TWO MORE CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES - Pointe FM Radio
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MONDAY 18 JANUARY 2021 | ISSUE 179 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG
TWO MORE CONFIRMED
COVID-19 CASES
SEE PAGE 3
PAGE 4 PAGE 5 PAGE 6
PM calls for national ABLP Youth Cuba: A victim of
effort against COVID-19 arm launches American terrorism
entrepreneurship
seminar
Editorial: Kudos to Antigua and Barbuda Page 2
MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021 EDITORIAL PAGE 2
KUDOS TO ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
A n t i g u a a n d B a r- ta ke t h e p e rs o n to perienced, and em- s o m e t h i n g m o re i n -
buda has been pop- their destination. p h a s i ze d t h a t h a d ta n g i b l e t h a t re a l l y
ularly called the M o re ove r, i t i s a l l i t n o t b e e n fo r h e r, d ef i n e s w h o we a re
“melting pot ” of d o n e w i t h o u t eve n t h ey wo u l d h a ve a s a p e o p l e. I t i s a
t h e Ca r i b b e a n , a n d t h e t h o u g h t of a ny c e r ta i n l y s ta rve d t ra i t t h a t m u s t re -
w i t h g o o d re a s o n . s o r t of p a y m e n t o r a b o a rd t h e i r ve s s e l . main incorruptible,
O n a ny g i ve n d a y, a rewa rd . Within the willing- eve n i n t h e fa c e of
c a s u a l s t ro l l t h ro u g h It is this same kind n e s s to h e l p, t h e re ra b i d nationalism
a ny v i l l a g e w i l l re - of wa r m a n d f r i e n d - i s a l s o a c e r ta i n d re s s e d i n t h e f i n -
s u l t i n e n c o u n te r i n g ly disposition that a m o u n t of re s p e c t e r y of p a t r i o t i s m .
p e rs o n s f ro m m o s t m i l l i o n s of to u r i s t s fo r o t h e r p e o p l e ’s B e eve r v i g i l a n t a n d
islands in the OECS h a ve p i n p o i n te d a s p r i va c y that the g u a rd a g a i n s t t h o s e
a n d C A R I C O M re - o n e of t h e s t ro n - p e o p l e of t h i s fa i r w h o wo u l d wa n t to
g i o n s , a n d a l s o f ro m gest selling points i s l e h a ve c u l t i va te d . s h a m e yo u i n to a c-
t h e D o m i n i c a n Re - of t h e c o u n t r y. M a ny M a ny c e l e b r i t i e s a t- quiescence because
p u b l i c , H a i t i , a n d to c o m e fo r a v i s i t a n d te s t to t h i s fa c t—t h ey yo u d o n o t s h a re
s o m e ex te n t Ve n e - d e c i d e to s ta y b e - a re f re e to t ra ve l t h e v i ew t h a t p e o p l e
zuela. In addition, c a u s e of t h e p e o p l e. t h e s t re e t s , g o to b e not born in Antigua
o n e w i l l e n c o u n te r W h e n a s ke d w h a t the beach, visit his- a n d B a r b u d a , p a r-
p e rs o n s f ro m the c o nv i n c e d t h e m to to r i c a l s i te s , o r a t- t i c u l a r l y Ca r i b b e a n
M i d d l e Ea s t, C h i n a , m a ke A n t i g u a a n d te n d s o c i a l eve n t s , people, should not
E u ro p e , t h e U K , t h e Barbuda their home, a n d eve n i f t h ey a re b e h e re. I t i s a d a n -
U SA , a n d Ca n a d a . i nva r i a b l y, t h e re - re c o g n i ze d , p e o p l e g e ro u s c a n c e r t h a t
T h o u g h s o m e h a ve s p o n s e c o m e s d ow n d o n o t c rowd t h e m t h re a te n s to e a t a t
t r i e d to u s e t h i s to s o m e t h i n g a l o n g o r o t h e rw i s e m a ke the body politic, and
simple situation as t h e l i n e s of “ i t ’s t h e t h e m fe e l u n c o m fo r t- t h e re m u s t b e va l i a n t
a p o l i t i c a l fo o t b a l l people—so wa r m , a b l e. Tr u l y, A n t i g u a n ef fo r t s a t p u s h i n g
fo r n a r row p o l i t i c a l s o f r i e n d l y, s o we l - a n d B a r b u d a n s h a ve back against such
i n te re s t s , a c l o s e r c o m i n g . ” A s re c e n t- m a s te re d t h e a r t of v i t r i o l a n d i nve c t i ve.
exa m i n a t i o n w i l l re - l y a s t h e m i d d l e of being we l c o m i n g Indeed, it is a trib-
ve a l t h a t t h e re i s a l a s t ye a r d u r i n g t h e w h i l e re m a i n i n g u n - u te to t h i s n a t i o n
k i n d of h o s p i ta l i t y national s h u td ow n , i n t r u s i ve. that people not born
a n d we l c o m i n g s p i r i t t h e re wa s a s to r y i n Few wo u l d d o u b t h e re wa n t to l i ve
that Antiguans and t h e l o c a l m e d i a of that the qualities a m o n g u s a s i t s a ys
Barbudans possess. a c o u p l e w h o j o u r- o u t l i n e d h e re a re something about
I t i s s o m e t h i n g fo r n eye d h e re o n a a d ef i n i n g c h a ra c- o u r c h a ra c te r. We
w h i c h we s h o u l d b e ya c h t fo r t h e ve r y te r i s t i c , a k i n d of m u s t a l wa ys re m e m -
exc e e d i n g l y p ro u d , f i rs t t i m e a n d d i d ze i tg e i s t, of w h a t i t ber that no one can
and should fight n o t k n ow a nyo n e. m e a n s to b e A n t i - c h o o s e w h e re t h ey
f i e rc e l y to p ro te c t ! W h i l e m o o re d of f guan and Barbudan. a re b o r n , b u t t h ey
It is not unusual, t h e c o a s t, t h ey we re While the question c a n c h o o s e w h e re
fo r exa m p l e , fo r a n p u t i n to u c h w i t h a of b e i n g b o r n i n t h e t h ey wa n t to l i ve ,
A n t i g u a n to b e a p - l o c a l ve n d o r a n d s h e c o u n t r y (o r b e i n g a a n d of t h e o n e h u n -
p ro a c h e d fo r d i re c- q u i te l i te ra l l y to o k d i re c t descendant d re d a n d n i n e t y-f i ve
t i o n s by a n a b s o l u te c a re of t h e m f ro m a of e i t h e r p a re n t s o r nations on earth,
s t ra n g e r a n d i n t h e d i s ta n c e. T h e v i s i to rs g ra n d p a re n t s who t h ey h a ve c h o s e n
s p u r of a m o m e n t, h i g h l i g h te d h e r g e n - we re b o r n i n A n t i - Antigua and Barbu-
d ro p w h a teve r in e ro s i t y a n d h e l pf u l - g u a) i s w h a t l e g a l l y d a . T h a t m a ke s of
w h i c h h e/s h e m i g h t ness as something m a ke s a n i n d i v i d u a l p re t t y s p e c i a l !
been engaged and t h ey h a ve n eve r ex- a n a t i o n a l , t h e re i s
PAGE 3 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021
Two more confirmed COVID-19 cases
The Ministry of Health says JMC were negative and are
the latest results from the reflected in the total persons
Mount St. John’s Medical Cen- tested and total samples
ter (MSJMC) and the Carib- taken columns of the dash-
bean Public Health Agency board.
