption of Assembly sessions. employees who have contributed to the campaign to and Canada also highlighted the persistent threat right to get replies and comment on them. The two Grillings can lead to a vote of no-confidence against combat the coronavirus pandemic. The size of the of the pandemic, with the COVID-19 death toll grillings are perhaps the shortest in the history of ministers, which requires just 25 votes to pass. The amount has been strongly criticized, and several MPs approaching 3.2 million even as many nations ramp Kuwait’s parliament, since Muwaizri did not include opposition has more than enough numbers to vote any have charged that the process of granting the rewards up vaccination drives. — AFP (See Page 7) any explanations, as is usual. Grillings in Kuwait are minister out of office. Two opposition MPs had already could involve corruption. 2 Established 1961 Monday, May 3, 2021 Local Amir receives senior state officials at Bayan Palace

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Crown His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets National Assembly Speaker Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. — Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos Marzouq Al-Ghanem.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets His Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al- Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Ali Al-Sabah. Integrity Enhancement Abdullah Al-Roumi.

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah received His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah at Bayan Palace yesterday. His Highness the Amir also received National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al- Sabah. Furthermore, His Highness the Amir received Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Integrity Enhancement Abdullah Al-Roumi. In the meantime, His Highness the Crown Prince received Ghanem, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled and Roumi at Bayan Palace. Moreover, His Highness Sheikh Mishal received Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Defense Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah and Interior Minister Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. — KUNA Interior Minister Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah.

Ramadan Kareem Hope and fear in Taleban Gloating over one’s misfortune is prohibited in Islam bastion Kandahar KANDAHAR, Afghanistan: As the US military By Hassan T Bwambale ment may result in being afflicted with a similar or began formally withdrawing from Afghanistan worse calamity. Let God Almighty deal with His Saturday, some residents in Kandahar-the former mong Islam’s articles of belief is to believe servants whom He created because He is their cre- bastion of the Taleban-were optimistic the exit will in preordainment. Almighty Allah has pre- ator and knows more about them than anyone else. bring peace to the violence-wracked country. Adetermined what will happen and what will * Only Allah can judge His servants: If anyone, “The fighting will then be between two Muslim not happen. If someone is tested by a calamity or especially the one you dislike, gets afflicted with a brothers (Afghan government forces and the affliction or something else, there is wisdom calamity, do not conclude that it’s because of his Taleban) and the hope is that the two will reconcile behind it. It is prohibited for a believer to rejoice sins. Who gave you the moral authority to judge and make peace,” said Pacha Khan, a farmer from in a misfortune that strikes anyone whom he con- others? Jundub bin Abdillah narrated that Prophet the southern Afghan province that was once a flash- siders enemy or whom he doesn’t like or whom he Muhammad (pbuh) informed his companions point of fighting. US President Joe Biden had competes with. While he rejoices in the misfor- about a man who quarreled with his friend- announced in April that the remaining 2,500 tunes and sufferings of others, what assurances turned-adversary, saying, “I swear by Allah that He American troops will formally begin leaving does he have that a similar or worse catastrophe will not forgive so-and-so!” God Almighty Afghanistan from May 1 and complete their with- cannot strike him? Moreover, is he aware of Allah’s responded, “Who is He who thinks he can control drawal by the 20th anniversary of the September 11 KANDAHAR: People make their way along a market plans? Whatever you regard as calamity may turn Me, claiming that I won’t forgive so-and-so? For, I attacks, bringing an end to America’s longest war. area in Kandahar. As the US military pressed on May out to be a blessing in disguise. Almighty Allah have, indeed, forgiven him and rendered your In reality, the withdrawal has been a work in 1 withdrawing troops from Afghanistan. — AFP told Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) deeds null and void.” (Saheeh Muslim # 2, 621) progress for months. Fighting between US forces and the Taleban has stopped since a landmark deal what can be translated as: “If a blessing befalls * Even if someone rejoices in your calamity or leaving.” His views were echoed by Agha Shireen, a between Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump and the you, it grieves them (ie your enemies), but if a predicament, do not retaliate by doing the same trishaw driver from Arghandab on the outskirts of insurgents last year. But battles rage daily between calamity strikes you, they say, ‘We took our pre- when he suffers; ‘two wrongs cannot make a right.’ Kandahar city. “They have killed a lot of our people Afghan government forces and the militants across cautions beforehand,’ and they turn away rejoic- Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) advised Ja’ber bin and brought only misery,” he said. “If the Taliban Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taleban who ruled ing. Tell them that nothing will befall us except Saleem in a long prophetic narration, saying, “... return, the situation might turn better.” the country in the 1990s with a harsh version of what Allah has decreed for us. For He is our and if a person insults and humiliates you, do not But Pari, 31, who works in Panjwai district Islamic sharia law. guardian and protector, and on Him let the believ- retaliate in the same manner, because he will bear believes that for lasting peace, the Taliban have to Few shops were open in Kandahar city’s main ers rely.” (At-Tawbah 9: 50 - 51) the evil consequences of that.” (Al-Albani rated it declare a ceasefire. market on Saturday, while police set up checkpoints * Among the things that Prophet Muhammad authentic in Saheeh At-Tirmidhi # 2, 722). “I’m happy the US is withdrawing... but if the sit- on roads leading to the airport-almost deserted as (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge with Therefore, if anyone rejoices at your misfortune uation deteriorates in the absence of a ceasefire I most American troops have left. In Kandahar’s Bush Almighty Allah from was his enemies rejoicing in or predicament, leave it up to Allah (the Almighty might be unable to work,” she said. One of the Bazar-named for former US president who started his predicament. Abu Huraira (ra) narrated, “The and Majestic) to deal with him. biggest achievements of the last two decades has the war in 2001 — shopkeepers sorted through Messenger of Allah (pbuh) used to seek refuge Finally, inasmuch as we yearn for God’s forgive- been a boost to women’s rights, with Afghan women used goods for sale from the former American base. with Allah from the difficult moment of a severe ness, especially during this auspicious month of working in almost every sector. Women were “A few days ago there was a big blast outside the calamity, from being overwhelmed by destruction, Ramadan, let us learn to forgive and forget. “If you banned from work and girls from attending school airport. We later came to know the Americans had from being destined to an evil end, and from the forgive someone for something they did to you, it during the Taleban regime. Even as the mood destroyed equipment,” said Esa Mohammad, the malicious gloating of enemies; rejoicing in his doesn’t mean you agree with what they did or appeared optimistic in Kandahar, fear lurked in oth- bazar’s secretary. predicament.” (Al-Bukhari # 6, 616) believe it was right. Forgiving that person means er cities over the US pullout. “I feel the Taliban will “Now we get scrap from there to be sold in the * You might rejoice in a person’s calamity and you have chosen not to dwell on the matter any- again be strong after the withdrawal of foreign market.” Many ordinary Afghans remain bitter at then God Almighty (Allah) responds by bestowing more; you have moved on with your life.” troops,” said Ghulam Nabi, a shopkeeper from the US forces for the hardships over the years. mercy on him. One of Prophet Muhammad’s com- western city of Herat. Mohammad, a farmer who gave only one name, said panions, Wa’thila bin Al-Asqa’a, narrated that “I feel scared of another civil war and that we the past 20 years had been worse than the 1980s, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Do not rejoice Courtesy of TIES: TIES is among the projects funded and managed by will be forced to leave the country.” The departure when Afghanistan was occupied by Soviet troops. at your brother’s misfortune lest Allah bestow mer- Kuwaiti Society for Cultural Dialogue. TIES aims at empowering Kuwait’s of US forces will weaken the morale of Afghans, “The Russians did not inflict the kind of casual- cy on him and afflict you with a calamity.” (Al- expats through social and educational services that promote a positive said Adila Kabiri, a professor at Herat University. ties the Americans did,” said the father of eight. Mun’dhirey graded it as Hasan (authentic) in and productive role in society, and to facilitate opportunities for intra- and Her views were shared by Abdul Ahad Safi, a “The Americans killed my brother 10 years ago Saheeh At-Targheeb 3/310) resident from the restive eastern city of Jalalabad, interfaith interactions that promote social solidarity. For more informa- when they bombarded our village. These infidels * We deduce from the above prophetic narra- which has seen deadly attacks by Taleban and tion, please call 25231015/6 or 94079426 or e-mail: [email protected]. have inflicted heavy losses and I’m happy they are tion that gloating over someone’s grief or predica- jihadists from the Islamic State. — AFP Established 1961 3 Local Monday, May 3, 2021 State departments told to address unpaid wages problem, visa trade Around 215,000 expats left labor market in 2020 KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Manpower told permits due to the closure of their companies’ files, state departments concerned with unpaid salaries while others were registered on bogus companies. Crimes due to workers on government contracts that the Meanwhile, as efforts are being made to balance issue needs a quick solution, along with fighting the population structure, efforts to provide more Man lost three fingers residency trade, Al-Qabas Arabic daily reported jobs to Kuwaitis continue, along with the replace- in fight with butcher yesterday. Informed sources said the authority ment policy in the government sector. A government wrote to the Central Agency for Public Tenders to report revealed 12,000 Kuwaitis were employed in KUWAIT: A Sudanese man lost three fingers liquidate the financial guarantees of violating com- the private sector in 2020. during a fight with an Egyptian in Jleeb Al- panies in order to pay workers their delayed The private sector suffered a large drop in the Shuyoukh. A security source said police salaries from these guarantees. number of workers in 2020 due to the coronavirus received a call about the fight, so they rushed to The sources pointed to the continuation of visa crisis and suspension of new work visas for expats. the scene along with paramedics, but found the trade and violations of the labor law, adding grave vio- The drop in worker numbers includes those who Sudanese had already gone to the hospital. lations were discovered lately. They said several left the country permanently or transferred to fam- Police went to the hospital and found the man guards must leave the country because they are in ily residency, as around 215,000 expats from three was in the operation theater to reattach his fin- violation of residency laws for not renewing their work sectors left the marketplace. gers. The Egyptian, a butcher, was arrested, and faces legal action. Burgan Bank concludes participation Body found in ‘KFAS Innovation Challenge’ KUWAIT: Ahmadi detectives are investigating KUWAIT: As part of its ongoing tion and discussion, the Innovation the death of an Egyptian man whose body was efforts to empower its employees and Challenge project was well received, found in a Farwaniya apartment. Police and promote an innovative culture across approved by management, and will be paramedics went to the flat and inspected the its workplace, Burgan Bank announced implemented in the very near future. scene. Forensic personnel then removed the that it has concluded its participation Commenting on this program, body of the 23-year-old. Detectives are investi- in the ‘KFAS Innovation Challenge Ghada El-Kadi, Senior Manager - gating the case as a suspected felony after find- 2020’, organized by Kuwait Learning and Development at Burgan ing drug paraphernalia in the flat. Foundation for the Advancement of Bank, said: “I am delighted and proud Sciences (KFAS) in collaboration with of the Bank’s team participation in the the Executive Education Center at “Innovation Challenge 2020.” At Swindling accusations Wharton School - University of Burgan Bank, we always strive to KUWAIT: Burgan Bank Team Omar Al-Halabi, Ahmed Al-Rbean, Shurrooq Al-Houly, Salem Al-Qenaei, and Mohammed Bualiyan. Pennsylvania. develop our human capital by provid- A Kuwaiti woman accused a contractor of The Burgan Bank team, who were ing the best training programs to swindling, after he agreed to do external carefully nominated by the Learning enhance their skills, foster a culture of The team overcame all obstacles faced this year included business model repairs of her house. She gave him money to and Development Department of the innovation and ideation in our work- and came up with a remarkable inno- innovation, innovative delivery models, buy the necessary material, but he disappeared Human Resources Group, consisted of place, and turn their innovative ideas vative solution that will add great value in addition to team coaching by trained and switched off his phone. The woman told five members from “Ro2ya” training into useful services. This program to Burgan Bank. As HR-L&D, we will Wharton coaches and faculty. Farwaniya police station that the contractor did program. The team members were combined educational materials with provide them with our fullest support Furthermore, the program offered par- not return, nor did he call back. Police are look- Omar Al-Halabi, Ahmed Al-Rbean, practical application, leading to state- to implement their innovative solution ticipants the chance to attend remote ing for the contractor for questioning. Shurrooq Al-Houly, Salem Al-Qenaei, of-the-art technology solutions, which and apply all skills learned from the learning workshops organized by and Mohammed Bualiyan. The team reflect the Bank’s focus and strategy to program”. University of California Los Angeles’ presented the idea of developing an adopt the latest technologies. Burgan KFAS Innovation Challenge, first (UCLA) experts. Aimed at elevating “Innovation Lab” to serve as a hub for Bank will continue to invest in our peo- launched in 2015, is an annual execu- employee performance, Burgan Bank’s Car break in all staff to propose new ideas capable ple to build future leaders.” tive training program aimed at devel- participation comes as part of its A Kuwaiti man told Mubarak Al-Kabeer police of creating an impact and adding value Bashar Al-Qattan, Manager- oping innovation capabilities in the pri- ongoing efforts to provide its employ- that his vehicle’s window was smashed and his to the bank. The project was presented Learning and Development, said: “The vate sector by exposing teams of pro- ees with world-class training and personal belongings were taken. He said he sus- through a Digital Platform to the level of resilience and commitment of fessionals to the combined resources development programs to help pects someone he knows with whom he has differ- Bank’s top senior executives in addi- our team in the latest Innovation of world-class academic institutions, in improve their knowledge and skills, ences of committing the act. Detectives are inves- tion to representatives from KFAS top Challenge program was exceptional, order to develop their business capa- and maintain the bank’s position as a tigating. — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Rai management. Following the presenta- given the recent global health situation. bilities. Topics and activities tackled regional financial powerhouse.

NCCAL, Association sign cooperation agreement KUWAIT: Kuwait National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) and Kuwait Writers Association signed a memorandum of understanding and coopera- tion to organize cultural events and activities. In a press statement yesterday, NCCAL’s Secretary General Kamel Al-Abduljaleel said he was pleased with signing the memorandum which will boost coop- KUWAIT: NCCAL’s Secretary General Kamel Al- eration with the writers association. The memorandum Abduljaleel (left) and Kuwait Writers Association’s involves protecting writers’ rights and cultural cooper- Secretary General Dr Khaled Ramadan sign the ation, he added. Meanwhile, The association’s agreement. —KUNA Secretary General Dr Khaled Ramadan said the two sides have been cooperating for years and taking part to execute the memorandum’s articles and goals. The in joint events. Meanwhile, NCCAL’s spokesperson and three-year memorandum includes launching training assistant secretary general for culture affairs Dr Essa courses and cultural projects, as well as organizing Al-Ansari said that the two sides will form a committee cultural workshops. — AFP

they reach the shopping center. Rabiya Co-op Kuwait curfew: WhatsApp 2438-8316 Where to obtain a curfew pass? What you Citizens and residents that need Wafra Farm Co-op a pass during the curfew hours to Tel: 9883-5245 / 5170-0085 need to know leave their homes can apply for a pass at https://www.paci.gov.kw/. Salmiya Co-op KUWAIT: Kuwait imposed a cur- The pass is available for those in Tel: 22253225 few from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am until need of emergency medical treat- the end of Ramadan to help curb ment, doctor’s visits, blood dona- Jabriya Co-op an increase in COVID-19 cases. tion, COVID-19 swabs and Tel: 1805-353 During the curfew hours, pharma- COVID-19 vaccinations. WhatsApp 6566-6084 cies, medical stores, co-operative societies and supermarkets are Co-op delivery during curfew Rawdha & Hawally allowed to continue operation only hours WhatsApp 9662-2883 through delivery services, while During curfew hours, co-ops, restaurants and cafes are allowed grocery stores and other markets Shaab Co-op to deliver food from 7:00 pm to will be allowed to offer delivery WhatsApp 9090-4455 3:00 am every day. Also during the services. Most co-ops will accept curfew, people are allowed to go to orders via delivery. Here is an Wafra Co-op incomplete list of co-op WhatsApp WhatsApp 5055-0539 prayers at mosques only by walk- numbers. Each co-op will be ing, and the government allowed responsible for deciding if and Keifan Co-op people to practice walking and when they provide delivery servic- WhatsApp 5178-1719 jogging from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. es and not all may be providing. The government meanwhile Rehab Co-op allowed salons and health clubs to Omariya Co-op WhatsApp 9222-2358 reopen during the day but kept WhatsApp 6041-0067 restaurants and cafes closed Mishref Co-op except for drive-through and deliv- Farwaniya Co-op WhatsApp 5055-9900 ery services. Meanwhile, taxis are WhatsApp 6767-8211 allowed to carry only a maximum Faiha Co-op of two passengers. Qairawan Co-op Tel: 1861-000 The Ministry of Commerce and WhatsApp 9000-3749 WhatsApp 9098-6000 Industry launched a booking serv- ice, allowing people to shop from Jahra Co-op Rumaithiya Co-op 7:00 pm to 12:00 am during the cur- WhatsApp 5160-2458 WhatsApp 6066-0045 few hours. The service is valid for all co-ops and supermarkets around Abdulla Al-Mubarak Co-op Bayan Co-op Kuwait. To book an appointment, a WhatsApp 6066-6338 WhatsApp 9004-2500 shopper should visit www.moci.shop, enter the required Nuzha Co-op Fahaheel Co-op information (civil ID number and WhatsApp 9784-5531 WhatsApp 5178-9951 serial number, contact number and email address), the reason for Khaitan Co-op Adan & Qusour Co-op appointment (food supply center) WhatsApp 6777-9745 Tel: 5034-3111 / 6593-3975 and the time and date of the appointment. The shopper would Ardhiya Co-op Salam Co-op then receive a barcode to show once WhatsApp 6902-0779 WhatsApp 9788-7832 4 Established 1961 Local Monday, May 3, 2021

