TODAY'S EXPANSION OF SCHOOLS' REOPENING - SEE PAGE 4 - Pointe ...
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MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 | ISSUE 217 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG
ALL SYSTEMS ARE GO FOR
TODAY’S EXPANSION OF
SCHOOLS’ REOPENING
SEE PAGE 4
The two Celebrity Cruise vessels provide a
beautiful scenery lit up at night at the Heritage
Quay dock in the St John’s Harbour
(Photo By-Shahein Fitzpatrick)
A STEADY PACE IN THE RACE FOR HERD IMMUNITY
VACCINATION AT THE MARKET DEEMED A SUCCESS PAGE 6
5
COVID-19 public vaccine recommences
EDITORIAL
PAGE 2 MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021
BACK TO
THE FUTURE
Economically, it may bucket’ but the long- to reopen is much clos- particularly as it did
not mean much: the term benefits are likely er at hand. without warning that
arrival last weekend of to be substantial. The closure of the cruise would have given them
two large cruise vessels The immediate bene- sector has been painful a chance to prepare or
from Celebrity Cruises. fits of the cruise ships for the men and women plan. It has been a long
The vessels arrived in in the harbour, howev- who rely on this sector. wait for these residents
the St John’s Harbour to er, go far beyond what- It upended their lives, be they in St John’s, En-
‘lay-up’ for up to a pe- ever short-term gains
riod of up to ten days there may be to a few
in the case of one of taxi drivers or hotels.
the vessels. While here, Coming as they did a
there are to be no inter- full year after the cruise
actions with the local industry was brought to
population. a screeching halt by the
Antigua Cruise Ports of- spread of the COVID-19
ficials say that the min- virus, the arrival of the
imal economic spinoffs vessels was a welcomed
will come from port sight to many residents,
fees, re-provisioning, especially those whose
fuel and water. Addi- livelihood are linked di-
tionally, some staff may rectly or indirectly to the
take taxis to and from cruise sector.
the airport, while others Even a casual walk
may stay at local hotels. among the ladies in the
In the context of the Vendors’ Mall on Sat-
overall cruise sector for urday could discern a
Antigua and Barbuda, more buoyant mood;
the economic benefits an expectation that the
represent ‘a drop in the long wait for the sector
Cont’d on pg 3
MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 3 glish Harbour or along little information that OECS and with a signif- of the year. The cruise beaches such a Fort they could share with icant sector such as the ships have been report- James where hair-plait- any confidence. cruise sector idle it has ing strong bookings for ing brings brisk busi- There is a popu- had a negative ripple ef- their cruises with many ness for many women. lar phrase, ‘a picture fect on the entire coun- planning what is being All year long, these is worth a thousand try, from unemploy- termed ‘revenge trips;’ thousands of individu- words’ and no words ment for taxi drivers and revenge against the als in the cruise sector from any official could vendors to poor sales in pandemic. Whatever have been told to wait; be more powerful than many of the shops and the reasons for taking to wait with no certain- seeing the vessels in businesses that cater to a cruise, Antigua and ty of when the wait will the harbor. It is a signal the cruise visitors. This Barbuda is ready to wel- be over. Certainly, gov- of things to come! That sector can now breathe come all. ernment officials and the revival, the resusci- a collective sigh of re- The only caveat: peo- others in the trade have tation, of the cruise sec- lief recognising that the ple in the cruise sector been seeking answers tor will be a reality; that wait is soon over. The should not hesitate to from the cruise lines, there is light at the end first vessel returns in get vaccinated as this but with the US CDC of the proverbial tunnel. June and homeporting may determine the withholding approvals Antigua and Barbuda starts in August. The country’s inclusion in for the resumption of is the most tourism de- full industry is expected many of the itineraries cruises, there was very pendent country in the to back before the end that are being planned.
PAGE 4 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021
ALL SYSTEMS ARE GO FOR TODAY’S
EXPANSION OF SCHOOLS’ REOPENING
The expansion of the The Director of Educa-
reopening of schools tion was also very com-
across Antigua and plimentary towards the
Barbuda for face-to- principals and teach-
face learning today is ers who he said have
expected to go quite responded well to the
smoothly, according to crisis brought on by the
Director of Education, coronavirus pandemic.
Clare Browne. All pri- “I am very proud of our
vate and public second- principals and teachers
ary and primary schools in the manner in which
as well as preschools they have weathered
and daycare centres are the crisis; no universi-
opening for classes for Director of Education, Clare Browne. ty could have prepared
all levels, following re- teachers would have then. These includ- you for what was to
ceipt of the green light tested and adjustments ed meetings with the come with this pan-
to do so by the Cabinet made to make them principals of all public demic,” he noted.
last Wednesday. better. The second term schools as well as meet- Over the next few
Browne said he is confi- was aborted because ings with representa- weeks, Browne said the
dent that the principals, of an epidemiological tives of the Private Ed- focus will be on helping
teachers and all those crisis beyond their con- ucational Institutions students to successful-
involved in the educa- trol,” he remarked. of Antigua and Barbuda ly navigate the CSEC
tion system are “fully Browne revealed that (PEIAB), which a new examinations for those
prepared” to accept stu- since the announce- organisation grouping writing those exams
dents for the third and ment was made two these institutions. and for those Grade
final term of the 2020- weeks ago to reopen “I am persuaded that Six students to be suc-
2021 academic year. schools in a phased the principals of pri- cessful at the National
“Many principals and manner allowing only vate and public schools Assessment exams. He
senior teachers have fifth and sixth grades are ready to revert to added that for Grade
spent much time work- of primary schools and the instructional plans Six students these ex-
ing out instructional fourth and fifth forms implemented in the ams are not for ‘pass’
plans for school that in secondary schools to first term which have purposes but for place-
would have been tested attend in-person teach- been strengthened and ment in the secondary
during the first team of ing, the entire educa- tweaked to suit the indi- school system come
teaching in September tion system had been vidual schools in which September.
to December last year. preparing for a full roll- they are being imple- For all other students,
These principals and out of all students since mented,” he observed. the focus will be on
Cont’d on pg 5
MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 5
completing the curric- Teachers (ABUT) and schools cannot accom- quired and this is not
ulum. “The focus here other stakeholders in modate all the students good. When private
will be on filling those education. He said there in the country and this schools fail, this puts
gaps in the teaching of may be times when is where private schools additional burdens on
the curriculum to our there are public spats assist by providing edu- the public school sys-
students. We want to between the ministry cation to students opt- tem and helps no one,”
ensure that all students and the union but that ing for school within the he declared. Browne is
are taught the complet- they do not take away private school system. issuing an appeal to all
ed curriculum for his/ from the good relations He however had a stern involved in the educa-
her level,” he remarked. the two entities. Sim- warning to parents who tion system to be vacci-
Browne took time to ilarly, he spoke to the failed to live up to their nated as this is the only
single out the relation- importance of private obligations to these in- sure way to defeat the
ship the ministry en- schools to the educa- stitutions. “Some par- virus and for the coun-
joys with the Antigua tional system. He stat- ents are failing to pay try to return to normal-
and Barbuda Union of ed that the government their school fees as re- ity.
