FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 | ISSUE 144 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG HELLSGATE CELEBRATED IN PARLIAMENT Story on Page 3

A celebration

The staff of the Statistics Division within the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance, join the region and international commu- nity in observing Caribbean and World Statistics Days on the 15 and 20 October 2020 under the Theme, “Connecting the World with Data we can Trust”. We take this opportunity to highlight the value and importance of official statistics. Happy Caribbean Statistics Day 2020 to the National Statistical Offices across the region, including the OECS Commission and CARICOM Secretariat. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 2 Editorial Catch the vison, live the dream A small twin island nation national economic develop- ability to see issues from an ests of the nation’s people. with powerhouse dreams! ment interests, would be able unorthodox perspective to an The result is that the peo- Dreams that become the vi- to find negatives in the news end which serves the inter- ple of Antigua and Barbuda sion, guiding the leadership that Antigua and Barbuda is est of Antigua and Barbuda, are now richer in assets with whose passion and determi- the only country in the OECS has now become a part of the a stronger foundation for do- nation keep its residents on that was successful in acquir- fabric and pathway for our mestic ownership, domestic edge, but moving in the right ing ownership of a financial national economic develop- wealth creation and future direction. gem; a gem which previous- ment. economic empowerment. No Prime Minister Gaston ly repatriated management The vision is clear and we one in Antigua and Barbuda Browne continues to utilise fees and profits externally and continue to realise the dream can deny this reality. unconventional means for an not retained for the benefit of strengthening domestic The prime minister’s unique open, small, vulnerable is- of those whose ‘dollars and banking resilience. position on many important land nation to carve out more cents’ were responsible for In this instance, Prime Min- issues of national, regional, space for nationals to become these earnings. ister Browne stood up and, and international importance, involved in the economic There is resounding and disregarding his regional col- even if often out of sync with growth and development of widespread acclamation on leagues, realised the vision his regional colleagues, has Antigua and Barbuda. In his learning that local commer- for the future of wealth cre- opened our twin island nation brand of nationalism, the vi- cial financial institutions now ation capacity for future com- to scrutiny. sion is to ensure that when- account for the majority own- mercial financial operations. We have stepped out of the ever possible the people of ership of our banking sector. He was emphatic that the small island dependent cog Antigua and Barbuda are This could not have been time was at hand for domes- and will do more to chart a the primary beneficiaries of achieved without the ‘gall and tic ownership of those assets. unique path that seeks to ad- wealth creation. gumption’ of the prime minis- He remained resolute, even vance the empowerment of The approach has been de- ter. The government took the in the face of plentiful criti- our citizens and residents. clared unconventional but it extraordinary step of going cism from other experts who Today, our government continues to reap dividends. against the recommendations lacked the vision necessary to continues to stand firmly in Only a non-patriot would of the ECCB and refused to appreciate the importance of the interest of the people of have remained unmoved at issue the vesting order for the taking control of significant Antigua and Barbuda. Re- the news that the battle over preferred sale, and declined to assets in the interest of the na- gardless of our political per- the transfer of ownership of a budge, notwithstanding pres- tion, when many doubted his suasions, we must link hands multinational financial insti- sure from all quarters, until likely success. and join the battle. The devel- tution has been settled in the the sale aligned with the de- This was a protracted two- opment of our nation requires interest of Antigua and Bar- clared interest of the people of year battle where the Cabinet the ability to think outside of buda. Only one driven by Antigua and Barbuda. of Antigua and Barbuda stood the box, perhaps to even go as partisan motives, devoid of Prime Minister Browne’s in unison to defend the inter- far as to toss out the tradition- al box in favour of pursuing bold, new initiatives that will need strong defense in our in- terest. Today, we the people of An- tigua and Barbuda are owners of a stronger, more resilient nationally dominated com- mercial banking sector. This was accomplished by unique thinking and unparalleled vi- sion. Even in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related economic challenges, our government continues to fight in our best interest as WE the People catch the vi- sion and live the dream. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 Local News PAGE 3 Hellsgate celebrated in Parliament Antigua and Barbuda’s that Hellsgate is provided oldest steel ensemble, the with a home and the support Hellsgate Steel Orchestra, required to continue its op- continued its storied journey eration. on Thursday when it was Leader of the Opposition, celebrated in the House of Jamale Pringle, in giving Representatives. support to the amendment The steel band was spe- to the National Honours cially invited to the sitting Members of the Hellsgate Steel Orchestra in Parliament Act said: “There are sev- of Parliament, where among pendence 2020. resentatives of the amend- eral agencies and groups other things, an amendment It is the first time an organ- ment, which will now allow throughout Antigua and to the National Honours Act isation will receive a nation- Hellsgate to be bestowed Barbuda that are making was on the order paper. The al honour. the Most Precious Order of significant contributions to amendment will enable the Speaking from Parliament Princely Heritage. the development of not only steel band to receive a na- on Thursday, Hellsgate’s “I’m very happy to be pre- an individual, but communi- tional honour. Captain Athill als thanked senting this amendment to ties. I think that this amend- Prior to the amendment, those who made the deci- the House to facilitate the ment will give that encour- only individuals were eli- sion to grant them the hon- granting of these awards (for agement for groups to work gible for national awards. our and paid tribute to all the institutions), a gold plaque, harder within their commu- The amendment also makes persons, past and present, a silver plaque and a bronze nities. I therefore have no it possible for other institu- who have played a role in plaque. Clearly, in this case objection (to the amend- tions, groups and non-prof- the band’s success. Hellsgate will be given the ment),” Pringle said. it organizations to receive Athill showered praise on highest award,” Prime Min- Several other members of awards in the future. the pioneers of the band for ister Gaston Browne, the the House joined in cele- Captain of Hellsgate Steel their vision and for laying a mover of the amendment, brating the steelband for its Orchestra, Keithly Athill, solid foundation upon which said. longevity and for represent- expressed delight on behalf the band’s successes over Browne paid homage to ing Antigua and Barbuda of the band at the news they the years have been built. the band’s pioneers and proudly in its performances will be included in the Na- There was bipartisan sup- pledged his government’s the world over. tional Honours List for Inde- port in the House of Rep- commitment to ensuring See more on Page 11 UWI CHTM almumni convene reunion The University of the West Indies featured roundtable discussions on covery and revitalization of Caribbean Centre for Hotel and Tourism Man- topics covering a broad range of issues Tourism by optimizing the opportuni- agement (CHTM) convened a reunion of relevance to the hotel and tourism ties presented to ‘resilience proof’ the of its alumni earlier this month which sector. Caribbean’s most important economic combined serious discussions with Among the attendees was Tourism sector. Caribbean fun utilising a virtual plat- Management and Training Consultant, The quality and richness of the en- form. Shirlene Nibbs, Antigua and Barbu- gagement between contributors, par- A CHTM newsletter said the am- da’s first graduate of the CHTM. She ticipating graduates and visitors was bitious undertaking targeted all year led a roundtable discussion of the top- testimony of vital importance of dia- groups of CHTM from 1981 to the ic ‘People as critical Assets HR Man- logue.” present. Initial plans to have an in-per- agement and Talent Development’. CHTM graduates in year group ‘ep- son reunion event were impacted by According to the CHTM, “The ochs’ 1981 – 1989, 1990 – 1993, 1994 the COVID-19 pandemic and the de- roundtable conversations were rich, – 1998, 2000 – 2006, 2007 – 2012, cision was made in June 2020 to pivot bold, and thought provoking, an ex- 2013 – 2020 met in virtual breakout to a virtual event. ceptional tapestry of perspectives, rooms, caught up with old friends and The event, which spanned two days, ideas and recommendations for the re- formed new bonds with other cohorts. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 4 Local News Customs container checking department quarantined over COVID-19 concerns The Customs and Excise Division Division statement disclosed. of the illness are given strictest adher- quarantined the entire staff of one of The Customs Division noted that ence,” the press statement concluded. its departments over concerns related none of its officers have been tested Meanwhile, the Establishment Divi- to the COVID-19 virus. positive for COVID-19, but it is tak- sion is closed and its employees are in In a statement issued on Thursday, ing these precautionary measures ‘out quarantine after a senior civil servant the Customs Division said it activated of an abundance of caution’ to ensure was diagnosed with COVID-19. several measures to contain any possi- the safety of all its employees and the Seeking to allay the fears of those ble threat emanating from its Contain- public which it serves. who may have come in contact with er Checking Department at the Deep The response is part of internal mea- the senior employee or others in the Water Harbour as part of COVID-19 sures that were adopted months ago department, the Ministry of Health protocols. in response to the pandemic geared at gave the assurance that its contact “Management was alerted by health reducing any exposure to COVID-19 tracing machinery has been activated. authorities on Thursday 15, October, among officers or the onward trans- Recently several employees of the that a family member of one of the mission to members of the public. Ministry of Information and the Min- officers was identified among persons The Customs Division said it will be istry of Education were placed in quar- who may have been in contact with fully cooperating with the health au- antine. someone who had tested positive for thorities in ensuring that they are fully As health officials continue to work COVID-19. satisfied that the department is safe for to contain the spread of the COVID-19 “In consultation with the authori- officers, members of the public and all virus, a call has been issued for Anti- ties, management of the Customs and other businesses to operate. guans and Barbudans to remember Excise Division have ensured that a “The safety of all remains our high- the serious nature of the disease and programme of sanitisation begins with est priority and management will con- the necessity of fully complying with immediate effect and the officers be tinue to ensure that the various mea- health and safety protocols which are placed in quarantine,” the Customs sures being used to prevent the spread intended to prevent its spread. St. Paul prostate and breast cancer clinics this weekend The Health Month activi- building. rious About My Health’. medical checks can make ties in St. Paul will take a gi- Services on both days MP Greene is encouraging all the difference. I implore ant step forward this week- commence at 10:00 am. residents to take full advan- my people to make full use end with breast screenings Breasts screenings will tage of the services in order of the services during our and prostate tests. be conducted by a team of to learn the health of their celebration of Health Month The area’s Parliamentary medical doctors led by lo- breasts and prostate. 2020,” he urged. representative, E. P. Chet cals, Dr. Jerry Simon and “We continue to witness The combining breast and Greene announced that this Dr. Casim Williams, on cases across our communi- prostate screenings is de- Saturday screenings with both days. The clinics are ty of persons afflicted with signed to encourage couples Dr. Kezia Gardner will take part of the annual St. Paul’s breast or prostate cancers to travel together to either place at the branch office in Health Month events which and even deaths. Liberta or English Harbour English Harbour while on last throughout the month of The intervention here is as a tangible demonstra- Sunday Dr. Dwayne ‘Baba’ October. to heighten awareness and tion of their commitment Thwaites will meet patients This year it is being cele- increased personal respon- to being ‘serious about our at the Liberta Sports Club brated under the theme, ‘Se- sibility. Regular and timely health’ FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 Local News PAGE 5 Antigua avoids St. Lucia scenario By Shelton Daniel jor factor that contributed to economic recovery is con- keep the public sector in Questions are being raised the government’s decision cerned. place and that is critical and about how long Antigua in June to reopen the coun- “We are seeing upwards important because the pub- and Barbuda can continue try’s borders and revitalise of 40 percent occupancy in lic sector, inasmuch as pro- to hold up economically, the stagnant economy. several of the hotels. We are viding government services, given the heavy financial “The faster that we were seeing increased flights that it also ensures a level of em- drain caused by measures to able to restore economic ac- are returning to the country ployment that will ensure control the coronavirus pan- tivity and to restore normal- and so the breadbasket of there is no bottoming out demic. cy to government’s revenues the economy is what we are of the economy and there is The matter came up during and the health of the private trying to re-stimulate.” no collapse in aggregate de- Thursday’s post Cabinet sector, it was going to be According to the minis- mand.” press briefing in light of a better for us.” ter, the Gaston Browne-led In summary, Nicholas said recent admission by St. Lu- He recalled, “Many per- administration is “actively the government’s economic cia’s Prime Minister Allen sons had called for a stim- moving to put in place the strategy has been “to ensure Chastanet that COVID-19 ulus and by that they meant infrastructure that will cause that we can keep employ- had drained his government that the government should the Antiguan economy to be ment at an optimal level financially. have doled out cash to per- restored to full strength and [and] restore the economy Chastanet said the pro- sons who were unemployed. even go beyond where we as quickly as we possibly tracted financial support We felt that cash would have were before COVID.” can.” provided by the state to been burned up in the first He admitted however, that He added that another persons whose employment instance and that was not the this will “take some time”, key area of focus would be and livelihoods had been way to go.” as “the government has un- the agricultural sector, with adversely impacted by the Nicholas believes that by dergone significant stress a view to ramping up food pandemic could not be sus- reopening earlier than oth- and strain”. production, in