Bears the Name of Sir Lester See Page 3

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 | ISSUE 230 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG MSJMC NOW OFFICIALLY BEARS THE NAME OF SIR LESTER SEE PAGE 3

Unveiling the plaque of the Sir Lester Bird Mount St. John Medical Centre were Sir Rodney Williams, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Sir Mowlyn Joseph and Donyelle Bird, daughter of Sir Lester Bryant Bird.

BARBUDA COUNCIL AGRICULTURE DIVISION BETTER EQUIPPED TO SERVE SEE PAGE 11 PAGE 2 WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 EDITORIAL THE CASE FOR THE SIR LESTER BIRD MSJMC

Leadership, more spe- tion of that dream and Dr. Joseph ‘Joey’ John Barbuda, none of the cifically good leader- the processes involved the project soon took people whose efforts ship, is one of those in making that dream, shape and after over- were responsible for qualities that is difficult that vision, become a coming several hurdles initiating the project to quantify; an intan- reality. and battling much re- were part of the official gible that most people For decades the peo- sistance from opposi- opening. recognise almost in- ple of Antigua and Bar- tion sources, the con- On Tuesday, the MSJMC stantaneously. buda were served by a struction of the hospital was renamed in honour One of the qualities of decrepit health insti- began. of the man, whose un- a good leader is to have tution, the Holberton Unfortunately, neither wavering commitment a clear vision of where Hospital. It had been in Sir Lester nor any of the to see the construc- he/she wants to take operation since the ear- other visionaries were tion and equipping the organization, asso- ly years of the 20th cen- there when the hospital of a modern hospital ciation, or country in tury and was no lon- was completed. For, in to serve the people of the case of a politician, ger able to provide the the year 2004, the ABLP Antigua and Barbuda, but more specifically, health care required by suffered its second elec- Sir Lester Bryant Bird. to take them to heights a growing nation. toral defeat, this time at He has been acknowl- the ordinary members The construction of a the hands of the United edged to be responsible have not yet imagined. modern hospital was Progressive Party, an for the erection of this Then, a good leader part of the Antigua and amalgamation of the modern edifice and the must be able to artic- Barbuda Labour Par- opposition forces in the honour was regarded as ulate that vision in a ty’s (ABLP’s) elections country. due recognition for his manner that engen- manifesto for the 1999 Work on the project was vision and drive to see ders buy-in from his/ general elections and halted by the new ad- it become a reality. her colleagues, as well soon after the win at the ministration, but when Too often, as a society as those who are most polls for the ABLP, then its leadership recog- we have much difficulty likely to benefit from Prime Minister Lester nized the value of com- in giving honour/credit that vision becoming a Bird, was like a man pleting the project, as it where it is due. In the reality. possessed; possessed was in the best interest case of the renaming Such has been the case with the vision to bring of the country, final- of the hospital, there with the dream/vision this state-of-the-art ly work resumed and should be no ambiv- of a modern health- hospital to reality. soon after the MSJMC alence in recognizing care facility to serve the With the support of his was completed. that this is an honour people of Antigua and Cabinet, coupled with As it is the nature of well-deserved. Three Barbuda, the articula- the youthful energy of politics in Antigua and cheers, Sir Lester Bird! WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 3

MSJMC NOW OFFICIALLY BEARS THE NAME OF SIR LESTER

By Shelton Daniel It’s now official: The Mount St. lighted the vision and deter- John’s Medical Center is now mination of Sir Lester, a Na- the Sir Lester Bird Mount St. tional Hero, in withstanding John’s Medical Center. the mammoth financial and The formal renaming ceremo- other challenges to procuring ny took place last evening at a medical complex to replace the state-of-the-art modern the old and broken down Hol- hospital that was completed berton Hospital, whose oper- 12 years ago under an Anti- ating and working conditions gua and Barbuda Labour Party had become both odious and (ABLP) administration headed hazardous to staff, patients by then Prime Minister Sir Les- and visitors. ter Bryant Bird. In addition to these fiscal and Speaker after speaker during logistical hurdles, those paying yesterday’s function high- tribute to the now 83-year-old

Cont’d on pg 4 PAGE 4 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 former leader, also re- St. John Medical Center. of his contributions, de- conceptualized in 1993 called the intense polit- It is time that we honor spite his great efforts, when her father, newly ical opposition he faced our own in this country despite his love and installed as leader of the and endured with con- … And I think it is most commitment for the ad- ABLP, was preparing for viction; that what he appropriate for some- vancement of the peo- his first general election had set his sights upon one who has worked so ple of this country, that in that capacity. with regard to Mount St. hard to ensure that we there were opposition “The party manifesto John’s was best for the have this modern facil- elements who – on a promised a new gener- country then and for the ity here in Antigua and weekly basis – were lit- al hospital and his first foreseeable future. Barbuda.” erally beating him in ef- order of business was to Current Minister of The renaming cere- figy. I saw his pain, and ensure it was delivered. Health and Wellness mony was held on the today I can empathize The Mount St. John’s Sir Molwyn Joseph re- same date that the ABLP with him. It’s just that I Medical Center was con- called that during a par- marked its 75th anni- have his experience to ceptualized during a trip liamentary session, of versary. Sir Lester has learn from,” stated PM that year, sitting in the very intense opposition occupied a special place Browne, who went on Atrium of the Grand Hy- pushback against gov- of honor in the vener- to describe Sir Lester as att Hotel in Manhattan, ernment’s proposal to able institution which “one of the greatest Anti- New York, where the first build the new hospital, – almost a decade ago – guans and Barbudans to substantive discussion Sir Lester calmly main- named him its Lifetime grace our shores”. about a modern hospital tained his statesmanlike Leader Emeritus. Sir Lester’s daughter, for Antigua and Barbu- posture. Sir Lester’s successor Donyelle Bird, assured da was held with one of “The Honorable Lester as ABLP political lead- the appreciative audi- his closest friends, [the Bryant Bird, during that er and current Prime ence that although her legendary local medical same session, I recall … Minister of Antigua and father was unable to practitioner] Dr. Joseph I was quite impressed Barbuda, Honorable physically attend the “Joey” John.” that he raised the bar, be- Gaston A. Browne, was ceremony he was view- Despite all the oppo- cause he did not spend one of the main speaking the live broadcast of sition that the hospital much time responding ers during Tuesday’s re- the proceedings from project faced, Donyelle to what the opposition naming ceremony. home. Bird noted, her father was saying at the time, “Challenges are not new Sir Lester has been recu- and those with him, and I saw a statesman to this great institution perating from a recent stuck doggedly to that in Lester Bird,” said Sir … I would have seen the lower limb amputation goal of delivering on the Molwyn. pain that Sir Lester had brought on by compli- promise and on their He added: “There should to endure as the leader cations of long-standing commitment, to pro- never be any question of of this country. I recall diabetes. He is however vide modern and quality the legitimacy of nam- seeing him on several said to in good spirits healthcare to people of ing this institution the occasions bemoaning and recovering well. this twin island nation. Sir Lester Bird Mount the fact that despite all She said MSJMC was WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 5