SCHOOLS’ INSPECTION ALMOST COMPLETE
The inspection of school plants schools in the country have been not open until this week so we
across Antigua and Barbuda to inspected by her department. will use the opportunity to check
ensure that they adhere to the The remaining schools – mainly them. Our inspectors are looking
health protocols established by preschools and daycare facilities to ensure that handwashing sta-
tions are functional, that hand
sanitiser dispensers are mount-
ed and contain the solution as
well as pay spot visits to schools
to ensure that students and
teachers are not only wearing
face masks, but wearing them
properly,” she stated.
The health inspectors will also
examine the schools to see that
they are kept in good hygienic
conditions; that is, schools must
not have dust particles visible to
the eye, the floors and walls must
be clean and waste must be
both the Ministries of Health will be completed during this stored in receptacles. The health
and Education will conclude this week. The inspection exercise inspectors will ask teachers to
week. That is the word from the covers private and public sec- separate left over food from oth-
Chief Health Inspector, Sharon ondary, primary and preschools er waste and to dispose of the
Martin, who is reporting that operating in the country. unwanted food separately.
some eighty-five per cent of all “A few of the daycare centres will
PAGE 6 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021
VACCINATION AT THE
MARKET DEEMED A SUCCESS
“Vaccine vaccine, parking lot of the Cen- can help that problem taining all COVID-19
come and get your vac- tral Marketing Corpo- go away, me go tek um,” protocols. From 5:00
cine. First dose of your ration from 5:00 a.m. to he said before he rolled a.mm to 1:00 p.m.,
COVID-19 vaccine to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday his trolley away. Market some two hundred and
help protect you and and witnessed scores of vendors, shoppers, bus forty-five people re-
your family!” residents pausing their drivers, and passersby ceived their first jab,
This was the chant usual Saturday morning all used the opportunity with several people still
heard along the road- routine to get their first to quickly get vaccinat- lining up after the mo-
side during the bus- dose of the Oxford-As- ed in the absence of no bile vaccine crew was
tling hours of Saturday traZenea vaccine. Ac- long lines and multiple packing up. Chief Med-
morning market shop- cording to one vendor, vaccine stations with- ical Officer (CMO) Dr.
ping, as the roll-out of “Me and a the same in the blood bank bus. Rhonda Sealy Thom-
the public vaccination virus causing so much The process was also as, Minister of Health,
programme shifted money problem, health said to be “quick and Wellness and the En-
gears to the market. The problem, death prob- incident-free” with no vironment, Sir Mol-
free public vaccination lem, all kind of prob- apparent wait lines or wyn Joseph, The Su-
was conducted in the lem. So if this vaccine spacing issues, main- perintendent of Public
Cont’d on pg 7
MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 7
first dose if they were
unable to do so before.
We know everyone lives
a hectic work life and
may not have the ability
to visit the vaccine cen-
ters during the week.
So we have brought the
vaccine centers to them,
for their convenience.”
As residents walked by
the exercise, they also
got the opportunity for
further education on
the subject matter of
vaccination. One nurse
commented that the
exercise gave residents
who were sceptical or
had concerns about the
COVID-19 vaccine the
chance to speak directly
with nurses and doctors
who could provide ac-
curate information.
People who received
Health Nursing (SPHN), big thank you to Police Marketing Corporation their vaccine on Satur-
Nurse Almarie Coates, Officers, CPL Jacobs (CMC). Both Officers day also received packs
Pathologist Dr. Lester and Constable Malone aided in registering per- of masks, refreshments,
Simon, along with six for their continued sup- sons and guided them and a snack as they wait-
nurses and two other port and commitment to the vaccine stations. ed out their screening
doctors turned out to to the public vaccina- Thank you, officers, for and observation time.
aid in the vaccination tion programme. Both your time, effort and The mobile vaccination
process. Joining the officers are based at the commitment.” in the market is said to
health team were also Villa Polyclinic Monday According to site man- be one of several initia-
five data clerks, five cus- to Friday to maintain or- agers who assisted in or- tives the ministry is an-
tomer service represen- der during the vaccina- ganising the day’s event, ticipating to roll-out to
tatives and two police tion process. However, “Shifting the public vac- quicken the uptake of
officers who all volun- they volunteered their cination programme in public vaccination.
teered their services for services for the public the heart of busy Market
the exercise. The Minis- vaccination at the mar- Street was done to allow
try of Health posted “A ket, in front of Central everyone to get their
PAGE 8 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021
BAR OWNERS
MUST ‘WALK STRAIGHT
-AND-NARROW’ TO REOPEN
By Shelton Daniel gymnasia – and, until recently, by consumption of alcohol are
schools – have been kept shut known to throw caution to the
Bar owners must be prepared to for several weeks since the start wind when it comes to protec-
accept and apply very strict pro- of the year following a post-hol- tive measures such as social
tocols if they are to be granted iday season surge in COVID-19 distancing, wearing of masks,
permission to reopen, accord- cases. Bars are considered espe- cough-and-sneeze etiquette,
ing to Prime Minister Gaston cially risky due to the clustering and hand sanitisation.