Kuwait Heritage Established 1961 The First Daily in The Arabian Gulf

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961 Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24833199 Extn. 125 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. Email: [email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net

Information Ministry encourages creativity: Minister Mutairi KUWAIT: The classic Bedouin tent. The sadu fabric, the traditional clothes, the pots of coffee and tea, the charcoal and the falconer all serve as elements KUWAIT: Minister of of the Bedouin life of the past. (Source: A collection of commemorative printed images by the ministry of information. Prepared by: Mahmoud Zakaria Abu Information and Culture Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi Alella, researcher in heritage, ministry of information) said yesterday that encouraging creativity and innovators, support- ing ministry workers’ competencies and pro- moting values would be Kuwait embassy starts iftar project in Shanghai among the ministry’s Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi strategy for the next five years, to be launched soon. In a statement, Mutairi, also Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said that a team has been formed to coordinate between the Ministry of Information and local production insti- tutions to ensure creativity that contribute to the advancement of society. The ministry pays great attention in supporting the distinguished employees to promote Kuwaiti media as the ministry is keen to provide continu- ous and fruitful training for the ministry’s employ- ees to keep pace with the rapid media develop- ments, he said. “The ministry is continuing to develop the new unified visual identity according to the highest technical and creative standards,” Mutairi added. He also stressed the official Kuwaiti media discourse with its various platforms to focus on promoting values “in society stemming from our genuine Islamic religion and Kuwaiti tradi- tions.” The ministry aims through this comprehen- KUWAIT: Kuwait’s embassy in Beijing announced yesterday that it embassy’s supervision. During this week, more than 717 food baskets sive strategy to build a media system that seek to started an iftar project under the auspices of Kuwait Awqaf Secretariat will be distributed to Muslim families and individuals in a city in develop performance that contributed in the in Shanghai, northwest China. The embassy stated that this project was Shanghai, the embassy added. It also explained that each basket con- development of the country, he said. — KUNA paid in full by philanthropists in Kuwait and implemented under tains rice, flour, oil, tea, and sugar. — KUNA

is keen to provide all Gulf Bank helps types of assistance to various segments of soci- distribute electrical ety in Kuwait. The organ- ization focuses on: the welfare of needy families, appliances to engaging with social wel- fare houses’ guests, and disadvantaged families visiting hospital patients in the hopes of providing KUWAIT: As part of Gulf Bank’s ongoing commit- social, psychological and Lujain Al-Qenaei ment to sustainability, and its dedication to the vari- community welfare to the ous initiatives it spearheads, Gulf Bank participated community, in cooperation with the Ministry of in a humanitarian campaign led by the Kuwait Red Health and Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. In Crescent Society (KRCS) to distribute electrical addition, the KRCS’s Prisons Office continues to devices to disadvantaged families in Kuwait. As part provide humanitarian services to prisoners, includ- of the initiative, which took place last Wednesday, ing following up on their conditions and psycholog- several Gulf Bank employees volunteered to sup- ical well-being, and providing moral and material port the KRCS team’s efforts to distribute the support to them and their families. appliances to local families residing in Kuwait. Gulf Bank’s latest initiative with the KRCS is one Regarding this initiative, Gulf Bank’s Assistant of many sustainability initiatives that the Bank Manager for Corporate Communications, Lujain Al- organizes and participates in at the community lev- Qenaei, said: “We were honored to join the Kuwait el, with various initiatives taking place during Red Crescent Society’s generous initiative to Ramadan. Throughout the holy month, Gulf Bank extend a helping hand to needy families. We were has also organized several recreational activities more than happy to participate in this initiative to and events that have taken place during walking distribute various essential electrical devices to hours in several residential areas, as part of its several families in Kuwait, especially during the holy social responsibility to engage with, and cater to, month of Ramadan, and with summer just around the local community. the corner. For the past sixty years, Gulf Bank has Throughout the year, Gulf Bank has remained proudly been an integral part of Kuwait’s economic committed to maintaining a robust sustainability and social history, seizing every available opportu- program at the community, economic, and envi- nity to support disadvantaged segments of society ronmental levels through sustainability initiatives and ensure our community’s sustainability in health, that are strategically selected to benefit both the security and peace.” country and the Bank. Gulf Bank’s social responsi- The KRCS performs various community roles in bility initiatives go hand in hand with international Kuwait, targeting all those in need of support, aid efforts, aligning with the United Nations’ 17 and assistance to overcome various difficulties as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Also part of the organization’s humanitarian and social known as the Global Goals, the SDGs were adopt- efforts. The KRCS endeavors to treat needy ed by all United Nations Member States in 2015 patients residing in Kuwait in order to preserve as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect their safety and provide medicine, medical needs, the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace wheelchairs and other medical matters. The KRCS and prosperity by 2030.

ISSUE NO: 18425 RAMADAN 21, 1442 AH

Established 1961 Ramadan Quiz Established 1961 Ramadan Quiz 21- Who is the companion at whose death it is Date : said the Throne of Allah the Almighty shook? Name : ❏ A. Abu Bakr Civil ID : ❏ B. Hamzah Tel : ❏ C. Sa’d ibn Mu’aath Email :

6 Established 1961 International Monday, May 3, 2021 Petrol bombs, police patrols as N Ireland ‘celebrates’ 100th year Deep divisions overshadow the province’s centenary landmark BELFAST, UK: Two weeks before Northern against one another. Towering “peace walls” sepa- Ireland’s 100th anniversary, black smoke from a rate the communities, crisscrossing the Belfast land- burning roadblock billowed into the Belfast sky, sig- scape, a reminder of the divisions that remain even naling the deep divisions overshadowing the after “The Troubles” ended in 1998. province’s centenary landmark. The latest violence saw loyalist youths face off As hooded youths hurled masonry, weary riot with police who were preventing their advance police poured out of rusty armored Land Rovers to towards a gate in the barrier. In the early evening on form ranks. All sides know their roles in this well- April 19, teens covered their faces and scrambled versed piece of street theatre, which provides the for bricks and stones to throw. A mother pushing a backdrop to the 100 years of the divided British pram scooted her child out of the way as a small province. Scenes of unrest returned last month to gang charged a police Land Rover, climbing on the the streets of Northern Ireland, the former battle- bonnet, prying off a wing mirror and pulling at ground of “The Troubles” where tempers are fray- locked door handles. Police on the frontline ing over Brexit and other tectonic political shifts. remained inside their vehicles-their windscreens At least 88 officers have been injured in clashes and sirens covered in metal grid-work that parried emanating from pro-UK loyalist enclaves, angry the worst of the debris. with a post-Brexit “protocol” they feel is casting Early in the evening, a switch pressed by an them adrift from mainland Britain. “All generations unseen hand slammed shut the gates in the “peace are angry and frustrated at what’s going on,” said walls”, completely sealing the neighborhoods off David McNarry, of the Loyalist Communities from each other. A convoy of police vehicles pulled Council (LCC). in from a side street, parking in practiced formation In this file photo taken on November 29, 1999 Sinn Fein’s President Gerry Adams (left) and chief negotiator “This damn protocol is a European invention (to) to block the road to the gates. The ranks of riot Martin McGuinness take a brief walk outside Stormont Parliament Buildings in Belfast. — AFP take away my Britishness,” he told AFP in central police wielding batons and shields quelled the worst Belfast, a heavy trace of emotion in his voice. of the violence, for one night at least. Loyalist and nationalist youths faced off in a dren’s future.” Against this backdrop, it is hard to The unrest paled in comparison to clashes earlier night of violence that shocked the UK and left the imagine a “happy birthday” for Northern Ireland. Communities facing off in the month, when water cannon and dog units area by the peace gates charred and pockmarked. A Unionists and nationalists fervently disagree about Violence has been focused at “interfaces”-where waged a running battle with gangs throwing petrol teddy bear has since been hung on the gates with a the legitimacy of the region, both contest its future, loyalist and pro-Ireland nationalist areas butt up bombs and fireworks. hopeful handwritten dedication: “Peace for our chil- and both feel under siege. — AFP

many Republicans still see him as News in brief US Republicans their party’s de facto leader-although an NBC News poll this week showed Madrid poll puts PM on defensive grapple with Trump’s support among Republican voters is slipping. Trump himself told MADRID: Madrid votes tomorrow in a close- Fox News last week he is “beyond ly watched regional election which surveys way out of limbo seriously” considering another White suggest will deliver a serious drubbing to House bid to challenge President Joe WASHINGTON: Shut out of the Biden, or another Democrat, in 2024. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s Socialist White House and desperate to Party. In a country still divided over its 1936- Such statements are likely to freeze reclaim power in Congress next year, the primary field until Trump 39 civil war and the dictatorship of Francisco Republicans are locked in an internal Franco that followed, echoes of the past have announces his political plans, denying battle over their party’s direction, and the party opportunities to vet and entered campaign rhetoric with parties label- whether to embrace or jettison the ing each other “reds” and “fascists”. The debate the candidates who would divisive politics of Donald Trump. One otherwise step forward to challenge polarization has drowned out debate over the hundred days after Trump’s turbulent Madrid regional government’s handling of the Democrats for the White House. term gave way to Democratic rule in pandemic and the policies of the conservative Republican strategists and lawmakers Washington, Republican lawmakers Popular Party (PP), which has governed themselves acknowledge the party is spent part of the last week in closed- Spain’s richest region since 1995. —AFP grappling with how much distance door soul searching at their annual they need to take from Trump and retreat in Florida, struggling to tamp who can lead them back to power. CLEVELAND: In this file photo taken on July 18, 2016, a woman walks past the ele- down their conference’s extremist “Any party that loses a presidential phant logo of the Republican Party on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. — AFP 21 prisoners escape Iraqi jail personalities and highlight conserva- election goes into the wilderness for a tive policies they believe will resonate while,” Matt Mackowiak, a BAGHDAD: Iraqi police were questioned yes- with voters. Republican consultant in Texas, told mounting legal woes, and his former inclusion, especially following the terday after 21 prisoners escaped jail, the latest The party of Abraham Lincoln and AFP in a Friday interview. personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani is guilty verdict in the trial of the breakout to highlight failings in the country’s Ronald Reagan is scrambling to forge “When you’re in the wilderness under federal investigation. white ex-police officer charged with security system. Ten of the escaped prisoners, a path out of political limbo in the run you don’t have one unified leader,” he “But Trump’s agenda was success- murdering George Floyd, all convicted on drug and terrorism charges, up to the 2022 midterm elections and explained. “But the difference with us ful,” Mackowiak said. “There’s an Republicans appointed Senator Tim had been recaptured by Sunday afternoon after ultimately the next presidential race in is we do have one leader, and it’s emerging consensus that Trumpism Scott, the chamber’s only Black a manhunt was launched at dawn. The interior 2024. Even if there is GOP appetite Trump.” The ex-president however is without Trump may give us the best Republican, to deliver the rebuttal minister immediately “ordered the confinement for ditching the rhetoric of nativist weighed down with baggage. His opportunity to win in 2024.” to Biden’s Wednesday address to to the barracks of all officers and police” at grievance and moving on from Trump, approval ratings have slid, he faces Eager to appear as the party of Congress. —AFP Hilal district prison in Mouthanna province 300 kilometers (180 miles) south of the capital Baghdad, while an investigation into the escape try, vaccinations are in freefall. A was carried out. —AFP As US vaccine huge federal site in Arlington, between Dallas and Fort Worth, shut its doors in mid-April because of Pope embarks on prayer ‘marathon’ demand falls, insufficient numbers. Two other fed- eral sites, the NRG Stadium in VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis on Saturday states look to Houston and Fair Park in Dallas, have launched a month-long prayer marathon to ended their appointments system and hasten the end of the coronavirus pandemic now take walk-ups. with a prayer at St. Peter’s Basilica in the new solutions The NRG Stadium, seeking to ease Vatican before some 150 believers. The PASADENA, US: It’s official: the process, is now remaining open Argentinian pontiff gave the inaugural rosary until nine o’clock in the evening prayer to kick off a series which will be America’s COVID-19 immunization campaign is stalling. While vaccina- rather than five, and vaccinating peo- streamed live each day this month at 1600 ple in their cars. GMT from different Catholic shrines across tion programs are lagging badly in the world. They range from Fatima in Portugal many countries-if they’ve begun at all-mass vaccine sites across the US ‘Too far’ and Lourdes in France to shrines in Poland, Even so, that site is only running at PASADENA, Texas: A healthcare worker vaccinates a woman with the COVID-19 Nigeria, Cuba and South Korea as well as the are closing due to dwindling demand, leaving the authorities exploring new half capacity. “We have the capacity vaccine, as the Pasadena Public Library hosts a mobile vaccine clinic set up by the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate to see about 6,000 people and at one Harris County Public Health. — AFP Conception in Washington. —AFP ways to reach people who haven’t yet gotten a shot. point we saw up to 7,000 people. The national vaccination rate And now, it’s dropped to 2,500 on positive cases. “Next week, we’ll be of them, 55-year-old Jose Herrera, peaked around April 11, according to average. So that is a huge drop,” said increasing to 10 clinics,” Ashlei said, “I didn’t do it before because it Hope, uncertainty in DR Congo official data, and although 55 percent Martha Marquez, a spokeswoman for Dawson, the official in charge of one was too far away.” He said he was also of US adults now have had one or Harris County Public Health. of the sites, told AFP, as she oversaw concerned about side effects. KINSHASA: The Democratic Republic of more doses, there’s still a long way to Authorities are considering more tar- the training of new recruits. Dozens of supermarkets and phar- Congo’s move to impose a “state of siege” on go to achieve population immunity. geted approaches to reach people Her own team had set up for the macies around the city are now two violence-wracked eastern provinces The people most eager to get their who are geographically isolated or day at the public library in Pasadena, advertising vaccinations. But Herrera brought praise on Saturday from local leaders shots have, for the most part, already find it hard to reach vaccine sites. a mainly Hispanic suburb of Houston. and his wife, Maria, were finally per- but also sparked concern in a country where rolled up their sleeves and done so. Five mobile vaccination centers are Members of the public were only suaded by their daughter, who works the army faces allegations of rights abuses. The challenge is reaching the rest. now crisscrossing those areas of the trickling in, and by midday just 27 at the Pasadena library, to get theirs President Felix Tshisekedi had said Thursday In Texas, as in much of the coun- county with the highest number of people had received injections. One done. —AFP he was preparing “radical measures” for the mineral-rich east, where an estimated 122 armed groups operate as a legacy of a spate of and banned from leaving the country for a further debt, pointing to nuclear talks currently ongoing 1990s conflicts. —AFP Iran’s treatment of 12 months. Her husband Richard Ratcliffe argues with Iran and its upcoming presidential elections. she is being held hostage as part of a diplomatic Zaghari-Ratcliffe, 42, had appeared in court last stratagem. month to face new charges of “propaganda against Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan truce holds Zaghari-Ratcliffe “I think it’s very difficult to argue against that the system”, a week after she finished a five-year characterization,” Raab said. “It is clear that she is sentence for plotting to overthrow the regime, BISHKEK: Kyrgyzstan said a ceasefire with is ‘torture’: UK subjected to a cat and mouse game that the accusations she strenuously denies. Richard Tajikistan was holding yesterday, as it accused Iranians, or certainly part of the Iranian system, Ratcliffe said the family hoped she could at least citizens from its Central Asian neighbor of LONDON: Iran’s treatment of detained dual engage with and they try and use her for leverage serve any new sentence under house arrest, with crimes during the pair’s worst clashes at their national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe amounts to on the UK.” Richard Ratcliffe has linked his wife’s her parents in Tehran. But the situation was “bleak”, contested border in decades. The Kyrgyz inte- “torture”, Britain said yesterday, after she was plight to a British debt dating back more than 40 he told AFP at the time. Zaghari-Ratcliffe was ini- rior ministry said that casualties on its side had convicted anew and banned from leaving the years for army tanks paid for by the shah of Iran. tially detained while on holiday in Iran in 2016, risen to over 160 with 34 deaths, 31 of whom Islamic republic. When the shah was ousted in the 1979 revolu- when she was working as a project manager for the were civilians. The ministry also said it had “Nazanin is held unlawfully in my view as a mat- tion, Britain refused to deliver the tanks to the new Thomson Reuters Foundation, the news agency and opened 11 criminal cases targeting citizens of ter of international law, I think she’s being treated in Islamic republic. data firm’s philanthropic wing. Tajikistan in connection with the violence, the most abusive, tortuous way,” Foreign Secretary She has been under house arrest in recent including investigations into murder and illegal Dominic Raab told BBC television. “I think it ‘Bleak’ months and had her ankle tag removed, giving her border crossings. Clashes between communi- amounts to torture the way she’s being treated, and London admits it owes Iran several hundred mil- more freedom of movement and allowing her to vis- ties over land and water along the long-con- there is a very clear, unequivocal obligation on the lion pounds, but is reportedly constrained by US it other relatives in Tehran. In March, legal cam- tested border are regular occurrences, with Iranians to release her,” he said. The British-Iranian sanctions in its ability to pay the debt back. “That is paign group Redress handed a report to the UK border guards often getting involved. — AFP woman has been held in Iran since 2016. In late not actually the thing that’s holding us up at the government which it said “confirms the severity of April, she was sentenced to a year’s imprisonment moment, it’s the wider context,” Raab said of the the ill-treatment that Nazanin has suffered”. — AFP Established 1961 7 International Monday, May 3, 2021 More COVID aid lands in India as Canada, Brazil grapple with surges Virus toll approaching 3.2 million even as nations ramp up vaccination drives