NEW HOSPITAL FOR THE MENTALLY ILL PROPOSED

There is a need for name the country’s of-the-art, first class cility for the mentally Antigua and Barbuda main public health treatment for men- impaired during the to construct a mod- institution, the Sir tally ill patients in An- parliamentary debate ern hospital to prop- Lester Bird Mount St. tigua and Barbuda, for the MSJMC more erly care for those in John’s Medical Centre in a new facility that than twelve years the society who suffer (MSJMC). “This is our is comparable to the ago. He said he now with mental health is- challenge today; that Sir Lester Bird MS- feels that the current sues. That suggestion as we all celebrate JMC. If nothing else, government ought to comes from Health this achievement we should mark this take up this challenge Minister, Sir Molwyn of the construction occasion by making as there is a dire need Joseph, who made the and renaming of this that commitment,” for such a facility to be case for a new mental health institution, it Sir Molwyn remarked. part of the health care health facility when is my humble view Sir Molwyn noted that infrastructure of Anti- he addressed Tues- that we should ele- he had made a sim- gua and Barbuda. day’s ceremony to re- vate, providing state- ilar call for a new fa- GOVERNMENT ACQUIRES OVER TWO HUNDRED OXYGEN TANKS

The government is taking pro-active action to secure an adequate supply of oxygen, especially as An- tigua and Barbuda like the rest of the world, is battling with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The Ministry of Health has announced that it has received 234 oxygen tanks to boost the country’s supplies of the much-needed Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph (right) was on hand for the opening of the container with the tanks of oxygen PAGE 6 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021

resource in the ongoing battle country also received 30 of over a half a million dol- againstMONTHS Covid-19. According portableFROM oxygen generators NOW lars ($500,000.00 EC). During to Health Minister, Sir Mol- which will be used to refill the the recent spike in cases of wyn Joseph, the purchasing of purchased tanks. Moments COVID-19 in India, access the already filled tanks out of after opening the contain- to oxygen was a major con- Miami was a Cabinet decision er and inspecting the ship- cern as family members were to ensure that the island does ment, Sir Molwyn disclosed forced to travel miles to pur- not run out of oxygen. that the state of the art equip- chase oxygen in an effort to In addition to the tanks, the ment came with a price tag help keep their relatives alive. WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 7

Better Roads, Seatbelt Wearing the Focus of Global Road Safety Week

Better days are ahead for road users in Antigua and front-seat passengers wear seatbelts. “We cannot Barbuda as the Minister of Works is giving a com- allow Antiguans and Barbudans to continue to put mitment to redesign and improve the national road their lives and the lives of others in their vehicles at infrastructure to provide smoother roadways for risk, every time they travel on the national road net- better traffic flows. work, especially since the government is investing Works Minister, Lennox Weston, made the commitment amidst the backdrop of the launch of the UN Global Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 and the new Global Plan, which sets a target of one hundred (100) percent seatbelt wearing by 2030. The ministry revealed that a survey it conducted among the public found that there is very poor compliance with national seatbelt laws. “This is the challenge confronting local law enforcement,” the ministry said in a media release. According to the release only fifty (50) percent of the one thousand, four hundred and twenty-three (1,423) drivers observed, were wearing seatbelts. Fe- male drivers are more likely to wear a seatbelt, with almost two-thirds wearing their seatbelt compared to just forty-five per cent of male drivers. Weston said he is particularly concerned by the findings of the study which also found that the seat belt wearing rate was even lower for drivers of government vehicles, taxis, and commercial vehicles with only forty (40) percent. The observation surveys found that a mere forty (40) percent of male and female PAGE 8 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021

millions of dollars to im- police for speeding on ing rate. Minister Weston tions to include: the Bus prove roadways. These main roads. The online concluded that “the cell- Associations and the Taxi surveys were conducted survey was facilitated phone success is likely Driver’s Associations to on the six main roads by the Project Imple- to be due in part to the get seatbelt safety mes- under the Government mentation Management 2019 fine increase to sages to their members of Antigua and Barbuda Unit for the Ministry of $500,” adding that he will and passengers. Road Infrastructure Re- Works and conducted by be working with all Min- habilitation project and FRED Engineering, an isters of Government to Using road traffic crash the Second Road Reha- independent road safe- ensure that employees in data from the Royal Po- bilitation Project, and it ty-consulting firm based all government depart- lice Force of Antigua and is believed that seatbelt in Italy. ments strictly comply Barbuda for the period use is even lower in rural Given the success in with the national traffic 2016-2019, the Ministry areas,” the Works Minis- addressing cellphone law. of Works estimates that ter said. Global research use, the Government Permanent Secretary in the average annual eco- shows that wearing a of Antigua and Barbu- the Ministry of Works, nomic cost of deaths and seatbelt in the front seat da is now considering Clarence Pilgrim stat- serious injuries from ve- reduces the risk of death a range of options, in- ed that drivers of public hicular collisions is about by forty-five per cent and cluding increasing fines, transport vehicles have USD $33million. Howev- the risk of serious injury implementing enforce- the lives of innocent pas- er, this does not consider by fifty per cent. Seatbelts ment and media cam- sengers in their hands. the ongoing suffering of protect the vital organs paigns, and reviewing Pilgrim added that the many accident victims – the heart, lungs, liver, government policies to Ministry of Works would and their families. kidneys, and spleen and achieve a one hundred be collaborating with prevent ejection. People percent seat belt wear- transportation associa- Cordice who are not wearing a seatbelt are thirty times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle during a crash. The ministry’s release further reported that an associated social survey of road users shows that while there is high aware- ness of the safety bene- fits of seatbelts, there is low expectation of any consequence for failing to comply with the law. Sixty per cent of males and fifty per cent of female respondents agree that ‘there is not much risk of being caught by WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 9 Govt. Senator calls for more women, youth to get involved in politics