Browne. He was speaking Sat- of patrons that tends to occur, “Next Wednesday, we hope to
urday during his weekly radio partly because of the relative- receive proposals for the re-
programme, The Browne and ly tight spaces at such estab- opening of churches, gyms –
Browne Show, on PointeFM lishments. Also, people whose and possibly bars – if we can get
99.1. Bars, nightclubs and judgment has been impaired them to come up with a pos-
Cont’d on pg 9
MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 9 sible solution that will not al- soon as possible, bars will need government. The irony about low for any spread,” the Prime to have very strict protocols if it, prior to the spread that we Minister told programme host we allow them to reopen, and saw in January, he would have Senator Colin O’Neal Browne, I hope the operators will co- been easily one of the most ir- adding, “That is perhaps the operate.” PM Browne then ze- responsible bar operators. Even most difficult proposition, to roed on a poignant example of his girlfriend had gotten COVID reopen bars. But we’re also a ‘wrong-and-strong’ bar owner and instead of having her iso- mindful that they too need to who, after practising a most de- lated at home, he put her in the live and that there are many bar spicable type of irresponsibility, bar to serve others. So, when I owners and bar operators and still had the audacity to pub- see people like them criticising employees of bars who need to licly denounce local authori- us on social media, I just have get back to work.” But he noted ties for their efforts to keep the to shake my head because they that while everyone is keen to country safe. “I saw one of them are so irresponsible,” the Prime “have a return to normalcy as recently online criticising the Minister stated.
PAGE 10 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021
VISIT OF CRUISE SHIP
IS KEY TO BUILDING
RELATIONSHIPS FOR
THE FUTURE
General manager of Antigua Cruise Ports Dona Regis
One of the two Celebrity and there’s every likeli- fers. Additionally, the al manager is looking be-
Cruises ships that sailed hood that they will need maintenance crew for yond the short-term ben-
into the St. John’s Har- water, fuel and to re-pro- the Reflection will fly into efits of the vessels’ visit
bour over the weekend is vision here in Antigua. Antigua and stay at a lo- to Antigua and Barbuda
leaving today, but it will There will be some crew cal hotel during the time this time around. “We are
be replaced by another change-over so some they are here,” she re- looking at these arrange-
vessel on Wednesday. taxis will be employed to ported. ments as an opportunity
That vessel, Celebrity make the airport trans- However, the ACP gener- to help the cruise lines at
Reflection, according to
General Manager of An-
tigua Cruise Port (ACP),
Dona Regis, will spend
a total of ten days in the
harbour undergoing mi-
nor maintenance.
The crew on board the
vessels are not allowed
to ‘mingle’ with the local
population because of
the strict health proto-
cols that have been put
in place because of the
coronavirus pandemic.
However, Regis said the
visit by the three vessels
will have some economic
benefits to the country.
“The vessels pay port
charges while docked
at the St John’s Harbour
Cont’d on pg 11MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 11
a time when they needed
assistance. These vessels
were docked in Barbados
but were forced to move
because of the ash fall-
out from the La Soufri-
ere Volcano in St Vincent
and the Grenadines. By
offering our port as they
sought a safe haven from
the ash, we are proving
that we are partners and
reliable ones at that,” she
emphasised.
According to Regis, in a
time of a dual crisis, the
coronavirus pandemic
and the volcanic erup-
tions from St. Vincent
and the Grenadines, An-
tigua and Barbuda is ex-
tending a helpful hand to
the cruise lines which she
believes could be recipro-
cated with commitments
for further strengthening
of these ties in the future.
Meanwhile, the restart of
the cruise tourism sea-
son is slated for June or
July this year when the
Seaborne makes the first
cruise call for the year.
Additionally, arrange-
ments have been final-
ised for at least one ves-
sel to home-port in the
St John’s Harbour from
August to December this
year.
Photo By-Shahein FitzpatrickPAGE 12 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021
MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 13
TWO MORE CONTAINERS TO
LEAVE FOR SVG TODAY
Two more containers and while everyone was
packed with supplies rescued, it showed the
donated by individuals, dangers of people just
corporations and gov- showing up in vessels un-
ernment departments announced. The authori-
are leaving for St Vin- ties are very concerned
cent and the Grenadines about their health proto-
today.That is the word cols and that’s why they
from the Director of the are asking for prior clear-
National Office of Di- ance for any vessel going
saster Services (NODS), to SVG,” Mullin stated.
Philmore Mullin. One The NODS director said
ing to ‘wait it out,’” he re- goods into the country.
container will ferry water as far as he is aware there
ported. So far, only forty The NODS official said
to the volcano-stricken are not Antigua and Bar-
Vincentians have regis- the authorities have is-
country, while the other buda vessels that have
tered to travel to Antigua sued a circular, asking
is packed with emergen- left for SVG. He said one
and Barbuda, and ac- vessel operators to first
cy supplies. “I am expect- individual did call to
cording to Mullin, Prime get clearance before
ing an updated list of the make inquiries but there
Minister Gaston Browne showing up in SVG wa-
emergency needs from have been no follow-ups.
has given the green light ters. “There was a vessel
authorities in SVG some-
to accommodate them that sunk last week
time today and I will then
should they decided to
circulate it to members of
come.
the society,” Mullin told
Mullin is also reporting
PointeXpress newspaper.
that with the eruptions
On the issue of Vincen-
further and further apart,
tians evacuating and be-
things in SVG are getting
ing resettled in Antigua
better. He disclosed that
and Barbuda, Mullin said
the Pan American Health
this is something that
Organisation (PAHO),
may not happen. “It’s not
working in collabora-
off the table, but it looks
tion with engineers from
slimmer and slimmer.
Trinidad and Tobago,
Firstly, there was a gener-
have been able to locate
al reluctance by Vincen-
a number of abandoned
tians to leave their coun-
wells and that one such
try; in fact, many have
has since been brought
problems even leaving
back on stream, thus im-
the designated red or
proving the water situa-
danger zone. Then the
tion on the island.
eruptions are not hap-
The authorities in Kings-
pening as often as previ-
town now have anoth-
ously thought and based
er issue on hand to deal
on this, it appears that
with: the unannounced
many others are decid-
arrival of vessels ferryingPAGE 14 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021
CUSTOMER CARE
TRAINING FOR
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS
The Immigration De- Department of Immi- conference room of to attend the training.
partment is launch- gration,” Chief Immi- the Tradewinds Hotel, Based on the current
ing a two-week train- gration Officer, Ka- Hadeed Street, Dick- restrictions, the de-
ing workshop today trina Yearwood said. enson Bay. The staff at partment is advising
in customer care for The training sessions the department will be its staff that COVID-19
all its staff under the will be held from 19th rotated over the peri- protocols will be in full
theme “Managing April to 4th May 2021 od of the workshop to effect for the duration
the Customer Experi- from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 ensure that each one of the workshop.
ence.” noon each day in the gets an opportunity
“In an effort to contin-
ue the department’s
commitment to all
employees for con-
tinuous training and
development, there
will be a series of in-
teractive customer
service sessions over
the next two weeks.