NEW DELHI: India struggled to contain one of the lockdown to fight this wave. world’s worst coronavirus outbreaks with nearly Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has 400,000 new infections reported yesterday, as resisted imposing a national shutdown but many more international aid arrived in the South Asian states have imposed heavy restrictions. A growing nation to help end the crisis. list of countries have cut flights from India, with Surges in Brazil and Canada also highlighted the Nigeria on Sunday banning entry to all travellers persistent threat of the pandemic, with the COVID- who have been in the country in the last two weeks, 19 death toll approaching 3.2 million even as many though Nigerians and those transiting in India will nations ramp up vaccination drives. be exempt. India expanded its vaccination program to all Alarm bells are also ringing in other countries in adults on Saturday, but many of its states are densely populated South Asia. In Sri Lanka daily struggling with shortages despite an export freeze infections hit a record on Saturday, with authorities for shots produced in the country. Long queues imposing further curbs on movement and activities were seen at vaccination centres in cities across in parts of the island nation. “We could face an the nation at the weekend, with people desperate India-type crisis very soon unless we arrest the to be inoculated against a disease that has over- current trend of infections,” chief epidemiologist whelmed the healthcare system and even cremato- Sudath Samaraweera said. riums and graveyards. “We are here early in the morning to get vacci- ‘We’re tired and exhausted’ nated... I left my three-year-old at home to get vac- Known global infections are approaching 152 cinated,” said Megha Srivastava, 35, at a private million, and fresh waves have also shaken many immunization center in the capital New Delhi. countries in the Americas. Brazil, the worst-hit “It is a necessity now. We are seeing so many Latin American nation, has crossed 400,000 people testing positive.” Social media platforms Covid-19 deaths-second only to the United States- have been flooded with desperate pleas from peo- with many of its hospitals pushed to the brink of ple looking for oxygen cylinders, medicines and collapse. MUMBAI: People sit in an observation area after getting inoculated with a dose of Covishield vaccine against hospital beds as the COVID-19 wave causes wide- And in Canada, the epicenter is in the most pop- the COVID-19 at the BKC Jumbo vaccination center in Mumbai yesterday on the second day of India’s vaccina- spread shortages. India reported more than ulous province Ontario, where the surge has been tion drive to all adults. —AFP 392,000 new cases and nearly 3,700 COVID-19 so intense that the government sent in the military deaths yesterday. The dire situation prompted and the Red Cross to help care for critical patients. many nations including the United States, Russia Ontario’s healthcare system is near breaking tion. But concerns are growing there too about the curbs on the economy, with the tourism and hospi- and Britain to send emergency supplies including point, said intensive care nurse Farial Faquiry at inoculation program hitting a wall-the people most tality industries particularly hard hit. Several coun- oxygen generators, face masks, and vaccines. Aid Toronto’s Humber River Hospital. “We’re stretched eager to get their shots have already done so. tries have tried to jumpstart battered tourism sec- from France reached India on Sunday, including thin,” Faquiry told AFP. tors by setting up travel bubbles with other loca- eight oxygen generator plants and 28 ventilators, “We’re tired and exhausted. Just exhausted.” Protests against restrictions tions that are relatively COVID-free. But keeping adding to the 120 ventilators from Germany that Many health professionals and caregivers are also Despite the COVID-19 threat in sharp focus them alive as virus cases re-emerge has proved a arrived a day earlier. frustrated with citizens who have not followed pre- because of the outbreaks in Brazil and India, popu- challenge. New Delhi, one of the hardest-hit parts of the cautions. “I think we all feel we have been let down lations in many parts of the world are growing New Zealand yesterday agreed to reopen a country, extended its lockdown by a week on a little bit by society,” said physician Jamie weary of virus measures. Anti-restriction protest- bubble with Western Australia, 24 hours after Saturday, and the eastern state of Odisha has also Spiegelman. Canada’s vaccine roll-out has also ers gathered in several European countries on grounding flights when three people in Perth tested ordered a shutdown. Anthony Fauci, the top US stumbled because of supply issues, unlike its south- Saturday, including Finland, Sweden, Belgium and positive. It was the second disruption to the pandemic advisor, said in comments published ern neighbor the United States which has given at Germany. ground-breaking arrangement in the two weeks Saturday that the whole of India should go into least one dose to more than half its adult popula- Many protesters are worried about the effect of since it opened. —AFP

Local media reported that security forces were Thousands call for chasing protesters down and arresting them. “They News in brief are arresting every young person they see,” a source in Yangon told AFP, adding that he was hiding at the Gunman kills two at US casino ‘spring revolution’ time. “Now I am trapped.” Bomb blasts also went off across different parts of Yangon yesterday. Explosions WASHINGTON: A gunman killed two people and seri- have been happening with increasing frequency in the ously wounded another at a casino in the northern US in Myanmar former capital, and authorities have blamed it on state of Wisconsin on Saturday night before being shot “instigators”. YANGON: Thousands of anti-coup protesters dead by police, authorities said. Police said they first marched in Myanmar yesterday, calling for a “spring received a call at 7:28 pm about a shooting at a restau- Bloodshed across the country revolution” with the country in its fourth month under rant at the Oneida Casino/Radisson Hotel and So far, security forces have killed 759 civilians, a military regime. Cities, rural areas, remote mountain- Conference Center complex near Green Bay, which is according to local monitoring group the Assistance ous regions and even rebel-controlled border territo- operated by the Oneida Nation. “The suspect is Association for Political Prisoners. The junta-which ries have been in uproar since the military ousted deceased, the police have shot the suspect so there’s no has labelled the AAPP an unlawful organization-says civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi in a February 1 coup. YANGON: Protesters making the three-finger salute as threat to the public,” Lieutenant Kevin Pawlak of the 258 protesters have been killed, along with 17 police- The junta has aimed to suppress dissent through a they take part in a flash mob as part of demonstra- Brown County Sheriff’s office told reporters after mid- men and seven soldiers. Violence erupted again on brutal crackdown involving mass arrests and an esca- tions against the military coup on “Global Myanmar night. Pawlak said it appeared to be a “targeted event Sunday by 10 am in Shan state’s Hsipaw township, lating death toll. Demonstrations kicked off early in Spring Revolution Day” in Yangon yesterday. —AFP not a random shooting.” The intended target was an when security forces opened fire on protesters, killing commercial hub Yangon as activists called for a show employee who was not there at the time but the gunman at least one. of force and a “spring revolution”. Youths gathered on decided to shoot some of their friends or acquaintances, “He was shot in the head and died immediately,” demonstrator told AFP, adding that many others were a street corner before marching swiftly down the he said. —AFP said one protester, who said he rushed to hide his wounded in the attack. streets in a flash mob-dispersing soon after to avoid friend’s body in case authorities tried to take it away. “They all had to be treated at a hidden area. They clashing with authorities. “They are asking for his dead body, but we will not could not go to the hospital for treatment or they “To bring down the military dictatorship is our Berlin police slam May Day violence give them... We will have his funeral today,” he said. would have been arrested,” the protester said. Urban cause!” they chanted, waving a three-finger salute of In northern Kachin state, security forces also fired centers have become hotspots for unrest, especially in resistance. In eastern Shan state, youths carried a BERLIN: Berlin police yesterday said they had arrested on protesters, even flinging grenades into the crowd. Yangon, where residents share videos of security banner that read: “We cannot be ruled at all.” more than 250 people after May Day rallies descended A 33-year-old man was shot in the head, a fellow forces beating up civilians on the streets. —AFP into “unacceptable” violence that saw protesters pelt officers with stones and bottles and set fire to bins. Around 30,000 people from across the political spec- trum took part in several marches in the German capital N Korea says At a Toronto on Saturday as part of the traditional Labor Day workers’ rights demonstrations. Most of the demonstrations Biden has a hospital, staff passed off peacefully, police said. — AFP ‘hostile policy’ exhausted, angry Brussels police arrest 132 in crackdown SEOUL: North Korea yesterday accused US President TORONTO: Intensive care nurse Farial Faquiry BRUSSELS: Belgian police arrested 132 people as they Joe Biden of pursuing a hostile policy, dismissing “spu- says the health care system in Canada’s Ontario used tear gas and water cannon to break up a banned anti-lockdown party in a Brussels park on the weekend, rious” American diplomacy and warning of a response. province is nearing the breaking point as it fights a Biden had said Wednesday that his administration an official report said yesterday. One partygoer was fast-moving new wave of COVID-19 infections. knocked out by a water cannon and 14 others were would deal with the threat posed by Pyongyang’s The 29-year-old caregiver at Toronto’s Humber nuclear program “through diplomacy as well as stern slightly injured-including one struck by a police horse- River Hospital is looking after two patients in their TOTONTO: Respiratory Therapist Flor Guevara adjusts as riot police brutally dispersed the party on Saturday deterrence”. 60s who are on ventilators. “We’re overwhelmed,” The White House said Friday that the president was ventilator tubes as healthcare workers reposition a in scenes echoing a similar gathering in the park a Faquiry told AFP, conveying the feelings of her patient suffering from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) month before. Five of those arrested were taken into open to negotiations with North Korea on denu- peers who often say they feel powerless against a clearization following the completion of a policy review, at Humber River Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, in police custody, the police said. Three officers were hos- tidal wave of new cases, and angry at times-espe- but Pyongyang said Biden had made a “big blunder”. Toronto, Canada, Saturday. —AFP pitalized and a dozen slightly injured during clashes “His statement clearly reflects his intent to keep enforc- cially with the Ontario government’s arguably slow with the protesters. —AFP ing the hostile policy toward the DPRK as it had been response and with Ontarians who do not following done by the US for over half a century,” Kwon Jung public health orders to contain the coronavirus. nurse Kimisha Marshall. “We have younger patients Gun, a foreign ministry official, said in a statement “We’re stretched thin. We’re tired and exhausted. coming in, sicker and lots more patients coming in.” Burundi president sacks minister released by the official KCNA news agency. “The US- Just exhausted.” Ontario is now the epicenter of the “We’re short of nurses. We had some nurses that claimed ‘diplomacy’ is a spurious signboard for covering outbreak in Canada, led by more virulent variants. left, but also we have nurses that are getting sick, NAIROBI: Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye has up its hostile acts, and ‘deterrence’ touted by it is just a The latest surge in the number of cases was so big too,” she adds. At the week’s end, there were more sacked his commerce minister because she risked “compro- means for posing nuclear threats to the DPRK,” Kwon that authorities this week despatched the military than 2,200 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in mising the country’s economy,” as sources in the ruling added, using the official name of North Korea. and the Red Cross to help care for critical patients. the province of 14 million. Nearly 900 patients were regime alleged she had embezzled airline funds. “Considering “Now that what the keynote of the US new DPRK “It’s the worst wave I’ve ever seen,” says head listed in critical condition. —AFP the acts of the person concerned risk compromising the policy has become clear, we will be compelled to press country’s economy and the image of Burundi... the hon- for corresponding measures.” The White House said ourable Immaculee Ndabaneze is dismissed from her func- Friday that its goal remains “the complete denucleariza- City after a six-and-a-half-hour flight from the ISS, tions as minister of commerce, transport, industry and tourism,” the presidency said in a statement posted Saturday tion of the Korean peninsula”. Biden’s press secretary Astronauts splash night-vision images relayed by NASA’s WB-57 high- altitude research aircraft showed. Teams aboard the on the state house’s official Twitter account. The statement Jen Psaki gave little indication of what kind of diplomat- Go Navigator recovery ship retrieved the capsule did not provide further details. —AFP ic initiative this could entail, but suggested that the down off Florida and hoisted it onto the deck about half an hour later. president had learned from the experience of his prede- It was the first nighttime splashdown for NASA cessors, who struggled to deal with North Korea’s lead- since the crew of Apollo 8 arrived in the Pacific Nigeria restricts air passengers ership and its nuclear weapons program. on SpaceX craft Ocean on December 27, 1968. Commander Michael But Psaki said Washington would not “focus on Hopkins was the first to emerge after the hatch was ABUJA: Nigeria will ban entry to non-Nigerian passen- achieving a grand bargain”, apparently referring to the WASHINGTON: A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule opened, doing a little jig as he set foot on deck, fol- gers who have been in Brazil, India or Turkey in the last kind of dramatic over-arching deal that former presi- carrying four astronauts back to Earth splashed lowed shortly after by fellow NASA astronaut Victor fortnight due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus dent Donald Trump initially suggested was possible down off Florida early yesterday in NASA’s first Glover. in those three nations, health authorities said yesterday. when he met with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un. nighttime ocean landing in more than 50 years. The “On behalf of Crew-1 and our families, we just The travel ban does not apply to passengers who have Neither would the White House follow the more stand- crew reported they were feeling well after their want to say thank you ... It’s amazing what can be transited through those countries, the presidential steer- offish approach espoused by Barack Obama, she added. arrival back on Earth following a nearly six-month accomplished when people come together. Y’all are ing committee on COVID-19 said in a statement. “These In a separate statement through KCNA Sunday, North mission aboard the International Space Station, changing the world. Congratulations. It’s great to be precautionary measures are a necessary step to minimize Korea also accused the United States of insulting its lead- NASA said. back,” Hopkins said in a NASA tweet. NASA astro- the risk of a surge in COVID-19 cases introduced to ership and its anti-coronavirus measures, referring to a The capsule splashed down at 2.56 am (0656 naut Shannon Walker and Japan’s Soichi Noguchi Nigeria from other countries,” the statement said. —AFP State Department press release on April 28. —AFP GMT) in the dark in the Gulf of Mexico off Panama were the other two aboard. —AFP Established 1961

MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 Business Egos clash in Bezos, Musk space race Companies compete for contracts with US military, space agencies