Senator Govia herself, ing, than to be active- the youngest member ly involved in politics. of the Upper House There are many who of parliament, is urg- stay on the sidelines ing both women and and offer comments young people not to or suggestions which be deterred by com- may or may not have ments from others merit, but, when one who may be speaking is part of a process, out against making a especially if the par- career in politics. ty he/she supports “There is no more ef- forms the govern- fective tool to be part ment, that individual of the decision-mak- can more readily af-

Government Senator Shenella Govia

Government Senator it can provide them Shenella Govia wants with a chair at the ta- to see more women ble when crucial deci- and young people get sions about the nation involved in politics as are being made. PAGE 10 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 fect change,” she told Representatives and nance of the country, a mitment and drive. a radio programme eight in the Senate, commitment he made In urging women and Tuesday during the to include: The Presi- on the campaign trail youth to get involved, Antigua and Barbuda dent, Senator Alincia and one which he has Senator Govia said Labour Party (ABLP) Williams-Grant. Six of fulfilled. politics is a profession 75th anniversary cele- the eleven appointed Senator Govia also that offers partici- brations. Senator Gov- by the ABLP, are wom- noted that in her own pants, the opportunity ia noted that currently, en. She commends case she knew that she to develop their skills there are more women Prime Minister Gaston wanted to get involved in debating, research, serving in the parlia- Browne for his com- in politics at an early management and ne- ment than before with mitment to empower age…and she never gotiation among oth- two in the House of women in the gover- wavered in that com- ers. Thirty-two thousand people have received first vaccine dose

The number of people have received their first who have received the dose, there are over two first dose of the an- thousand five hundred ti-COVID-19 vaccine and eighty-one (2581) has climbed to ap- persons who have re- proximately thirty-two ceived the second dose thousand (32,000). as of last week. That’s the latest figure In making a pitch available up to Tues- for more buy-ins to day night coming from the vaccination pro- the vaccination cen- gramme, Prime Min- tres being operated by ister Gaston Browne the government. The is urging everyone rate of vaccination has who has received their slowed considerably first dose to each take since the second phase someone else – a fam- of the programme ily member or a friend started several weeks – to be vaccinated. He ago. There has been said this would take a well-orchestrated the country to over six- campaign against the ty-thousand which is vaccination which has close to achieving ‘herd played on people’s fears immunity’, a status be- leading to a high degree ing sought by the gov- of hesitancy towards ernment in order to get the vaccination exer- ahead of the virus. cise. In addition to the number of people who WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 11 Barbuda Council Agriculture Division Better Equipped to Serve The Ministry of Agricul- ties executed on the pre- ture, Fisheries, and Bar- vious visit. buda Affairs announced Adding to the instal- that the Barbuda Coun- lation and building cil Agriculture Division activities, the project can now produce seed- also featured a capaci- lings in a protective en- ty-building session for vironment which will farmers and backyard increase production for gardeners. This was fa- a variety of seedlings for cilitated by Mr. Victor C. the local community. Harris, Technician from The Ministry indicated the Ministry of Agricul- that activities under the ture, who primarily fo- crowdfunding project, cused on seedling pro- ‘Mitigating the impacts duction management. of COVID-19 through Mr. Bradbury Brown, the supply of fresh food a Technician from Ca- to rural households’, ribbean Agricultural continued with a num- Research and Develop- ber of activities in Bar- ment Institute (CARDI) buda to support the also facilitated training local farmers and back- on rapid multiplication yard gardeners. of roots and tubers us- In two days, several ac- ing the mini stem meth- tivities were executed in od. Barbuda which would According to the Agri- see the council better culture Ministry, “over equipped in the field of 15 persons participated agricultural production. in the training session. These activities includ- Approximately 40 local ed the installation of an Farmers and Backyard irrigation misting sys- Gardeners in Barbuda tem for the newly con- have benefited directly structed seedling nurs- and indirectly from the ery, the installation of a Crowdfunding Project. drip irrigation system This project is the first of for small farmers and its kind in the Caribbean NGOs, capacity build- region which is current- ing for small farmers ly being implemented and backyard garden- in Antigua and Barbuda ers, construction of the and Haiti which is sup- Multiplication Humid- ported by other institu- ity Bin and monitoring tions such as the OAS and evaluation of activi- Trust Fund.” PAGE 12 LOCAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 Local start-up Poultry Production Company Gets Ministry’s Spotlight

The Ministry of Agri- tour was very engaging which they will be taken are appealing to the pub- culture, in recent times, for the team as they wit- to the slaughterhouse lic to support this proj- increased its site vis- nessed first-hand, eggs to be slaughtered.”The ect which will not only its to several agricul- being hatched at a fa- Ministry indicated that guarantee fresh, locally ture-based operations cility and two-day-old the final stage of the produced poultry prod- throughout the island. chicks being transport- chicken production for ucts but will also provide Week after week, the ed and placed on local sale is set to begin next employment opportuni- Ministry has highlight- farms to be raised be- month. Agriculture offi- ties for citizens. ed Argo-processing and tween 32 - 42 days; after cials and Mr. Osbourne plant production farmers in Antigua and Barbu- da.Earlier this week, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs, The Hon. Saman- tha Marshall, along with senior staff and techni- cians paid a visit to local chicken farm operator, Mr. Alan Osborne of FNY Foods Ltd. Mr. Osborne owns and operates a major, pioneering Broiler Farm Project branded as ‘Fresh ‘N’ Yummy’, a local start-up poultry production company in Antigua and Barbuda.Visiting the broiler plant, Minister Marshall noted the effect the production had on the country’s food security. The Agriculture Minister said that they were very impressed with this initiative which will have a significant impact on the importation of our most con- sumed meat product. According to the Minis- try of Agriculture, “The WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 13 Accident Victim Receives Airlift Assistance from General Public and Calvin Ayre Foundation A Colombian national learned of the urgent Although she is cur- me,” Leidy said. “And living in Antigua and need for emergency rently unable to move especially the Calvin Barbuda who sus- airlift, the decision her arms and legs, she Ayre Foundation. I tained multiple frac- was quickly taken to holds on to hope that want to thank every- tures to her left leg assist the family, who she will soon be able one from the bottom and arm in a major ve- had already raised a to return to realizing of my heart for giving hicular accident, has little over US$10,000. her dreams and once me this chance to get been airlifted back to The 25 year-old Co- again, live fully. my surgery so I can her homeland follow- lumbian who was “I want to thank every- walk again.” ing assistance through residing in Antigua, one who supported her family’s GoFund- was the victim of a Me efforts and dona- major car crash on AUCTION SALE tions from the Calvin May 3, which caused NOTICE NOTICE

