WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 | ISSUE 218 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG

DEREK CHAUVIN guilty

A STEADY PACE IN THE RACE FOR HERD IMMUNITY WIOC EXTENDS SHARE OFFERINGS PAGE 3 PAGE 5 COVID-19 public vaccine recommences WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 PAGE 2 EDITORIAL

A SEMINAL MOMENT IN US SOCIAL AND RACIAL JUSTICE HISTORY

There are moments in the events of 1967 that case in the United States bring police officers human development led to the formation of where it is a nation to justice, have always when a single event has the Antigua Workers whose wealth was built ended in a predictable had the effect of chang- Union (AWU) and then on the backs of people outcome: not guilty! ing the course of human the Progressive Labour forcibly removed from Despite mountains of history, many times for Movement (PLM); the Africa and who were evidence, the white po- bad but quite often the attainment of political enslaved and forced to lice officers are always change is good. independence in 1981; live in conditions less freed on one pretext or Tuesday 20th April 2021 the death and burial of than human. The police the other. was one such moment, Father of the Nation, officers in the U.S. jus- Over the past year, sev- a moment when the Sir Vere Cornwall Bird tice system have always eral young black men world breathed a gigan- Sr.; ’s funer- operated with a sense have lost their lives tic sigh of relief when al and the speech by of impunity. The police senselessly at the hands the jury in the Derek his now fallen comrade, have been the enforcers of police officers. Quite Chauvin murder case George Odlum. of the ruling class in the often, no charges are returned guilty verdicts These are all local events U.S. who are white and laid and where they are, on all charges against that shaped our lives who are males. the outcome is always the former Minnesota here in Antigua and Bar- Thousands of mainly an acquittal. policeman. Whether buda. But our nation is black men have been The case of George you are a history buff or not an island onto itself. murdered by police of- Floyd was different. not, there are moments It is part of the world ficers over the last cen- Even at the onset it dif- in time that you remem- that values democracy tury alone. There are the fered from other po- ber for the rest of your and where justice ought hangings (lynchings) for lice killings. Floyd was life. The seniors among to be dispensed fairly offences real and imag- murdered by Chauvin us talk of 1950/51 indus- and equitably, irrespec- ined to the extent that who placed his knee trial unrest that changed tive of one’s station in such events were staged on Floyd’s neck for nine the course of the trade life or ethnicity. for entertainment pur- and a half minutes. union movement in Unfortunately, that has poses. Attempts over Floyd at the time was ; not always been the these many years to laying on the ground WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 3 with both hands shack- up from Chauvin who Floyd was captured on but in many countries led behind his back. was seemingly intent on phone cameras and around the world. Chauvin had his hands committing a murder in other equipment from The fact that a jury of casually placed in his plain view of a pleas for multiple angels. It was twelve people returned pockets while pressing relief. shown repeatedly on guilty verdicts against on the neck of a man George Floyd died in all major newscasts and Chauvin should change screaming for help and May last year during the it went viral on social the US police’s view that relief. Nonchalantly, he height of the lock-down media. America was at they are above the law. ignored cries and offers forced by COVID and at home! America noticed Hopefully too, it will of assistance. a time when the world and there was a national usher in meaningful Floyd cried out, “I can’t observed the protocols. outcry. changes that will make breathe, I can’t breathe!” The entire interaction This led to protests not the US a better place for Yet there was no letting between Chauvin and only in the United States all its peoples. WIOC EXTENDS SHARE OFFERINGS

The opportunity to offering came from ticipate in the share to meet and to make purchase shares in the a recommendation offering. That is be- recommendations to majority-state-owned from the brokers, cause many of their their various boards,” West Indies Oil Com- Bank of St Lucia. decisions to under- Bramble explained. pany (WIOC) is being “The brokers felt that take such investments The financial control- extended for an addi- there was not enough are informed by ad- ler said the shares that tional month. time for the institu- vice from their invest- have been purchased WIOC Financial Con- tional investors such ment committees. so far have been troller, Carlton Bram- as credit unions, Many on these com- brought by individu- ble, said the decision banks et cetera or cor- mittees are only now al investors. “We have to extend the share porate entities to par- having an opportunity been seeing an aver-

Cont’d on pg 4 PAGE 4 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 age of twenty-five per- tigua and Barbuda a commitment that In its original press sons per day showing government imple- one day he would statement, WIOC said up to purchase shares mented one of its key open up the company the offer runs until and over the twelve- promises to the peo- so that ordinary men 21st April 2021. In the day period that the ple of Antigua and and women in the event that the shares shares have been on Barbuda when shares country can purchase are oversubscribed, sale nearly five hun- in the majority-owned shares. one hundred and for- dred individuals have West Indies Oil Com- Effective 24th March ty-two thousand and participated,” he not- pany (WIOC) went on shares of the company eighty (142,080) addi- ed. sale that day. went on sale at a price tional shares will be According to Bramble, When the govern- of sixty Eastern Carib- made available. this has been one of ment purchased the bean dollars per share. This means those the main goals of the shares of WIOC from However, shares will in companies and in- divestment strategy: the previous owners blocks of no less than dividuals who were to broaden as widely – National Petroleum fifty. In a statement, not able to complete as possible the owner- Ltd. owned by the late the company said fifty arrangements to pur- ship of the company. Bruce Rappaport Es- per cent of the shares chase shares have an- On Wednesday 24th tate, Prime Minister have been reserved for other month to partic- March 2021, the An- Gaston Browne made public sector workers. ipate in the process. WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 5 NEW ECCAA HEAD TO PRIORTISE CATEGORY ONE RESTORATION