order to re- tained. er states in the sub-region, “We have suspended a duce the food import bill He said it had become dif- Antigua and Barbuda gave number of our loan obliga- and conserve vital foreign ficult to raise funds locally, itself a head start where tions to ensure that we can exchange. or overseas, in order to con- tinue financing its stimulus programme which drew Port operators donate heavily on the resources of St. Lucia’s national insur- emergency bus to EMS ance (social security) sys- Antigua Cruise Port and Global Ports munity who need urgent care. We thank tem. Holding (GPH) have donated a much Global Ports Holding PLC and Antigua “How long is it before An- needed emergency response vehicle to the Cruise Port for providing us with this very tigua is in the same situation, Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical timely and meaningful donation and look and what are the contingen- Services. forward to future opportunities to collab- cy plans for the economy?” The Toyota Noah, which will be used for orate.” were the questions posed this service, was purchased from local auto Dona Regis-Prosper, General Manager by a reporter to Information dealer, Harney Motors. of Antigua Cruise Port, said, “We’re very Minister Melford Nicholas. “The addition of this emergency re- proud to donate this emergency response Nicholas replied that the sponse vehicle to our emergency fleet is vehicle. risk of economic collapse vitally important,” said Shawn Greenidge, The health and safety of our communi- as a result of drastically re- Director of Antigua & Barbuda Emergen- ty is one of our top priorities, particular- duced revenue due to mea- cy Medical Services. ly during these unprecedented times. If sures implemented to protect “Demand is high and having this vehicle we do not have proper access to essential the Antiguan and Barbudan available could mean the difference be- services, we cannot function properly as a population due to the coro- tween life and death for many in our com- society.” navirus pandemic was a ma- FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 6 Local News Hodges Bay Club apologises for late night fireworks The owner of the Hodges a part of the fireworks and ing the event was a major meyer. Bay Club, Jeff Wellmeyer, certainly did not expect undertaking given the short He continued that it had has offered an apology to them to go off that late,” amount of time in which been challenging to imple- residents of Hodges Bay for Wellmeyer said in a written they had to prepare. ment social distancing mea- the disturbance caused by apology. “As most of you know, sures with the number of a late night fireworks dis- He explained that the fire- Ashanti is a Grammy Award guests in attendance while play during a surprise 40th works were delayed, in part, winning singer, songwriter, still creating a fun atmo- birthday party for Gram- to a number of precautions record producer, model and sphere for the star and her my Award winning singer, which had to be taken. The actress and the fact that she famous guests. Ashanti. fireworks show was origi- wanted to come to Antigua Wellmeyer also comment- The recording artist, her nally to have occurred from for her 40th birthday is very ed on the global exposure entourage and other celeb- 10:000pm to 10:30pm, special. Antigua and Barbuda has rity guests traveled to An- however it was delayed un- “To make it even more received, and will continue tigua for the event on Tues- til Ashanti arrived at the sur- complicated this elaborate to receive, as a result of the day night. prise party at about 1:00am. birthday celebration in- hosting of the event. Following the event, Well- According to Wellmey- cluded some of the biggest “It represented a massive meyer said he was sorry for er, he received a call from names in music and in- opportunity for Antigua, causing the resort’s neigh- Ashanti’s agent who re- cluded a number of famous signaling to the world that bours to lose sleep because quested that the resort host guests coming to Antigua we are open for business of the event. the surprise party late last for the first time as well as and have the capability to “I did not appreciate the week. a “Virtual Party” which was accept guests in a COVID noise level that would be The hotel owner said host- filmed for MTV,” said Well- safe environment,” he said. George Goodwin presents credentials to Cuban government Antigua and Barbuda’s new Ambas- al anthems of both countries under the sador to the Republic of Cuba, George raised flags of Cuba and Antigua and Maurice Goodwin, has presented his Barbuda. credentials to the President of the Re- Following the presentation, Am- public of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel. bassador Goodwin engaged in a brief Ambassador Goodwin among eight conversation with the Cuban President persons, including Ambassador Philip and Foreign Minister. The President St. Hill of Barbados, who presented Diaz-Canel expressed his satisfaction credentials on behalf of their coun- with the excellent ties of friendship tries. and cooperation between his country The Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister, and Antigua and Barbuda in various Bruno Rodriquez Parrilla, accompa- fields. He also extended an invitation nied Diaz-Canel at the ceremony. for Antigua and Barbuda’s participa- The presentation took place at the tion in the 7th Cuba-CARICOM Sum- historic Place of the Revolution where mit set to take place in December in having enjoyed over a forty year rela- a guard of honour waited to receive Havana, Cuba. tionship with the country, and pledged the Ambassador Goodwin on the red Ambassador Goodwin expressed de- to strengthen the already strong bonds carpet. This was followed by an offi- light in taking up diplomatic duties in between Cuba and Antigua and Barbu- cial salute and renditions of the nation- Cuba, with which he is very familiar da. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 Local News PAGE 7 Government’s action led to ECAB’s purchase of Scotiabank (Antigua) Prime Minister Gaston Browne has credited his government’s firm stance on the sale of Scotiabank to the East- ern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank’s (ECAB) ability to successfully finalise the acquisition. This week, ECAB confirmed its purchase of Scotiabank Antigua. The move solidifies ECAB’s position as said ECAB’s position as a major fi- one of the top three commercial banks nancial institution in the sub-region in the OECS. will be cemented. In a statement to its customers on “ECAB will now become, if not the Tuesday, ECAB explained that it had second, then the third largest indige- verting to ordinary shares will increase “reached an agreement to purchase nous bank in the OECS. It also means the government’s shareholding in the the Bank of Nova Scotia’s operations that the profits that are earned going bank. in Antigua and Barbuda” adding that forward will more than double. This “We want it done now!” Browne “the agreement is subject to regulatory means that the bank will be able to re- told the locally-appointed directors. approvals and other customary closing cover from the COVID-related down- Minister of State in the Ministry of conditions.” town much faster as it is now a more Finance, Lennox Weston, described Last year, Scotiabank abandoned resilient financial institution,” Browne the development as testimony to the efforts to sell its Antigua branch to explained. government’s capacity to handle mat- overseas interests after Prime Min- Browne, who is also Minister of Fi- ters of any scope which serve the best ister Browne indicated that he would nance continued that the government interest of the people of Antigua and not grant the Canada headquartered also stands to benefit from ECAB’s Barbuda. financial institution the vesting order rise, but conceded that there are ‘ob- “We are equal to anyone and the ex- required to complete the sale to Re- stacles’ standing in the way. ample of Scotiabank demonstrates that public Financial Holdings Ltd. Instead He has called on the Antigua and the Antigua and Barbuda government he demanded that a local banking con- Barbuda representatives on the bank’s is a leader in the Caribbean when it sortium be given the first right of re- board to follow through on the gov- comes to development issues,” said fusal in the sale. ernment’s request to have its preferred Weston. Browne also registered strong dis- shares transferred to ordinary shares. Weston described the development approval over the fact that Scotiabank According to the prime minister, this as ‘a watershed moment’ in the nation moved to sell the bank without noti- request has been before the board for and region’s history with respect to fying the government of Antigua and some time however there appears to how different governments have ap- Barbuda. have been reluctance in fulfilling the proached critical issues relating to fi- Commenting on the sale, Browne request. According to Browne, con- nance and the economy. Public viewing of King Swallow today A public viewing of Sir Funeral Home between 12pm singer and songwriter nation- Tributes have poured in Rupert ‘King Swallow’ Philo and 2pm. ally, regionally and interna- from calypso and soca ar- will be held today ahead of His funeral service will tionally, with hits including tistes from around the world his official funeral next week. take place on Monday at the ‘Party In Space’ and ‘Subway who worked with the legend Sir Rupert passed away on Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Jam’. or whose lives were influ- September 11th at the age of Stadium at 10am. He had been ailing for enced by his talent and con- 78. The late calypso legend’s King Swallow made a sometime before passing tributions to the artforms of body can be viewed at Barnes name for himself as a prolific away last month. calypso and soca. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 8 Opinion OAS: In danger of undermining the ‘Right to Protect’ The writer is Antigua and Barbu- ber states or the Permanent Council of da’s Ambassador to the U.S. and the the OAS. Further, R2P is, rightfully, OAS. He is also a senior fellow at a matter on the agenda of the United the Institute of Commonwealth Stud- Nations General Assembly and under ies at the University of London and the authority of the Security Council. at Massey College in the University Consequently, it is intriguing that, of Toronto. The view expressed are in his statement, Mr. Almagro said un- entirely his own equivocally that: “If existing interna- A noteworthy event occurred on the tional mechanisms are not responding afternoon of Saturday October 10, to the demands and needs of the vic- that could have implications for na- tims of mass atrocities in the Ameri- tions across the globe. It merits at- cas, at the very least the OAS should tention. try to design and build a regional By Sir Ronald Sanders The Secretary-General of the Orga- mechanism that can prevent and re- nization of American States (OAS), spond more efficiently, and in a time- icas” where Mr. Almagro suggests Luis Almagro, issued a statement, ly manner, to crimes of this nature in that such crimes are being committed indicating that he “designated inter- the Western Hemisphere”. Whether and against which action is required national human rights lawyer Jared intended or not, this sounds like a “more efficiently, and in a timely Genser as Special Adviser on the Re- dismissal of the UN Security Council manner”. sponsibility to Protect (R2P)”. This and an arrogation by the OAS to act If such countries exist in the Amer- appointment happened when the OAS in its place “in the Americas”. icas, why have they not been brought is again facing dire financial circum- It is important to note that R2P was before the UN Security Council? And stances and staff contracts are not be- unanimously endorsed by the mem- why is this matter not being raised ing renewed. ber-states of the United Nations at a for discussion, with the evidence of Still, even in such difficult circum- World Summit in 2005. The agree- atrocities, by member governments of stances, an appointment of someone ment is designed to protect people the the OAS in appropriate bodies of the greatly needed to carry out the Or- world over from four crimes: “geno- Organization? ganization’s work would be under- cide, war crimes, crimes against hu- The way this matter has crawled standable. The difficulty with this manity, and ethnic cleansing”. The into the OAS - not in the full light of appointment is that it is not a priority question arises, therefore, about the transparent discussion and decision identified either by Ministers of mem- identity of the countries “in the Amer- cont’d on pg 9 FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 Opinion PAGE 9 cont’d from pg 8 is “manifestly failing” to ciple of R2P. framework. but in a weekend media protect its population from In this regard, another The OAS should be dis- statement from the Secre- the four crimes. Though observation by Dr. Galla- cussing this openly and tary-General - is why suspi- this does include the use of gher is worth recalling: “It transparently, paying at- cion surrounds the OAS. It force, any action taken has is important that those who tention to every country in is a suspicion with which to be authorized by the UN champion the R2P do not the Americas, and not just all its member states are Security Council”. overstate the scale of the to those where the political tainted as complicit. Si- In his statement, Mr. Al- crimes being committed. or ideological interests of lence is taken as consent. magro makes another point OAS Secretary General powerful states are served, A further consideration that merits attention. He Luis Almagro has invoked one way or the other. If is that the R2P does not re- says: “The costs of not hav- the Rwandan genocide as the OAS continues the se- place the UN Charter; R2P ing an R2P regional mech- a pretext to justify R2P lective path that it has fol- is a UN-led response to the anism at the OAS so far action in Venezuela, but lowed, it will reverse every problem of mass-atrocity have been the continued clearly any such analogy is step that it now makes to be crimes, and actions in fur- loss of human lives and the deeply flawed, as there is regarded universally as a therance of it require UN persistence of impunity for no pending threat of mass credible and respected or- Security Council autho- mass atrocities crimes”. He genocide”. ganization. rization. Therefore, why continues: “Yet, over time, To be clear, the principle That is not an OAS that would the OAS – a group there have been mass atroc- of R2P should be embraced will serve the peoples of of only 33 governments – ities committed in far too by every country in the the Americas well. seek to usurp the UN of 193 many countries by repres- world. Every government As a regional organiza- states, and a 15-state Secu- sive and undemocratic re- should uphold the human, tion, the OAS should not rity Council? gimes”. civil and political rights seek to supplant global ef- Dr. Adrian Gallagher, Sadly, where there have of its people, not oppress forts at the UN; it would Co-Director of the Europe- been such instances in the them and certainly not better serve the region and an Centre for the Respon- past, in OAS countries, murder them or eliminate the world by providing ob- sibility to Protect, makes governments of other OAS any ethnic group within jective and non-discrim- the following salient point: member states have ignored them. Where governments inatory leadership in up- “R2P does allow states to them for narrow, political execute heinous atroci- holding and advancing the consider all coercive and reasons. Such politically ties, the wider internation- principle of R2P within the non-coercive measures selective and convenient al community, particularly UN agreement of 2005. under Chapters VI, VII, responses must stop if the neighbouring states, should Responses and previous and VIII of the UN Char- OAS is to have any credi- act to prevent and punish commentaries: www.sir- ter when a government bility in advancing the prin- them within the UN agreed ronaldsanders.com FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020