Ayre Foundation. The her to be trapped in Instructed by the ANTIGUA AND BAR- To: Your Worship BUDA DEVELOPMENT BANK of 27 St. accident victim, Leidy the vehicle until an St. Johns Magistrate Court Mary’s Street, in the City of Saint John, in the State of Antigua and Barbuda, I Gray`s Farm Paola Galvis Salazar, emergency team was will sell by public auction on Tuesday St. Johns 06 July 2021 at 10:00 a.m. on site, the is counting her lucky able to extricate her under mentioned property under the ad- Antigua. ministration of Mr. Sawandi Merchant, stars and thanking from the wreck. Gal- Administrator of the Estate of the late Ms. Colleen Lovence, formerly of New Win- To: The Commissioner of Police some caring and be- vis spent 11 days of thorpes, St. Georges’s, Antigua. nevolent people for being hospitalized at Police Headquarters American Road The property is located at Lamberts in supporting her fam- the Mt. St. John’s Med- New Winthorpes, St. George’s, Antigua St. Johns and consists of a parcel of land of an area ily’s GoFundMe ef- ical Center (MSJMC), Antigua. of approximately 5,449 sq. ft./ 0.1 acre, with a single storey, two (2) bedroom, one forts to airlift her to during which time her (1) bathroom wooden dwelling thereon. Dear Sir/Madame, Columbia for urgent mother, Lucy Salazar Re: Notice- Application for The service lines for potable water, electricity and telephone which are provided medical attention. who lives in Colum- Tavern Licence by A.P.U.A are accessible to the property.

One such organiza- bia, posted an impas- The land is registered under the Registered Land Act, 1975 as follows:- tion is the Calvin Ayre sioned social media I, Jacqueline Ford of Marble Hill, with reg- Foundation (CAF), plea for assistance and istered business situate at High Street St. REGISTRATION SECTION: Cassada Gardens & New Winthorpes which came on board started a GoFundMe John Antigua and Barbuda DO HERE- to cover the outstand- BY GIVE NOTICE that it is my intention BLOCK: page. The family re- to apply at the next sitting of the liquor 42 1995E ing expense of over ceived an outpouring licensing Court to be held at the Magis- PARCEL: US$12,000 in order to of financial support of trate`s Court, Gray`s Farm, St. John`s, 256 Antigua on Thursday 1st July, 2021 next meet the targeted air- over US$10,000 from Parcel No. 256 of Block No. 42 1995E is ensuring for a Liquor Licensing pursuant bounded by the following: lift cost of US$23,000, the general public, to section (11) (5) of the Licensing (intox- -On the North by: Parcel 251; ication Liquor) Act Cap. 249 of the Laws -On the South by: Public Road; which enabled Galvis whom they referred to -On the East by: Public Road; of Antigua and Barbuda 1992 Revised to be airlifted to Co- as “angels”. -On the West by: Parcel 255 Edition, in respect of premises Known as lumbia on Thursday, Leidy, who moved to “Ninetys Restaurant & Bar” situated at Particulars of the sale can be obtained High Street in the parish of St. John, Anti- from: Mr. Trevor ‘Teddy’ Santos May 13. According to Antigua a few years Licensed Auctioneer gua and Barbuda. Ayre Group’s and CAF’s ago, came to the is- Office: (268) 562-7653 Cell & WhatsApp: (268) 464-7653 Media Relations Spe- land to work as a Email: [email protected] cialist, Jamilla Kirwan, Mixologist, which is Dated the 17th day of May, 2021 Instagram: tts_auction_antigua Facebook: Auction Antigua when the Foundation her area of expertise. PAGE 14 CARICOM BUSINESS WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 Join Hands and Work Together for a Better Future

By: Mr. Wang Erdong, Chargé d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Bar- buda is known as “the Gem of the Caribbean”. Re- grettably, I have not yet fully appreciat- ed the beauty of it since I came here three months ago, due to the coronavirus pandemic. But, I do believe that the pandemic will eventually be overcome, and life will return to nor- malcy. I have personal- ly witnessed the tremendous efforts made by the government and its people in An- tigua and Barbu- da to prevent and control COVID-19. Hence, I would like Mr. Wang Erdong to congratulate the nation on its great

Cont’d on pg 15 WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 CARICOM BUSINESS PAGE 15 achievements in that re- continues to reach out to economic downturn and spect. I am also amazed help the world. Just as Pres- financial shocks in recent that the members of the ident Xi Jinping said, “Chi- years. China, will thus con- public have shown their na will make its vaccine a tinue to provide assistance solidarity by abiding by the global public good”. to, and expand economic COVID-19 protocols. The long geographical dis- and technical cooperation The national vaccine roll- tance will never prevent with Antigua and Barbuda, out is underway in both the two countries from be- with full efforts made on China and Antigua and coming close and reliable infrastructure and projects Barbuda. As China has a partners. “Good friends concerning people’s liveli- population of more than feel close even when they hood, in order to improve 1.41 billion, vaccines are are thousands of miles its economic growth and also in short supply at apart;” this old Chinese people’s life, as well as the home. Nevertheless, China saying can best describe capacity to cope with the will honor its promise to the relationship between crisis by itself. donate 20,000 doses of the China and Antigua and This hard time is only tem- Sinopharm vaccine to the Barbuda. Since the estab- porary, but the cooperation twin-island nation. lishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries The reason behind this between the two countries is long-term and real. Chi- is, first of all, mankind is a on January 1, 1983, the bi- na represents opportunity community with a shared lateral cooperation has be- and future. As the world’s future and a common come closer and stronger largest consumer market stake. In the face of this vi- with more and more tan- with the greatest potential, rus, everyone breathes the gible results achieved over China is now accelerat- same air and“COVID-19 the years. Tourism is the ing its pace to foster a new spares no one”. Secondly, most significant economic development pattern and though there is some self- driver for the twin-island deepen reform and open- ish major power hoarding nation. Affected by exter- ing up. Antigua and Bar- vaccines, China remains nal environments, howev- buda is already on the des- a responsible player and er, the country has suffered tination list for outbound