A new director gener- reaching out to key al is now on the job at stakeholders in the the Eastern Caribbean industry to give them Civil Aviation Authori- the assurance that the ty (ECCAA) headquar- restoration of Catego- tered in St John’s. ry One designation for Trinidad and Toba- ECCAA is a top priori- go national, Antho- ty for all concerned at ny Whittier, was ap- the regulatory author- pointed by the ECCAA ity. Board of Directors and OECS Heads of Gov- his appointment took ernment have em- effect from 1st April. phasised the impor- Just days on the job, tance of Category Anthony Whittier - Director General ECCAA Whittier is already One designation for

Cont’d on pg 6 PAGE 6 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 the sub-region as ECCAA and working of Management Ac- Standards at the Trin- it forms a vital part with the UN Interna- countants. He is a idad and Tobago Civil in the aviation sec- tional Civil Aviation qualified aircraft en- Aviation Authority. He tor. The ECCAA was Organisation (ICAO) gineer with extensive has over eleven years downgraded last year in advancing aviation training in Aircraft of airline experience by the US Federal Avi- safety and security in and Safety Systems at British West Indies ation Authority (FAA) the ECCAA sub-re- and is pursuing a PhD Airways (BWIA) and over matters related gion,” the ECCAA in Aviation Safety. National Helicopters to oversight and the board said in a media “Whittier joins the in Trinidad and Toba- independence of the release announcing ECCAA with twenty go,” according to the authority. Whittier’s appoint- years of Civil Aviation release. “It is expected that ment. Authority experience, He has assumed the among the priority The release said his including with the helm of the ECCAA, tasks of the new Di- qualifications include Qatar Civil Aviation following the retire- rector General will be an MSc in Project Authority where he ment of J. Donald the restoration of the Management, BSc was responsible for McPhail who served United States Federal Management Stud- Compliance Monitor- as Director General Aviation Administra- ies (First Class) and ing of the Air Safety from 2010 until De- tion (US FAA) Cate- a past student of the Department, and as cember 2020. gory One status to the Chartered Institute the Manager Flight Parents summoned after school’s fighting viral video

A report on a fight between dents the reason for the fight. ports that it was a case of bul- a male and a female student The report will provide con- lying, education officials have of the Golden Grove Primary text for the fight as well as de- determined the fight between school is being prepared for tails of the disciplinary steps the male and female student submission to the Ministry of the school intends to take in was over a pen,” the Ministry Education. the matter. of Education said in a media Director of Education, Clare It appears that the fight be- release. Browne, has asked for the re- tween the two students, on Browne said it is important port after a meeting was con- the first day of the expansion that a formal report of the in- vened between the students of the school opening, was cident should form a perma- with their parents and senior over a pen, allegedly belong- nent record in the ministry education officials on Tues- ing to the young woman in the and that steps are put in place day. video. to prevent a re-occurrence Browne said the Education “It can be confirmed that the of such incidents, not only at Officer for Zone One, Rolston incident took place at Gold- Golden Grove, but through- Nickeo, convened the meet- en Grove Primary School on out the education system. ing to find out from the stu- Monday and contrary to re- WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 7

LIAT RESUMES FLIGHTS TO SOUTHERN ROUTES

The Antigua-based regional line said in a statement Tues- AT’s website for updates. Pas- carrier, LIAT, is resuming flights day. The release said that due sengers wishing to reschedule to its southern corridor tomor- to the reduction in seismic ac- are asked to contact the res- row after a two-week suspen- tivity at the La Soufrière volca- ervations call centre for assis- sion forced by the eruption of no, LIAT 1974 Ltd. will resume tance. The airline will be work- the La Soufrière in St. Vincent services follows: ing with authorities to assist in and the Grenadines. • Barbados, as of relief and evacuation efforts in “The extended suspension, 23rd April 2021 St. Vincent as soon as possible. which affects all flights south • St. Lucia, as of LIAT will issue further updates of Dominica, is being caused 22nd April 2021 and advisories via its website by the explosive eruptions of • St. Vincent and the (www.liat.com) and social me- the La Soufrière volcano in St. Grenadines and Grenada sus- dia platforms. The manage- Vincent. These eruptions con- pended until further notice. ment and staff of LIAT wish tinue to spew large ash clouds LIAT is urging passengers to to extend prayers and sincere into the atmosphere, forcing note that based on the volatili- wishes to the people of St. Vin- the closure of airports and air- ty of the situation, they should cent and the Grenadines at space in the vicinity,” the air- monitor their e-mails and LI- this challenging time. PAGE 8 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 MSJMC AND UNION LOCKED IN NEGOTIATIONS