(CARPHA) have revealed two Of the thirty-three samples
new laboratory confirmed processed by CARPHA, thir-
COVID-19 cases in Antigua ty-one were negative and two
and Barbuda as of Saturday positive. The two new cases
17th January 2021 at 6 p.m. are non-imported. Investiga-
In a statement issued over- tions are ongoing and contact
night, the ministry said sub- tracing and testing is in prog-
sequent to the publication of ress.
the dashboard for Friday 15th Consequently, the total num-
January 2021 with the cut off ber of persons with laborato-
time of 6:00 p.m., one hundred ry confirmed COVID-19 cases
and fifteen additional samples in Antigua and Barbuda is
were processed at the Mount one hundred and eighty-nine,
St. John’s Medical Center and which is inclusive of twen-
thirty-three at CARPHA which ty-seven active cases.
increased the pending results Meanwhile, fifty-four sam-
from seventy-one to two hun- ples are pending.
dred and nineteen. The dashboard has been
All one hundred and eighty- updated to reflect these
six samples processed by MS- changes.
GOT NEWS?
Send your news stories to
news@pointville.ag
MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 4
Two teenagers charged with
break-in and larceny
Two teenagers are in lives at Bryson’s Street along with the cash reg- male of Belle Street, Villa
police custody following and the other at Piggott ister with an undisclosed and a 24-year-old male
their arrest on charges Street. They are accused sum of money, and other of Buckley Line were also
involving break-in in and of breaking into a store valuable items. charged in connection
larceny. on Redcliffe Street on 11th Both men were sep- with said offence.
Police reports say the January 2021, and stealing arately charged for al- They are accused of re-
pair—a 19-year-old and a number of electronic legedly break-in and en- ceiving a number of the
a 17-year-old, both males items to include a laptop tering a fitness gym on items that were allegedly
of Villa Area—was arrest- computer, mobile phones, Redcliffe Street on the stolen. The incident oc-
ed and jointly charged by video games, and smart same day, and stealing an curred sometime between
the police on Friday with watches. They also al- undisclosed sum of mon- 11th and 13th January. The
break-in and larceny. legedly stole several piec- ey. Police have since recov-
The police have not es of jewellery, including Meantime, a 19-year-old ered some of the items.
released their identities, necklaces and rings, and female of Golden Grove They are expected in
but have said that one an assortment of tools, along with a 23-year-old Court during this week.
PM calls for national effort against COVID-19
uptick in active cases. had long identified returning nation-
Over the weekend, the number als as a ‘high risk group’ and that
of active cases increased to twen- is why measures were put in place
ty-seven, as the Ministry of Health to quarantine or isolate them from
announced the latest results of tests the rest of the population. “We were
conducted by the Mount St John’s accused of discrimination against
Medical Centre (MSJMC). returning nationals and some be-
“Those who have been strictly ad- came defiant. But it was this policy
hering to the protocols over the past of ensuring that they quarantined for
ten months would see that they are fourteen days and be isolated that
the ones who have not contracted prevented the virus from spreading
the virus. Those who have not been exponentially among the community,”
fully practising the protocols have Browne further explained.
other results. The protocols work!” he He gave as examples the situa-
observed. tion in several Caribbean territories
According to the prime minister, where the coronavirus is spreading
the two most recent COVID-related at alarming rates.
deaths can be traced to incidences PM Browne appealed to residents
Prime Minister Gaston Browne where people were not fully adher- to join with the government to help
ing to the health protocols laid down contain the spread of the virus. “We
by the Ministry of Health. want to encourage our people to be
As the number of active COVID-19 He said Antigua and Barbuda has compliant with the protocols as it is
cases continues to rise in Antigua and done ‘reasonably well’ in its manage- absolutely critical for us to be more
Barbuda, the prime minister wants a ment of the COVID-19 pandemic as it vigilant. We now have to view every-
national effort to help contain further was ranked number 197 of 220 coun- one who is not a part of our house-
spread of the virus. tries based on their effectiveness in hold as a potential risk of contracting
Speaking on the Browne and keeping the outbreak under control. the virus and to act accordingly,” he
Browne show on PointeFM on Sat- However, the country’s leader ex- declared.
urday, Prime Minister Gaston Browne pressed concern over reported in- He emphasized that there are two
said he has noticed that there has cidences where returning nationals things that helped keep the spread
been some level of complacency have flagrantly flouted the protocols under some measure of control; the
that has taken hold among some in and some have even accused the mandatory wearing of mask and en-
the country and that it is this com- government of being discriminatory. suring that returning nationals under-
placency that has led to the recent He explained that health officials go a period of quarantine.
PAGE 5 LOCAL NEWS MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021
WIOC to launch road-show
The West Indies Oil Com- fifty-one per cent shares scribed as ‘a great oppor- nies also include Antigua
pany (WIOC) will launch a in the company and in- tunity’ and the company Power Company Ltd.,
major ‘road-show’ ahead dications are that one has been described as a which currently supplies
of the much-anticipated of the other two ma- very profitable and stable the bulk of the country’s
divestment of its shares jor shareholders, Fancy company which enjoys a electricity needs.
to members of the public. Bridge, will also divest a monopoly on the supply The sources indicate
Well-placed govern- portion of its shares. of all petroleum products that WIOC will partner
ment sources say the The sources indicated in the country. with private sector enti-
road show is designed that some twelve and Additionally, WIOC has ties to undertake the de-
for the company to ed- a half per cent of the a facility in neighbouring velopment of a Business
ucate and inform the shares will go up for sale Dominica that contributes Park on lands it owns on
public of all they need to when the process begins to its current profitability. Friar’s Hill road.
know about the process in February. A second The company also WIOC is finalizing ar-
of investing in the com- portion of shares will be has plans to diversify its rangements to name
pany. offered for sale on the product offerings and it agents to undertake the
Late last year, the Eastern Caribbean Stock is among several compa- sale of its shares here
government announced Exchange (ECSE) around nies that have submitted in Antigua and Barbuda
plans to divest approxi- the middle of the year. bids to supply APUA with and in St Lucia for the
mately ten per cent of its WIOC has been de- electricity. These compa- ECSE.