PARIS: Even the Milky Way seems too small to Satellite networks Amazon. Amazon has alleged it was shut out of the keep the egos of tech billionaires Jeff Bezos and Dreams of private companies taking to the stars deal because of a vendetta against the company Elon Musk from colliding as they vie to conquer - instead of leaving such wonders to governments - and Bezos by former US president Donald Trump. space. Musk aimed low with a recent tweet say- have developed into projects to deploy networks of ing “can’t get it up (to orbit)” in response to a satellites providing wireless Internet service and for Rocket to riches? post about Bezos-founded space company Blue space tourism. While SpaceX and Blue Origin have NASA has developed confidence in SpaceX, Origin protesting NASA’s choice of Musk’s the benefit of founders with ample financial which has been trusted to shuttle supplies and SpaceX team to build a module that will land the resources, they also compete for contracts with US astronauts to the International Space Station, next US astronauts on the moon. military or space agencies. according to Foundation for Strategic Research “This is more than just a battle for space,” Musk has a clear lead over Bezos. SpaceX has space specialist Xavier Pasco. Blue Origin, in con- said Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives. “There is deployed hundreds of satellites into orbit, while a trast, hasn’t made that “important step”, Pasco not- some ego at play as well; this has become even Kuiper satellite network remains Earth-bound ed. Bezos has been left to challenge SpaceX in more personal.” The tech entrepreneurs have despite Bezos pledging $10 billion in backing. Musk court here on planet Earth. each channeled some of their vast fortunes into even formed an alliance with Microsoft, which is He announced early this year that he is stepping Elon Musk Jeff Bezos private space exploration companies since early Amazon’s biggest rival in the cloud computing mar- down as chief executive of Amazon and planned to this century. ket, to use its Azure platform to provide satellite- spend more time on other projects including Blue Bezos, 57, is founder of Blue Origin as well as powered Internet service, the companies Origin. Bezos has cited the futuristic vision of late like it - because it’s a garden paradise compared to of e-commerce colossus Amazon. Forbes ranks announced late last year. Microsoft said it will also physicist and space advocate Gerard O’Neill, but Mars.” The rivalry between Bezos and Musk comes him the richest person on this planet, worth some work with SpaceX on a government contract to has mocked Musk’s talk of colonizing Mars. Bezos with out-of-this-world financial stakes. Analyst Ives $202 billion. Musk, the colorful 49-year-old build satellites as part of a defense system capable has made it clear he thinks the red planet is not a predicted that the “monetization” of space would founder of Tesla and SpaceX as well as other of detecting and tracking ballistic, cruise and hyper- spot for a home. launch in earnest soon, with trillions of dollars to be companies, including one working to mesh human sonic missiles. Separately, the US Department of “Who want to move to Mars?” Bezos said at a made. “Bezos and Musk know that the winner of the brains with computers, is in third place with a Defense last year awarded a $10 billion “JEDI” conference in 2019. “Do me a favor, go live on the space battle will be crowned within the next one or worth of $173 billion, according to the ranking. cloud computing contract to Microsoft instead of top of Mount Everest for a year first, and see if you two years,” Ives said. —AFP

Costa Cruises sets Spaniard first ‘but not sail again after last’ woman CEO of four-month break German blue-chip SAVONA, Italy: Italian cruise line Costa Cruises FRANKFURT: Belen Garijo has taken over as CEO at set sail on Saturday for the first time in more German pharmaceuticals giant Merck - the first than four months, buoying an industry capsized woman to singlehandedly run a DAX 30-listed com- by the COVID-19 pandemic. The flagship Costa pany - as Europe’s top economy debates quotas for Smeralda left the northwestern port of Savona greater boardroom equality. Spanish-born Garijo, 60, at 6.15 pm after being landbound since who started in the new role on May 1, says she’s not December 20, when the Italian government content to be a one-off. “It’s more important to me banned cruises during the holiday season due to not to be the last woman at the top of a company than the coronavirus crisis. to be the only one,” the trained doctor recently told An enthused Roberta Cappelletti, a 60-year- the newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Garijo previously served as the group’s deputy old singer, came all the way from northeastern chief executive officer and head of its healthcare unit. Predappio to take the cruise. “It is a great emo- Her immediate focus will be on Merck’s frontline role tion, I am moved to tears being able to cruise in the fight against COVID-19, with Garijo announc- again - it’s like a renaissance for me,” she said ing that the firm will scale up deliveries in the months before taking her coronavirus test so she could ahead of the lipids used in vaccine production for hop on board. Enrico Bergamini, a 35-year-old clients such as Pfizer-BioNTech. “We are turning the bank employee from Genoa, was also excited. house upside down to do that,” Garijo told German “This cruise has a symbolic value for the recov- SAVONA, Italy: Pedestrians waves the Costa Smeralda cruise ship as it leaves on Saturday. —AFP news agency DPA. ery of Italy’s tourism sector, I absolutely had to She is replacing Stefan Oschmann, 63, whose term be here,” he said with a smile. ended after five years at the helm of the Darmstadt- shedding 518,000 jobs between just mid-March this moment. Everyone was so enthusiastic at based, family-owned group, which had never had a The ship left port with around 1,500 passen- and September last year, according to the the thought of setting off once again. The ship is female chief executive in its 350-year history. Garijo, gers on board - a quarter of its full capacity. All Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). like a family to us,” said skipper Pietro Sinisi a mother of two and a passionate Real Madrid sup- passengers and crew were first tested for coro- from his position on the bridge. “I’ve missed the porter, is making history as the first solo female leader navirus and mask-wearing will mandatory Floating city passengers. A ship without them is a little sad,” of a firm listed on Frankfurt’s blue-chip DAX 30 index. throughout the trip. The 1,300 crew had first The Costa Smeralda - as long as three foot- he observed as he set about hosting his first German software group SAP made the first cracks observed a 14-day quarantine before reporting ball pitches - is a floating city in miniature with cruise since March last year, when the world in the glass ceiling in 2019 when it appointed Jennifer for duty. The Mediterranean voyage will last its 11 restaurants, 19 bars, a spa, a theatre and watched on aghast as cruisers tried in vain to Morgan as co-CEO alongside a male executive. from three to seven days, depending on where it several swimming pools. The vessel also boasts dock at ports terrified to receive them in case However she bowed out last year after just six months, stops on the Italian coast - La Spezia, a vast staircase covering three decks atop which they brought the virus ashore. as SAP decided to switch back to a sole chief execu- Civitavecchia, Naples, Messina or Cagliari. tive - Christian Klein - to steer it through the pan- is a glass platform offering a birdseye view of “Cruises were enjoying major growth before demic upheaval. Raffaele d’Ambrosio, the head of the French the vessel and the ocean below. the COVID pandemic and I am convinced they arm of Costa Cruises, said the “desire to set off Passengers boarded a little hesitantly at first will flourish again after this sad break,” insist- ‘Hard work’ again is very strong among our customers”. “We after completing their battery of health tests ed Costa Croisieres president Mario Zanetti. Although Germany has been run by a woman receive several hundred bookings every day before settling down in the knowledge that they His firm, part of the US Carnival group, chancellor for nearly 16 years and Christine Lagarde covering each month until the end of 2022,” he could finally begin their holiday. “A year and a half returned to the ocean again last September, heads the Frankfurt-based European Central Bank, told AFP. “Cruising, like tourism in general, is one without going anywhere is a long time. It was limiting calls to Italian ports, only to suspend female top executives remain a rare sight in Europe’s of the sectors most affected by the crisis: 2021 about time we set off again for the sea, the atmos- operations again in December. Rival MSC has leading economy. Germany’s gender pay gap is also will be a year of recovery and by early 2022 we phere, the views. We’ve been missing all that,” carried some 60,000 passengers since it one of the largest in Europe, with women earning will be waiting for a return to normality.” said Jean-Pierre Faux, a 74-year-old pensioner resumed some routes last August, breaking off about 21 percent less than men on average. But things The cruise industry has been smashed by the are changing. from Belgium holidaying with his wife Martine. over the Christmas period owing to Italian The German government introduced legislation pandemic, suffering a shortfall of $77 billion and “The crew has so been looking forward to restrictions. —AFP in 2015 requiring women to make up 30 percent of supervisory board seats in large companies, and Chancellor Angela Merkel’s cabinet approved plans plained that the reforms came at the worst possible in January to introduce similar rules for executive Colombia president time and were particularly harmful to the middle class. boards. Garijo, who previously ran Sanofi’s Even some in Duque’s party opposed his plan. “I European operations, joined Merck’s healthcare have given very clear instructions to the finance unit in 2011. axes tax plan after ministry for it to ... compose a new draft with con- She has been credited with overhauling the depart- gress,” Duque said. The measures had meant to ment’s research and development and refocusing raise some $6.3 billion over 10 years for Colombia, attention on fewer drugs with better prospects, boost- angry protests ing sales and profits, according to the Handelsblatt which saw GDP drop 6.8 percent in 2020 - its financial newspaper. Garijo for her part puts her suc- BOGOTA: Colombian President Ivan Duque caved worst performance in half a century. cess down to “hard work” and to having seized her in Friday to widespread anger and said he would Colombia, where almost one in five people are chances “when they arose”. She is not, however, a fan overhaul a proposed tax reform that many said unemployed and the minimum wage is the equiva- of legal quotas to promote women, even in the face of would leave them poorer during the pandemic. lent of $248 per month, is battling a deadly new middling results from voluntary measures by industry. Duque announced he was shelving clauses that wave of COVID-19. At 2.8 million, the country of 50 “I am against all forms of discrimination, including would lower the income tax threshold to broaden million inhabitants has the third-highest number of positive discrimination,” she said. the tax base and raise value-added taxes on goods known coronavirus infections in Latin America, Under the draft law approved by Merkel’s gov- and services. behind Brazil and Argentina. It has registered more ernment earlier this year, listed companies with four He acted two days after tens of thousands of than 73,200 deaths. While Duque has sought to executives or more must appoint at least one woman portray the tax reform as a tool to mitigate the eco- Colombians took to the streets across the country to BOGOTA: Demonstrators clash with riot police during a to their executive boards. Included in the new legis- denounce the proposed tax changes. They were nomic crisis unleashed by the pandemic, the initia- lation, companies in which the government holds a protest against a tax reform bill outside Colombian rejected across the board - by opposition parties, tive faced many obstacles in a legislature where the President Ivan Duque’s house on Saturday. —AFP majority stake - such as the rail group Deutsche Bahn unions, students and civil society groups that com- ruling party has no outright majority. —AFP - will have stricter rules, with at least one woman on management boards with more than two members, and a 30-percent quota to come in the future. The legislation, the object of a political tug-of- kilo of meat. Labor Minister Eduardo Pinate ly in dollars. The leftist government of President war ahead of a general election to pick Merkel’s suc- Venezuela triples announced the raise to government supporters Nicolas Maduro is under international sanctions cessor in September, must still pass parliament. at a May Day rally in Caracas. The new monthly championed by the United States, which is push- Seventy-three groups would be impacted by the minimum wage is seven million bolivares, which ing for his ouster and does not recognize him as new rules, among which 32 currently have no female wages but still not is equivalent to $2.50. A kilo of meat in the country’s legitimate president. representation in the executive suite, according to Venezuela costs about $3.75. Maduro has stopped announcing wage government data. Merkel, in power since 2005, has enough to buy food The once-wealthy oil producer is enduring its increases with much fanfare as was done in the spoken out at foot-dragging by business leaders, fourth year of hyperinflation and its eighth year days of his mentor and predecessor, the late against the resistance of some in her own conserva- CARACAS: Venezuela nearly tripled its minimum of recession. Venezuela is now in the worst eco- socialist firebrand Hugo Chavez. In fact, this latest tive bloc. —AFP wage Saturday but inflation is so outrageous nomic crisis of its modern history. Inflation is so raise was not even published in the official gov- that that amount of money will not even buy a bad that the everyday economy now works main- ernment gazette. —AFP Established 1961 9 Monday, May 3, 2021 Business Fortnite maker girds for epic court clash with Apple Witnesses to include chief executives of both companies