Senior management tal: pharmacy, radiol- “While we continue iar to many organ- of the Mount St John’s ogy and laboratory. to do everything that isations across the Medical Centre (MS- She noted that while we can to meet these globe – and, like other JMC) and represen- the industrial action obligations, MSJMC hospitals, have had tatives of the Antigua was widespread, the has had to face chal- to make very tough and Barbuda Public institution was able lenges not unfamil- decisions regarding Service Association to take steps to ensure (ABPSA) are to con- that there was no no- tinue their dialogue ticeable reduction in today to resolve out- customer care or the standing issues that services it offers. led to industrial ac- She revealed that dis- tion at the country’s cussions between the main medical facility union and the hospi- on Monday. tal senior team started The MSJMC’s Com- on Monday, contin- munications Manag- ued on Tuesday and er Salma Crump said will continue until all the staff at the insti- outstanding matters tution downed tools are resolved. With the on Monday to register commencement of their dissatisfaction talks between the par- over the settlement ties the industrial ac- of outstanding issues, tion was called off. mainly outstanding According to Crump, risk payments. there was no industri- Crump reported that al action since Mon- the industrial action day when disgruntled included staff from staff returned to their key areas of the hospi- stations.

Cont’d on pg 9 WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 9 escalating healthcare als. However, our being made on 15th differences of opin- costs and all of the commitment to meet March 2020. The abil- ion they have on how other pressures asso- the monthly expen- ity to settle payments to work through the ciated with operating diture of risk allow- has undoubtedly been challenges they face. a healthcare facility, ances is dependent constrained over re- The MSJMC said it is especially during this on funds received cent months,” the earnestly seeking the time,” the MSJMC said from central govern- statement continued. financial resources in a statement. ment, which remains The MSJMC add- in the shortest pos- It noted that the scale obligated to meet ed that it respects sible time to resolve of the challenge is the outstanding pay- the rights of its em- the matter in order to quite substantial as ments in as much as ployees to be mem- avert further disrup- a total of $3.7 million available resources al- bers of their respec- tions and trust that is currently owed to low. To date, our hos- tive unions, to voice the coming days will workers. “We are tak- pital has paid a total of all opinions, and en- reveal an acceptable ing every possible ac- $1,958,895.29 with the courage a healthy timetable to all con- tion to meet these tri- most recent payment discourse about the cerned.

One COVID-19 positive case in three days The government’s efforts ported for Friday and for Sun- cases, four are hospitalised to bring the rate of new day with Saturday recording with one being considered COVID-19 infections down the lone new case. as moderate and three mild,” appear to be bearing fruit as “Consequently, the total the ministry said in the latest the country only recorded number of persons with lab- media release. one new positive case over a oratory confirmed COVID-19 Meanwhile, two hundred three-day period. cases in Antigua and Bar- and eighty-one individuals From Friday to Sunday, only buda remains at one thou- were vaccinated since the last one case was recorded ac- sand two hundred and sev- publication increasing the cording to the latest infor- enteen, which is inclusive of total to twenty nine thousand mation from the Ministry of one hundred and ninety-one one hundred and sixty-four. health. No new case was re- active cases. Of these active PAGE 10 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 Training of Immigration officers critical to country’s security Immigration officers “Training continues in Antigua and Bar- to be the hallmark of buda are undergoing the work we do in the continuous training department as even because of the vital in this pandemic peri- tasks they perform in od it is very important ensuring the overall that we keep our staff security of the nation’s updated and certainly borders and its people. conversant with mod- This was emphasised ern developments and in brief remarks made trend,” he remarked. by the Minister re- He noted that per- sponsible for Immigra- forming a task sev- tion, E.P. Chet Greene eral times assists to some twenty-five staff members in im- immigration officers proving their skills. attending this week’s “Through repetition, training session at the we perfect it; we learn Trade Winds hotel.

new things about it The minister also and in the context of urged the participants immigration and bor- to ‘stay the course,’ der control, the tasks telling them to grasp that we are asked to as much as they can undertake on a daily from the training. Not- basis on behalf of the ing that immigration nation of Antigua and officers must now op- Barbuda, I am sure erate in a ‘different you have come to un- time’ of new norms, derstand and appreci- adopting training to ate the nature of train- one’s new circum- ing,” he added. stances may mean