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1 Entertainment HELLSGATE STEEL ORCHESTRA [ESTB. 1945]

Hellsgate celebrated Researched by Jessy James Stafford Joseph [Panthologist]

[All Copyrights Reserved]

THE HELLSGATE STEEL ORCHESTRA - FIRST

• FIRST IRON BAND • FIRST STEEL BAND • FIRST TO PERFORM AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE – 1947 • FIRST TO PERFORM AT MILL REEF CLUB – 1949 • FIRST TO PERFORM IN A CHURCH – 1950, ST. PETER’S ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL, PARHAM TOWN • FIRST STEEL BAND CHAMPION – 1949 • FIRST 4-PEAT STEELBAND CHAMPION • FIRST TO BRING THE IDEA OF CARNIVAL TO ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA - 1951 • FIRST TO PERFORM FOR PRICESS MARGARET – 1955, OPENING CEREMONY OF PRINCESS MARGARET SECONDARY SCHOOL • FIRST ANTIGUAN STEEL BAND TO TRAVEL TO TRINIDAD - 1958 • FIRST TO TOUR THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS – 1951 • FIRST TO PERFORM FOR SIR WINSTON CHURCHIL – FEBRUARY 2ND 1962, ON BOARD ONASSIS YATCH, THE CHRISTINA, AT NELSON’S DOCKYARD • FIRST TO CONDUCT A STEELPAN REVITALIZATION PROGRAM IN ARUBA – 1996 AND 1997 • FIRST EVER INDEPENDENCE STEEL BAND CHAMPION - 2004 • FIRST TO BE TUTORED FROM SCORED MUSIC – BERTHA HIGGINS - EARLY 1950’S • FIRST TO ESTABLIH A JUNIOR STEEL BAND – [EARLY 1960’S] JUNIOR HELLSGATE – PRESENLY ‘HARMONITES INTERNATIONAL STEEL ORCHESTRA’ • FIRST TO BE RECORDED FOR THE WORLD’S FIRST EVER STEEL BAND WAX RECORDING – 1952 • FIRST TO LEAD AN ORGANIZED ANTIGUA TRADES AND LABOUR UNION STRIKE ACTION AGAINST JOSEPH DEWS AND SONS – 1952 TERMINATION OF KEM ROBERTS • FIRST TO TAKE STRIKE ACTION AGAINST THE CARNIVAL2 ORGANIZING AUTHORITY - 1957 • FIRST TO DEVELOP, EXECUTE AND MASTER TO ‘ROLLING TECHNIQUE’ ON THE STEELPAN • FIRST TO REPRESENT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA AT THE NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR – 1964

• FIRST TO ESTABLIH A STEELPAN ACADEMY – 2002, EUSTACE “MANNING” HENRY STEELPAN ACADEMY • FIRST TO REPRESENT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA AT CARIBANA [TORONTO] AND A TOURISM AND PROMOTIONAL TOUR [MONTREAL] – 1968 • FIRST TO REPRESENT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA AT A CULTURAL AND TOURISM PROMOTIONAL TOUR IN MEXICO - MEXICO CITY, CANCUN, COZUMEL AND ISLA MUJERES • FIRST TO REPRESENT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA AT THE LONDON NEW YEAR’S DAY PARADE – 2005 TOURISM AND PROMOTIONAL TOUR • FIRST TO PRODUCE THE YOUNGEST STEEL BAND ARRANGER – 2009, MASTER KHAN CORDICE • FIRST TO HAVE WON TWENTY-ONE (21) PANORAMA CHAMPIONSHIPS

[This is a work in progress] Copyrights Reserved.

FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 12 Entertainment Of Carnival and Caribana The Minister of Sports, Culture, National Festivals and the Arts, Daryll Mat- thew, says that there is still quite a bit of time before any determination will be made regarding Antigua’s Carnival 2021. During an appearance on Pointe FM’s Touch Line where he ventilated issues, Minister Matthew indicated that the structure of Carni- val allows for a decision to be delayed as late as April. buda, under whose portfolio and spectators, Caribana He stated, “Carnival can the annual Caribana festival benefits from an influx of take place with a local au- falls, indicated the team is artists, service suppliers and dience only, as participants “looking positively towards spectators from Antigua. Minister of Sports, Culture, Na- and spectators.” executing the cultural tradi- To date, Barbuda has not tional Festivals and the Arts, Matthew further indicated tion”. recorded any COVID-19 Daryll Matthew that Carnival does benefit Planning has not yet be- cases even though there is employ scores of day work- from an influx of visitors, gun, however, they are ex- heavy traffic to the island ers and tourists who have but their absence will not pecting that the event will from Antigua via ferry ser- resumed day trip visits. hinder the event. bring a well needed boost vices. All persons arriving in Meantime Jackie Frank, to economic activity on the There are also sever- Barbuda are subject to the Chairperson of the Tourism island. In addition to the al construction projects in established national health and Culture Committee Bar- usual Barbudan participants progress on the island which protocols. Ashanti celebrates birthday in Antigua Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation views of more than 1 million, pro- as a safe hotspot from which special viding a priceless marketing oppor- occasions can be celebrated during tunity for our twin island. the COVID-19 pandemic is reaping About Ashanti benefits. Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas re- International recording artist, mains one of the most celebrated Ashanti, chose to celebrate her 40th contemporary R&B singer/song- birthday enjoying Antigua’s tran- writers. quil beauty at the Hodges Bay Club. Since her first self-titled, Plati- Her trip with friends included num-certified debut in 2002. She a lavish birthday party, in which has released four studio albums and COVID-19 protocols were ob- three compilations and has collab- served, sailing, dining and enjoying orated with the likes of Akon, R. the best of the island. Kelly, Nelly, Cadillac Tah, Lloyd, Ashanti was also photographed in Scarface, Crooked I, Nas, Keyshia bikinis from GSaints by celebrity Cole, The Game, Jim Jones, T.I., photographer, Phillip Silverstein. Jagged edge, Irv Gotti, Black Child, The photos posted on the singer’s Charli Baltimore and many others social media pages had combined throughout her prolific career. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 Entertainment PAGE 13 A Tribute to King Swallow: A fan’s reflections By Colin James stinate, who brought the Grays Farm/ Growing up in the mid-1970s in Anti- Green Bay (Grengren) posse, rejoined it gua & Barbuda you were either a Swal- was “three the hard way”. low (Sir Rupert Philo) or Short Shirt (Sir They were as popular as the Beatles, McLean Emmanuel) fan. When King as Elvis Presley who dominated Rock Obstinate (Sir Paul Richards) re-entered n Roll, as Michael Jackson the King the fray in the late 1970’s, a third star of Pop, as Sparrow and Lord Kitchener sparkled. who ruled calypso in Trinidad. Carnival and the calypso art form Politically, in Antigua and Barbuda were the domain of these heavyweight at that time, you were either a red, Sir artistes and even their colleagues sang V. C. Bird’s ALP or a blue, Sir George about their seemingly unbreakable dom- Walter’s PLM, supporter. Such was the inance. Latumba, to his credit, would polarisation of the nation that there was have given stern rivalry but just couldn’t hardly any neutrality or ‘third’ calypso- break down the ‘Big Two or Three’. nian or party to back. It is impossible to chronicle Swallow If they had vied for political office, mained champions of the coveted J’ou- without referring to his tumultuous ri- their popularity would have guaranteed vert prize. valry with Short Shirt, and later King them a seat in Parliament or leadership In my parents’ household, my late Obstinate, the undefeated monarch, as of the country. father, Alfred ‘Colo’ James, supported the three giants of Antiguan calypso and The Swallow-Short Shirt rivalry was Short Shirt while my mom, Tessie ‘Aunt soca locked horns on the stage during so dominant that it also polarised ra- Tess’ James, was a Swallow diehard. Carnival celebrations between 1970- dio announcers or DJs who were nev- I gravitated fondly towards Swallow 1985. er afraid to let you know with whom maybe because I always fancied rating Carnival City, the world famous Anti- their allegiance lie. Al Jackson, ZDK’s the so-called ‘underdog’ as Short Shirt gua Recreation Grounds, was packed to morning man who Short Shirt branded enjoyed seemingly unbeatable domina- the rafters from as early as 6 pm - two as Swallow’s “radio station pal to give tion. hours before the contest - on Calypso him a helping hand”, unapologetically At age six I wouldn’t have experi- competition nights as the trio’s electrify- supported the man from the east while enced Swallow’s first calypso crown in ing performances lit the big stage. Bus- the late C-Jacks (Carl Jackson), another 1973 when he won with his hard-hitting load, truck-load, car-load, on foot; the ZDK ‘jockey’, jammed his Pointe man social commentary ‘March For Free- people came in droves. Nothing was left tunes. dom’, a political rebuke of the policies for the imagination as their presentations Those were the days when you either of the then-Progressive Labour Move- bordered on rivaling a Hollywood film listened to ZDK or ABS radio stations. ment which he viewed as anti the fledg- production. There were no ‘third’ airwaves then in ling Black Power movement which was Hailing from Willikies, a fishing vil- Antigua except, if you consider, Mont- mushrooming across the Caribbean, An- lage on Antigua’s east coast leading to serrat’s Radio Antilles, which also tigua being no exception. the popular Long Bay beach, Swallow, beamed into our transistors or stereos. As he sang the chorus, “Freedom, We famous for his elaborate suits and capes The record shows Swallow winning go march in peace! We don’t ‘fraid no and outrageous props on stage, was the four monarchies and five road march police! You could tell Halstead, I say go darling of the ‘country’ fan base. titles, while Short Shirt ruled supreme to hell! Freedom for our Black brothers Short Shirt, who originated from the with 15 calypso crowns and six ‘road- up in Africa!” Pointe, an inner-city community (some ies’. Had it not been for the mesmeric His up-tempo ‘Push Yah, Push Dey’ say the ghetto) that straddles the Deep emergence and stellar domination of not only helped to spur him to his maid- Water Harbour, ruled the ‘town’. the Burning Flames, and later Red Hot en monarchy, but it also earned him his The ‘country’ versus ‘town’ debate Flames from 1985 to 2018, both Swal- second successive road march title hav- was rife. It was good banter. When Ob- low and Short Shirt would have re- cont’d on pg 14 FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 14 Entertainment cont’d from pg 13 to my late uncle, Paget who 1979 was another seis- ences, was the clear winner. ing won it previously in 1972 was also known as Sabu, he mic year for Swallow who Obsti’s ‘Children Melee’ with ‘Pow Pow’. had already conceded that was flying high, literally and ‘True Heroes’ won the Having surrendered the Short Shirt was beaten. and figuratively, as his LP (a judges’ nod, but Swallow’s monarchy to Short Shirt for Swallow ensured he was long-playing record) herald- compensation was the road the next three consecutive no one year wonder as he ed him into the soca kingdom march title, a feat he repeated years, 1974-76, Swallow retained the monarchy with with mega-hit, ‘Don’t Stop with ‘Satan Coming Down’, stormed back with a ven- what many consider his great- the Party’, a tune which, not- his last, as Burning Flames geance to restore himself to est piece, ‘Dawn of A New withstanding its sweet melo- prevented a three-peat with the perch over the next two Day’, a social commentary dy, he didn’t perform in the ‘Stylie Tight’ in 1985 despite years. whose lyrics are still relevant: competition because of the the popularity of ‘Town Mash As if to herald his second “Only when we start to see soca beat. Down’ which helped earned coming at the cusp of soca’s eye to eye It also launched Swallow Swallow’s fifth and last mon- emergence, a new genre of We’ll move to higher heights firmly into the burgeoning archy. the calypso beat that still res- by and by New York market and his How that hit and ‘Rude Boy onates today, Swallow’s 1977 Only when we stop all this baptism into the jealously Bacchanal’ didn’t win the album ‘De Inner Man’ and hit back-biting guarded Trinidad domain road title is a testament to the track ‘Man To Man’ set him We’ll have a true country through Charlie’s Record la- Flames’ dominance. apart from his contempo- progressing bel. From there Swallow went raries, ‘One Hope One Love When we work together In 1981, ‘Subway Jam’ on a regional and interna- One Destiny’ and ‘Jam Ses- through that stormy weather took Labour Day celebra- tional crusade producing sion’ spurred him to regain When we file our motion into tion on Eastern Parkway in songs for both markets, es- the crown. one direction. Brooklyn by storm trans- pecially Trinidad, where It was raucous celebrations We’ll definitely be opening forming New York’s famed hits like ‘Benwood Dick’, for my mother and me when up our eyes to see transit network like J’ouvert ‘Borokeete’, ‘Calaloo’, ‘fire the results were announced That dawn, beautiful dawn, in Antigua, Trinidad and the In De Back Seat’, ‘Trini- on the radio, not like today of a new day. rest of the Caribbean. dad the Godfather’, ‘Pepper when you are crowned on and ‘Jump Up Time’, in his I remember my aunt, Tesha Sauce’, ‘Steam’ and ‘Soca stage, and by the time I could trademark, up-tempo ready- Carr, who had migrated to NY Kingdom’ are still cherished have ridden my bike from for-road style. in the 1970s, among legions today. Bassa (Mack Alley) to Os- Jump Up, like if you mad of Antiguans clamouring for His tunes transcended the bourne in All Saints to gloat Jump Up, it’s Carnival.” Swallow’s records whenever traditional Afro-Caribbean they were released. My mom markets and the diaspora and would remind everyone that were favourites in European his song ‘Sexy Tessie’ was markets such as Germany made for her sister. and even Asia. Move forward to 1983 My friend, Ercil ‘Bedi’ when Swallow, Short Shirt Hurst, told me he danced and Obstinate squared up for fondly to Swallow’s songs the Titanic clash. during his attendance at the Most, except the judges, Atlanta Olympic Games in who flocked the ARG were 1996. convinced that Swallow’s Swallow was never afraid ‘Party In Space,’ an apt por- to praise or criticize the pow- trayal of the superpowers’ ers-that-be in any sphere with machinations in the early his lyrics. 