ENTERTAINMENTCont’d on pg 16 PAGE 16 FEATURE WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 Chinese citizens, I came here, I also In getting along with ral disasters such as and hopefully, the found out that the sincere and good hurricanes and suf- specialty products leaders of the na- friends like Antigua fers from the con- from the twin is- tion displayed over- and Barbuda, Chi- sequences of global lands such as: lob- whelming charisma na stresses integrity, warming and rising ster and rum will be as leaders of great friendship, and mo- sea levels. I feel the seen more on the nations, when they rality, which com- same about that. dinner table in Chi- always adhere to the prise an important China will continue na. Though Anti- “One China” princi- cultural heritage of to support and join gua and Barbuda is ple. Meanwhile, the the Chinese nation; hands with the na- a small country, “a Prime Minister Hon. China also takes the tion to deal with up- small country can Gaston Browne and lead in promoting coming challenges still be great with the Minister of For- equality, coopera- and difficulties. strong governance”, eign Affairs, Immi- tion, and law-abid- I am very impressed as an old Chinese gration and Trade ing citizens. The era by the national mot- saying goes. The Hon. E. P. Chet of “power is justice” to of the country, twin-island state Greene often criti- has gone, and the “Each endeavour- pursues an inde- cize the practice of practice of “who- ing, all achieving”. pendent foreign some neighboring ever has the big fist I believe with the policy and explores powers neglecting has the final say” is joint efforts of the development paths the interests of small old-fashioned and two governments that suit its own countries. China is should be dumped and peoples, the bi- characteristics; the a big country, but into the trash can of lateral cooperation “Father of the Na- it never bullies the history years ago. will yield even more tion” Sir Vere Corn- small or imposes its Because of the spe- tangible results be- wall Bird once said path or will on oth- cial natural and tween China and that he resisted any ers. These practic- geographical con- Antigua and Barbu- attempt to advance es never belong to ditions, Antigua and da. their philosophy China’s political and Barbuda also faces in his nation. After cultural traditions. the threat of natu- WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 FEATURE PAGE 17 PAGE 18 REGIONAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021

400 jobs to be created through $20M block-making project VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES IN REGIONS 3, 4, 6 AND 10 BEING TARGETED

Guyana Chronicle - IN keeping ter, Collin Croal, said the initiative is demand for blocks,” Minister Croal with government’s promise of job aimed at unemployment reduction said. He highlighted that current- creation, the Ministry of Housing and noted that block makers in the ly there is a market of demand for and Water, on Monday, launched its identified communities are strate- 123,000 blocks that will be used for $20 million pilot Community-based gically positioned to benefit from the construction of houses being Employment Stimulation Project the CESP initiative, which is expect- built by the Central Housing and (CESP) in Tiger Bay. ed to create some 400 jobs. Planning Authority (CH&PA) in The initiative, which is the brain- He explained that with the con- Cummings Lodge on the East Coast child of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, was struction sector taking off, this is a of Demerara and Prospect which is conceptualised with the goal of cre- pivotal juncture for wealth expan- located on the East Bank corridor. ating block-making jobs in several sion of persons in the construction Further, he noted that the ministry vulnerable communities in four chain, which includes block makers has secured the commitment of 10 regions. Of the project sum, $3.9 and suppliers. contractors to purchase the blocks million has been set aside for the Ti- “The construction sector as you produced through the CESP initia- ger Bay community. In the coming know is taking off once again and tive. The initiative, according to the months, the project will be expand- the demands are many. Participa- ministry, comes not just as a job ed to include Albouystown, East tion at this activity will allow those creation platform, but also a plat- Ruimveldt, West Ruimveldt, Sophia, of you who are willing to make the form for the creation of new entre- Agricola, Mocha, Lusignan, and commitment to become exposed to preneurs in the block-making busi- Buxton in Region Four, along with, the world of work in a much more ness. Linden in Region 10, Canje in Re- structured manner, become entre- Minister Croal indicated that the gion Six and a number of still-to-be preneurs for yourselves and better ministry will work to provide start- determined communities in Region provide for your families. One such up support to those participating in Three. Minister of Housing and Wa- demand that I am alluding to is the the project. WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 19 New COVID-19 protocols for fully vaccinated travelers to Dominica

Individuals who are ful- government quarantine “But if you are fully vac- ference compared to the ly vaccinated will no facility.” He stated that cinated you don’t go 2 or 2 ½ days,” he noted. longer be required to be on day 2 of residence at through this testing,” he Meanwhile, Dr. McIn- tested on arrival at the these facilities, a PCR stated. tyre explained that pro- airport. test will be done, and the Dr. McIntyre added that cedures are in place with Health Minister, Dr. Ir- individual will receive individuals who are fully regard to the high-risk ving McInytre, made the the results within 24 vaccinated and are not alert. disclosure while speak- hours. tested at the airport, are “You may have vac- ing as a guest on Prime “So, what it means is a still being encouraged cinated travelers and Minister Roosevelt Sker- minimum of two days. to wear their masks and non-vaccinated travel- rit’s Annou Pale Sunday So actually, if you are practice physical dis- ers, but then you might talk show this week. done on the second tancing. also get a traveler who He said this forms part of day, you might actually However, he said for is a high risk alert; that the new COVID-19 pro- go home on that same those who are not fully means maybe the trav- tocols which will come second day or the next vaccinated, the proto- eler had a fever or has into effect on Wednes- morning,” he explained. cols remain the same. been complaining of day 19th May, 2021. “So the days of 5 and 6 “You get to your certified loss of taste or having “If you are fully vaccinat- and 7 days in quarantine Safe in Nature property headaches or he could ed and you fit the criteria are over for fully vacci- or you get to the govern- have been working in a of someone who is fully nated travelers.” ment quarantine facil- COVID hospital or re- vaccinated you will not The minister further ex- ity and then on the fifth lated to a COVID-19 pa- be tested at the airport,” plained that there are (5th) day we have you tient. So all this gives us the minister said. “But certain typical cases tested with a PCR; that a little red alert and in you will have to go to where if one is symp- means you might just go in that case, we should your hotel which has to tomatic then a rapid home on the sixth (6th) quickly do a rapid anti- be a certified Safe in Na- antigen test will be con- or seventh (7th ) day gen test,” he stated. tion (SiN) property, or a ducted. which makes a big dif- PAGE 20 REGIONAL NEWS WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021