Cont’d on pg 11 WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 11 some level of variation “I now call on you to and pointers, it is up gration department in to what existed before. be that change; the to the officer to bring the past. He made references to change that is adapt- this new learning into The workshop runs the new realities at the able to the new real- their everyday activi- for two weeks as the main port of entry, the ities and one which ties on the job. idea is to train the en- airport, where health calls for creative think- The training is be- tire department over protocols have been ing, an ability to as- ing conducted by that period. Due to put into place due to sess a situation and to Chief Consultant at COVID-19 protocols the pandemic. This, adopt,” he remarked. Nibbs and Associates, only twenty-five staff he explained, is part of Greene made the point Shirlene Nibbs, who members at a time a world where change that while the training has performed similar may attend the train- is the only constant. offers some key points training for the immi- ing. PRIME MINISTER GASTON BROWNE CALLS FOR GLOBAL SOLIDARITY AT UN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL FORUM Prime Minister of An- a case for choosing than nine trillion dol- the Alliance of Small tigua and Barbuda, an equitable path to- lars. He called for ur- Island States (AOSIS), Gaston Browne, was wards recovery after gent action — first and said that small island a featured speaker at COVID-19. “Solidarity foremost to make vac- developing States the will save lives and pre- cines available to all face the greatest pres- Economic and Social vent communities and countries. sure from COVID-19 Council Forum on Fi- economies from fall- PM Browne, while as the pandemic — nancing for Develop- ing into catastroph- speaking on behalf of coupled with existing ment as Chair of Alli- ic debt and dysfunc- ance of Small Island tion,” the Secretary States (AOSIS). General said. The Economic and The Secretary General Social Council opened went on to state that its annual financing just ten countries ac- for development fo- count for seventy-five rum on held last week per cent of global vac- amid warnings that, cinations, while many with more than three others have yet to in- million lives lost to oculate their health- COVID-19 and infec- care workers and most tions still on the rise, vulnerable citizens. governments must “Many developing urgently heed the les- countries face insur- sons learned thus far mountable debt that if they are to avoid a will put the Sustain- lengthy global reces- able Development sion. Goals out of reach.” Opening the session Some estimates place was the UN Secre- the global cost of un- tary General António equal access and vac- Guterres, who made cine hoarding at more

Cont’d on pg 12 PAGE 12 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021

Prime Minister Gaston Browne global challenges like tion of debt forgive- “The per capita in- ty therefore, we firmly climate change and ness as part of a long- come criterion should reject the imposition growing inequality — term solution. Further be permanently of unilateral coercive represents “the big- actions should include shelved. The estab- economic measures gest stress test that we the design of new and lishment and im- against develop- have ever faced.” enhanced financial plementation of a ing countries, which These States face un- instruments to pro- multi-dimensional will enlarge poverty precedented chal- vide debt relief includ- vulnerability index and undermine their lenges in access to es- ing debt cancellation, for SIDS is imperative achievement of the sential medicine and debt suspension, debt and should no lon- sustainable develop- ensuring the wide- rescheduling, debt ger be delayed. Given ment goals.” spread global avail- restructuring, debt the importance of cli- The Economic and ability of COVID-19 swaps, as well as oth- mate finance to SIDS Social Council is at vaccines is critical not er support measures. and in relation to the the heart of the Unit- only for controlling the Also, IDA funding UNFCCC funding; we ed Nations system to pandemic but also for terms should be ex- wish to make a call to advance the three di- the recovery of these panded to include vul- developed countries mensions of sustain- vulnerable States. He nerable SIDS, whose to meet their exist- able development – noted, however, that economies were dec- ing collective mobi- economic, social, and significant disparities imated by COVID-19 lization goal through environmental. It is remain in vaccine ac- and are now faced with 2025. the central platform cess despite efforts to unsustainably high “We also look forward for fostering debate address this issue. debt service ratios and to constructive discus- and innovative think- Browne went on to debt overhang.” sions under the UNF- ing, forging consensus state, “The Paris Club In closing Prime Min- CCC to setting a new on ways forward, and and IFI’s, donor gov- ister Browne reiterated collective quantified coordinating efforts to ernments, as well as the need for the inter- goal, beyond the floor achieve internation- other creditors, should national community of USD 100 billion per ally agreed goals. It is consider a waiver of to adopt urgent and year, in order to in- also responsible for this year’s debt repay- effective measures crease climate finance the follow-up to major ment for SIDS as a to eliminate the use to vulnerable SIDS. UN conferences and short-term measure, of unilateral coercive To defeat COVID re- summits. and the implementa- economic measures. quires global solidari- WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 13 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SARAH-ANN JOSEPH!

· The nation of Antigua great-grandchildren and and Barbuda will join the two great great-grand- · family in celebrating the children.Ms. Joseph has one hundred and second worked as a a domestic · birthday of Sarah-Ann worker and as a cook at · Evangeline Joseph of both the Deets Hotel and Liberta today. the Lord Nelson Hotel in · British Virgin Island. She The Community Devel- was also a supervisor at · opment Division in the the Public Works Depart- Ministry of Social Trans- ment in Antigua, which · formation is coordinating was her longest job ex- · a virtual celebration that perience. will also include Gover- nor General Sir Rodney She attends the Grace · Williams. Hill Moravian Church in Liberta, and her favour- · Ms. Joseph was born to ite hymn is “Through All parents Walter Joseph the Changing Scenes of and Amelia Richards. Life.” Ms. Joseph mothered seven children, five boys Ms. Joseph lists her fa- and two girls, four of vourite foods as fungee, whom reside in Antigua fish, shad and ground and three live abroad. provision and brebrich/ She has thirty-six grand- lemonade. children, twenty-one PAGE 14 REGIONAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 WOMAN CHARGED WITH FORGING COVID-19 TEST RESULTS