1980s as then US president, He immortalized Sir Vivian Ronald Reagan, Russia’s Richards and Sir Andy Rob- leader, Yuri Andropov, and erts in 1975 on their elevation Cuba’s liberator, Fidel Cas- to West Indies cricket team tro, took time off from their selection singing: “Born with “tension” to attend metaphor- the cricket blood in your vein, ic ‘party’ to settle their differ- cont’d on pg 15 FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 Entertainment PAGE 15 cont’d from pg 14 Vivi Richards, the master” and “Bowling them fruity (Andy), bowl down de En- glishman.” He paid homage to Na- tional Hero, Sir VC Bird, on his ‘50 Years’ in politics and government in 1993. He de- scribed the Father of the Na- tion as “a great champion” who “... came to conquer”. Sir Curtly Ambrose, who rated Swallow from child- hood and wished to back him up on bass after retiring from his illustrious cricket career, ingly referred to in his latter and Barbuda community, “Willie, Tell Charlie Come! would reminisce on their years (Trinis reverenced Ru- Trinidad and New York, we Bring Lackhurst. impromptu performances as pert long before), had a phil- have lost a true maestro, an Ah Work Me Ah Work!” ‘Ambi’ mimicked Swallow’s anthropic heart as he gave icon, a legend and a national His earthly work may be patent stage movements. back to society in no small treasure. over, but his heavenly role Swallow would take on measure with his compli- Thank You for lending him has just begun. the then Coordinator of the mentary appearances at pub- to us. Sir Rupert, Rest In Peace! Carnival of the Development lic and private events home Committee for her perceived and abroad. bias against calypso and the He collaborated with art- tent: ists and groups evidenced by “If you want to know about his remix of ‘Party in Space’ Carnival, Mr. Frank with the late Tyrone ‘Edime- Go down and check Nova lo’ Thomas, who preceded Scotia Bank Swallow in April, Davidson Swallow, she wicked and ‘King Bankers’ Benjamin bad, and worse than Lucifer.» with ‘Higher’; and Leon Swallow’s Pepperpot, ‘Kuma’ Rodney’s Roots dubbed the University of Ca- Steelband live in concert. lypso, would have spawned Swallow was fittingly the careers of many Antiguan knighted in 2013 by the An- artistes and provided wily tigua and Barbuda govern- entertainment for its patrons. ment, an honour he carried The late Boldface, the un- with distinction, for his ex- disputed King of Pepperpot, emplary contribution and King Progress, Destroyer devotion to the calypso and Sr., Young Destroyer, Solo, soca artforms. Smarty Sr. and Jr., Queens A writer, composer, arrang- Althea, Ivena, & GB, among er, a former teacher and LIAT others, would have developed employee, Sir Rupert men- from the tent. He reciprocated tored many, advised scores, for his acceptance in the tents fathered several and coun- in Trinidad by welcoming his selled countless. regional counterpart to the To his children, family, ‘Pot’. friends, fans, the Willikies Sir Rupert,as he was lov- community, wider Antigua FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 16 Regional News Jamaica: Busted soldiers were working for drug kingpin, says cop (Jamaica Gleaner) The Jamaica De- fence Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have both commenced investigations into Tues- day night’s incident in Gutters, St Elizabeth, in which two soldiers, who were reportedly trafficking a large quantity of ganja, were arrested by the police following a high-speed chase and gunfight. According to reports, at about 9 p.m., acting on information, a police team, inclusive of members of the JCF’s nar- cotics unit, intercepted a JDF mini-bus and ordered the driver, a soldier in uni- form, to stop. Instead of complying, This Jamaica Defence Force service vehicle was damaged during the shootout. the driver and his colleague soldier change of gunfire. The police sought assistance from passenger sped away. When the chase finally ended, the the JDF, and a unit with senior soldiers During a chase, the police were re- two soldiers reportedly alighted from went to the location and ordered the portedly fired at, and the fire was -re the vehicle and more shots were fired. two soldiers to surrender, which they turned. The back glass of the JDF A stand-off ensued, with the soldiers did. Their weapons were confiscated vehicle was shattered during the ex- refusing to surrender. cont’d on pg 17 OECS permanent delegation challenges blacklisting at WTO (OECS communications) pandemic, Head of Mission, At the General Council of Mr. Stephen Fevrier stated the World Trade Organi- that despite being responsi- sation, the organization’s ble members of the interna- highest decision-making tional community, members body, the Permanent Dele- of the CARICOM group gation of the Organisation possess a of Eastern Caribbean States “limited policy toolbox, (OECS), speaking on behalf and do not benefit from of the CARICOM group, the support of strong cen- addressed several critical is- tral banks able to issue and surmountable challenge in of, and continued unilater- sues currently affecting Ca- monetize debt at unprece- the absence of external sup- al, arbitrary, and nontrans- ribbean countries, includ- dented levels. To make mat- port.” parent blacklisting strategy ing efforts by some WTO ters worse, due to extend- The OECS Delegation employed by some WTO members to blacklist, CAR- ed lockdowns and historic further stated that, notwith- Member States does not ICOM Member States. levels of unemployment in standing the tremendous serve the cause of interna- In consideration of the our source markets for vi- difficulties confronting pub- tional solidarity, particularly economic and social havoc tal financial remittances, lic finances in CARICOM at a time of unprecedented caused by the COVID-19 members face an almost in- Member States, the “threat global uncertainty.” FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 Regional News PAGE 17 Bahamas digital currency: Sand Dollar to offer lower merchant fees and faster payment settlements (EW News) Central Bank credit card as well as the officials said yesterday that ability to transfer funds to the Sand Dollar will offer local suppliers in seconds.” faster payment settlements Mott said that Omni Fi- and lower merchant fees, nancial, Kanoo, SunCash, noting that plans are also Cash N Go, Mobile Assist, in the works to eventually and Money Maxx have all make it interoperable with been approved by the Cen- other global currencies. tral Bank as authorized fi- Cleopatra Davis, Head of nancial institutions for the Department Banking noted Sand Dollar roll-out. that while the Sand Dollar Bobby Chen, assistant – a digital version of the manager of e-solutions Bahamian dollar – was de- said: “At the moment it is signed to allow for greater a currency that is only able inclusion and accessibility to be used in a domestic in the local financial eco- Bahamas Central Bank setting but we are working system, it will not eliminate will be less use of cash but implementation said: “One on a solution that will make fiat currency. we don’t expect the cash to of the key benefits of the it interoperable with other “In addition to accessi- disappear.” Sand Dollar is reduced cash global currencies.” bility and inclusion, Sand Davis noted that the Sand handling. The Central Bank pre- Dollar is intended to be an- Dollar is backed by the Ba- “Also, the merchant fees viously announced it will other means of being able hamas Central Bank and its associated with the Sand begin a gradual release of a to access financial services. foreign currency reserves. Dollar are far less than the digital version of the Baha- It is not meant to replace She also noted that Sand merchant fees on other pay- mian dollar nationwide on cash,” said Davis. Dollar has offline operabil- ment systems. October 20. “Naturally we can antici- ity. “It also offers faster set- The Sand Dollar initiative pate that with the increased Kimwood Mott, project tlement of payment than has already been piloted in use of the Sand Dollar there manager, digital currency any wire transfer, debit or Exuma and Abaco. cont’d from pg 16 diers were operating in cahoots with a prehending the soldiers, who will also and handed over to the police. A sub- major drug dealer in the area and the face disciplinary actions by the army. sequent search of the vehicle turned up operation was put into motion once the The JDF said that the operation and 1,500 pounds of compressed ganja. JDF vehicle was spotted. arrest were demonstrative of its robust The two soldiers, who are reportedly “We had information that they were internal monitoring system as well as assigned to the Paradise Park Operat- being paid to transport the drugs for the strength of its continued partner- ing Base in Westmoreland, are believed a particular don in the parish, so the ship with the police. to have been employed by smugglers operation was put in place to catch A resident of Gutters told The Glean- to take the drug to an unidentified lo- them,” he said. er that the incident was surprising. cation in St Elizabeth, from which it “We were surprised when they de- “We never know seh soldier do dem was supposed to be shipped overseas. cided to engage us in the shoot-out, thing deh, too,” the resident said of A police officer, who asked not to be but we were prepared for them.” the smuggling attempt, calling the gun identified, told The Gleaner that infor- In a statement yesterday, the JDF battle between the cops and soldiers “a mation had surfaced that the two sol- acknowledged playing a role in ap- big joke”. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 18 Regional News BVI: No mixed mingling in bars, clubs (BVI News) As part of the new protocols for local bars, pubs and nightclubs, groups of persons patron- ising these establishments will be required to remain within their respective cir- cles and will be prohibited from coming into contact with all other persons. This is according to Chief Environmental Health Of- ficer (CEHO), Lionel- Mi chael who told BVI News the new protocols also in- clude erecting barriers in nightclubs to restrict ac- cess to exotic dancers. “People can’t sit there and have close contact with dancers as before. Some nightclubs have put in bar- riers around that area,” the CEHO stated. face coverings, which must bar and you know me and must be six feet apart and “Social-distancing mea- only be removed when eat- you see me standing with there must be plexiglass at sures are forefront like ing or drinking. a group of five, you -can the counter of the bar. where you can have peo- Upon entry, all persons not come over and join us “Where bars are not ple by the nightclub danc- must have their hands sa- because you did not come ready in terms of putting ing area — the pole and nitised. Hand sanitisers with us. So a group of five, in plexiglass at the coun- so forth — all of that have will be provided by the bar, four, or three must stay to- tertops, they cannot have been drastically reduced in pub, or nightclub. gether at a designated area anyone sit at the table at the new measures.” “When they get inside the where you do everything the countertop or they will For other bar and club bar now, we expect them to right there. attract a fine of $1,000,” he workers such as disk jock- demonstrate a high degree “You dance, you eat, you stated. eys, Michael said “plexi- of responsibility in terms talk right there, you can’t The introduction of these glass has to be in front of of who they interact with. move around and socialise new protocols stems from them now”. “If they go with a group at the bar and interact with recent data which showed He explained that this is of four or five persons, they other people who you hav- that a percentage of the to ensure when they are will stay with that group, en’t visited the bar with,” recent positive COVID-19 singing or talking to cus- and this is one of the new he explained. cases in the territory came tomers, their “droplets things. Michael further stressed from the aforementioned would not come in contact “They have to stay at on the need for barriers to establishments. with people”. the designated area, either be placed at bar counters; To date, a total of 31 bars But for persons to be standing area or seating facilitating a safe environ- and five nightclubs have granted access into these area. They cannot move ment for workers when in- been inspected and ap- establishments in the first unless they are going to the teracting with customers. proved for opening by the place, Michael said they bathrooms,” he stated. “If you want to sit at the Environmental Health De- must be wearing protective “So, if you go to the bar itself, stools and chairs partment. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 International PAGE 19 AROUND THE WORLD US tycoon charged over historic tax fraud scheme (BBC) A US software ty- pay all student debt for 2019 coon has been charged over graduates. the biggest alleged tax eva- In a statement, the US Jus- sion scheme in American his- tice Department alleged that tory. Mr Brockman, 79, carried Robert Brockman, chief out the fraud by using a fam- executive of Reynolds and ily charitable trust and sev- Reynolds, is alleged to have eral offshore firms based in hidden $2bn (£1.5bn) in in- Bermuda and St. Kitts and come from tax authorities Nevis. These were allegedly over two decades, using a used to hide income from his network of offshore compa- investments in private equity nies. funds, managed by a firm in He was also charged over San Francisco, California. an alleged fraud scheme in- As part of the scheme, volving debt securities. prosecutors said Mr Brock- Mr Brockman appeared man used code names and by teleconference at a feder- encrypted emails to secretly Prosecutors allege that Mr Brockman hid $2bn from US tax au- al court in Houston, Texas, manage the investments. thorities and pleaded not guilty to the US Attorney David An- tax evasion, wire fraud and As part of the agreement, charges. derson told reporters that money laundering. he will pay more than $139m Prosecutors said they were Mr Brockman had also been Meanwhile Robert Smith in penalties and taxes. He alerted to his alleged activ- charged for buying and sell- has admitted to his role in the will also abandon $182m ities by fellow billionaire ing debt securities in his own tax evasion scheme as part protective refund claims, Robert Smith, who they company, breaking a promise of a non-prosecution agree- which were filed partly for say testified against him to to investors. The debt was al- ment. charitable contributions. avoid prosecution himself. legedly bought with the help Prosecutors said Mr Smith Mr Smith is a founder of Mr Smith shot to fame last of inside information he pos- admitted to using a nominee Vista Equity Partners in San year after giving a speech at sessed. trustee and corporate manag- Francisco, and is the richest Morehouse College’s gradu- The software tycoon faces er to his involvement in four African-American investor in ation ceremony, promising to 39 charges in all, including offshore firms. the US, according to Forbes. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 20 International AROUND THE WORLD Hours after truce agreed, children became orphans in Azerbaijan (Aljazeera) On Sunday, at about 2am, the people of Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second city, were awakened by the sound of an explosion. Neighbours in the northern part of the city cried out to each other for help, fright- ened by the unearthly sounds of crumbling buildings and shattering concrete. “My parents were asleep and I was watching a movie when I heard the sound of a huge crash,” 16-year-old Se- vil Aliyeva told Al Jazeera. “The walls, large pieces of stone fell on me. “There was no sound from my mother. My father began to call me. Then his voice stopped too.” Sevil and her brother, Sevil Aliyeva, 16, carries the portraits of her parents Anar Aliyev and Nurchin Aliyeva who were eight-year-old Huseyn, are killed in the Ganja attack as her brother Huseyin Aliyev, 8, cries on the shoulders of a relative now orphaned – their parents during their funeral ceremony in the city of Shamkir, Azerbaijan Anar and Nurchin were in revan denies. fighting over the breakaway were confirmed killed in their thirties. Home to half a million Nagorno-Karabakh region the blast was brought to the Before being buried, the people, Ganja is about 97 began on September 27. wreckage. couple’s friends and relatives kilometres (60 miles) from The Azerbaijani and Ar- But a few hours later, the prayed over their bodies. the front lines of the Na- menian foreign ministers death toll rose to 10. Their simple coffins were gorno-Karabakh conflict and had met in Moscow, and af- Gunay Aliyeva, who was covered in the Azeri flag and 241km (150 miles) from the ter 11 hours of talks, agreed pregnant, had initially sur- a few roses. Armenian border. to a humanitarian ceasefire vived the blast but was badly Mourning residents with The city, the industrial which should have taken wounded. She later died at sorrowful eyes told this re- centre of western Azerbai- effect on Saturday. Minutes hospital. She was 28. porter three members of the jan, is steeped in history. into the truce, however, both Her husband, Adil, and same family, the Alasgarovs, The 12th-century Persian countries claimed the other mother-in-law, Afag, were were also killed. poet Nizami Ganjavi was side was attempting to at- also killed, and are survived They died in an instant born here and the Nizami tack. by their two-year-old daugh- when the shell of a missile Mausoleum is located at the On Sunday afternoon, ter, Nilay. Like Sevil and hit the roof of their building. entrance to the city from the as doctors attended to the Huseyn, she has been or- Ulvi, Tarana and Durra were southwest side. wounded, among them a phaned by the conflict. 30, 55 and 57 respectively. The attack on Sunday three-year-old girl named At least 40 people were Azerbaijani authorities say came hours after the war- Maryam with an injury to also wounded. Armenia fired a ballistic mis- ring countries made their her head, a poster with the Mushfig Jafarov, a -mem sile at Ganja city, a claim Ye- first diplomatic contact since nine names of those who cont’d on pg 21 FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 International PAGE 21 AROUND THE WORLD Europe, US reel as virus infections surge at record pace (Associated Press) Coro- people, friends and family, navirus cases around the together in the house in- world have climbed to all- doors,” he said on ABC’s time highs of more than “Good Morning America.” 330,000 per day as the “We really have to be care- scourge comes storming ful this time that each indi- back across Europe and vidual family evaluates the spreads with renewed speed risk-benefit of doing that.” in the U.S., forcing many Responses to the surge places to reimpose tough re- have varied in hard-hit strictions eased just months states. In North Dakota, Re- ago. publican Gov. Doug Bur- Well after Europe seemed gum raised the coronavirus to have largely tamed the risk level in 16 counties this virus that proved so lethal Medical staff takes a swabs as she tests a boy for COVID-19 at week but issued no man- last spring, newly confirmed a drive-through at the San Paolo hospital, in Milan, Italy, Thurs- dated restrictions. In Wis- infections are reaching un- day. Coronavirus infections are surging again in the region of consin, a judge temporarily precedented levels in Ger- northern Italy where the pandemic first took hold in Europe, re- blocked an order from Dem- many, the Czech Republic, newing pressure on hospitals and health care workers. ocratic Gov. Tony Evers that Italy and Poland. Most of cases per day are on the lege of Medicine in Texas. would limit the number of the rest of the continent is rise in 44 states, with many “The numbers are going up people in bars and restau- seeing similar danger signs. of the biggest surges in the pretty rapidly. We’re going rants. France announced a 9 p.m. Midwest and Great Plains, to see a pretty large epi- South Dakota on Wednes- curfew in Paris and other where resistance to masks demic across the Northern day broke its record for big cities. Londoners face and other precautions has Hemisphere.” COVID-19 hospitaliza- new restrictions on meeting been running high and the Dr. Anthony Fauci, the tions and new cases and with people indoors. The virus has often been seen U.S. government’s top in- has had more deaths from Netherlands closed bars and as just a big-city problem. fectious-disease expert, said the disease less than half- restaurants this week. The Deaths per day are climbing Americans should think way through October than Czech Republic and North- in 30 states. hard about whether to hold in any other full month. ern Ireland shut schools. “I see this as one of the Thanksgiving gatherings. Despite the grim figures, Poland limited restaurant toughest times in the epi- “Everyone has this tra- GOP Gov. Kristi Noem has hours and closed gyms and demic,” said Dr. Peter Ho- ditional, emotional, warm resisted pressure to step up pools. tez, an infectious-disease feeling about the holidays the state’s response to the n the United States, new specialist at the Baylor Col- and bringing a group of disease. cont’d from pg 20 Hikmet Hajiyev, the foreign policy nia’s disrespect to the world commu- ber of Parliament for the Ganja region, aide to the Azerbaijani president, said nity, including the Russian Federation. told Al Jazeera Armenia is violating in- Armenia is violating the requirements This act of vandalism and genocide ternationally-recognised provisions of of the humanitarian ceasefire and has was committed by Armenia against the the Geneva Conventions. fired heavy artillery and rockets not Azerbaijani people, despite the idea of “The Armenian government is trying only at Ganja, but also at Mingache- a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds to start a total war by firing rockets at vir, which has a population of 100,000 with the direct mediation of the Rus- Azerbaijani cities. Azerbaijan has no people and is home to a hydroelectric sian Federation. The international com- intention to open fire on another coun- power station, and other civilian areas. munity must give due consideration to try’s territory,” he said. “This should be assessed as Arme- these events,” he told reporters. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 22 International AROUND THE WORLD Kyrgyzstan president quits; prime minister, newly sprung from jail, takes over (Reuters) Kyrgyz President Sooron- bai Jeenbekov resigned on Thursday, leaving power in the hands of a nation- alist rival whose supporters freed him from jail last week. The swift transition appears to put an end to more than a week of turmoil and unrest that followed a disputed election. Sadyr Japarov, 51, who was named prime minister this week, told cheer- ing supporters that he had taken on the powers of the presidency, follow- ing the resignation of Jeenbekov and of the parliament speaker, who would otherwise have been next in line. “Today, (speaker Kanatbek) Isayev Kyrgyzstan’s President Sooronbai Jeenbekov speaks after a vote at a parliamentary elections in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan October 4, 2020. signed a resignation letter. All presi- dential powers have fully passed to me seized government buildings, prompt- gold mine. Moscow, which considers today,” Japarov said. ing the authorities to annul the vote. the former Soviet space its sphere of Hours earlier, Jeenbekov became Japarov who was serving a sentence influence, had said it would be respon- the third president of the small Central for attempting to kidnap another pol- sible for ensuring stability. Asian nation since 2005 to be toppled itician during unrest in 2013, was Russia said Foreign Minister Sergei in a popular uprising. In a statement, sprung from prison by his supporters Lavrov had spoken by phone to his he said he was resigning to prevent vi- last week. A judge then threw out his Kyrgyz counterpart, Ruslan Kazakba- olence, which he said would have been conviction, and parliamentary factions yev, and promised to assist “legitimate inevitable if protesters carried out a picked him to be premier. authorities” to stabilise the situation. threat to march on his compound. Jeenbekov announced last week that Lavrov’s call could be seen as rec- “I do not want to go down in Kyrgyz- he planned to resign, but later said he ognition of the legitimacy of Japarov, stan’s history as a president who shed would stay in office until a new elec- who named Kazakbayev to the post blood and shot at his own citizens.” tion was held. Japarov rejected the de- this week. Kyrgyzstan’s constitution requires a lay and pressed him to resign imme- Felix Kulov, a former prime min- new election for president within three diately. ister who met with Jeenbekov before months. The rules appear to bar Jap- “The president couldn’t hold out. his resignation, said on Facebook the arov, as interim president, from stand- He’s very weak. No spirit,” Dastan president had said nothing about plan- ing again. Bekeshev, a lawmaker who supports ning to quit. Kyrgyzstan has been in turmoil since neither Jeenbekov nor Japarov, told “One thing is clear: some forces - I an Oct. 4 parliamentary vote, which Reuters. “It’s not clear what happens am sure sooner or later we will find out the opposition rejected after Jeenbe- next, nobody can tell what is going to which ones - decided to seize power by kov’s allies were declared the winners. happen.” force and made the president choose Since the election, opposition sup- Kyrgyzstan hosts both a Russian mil- between resignation or an all-out war,” porters have taken to the streets and itary base and a large Canadian-owned Kulov said. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 Community Notices PAGE 23