These sessions will be
hosted by Ms. Shirlene
Nibbs of Nibbs and
Associates and are
geared towards en-
suring all employees
are equipped with the
necessary tools for im- CIO Katrina Yearwood (c) and Immigration Minister E.P Chet Greene (on
proving the quality of her left) are surrounded by immigration officers and others at last No-
the customer service vember’s formal opening of the new Immigration headquarters on the Sir
experience within the George Walter HighwayMONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 15 BACK TO BACK CENTENARIANS CELEBRATIONS Presently, there are Mary’s North. twenty-four Antiguan The programme con- and Barbudan cente- sisted of invocation, na- narians living in Anti- tional anthem, poem, gua and abroad, and special rendition, scrip- the Community De- ture reading from family 103 Mrs. Margaret Myrtle Peters of Whenner Road velopment Division and loved ones, as well has spared no effort in as brief remarks from continuing to celebrate Dale O’Brien Director them. (Ag.) of the Community On Friday, the division Development and Cit- held a virtual birthday izens Engagement Di- celebration for cente- vision, Sharon Stevens, narian, Mrs. Margaret Permanent Secretary Myrtle Peters of When- within the Ministry of ner Road as she cele- Social Transformation, brated her one hundred Human Resource De- and third birthday. The velopment and the Blue Community Develop- Economy, Hon. Dean ment and Citizens En- Jonas, Minister of So- gagement Division, in cial Transformation, collaboration with His Human Resource De- Excellency Sir Rodney velopment and the Blue Williams, Governor Economy, as well as brief 101 Mrs. Celestine Derrick of Liberta General of Antigua and remarks and presenta- of the Community De- Derrick was still doing Barbuda, conducted the tion by His Excellency velopment and Citizens her vending at the mar- first ever virtual Cente- Sir Rodney Williams. Engagement Division ket in St. Thomas. How- narian Birthday Cele- Mrs. Celestine Derrick and staff join in cele- ever, due to COVID-19, bration of Mrs. Marga- of Liberta, who now re- brating the one hun- she doesn’t vend any- ret Myrtle Peters. sides in St. Thomas, also dred and first birthday more. Mrs. Derick is still This first ever virtual celebrated her one hun- of one of our beloved very collective. Cheers celebration was ably dred and first birthday centenarians, Mrs. Ce- to many many more chaired by Peterson over the weekend. lestine Derrick of Liber- birthdays. God’s richest Griffith, Communi- According to the Com- ta, who now resides in blessings!” ty Development and munity Development St. Thomas. At the age Citizen Engagement Division, “It is with joy of one hundred, Mrs. District Officer for St. that the Director (Ag.)
PAGE 16 CARICOM BUSINESS MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021
A Weekly Business News Aggregation Service
COMPILED AND EDITED BY THE DIRECTORATE OF TRADE
AND ECONOMIC INTEGRATION AT THE CARICOM SECRETARIAT
BUSINESS NEWS IN BRIEF
Union proposes arrived in 2020 relative to 447,522 persons in 2019.
In 2018, there were more than 500,000 passengers
corporate tax to arriving in Grenada. Similarly, aircraft movement at the
Maurice International Airport, declined by more than
50% between 2019 and 2020. Prior to the COVID-19
fund UWI pandemic, that figure stood at 12,970 compared to
6,015 in 2020.
The West Indies Group of University Teachers (WI-
Remittances to
GUT) Jamaica, a trade union representing more than
1,000 staff members at UWI Mona is proposing that
the private sector pay an increased tax of 0.5% to
help fund the University. The proposals were includ-
ed in a response to the July 2020 UWI Chancellor’s
Jamaica jump by
Commission on Governance Report, which recom-
mended, among other things, that students pay 40% 32.7% in January
of tuition costs, up from 20%, while government’s Remittances to Jamaica increased by US$62.9 mil-
share of tuition costs be lowered from 80% to 60%. lion or 32.7% in January compared to the same period
WIGUT also suggested recruiting 1,000 students in 2020. Remittances during the month amounted to
from non-contributing territories, which it says, could US$224.4 million. The Central Bank says this result-
add $1.5 billion annually. WIGUT represents the aca- ed from an increase in gross remittance inflows along
demic, senior administrative and professional staff of with a decline in outflows. In the meantime, the IMF,
UWI in Jamaica and all other contributing territories has reduced Jamaica’s expected growth forecast for
except Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago. 2021 to 1.5% from 3.6% reflecting a longer recov-
ery timeline. The reduction is attributed to a slower
Passenger arrivals than expected recovery in tourism in the region due
to the longer than expected length of the COVID-19
in Grenada plunged pandemic. Jamaica suffered economic contraction of
about 10-12% in 2020. The island is projected to grow
by 72% in 2020 by 6% in 2022. After 2022, the country is projected to
grow at a pace between 2-3% annually.
Air passenger arrivals in Grenada have declined by
72% in 2020 relative to 2019. According to data from
the Grenada Airport Authority, only 126,336 persons
Cont’d on pg 17MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 CARICOM BUSINESS PAGE 17
Belize: Revenues Effective May 8, vaccinated persons entering Bar-
bados will only be made to quarantine pending the
results of one locally administered COVID-19 PCR
plummet by 28% test. This could result in a quarantine period as little
as 24 hours. According to Prime Minister Mia Mottley,
for fiscal year a vaccinated person is defined as someone who in
a two-dose regime had received both doses plus 14
2020/21 days, or a one-dose regime plus 14 days. Currently,
all visitors to the island, as well as returning Barbadi-
Belize is projecting that total recurrent revenues and ans, are required to quarantine for 7 days on arrival to
grants for the recently ended fiscal year on March 31, Barbados. Vaccinated travellers to Barbados will still
will have declined by 28% exactly double the econom- require a negative PCR test taken no more than 72
ic contraction of 14% recorded for calendar year 2020. hours prior to travel. PM Mottley in providing the ratio-
Tax revenue declined by 25.9% in 2020/21 relative to nale for the new protocols, noted that Barbados could
2019/20, with GST declining by 32%. That’s the word no longer afford to keep the tourism sector partially
from Prime Minister John Briceno, in presenting the closed as it accounted for 45% of all economic activity
2021/22 Budget. According to the PM, total expendi-
ture fell by 15%. However, capital spending exceeded
budgeted levels by 5%, rising to $294.8 million. The
IMF joins the
primary deficit and overall budget deficit are expected
to be -8.51% and -10.21% of GDP, respectively. Total push for a global
debt stands at 4.184 Billion [$872 million is owed to
bilateral lenders; $794 million is owed to multilateral
lenders; 1.168 Billion to external commercial credi-
minimum tax
tors; and $1.35 Billion is owed to domestic creditors]. The IMF has thrown its weight behind US Treasury
The average interest rate on external debt is 4.2% Secretary Janet Yellen’s call for the adoption of a
and 2.7% on domestic debt. According to the PM, Be- global minimum corporate tax citing “tax avoidance.”