ABLP youth arm launches
entrepreneurship seminar
their skills, organized by the Cen- series was developed to equip our
tral Youth for Labour, the youth young people with the necessary
arm of the ruling Antigua and tools and knowledge they would
Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP). need for economic advancement.
The workshop/seminars kicked As the youth arm of the ABLP,
off on Saturday and was held at this initiative also seeks to support
the newly opened headquarters youth in Antigua and Barbuda to
of the party, the People’s Place emerge as future leaders,” Sena-
located on Nugent Avenue. tor Govia stated.
CYFL President, Senator Shenel- She noted that participants will
la Govia, said Saturday’s session gain meaningful knowledge and
concentrated on introducing the strategies that can be immediate-
participants – both males and fe- ly applied to their profession or
males – on how to start their own businesses to achieve economic
businesses. success from experienced trainers.
The facilitators were Kiesha Phil- Meanwhile, the second seminar
lip, BSc (Econ) and Dorothy Pe- in the series will be on the topic
ters-Nicholls, a certified anti money of “Resume Writing and Job Inter-
laundering specialist and certified view.” According to Senator Gov-
fraud examiner, who holds an MSc ia, this seminar is geared towards
degree in banking and finance. educating the youth in the constit-
Senator Shenella Govia
“Youth for Labour is guided by uencies on how to correctly write
the ABLP Creed in its belief in a resume and guidelines on how
Over thirty-five young people equality of opportunity and justice, being well equipped for the job
participated in the first in a series in the empowerment of our peo- interview is important for securing
of workshops aimed at improving ple. In line with this, the training a job.
MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 6
CUBA: A victim of American terrorism
The Le o n a rd T i m a m o c k e r y o f i n t e r- m a ny te r ro r i s t a c t s p rofe s s i o n a l s to f i g h t
Hector Memorial national re l a t i o n s against the govern- disease, poverty and
C o m m i t t e e ( LT H M C ) and politics that the ment and People of u n d e r d e v e l o p m e n t.
s t ro n g l y denounces p re s e n t U S G ove r n - Cuba, re s u l t i n g in I n c o n t ra s t to t h e
and condemns the ment considers itself many deaths since U S , t h e C u b a n G ov-
hypocritical desig- to be the arbiter of the victorious Cuban ernment and peo-
nation of Cuba as a s u c h d e c l a ra t i o n s . R e v o l u t i o n i n 1 9 5 9. p l e h a ve h o n o u ra b l y
S t a t e S p o n s o r o f Te r- A m e r i c a ’s history H ow c a n we fo rg e t fo u g h t a g a i n s t i l l i t-
ro r i s m by t h e Tr u m p i s re p l e te w i t h t h e the most horrific and e r a c y, A p a r t h e i d , t h e
Ad m i n i s t ra t i o n . u s e of te r ro r i s m i n m u rd e ro u s te r ro r i s t evils of colonialism
For that corrupt ove r t h row i n g dem- bombing of Cubana and imperialism, and
a n d ra c i s t Tr u m p Ad - o c ra t i c a l l y elected F l i g h t 4 5 5 o v e r B a r- have struggled for
m i n i s t ra t i o n , which g o v e r n m e n t s , f o r e x- bados on 6th Octo- t h e r i g h t to s e l f- d e -
h a s b e e n t h e a rc h i - ample: In 1954, the b e r, 1 9 76 ? T h e s e v e n - termination and na-
tect and instigator U S C e n t ra l Intelli- t y-t h re e ( 73 ) p e rs o n s t i o n a l s o v e r e i g n t y.
of te r ro r i s m i n te r n a - gence Agency (CIA) o n b o a rd we re k i l l e d . We c a l l o n t h e i n -
tionally and now na- deposed Guatemalan The Cuban G ov- ternational commu-
t i o n a l l y, t o a s s u m e P re s i d e n t, Jacobo e r n m e n t, instead n i t y - o n c e m o re - to
t h e m o ra l a u t h o r i t y A r b e n z ; a n d i n 1 973, of sending bombs speedily denounce
to carry out such a P re s i d e n t Salva- a n d f o m e n t i n g w a r, the US illegal and
nefarious designa- dor Allende in Chile h a s s e n t a c ro s s t h e m u rd e ro u s b l o c ka d e
tion of Cuba flies - w h e re t h o u s a n d s globe - for years - against Cuba, and
in the face of jus- we re s l a u g h te re d . thousands of doc- its latest sinister and
tice and historical The US Govern- tors, nurses, engi- malicious designa-
facts. It amounts to ment has conducted neers, and other tion of Cuba.
PAGE 7 FEATURE MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021
Biography of Neville Henry
“One Hundred years of living:
the years of existence for Mr. Neville Henry”
Neville Henry was born ing England and Bermuda.
16th January, 1921 to Sophie Neville possesses an exten-
Jonas in the Village of Ce- sive knowledge of the Brit-
dar Grove. Neville was one ish Monarchy and he loves
of twelve children of which the Queen and the English
six were Sophie’s - Arthur, traditions.
Fergurson, Neville, Theo- The secrets to Neville’s
dore, Eunice and Elfrieda. longevity and to his sixty
Only three of the children years of marriage are the
are still alive – Neville, Elfrie- blessings from the Almighty
da and Fernella (Dora). God, and his contented,
Neville grew up on calm and stress free lifestyle.
Church Street in St. John’s. He worries about nothing
He attended the Moravian and he does not smoke or
School and the St. John’s consume any alcohol.
Boys School. He also at- Neville was always a
tended the Anglican Church. healthy person until his lat-
His favourite sports growing er years when he experi-
up were cricket and foot- enced some medical chal-
ball. lenges. However, with God’s
Neville lost his mother at grace, very good medical
age 10 in 1931. After her care and his strong will to
death, he was forced to live, he was always able to
grow up very quickly, and in Neville Henry overcome. Throughout all of
the process, he became an his medical challenges and
independent and respon- Semper and in 1960 they Neville takes pride in being setbacks, he would always
sible young man. He did were joined in holy matri- a loving and caring father say to the doctors, “Doc, I
many handyman jobs, even mony. They have been able to all of his children. He has know that I have to die, do
running balls at the Tennis to hold on to this union, twenty-nine grandchildren whatever you need to do.”