COMMUNITY NO TICES COMMUNITY NO TICES VIRTUAL CALYPSO SHOW RENEWAL OF WORK PERMITS The general public is kindly reminded that registration for the The Labour Department wishes to inform the general public that Virtual Calypso Monarch will officially conclude on Friday 16th the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has decided that until fur- October. Therefore, all persons desirous of participating in this ther notice, work permit renewal applications are not required to year’s competition are kindly asked to complete their registration, be advertised by employers. ALL new work permit applications, as the deadline is swiftly approaching. Registration forms can be including change of employers, MUST be accompanied by prop- collected at the National Festivals Office (NFO), located upstairs er proof of advertisement, copies of applications received in re- the Cecil George-John Building on the corner of Redcliffe Street sponse to job advertisement and a proper justification for work and Corn Alley. Persons can also complete their registration online permit application. Please be guided accordingly. by visiting the Antigua Carnival website, www.antiguacarnival. com/virtualcalypsomonarch. Tracks (music) can be hand- CADET CORPS REGISTRATION delivered to the NFO on a flash drive or CD, or submitted online Registration to the Antigua and Barbuda National Cadet Corps as an attachment to their online registration form. for children aged 13-18 will take place each Saturday in October from 9am - 12:30pm at the Ex-Servicemen Association Building, ROAD WORK ON SIR GEORGE WALTER HIGHWAY: Camp Site (opposite Sagicor Insurance, close to the Prime Min- Road work continues in Phase 2B between Mi Casa Imports Ltd ister's Office). Each child should be accompanied by a parent to Sir Sidney Walling Hwy (Factory Rd) junction from. Local ac- or guardian and should have a copy of their birth certificate, a cess will be maintained for the duration of this closure and there passport picture, proof that the child is enrolled in an education- will be business as usual. Business owners, customers and res- al institution, including the Antigua State College, ABICE, ABITT. idents trying to gain access are asked to enter from the northern This proof can be the acceptance letter or school bus pass and end of closure from Dees Service Station (Rubis) junction. a registration fee of EC$25. Please wear masks and bring your own pen.