SAN FRANCISCO: In a court clash with potentially Off the platform tightly restricted access to the courtroom due to huge repercussions for the world of mobile tech, Apple booted Fortnite from its online mobile mar- COVID-19 risks, allowing the public to listen to pro- Fortnite maker Epic Games takes on Apple starting ketplace last year after Epic released an update that ceedings via a phone line or Zoom. The legal battle today aiming to break the grip of the iPhone maker dodged revenue sharing with the iPhone maker. Apple comes as Apple puts priority on selling digital con- on its online marketplace. The case opening in fed- does not allow users of its popular devices to down- tent and subscription services to the one billion-plus eral court comes with Apple feeling pressure from a load apps from anywhere but its App Store, and people around the world using devices powered by wide range of app makers over its tight control of developers have to use Apple’s payment system its iOS mobile operating software. the App Store, which critics say represents monop- which takes its cut of up to 30 percent - a percentage “Who gets the money for Epic’s games is what olistic behavior. which goes down after the first year and is waived for they are fighting for,” said analyst Rob Enderle of The two firms will be debating whether Apple those with limited revenues. Due to the legal row, Enderle Group. “I think Apple is in the wrong here has the right to set grounds rules, control payment Fortnite fans using iPhones or other Apple devices no when it comes to the good of the industry; you want systems and kick out apps from its marketplace that longer have access to the latest game updates. to fund innovation not distribution.” fail to comply. Also at stake will be Apple’s slice of Epic earlier this year lodged a complaint against revenue from iPhone apps, as much as 30 percent. Judge to hear case Apple with EU antitrust authorities, deepening its Apple contends that its commission is the industry After months of dueling legal filings, a trial before bitter feud with the iPhone-maker over its app store. norm, and is fair compensation for giving develop- District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers is to “We will not stand idly by and allow Apple to use its ARLINGTON, Virginia: This illustration picture shows the ers a global storefront and keeping it secure. begin with Epic laying out its case in opening platform dominance to control what should be a level logo from Epic Games displayed on a laptop and an Epic, which is seeking to return to the App Store remarks. Apple is to counter with its position before digital playing field,” Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Apple logo on an iPhone on April 30, 2021. —AFP without being forced to use Apple’s payment witness testimony begins. The companies agreed to said in a statement when the complaint was filed. scheme, is not alone in its criticism. The European leave the verdict up to the judge instead of a jury. The company said the complaint “complements” icy which limits the ability of third-party apps to Union on Friday formally accused Apple of unfairly Some analyst say Apple appears on firm ground in legal proceedings it has launched in the United track users - a feature critics say also favors Apple’s squeezing out music streaming rivals based on a defending its turf. Wedbush Securities analyst Daniel States, Australia and Britain. Epic has said is seek- in-house services. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg complaint brought by Sweden-based Spotify and Ives said, “The Street views the bark worse than the ing decisions by authorities to force Apple to has accused Apple of imposing rules for outside others which claim the California group sets rules bite on this trial and when Apple wins we believe it amend its practices for all developers. developers that it does not apply to its own servic- that favor its own Apple Music. A recently formed will embolden the company’s iron grip on its App es. Apple CEO Tim Cook said the change is about Coalition for App Fairness, which includes both Store and fee structure.” Escalating feud “giving the user the ability to make a decision about Spotify and Epic, have called for Apple to open up The trial is being held in a courtroom across the As the battle over App Store control rages, whether they want to be tracked or not. And so, it’s its marketplace, claiming its commission is a “tax” bay from San Francisco, and witnesses are to include Apple has not backed down. And it has ignited fur- putting the user in the control. Not Apple, not on rivals the chief executives of Apple and Epic. Rogers has ther complaints by implementing a new privacy pol- another company.” —AFP Fitch affirms KIB’s long-term IDR at A+ Ooredoo collaborates differences between Islamic and conventional banks. with negative outlook These factors include closer analysis of regulatory over- with Nokia to boost sight, disclosure, accounting standards and corporate KUWAIT: Fitch Ratings, one of the leading global credit governance. Islamic banks’ ratings do not express an home Internet service ratings agencies, has affirmed Kuwait International Bank opinion on the bank’s compliance with sharia. Fitch will (KIB)’s Long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘A+’ assess noncompliance with sharia if it has credit implica- KUWAIT: Ooredoo and viability rating (VR) at “bb-”, with a negative outlook. tions. According to Fitch, a stronger franchise and better Telecom, the first to This negative outlook on KIB’s Long-term IDR reflects profitability, lower financing growth and concentrations, Sheikh Mohamed introduce innovative the outlook on the Kuwaiti sovereign rating as well as a record of stable asset quality would be posi- Jarrah Al-Sabah Raed Bukhamseen digital services in (AA/Negative). tive for the VR. Kuwait, has announced In its report issued on 29 April 2021, Fitch stated that Commenting about the ratings, Sheikh Mohamed its collaboration with KIB’s Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) reflect an extremely Jarrah Al-Sabah, Chairman of KIB, said: “This recently stay ahead of the curve and keeping up with the rapid pace of change in our industry, which is why we made Nokia, a trusted part- high probability of support from the Kuwaiti authorities, released credit rating reflects KIB’s distinctive position ner for critical net- if needed. This considers Kuwait’s strong ability to pro- and highlights our strong financial position, as well as our major investments in upgrading our IT infrastructure, streamlining systems and processes, and restructuring works, in which Nokia vide support to domestic banks, as reflected by its sover- sound growth and investment strategy. This rating is also will be supplying in line with Fitch’s report on the Tier 2 Sukuk final “A-” our operational model to provide customers with an eign rating (AA/Negative) and strong willingness to do Ooredoo Kuwait 5G rating, Fitch has also assigned final A+’/’F1’ long- and enhanced digital experience. We believe that this will so irrespective of the banks’ size, franchise, funding struc- Fixed Wireless Access ture and the level of government ownership. short-term ratings, respectively, to the program, which eventually contribute towards expanding our customer- (FWA) equipment for Essa Al-Haider Fitch also added that key rating drivers include stable will apply only to senior unsecured certificates to be base, thereby promoting the Bank’s long-term growth funding, nominal domestic franchise, higher risk appetite, issued under the under the umbrella of this issuance pro- and stability.” the operator’s cus- asset quality and profitability under pressure, adequate gram.” Bukhamseen further added: “We have always been tomer premises. An early pioneer of FWA, capitalization and general stable funding and liquidity. Al-Jarrah stressed that these distinct ratings help KIB proud of our success and notable industry track record, Ooredoo is now offering the Nokia FastMile KIB successfully issued a USD 300 million perpetual Tier achieve its strategic objectives. “In addition to consolidat- in addition to having garnered numerous regional and 5G Gateway as a premium internet device for 1 sukuk in June 2019 and a USD300 million Tier 2 sukuk ing its position as a leading Islamic Bank over the long international awards. For example, in 2020, we were residential and business customers. in November 2020 to underpin its growth. Fitch men- term, Fitch’s ratings help boost the trust of our customers honored to be recognized as the “Fastest Growing Ooredoo Kuwait is using FWA to extend the tioned that the Central Bank of Kuwait operates a strict and shareholders and enhance the Bank’s reputation in Islamic Bank MENA” and the “Best Shari’a Complaint reach of its fiber network to premises not easi- regime with good oversight, sound supervision and active the market, which unlocks many growth opportunities in Bank MENA” by CFI.co, for the fourth and fifth years ly connected with direct fiber lines. This will monitoring ensuring compliance with prudential limits. the near future,” he said. respectively. We are also proud to have recently picked support the company to significantly increase These include Basel III capital, leverage and liquidity For his part, Raed Jawad Bukhamseen, Vice Chairman up the “Most Secure Bank in Kuwait” Award and the its fixed broadband customer base across the requirements, as well as financing caps and best practice and CEO of KIB, said: “The reality is that the global “Best Islamic Bank” Award from World Finance, the lat- country. ter being an award we have now received for the sev- corporate governance requirements. banking industry must evolve in a way that is compati- Nokia’s self-installable 5G FWA gateway enth consecutive time.” In assessing KIB’s ratings, Fitch considered important ble with the future. From our side, we are committed to incorporates Wi-Fi 6 with self-optimizing mesh technology to optimize performance in containers and bottlenecks at ports are pushing prices up, topped $10,000 a ton. real time and includes advanced antenna Copper leads while corn, soybeans and wheat are also experiencing The gains have been driven by strong Chinese demand designs with higher throughput and better delivery problems. as well as labor protests in Chile, impacting mines and coverage resulting in improved customer For oil, global demand is accelerating with the reopen- ports. The weak US dollar also means it takes more experience and a lower operational cost for commodity ing of economies following the pandemic shutdowns. The American greenbacks to buy the same amount of metal. Ooredoo. price of gasoline at the pump in the United States has The price of the red metal also benefits from a transition Essa Haider, Director of Network Planning risen to $2.89 a gallon from $1.77 a year ago, according to clean energy technologies that use more copper, said and Design, Ooredoo Kuwait, said: “5G Fixed price surge to the AAA, an automobile association. Bart Melek of TD Elijah Oliveros-Rosen of S&P Global Ratings. Wireless Access is essential for Kuwait’s Securities said the price of Brent crude “appears unstop- “When you see strong expectations for growth, and WASHINGTON: Global prices for raw materials are soar- economic growth and diversification, and pable” as the market is expecting demand to increase that is driven by infrastructure and decarbonization, that’s ing thanks to a boom in demand due to the recovery from we’re delighted to be partnering with Nokia massively and stocks to be further reduced in the second great for copper,” he told AFP. Another factor is that the COVID-19 downturn, coupled with logistical bottle- for this.” half of the year.” investors see commodities futures contracts as an attrac- necks. Copper in the past week hit a 10-year high. Rima Manna, Head of the Middle East tive alternative given the very low interest rates and mod- Bloomberg’s agriculture Commodity Price Index has Market Unit, Nokia MEA, said: “We are Dr Copper hits $10,000 est profitability of Treasury bills, analysts say. “There is a climbed 22 percent so far this year to its highest level extremely proud to have been selected by “US consumers are a major reason markets remain lot of extra money floating around in the market place,” since 2016, while crude oil has risen 30 percent in the Ooredoo to offer our FWA FastMile solution bullish,” Bjornar Tonhaugen of Rystad Energy said in an said Michael Zuzolo of Global Commodity Analytics and past year. Lumber has tripled over the past 12 months, to customers who want a great experience and analysis. The Chinese and US “locomotives” far outweigh Consulting. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve has made a and the National Association of Homebuilders said that easy installation. With this significant deal, we the impact of the slowdown in India, which has been “historic shift” in policy, making it clear it will not raise has added $36,000 to the cost of a new house. strengthen our partnership with Ooredoo overwhelmed by a resurgence of COVID-19 infections, he interest rates and will “allow inflation to build,” he said. Tin, used in electronic circuits, automotive compo- said. “Dr Copper” - so called because its widespread use “That has attracted the investors (to commodities) Kuwait and looking forward to working with nents and batteries, also hit its highest level since 2011, as means it often offers an accurate diagnosis of the global between the tight supplies, the issues with the supply the operator more closely to deliver com- the price doubled in the past year. The reasons for these economy - has grabbed headlines this week when it chains and pent up demand with the pandemic.” —AFP pelling 5G experiences to its customers.” increases are varied. For sugar, a shortage of shipping

income inequality triggered a project to rewrite it “very difficult to know what will happen” to the Copper bonanza Chile’s constitution, the country has recently future of copper production. Adding to the again seen widespread protests. This time, it was uncertain outlook, Chile’s state-owned Codelco - to force the government to allow people to make the world’s largest copper-producing company - challenge for top a partial withdrawal from pension funds to help said Friday coronavirus infection control meas- them through pandemic-induced financial hard- ures had slowed crucial structural expansion ship. Santiago gave in - allowing the third with- projects. Nineteen new public and private min- producer Chile drawal in nine months in a move that may allevi- ing projects are scheduled to come online in Chile ate short-term pain but observers say could or begin construction in the coming two years, at SANTIAGO: Even as copper prices hit a ten-year threaten longer-term financial stability. a cost of some $14 billion. high this week, political events in Chile - the Port workers called a strike in support of the world’s main producer - have raised questions action with the backing of mining unions, raising Not a boom about whether the country will be able to continue supply fears which contributed to the price Copper accounts for about 10 percent of the meeting rising demand. A surge on infrastructure surge. Apart from social and labor unrest, country’s GDP, half its exports, and employs eight spending in industrialized countries, a weak dollar, investors are also concerned about a proposed percent of the workforce. Production for 2021 is and strong demand in China boosted the price of new mining tax and possible regulatory changes forecast to rise to 5.9 million tons from last year’s the metal to over $10,000 per ton on Thursday. in the process of drafting the new constitution. 5.7 million, and to six million by 2022, according As the global economy starts to shake off the Chile’s Congress is considering a leftist bill to to Mining and Energy Minister Juan Carlos Jobet. impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic and makers of impose an additional tax on mining to finance Codelco on Friday reported its best first quarter electric cars and renewable energy systems clam- social plans. results in a decade due to higher production and or for the red metal, Chile stands to gain hand- If it passes “there would be two taxes (on increased prices driven in part by supply fears somely. But political uncertainties in the South mining), which would be a not insignificant bur- over strike action. The price surge has prompted American nation have some worried. “In recent den” on investors, said Guajardo. “We would be the government to adjust its GDP growth forecast days there has been more international awareness entering difficult terrain for the mining industry.” for 2021 from five to six percent, and to raise pro- and more concern” about what is happening in He added the pending constitutional change will jected tax collection. Elijah Oliveros-Rosen, a Chile, Juan Carlos Guajardo, director of mining “generate uncertainty, and will probably have an senior economist at Latin America S&P Global consultancy Plusmining, told AFP. “There is a con- impact on investment” in Chile. Claudio Loser of Ratings, said growing demand for green energy junction of elements that are making investors the Centennial Group consultancy - a former “could cause a rise in copper prices for some adopt a more cautious position,” he added. ANTOFAGASTA, Chile: Workers of the Next Mineral mining company boss of the IMF’s Americas department - agreed time,” a strong incentive for keeping production inspect the Comahue copper mine on March 1, 2021. —AFP Just two years after massive civil unrest over the project to change Chile’s founding law makes problems to a minimum. —AFP 10 Established 1961 Business Monday, May 3, 2021 NBK launches new updates for NBK Mobile Banking App Customers can update their information and get a queue number digitally

KUWAIT: NBK Mobile Banking App comes at the forefront of services pro- viding customers with a simple and convenient way to make their transactions quickly and easily from the comfort of their homes. Therefore, NBK is con- stantly developing this service, enabling customers to make various services by Hala Al-Shoaibi themselves; thus, minimiz- ing the need to visit branches. To this end, the bank has recently launched a number of updates including enabling customers to update their information, including mobile number and e-mail using the NBK Mobile Banking App, without the need to visit the branch. It also launched eQMatic service for getting a queue number digitally through the App, as well as a campaign to reward the Mobile Banking App. The new service helps to save The campaign starts on 26 April, and lasts for three and security of their personal information, while offer- App users opting to NBK Push Notifications instead customers’ time spent inside the branch by making months until 8 July 2021. This campaign allows cus- ing them cutting-edge banking services and payment of SMS notifications. their transactions as quickly as possible, and con- tomers to enter a bimonthly draw on valuable Huawei solutions, and updating their information is a key pro- tributes to minimizing crowding inside the branch. This prizes in case of one-time signing up to NBK Mobile cedure in this regard, she emphasized. Updating Information comes in line with NBK’s keenness to provide a more Banking App or replacing SMS notifications with Al Shoaibi highlighted that NBK is committed to Underscoring its care to provide the most convenient experience to customers and maintain their NBK Push Notifications. Additionally, the chance to reward its customers and encourage them to use digi- advanced digital services to enable customers make all safety, at the same time. enter the draw is also available for all customers who tal services, especially the youth segment who are their transactions in an easy and convenient way, while NBK also allows customers to easily book an switched to NBK Push Notifications since it was more reliant on e-payment solutions and digital bank- ensuring their safety, NBK launched the enhanced appointment to visit any branches through the service launched in November 2020. ing services that suit their lifestyle. information update feature through NBK Mobile page on the bank’s website nbk.com or via NBK On this occasion, Hala Al Shoaibi, Head of Digital It is worth mentioning that over the past period, Mobile Banking, and successful booking is confirmed Service Quality Management, National Bank of NBK added many new services and updates to the Banking App, as part of the updates introduced in the by e-mail sent to customer. Kuwait said: “We strive to enrich our customers’ NBK Mobile Banking App, which contributed to new release of the app. banking experience, and aim to provide them with all increase customers’ satisfaction, as these updates NBK Customers can now update their information, Opting to Push Notifications means ensuring their convenience and quick comple- enabled them to do their banking quickly and easily. including mobile number and e-mail using the NBK In an effort to increase its customers’ reliance on tion of their transactions. In this, we rely on the NBK Among the latest services introduced in the app were Mobile Banking App, without the need to visit the digital channels for their transactions and encourage Mobile Banking App, which we are constantly working Bill Splitting, and NBK Push Notifications that keeps branch. To ensure the security and confidentiality of them to use e-payment solutions, NBK launched a to develop by introducing more services and customers notified of all transactions made on their customers’ personal information, an NBK Contact campaign that gives the chance to customers signing upgrades.” accounts. Center Officer will call customers who updated their up to NBK Mobile Banking App or opting to NBK “The new eQMatic service via the NBK Mobile NBK Mobile Banking enables customers to make information via mobile within one business day from Push Notifications instead of SMS notifications to Banking App will significantly improve branch visiting their various banking transactions quickly and easily, updating the information to verify their identity and enter a draw on valuable prizes. This campaign comes experience, which comes as part of our attempts to with key services including: money transfer (locally the updated information. in line with NBK’s commitment to reward its cus- provide cutting-edge digital banking services to our and internationally), NBK Quick Pay, e-Payments, tomers all year round, through a variety of campaigns, customers and to take all precautions to ensure their adding new beneficiaries, increasing monthly transfer eQMatic Service draws and prizes that are tailored to meet their needs safety.” added Al Shoaibi. NBK is committed to main- limit, viewing account statement and paying credit NBK also launched eQMatic service via the NBK and expectations. tain its customers’ safety as well as the confidentiality card dues.