SLP HAILS MEETING WITH DIASPORA A SUCCESS

SLP officials moments before virtual meeting with diaspora communities

Loop News- The Micoud North, Jeremi- pertise. He added that contribute annually to Saint Lucia Labour Party ah Norbert. Pierre and there was also the need organisations and com- (SLP) touts a successful his team reiterated the to provide incentives and munities in Saint Lucia. and productive virtual necessity for established opportunities to Saint The Virtual Diaspora meeting with Saint Lu- and sustained dialogue Lucians who wish to do Town Hall, United States cian nationals residing in with persons in the di- business at home. The Edition was the first in a the United States. aspora in order to foster Opposition leader stated series of scheduled di- The Sunday May 16 partnerships and invest- that a Labour Party un- aspora meetings for the meeting saw addresses ment opportunities in der his leadership would year. Virtual Diaspora by Political Leader and Saint Lucia. not only provide for the Town Halls for the Unit- MP for Castries East, He underscored the im- duty-free importation ed Kingdom, Canada Philip J Pierre, MP for portance of the diaspora of charitable goods but and the Caribbean Re- Vieux Fort North, Mo- in national development would also explore a gion are being planned ses “Musa” Jn Baptiste and in the exchange of VAT free option to assist and will be advertised in and the candidate for ideas and technical ex- the many persons who the coming weeks. WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 21

VOLCANO DAMAGE COULD AMOUNT TO 50% OF GDP — FINANCE MINISTER iWitnessNews SVG - The costs will exceed $30 sands of chickens have adding that the assess- loss and damage caused million. “We know that been lost. ments were done before by last month’s explosive there’s damage to over “We know that there’s the torrential rains that eruption of La Soufriere 5,000 buildings exceed- over $50 million in dam- sent flooding and lahars could amount to 50% of ing $35 million. We know age to our forest. And the down hillsides and cause the gross domestic prod- that at least $175 million evaluators, quite natural- even more damage to uct, Minister of Finance of loss and damage has ly, couldn’t get all the way the infrastructure, lives Camillo Gonsalves has been inflicted on the up into the mountains to and livelihoods. told Parliament. agricultural sector, and evaluate the full extent of “And while we hope that “Even preliminary, in- some estimates are as the damage to our forest- the volcano has complet- complete assessments of high as US$150 million. ry. “We know that there’s ed the explosive phase of the damage and the loss We know that in the red damage to our public its eruptions, the scien- that we face are sobering zone, 100% of crops, utility infrastructure — tists have not given us estimates,” he said on vegetable crops, have water, electricity gener- any such iron-clad assur- Tuesday as he presented been destroyed; 65% of ation and distribution ance,” Gonsalves said. an EC$117.9 million sup- arrowroot crops, 90% of capacity. “And when the assess- plementary budget in re- tree crops, and 80% of “And all of this prelimi- ments are complete, it is sponse to the eruption. root crops have been de- nary data, sobering as it entirely possible, indeed “Even without going to stroyed.” is, excludes large swaths likely, that loss and dam- the full extent of the Red The minister said that in the Red and Orange age could well approach Zone, the Orange Zone hundreds of livestock, zone that were inacces- 50% of the gross domes- and up the mountains, including sheep, goats, sible at the time of the tic product of St. Vincent we know that clean-up pigs, cattle and thou- assessment,” he said, and the Grenadines.” WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 PAGE 22 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

Cyclone Tauktae: Ninety missing at sea in the wake of storm

Heavy rains flooded many areas of Mumbai

BBC World News - More offshore drilling. When while the third is off the speeds of up to 160km/h than 90 people are miss- the storm struck, the coast of Gujarat. ONGC (100mph). It narrowly ing after a barge off the barge’s anchors gave way said it had also deployed missed Mumbai, but the coast of the Indian city of and it began drifting. The boats to rescue its person- barges adrift off the city’s Mumbai sank amid a se- Indian navy has mounted nel. One of the troubled coast were unable to re- vere cyclone. The Indian a massive air and sea res- barges, reportedly carry- turn to the harbour on navy said it had rescued cue mission for the missing cargo, had anchored time. 177 of the 270 people ing oil workers, which is and was about 14km from Winds have ravaged aboard and that efforts to being hampered by huge Mumbai’s coast when it coastal areas in the west- find survivors were ongo- waves: “There are waves went adrift on Monday. ern state of Gujarat, up- ing. Three other commer- of 20 to 25 feet (six to The navy said the barge rooting trees and electric- cial barges carrying about 7.6m), the winds are high had since run aground in ity poles. In Saurashtra 700 people are stranded and the visibility is low,” a rocky patch of the sea. district, electricity supply at sea in the wake of cy- said navy spokesman Everyone on board is re- has been cut as a precau- clone Tauktae, which has Vivek Madhwal. “Ships ported to be safe. tionary measure. battered India’s western and aircraft have been de- The third barge, about About 200,000 people coast. ployed for the search and 92km from the Gujarat were evacuated across Tauktae weakened after rescue mission.” A navy coast, is attached to an oil several states as the cy- it made landfall on Mon- spokesman told the BBC rig. There are reported- clone approached, bring- day, but at least 19 people it had dispatched three ly 196 people aboard and ing with it heavy rains and have already died in the warships to save those another 100 reportedly gusty winds. The storm storm. The stricken barge, aboard the three stranded stuck on the rig. Initially has hit the region amid a owned by India’s Oil and commercial barges. Two classified as “extremely devastating second wave Natural Gas Corporation of the barges are off the severe”, the cyclone made of Covid-19 that has over- (ONGC), was carrying coast of Mumbai, the cap- landfall in Gujarat state whelmed Indian hospi- personnel deployed for ital of Maharashtra state, late on Monday with wind tals. WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD PAGE 23

Prosecutor says deputies justified in shooting of Black man District Attorney, Andrew Wobble