lize has now set goals and the requisite policy frame- Last year the 137 member countries of the OECD/
work to allow for the reduction of the debt to GDP ratio G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS failed to agree
to 85% by 2025 and to below 70% by 2030 on new global rules for corporate taxation. However,
members agreed on the basis for future tax reform
around two pillars. While Pillar I seeks to establish
Barbados to new rules on where tax should be paid and a new
way of sharing taxing rights between countries, Pillar
relax quarantine 2 aims to establish a minimum level of tax that multi-
nationals must pay globally. Whereas the negotiations
requirements stalled regarding Pillar 1 there was agreement to es-
tablish minimum corporate tax rates. The OECD/G20
effective May 8 group has said it aims to develop model draft legisla-
tion for global tax reform, guidelines, and international
rules and processes by mid-2021PAGE 18 FEATURES MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021
MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 FEATURES PAGE 19
PAGE 20 REGIONAL NEWS MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021
BARBADOS TO CONDDUCT
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT TODAY
structure, technology,
utilities and every sec-
tor that we expect to
be affected by the ash-
fall.” Abrahams said
the taskforce conduct-
ing the assessment
draws on both public
and private sector ex-
perts, noting that the
UN system is “provid-
ing technical expertise
so the team can hit the
ground running on
Monday”. The Home
Affairs Minister also
spoke about an ex-
emption which has
been granted for to-
day. He stated that not-
withstanding Emer-
Home Affairs Minister, Wilfred Abrahams. gency Management
Barbados Advocate - Speaking during a re- hazard, identifying (COVID-19) (Curfew)
Minister of Home Af- cent press conference, the detail or resource (No.8) Directive, 2021
fairs Wilfred Abraha- Abrahams also pro- needs and allow us to which runs from April
ms says an intensive vided an update on be very specific in our 12 to April 26, “The
damage assessment the clean-up activity request for assistance Attorney General has
and needs analysis that has been occur- to deal with our post granted an exemp-
will be conducted lo- ring locally following event recovery. “This tion for all business-
cally on Monday. the ashfall from the La is an intensive rapid es, all enterprises and
He said this will be led Soufriere volcano. assessment for which all persons to perform
by the Ministry of Eco- “This will provide we have already start- clean-up activities on
nomic Affairs along both a qualitative ed gathering critical Sunday, April 18, 2021
with the Ministry of and financial costing information. It cov- whether residential or
Home Affairs. of the impact of the ers agriculture, infra- otherwise.”MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 21
CARIBBEAN OFFICIALS IN NY HOLD EMERGENCY
MEETING TO RAISE $$ FOR ST. VINCENT
Trinidad Guardian - In an interview with are becoming increas- may not have the nec-
Caribbean consulates the Sunday Guardian, ingly keen on donating essary transportation
in New York convened Mr. Prince said his re- funds as opposed to to drop supplies off.
an emergency meeting gional counterparts physical items. Justin We prefer the supplies
this week to discuss a agreed to join his con- Miller, native Vincen- because it cuts out the
coordinated approach sulate’s weekend relief tian and co-found- step for us to go out
to relief efforts in the drive and to set up a er of the Vincy Strong and buy goods. How-
aftermath of effusive CARICOM GoFundMe Committee in NYC, ever, the cash helps us
eruptions of the La account, a US-based confirmed that he has offset some of the costs
Soufrière volcano that crowdfunding plat- been bombarded with we personally incur.”
blanketed the island form, to raise money requests to receive Al Johnson, the
of St. Vincent with ash for St. Vincent. A ‘me- monetary donations co-founder of the
and displaced thou- diathon’ fundraiser is instead of supplies. full-service Caribbean
sands. also being planned, but “I’m sceptical about experience compa-
New York-based Con- a date has not yet been a lot of the GoFund- ny Island Fanatics 3D,
sul General of St. Vin- determined. T&T’s Me campaigns that agreed: “Food and sup-
cent and the Grena- Consul General in NY popped up. Howev- plies collected in the
dines Howie Prince has Andre Laveau, in a brief er, a lot of people have diaspora at this time
issued a plea for mone- telephone interview, asked us about ways may not reach SVG
tary donations. His call confirmed that he was to donate money so for another few weeks.
comes after the United present for part of the we started accepting,” Therefore, monetary
Nations indicated that meeting. he said. “It’s easier for donations are great to
it was set to launch a The Caribbean officials some folks to donate cover the costs of the
funding appeal to help made the agreement cash because they may immediate needs of the
the island. as more New Yorkers be out of the country or people of SVG. We need
Cont’d on pg 22PAGE 22 REGIONAL NEWS MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021
to remember that sup- Using US-based comes to the region’s specifically focused on
plies cost money and crowdfunding plat- charity and public ser- the Caribbean people.
so do packaging and forms such as GoFund- vice infrastructure. Setting up these cam-
shipping. Monetary Me, however, requires “All of these crowd- paigns from US plat-
donations collected by the online organiser to funding efforts are ad- forms means it has to
the various drives can have a US social secu- mirable, but we can’t be done from the US.
go towards purchasing rity number. Khadine rely on these US plat- Real Helping Hands
items that were either Sealy, T&T director of forms. We need Ca- provides a way for Ca-
not collected or were Real Helping Hands – ribbean autonomy. ribbean citizens to en-
collected but in short a Caribbean-focused Caribbean organisa- gage in online fundrais-
supply. Money can also crowdfunding plat- tions like Real Helping ing without imposing
be used to cover pack- form – argues that the Hands [are] different such restrictions on our
aging and shipping Caribbean needs more from US-based plat- people,” Sealy said in a
costs.” autonomy when it forms because we are telephone interview.