Club to earn extra money strong in love and commit- and seventeen great grand- Neville is kind, generous
to assist in the care of his ment - sixty years of mar- children. His love for them is and compassionate to his
younger siblings. He worked riage. Neville came into the immeasurable. many dear friends and rel-
as a cook at the US Army union with two children: Joan Neville enjoys cooking, atives including the sisters,
Base and learnt his trade of and Courtney Henry in the baking and walking. His fa- nieces and nephews he in-
carpentry from a neighbour US. Together, Neville and vourite foods are rice and herited through marriage.
at the age of fourteen. Ann had seven children - our well-known local fun- He is loved dearly by all.
Neville was a master car- Maria Henry Lambert, Nev- gee. He is well travelled Everyone wants to be and
penter - particular, com- ille Jr., Joseph ‘Jowato’, John, and here are some of the live just like uncle Neville, the
mitted and takes a lot of Jerome, Jo-Anne, and Nelvie countries he has visited: name he is lovingly called
pride in his work. He built Henry Howard - a total of England, France, Germany, by all.
his home in which he cur- nine children. Eight of the Israel, Canada, Bermuda, As we celebrate his 100th
rently resides on Athill Street. nine children migrated to Puerto Rico, The Bahamas birthday, we hope with the
No storm, no hurricane has New York. Joseph Henry still and several states in the US blessings of the Almighty, he
ever removed one piece of resides in Antigua, a choice - California, Florida, New will live to see many more.
galvanize from this place; he made on his own not to York, Rhode Island. He be- The family is humbly re-
thus, it remains in its original migrate. came this world traveller questing for the street on
form. Neville and Ann Henry after he finally got his first which he lives to be named
In 1958, Neville met Ann are both exemplary parents. passport. He loved visit- in his honour.
MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021 FEATURE PAGE 8 Biography of Jane Ann Lee Gould Lovely Jane was born She had no children. on 19th January 1920, at Through her work as a George Street, Plymouth, domestic, she made strong Montserrat. and lasting relations with Her mom was Amelia her employers. She often Lambert, also known as spoke fondly of the Fran- “Tooksie,” and her father cises on Factory Road, the was Ben Lee. Ben left Jonases of Potters and the Montserrat to seek fortune wonderful Simpson family, in the Dominican Republic also of Potters. and was never to return. In 1980 at age 60 she was His parents, Jane’s grand- employed with Arah and parents, always told Jane George Derrick of Scott’s he would come back and Hill and was eventually gave her a picture of him morphed into their family. (Tooksie subsequently de- Upon Arah’s passing, Jane stroyed it years after in a hung on to her daughter fit of frustration). She knew Jennifer and insisted that no father. she work with her. Jennifer Jane was Tooksie’s first Jane Ann Lee Gould then became her employer, child of eight (Liza, John, stepdaughter and eventual James, Mary, Joey and Flor- help “look after” Viola for a designated to “look after.” caregiver. ence) and was assigned while. When it was time for In 1942 she was married to In 2009 Jane at age 89 the task of “looking after” Jane to return, she landed handsome Craddy Gould, she moved in and lived them. All of her siblings are a job as a domestic helper who had actually trav- with Jennifer at her Potters all now deceased. and she chose to stay in elled to Montserrat to ask home. In 2018 when Jennifer She migrated to Antigua Antigua. Tooksie for Jane’s hand in had to do extensive travels, at the age of 17 (in 1937) She became a profes- marriage and this marriage she placed Jane at Bishop with her mother’s friend, sional at her discipline and lasted until his death in 1991 J. E. Knight Nursing Home, Viola Nedd from Barbuda was able to juggle the tasks (49 years). As a married where she now resides. who was visiting Montser- of the kitchen, laundry and couple they lived at Grays Jane turns 100 on 19th rat and who lived in Cedar housekeeping and manag- Hill, St. Johnston’s Village, January, 2020. Grove. She came to Anti- ing the children from babies and finally at St Johnston’s God’s richest blessings gua to spend time and to to kindergarten she was Boulevard, Sutherlands. are wished for her.
PAGE 9 BUSINESS AND ECONOMY MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021 Hot on the market! Shebah’s creations heating up the pepper sauce industry By Angelica O’Dono- er, although we were able ghue It may be a new to expand we were and year, but the COVID-19 still somewhat hindered pandemic, and all its dev- because we are unable to asting effects, are still rav- tap into certain markets or ishing. Despite the opti- clientele because of the mism of our leaders, the pandemic.” pandemic’s effect on the Just like most business economy seemingly has start-ups, Naomi admitted not slowed down either. that they did need finance However, for some, the to get their business off the pandemic has availed an ground. Nonetheless, they opportunity to dive into were able to create an the world of entrepreneur- impressionable brand and ship. May it be out of dire have even received advice need due to unemploy- from other hot sauce en- ment, or the desire to seize trepreneurs when solicited. opportunities created by Shebah’s Hot Sauce has an economic fallout. seemingly gathered a lot According to the Wall of steam in the media Street Journal, “Americans lately, which caught the are starting new busi- taste of the Prime Minister. nesses at the fastest rate The business couple got in more than a decade, a chance to have the according to government country’s leader sample data, seizing on pent-up their creation earlier this demand and new oppor- month. During the ‘meet tunities after the pandemic and greet’ with Prime shut down and reshaped Minister Gaston Browne, the economy.” Naomi explained that the Looking at the influx of flavoured pepper sauces new local brands on the are from seasonal fruits shelves, articles shared and the pandemic, a thought and that is what we aimed and are highly sort af- the litany of business cards that was replaced by their for,” Naomi said. ter. “Our product is local, circulating these days, it is hectic work schedules as a Naomi emphasized that Southern Antiguan, our my opinion, that the same Customs Officer and a Po- the COVID-19 pandemic logo was hand-drawn lo- could be said about Anti- lice Officer. However, the created the opportunity to cally, our labels are locally guans and Barbudans. government-imposed