NBK Money Markets Report Al-Tijari announces US dollar pressured; Fed offers little guidance winners of Al Najma United States Families Plan” is to be funded by taxes on the rich. Asia Federal Reserve Bank of Japan The US dollar continued to decline throughout last US GDP The Bank of Japan kept its policies unchanged draws, Salary week as the Federal Reserve maintained their dovish pol- The US economy expanded at an annual rate of 6.4 last week as widely expected but updated its eco- icy stance despite acknowledging the robust US recov- percent in the first quarter of 2021 up from 4.3 percent nomic projections. The projections revealed that account campaign ery at the start of this year. The combination of improving in the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase reflected the inflation is expected to remain well below the BOJ’s global growth and Fed’s commitment to maintain loose continued economic recovery, reopening of establish- 2.0 percent target over the forecast horizon signal- KUWAIT: Commercial Bank conducted the weekly monetary policy remains supportive for risk assets and ments, and continued government response related to ing that loose monetary policy will have to be main- and monthly draws on Al Najma Account and Salary encouraged the bearish dollar trend. The dollar did man- the COVID-19 pandemic. tained. The core inflation forecast for the current Transfer Campaign on Sunday May 2, 2021. The draws age a rebound late on Friday however, after solid eco- Robust demand for goods supported by two massive fiscal year was lowered to 0.1 percent from a previ- were conducted in the presence of Ministry of nomic indicators showed healthy recovery in the US. waves of fiscal stimulus saw consumer spending rise at ous forecast of 0.5 percent, and the forecast for Commerce and Industry representative Ahmed Al- In the policy report, the committee acknowledged a 10.7 percent annualized pace. The stimulus checks and 2023 was shown to be at just 1.0 percent. Basman. The results of the draws were as follows: that activity and employment have “strengthened” driv- growth in domestic demand did have a drawback as it While the BoJ presented a more subdued outlook 1- Al Najma monthly draw - the prize of 20,000/- en by “progress on vaccinations and strong policy sup- lead to a widening in the US trade deficit to a record for inflation, it did upgrade the outlook for growth in Kuwaiti Dinars went to the winner Farah Saad port”. Inflation has also risen but “largely reflecting USD 90.6 billion. Exports of goods and services ticked Japan. The BoJ now sees the economy expanding Farhaan Hadi. transitory factors.” This is in-line with the Fed’s strategy down as the imports of goods and services jumped faster in the current and next fiscal year by 4.0 per- 2- Al Najma weekly draw - the prize of 5,000/- of tolerating a slight overshoot of inflation while focus- higher. This widening of the trade deficit is another cent and 2.4 percent respectively before slowing Kuwaiti Dinars went to the winner Mohammad Hussin ing on the labor market for policy changes. weight that will pressure the US dollar as most back towards long-term potential growth in 2023 Al-Kazemi. Markets however, were hoping for an update of the importers sell their domestic currency to pay in when GDP is expected to expand by 1.3 percent. 3- Salary account campaign - the prize of up to bank’s forward guidance and tightening indications. exporter’s currency. 1,000/- Kuwaiti Dinars went to the winner Halah Instead, the Fed remained vague saying it will “likely Commodities Nahar Al-Ajmi. take some time for substantial further progress to be Europe Demand Expected to Rise The Bank stated that the salary campaign is aimed achieved” towards their goals to justify tapering quanti- Eurozone GDP OPEC, Russia and their allies said they will stick at customers who transfer their salaries of KD 500 or tative easing. The result was a slight pull back in treas- The euro-area economy slid into a double-dip to plans for a phased easing of oil production more to the Bank, especially Kuwaiti employees and ury yields, rebound in global equities, and US dollar recession at the start of the year as strict coronavirus restrictions from May to July amid upbeat forecasts residents working in the government, oil sectors and downward pressure in general. lockdowns across the region kept many businesses for a recovery in global demand and despite surging companies listed with the Bank as well as retirees, and shuttered and consumers wary to spend. Reports from coronavirus cases in India. The group maintained its take advantage of the benefits of this campaign and American Families Plan the bloc’s biggest members show how far behind the EU forecast of a demand growth of 6 million barrels per get an instant cash gift from KD 250 to KD 500 At the same time, US President Biden had his first was in recovering from the pandemic amid a slow vac- day for 2021. Kuwaiti Dinars or an interest-free loan of 5 times the speech to Congress where he expressed his optimism cine rollout. Reuters last week also published a survey that salary and a maximum of KD 10,000. Kuwaiti pen- over the outlook for the US economy. Vaccinations have There is improvement however, as output in the 19- forecasted a revival in oil demand that would sup- sioners, along with expatriate customers who transfer been progressing well with the US population now 29.1 nation euro area was -0.6 percent in Q1 against an port prices. The survey said that Brent Crude would their debt amounting to KD 10,000 or above to the percent fully vaccinated and 42.7 percent with at least expected -0.8 percent helped by a modest increase in average $64.17 in 2021, up from last month’s con- Bank will receive an instant cash gift of 1 percent from one dose. The COVID relief packages alongside re- France. The reading was also markedly better than 2020 sensus of $63.12 per barrel and the current $62.3 their transferred debt. openings helped accelerate growth this year. Biden Q4’s reading of -1.4 percent. average for the benchmark so far this year. Both The Bank stated that Al Najma Account prizes are however, claimed there was still more to be done and There is still optimism as vaccination rates start to forecasts show that analysts believe that vaccine distinguished by the highest cash prize and diversity pitched a new USD 1.8 trillion social safety plan called pick up. The European Commission Economic rollouts will outpace the recent surges seen across of prizes throughout the year clarifying that the the “American Families Plan” aimed at helping middle- Confidence Index jumped to its highest level since 2018 the globe. account offers weekly prize of KD 5,000, monthly income families. President Biden hopes to combine this and Germany reached a new record of administering 1.1 prize of KD 20,000 and a semi-annual prize of KD is new fiscal package with his USD 2.3 trillion “American million vaccine shots in a single day. These develop- Kuwait 500,000 in addition to the largest prize - linked bank Jobs Plan,” which was focused on improving infrastruc- ments will limit the negative fallout from the Q1 GDP Kuwaiti Dinar account payout of KD 1,500,000. ture. Just like the “American Jobs Plan,” the “American contraction for the Eurozone as a whole. USD/KWD closed last week at 0.30100.

sector. Bourisli noted: DHAMAN National chance to one lucky customer to DHAMAN launches launched this recruitment campaign to Development Burgan Bank win KD 125,000 every three attract the best qualified and compe- Plan (New months. The Yawmi Account offers recruitment drive tent workforce to occupy leadership Kuwait 2035), announces winners Daily and Quarterly Draws, positions in hospitals, due to their vital continues to wherein the Quarterly Draw role in the ongoing preparations for develop and of Yawmi draw for hospitals operating hospitals through qualified support the requires customers to maintain a medical, technical and administrative growth of the KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced minimum amount of KD 500 in KUWAIT: Health Assurance Hospitals staff, which contributes to providing healthcare sec- yesterday the names of the daily their account for two months prior Company (DHAMAN) announced the the top levels of service to patients, tor in Kuwait to draw winners of its Yawmi account to the draw date. launch of a recruitment campaign to visitors and their families at complement the draw, each taking home a cash prize Additionally, every KD 10 in the attract and assign the main leadership DHAMAN’S hospitals and (Primary various efforts account will entitle customers to Ahmad Bourisli of KD 5,000. The lucky winners are: positions in DHAMAN Ahmadi and Healthcare Centers). made by the one chance of winning. If the Jahra hospitals, as part of the 1. FATEMAH ALI MAKHSEED Bourisli added: With the commence- Ministry of account balance is KD 500 and Company’s preparations for the activa- 2. MALAK MOHAMMAD ment of the recruitment campaign, Health, which requires experienced, capa- EFFAT above, the account holder will be tion of its healthcare network in the ble, and competent medical, technical and DHAMAN will apply the set of 3. KHALED FAISAL ALSUBAIE qualified for both the quarterly coming year 2022. approved standards and guidelines administrative staff to achieve all goals. On this occasion, DHAMAN 4. MOHAMMAD ABDULLAH and daily draws. Burgan Bank related to examining the qualifications Bourisli concluded by saying that Corporate Director of Human ALI encourages everyone to open a of all applicants and conducting inter- DHAMAN is intensifying its efforts to Resources Ahmad Bourisli said that the 5. MOHAMMAD ABDULLAH Yawmi account and/or increase views in the coming period, inviting complete all the necessary preparations Company has developed an integrated and arrangements at its PHCs and hos- ALI their deposit to maximize their recruitment plan to appoint the those wishing to join DHAMAN to pitals to fulfill the requirements of the In addition to the daily draw, chances of becoming a winner. required medical, technical and admin- apply through the Company’s employ- first stage of operations in preparation Burgan Bank also offers a The higher the level of the istrative staff to operate the hospitals ment website (careers.dhaman.co). Bourisli said that DHAMAN, as one of for commencing the transfer of the esti- Quarterly Draw with more chances deposit, the higher the likelihood from various medical specializations to win higher rewards, offering the and professional fields in the healthcare the main strategic projects within the mated 2 million beneficiaries. to win. 11

Monday, May 3, 2021

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Dr. Hamoud Abdullah Alarouj ENT Consultant, Laryngologist Kuwait Board of Otolaryngology. Experienced In: Laryngology Fellowship, McGill Management of benign and malignant vocal cord lesions. University- Canada. Vocal cord augmentation. Fellow of the European Board of Diagnosis and treatment of spasmodic dysphonia. Otolaryngology – Head & Neck surgery. Adenotonsillectomy using latest techniques. Member of the American Academy of Myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion. Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Surgery for the deviated nasal septum. Member of the British Laryngological Endoscopic sinus surgery. Association. Diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis. Member of the European Laryngological Tympanoplasty. Society. Diagnosis and treatment of vertigo. Member of the Canadian Society of Thyroid surgery Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Diagnosis and treatment of snoring.

To advertise on this Page Call: 24833199 ext:101,102 or Direct line: 24835616 / 24835617 or email: [email protected] 12 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Monday, May 3, 2021

he Maldives is still welcoming there, we can contain it within the head New Delhi-based private plane firm Bollywood stars and other rich resorts without exposing the local popu- Club One Air told The Print. “Whoever TIndians to its secluded beaches lation.” can afford to take a private jet are taking and crystal-clear lagoons even as coun- private jets.” tries ban flights because of a brutal Tourism workers vaccinated India on Friday reported 385,000 new COVID surge. The Indian Ocean archi- Thoyyib said that they have also cases in the past 24 hours-a new global pelago of more than a thousand islands launched a campaign to vaccinate the record-and almost 3,500 deaths, accord- reopened its international borders in entire workforce of 50,000 in the tourism ing to official data that many experts mid-July after being shut for three sector and many others providing servic- suspect falls short of the true toll. With months, and Indians have accounted for es relating to the hospitality trade. “We the surge blamed on new virus variants the most visitors. This week, as a string want to be the first fully vaccinated and huge religious and political gather- of other countries banned visitors from tourism sector in the world,” Thoyyib told ings in recent months, India’s hospitals India, the Maldives government made AFP by telephone. He said about 90 are struggling to cope, particularly but only slight changes to its rules for pas- percent of workers were already vacci- not only in the capital New Delhi. The sengers from its giant neighbor. nated. Media reports have suggested Maldives attracted a record 1.7 million Holidaymakers arriving from India that the Maldives might even offer foreign tourists last year, a 15-percent now can only stay at a resort or a safari COVID vaccines to foreign visitors. with 73 deaths, although case numbers in recent weeks include Alia Bhatt, her increase from 2018, according to the boat and are not allowed to check into But officials said they had no such have been rising sharply in recent partner Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha government, with China the biggest guest houses in inhabited islands where immediate plans until all Maldivians and weeks. Kapoor, who posted Instagram photos of source of visitors. The numbers fell to locals also live. “The geographical loca- resident non-nationals had received both herself doing yoga at sunset at a 555,494 last year because of the pan- tion of our islets help us to minimize the doses of the AstraZeneca or the Yoga on Insta Maldives resort. Press reports suggest demic, but was showing signs of a (virus) risk,” Thoyyib Mohamed, the Sinopharm vaccine. More than two- Thoyyib said there was a decline in that private jet firms have seen a surge recovery. Some 381,000 tourists have head of the country’s tourism authority, thirds of its 330,000 population has the number of Indians visiting in the past in demand to Europe, the Middle East visited so far this year. China has now Visit Maldives, told AFP. “Each islet is a already received their first dose, accord- week but they remained the largest sin- and the Maldives, including from people dropped below the top 10.— AFP self-contained single resort. Even if we ing to health ministry figures. It has gle group of visitors to the archipelago clubbing together to hire an aircraft. “It’s have a few cases popping up here and reported just over 29,000 virus infections this year. Bollywood stars escaping India not only the ultra rich,” Rajan Mehra, Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis dies at 89

lympia Dukakis, a character actress who won an Oscar for her Orole as an overbearing mother in In this file photo Actress Olympia Dukakis is Actors Catherine Russell and Charles Geyer perform in the longest An employee (left) scans tickets at the longest running play ‘Perfect the romantic comedy “Moonstruck,” died Saturday at the age of 89. The passing of honored with the 2,498th Star on The running play ‘Perfect Crime’ Off-Broadway at The Anne Bernstein Crime’ Off-Broadway at The Anne Bernstein Theater in The Theater Hollywood Walk Of Fame Hollywood, Theater in The Theater Center in New York City. — AFP photos Center . the theater veteran, who made a name for herself in film late in her career, was California. — AFP confirmed on Facebook by her brother Louisiana hair salon in “Steel Magnolias,” Apollo. “My beloved sister, Olympia (1989) which also featured Julia Roberts, Dukakis, passed away this morning in Shirley MacLaine, Sally Field and Daryl New York City,” he wrote. “After many Hannah. By 1988, with her Oscar, months of failing health she is finally at Dukakis was a household name in peace and with her [husband] Louis America because of the award and [Zorich].” The cause of death was not because her cousin Michael Dukakis had immediately given. Dukakis won the won the Democratic presidential nomina- Oscar for best supporting actress for her tion. She plugged him in her Oscars work in “Moonstruck” (1987) as the acceptance speech, shouting “OK, scornful mother of a young widow played Michael, let’s go” as she concluded her by Cher. It also earned Dukakis a Golden remarks and held up her statuette. Globe and a BAFTA nomination. Michael Dukakis ended up losing the “The fun part is that people pass me election to George H.W. Bush, but both on the street and yell lines from my she and her cousin remained active in movies: For ‘Moonstruck’ they say, ‘Your politics. Olympia Dukakis is survived by life is going down the toilet,’” Dukakis told the daughter and two sons she had with the Los Angeles Times in 1991. “It’s real Zorich, who died in 2018. — AFP funny.” Dukakis also won acclaim for her Actors Catherine Russell and Charles Geyer perform onstage in the The audience watches the longest running play ‘Perfect Crime’ Off- role as a gossip hound at a small town longest running play ‘Perfect Crime’ Off-Broadway at The Anne Broadway at The Anne Bernstein Theater in The Theater Center. Bernstein Theater in The Theater Center.

repainted the theater, repaired a few of its py, and I’m willing to do this for principle,” Anya Taylor-Joy armchairs and bought a ventilation sys- Russell says. Her theater received the tem to help keep the air clean. When green light from the main performing arts felt ‘exposed Russell heard that bowling alleys were union, the Actors’ Equity Association, pro- going to be allowed to reopen at the end vided every actor is vaccinated and test- of August last year, while theaters ed before each show. When AFP visited, and vulnerable’ on remained shut, she thought: “This is the audience was at covid-era capacity, crazy!” “Bowling alleys are great. But if with 66 people in a room that would nor- Queen’s Gambit you can bowl, you should be able to go to mally hold 200. Attendance has been a theatre and sit with a mask and watch a steady since reopening, said producer show,” Russell says. So she sued the city Armand Hyatt. nya Taylor-Joy felt “exposed and government and the state’s governor to Susan Jacknowitz, 75, traveled from vulnerable’ during ‘The Queen’s try to force them to reopen small perform- North Carolina to see the play with a AGambit’. The 25-year-old actress - ance venues like hers. friend from New York. “When she texted who played chess prodigy Beth Harman In early March Governor Andrew me to say I got theater tickets, I was so in the hit Netflix drama - admitted she roadway is not due to return until Cuomo ruled that theaters could reopen excited,” said Jacknowitz. “Perfect was nervous when she realized there Lisa Scott-Lee September but New York’s longest- at 25 percent capacity, later updated to Crime”, a classic murder mystery were aspects of herself she would have Brunning play is already back thanks 33 percent, which is still not financially matured by a hint of psychology, usually to show on camera as part of the role. to its indomitable lead who has played viable for most venues. Russell is contin- gets drowned out by the countless Speaking to America’s OK! magazine she the same role over 13,500 times. uing her lawsuit to try to obtain at least 50 Broadway shows on offer. But the current said: “Those feelings of loneliness - those Steps’ Lisa Catherine Russell, 65, is the driving force percent seating. On April 9, she reopened hiatus is allowing it to get a little more quiet moments you have to yourself in behind “Perfect Crime,” a rollicking who- the Theater Center with performances of attention than usual. Theater fan Jessica your hotel room that nobody else wit- dunit that has been on Big Apple bill- “The Office: A Musical Parody.” On April Bloom had passed the Theater Center, nesses. “I was putting that on screen for Scott-Lee is boards since 1987. “I’m very determined. 17, Russell performed in “Perfect Crime,” off Times Square, dozens of times with- everyone to see, and that was scary. You And whenever people tell me, you can’t for the 13,524th time, world record. out stopping to go in. do something, I’m like, ‘Screw you. Watch “Many people felt they were not ready, “It’s something new and anything that me do it,’” she tells AFP. Not only is and that’s fine. (But) I felt that we were will get me inside a theater I will see it, headteacher Russell the show’s main actor, she is also ready,” she recalls. “I don’t think of even if I don’t know what it’s about,” said the manager of the Theater Center that (myself as) a torchbearer. Perhaps I’m a the 35-year-old. Geyer, the actor, recalls puts on the play and a “dynamo” accord- little less fearless than other people, and a “terrific” reopening night. “We were the in Dubai ing to co-star Charles Geyer. “I can do maybe I have less to lose because I’m a first players to be back on stage. They 180 push-ups in a row. Marine push-ups, little off-Broadway show,” Russell adds. were the first audience to come and sup- not girl push-ups,” insists Russell, as if port the players, so we were like a team,” isa Scott-Lee is working as a head- anyone would dare dispute the fact. ‘Bringing New York back’ he says. “There’s a larger meaning than teacher in Dubai. The Steps singer When performance venues shut in She admits that the theater is losing just a night at the theater. It’s about being Land her husband Johnny Shentall March 2020 as the pandemic spread like money and that even an increase to 50 in the vanguard of bringing New York Anya Taylor-Joy run the Dubai Performing Arts Academy wildfire through New York, Russell kept percent capacity would not be enough to back, culturally.” — AFP together, which has around 600 pupils busy so as not to get too depressed. She balance the books. “We’re kind of scrap- aged between 3 and 18, and whilst she feel exposed and vulnerable. “But I really is very much part of the group, her pri- Jennifer recently split from fiance Alex felt I was the right person to tell Beth’s mary role is currently being the principal Rodriguez, while Ben is single since his story, and it ended up being a wonderful at the performing arts school. She said: Jennifer Lopez relationship with Ana de Armas ended experience.” Anya has experienced a “Steps is my life. It has been my life for earlier this year. Meanwhile, Ben, 48, new level of fame after the show hit the the last 24 years, but being principal of recently praised Jennifer in an interview small screen, and she “never” thought it the school is my day job. I can never and Ben Affleck with InStyle. He gushed: “I thought I had a would hit this level of success. She switch off. Even when I’m with Steps, good work ethic, but I was completely added: “I never could have imagined this rehearsing or shooting a video, I’ll be humbled and blown away by what she is where the show would go. working on my laptop. It’s become a bit ‘hanging out’ was committed to doing day in and day “I got to Los Angeles and took a walk of a running joke. I have to flip between out, the seriousness in which she took her and saw this giant poster and I was like, my Steps hat and principal hat, which work, the quiet and dedicated way she ‘Oh my God, wow.’ “And the model turned can be really hard and stressful at times ennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck went about accomplishing her goals, and actress admitted she gets recognized a ... I focus on the day-to-day running of been “hanging out”. The former cou- then how she would go back and redou- lot in public with fans shouting out ques- the school and the business side of tions about the plot. She said: “I’ve actu- things, while Johnny is the creative Jple - who were engaged in 2002, home. A source told the New York Post’s ble her efforts. “She remains, to this day, ally had people yell at me from across the ≠director and main teacher.” postponed their wedding just days before Page Six: “Security picks him up at a the hardest-working person I’ve come street, ‘Why didn’t you pay Mr. Schaibel Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremony in 2003 and split in 2004 - nearby location and drops him off after across in this business. She has great tal- back?’ And I’m like, ‘I’m sorry. I don’t the 45-year-old singer has been unable have remained close friends and were spending a few hours at her house.” ent, but she has also worked very hard for know!’ “While fame will have its draw- to return to the UK to perform with her recently seen together at Jennifer’s home However, insiders insist the relationship is her success, and I’m so happy for her that backs, Anya is appreciative of the situa- bandmates - Lee Latchford-Evans, in Los Angeles. Ben has been seen leav- platonic, explaining: “They are friends ... she seems, at long last, to be getting the tion she’s found herself in, even if it can Claire Richards, Faye Tozer and Ian ‘H’ ing his own car at the Hotel Bel-Air before they’ve never not been.” credit she deserves.” — Bang Showbiz being picked up and brought to Jennifer’s be overwhelming. — Bang Showbiz Watkins. — Bang Showbiz Established 1961 13 Lifestyle Features Monday, May 3, 2021