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. family who watched other deputies was also would not release bodyc- (AP) — A North Carolina body camera footage endangered as the group am video of the confron- prosecutor said Tuesday have previously said that tried to take Brown into tation between Brown that sheriff’s deputies he was trying to drive custody on drug-related and the law enforcement were justified in fatally away from deputies and warrants. officers, but he played shooting Andrew Brown posed no threat. Family “I find that the facts of portions of the video Jr. because he ignored attorney Harry Daniels this case clearly illustrate during the news confer- their commands and en- said that the family was the officers who used ence that multiple news dangered at least two of preparing a response to deadly force on Andrew outlets broadcast live. them when he drove his Womble’s announce- Brown Jr. did so reason- The shooting on April car toward them. ment. ably and only when a vi- 21 sparked protests District Attorney An- During his news con- olent felon used a deadly over multiple weeks by drew Womble said at a ference, Womble said a weapon to put their lives demonstrators calling news conference that deputy who tried to open in danger,” Womble said, for the public release of Brown used his car as a Brown’s car door wound referring to Brown’s car. the body camera video. “deadly weapon,” caus- up partly on the hood as He added that he found While authorities have ing Pasquotank County Brown backed up, and that “Brown’s actions and shown footage to Brown’s deputies to believe it was the deputy found himself conduct were indeed family, a judge refused to necessary to use dead- directly in the car’s path dangerous by the time release the video public- ly force. Womble, who moments later when of the shooting. ... Brown ly pending a probe by the acknowledged Brown Brown drove forward. posed an immediate State Bureau of Investi- wasn’t armed with guns Womble said the deputy threat to the safety of the gation. Womble made or other weapons, said had to push off the car officers and others.” his determination to not the deputies will face no with his hand to narrow- The sheriff has said his charge any of the officers criminal charges. ly avoid being run over, deputies weren’t injured. after reviewing the bu- Attorneys for Brown’s and at least one of the The prosecutor said he reau’s report. WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 PAGE 24 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD

Rocket from Gaza kills 2; Israel topples 6-story building

A top view shows the remains of a six-storey building whixh was destroyed by early morning Israeli airstrike in Gaza City.

GAZA CITY, Gaza at an Israeli military 20% of its population, za’s Hamas rulers, the Strip (AP) — A rocket checkpoint. Troops and those in the terri- Israeli military has launched from Gaza fired tear gas canisters tories Israel seized in launched hundreds of killed two Thai work- at the crowd, and pro- 1967 that the Palestin- airstrikes it says are tar- ers in southern Isra- testers picked up some ians have long sought geting Hamas’ militant el on Tuesday, police of them and threw for a future state. It infrastructure, while said, hours after Israe- them back. threatened to further Palestinian militants li airstrikes toppled a One protester was widen the conflict after have fired more than six-story building in killed and more than a spasm of commu- 3,400 rockets from ci- the Palestinian territo- 70 wounded — includ- nal violence in Israel vilian areas in Gaza at ry that housed book- ing 16 by live fire — in and protests across the civilian targets in Isra- stores and educational clashes with Israeli West Bank last week. el. centers. With the war troops in Ramallah, Strike organizer Mu- The latest attack showing no sign of Bethlehem, Hebron hammad Barakeh said from Gaza hit a pack- abating, Palestinians and other cities, ac- Palestinians are tak- aging plant in a region in the region staged cording to the Pales- ing a position against bordering the territory. a general strike in a tinian Health Minis- Israeli “aggression” in In addition to the two rare collective action try. The Israeli army Gaza and Jerusalem, as people killed, Israel’s against Israel’s policies. said two soldiers were well as the “brutal re- Magen David Adom Violence erupted at wounded by gunshots pression” by police. Is- rescue service said it protests in the occu- to the leg. rael blames the war on took another seven to pied West Bank, in- The general strike Hamas and accuses it the hospital. Thai For- cluding in the city of was an uncommon of inciting the violence. eign Ministry spokes- Ramallah. Hundreds show of unity among Since the fighting man Tanee Sangrat of Palestinians burned Palestinian citizens of began last week be- said the wounded were tires and hurled stones Israel, who make up tween Israel and Ga- also Thai. WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD PAGE 25

James Ibori was jailed in 2012 for money-laundering offenses UK returns $5.8m stolen by ex-governor to Nigeria

Some $5.8m (£4.2m) wife, sister and fiducia- London. Ibori won the case but recovered by UK agen- ry agent, who were also Ibori was convicted in was awarded just £1 cies, that was stolen by convicted of money 1991 for stealing from compensation. a Nigerian former gov- laundering. the store, but then re- In 2020 prosecutors in ernor and laundered in Observers expect more turned to Nigeria and a UK court asked a judge Britain have now been money to be retrieved got involved in politics. to make a confiscation returned to Nigeria, the from Ibori himself. When he ran for Delta order against Ibori of Nigerian authorities say. Nigeria’s Attorney Gen- State governor, he lied £117.7m. Former Delta state eral Abubakar Malami about his date of birth to Court documents list Governor James Ibori hailed the return of the hide his UK conviction several bank accounts was convicted of money loot as a “demonstra- - which would have pre- owned by Ibori, as well laundering in the United tion of the recognition of vented him standing for as more than 10 prop- Kingdom in 2012. reputation Nigeria earns office. erties around the world, Prosecutors say he for managing recovered He became governor ranging from flats on stole an estimated money,” according to in 1999 and soon began London’s famous Abbey $165m (£117m) from the a statement from his taking money from state Road to a £5m mansion oil-rich state. spokesperson. coffers. Delta state is the in Nigeria’s capital Abuja. A Bombardier Chal- James Ibori went from source of much of Nige- The documents also lenger jet is among the petty thief to Nigerian ria’s oil. list a Bentley car and a items listed in court doc- state governor to con- Once he was eventual- Bombardier Challenger uments for a confisca- victed money launderer. ly released, he returned jet valued at just under tion order against Ibori. He went to the UK in to Nigeria and sued the £17m. The £4.2m has been the 1980’s and worked as Home Office for unlaw- recovered from Ibori’s a cashier at a DIY shop in ful detention. PAGE 26 FUN ZONE WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021

Speedy crossword No 1,336

Speedy crossword No 1,336 COMMUNTY NOTICE

YOUR DAILY HOROSCOPE

WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 WHAT’S UP PAGE 27

LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST

COMICS

TELL US WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Submit community notices to [email protected] PAGE 28 SPORTS NEWS WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021