BAHAMAS – A wom- of a forged document had Doctors Hospital last several days. an accused of forging in relation to the mat- health systems nega- Police said Russell’s ar- scores of COVID-19 test ter. tive COVID-19 RT-PCR rest comes following results was on Monday However, due to the tests in the names of the proliferation of fake remanded to prison. court’s busy calendar, other people. negative RT-PCR test Laderia Russell, 35, of Ferguson-Pratt was She pleaded not guilty. results. A recent neg- Grantanna Subdivi- only able to arraign Russell, who is repre- ative test result is re- sion, off Cowpen Road, Russell on 40 counts of sented by Ian Cargill quired for travel. Since appeared before Chief possession of a forged and Wendawn Mill- March 2021, police Magistrate Joyann Fer- document. er-Frazer, returns to have intercepted mul- guson-Pratt after police According to those court today at 11 a.m. tiple fraudulent tests at charged her with 80 counts, between No- for the continuation Lynden Pindling Inter- counts of forgery and vember 25, 2020 and of her arraignment, national Airport. 80 counts of possession March 20, 2021, Russell which is expected to WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 15 MIGUEL DÍAZ-CANEL TO BE THE NEW PRESIDENT OF

ing about the process. As a young man, peo- ple who knew him as- sumed he was a witty and charming party secretary in Villa Clara and then Holguin in eastern Cuba. He was also hailed as a thor- ough and commit- ted minister of higher learning. But since ris- ing to national fame, he has appeared to strike a distant and dif- ficult-to-read figure. Raúl Castro first named him vice chairman (of the council of minis- ters) in 2012, shortly after he had taken over from his brother Fidel as the party’s first secre- Miguel Díaz-Canel tary. It was the first real Miguel Díaz-Canel has a hold on Cuba’s two is that he’s in charge of sign that Díaz-Canel been elected the first most powerful posi- almost everything now. was being prepared for secretary of the Cu- tions, head of the par- He stands way over ev- power. ban Communist Party ty and president of the erybody else.” The design of the new (PCC), the most pow- state, and involves sto- An electrical engi- Politburo that will erful role. He will be ries that he was a place- neer by education, guide Cuba through the first person without man, subject to more Díaz-Canel has been a the next years was also mentioning the name important forces. party functionary for announced Monday. Castro to run Cuba “I never believed that much of his life, albe- Its features face huge since the 1959 revolu- kind of rumour,” says it a fast-rising one. He difficulties as the state tion. former Cuban diplo- was born almost a year struggles with the coro- The move, published mat Carlos Alzugaray. after the revolution, navirus, United States Monday, was wide- “He was in command, in Villa Clara, the area penalties, crumbling ly expected. It means probably in close dis- where Che Guevara infrastructure and set the tall, silver-haired cussion with Raúl Cas- broke Fulgencio Batis- bureaucracy. 60-year-old now has tro. But I think the sign ta’s troops’ will, bring- PAGE 16 REGIONAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 MELISSA SKERRIT STARTS “DRY FOOD DRIVE” TO HELP ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Gren- adines, Dr. Ralph Gon- salves, also thanked the Dominican PM for supporting the coun- try. “Thank you, my com- rade brother, Roosevelt Skerrit, and our broth- ers and sisters from the beautiful Common- wealth of Dominica for your generosity. We are deeply moved by your kindness and are eternally grateful,” tweeted SVG PM Ralph Melissa Poponne Skerrit- MP and wife of the PM Roosevelt Skerrit Gonsalves on Monday. Dominica has also ex- DOMINICA – Parlia- brothers and sisters bour House situated at tended support to St. mentary represen- in St. Vincent and the King George V Street, Vincent by agreeing tative from Roseau Grenadines who are Roseau. Melissa Skerrit to accommodate 300 Central, Mrs. Melissa still suffering at the stated that the initia- evacuees from the vol- Poponne Skerrit, has hands of Mother Na- tive is a joint effort of cano-affected country. launched a drive to ture. Kindly drop off the Labour Youth Or- The evacuees would be help St. Vincent and your donations at the ganization(LYO) and housed for free for five the Grenadines. Melis- Labour House,” add- Labour Women’s Orga- months in Dominica. sa Skerrit, who is also ed Mrs. Skerrit on her nization (LWO). However, the Vincen- the wife of Prime Min- Facebook account. Besides this, the gov- tians would be subject- ister Roosevelt Sker- ernment of Dominica ed to mandatory gov- rit, stated on Monday The initiative has been has also declared sup- ernment quarantine that everyone needs named “Dry Food port worth $1 million on arrival in Dominica. to come together to Drive- Yes, we need to St. Vincent and the St. Vincent and the help St Vincent and the your help.” Under the Grenadines. Prime Grenadines has been Grenadines. She said initiative, people can Minister Roosevelt going through tough people can drop off the donate unexpired, Skerrit announced on times for the past two donations at the La- non-perishable food Sunday that Dominica weeks since the La Sou- bour House in Roseau. items. The aid can be is making all efforts to friere volcano erupted “Join us in helping our dropped off at the La- assist the sister island. on April 9, 2021. WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 17