lock- start this thriving business. sourced, our peppers are This week, Naomi Joseph down in 2020 gave them The young businesswom- locally sourced, everything and Ed Darroux from She- the much-needed time to an, who is also a Customs is done locally,” Naomi bah’s Creations Enterprise initiate and execute their Officer explained, “at the proudly expounded. “We have proven just that. business idea. height of the COVID pan- started this business in The business couple cre- According to Naomi, the demic I was placed on a 2020, during the height of ates and bottles one of real thrust behind ventur- shift system; in light of this the pandemic,” the entre- the hottest hot sauces to ing into the hot sauce in- we had more time to focus preneur continued. have hit the local market dustry was bearing witness on the business and were After sampling the pep- in years, a business that to the many complaints able to expand not only per sauces, PM Browne was only officially started about not having a sauce the developing idea but said, “Let me commend in April of 2020. Accord- that brings a balance of also having the sauces in you, both of you. I have ing to the couple, the idea heat and flavour. “Different different supermarkets and to admit that this is easily of starting such a business foods require a different restaurants (once the cur- one of the hottest pepper was only a thought before hot sauce experience - few relaxed a bit). Howev- sauces I have had. I want
MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021 BUSINESS AND ECONOMY PAGE 10 cont’d from pg 9 to commend you both on creating also have our eyes set on exporting. this very beautiful pepper sauce We’ve managed to capture the at- line of various flavours. It shows the tention of some hot sauce enthusi- type of creativity and innovativeness asts overseas but we have not quite of our people. The fact that even worked out the logistics of exporting though you both have careers other as yet,” the businesswoman divulged. than this entrepreneurial programme The young entrepreneurs conclud- that you are pursuing, is even more ed their interview by offering a few encouraging for others to follow, to words of advice to other budding show that we can be multifaceted; business owners. “Write down your we need not just follow a single ca- plan and do not be afraid to exe- reer path, but we can do multiple cute it. Having a strong and positive things. I think this is truly creative; team around you is very beneficial I want to commend you both as a to how far you will go. You must be Customs Officer and a Police Officer, able to validate the people around you’ve found the time to satisfy the you. If they are not where you see national demand for good quality yourself later in life then they can- pepper sauce.” Naomi Joseph not push you to become the person Though Shebah’s creations are still you are aspiring to be. If they are considered new on the market, the bah’s brand. Currently, we have six not going to handle your affairs with entrepreneurs revealed that they available flavours: Regular, Extra Hot a winning attitude then it makes no have plans of expanding. “Shebah’s which is Ed’s favorite, Blazin Mango, sense to involve them!” Creations is not just Hot Sauce. We Flamin Papaya which is my favor- To find out more about Shebah’s will have a variety of spices and we ite, Hot Passion, and Spicy Tamarind. hot sauce, you can find them on are planning to introduce a local We are aiming for our pineapple fla- Facebook Instagram at “Shebah’s based ketchup, all under the She- voured sauce later in the year. We Hot Sauce.”
PAGE 11 BUSINESS AND ECONOMY MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021
CARICOM BUSINESS REPORT
A Weekly Business News Aggregate on Service
Compiled and Edited by the Directorate of Trade & Economic Integration at the CARICOM Secretariat
EC dollar 97% backed by foreign re- cover from the global economic crisis,” Revenue collection in The Bahamas
serves - ECCB a release from the Government-owned lags behind region
Governor of the Eastern Caribbean bank stated. The NBB reportedly plans The IDB in its Caribbean Quarterly Bul-
Central Bank (ECCB), Timothy Antoine, to have a soft launch of the NBB Pay letin suggests that The Bahamas carry
says the currency in the sub-region, re- eWallet in early 2021, followed by a out revisions to its revenue collect on
mains “very strong” amid the economic roll-out to all customers and businesses policy and administration on in order
fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. around mid-2021. With the e-wallet, us- to generate greater revenue collect
In his Christmas message, Antoine not- ers can conduct customer-to-customer, on in the years ahead. According to
ed, “Our EC dollar remains very strong. business-to-business, customer-to-busi- the bulletin, The Bahamas’ revenue
Its current backing in foreign reserves ness transfers, or vice versa, as well as has averaged fifteen per cent of the
is 97%.” He also said the ECCB record- pay bills. This partnership with Bi comes country’s GDP; the regional average
ed a profit of $63.1 million. However, at a time when the entity is working is twenty-four per cent. “The Bahamas’
Antoine noted that the Currency Union with the Eastern Caribbean Central primary fiscal deficit averaged 1.3%
is experiencing its largest shock, noting Bank and Central Bank of Barbados to of GDP between FY 2009/2010 and
the projected decline of 16.2% in 2020. launch their own government-backed FY2019/2020, which contributed to in-
“Looking ahead, we project the ECCU digital currencies — DCash and mMon- creasing the debt level from 35.1% of
will grow by five per cent next year, ey respectively. GDP in FY2009/2010 to 69.2% of GDP
as tourism, our dominant export, slowly Shippers not accepting TT dollars as in FY2019/2020,” the bulletin noted. The
recovers,” he stated. forex woes deepen Bank suggests the establishment of
Inflation declines by 1.6% in Cayman Commencing January 2021 some four unit “devoted to preparing economic
Consumer prices the Cayman Islands shipping companies in Trinidad and To- studies that can analyze tax collection
declined by 1.6% in the third quarter bago will no longer be accepting TT trends, monitor the hidden economy,
of 2020 relative to the same period dollars, opting to accepting payment examine revenue yields from audits,
last year, mainly due to lower electric- of freight charges only in United States understand taxpayer behaviour and
ity, water and gas bills and the declin- dollars. The four shipping agents are provide input to government budget-
ing cost of transport. Since the sec- King Ocean Services, Tropical Ship- ing processes.”