SVG’S AIA TO REOPEN
ON MONDAY
Argyle International Airport, Argyle International Airport The Canouan, Union Island
which has been forced to close have been suspended until 4 and Mustique airports will re-
because of ash generated from p.m. on Monday. main operational from 9 a.m.
the April 9 eruption of La Sou- “The facility is undergoing rig- to 5 p.m., only to accommo-
friere, will reopen on Monday. orous cleanup of runways and date special flights with prior
Corsel Robertson, the airport’s apron to accommodate hu- permission.
chief executive officer, said on manitarian flights as a priori- Robertson said that a further
Friday that due to significant ty,” Robertson said. update on the operational sta-
ash deposits caused by the The James Mitchell Airport, on tus of all airports will be given
eruption of the La Soufriere Bequia, will remain closed un- by midday on Monday.
volcano, all operations at the til April 19.MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 23
GUYANA’S HEALTH MINISTER URGES
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES TO SUPPLY C’BEAN
WITH COVID-19 VACCINES
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) ribbean (LAC) region. The Real the disproportionate impact the
— Minister of Health Dr. Frank GDP measures a country’s total pandemic has had on Caribbe-
Anthony has called upon devel- economic output, adjusted for an states, the minister reiterated
oped countries to make an inter- price changes. Importantly, the the Caribbean’s call for global
im supply of vaccines available IMF noted that the tourism-de- and equitable access to vaccines,
to the Caribbean region. pendent countries have been stating that this will lessen the
Anthony made the plea while adversely affected due to the re- impact of the pandemic, protect
speaking on behalf of the Carib- strictions imposed by the pan- citizens, and bolster the econo-
bean Community (Caricom) at demic. Against this backdrop of my.
a special meeting convened by
the United Nations (UN) Eco-
nomic and Social Council.
Dr. Anthony lamented that “Car-
icom remains deeply concerned
about the inequitable access
and unbalanced distribution of
COVID-19 vaccines globally.”
The health minister said ac-
cess to vaccines is particularly
important for small develop-
ing states since these countries
continue to experience the dev-
astating health and economic
impacts of the COVID-19 pan-
demic. He added that lockdown
measures, supply chain disrup-
tions, sharp declines in remit-
tances, and a general decrease in
travel, trade and other econom-
ic activities that the region de-
pends on, have all been disrupt-
ed by the pandemic.
According to recent reports
from the International Mone-
tary Fund (IMF), there will be
uneven growth in real Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) across
the Latin America and the Ca-
Guyanese Health Minister, Dr. Frank AnthonyPAGE 24 FUN ZONE MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021
YOUR DAILY HOROSCOPE
Use your head and you can make the grade Pay your most important bills early so you
in the upcoming week. Guard against becom- won’t be caught napping at the end of the
ing too argumentative today, because if you week. Tackle projects that require logical
wait patiently, someone might change his or sequencing, unflagging concentration and a
her mind by tomorrow. degree of pattern recognition.
Your efforts to be friendly and outgoing might Passing quarrels are just temporary. Stay
meet with a small measure of mysterious centered so you won’t lose your composure
disapproval. Despite this, you’re willing to be over minor disagreements in the week to
forgiving and can avoid taking things person- come. Focus on enjoying beautiful things and
ally in the week ahead. agreeable people.
There is no benefit in being worldly and
You are sharp enough to look for the catch insightful if you don’t put these attributes to
in any offer or deal. Take the time you need good use. There may be plenty of fine print to
to make a careful decision and to mind your absorb in any deal you review or sign in the
possessions. Focus on accuracy this week. week to come.
Your patience may be tested by people who If you want to indulge in the best that life can
seem to be at cross purposes with you as this offer, go ahead. Steer clear of a dispute with
week unfolds. Focus on making worthwhile a loved one or family member. Hold off on
improvements by visualizing the desired making major financial decisions at the end
results. of the week.
Demonstrate a generosity of spirit and a
In the week ahead, you might be able to put willingness to cooperate in order to win some
the knowledge that you gather to good use. new friends and admirers in the upcoming
Even handling your most dreaded task can week. Put major purchases on the back
give you a sense of accomplishment and burner.
contentment.
The way you look or act can make a state- Follow the lead of a partner who understands
ment or a whisper. As the week flies by, you how to navigate group social events. In
can talk your way out of any jam by being the week ahead, go within to explore and
welcoming to all and remaining a neutral understand your vague misgivings about a
party if feuds occur. career choice.MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 WHAT’S UP PAGE 25
LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST
TELL US WHAT’S
HAPPENING
IN YOUR
COMMUNITY.
Submit community notices to
news@pointville.ag
COMICSPAGE 26 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 Eleven dead, 98 injured after train derails in Egypt People gather at the site where train carriages derailed north of Cairo, Egypt Reuters - Eleven people GMT), about 40 km (25 derailing is the latest of near Minya al-Qamh city, were killed and 98 injured miles) north of Cairo, several recent railway about 70 km north of Cai- on Sunday in a train acci- Egyptian National Rail- crashes in Egypt. At least ro. Egypt’s transportation dent in Egypt’s Qalioubia ways said in a short state- 20 people were killed minister Kamel El-Wazir, province north of Cairo, ment. and nearly 200 were in- a former army general, the health ministry said The cause of the acci- jured in March when has faced calls to resign in a statement. dent is being investigat- two trains collided near from some Egyptians on The train was heading ed, it added. More than Tahta, about 440 km (275 social media. He has re- from Cairo to the Nile 50 ambulances took the miles) south of Cairo. Fif- jected these and vowed Delta city of Mansoura injured to three hospi- teen people were injured to keep working on de- when four carriages de- tals in the province, the this month when two veloping the ageing rail railed at 1:54 p.m. (11:54 health ministry said. The train carriages derailed network.
MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD PAGE 27
Police: FedEx shooter legally
bought guns used in shooting
tioned whether Indi-
ana’s red flag laws “were
actually enforced” to
prevent the shooting.