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and To- bago – The government of Trini- dad and Tobago has undergone a reshuffle of ministers as of Mon- day 19 April 2021 when Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley ad- vised President Paul-Mae Weekes to reassign the ministers with im- mediate effect. Mr. Stuart Young has been ap- pointed Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and his du- ties as Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister. Fitzgerald Hinds has been ap- pointed as the Minister of Na- tional Security, while Foster Cummings is Minister of Youth Development and National Ser- vice. Young’s appointment comes three days after the death of for- mer Minister of Energy and Ener- gy Affairs Franklin Khan. The reshuffle has been an- PM KEITH ROWLEY nounced in accordance with Sec- tions 3(9), 76(3) and 79(1) of the ANNOUNCES Constitution of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. MAJOR CABINET Prime Minister Rowley declared that the reassignments are effec- RESHUFFLE tive immediately. The reshuffle of the cabinet is also said to be connected with the rising coronavirus cases in the country. Prime Minister Rowley, who is himself coronavirus pos- itive, stated on Sunday evening that Trinidad and Tobago is expe- riencing a rise in hospitalizations due to COVID-19. The government has also tight- ened its restrictions as the oppo- sition continues to oppose the imposition of stricter measures. Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley PAGE 18 FUN ZONE WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 YOUR DAILY HOROSCOPE

Use your head and you can make the grade Pay your most important bills early so you in the upcoming week. Guard against becom- won’t be caught napping at the end of the ing too argumentative today, because if you week. Tackle projects that require logical wait patiently, someone might change his or sequencing, unflagging concentration and a her mind by tomorrow. degree of pattern recognition.

Your efforts to be friendly and outgoing might Passing quarrels are just temporary. Stay meet with a small measure of mysterious centered so you won’t lose your composure disapproval. Despite this, you’re willing to be over minor disagreements in the week to forgiving and can avoid taking things person- come. Focus on enjoying beautiful things and ally in the week ahead. agreeable people.

There is no benefit in being worldly and You are sharp enough to look for the catch insightful if you don’t put these attributes to in any offer or deal. Take the time you need good use. There may be plenty of fine print to to make a careful decision and to mind your absorb in any deal you review or sign in the possessions. Focus on accuracy this week. week to come.

Your patience may be tested by people who If you want to indulge in the best that life can seem to be at cross purposes with you as this offer, go ahead. Steer clear of a dispute with week unfolds. Focus on making worthwhile a loved one or family member. Hold off on improvements by visualizing the desired making major financial decisions at the end results. of the week.

Demonstrate a generosity of spirit and a In the week ahead, you might be able to put willingness to cooperate in order to win some the knowledge that you gather to good use. new friends and admirers in the upcoming Even handling your most dreaded task can week. Put major purchases on the back give you a sense of accomplishment and burner. contentment.

The way you look or act can make a state- Follow the lead of a partner who understands ment or a whisper. As the week flies by, you how to navigate group social events. In can talk your way out of any jam by being the week ahead, go within to explore and welcoming to all and remaining a neutral understand your vague misgivings about a party if feuds occur. career choice.

WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 WHAT’S UP PAGE 19 LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST

TELL US WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Submit community notices to [email protected] COMICS WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 PAGE 20 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD CHAD LEADER DEBY, KEY WESTERN ALLY, KILLED IN BATTLE-ARMY

President of Chad, Idriss Deby Chad’s president, Idriss viving numerous coup at- ported “a peaceful tran- Itno, as he did each time Deby, who ruled his coun- tempts and rebellions. His sition of power in accor- that the institutions of try for more than 30 years death, the exact cause of dance with the Chadian the republic were grave- and was an important which was unclear, could constitution.” ly threatened, took con- Western ally in the fight deepen Chad’s problems, Deby’s death was an- trol of operations during against Islamist militants as well as those of its allies. nounced a day after he the heroic combat led in Africa, was killed on On the domestic front, was declared winner of a against the terrorists from Monday in a battle against the military is divided and presidential election that Libya. He was wounded rebels in the north, au- the opposition bridling would have given him a during the fighting and thorities said. against years of repres- sixth term in office. Most died once repatriated to His son, Mahamat Idriss sive rule. Internationally, of the opposition boycot- N’Djamena,” Bermendoa Deby, was named interim France and the United ted the vote. Deby, who of- said. president by a transition- States will be hoping their ten joined soldiers on the He did not comment al council of military of- counterterrorism efforts battlefront in his military on when Deby died, but ficers, army spokesman are not now pushed off fatigues, visited troops on funeral arrangements is- Azem Bermendoa Agou- course. the front line after rebels sued by the government na said on state television France said it had lost a based across the northern said it was on Monday. on Tuesday. “brave friend” and Chad frontier in Libya advanced The government and Deby, 68, took power in “a great soldier”. The hundreds of kilometres National Assembly have a rebellion in 1990 and White House offered “sin- (miles) south toward the been dissolved and a na- was one of Africa’s lon- cere condolences” to the capital, N’Djamena. tionwide curfew imposed gest-ruling leaders, sur- people of Chad and sup- “Marshal Idriss Deby from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD PAGE 21 Minneapolis jury convicts ex-policeman Derek Chauvin of murdering George Floyd