ond quarter of 2020, prices dropped ping, Crowley Trinidad Ltd. and Sea- Jamaica’s inflation rate stands at
by 0.8%. Five of the 12 categories that board Marine (Trinidad) Ltd. Accord- five per cent
make up the consumer price index ing to a press release from Seaboard According to the Statistical Institute
recorded lower prices. Year-on-year, Marine, “Effective 17th January, 2021, of Jamaica (STATIN), the inflation rate
consumers saw lower prices in the we have adopted a policy requiring for November 2020 was 0.6%. The in-
third quarter for electricity (-24.6%), wa- all freight charges paid in Trinidad to crease in the inflation rate was main-
ter (-15.3%) and gas (-2.2%). Transport be done in US dollars. The continued ly due to an increase of 1.7% in the
costs declined following a 14.1% drop in difficulty of converting Trinidad and To- heavily weighted ‘Food and Non-Al-
fuel prices. However, consumers have bago dollars into U.S. dollars has made coholic Beverages’ division. There was
been paying about 5.5% more for food adoption of this policy necessary and a 1.8% upward movement in the index
and non-alcoholic beverages than in is applicable on all charges listed on for the ‘Food’ group, which was mainly
the third quarter of 2019. Carrier’s bills of lading,” it stated. The attributed to an increase of 5.7 % in
Belize to launch NBB Pay e-wallet in Shipping Association of T&T has over the index for the class ‘Vegetables, tu-
early 2021 twenty-four shipping agents as mem- bers, plantains, cooking bananas and
The National Bank of Belize (NBB) bers. For the period January to Octo- pulses’. This was primarily influenced by
has solicited the expertise of Barba- ber 2020 foreign exchange sales by higher prices for agricultural produce
dos-based financial technology firm Bi all authorized dealers in T&T totalled such as carrot, cabbage, tomato and
to create and launch a digital wallet US$3.757 billion or twenty-five per cent sweet pepper as a result of reduced
that will complement the bank’s mo- less than the $5.01 billion sold for the supplies due to adverse weather con-
bile banking services. “NBB is licensing rest ten months of 2019. Indeed, on 1st ditions. For the review period, the cal-
a digital currency infrastructure from December, Scotiabank imposed a limit endar year-to-date inflation rate was
Bi to support retail and business us- of US$500 on the holders of its busi- five per cent, the point- to-point 4.3%
ers’ access to simple secure and ef- ness credit cards in terms of foreign and the fiscal year-to-date was 3.7%
ficient payment solutions as they re- currency transactions. as at November 2020.MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 12
Glow at SVG Volcano is not an
explosive eruption – scientist
Officials say the glow is natural and there is no need to panic or evacuate
(iWitness News SVG): Vincent and the Gren- Robertson said, “As so far because it was
The National Emergen- adines at this moment,” the dome gets bigger — below the rim. But as
cy Management Organ- Forbes said. and it has gotten bigger the mountain (the new
isation (NEMO) said, “ That is a normal part — people will begin, on dome) inside gets closer
late Saturday night, that of an effusive eruption,” the western flanks, espe- and closer to the [rim
there was no explosive she said, noting that cially in Chateaubelair, of the volcano] you be-
eruption of La Soufriere. Professor Richard Rob- will begin to see what gin to see more of the
Residents of North ertson, a geologist from we call in volcanology, glow,” Robertson said.
Leeward have reported the Seismic Research incandescence or glow- “Eventually, when it
seeing “fire” at the vol- Centre in Trinidad which ing of the dome,” Rob- gets high enough, they
cano, which has been is monitoring the volca- ertson said. are going to actual-
erupting effusively since no, had spoken about “And this is natural be- ly see the mountain
late December. this glow weeks ago. cause the volcano has (dome) itself. And I will
“The magma continues And, in a separate call been erupting and has like to prepare them for
to flow out of the crater, to NBC Radio Saturday been erupting hot ma- the fact that as it gets
so that is a normal part night, Robertson, who terial, creating a moun- bigger, you are gonna
of an effusive eruption,” is originally from Rose tain of very hot materi- see the glow more.”
Director of NEMO Mi- Hall, urged the public to als. The materials have He said one way in
chelle Forbes said on remain calm, saying the temperatures of 500 or which the dome grows
NBC Radio. glow at the volcano is 600 degrees Celsius. is by pushing out mate-
“We are asking per- expected. These materials natural- rial at the outer flanks
sons to remain calm. As a result of the effu- ly give off a glow.” of the volcano.
There is no explosive sive eruption, a second He said it is difficult The material, in turn,
eruption at the moment. dome is growing inside to see the glow during spills off.
There is no evacua- the volcano alongside the day because of the He said this results in
tion order for anywhere the one that result- brightness of the sun, rock falls and during the
above the Dry River or ed from the explosive but it is visible at night. day, persons will see
any community in St. eruption of 1979. “You hadn’t seen it dust as the rock falls.PAGE 13 REGIONAL NEWS MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021
Trinidad and Tobago top cop meets
‘persons of interest ’ over gang threats
(Loop TT): Commis- sages purporting to such
sioner of Police Gary activities, which were
Griffith met Friday night circulated and which
with several well-known caused fear and panic
“persons of interest,” ad- among the population.
vising them that the Trin- One of the WhatsApp
idad and Tobago Police messages indicated that
Service (TTPS) will re- “gangsters in and around
spond quickly if there are Port of Spain and envi-
any attempts to escalate rons are actively prepar-
gang-related criminal ing to engage in all-out
activity in the country. war with each other, as
The warning follows nu- a mutual ‘truce’ has bro-
Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith
/PHOTO TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO POLICE SERVICE merous WhatsApp mes- ken down.”
cont’d on pg 14
Mild warning as sharks
appear near regional shores
Fisherman Lyle Robin- Swimming and diving
son said he and other instructor, Don Layne,
fishermen were indeed who also works as a life-
having a rougher time guard, said that though
from a lack of business shark attacks are serious
rather than a fear of incidents, these animals
sharks. seldom attack swimmers
“Last season, like this as often portrayed in
time, flying fish was pop culture. More often
scarce, right now the than not, sharks are seen
[numbers] are coming outside their usual hab-
back really slowly, but itats when disturbed by
they are starting to pick changes in their environ-
up,” he explained. “Most ment he said.
boats are catching them Layne said: “There is
well now, no big set, but nothing really to fear per
(Barbados Today): Affairs issued the caution
they are doing a lot bet- se because sharks gen-
With recent shark sight- while pointing out that no
ter than December and erally don’t like the taste
ings and attacks in sharks have been spotted
the earlier parts of Jan- of humans, they don’t go
neighbouring Caribbe- close enough to beaches
uary.” after people. Most shark
an islands making news to cause any concern.
Vendors at both com- attack and shark attack
over the weekend, swim- On Thursday, a Bar-
plexes mirrored Robin- victims are caused by a
mers, fisherfolk and wa- bados Today team visit-
son’s view that the last case of mistaken identi-
tercraft operators in Bar- ed both the Oistins and
several months have ty because sharks do not
bados have been urged Bridgetown Fish Mar-
been hard on the indus- have the best eyesight.
to be on the look-out ket, to talk to fishermen
try, but that a possible As long as you do not
for the carnivorous crea- about any concerns they
shark sighting would not panic and remain calm,
tures venturing closer to may have about plying
be a major concern for they are [rarely] drawn
shores. their trade because of
them. to you in their curiosity.”