WOMEN LEADERS Young women aged 18 to 25 who are interested in leadership and living in Antigua and Barbuda, are being sought ahead of an upcoming conference. The Antigua and Barbuda Parliament in partnership with ParlAmericas will be hosting a “Young Wom- en in Leadership” conference through October and November 2020. Visit www.ciwil.org or call 462-4822 or 464-2705 for more information. Submit your community notices to news@pointville. ag

FREE MATH CLASSES IN ST. PAUL’S Another learning opportunity is being offered in the St. Paul’s community. CXC Math classes facilitated by veteran mathemati- cian, Anthonyso n King. These classes are geared toward 4th and 5th form students and those desirous of retaking CXC Math- ematics. You must be a resident of St. Paul. Classes commence on Wednesday 14th October and will continue every Wednesday at 4:00PM. Early registration is encouraged to facilitate schedul- ing.

TAKE AWAY FOOD SALE The Cathedral Parish of St. John the Divine will be holding a fundraising Take Away Food Sale on Saturday 17th October, 2020 at the Deanery Grounds from 12 noon to 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale $20.00 each, available at the Deanery or from members of the congregation.

SJA INDEPENDENCE LUNCH St. Joseph’s Academy presents its annual Independence Lunch on Saturday 31st October, 2020 at the school grounds. Tickets are $25.00 and available at the school. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 24 LEISURE

Across Down 1 Drink made from West African beans (7,6) 1 Antiquity (5) 8 Meadow (3) 2 Striped stick from Lancashire (9,4) 9 Regardless of the price to pay (2,3,4) 3 Baldie (informal) (8) 10 Gob (informal) (8) 4 Land for growing crops (6) 11 Roofed colonnade (4) 5 Kind of agate (4) 13 Blooming? (6) 6 Immediately at the beginning (4,3,4,2) 14 Very nice — coy elm (anag) (6) 7 River mouth (7) 16 Fizzy drink (4) 12 Extremely inactive (4,4) 17 The ‘x’ in x3 (4,4) 13 Pendulous-flowered shrub (7) 20 Winter sporting device (9) 15 Gulf kingdom (6) 21 Pair (3) 18 Prickle (5) 22 Seek the impossible (3,3,3,4) 19 Longest river in Spain (4)

Garfield FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 LEISURE PAGE 25

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr. 19): You may be surprised. Discussions that go beyond polite banter may yield startling LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.): Have it your way. Be a star revelations, but don’t believe everything you hear. No matter of the business world or the spark that kindles a blazing romance, as you probably can exert your will on anything what you choose to do today, you’ll probably fare better if today. Your performance may suffer if you do too many you bring a friend. things at once.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): Stay on point. Alluring SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): All’s fair in love and war. distractions may try to divert your attention from the You may be able to take advantage of a romantic situation important tasks that should be done today. Don’t be surprised by being in the right place at the right time. Make sure your if a new admirer makes his or her presence known. financial picture isn’t in need of tweaking. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Strut your stuff. Don’t GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Air out your grievances. blend into the background; you’re far more appealing than You’ll feel a whole lot better about it if you discuss what’s you think. Exude confidence and charm, and you should be bothering you rather than keeping it bottled up. You’ll able to conquer any situation that comes your way. probably say the right thing if you speak from the heart. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There’s more to it than CANCER (June 21-July 22): Look at both sides of the meets the eye. Don’t take a cold reception personally, as situation. Your optimism over a project may cause you to there is likely something else going on behind the scenes. see only the positives and ignore the negatives. You may Take what is offered but don’t pry into private matters. need an objective third party on your side to find the right path. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Honey works better than vinegar. You may get to the bottom of someone’s problem if LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Fantasy may be better than reality. you show tact and compassion. Try to encourage someone Your illusions could be dashed to pieces when you finally to improve rather than being overly critical. meet someone you’ve admired from afar. Doing what’s best for the common good can be difficult but is certainly PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Read between the lines. You’ll achievable. need to be perceptive to tell the difference between what someone says and what they actually mean. Your trust VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): When you talk, people will should be earned rather than given lightly. usually listen. You’ll not be at a loss for words when it comes to getting your way, and others may be pleased to accommodate you. Your wisdom and charm earn respect. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 PAGE 26 Sports News Former Parham FC defender remembers Coach ‘Debu’ Williams Former Parham FC de- a brief illness. were stubborn and did not fender, Kimarley “Skitta” McDonald, a Jamaican want to learn,” McDonald McDonald is having a hard national who is regarded as said. time coming to grips with one of the best imports to Skitta, who won several the loss of his former coach play in the ABFA Premier championships under the and friend Rolston “Debu” League, described Williams guidance of Debu, said his Williams. as a very good coach who former coach was the driv- Kimarley “Skitta” McDonald Williams, 55, was the was passionate and had the ing force behind football in skills leading the defense. National Technical Direc- ability to motivate and get Parham and added that his “When I started playing tor of the Antigua and Bar- the best out of players who absence leaves a hole that music and was out late at buda Football Association were average. will be hard to fill. nights before games, Debu and Technical Director of “If any player [who] was McDonald played profes- would leave his home and Parham FC passed away exposed to Debu did not sionally in Jamaica before appear at the location en- this week at the Mount St. learn anything and become being recruited by Parham couraging me to get my John’s Medical Centre after a better player, it meant they FC where he displayed his rest,” Skitta said with a smile, “but later on coach Naming of Windies realised it was part of my living and showed more un- derstanding.” squad for NZ delayed In addition to being a na- The announcement of the West Indies The selectors might have to eliminate tional footballer himself, T20 squad for the New Zealand tour has mystery spinner, Sunil Narine, from se- Debu became coach of the been delayed due to fitness concerns. lection after he was reported in the Indian Antigua and Barbuda Na- The situation, which was confirmed by the Premier League for suspect bowling action tional Football team in convenor of selectors, has caused a head- and has not represented his team Kolkata 2004. He also worked with ache as authorities are now attempting to Knight Riders since. Antigua and Barbuda Wom- resolve the issue before the squad is named. The upcoming tour of New Zealand will en’s National Football team West Indies are expected to depart at see the Test squad accompanied by mem- and the U20 and U17 teams. month the end for the tour of New Zealand bers of the T20 unit plus reserves first, with In November 2012 he which runs from November 27 to Decem- any players currently competing in the Indi- again became of the head ber 15 and comprises three T20 Internation- an Premier League expected to follow after coach of the Antigua and als and two Tests. fulfilling their franchise commitments. Barbuda team. FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 Sports News PAGE 27 T&T PM calls United TTFA success in court ‘pyrrhic victory’ Trinidad and Tobago’s made in bad faith and for “Thank God I was taught “Now United TTFA has prime minister, Dr. Keith improper and illegal motive. some Greek history and Lat- won and FIFA has lost. Rowley, has reacted to the Prime Minister Rowley, in at Bishop High School, The matter is settled in lo- high court decision on Tues- who appeared to be dis- otherwise I would have cal court. We are now free day in favour of the United pleased with the decision, never been able to under- of the colonial FIFA. We, Trinidad and Tobago Foot- shared a quote on his page: stand that adventure. Pyr- boys and girls, men and ball Association (TTFA) “Another such victory and rhus King of Epirus refers women, are free to play by concerning its lawsuit we shall be utterly ruined.” to a success that is gained ourselves and against our- against FIFA on his Face- - Pyrrhus, King of Epirus, at such a high price that the selves because nobody will book page. 2000 years ago.” victory proved too costly to be allowed to play with or Delivering her judgment Rowley continued: be worthwhile. against us.” in the case on Tuesday, High Court Judge, Carol Gobin, Misbah-ul-Haq steps down ruled that FIFA’s move to Misbah-ul-Haq has stood down as Pa- have the duly elected TTFA kistan’s chief selector but will continue as executive, led by President head coach. William Wallace, removed The former captain has combined both and replaced by a Normal- roles for the past twelve months, including ization Committee was ille- on the tour of England in the summer. Mis- gal null and void and of no bah said he thoroughly enjoyed both roles effect. but would focus on coaching in an attempt Judge Gobin said the FI- to manage his workload. takes over on December 1. FA’s decision on 3rd March The 46-year-old will still select the squads Pakistan will host South Africa for two 2020 to appoint a Normal- for the upcoming series against Zimbabwe Tests with another three scheduled for Jan- ization Committee was and New Zealand before a new selector uary. cont’d from pg 28 who worked closely with Debu over spected and appreciated by his fellow received the message of his passing the years, described Debu as a hard coaches.” As Antigua and Barbuda which brought tears to my eyes and worker who was very passionate about mourns the loss of a sports legend, has left me in a state of shock,” said his work and did not like to lose. Debu is also being remembered for his Samuels. “We have lost a legend and great many years of service to basketball as Former national captain and manag- soldier. Williams was employed as a a coach. He was also a softball player er of the Antigua and Barbuda nation- senior coach within the Ministry of and a big fan of Leeward Islands and al team, Fernando ‘Nando’ Abraham, Sports for many years and was re- West Indies cricket. PAGE 28 FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2020 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG Football fraternity mourns loss of a legend Antigua and Barbuda ball Association in 2016. Debu, who was the school’s Football fraternity was Williams, the Techni- head coach, for many years. plunged into mourning and cal Director of Parham FC Browne, the head coach of deep shock over the news who was fondly referred to Premier League team, Old of the passing of legendary as ‘the heartbeat of sports Road FC, said he enjoyed coach, Rolston ‘Debu’ Wil- in Parham’, will be greatly working with Williams as liams. missed by that communi- he instilled discipline in his Williams, 55, died on ty as he led them to four of players, was very detailed Wednesday at the Mount St. their six championships. in his approach to coaching John’s Medical Centre after Sports Minister, Daryll and commanded the respect being admitted on Monday Matthew, described Wil- of everyone around him. after complaining of feeling liams as passionate, dedi- “Just a week ago he was unwell. cated and unafraid of ex- with me conducting class- Over his long and il- pressing his thoughts and room sessions utilising lustrious career, Debu es- ideas. Matthews told Point- technology. His loss has hit tablished a reputation for eXpress that Williams’ loss me hard leaving me rattled himself as one the nation’s has left a major void in the and sad,’’ said Browne. leading football experts. He ministry that will be diffi- Williams› friend and was also the first Antiguan cult to fill. colleague at the Ministry Rolston ‘Debu’ Williams. and Barbudan coach to be Chestley Browne, Phys- of Sports, coach Vincent ment aimed at developing appointed to the position of ical Education instructor ‘Nabu’ Samuels, said he the sport on the island. Technical Director of the at the Antigua Grammar was assisting Debu with his “I spoke to him the night Antigua and Barbuda Foot- School, worked closely with work on a national docu- before he passed and I was Editor : Everton Barnes, Published by Pointville Communications, Lower North Street, St. John’s, Antigua Tel:-1- preparing myself to visit 268-562 4989, Editor: [email protected] him at the hospital when I Advertisement: [email protected], Reporting: [email protected] cont’d on pg 27