Indiana has had a “red
flag law” allowing po-
lice or courts to seize
guns from people who
show warning signs of
violence since 2005. It
became one of the first
states to enact such a
law after an Indianap-
olis police officer was
killed by a man whose
weapons had yet to be
returned despite hospi-
Survivors of the shooting at a FedEx facilitity in Indianapolis, Indiana talization months ear-
lier for an emergency
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) tion, but said he was day for more mental
mental health evalua-
— The former employ- seen using both rifles health services across
tion. The law is intend-
ee who shot and killed during the assault. Au- all level of governments.
ed to prevent people
eight people at a FedEx thorities said Hole shot “We know that we
from purchasing or pos-
facility in Indianapolis and killed eight people, have a Hoosier fam-
sessing a firearm if they
legally bought the two four of them from the ily who cried out for
are found by a judge to
rifles used in the attack city’s Sikh community, help, knowing they had
present “an imminent
despite red flag laws de- at the FedEx facility late a child who required
risk” to themselves or
signed to prevent such Thursday before killing mental health treat-
others. Authorities have
purchases, police said. himself. The FBI said ment. We know we have
two weeks after seiz-
A trace of the two guns agents had questioned members of our law en-
ing someone’s weapon
found by investigators Hole last year after his forcement communi-
to argue in court that
at the scene revealed mother called police ty who, for a period of
the person should not
that suspect Brandon to say her son might time, responded to that
be allowed to possess a
Scott Hole, 19, of India- commit “suicide by call for help. And we
gun. Officials have not
napolis, legally bought cop”. Officers seized a know that, in the end,
said whether Hole’s case
the rifles last July and pump-action shotgun that wasn’t enough,”
was brought before a
September, officials from Hole’s home after he told The Associated
judge. Michael Leffler,
with the Indianapolis responding to the call, Press before address-
a spokesperson for the
police said Saturday. according to a police ing a gathering at the
Marion County prose-
The police did not report. Police said the Gurdwara Sikh Satsang,
cutor, said Sunday that
say where Hole bought gun was never returned a Sikh house of worship
the office is “looking
the weapons, citing to him. Republican Sen. on the east side of Indi-
into this matter.”
the ongoing investiga- Todd Young called Sun- anapolis. Young ques-PAGE 28 INTERNATIONAL NEWS A R O U N D THE WORLD MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 Russia will face ‘consequences’ if Navalny dies - US The US has warned fer kidney failure and quences if Mr. Navalny with the chemical war- Russia there will be go into cardiac arrest dies” and Russia would fare agent Novichok. “consequences” if the at any moment. be “held accountable The Kremlin denies opposition activist On Sunday, a num- by the internation- Navalny’s claims that Alexei Navalny dies in ber of countries joined al community”, while President Vladimir Pu- jail. the international pro- President Joe Biden tin ordered the attack. The UK, France, Ger- test against Navalny’s said his medical treat- But US intelligence of- many and the Europe- treatment inside the ment was “totally un- ficials concluded that an Union have also ex- Russian jail in the town fair and totally inap- the Moscow govern- pressed their concern of Pokrov, about 100 propriate”. ment was behind the over his treatment. km (62 miles) east of The US is already em- poisoning, prompting Navalny’s doctors say Moscow. US national broiled in a diplomatic the Biden administra- he “will die within the security adviser Jake row with Russia over tion to impose sanc- next few days” if not Sullivan told CNN the near-fatal poison- tions on senior Russian given urgent medi- there would be “conse- ing of Navalny last year, officials. cal attention for acute back pain and leg numbness. Russia’s ambassador to the UK has said that Navalny is attention seeking and “will not be allowed to die in prison”. A prominent critic of President Vladimir Putin, Navalny, 44, was jailed in Febru- ary for old embezzle- ment charges which he claims are politically motivated. He start- ed a hunger strike on 31 March in protest at not being able to see his own medical team, and his doctors say re- cent blood test results indicate he could suf- Russian opposition leader, Alexei Navalny
PAGE 29
MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS A R O U N D THE WORLD
Syria to hold election in May
after years of war
The vote is expected to give President Assad another term
Syria is to hold a ment controls most didates for the elec- and by the US and EU
presidential elec- of the big population tion would be able to - saw Mr. Assad win
tion next month, the centres in the country. register from Mon- 92% of the vote. The
country’s parliament About 400,000 peo- day while Syrians 2014 vote was also the
says - a move likely ple have been killed abroad would be able first time in decades
to maintain President and over half of Syri- to vote at embassies that someone other
Bashar al-Assad’s grip ans displaced. on 20 May. It is the than a member of the
on power. Mr. Assad is second presidential Assad family had been
not expected to face The election for a election to take place allowed to stand for
serious opposition president, who will during the civil war. president in Syria. But
despite continuing serve a seven-year- The previous vote in the other two candi-
conflict and a growing term, will take place 2014 - dismissed as dates were not widely
economic crisis. on 26 May, Speaker undemocratic and il- known and received
After 10 years of war, Hamouda Sabbagh legitimate by oppo- little publicity.