This picture shows Zhang Chen, founder of the Extraordinary Luxuries Business School, teaching a class at the school This picture shows a staff member verifying the authenticity of a handbag at the Beijing Extraordinary Luxuries in Beijing. — AFP photos Technology company in Beijing.

t’s the world’s biggest market for luxury count price. But a vast shadow trade in year, according to consultancy Forward Igoods-and their counterfeits-so an counterfeits lies in wait for the bargain- Business Information. “Chinese people expert eye for telling a bona fide hunters. Many are fooled by “good imi- buy one third of the world’s luxury Chanel handbag from a bogus one is a tations with little difference” from the goods, but the circulation rate of three skill set in hot demand across China. originals, said Zhang Chen, founder of percent is far below the 25-30 percent in Enter the “luxury appraiser”, an eagle- the Extraordinary Luxuries Business Western countries,” he said, referring to eyed differentiator of real from fake, School, who tools his graduates with the the percentage that is later resold. trained to triage handbags, belts and gift of detecting fakes. His seven-day garments for dodgy serial numbers, course teaches students how to detect Tricks of the trade stitching and logos. China’s factories forgeries, value second-hand goods and Zhan drills the rules of luxury into stu- dents who are hooked onto his every word. “The lining of a black Chanel handbag must be pink,” he says. Trainees check ID cards on handbags from the French luxury fashion chain under a special ultra-violet light. “Two letters will light up, and that’s the secret,” said Zhang, who learned his own skill appraising luxury goods a decade ago in Japan. Knowing which letters in the Chanel logo use a rectangular rather than square font can “detect a third of the fakes on the market”, he added. His This picture shows trainees practicing methods in verifying the authenticity of a handbag fol- class are all affluent but from a variety of lowing a class at the Extraordinary Luxuries Business School in Beijing. backgrounds, including the former editor of a fashion magazine from Shanghai fying grazes from long nails. called AURA to record its goods. and a bartender looking for a fresh start And seasonality is essential, with red- Microchips have been inserted in the after his business was hit by the COVID- the color of good luck-selling quickest sole of women’s shoes made by Italian 19 pandemic. “I realized that second- over Chinese holidays. His school has brand Salvatore Ferragamo, while hand luxury bags could be sold at a very even attracted former counterfeiters as Burberry has experimented with Radio good price,” said 31-year-old stock mar- students, he added, many wanting to Frequency Identification technology ket trader Xu Zhihao. build on existing skills but shift to less (RFiD) in its goods-a technology that A Louis Vuitton Neverfull handbag disreputable work. uses radio waves to identify a tagged bought two years ago can still be sold at object. But with the tech still in its infan- This picture shows Zhang Chen, founder of the Extraordinary Luxuries Business School, Block the fakes teaching a class at the school in Beijing. 9,000 yuan on second-hand platforms, a cy, Zhang is unconcerned about the 20 percent discount, while a small In most cases it takes Zhang around threat to his analogue line of work. “Any churn out huge quantities of luxury learn the skills needed to appraise luxu- Chanel Gabrielle bag goes for about 60 10 seconds to tell if a product is real, he technology has the possibility of being goods, much of which is destined for a ry products. to 70 percent of the counter price. “I says, holding up a genuine Hermes bag. cracked,” Zhang told AFP. “The market domestic market worth about four trillion And while the fee is 15,800 yuan think the logic behind the sales is very Some clients send pictures of watches, for identifying luxury products will always yuan ($620 billion), according to market ($2,400), Zhang says it is a price worth similar to the financial products I’m sell- trainers and clothes for an online diag- exist, it’s just that the methods will have researchers UIBE Luxury China. paying as it provides a foothold in a sec- ing now.” But the condition of the bags nosis. Verifying luxury products is set to to adapt.”—AFP Now the second-hand luxury market ond-hand luxury market that is only just can have a heavy impact on value. “Pay become more high-tech with fashion is also booming as those unwilling to taking off. China’s second-hand luxury special attention to the scratches around houses introducing chips to trace pedi- part with thousands of dollars for a market value reached 17.3 billion yuan the buckle, as a lot of people get mani- gree. Louis Vuitton announced in 2019 handbag seek out the prestige at a dis- in 2020, almost double the previous cures these days,” Zhang warns, identi- that it will launch a blockchain platform

This picture shows an assistant preparing for a class at the Extraordinary This picture shows a staff member verifying the authenticity of a luxury item This picture shows a staff member verifying the authenticity of a watch at the Luxuries Business School in Beijing. at the Beijing Extraordinary Luxuries Technology company in Beijing. Beijing Extraordinary Luxuries Technology company in Beijing.

To “keep track of the infections” and children in some kindergarten and day- onds, dip the test in the container, wait says that his three-year-old has now to offer a “sensible alternative to other care centers. Letters have been sent to 15 minutes, check the result.” After ini- taken well to the tests. “It’s unproblem- With ‘lollipops’, testing options,” Austria’s Burgenland parents informing them that the tial disappointment that the tests lacked atic-we just did it again today and it province has already ordered 35,000 lol- Burgenland state will provide each child the bright colors and the sweet taste of worked well,” Krotschek told AFP. “I lipop tests, a spokesperson for the with three free tests per week. a real lollipop, instead resembling “an think it makes sense to have stricter Austria tests regional government told AFP. This fol- The instructions read as follows: “Put oversized cotton swab”, father and controls in the educational sector,” he lows the success of a pilot project with the test in the mouth, suck for 90 sec- graphic designer Dominik Krotschek said. The tests were invented by Manuela Foedinger, who leads the labo- toddlers for virus ratory at Vienna’s Kaiser-Franz-Joseph hospital and is credited with pioneering a similarly simple-to-use gargle test that newly developed, lollipop-shaped is now widely used across the nation of Acoronavirus test is being rolled out 8.9 million. in some of Austria’s kindergartens When her invention was recognized as an alternative for toddlers who don’t by the city of Vienna last year, the mayor take well to throat or nose swabs. of Vienna asked what could be done to Students-a little shy-lined up in one test toddlers and Foedinger replied: “I Vienna kindergarten this week to be have an idea for that, too.” In Vienna, tested, with the exercise open to the Foedinger is now conducting a study media. Though children are exempt from with children between the ages of one many virus measures, there are fears and six across five kindergartens to that with schools and kindergartens show just how accurate the test results reopening, the more contagious variant are and help decide whether lollipop that emerged in Britain and is dominant tests can be deployed more broadly, a in several EU countries could spread spokesperson said. — AFP more widely among young people and children. This could contribute to another A pre-school boy uses a newly developed, lollipop-shaped COVID- A medical worker gives a pre-school boy a newly developed, lollipop- surge in cases and threaten progress 19 test prior to the testing of pre-schoolers at the ‘City of Vienna shaped COVID-19 test prior to the testing of pre-schoolers. with vaccination campaigns. Kindergarten’ in Vienna, Austria. — AFP photos 14 Sports Monday, May 3, 2021 Selby to face Photo of the Day Murphy in world snooker final

LONDON: Former winners Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy will meet in the final of this year’s snooker World Championship after coming through tough semi-finals on Saturday. Selby saw off Stuart Bingham 17-15 in a match that was paused with Selby leading 16-15 to allow Murphy and Kyren Wilson to complete their match at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. Selby broke the deadlock when his match resumed when a plant set up a break of 41 only to lose position. And a lucky red allowed qualifier Bingham to lay a snooker which set him up for a break of 59. With all the reds off the table, Bingham lost position but laid a snooker behind the black. But Selby made a superb escape and eventually laid a brilliant snooker on the green that saw Bingham give away several fouls that left his opponent in front. Selby, a three-time world champion, then cleared to the pink to complete a 17-15 win. Earlier Murphy, the 2005 world champion, defeated Wilson 17-12 in another all-English contest having been 10-4 behind earlier in the best of 33 frames match. Murphy, who won the final three frames of the morning session to draw level at 12-12, was unstop- pable in the evening as he reeled off five consecutive breaks of over 50 apiece. His 78 put him ahead for the first time in the match since the opening frame before an unlucky in-off by Wilson paved the way for a break of 91 that saw Murphy go two frames ahead. Wilson’s missed black Cameron Burrell trains in Houston, Texas. — Photo taken from www.redbullcontentpool.com let Murphy in to make a break of 117 before his 77 left him one frame away from victory at 16-12 come the mid-session interval. An extended safety exchange after the match resumed ended with Murphy making a Havertz stars as Chelsea decisive break of 58. — AFP cement hold on fourth place Montreal hold Columbus, Real LONDON: Chelsea cemented their grip on fourth into the top four and earned an FA Cup final date with Salt Lake beat place in the Premier League as Kai Havertz struck Leicester in May. twice to seal a 2-0 win over struggling Fulham on The icing on the cake for Tuchel would be reaching Saturday. Thomas Tuchel’s side warmed up for the Champions League final, with Chelsea hosting Real Kansas City Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday as they look to capitalise on the 1-1 against Real Madrid with a ruthless display at first-leg draw in Madrid. Third-bottom Fulham sit nine Stamford Bridge. points from safety with four games remaining and look LOS ANGELES: CF Montreal stretched their Havertz netted in each half to lift Chelsea six points set for relegation to the Championship. early unbeaten run in the fledgling Major clear of fifth-placed West Ham in the race to qualify League Soccer season on Saturday, playing to for next season’s Champions League via a top-four Havertz hits his stride a goalless draw against MLS Cup champions finish. Chelsea are looking up not down after they It was 42 years since Fulham last won at Stamford Columbus Crew. Coach Wilfried Nancy said closed the gap on third-placed Leicester to just two Bridge, but they almost snatched a shock lead when Montreal, hosting the match in Fort points with four games left. Antonee Robinson’s 20-yard rocket was tipped over Lauderdale, Florida, as Canadian teams contin- “We were spot on. It was what we demanded from by Edouard Mendy. Chelsea responded to that threat ue to be shut out of their home grounds ourselves. We showed the pride we are capable of, to with a superbly crafted opener in the 10th minute. because of the coronavirus pandemic, could do it in between two big games,” Tuchel said. “We Thiago Silva’s long pass was beautifully controlled have come out with a big win. knew Fulham gives everyone a hard time. I’m beyond by Mount and the midfielder slipped a pin-point ball Despite multiple opportunities, they couldn’t happy. There was no lack of concentration.” through to Havertz, who slotted a composed finish into get a shot past Columbus keeper Eloy Room. Havertz’s seventh and eighth goals of an under- LONDON: Chelsea’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel the far corner. Fulham weren’t out of the hunt and “We could have scored three goals,” Nancy whelming first season at Chelsea were a welcome sign (left) celebrates with Chelsea’s Scottish midfielder Billy Ademola Lookman’s low drive was pushed away at full said. “We had the possibility to be better but the German playmaker is finally emerging from his Gilmour after the English Premier League football match stretch by Mendy. we didn’t finish. But, again, I’m happy with what funk. Since arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, Havertz between Chelsea and Fulham at Stamford Bridge in Hakim Ziyech’s shot was well saved by Fulham I saw.” Mustafa Kizza had a solid chance in the has endured a bout of coronavirus and a host of diffi- London on Saturday. — AFP keeper Alphonse Areola before Mendy alertly parried 26th minute but fired right at the feet of Room. dent performances that raised doubts about his desire. Ola Aina’s strike after it took a wicked deflection off Room dived to save a shot in injury time from But the 21-year-old thrived in the false nine role Reece James. But Havertz was beginning to hit his Finnish substitute Lassi Lappalainen. Meanwhile against Fulham in an indication he could still have a Mason Mount being treated for a back injury which he stride at last and he doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 49th Montreal keeper Clement Diop was never part to play in Chelsea’s bid for a memorable end to played through before being taken off in the closing minute. Ben Chilwell’s long pass picked out Havertz severely tested. the season. “For sure, this is what we want if someone stages. and he glided away from two defenders to find Werner. The Crew, who drew 2-2 against Monterrey gets his chance. He scored two decisive goals and he “I hope really that Mason is not a big thing and Werner played a deft pass through to Havertz and he of Mexico in CONCACAF Champions League was involved along with Timo Werner,” Tuchel said. hopefully he can fully recover for Real Madrid,” Tuchel capped the flowing move with a clinical finish. For all play on Wednesday, made five changes to their Just as significant as Havertz’s improvement, said. Chelsea have been revitalized by Tuchel since he his critics in an uneven season, the much-maligned starting lineup and failed to generate a shot in Chelsea remained rock solid at the back and have kept replaced the sacked Frank Lampard in January. The Werner is the first player to register double figures for the first half. But they thought they had snuck 17 clean sheets in 23 games under Tuchel. The German former Paris Saint-Germain boss arrived with Chelsea both goals and assists in his debut season for Chelsea out the victory late when Bradley Wright- coach’s only worry was the sight of the influential languishing in ninth place, but he has led them back since Eden Hazard in 2012-13. — AFP Phillips found the back of the net only for the effort to be ruled offside. “We showed some good character today,” Crew coach Caleb Porter said. “We bent but didn’t break. Good teams, on a day where we’re clearly not sharp, not playing our game, not cre- ating chances, you have to find a way to hang on and we certainly hung on.” Elsewhere, Jesus Medina and Valentin Castellanos both scored as New York City FC downed 10-man Philadelphia Union 2-0. Anton Tinnerholm set up Medina’s early opener for NYCFC, who have won twice since losing at DC United in their season opener. Philadelphia, winners of the Supporters’ Shield last season as the team with the best reg- ular-season record, saw Jose Andres Martinez sent off upon video review for an elbow toward Castellanos’ head in the 15th minute. Martinez was already scheduled to miss the Union’s quarter-final, second-leg clash Atlanta United in the CONCACAF Champions League because of yellow card accumulations and will now miss their next MLS match at Chicago next Saturday. The Union take a 3-0 lead into their Champions League second leg clash with Atlanta tomorrow. Fans return in Salt Lake Real Salt Lake welcomed fans back to their Rio Tinto stadium with a 3-1 victory over LOUISVILLE: Medina Spirit #8, ridden by jockey John Velazquez, leads the field around the first during the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday in Sporting Kansas City. Rubio Rubin struck twice Louisville, Kentucky. — AFP as Real Salt Lake scored three straight goals after Alan Pulido opened the scoring for Sporting with his first goal of the 2021 season. Baffert makes history “I cannot believe he won this race,” Baffert said of Unbeaten in five prior starts, the gray colt owned With up to 10,000 fans allowed now under 12-1 shot Medina Spirit, who was second in his previ- by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al local health and safety protocols, Salt Lake ous start in the Santa Anita Derby on April 3. “He won Maktoum’s Godolphin stables left the global racing announced a crowd of 9,842. They created a as Medina Spirit wins this race. That little horse, it was all guts.” Velazquez and breeding powerhouse still seeking a Kentucky rowdy atmosphere, but it was Sporting who said he and Baffert had decided to take Medina Spirit Derby win after 12 attempts. Baffert moved out of a tie struck first when Khiry Shelton fired a cross 147th Kentucky Derby to the front early, and the strategy paid off. “Johnny with legendary trainer Ben Jones for most career through the penalty area and Gianluca Busio had him in a perfect spot, and if you have him on the Kentucky Derby wins. His six prior winners of the 1 skipped over the ball to give Pulido plenty of lead he’ll fight.” 1/4-mile race for 3-year-olds at Churchill Downs time to finish. Mandaloun, a 26-1 shot trained by Brad Cox and included Triple Crown winners Justify and American Real Salt Lake pulled level before halftime WASHINGTON: Medina Spirit won the 147th ridden by US-based French jockey Florent Geroux, Pharoah. as substitute Andrew Brody whipped in a cross Kentucky Derby Saturday at Churchill Downs, giving applied the most pressure in the final straight, but set- Baffert admitted he didn’t have the same kind of that Damir Kreilach headed in. Rubin fired the trainer Bob Baffert a record seventh victory in the US tled for second ahead of Hot Rod Charlie, trained by expectations for Medina Spirit that he had for those hosts ahead in the 52nd with a shot between flat racing classic. Puerto Rican jockey John Velazquez Doug O’Neill and ridden by another US-based greats. “I’m so spoiled bringing these heavy duty hors- the legs of Sporting goalkeeper John piloted Medina Spirit to the front early and held on to Frenchman, Flavien Prat. The bigger disappointment es here,” he said. “But that little horse has such a heart.” Pulskamp. He bagged his second goal in the win the first jewel of US racing’s Triple Crown for the for Cox, trying to become the first Louisville-born The Triple Crown chase resumes on May 15 with the 77th, eluding two defenders on the way to fourth time as overwhelming pre-race favorite trainer to win the Kentucky Derby, must be the failure Preakness at Pimlico in Baltimore, and concludes June beating Pulskamp. — AFP Essential Quality finished fourth. of Essential Quality. 5 with the Belmont Stakes in New York. — AFP Established 1961 15 Sports Monday, May 3, 2021 Hazard starts as Real Madrid defeat Osasuna, Atletico scrape past Elche MADRID: Real Madrid held their nerve to beat Chaves missed a 91st-minute penalty in what could hope it’s a little thing but right now I can’t say,” Zidane Osasuna 2-0 in La Liga on Saturday as Eden Hazard prove a pivotal moment in Spain’s thrilling title race, said. The best chance fell to Hazard from a Marcelo made his first start since January, raising the possibility with Atletico maintaining their two-point lead over Real cross but he failed to catch the volley cleanly, instead of Zinedine Zidane picking him for Wednesday’s Madrid and stretching the advantage to five over scuffing it into the ground and goalkeeper Sergio Champions League semi-final second leg against Barcelona. “We’re entering a defining period and each Herrera did brilliantly to save. Chelsea. victory is a very important step,” said Atletico coach Benzema had already gone close and Militao had a pair of headers early in the second half that again drew Herrera into action. Hazard faded and departed with 18 minutes left. Osasuna were tiring too and finally Madrid got the breakthrough, Militao making it third time lucky, rising high to head in Isco’s corner. Four minutes later it was two, Benzema driving in from the left and slipping a reverse pass through for Casemiro, who stretched to control and instead poked tha ball directly into the net.