KNIGHT AND MATTHEWS SMASH HALF-CENTURIES IN FIRST PRACTICE MATCH St John’s Antigua - Kyshona Knight iniscent of that of Stafanie Taylor. tesy Reniece Boyce and Kyshona and Hayley Matthews registered Williams supported her captain Knight. Boyce posted 19 from 17 half-centuries in the first practice Matthews as the pair along with deliveries, which included two match of the West Indies Women’s extras took their team to 100 be- fours before she was bowled by high-performance camp in Anti- fore the loss of Williams’ wicket in Aaliyah Alleyne for 19. Knight gua. Head Coach Courtney Walsh the 20th over. Aaliyah Alleyne was then carried her bat in taking her opened the camp with a 35-over the next batter into double figures team to victory. Anisa Moham- match at the Sir Vivian Richards with 17 for Matthews XI. med added a valuable 35 from 49 Stadium, to ease the players back with Knight to ensure that their into the rigours of internation- Matthews XI posted 160/8 from team secured the first win of the al cricket. Captains Hayley Mat- their 35 overs. Matthews top- camp, with 2.1 overs to spare. thews and Anisa Mohammed scored with 54 from 69 deliv- commandeered teams that saw eries, which included six fours. Knight finished the innings not the ideal combination of return- Right-arm medium pacer, Shani- out on 61 from 91 deliveries ing experienced players as well as ka Bruce was the main destructor which included four fours, while the new players to camp. for Mohammed’s bowling XI, fin- Mohammed posted 35 from 49 ishing with figures of 4/34 from deliveries, also striking four fours. The veterans put their hands 5 overs and scalping a hattrick Mohammed’s XI won by 4 wick- up in this opening match, with in the process, followed by Steffi ets finishing on 163/7 from 32.5 Matthews and Knight taking the Soogrim with 2/27 from 7 overs. overs. Bowling for Matthews XI, lead. Rashada Williams, the wick- Alleyne, Cherry Ann Fraser and etkeeper/batter from Jamaica In their run-chase, Mohammed’s Karishma Ramharack all took 2 showed her patient batting, rem- XI got off to a steady start cour- wickets a piece. WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 SPORTS NEWS PAGE 29

LOS ANGELES LAKERS DEFENSE BRACES FOR GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS’ ‘HEAD OF THE SNAKE’ IN STEPHEN CURRY

LOS ANGELES (ESPN) -- The Los An- the Lakers’ starting backcourt of Den- of May. “We anticipate they’re going to geles Lakers’ defense, ranked No. 1 in nis Schroder and Kentavious Cald- throw the kitchen sink at Steph. Mul- the NBA during the regular season, well-Pope will be primarily tasked tiple defenders, different matchups, will be tested by the league’s leading with smothering the two-time MVP. some blitzes, some kind of shadow- scorer, Stephen Curry, right away to “He’s the best shooter who has ever ing, that type of stuff,” Warriors coach begin the postseason in Wednesday’s played this game,” Schroder said on Steve Kerr said Tuesday. “We’ve kind play-in tournament game against a videoconference with reporters. “So, of seen everything, Steph has seen ev- the Golden State Warriors (10 p.m. any shot, whatever comes from half erything. Draymond [Green] is prob- ET, ESPN).“We know who the head court on, it’s a good shot for him. At ably the key in terms of when they do of the snake is, it’s Steph,” Antho- the end of the day, you got to make it throw stuff at Steph, Draymond has ny Davis said after practice Tuesday. as hard as possible and be into him an answer with all of his screening “We got to do our best to contain and limit his 3s.” Curry averaged 32 and dribble handoffs and that sort of him. It’s gonna be a team effort, not points per game to capture his sec- thing, so they’re fun to watch togeth- just all the pressure on the guards. ... ond career scoring title and averaged er.”L.A. was able to keep Curry rela- We got to make sure we keep an eye 5.3 made 3-pointers per game -- the tively in check in three regular-season on him and stay locked in on him at most of his 12-year career -- on 42.1% showdowns. He averaged 23 points all times.”While Davis and L.A.’s oth- shooting from the outside. Golden on 42.3% shooting (34.6% from 3), er big men will provide a back line State enters the play-in having won and the Lakers went 2-1. of defense to protect the rim when seven of its last eight games, with Cur- Curry penetrates from the perimeter, ry averaging 36.8 points in the month

West Indies vs South Africa • June 26: 1st T20I, Grenada National Cricket Stadium • June 27: 2nd T20I, Grenada National Cricket Stadium • June 29: 3rd T20I, Grenada National Cricket Stadium • July 1: 4th T20I, Grenada National Cricket Stadium • July 3: 5th T20I, Grenada National Cricket Stadium T20I West Indies vs Australia • July 9: 1st T20I, Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia • July 10: 2nd T20I, Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia MATCH • July 12: 3rd T20I, Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia • July 14: 4th T20I, Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia • July 16: 5th T20I, Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, St. Lucia SCHEDULE: West Indies vs Pakistan • July 27: 1st T20I, Kensington Oval, Barbados • July 28: 2nd T20I, Kensington Oval, Barbados • July 31: 3rd T20I, Guyana National Stadium • August 1: 4th T20I, Guyana National Stadium • August 3: 5th T20I, Guyana National Stadium PAGE 30 WEDNESDAY 19TH MAY 2021 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG

WEST INDIES NAME PROVISIONAL T20 SQUAD FOR EXCITING SUMMER SCHEDULE Evin Lewis, Dwayne Bravo and Chris Gayle.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua — The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection Panel announces a provisional 18-man squad ahead of the three back-to-back five-match T20 International (T20I) Series against South Africa, Aus- tralia and Pakistan. The expanded squad maintains the blend of experienced players with exciting young talent as the West Indies continue preparations in the build up to the defence of their ICC T20 World Cup title, to be held in India in October-November 2021. Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, Os- hane Thomas and Hayden Walsh Jr. return alongside the majority of the squad who featured in the 2-1 T20I Series victory against Sri Lanka in March. The provisional squad will quarantine and train in St. Lucia ahead of the first T20I Series against South Africa starting on the June 26 at the Grenada National Cricket Stadium. The official squad will subsequently be selected and announced ahead of each Series. CWI’s Lead Selector, Roger Harper, explained the thinking behind naming this squad: “The Provisional T20I Squad was put together with all T20I Home Series Matches against South Africa, Australia and Pakistan in mind. This gives us The Men in Maroon are the defending ICC T20 World Champions and also lifted the title in 2012. Cricket West Indies (CWI) has been working closely with regional Governments, their Ministries of Health and CAR- PHA to ensure the training camps and matches can proceed within a bio-secure environment. All players and support staff will undergo rigorous COVID-19 testing prior to and during each of these engagements. The West Indies Head Coach, Phil Simmons, is confident going into the summer and looking forward to the World Cup and he commented: “These upcoming T20Is are crucial in terms of our preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup. We have assembled a very solid squad — with experienced world-class match-winners and some exciting young talented players, ready to explode onto the global stage and do great things for West Indies cricket.” Cont’d on pg 29

Editor: Everton Barnes, Published by Pointville Communications, Lower North Street, St. John’s, Antigua 1(268) 562-4989 Editorials: [email protected], Advertising: [email protected], Reporting: [email protected]