the Syrian govern- said. Prospective can- nents within SyriaPAGE 30 SPORTS NEWS MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 GREENWOOD GOALS BOOST MAN UNITED’S FAINT PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE HOPES MANCHESTER, En- looked as if that would be in the second half again Ferguson retired in 2013. gland (ESPN) – After beat- unnecessary after James [against Burnley]. Louis van Gaal and Jose ing Burnley 3-1 at Old Tarkowski headed an “The title is probably un- Mourinho – winners of 15 Trafford, Manchester Unit- equaliser to cancel out Ma- realistic but stranger things domestic titles around Eu- ed are within eight points son Greenwood’s opener. have happened in foot- rope and three Champions of Premier League lead- But goals from Green- ball,” United’s manager Leagues between them – ers Manchester City with wood and Edinson Ca- added. “We just have to do are two of the three men six games to play. It is the vani in the final six min- our job.” to have failed where Solsk- same situation that faced utes handed United a first Solskjaer knows United jaer, whose credentials as City when chasing United home win over Burnley do not celebrate achieve- United manager are regu- in 2012 ... and we all know since 2015 and added ments unless they come in larly questioned, looks set how that finished. Light- some extra intrigue around the form of silverware, but to succeed. ning is unlikely to strike the game at Villa Park. The with the title all but out of It is not a milestone that twice, but if nothing else, scorer of a stoppage time reach, his team are never- will have champagne corks United backed up Ole winner in a Champions theless closing on a nota- popping in the Norwe- Gunnar Solskjaer’s claim League final, Solskjaer ble first during the post-Sir gian’s office, but it is note- that they would do every- knows all about the value Alex Ferguson era. worthy nonetheless. thing in the final weeks of of refusing to throw in the United have matched At the very least, it sug- the season to put pressure towel. “I am really proud their points total, 66, for gests United are more con- on Pep Guardiola’s team. It that we never give up and each of the last two seasons sistent. The next step is to would take a monumen- we have proven so many and, with a 12-point lead challenge for the title regu- tal collapse, but that will times this season our fit- over fifth-place Chelsea, larly and, ultimately, win it. not stop plenty of United ness and resilience,” he are set to guarantee Cham- Although that is easier fans keeping an eye on said. “We came back last pions League qualifica- said than done, Solskjaer City’s trip to Aston Villa on week [against Tottenham] tion, which will also mark appears to have built a Wednesday. and we scored three goals. consecutive top-four fin- platform. For a while on Sunday, it We scored three goals ishes for the first time since KUDOS FOR HOLDER ON SELECTION AS WISDEN CRICKETER OF THE YEAR Jason Holder is among excelled in the game. played against England the United States, and the the Wisden Five Cricket- Holder has emerged as in the summer of 2020, fight for equality and jus- ers of the Year. The honour the leading all-rounder in becoming the first team tice around the world. was announced last week Test cricket and is among tour during the COVID-19 In its essay, Wisden de- when the historic almanac just a handful of players in pandemic, when they scribed Holder as: unveiled its 2021 edition. history to score over 2,000 played three Test matches “… soft voice, old-world Wisden is the game’s most runs and take over 100 in a bio-secure bubble. He manners and a physique prestigious and recogniz- wickets in less than 50 Test also spoke publicly and that wouldn’t shame a su- able publication and this appearances. profoundly on the Black perhero, he had something outstanding recognition is He was at the forefront Lives Matter, following the of the Golden Age Holly- presented to players who when the West Indies team death of George Floyd in wood star. Now, he gradu-
MONDAY 19TH APRIL 2021 SPORTS NEWS PAGE 31
ated into a statesman”. image of the summer”. of great players who have should get even better.”
The publication added: Holder expressed great etched their names in Jimmy Adams, CWI’s di-
“Holder and his squad delight at being named history. The last recipient rector of cricket said:
were determined to show among the elite list. from West Indies was Shai “On behalf of all of us at
solidarity. After discus- This award means so Hope in 2017 and after Cricket West Indies, I want
sions with the England much to me. I’m delighted seeing his performances to congratulate Jason on
management, both teams that my efforts to play well it inspired me to be one of his being selected as one
wore a Black Lives Matter and make a contribution the Wisden Cricketers of of Wisden’s Five Cricketers
logo on their shirts, while have been bearing fruit the future.”Ricky Skerritt, of the Year. In a period that
the squads, plus backroom and I just want to continue president of CWI said: has thrown up many chal-
staff and officials, would and reach higher heights,” “Congratulations to Ja- lenges, he has performed
take a knee before the first he said. “To be named one son whose all-round crick- consistently with distinc-
ball in each game. It was of the five Wisden Crick- et excellence is making all tion and dignity both on
a rare example of cricket eters of the Year is some- West Indians proud. For and off the field and we
uniting in a humanitarian thing truly special as, over such a relatively young wish him all the success
gesture – and a defining the years, I have seen a list and intelligent athlete, he possible going forward.”
OLD ROAD FC TRIO TRIALS IN MEXICO
and it’s the way forward for James who recently gradu-
Old Road to definitely get ated from the AGS and rep-
our players out, not only to resented their alma mater in
Mexico, but also to colleges the schools’ league as well as
and universities. “If we have the Old Road senior team. Si-
a strong youth development mon plays with Young Lions,
and the players get to a good the sister club, in Antigua’s
education it can only mean third tier domestic competi-
well for Old Road Football tion, but trains with the Old
Club (and the community Road team. “This is an op-
as a whole). “To be honest, portunity for them basically.
I was contacted by some- They are going to be part of
SportsWorld Magazine - A Old Road’s coach Chesley one (Antonio Christian) in a Second Division set-up,
trio from Old Road Football Browne said the opportunity Mexico who always wanted a Second Division team in
Club – two-time champi- for the players materialised to come to Antigua to play Mexico. When I spoke to
ons of Antigua & Barbuda through contacts made for Old Road FC. That didn’t (Antonio), there will be op-
– is heading to Mexico for a with the round-south club materialize but we kept in portunities for scouts to look
three-month trial with the by a Mineros player, Anto- touch. “It has been about at them. If they do well, they
possibility of obtaining pro- nio Christian, who wanted three years we have been in could probably get into the
fessional contracts with a to ply his trade in Antigua touch and he said he coach- team as well. “So, this could
second division team. Na- three years ago. Browne, es in Mexico and I told him I be an opportunity for these
tional team defender Jajuan who is also the physical am looking opportunities as to get a professional contract
Williams – who turns 20 education teacher at the well for my players.” Brown in Mexico.” Browne said
next month, making his de- Antigua Grammar School, said Williams “has been the other Antigua and Barbuda
but in the Qatar 2022 World said he asked Christian to most consistent defender players can benefit from this
Cup qualifiers in March – provide opportunities for we have (seen) in Antigua for arrangement.
and 17-year-old midfielders Antiguan players. He said the last two or three seasons “It’s not only for players
Calique Simon and Blaivon the trio has a golden chance in the Premier League. “He’s from Old Road. Any young
James will tryout with Miner- to excel and to project Old still pretty young but he has player who’s available and
os FC Zimapán, a club based Road forward. “I’ve always marked his position in the thinks that he’s good enough
in a town and one of the believed that for our club to Old Road team since age 17. (would be welcomed). “I
84 municipalities of Hidalgo go forward, we have to (look He’s (now)part of the nation- think these (three) will have
in central-eastern Mexico. after) our youths and the de- al senior team. He had his to set the bar, set the stan-
Simon and James are due to velopment of our players,” first game against the USVI dard, and I think it will be
leave on Monday, while Wil- Browne told SportsWorld. in the World Cup qualifier the stepping stone, not only
liams – subject to obtaining “I think this is a great op- recently.” for Old Road but for Antigua
his Mexican visa – will travel portunity for our players to Browne had the privilege … in terms of our players’
soonest. showcase their talent abroad of working with Simon and (abilities).You can also read