The Ministry of Maritime the new threat.MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 14 US says sorry – Jamaica Gov’t slapped with ‘sold out’ label (Jamaica Gleaner): With terson and Warren Rowe ongoing discussions which implementation as well as tension simmering in Ja- – have reportedly been led to sharp rebukes from its strong disappointment maica over a controver- left traumatized by their the Opposition which ac- at recent developments, sial decision by the Unit- detention, which started cused the Government including the failure of the ed States authorities to on 11th October last year of selling out Jamaicans. US authorities to commu- nab four Jamaican men when their boat, Lady She outlined that there nicate critical information and destroy their boat, Lawla, was boarded by are several areas of the on the dismissal of the alleging it was carrying the United States Coast agreement which can be case as envisaged by the cocaine, high-level talks Guard. They were, howev- improved. agreement. I am pleased, between the two coun- er, released after a Flori- “One, following search however, to advise that tries are now under way da judge determined that and boarding of inter- the bilateral engagement to make amendments to the containers were prov- cepted vessels, and two was constructive and frank the Shiprider Agreement en to have only gasoline. relating to the status of and undertaken in a spirit which is at the centre of The men landed in Jamai- nationals from the time of of cooperation and mutu- the wrangle. ca on 31st December, last grant of the waiver up to al respect. Apologies were The Shiprider Agreement year, after being detained the outcome of any legal extended to the Jamaican allows the United States for two months in the US or judicial action pursued side by the United States and Jamaican law enforc- without charge. against them,” Johnson regarding the handling of ers, with the permission of A year and a half ago, Smith stated. the matter,” Johnson Smith either party, to intercept in the midst of revelations The foreign affairs min- told the Senate. suspect vessels in each of the trammelling and ister told the Senate that But in a charged seg- other’s territorial waters, mistreatment of five fish- the US authorities have ment of Friday’s sitting, to apprehend vessels and ermen by the US Coast apologized for its han- Opposition Senator Lam- crew.It also provides for Guard, Foreign Minister dling of what turned out bert Brown knocked the the waiver of prosecutori- Kamina Johnson Smith to be a nightmare for the Government hard for the al jurisdiction over the is- promised a review of Ja- Jamaicans. ordeal. He said the Gov- land’s citizens. maica’s Shiprider Agree- “The Jamaican Govern- ernment did not act ap- The men – Anthony ment with the United ment expressed in very propriately and “sold out Clark (captain), Radcliffe States. Johnson Smith up- clear terms certain steps Jamaican interest in this Simmons, Howard Pat- dated the Senate on the key to bridging gaps in matter.” cont’d from pg 13 It added that “law en- Patrol Branch and the he received hundreds were met with immediate forcement should expect POS Taskforce. of messages from con- resistance by the TTPS. a series of gang shoot- Following this meeting, cerned members of the As a result of the mes- ings and people’s homes several persons of inter- public about the veracity sages which were cir- getting burned down.” est were brought into the of the messages. culating yesterday, the According to a state- Besson Street and St Jo- Griffith made it clear commissioner said the ment from the TTPS, im- seph Police Stations. that if the messages cir- TTPS has put certain mediately upon receipt Commissioner Griffith culating had any truth, measures in place should of this information, Dep- visited both police sta- the TTPS will move swift- any attempts be made uty Commissioner of Po- tions, where he issued a ly to take down any at- to escalate gang-related lice (Ag), ‘Operations’ stern warning to persons tempts to escalate any criminal activity. Joanne Archie held a co- of interest that were be- gang-related criminal Griffith further advised ordinating meeting with ing held there, making it activity that brings in- the public to be wary various specialized and clear to them that the convenience to the pub- of misinformation that is intelligence units, includ- “TTPS will not tolerate lic. being circulated on so- ing GEB, SIU, MOB and any plans among groups He also reminded the cial media. IATF, POS CID, all First to cause any mayhem “persons of interest” of He said there is no in- Division officers of POSD, and destruction.” the attempts made at the telligence to verify these the Traffic and Highway The commissioner said end of June 2020, which alleged threats.
PAGE 15 INTERNATIONAL NEWS MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021
Phil Spector: Pop producer jailed for murder dies at 81
son. His life was ultimately
His death was confirmed blighted by drug and al-
by the California Depart- cohol addiction, and he all
ment of Corrections and but retired from the mu-
Rehabilitation. sic scene during the 1980s
“California Health Care and 1990s.
Facility inmate Phillip Spec- In February 2003, ac-
tor was pronounced de- tress Lana Clarkson was
ceased of natural causes found dead at his house
at 6:35 p.m. on Saturday, in Alhambra, California
16th January, 2021, at an with a bullet wound to her
outside hospital. His offi- head. Spector claimed the
cial cause of death will be shooting happened when
determined by the medical Clarkson “kissed the gun”
examiner in the San Joa- - but his trial heard from
Phil Spector pictured in court during his murder trial quin County Sheriff’s Of- four women who claimed
fice,” it said. Spector had threatened
(BBC): US music produc- of sound” recordings, Spector produced twen- them with guns in the past
er Phil Spector has died at worked with the Beatles, ty Top 40 hits between 1961 when they had spurned his
the age of 81, while serv- the Righteous Brothers and 1965, AFP news agen- advances.
ing a prison sentence for and Ike and Tina Turner. In cy reports. His production Following an initial mistri-
murder. 2009, he was convicted of methods influenced major al, Spector was convicted
Spector, who trans- the 2003 murder of Holly- artists including the Beach of second degree murder
formed pop with his “wall wood actress Lana Clark- Boys and Bruce Spring- and given a sentence of 19
steen. years to life.
Quake death toll at 78 as Indonesia
struggles with string of disasters
(Reuters): At least seven- others went to cramped evacua- ing thousands.
ty-eight people have been killed tion centres, witnesses said. Just two weeks into the new
after an earthquake struck In- Police and military officers have year, the world’s fourth-most
donesia’s West Sulawesi prov- been deployed to crack down on populous country is battling sev-
ince on Friday, the Search and looting in several parts of the eral disasters.
Rescue agency (Basarnas) said region, BNPB spokesman Raditya Floods in South Kalimantan
on Sunday, the latest in a string Jati said. and North Sulawesi have respec-
of disasters to hit the Southeast An emergency response status, tively killed at least fifteen and
Asian country. intended to help rescue efforts, five this month, while landslides
In a statement, Basarnas con- has also been put in place for in West Java province have killed
firmed seventy-eight had died, two weeks, Raditya said. at least thrity-two, authorities
sixty-seven of whom were from Dwikorita Karnawati, the head said.
the district of Mamuju and the of Indonesia’s meteorological, cli- On 9th January, a Sriwijaya Air
rest from the district of Majene matology and geophysical agen- jet crashed into the Java Sea
in West Sulawesi. cy (BMKG), has said that another with sixty-two onboard.