plauded and some threw dollar bills in the air in celebration. The site has since become a rallying point for racial justice protests. Chauvin had plead- ed not guilty to the charges of second-de- gree unintentional mur- der involving “inten- tional infliction of bodily harm,” third-degree un- intentional “depraved mind” murder involv- ing an “act eminently dangerous to others,” and second-degree manslaughter involving Former Minneapo- erations began on Mon- quickly when the judge a death caused by “cul- lis policeman Derek day and lasted just over ruled that his bail was pable negligence.” Chauvin was convicted 10 hours. revoked after the verdict Under Minnesota of murder on Tuesday In a confrontation was read. sentencing guidelines, in the arrest of George captured on video, He was taken out of Chauvin faces 12-1/2 Floyd, a milestone in Chauvin, who is white, the courtroom in hand- years in prison for his the fraught racial histo- pushed his knee into cuffs and placed in the murder conviction as ry of the United States the neck of Floyd, a custody of the Henne- a first-time criminal and a rebuke of law en- 46-year-old Black man pin County Sheriff. offender. Prosecutors forcement’s treatment in handcuffs, for more Outside the court- could, however, seek of Black Americans. than nine minutes on house, a crowd of several a longer sentence up The 12-member jury May 25, 2020, as he and hundred people erupt- to the maximum of found Chauvin, 45, three fellow officers ar- ed in cheers when the 40 years if Hennepin guilty of all charges in- rested Floyd, who was verdict was announced. County District Judge cluding second-degree accused of using a fake Cars honked and chants Peter Cahill, who pre- murder, third-degree $20 bill to buy cigarettes of “George Floyd” and sided over the trial, de- murder and manslaugh- at a grocery store. “All three counts” broke termines that there were ter after considering Chauvin, wearing a out. At George Floyd “aggravating factors.” three weeks of testi- gray suit with a blue tie square in Minneapolis, Earlier on Tuesday, mony from 45 witness- and white shirt as well the intersection where U.S. President Joe Biden es, including bystand- as a light-blue pandem- Floyd was killed and is said he had spoken by ers, police officials and ic-related face mask, now named after him, phone with members of medical experts. Delib- nodded and stood people screamed, ap- Floyd’s family. PAGE 22 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 UN to provide food to Venezuela children amid crisis The United Na- vere malnutrition is time, Antonieta Capo- and special education tions’ World Food Pro- causing rates of infant rale, was sacked short- schools. It says that gramme (WFP) has mortality to rise. The ly after her department schools are the best reached a deal with the Venezuelan govern- made the figures pub- way to reach commu- government of Nicolás ment has not released lic. The World Food nities “in an indepen- Maduro in Venezue- any figures on infant Programme will set up dent manner”. WFP la to provide food to mortality in the past a presence in Venezue- Executive Director Da- the country’s school- four years, but the la and aims to provide vid Beasley thanked children. Child mal- health ministry’s re- daily meals to 1.5m President Maduro “for nutrition has been on the rise as Venezue- la’s once-prosperous economy has gone into freefall and health ser- vices have collapsed. More than 5.3m Ven- ezuelans have fled their home country amid the crisis. The WFP aims to reach 185,000 school children by the end of this year. A study by the World Food Pro- gramme published in 2020 suggested that one in three Venezue- lans was not able to put enough food on the ta- ble to meet minimum nutrition requirements and was “in need of assistance”. The study says that Venezuelans’ Many Venezuelan parents are struggling to feed their children and lack of dietary diversity have been resorting to soup kitchens was “of major concern” with many families not port for 2017 showed students by the end of allowing us to be in- getting enough meat, that child deaths had 2023. The WFP will fo- dependent and to not fish, eggs, vegetables risen by 30% from the cus first on the most let any of our work to and fruits. Doctors are previous year. The vulnerable children, be politicized by any- also reporting that se- health minister at the those in pre-primary body”. WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD PAGE 23 Argentina produces Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine in regional first

Doses of the Sputnik V (Gam-COVID-Vac) vaccine against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are pictured at the Tecnopolis Park, in Buenos Aires, Argentina April 15, 2021. REUTERS/Agus- tin Marcarian An Argentine firm the test production Sputnik V. The South Russian scientist has produced test and that the batches American country was Denis Logunov, a lead batches of Russia’s would be sent to Rus- one of the first global- developer of the Sput- Sputnik V COVID-19 sia’s Gamaleya Insti- ly to use the vaccine nik V vaccine, said on vaccine, the first in tute for quality inspec- on scale to inoculate Friday that the vac- Latin America, with tion. “We estimate its population and has cine had proven it- aims to scale up man- that, if the process is faced delays getting self 97.6% effective ufacturing of the drug positive, scale pro- other vaccines. against COVID-19 in by mid-year as the duction would begin The country has a real-world assess- wider region grapples in June 2021,” Rich- seen cases of the nov- ment, based on data with a new surge in mond said in a state- el coronavirus hit dai- from 3.8 million peo- infections. Russian ment, adding it aimed ly records highs over ple. That was higher sovereign wealth fund to have the vaccine the last week, forcing than the 91.6% rate RDIF and Laborato- ready “in the short- the government to outlined in results rios Richmond (RICH. est possible time for tighten restrictions from a large-scale trial BA)said on Tuesday the country and the in and around capital of Sputnik V published that the Argentina region.” Argentina’s city Buenos Aires and in The Lancet medi- pharmaceutical com- inoculation program pledge to speed up its cal journal earlier this pany had carried out has relied heavily on vaccination program. year. PAGE 24 SPORTS NEWS WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE: ALL SIX PREMIER LEAGUE TEAMS WITHDRAW FROM COMPETITION