Atletico edge out Elche Elche squandered two golden opportunities to LILLE: Lille’s forward Burak Yilmaz celebrates a goal dur- snatch a draw against Atletico. First, Antonio Barragan ing the French L1 football match between Lille (LOSC) and volleyed over from close range and then Marcos Nice at the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve d’Ascq, Llorente’s handball gave Fidel a chance from the spot near Lille, northern France, on Saturday. — AFP but he struck the post. “I don’t believe in luck,” Llorente said. “If it didn’t hit the post, I think Oblak would have got to the shot. We have the points and that gives us a lot of strength going forward.” Lille stay top in Atletico are now guaranteed to be ahead of Barca when they kick off at Camp Nou next Saturday. Real France as Neymar MADRID: Real Madrid’s Brazilian midfielder Casemiro (left) celebrates after scoring during the Spanish League football Madrid also face Sevilla at Valdebebas a day later in a match between Real Madrid and Osasuna at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in Valdebebas in the outskirts of Madrid crunch weekend at the top but the resistance of 18th- nets in PSG win on Saturday. — AFP placed Elche against La Liga’s frontrunners suggests the race may well go to the final day. Simeone’s side were denied three times in the first PARIS: Burak Yilmaz again starred as Lille stayed on half, Luis Suarez missing a golden chance before they course to win the Ligue 1 title by beating 10-man Nice After making a brief cameo off the bench in the first Diego Simeone. had a goal and a penalty ruled out by VAR. Finally, 2-0 on Saturday, a result that keeps the northern side a leg last week, Hazard played 72 minutes at Valdebebas Atletico’s win meant victory for Real Madrid was Atletico broke through, with Yannick Carrasco weaving point clear of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and could now face his former club from the start in the essential and they had to work hard for it against a through down the left before picking out the arriving at the top of the table with three games left. Yilmaz and pivotal return game at Stamford Bridge. “He was very determined Osasuna side, Eder Militao breaking the Llorente, whose shot deflected off Josema Sanchez on fellow Turkish international Zeki Celik scored the goals good,” said Zidane. “He played close to Karim deadlock in the 76th minute before Casemiro made it its way in. Barragan should have equalized with five for Lille against a Nice team who played most of the (Benzema), they tried things and I was very happy with two four minutes later. Zidane’s squad has been minutes left when the ball was headed back to him six second half a man short after defender Jordan Lotomba him.” stretched by absentees in recent weeks and he left Luka yards out but somehow he volleyed over. There was was sent off. Veteran striker Yilmaz, 35, had been the Real Madrid have it all to do against Chelsea after Modric and Toni Kroos on the bench, while handing more drama to come as Victor Rodriguez’s cross struck inspiration with a brace as Lille came from 2-0 down to drawing the opener 1-1 and they are playing catch-up in Hazard his first start since January 30. the hand of the leaping Llorente in the box and Fidel win 3-2 at Lyon last weekend and he was also the cata- La Liga too, after Atletico Madrid had earlier scraped to There could be a fresh concern, though, after stepped up to secure a point. Instead, he found the out- lyst here as Christophe Galtier’s side responded per- a 1-0 victory against struggling Elche. Elche’s Fidel defender Raphael Varane was taken off at half-time. “I side of the post. — AFP fectly after PSG had beaten Lens 2-1 earlier to move provisionally to the summit. Yilmaz scored with a pin- point low strike into the far corner from 20 meters fol- No Haaland, no lowing a Jonathan David lay-off on 13 minutes, and he also struck the post in the second half. problem as Dortmund After Lotomba was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Jonathan Bamba at the start of the second half, Celik volleyed in Lille’s second goal in the 56th minute reach Cup final as he latched onto a clearance and volleyed in from just outside the box. If Lille win their final three games against Lens, Saint-Etienne and Angers, they will be BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund thrashed second-divi- champions for the first time since 2011. sion Holstein Kiel 5-0 on Saturday in their German “Three points, a clean sheet, it’s good,” captain Jose Cup semi-final even with top-scorer Erling Braut Fonte told broadcaster Canal+. “It was important to win Haaland sidelined. Haaland, suffering from a thigh at home because we hadn’t won here for a while, and injury, watched from the stands at Signal Iduna Park as the battles goes on. We have three difficult games left Giovanni Reyna started the rout with the first two and we just need to keep fighting.” Neymar scored one goals to help put Dortmund in the final at Berlin’s goal and set up the other for Marquinhos as PSG edged Olympic Stadium on May 13. Lens at home to claim a vital three points in between Dortmund will face RB Leipzig, who needed Emil the two legs of their Champions League semi-final Forsberg’s 121st-minute winner at the end of extra- against Manchester City. time to seal a dramatic 2-1 win at Werder Bremen on CROTONE: Inter Milan’s Achraf Hakimi shoots on goal during the Italian Serie A football match Crotone vs Inter Milan at Friday in the other semi-final. “We were very consis- the Ezio Scida Stadium in Crotone on Saturday. — AFP Pochettino ‘optimistic’ tent in front of goal. Almost every shot was a goal,” Coach Mauricio Pochettino made six changes to his Dortmund captain Marco Reus told ARD. “We are team from the first leg which PSG lost 2-1 against Pep very happy to have reached the final.” Dane Eriksen came on as a substitute in the 65th Guardiola’s side, with Kylian Mbappe watching from the Kiel had knocked out holders Bayern Munich on Inter Milan ‘toppling minute and scored four minutes later, firing home a shot stands because of a slight calf injury. However penalties in the second round in January, but any which took a deflection off Crotone defender Lisandro Pochettino said he was confident Mbappe would be fit thoughts of another major upset were soon wiped out. Magallan, from Romelu Lukaku’s lay-off. Lukaku had a for the game in Manchester on Tuesday. “I am always The floodgates opened quickly as Mats Hummels a kingdom’ with Serie goal ruled out before Hakimi struck a second in injury optimistic and I still am,” Pochettino told Canal+. “We released Jadon Sancho on the left, the England winger time. “It’s an important goal because it moves us closer think he will be there but we will make a decision before cut inside and passed to 18-year-old Reyna who hit A title one step away to the title, but we still haven’t won it yet,” said Eriksen the game.” Angel Di Maria was also rested but Neymar the top corner on 16 minutes. The US midfielder of just his second goal this campaign. “If it proves to be started and pounced when Argentine defender Facundo grabbed a second goal six minutes later with a simple the decisive goal, then obviously it’ll be the most impor- Medina gave the ball away under pressure to run tap-in after Reus, then Raphael Guerreiro back-heeled MILAN: Christian Eriksen and Achraf Hakimi scored tant one of the season. Every goal is important, but the through and score PSG’s opener in the 33rd minute, his the ball into Reyna’s path. The third goal came on 25 in the second half as Inter Milan beat Crotone 2-0 to one that takes you to your objective is extra special. seventh league goal of the campaign. minutes when Emre Can’s pass over the Kiel defense move to the brink of the Serie A title on Saturday. Today, I came on as a substitute, and when you do this Marquinhos then headed in a Neymar corner to found Reus who slammed his shot home. Antonio Conte’s side are 13 points ahead of city rivals the aim is to make your mark: you want to shake things make it 2-0 just before the hour mark, with Ignatius At the other end, Dortmund had a lucky let off when AC Milan who reclaimed second place with a 2-0 win up. I’m happy that I managed to do so.” Ganago getting a goal back for Lens shortly after. Lens, Kiel forward Fabian Reese hit the post with goalkeeper over 18th-placed Benevento, with four games to play. The match in Calabria pitted the Serie A leaders who saw a 13-game unbeaten run ended, remain fifth, Marwin Hitz beaten. It was just a brief respite as “We are succeeding in toppling a kingdom that had against the bottom team who were relegated as a result just ahead of Marseille in the fight for France’s last Dortmund forward Thorgan Hazard snatched up a lasted for nine years,” said former Juventus coach of the loss. Both sides had chances in the first half with European qualifying berth. They gave the reigning loose pass from Jonas Meffert to score again on 32 Conte, who led the Turin giants to the first three of their Adam Ounas threatening early for the hosts who lost champions a run for their money and the tension got to minutes. Then England midfielder Jude Bellingham got current run of nine consecutive league titles. “We’re defender Arkadiusz Reca to injury before the break. PSG sporting director Leonardo, who was caught on on the scoresheet when his shot took a deflection to aware that we can do something extraordinary because Lukaku headed onto the post off a Stefano Sensi camera angrily remonstrating with the officials in the make it 5-0 at half-time. Bellingham nearly grabbed his Inter haven’t won a Scudetto in 11 years, and we’re corner after 23 minutes. There was a flurry of activity tunnel at the end of the game — his mask under his chin second when he chipped just wide with the goal at his breaking up a dynasty. The lads deserve this joy, con- in front of the Crotone goal before the break with — apparently over what he felt was some rough treat- mercy, 14 minutes from time. However, the win came at gratulations to them. We’re a step away from making Alessandro Bastoni sending wide after connecting ment for Neymar.—AFP a cost.—AFP history.” with a Nicolo Barella cross.—AFP Established 1961 Sport

MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021 Doncic delivers for Dallas Curry scores 30 as Warriors beat Rockets

LOS ANGELES: Luka Doncic posted a triple dou- ble with 31 points, 20 assists and 12 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks won their sixth game in the last seven by edging the Washington Wizards 125-124 on Saturday. It was the first triple double for Doncic since March 15 as he spearheaded a Mavericks’ attack that led the game by 12 points after the first quarter and by five at halftime. “Everyone expects greatness from him every single night,” said Dallas coach Rick Carlisle. “Just think about it, at 22 years old and having that kind of expectation put on him every night. But he is an amazing player. He does an amazing job of absorb- ing all of it.” Dorian Finney-Smith drained the deciding three with nine seconds left in front of a pandemic-limit- ed crowd of 4,300 at American Airlines Center in Texas. Finney-Smith finished with 22 points, Maxi Kleber tallied 17 and Tim Hardaway scored 16 points for the Mavericks, who improved to 36-27 on the season. Russell Westbrook equaled his season-high of 42 points and Bradley Beal had 29 points as the Wizards suffered just their second loss in the past dozen games. Doncic hit a jump shot with 34 sec- onds left to tie it 122-122. Bradley Beal put Washington in front with a pair of free throws with 26 seconds to go before Doncic found Finney-Smith open for his clutch three. Beal failed to connect on a potential game-winning three-pointer with two seconds left on the clock. Elsewhere, Stephen Curry poured in 30 points and the Golden State Warriors tightened up on DALLAS: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on Saturday at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, defense to beat the Houston Rockets 113-87 and Texas. — AFP give their playoff push a much needed boost. Curry scored 23 points in the third quarter as the Warriors seized control by going on a 24-0 run for “We just need to bring a little joy. It’s been tough Draymond Green finished with 11 rebounds and eight In Charlotte, Terry Rozier scored 29 points as the a 77-59 lead. trying to create consistency, we’ve had guys in and assists for the Warriors. Kevin Porter, who was com- Charlotte Hornets used a 13-0 run in the final quarter The win couldn’t have come at a better time for out of the lineup and really playing eight guys ing off a 50-point performance over Milwaukee on to beat the Detroit Pistons 107-94. Charlotte the Warriors, who halted a two-game losing skid every night,” Curry said. “Bringing energy is our Thursday, scored 14 of his 16 points in the first half improved to 31-24 on the season but they had to after winning seven of nine previously. The Warriors focus, but when we bring joy and let that flow on and added six assists for the under-manned Rockets. work for the victory after the Pistons went on a 20-6 struggled on defense in both losses, surrendering a the court — and I’ve got to lead that — that’s when Jae’Sean Tate had 14 points for Houston, who led by blitz that straddled the third and fourth quarters to 25-0 run to the Dallas Mavericks and then giving good things happen.” as many as 11 points in the first half. At one stage of cut the lead to just three points. Frank Jackson led up 37 fourth quarter points against the Minnesota Curry also had six rebounds and five assists while the contest, Houston went scoreless for 5:25, missing Detroit with 25 points, and Saddiq Bey added 22. The Timberwolves. Canadian Andrew Wiggins chipped in 20 points. all 12 of their shot attempts. pair combined for 11 of Detroit’s 13 threes. — AFP