All six Premier League League was announced er key stakeholders” in they have “begun the for- teams involved in the on Sunday to widespread making their decision to mal procedures for with- European Super League condemnation. not take part. drawal from the group” have formally withdrawn Manchester City con- Arsenal apologised in that they only joined “late from the competition. firmed they have “for- an open letter to their last week.” Manchester City were mally enacted the proce- fans and said they had UEFA president Alek- the first club to pull out dures to withdraw” from “made a mistake,” add- sander Ceferin wel- after Chelsea had sig- the Super League. ing they were withdraw- comed the reversal, add- nalled their intent to do Liverpool said their ing after listening to them ing: “They are back in the so by preparing docu- involvement in the pro- and the “wider football fold now and I know they mentation to withdraw. posed breakaway league community.” have a lot to offer not just The other four sides - “has been discontinued.” Tottenham chairman to our competitions but Arsenal, Liverpool, Man- Manchester United Daniel Levy said the club to the whole of the Euro- chester United and Tot- said they had “listened regretted the “anxiety pean game. The import- tenham - have all now carefully to the reaction and upset” caused by the ant thing now is that we followed suit from our fans, the UK proposal. move on, rebuild the uni- The twelve-team Super government and oth- Chelsea confirmed ty that the game enjoyed WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 SPORTS NEWS PAGE 25 before this and move for- ward together.” English football’s ‘big six’ were part of a group, also containing Spain’s Atletico Madrid, Barcelo- na and Real Madrid and Italy’s AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus, that announced plans to form the breakaway league, which they hoped to es- tablish as a new midweek competition. It was condemned by fans, football authorities and government minis- ters in the UK and across FATE OF CARIFTA 2021 TO BE Europe by UEFA and league associations. ANNOUNCED IN MAY Around one thou- A final decision on the fate of the 2021 Organising Committee (LOC) member sand fans gathered out- Carifta Games will be announced in May. Mia Bean spoke about a non-negotiable side Chelsea’s Stamford On Saturday, the North American, requirement that any unvaccinated visi- Bridge ground before Central American and Caribbean Ath- tor to Bermuda must be quarantined for their game against Brigh- letics Association (NACAC) hosted a spe- 14 days. ton on Tuesday to protest cial information session for the Carifta Since the vaccination requirement at their club’s involve- family. The Zoom meeting was attended would impact all under-17 athletes as ment. Manchester Unit- by member federations as well as chairs well as some of the under-20s, it is a ed executive vice-chair- of NACAC commissions and working major stumbling block. Other potential man Ed Woodward, who groups. challenges were put on the table, includ- was involved in the Su- This year’s edition of the Carifta Games ing the impact of positive Covid-19 tests per League discussions, is scheduled for August 13-15 in Bermu- during the Games, available hotel rooms, has announced he will da. The regional junior meet was not and timelines for booking charters and step down from his role held in 2020 because of the Covid-19 making payments. at the end of 2021. pandemic. Bermuda transferred its host- Following extensive discussions, the Leading players at ing responsibilities to 2021. Carifta 2021 LOC was given until April 30 some of the six clubs sig- The global pandemic eliminated the to report to the NACAC Council on the nalled their disapproval possibility of staging the Games on Eas- latest situation with all the issues raised of the planned break- ter weekend. NACAC had chosen July 2, at the information session. The LOC is away league. 3 and 4 as the new dates, but was forced expected to meet with Bermuda Gov- Liverpool captain Jor- to postpone again because of the sched- ernment officials before the month-end dan Henderson said on uling of Caribbean Examinations Coun- deadline. social media his side’s cil (CXC) external exams. Following receipt of the Bermuda LOC “collective position” is The August dates, however, are now report, the NACAC Council will make a they do not want the Su- under threat. Bermuda is currently ex- decision and communicate it to mem- per League to take place. periencing a spike in Covid-19 cases. At ber federations. Saturday’s meeting, Carifta 2021 Local PAGE 26 WEDNESDAY 21TH APRIL 2021 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG CWI RESTORES FULL SALARIES

President of Cricket West back to normal, even if only Indies (CWI) Ricky Skerritt temporarily. has revealed that players and Skerritt, who was just staff are now receiving full re-elected to another two- salaries again, after agreeing year term with his vice-pres- to a 50 percent pay-cut last ident, Dr. Kishore Shallow, year. indicated there were much CWI enforced pay-cuts in better relations with stake- July 2020 at the height of the holders, players and staff Covid-19 pandemic which over the last two years. left the organization facing The Kittitian said they want major loss of income with to focus on cricket with no very few cricketing activities. major distractions to the Skerritt said all salaries are players.

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