More than seven hundred and quake in the region could poten- East Java’s Semeru mountain
forty people were injured and tially trigger a tsunami. erupted late on Saturday, but
over 27,800 left their homes af- Straddling the so-called Pacific there have been no reports of
ter the 6.2 magnitude quake, Ring of Fire, Indonesia is regular- casualties or evacuations.
the country ’s disaster mitigation ly hit by earthquakes. In 2018, a Dwikorita said extreme weather
agency separately (BNPB) said in devastating 7.5-magnitude quake and other “multi-dangers” of hy-
a situation report. Some sought and subsequent tsunami struck drometeorology are forecast in
refuge in the mountains, while the city of Palu, in Sulawesi, kill- the coming weeks.MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS PAGE 16
State h ous es, US ca p i ta l b ra ce
fo r potent i a l l y vi o l ent we e k
(Associated Press): In Columbus, Ohio,
The threat of extremist nearly every business
groups demonstrating around the downtown
at statehouses across capital square was
the United States boarded up. In Lansing ,
prompted some gover- Michigan, police with
nors to roll out a show dogs patrolled on foot,
of force and ramp up and a helicopter hov-
security Sunday, less ered overhead. In At-
than two weeks after lanta, armored vehicles
a mob overran the na- were stationed on Cap-
tion’s Capitol Building. itol grounds.
Fencing , boarded-up Wisconsin National
windows and extra Guard troops armed
police and National with rifles, shields and
Guard troops trans- A National Guard soldier stands outside the Capitol building in body armor arrived
Frankfort, Ky., Sunday, 17th Jan., 2021. The Capitol, the Capitol
formed some state- complex, and surrounding grounds have been closed as authorities
near the state Capitol
houses ahead of ex- brace for potentially violent demonstrations over the coming days. on Sunday morning. A
pected protests leading man who drove a vehi-
up to President-elect The FBI has warned sylvania. One count- cle up the steps of the
Joe Biden’s inaugura- of the potential for er-protester came early Capitol building was
tion on Wednesday. armed protests at the to greet any demon- arrested overnight for
But the grounds around nation’s Capitol and strators at the Pennsyl- driving while intoxicat-
capitols were generally all fifty state capitol vania Capitol, saying ed.
empty and quiet early buildings beginning this he had heard about the Security in Washing-
Sunday. weekend. Some social possibility of a meet-up ton, D.C., has also in-
The stepped-up se- media messages had of a far-right militant tensified ahead of the
curity measures were targeted Sunday for group. But no one else inauguration. Tall fenc-
intended to safeguard demonstrations, though was there. ing surrounds the U.S.
seats of government it remained unclear “I’m fundamental- Capitol, the National
from the type of vio- how many people might ly against the poten- Mall is closed to the
lence that occurred at show up. tial protesters coming general public, and the
the U.S. Capitol on 6th On Sunday morning, here to delegitimize the District of Columbia’s
January, when support- state police and Na- election, and I don’t mayor asked people
ers of President Don- tional Guard troops want to be passive in not to visit. Some 25,000
ald Trump swarmed the stood sentry around a expressing my disap- National Guard troops
building while Congress number of statehouses, proval of them coming from around the coun-
was certifying the Elec- including those in Mich- into this city,” Stephen try were due in the city
toral College vote. igan, Ohio and Penn- Rzonca said. by early in the week.PAGE 17 INTERNATIONAL NEWS MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021
F B I probi ng Capi to l r i ot li n k to
forei gn gover nments, g ro u ps
(Aljazeera): The FBI ious other federal and
is investigating wheth- DC-area police agencies
er foreign governments, noted since the deadly
organizations or individ- 6th January riot, “Russian,
uals provided financial Iranian, and Chinese
support to people who influence actors have
helped plan and execute seized the opportunity to
the 6th January attack amplify narratives in fur-
on the Capitol, a news therance of their policy
report said on Sunday. interest amid the presi-
As part of the investiga- dential transition.”
tion, the FBI is examining Russian state and proxy
payments of $500,000 in media outlets “have am-
bitcoin, apparently by a plified themes related to
French national, to key Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol building on 6th January
the violent and chaotic
figures and groups in the nature of the Capitol Hill
far right before the riot, Bitcoin payments can be programmer who took incident, impeachment of
one current and one for- traced because they are his own life on 8th De- President Donald Trump,
mer FBI official told NBC documented on a public cember last year after and social media cen-
News. ledger. triggering the transfers, sorship,” the unclassified
The payments were The current FBI official according to French me- intelligence report said.
documented and post- was quoted as saying dia. “In at least one instance,
ed online last week by a the bitcoin transfers ap- The cryptocurrency a Russian proxy claimed
company that analyses pear to have been made payments prompted the that ANTIFA members
cryptocurrency transfers. by a French computer FBI to examine wheth- disguised themselves as
er any of the money supporters of President
was used to fund illegal Trump, and were respon-
acts, which, if true, raises sible for storming the
the possibility of money Capitol building.”
laundering and conspira- Chinese media, mean-
cy charges, the FBI offi- while, “have seized the
cial said. story to denigrate US
On 8th December, democratic governance,
Chainalysis reported the casting the United States
donor sent 28.15 BTC – as broadly in decline
worth about $522,000 at – and to justify China’s
the time of transfer – to crackdown on protesters
twenty-two separate ad- in Hong Kong.”
dresses, many of which The examination of pos-
belong to far-right ac- sible foreign influence re-
tivists. The Chainalysis lated to the Capitol riot,
blog post, first highlight- which involves the FBI’s
ed by Yahoo News, said counterintelligence divi-
far-right podcaster Nick sion, comes after years
Fuentes received the of what current and for-
most money, 13.5 BTC – mer FBI officials say is
worth about $250,000. mounting evidence that
Separately, a joint Russia and other foreign
threat assessment issued adversaries have sought
last week by the FBI, the to secretly support “po-
Department of Home- litical extremists” on the
land Security, and var- far right and far left.MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021 FUN ZONE PAGE 18
QUICK CROSSWORD
Quick crossword
no 15,683
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Across
1 Reproach (6)
8 4 Bath powder (6)
9 Fix (7)
10 Metrical units with an unstressed and a stressed syllable (5)
9 10
11 Dagger symbols (††) used as reference marks in printed matter (5)
12 White crystalline sugar that comes in many forms (7)
13 Passed-along missive (5,6)
18 River running over the Victoria Falls (7)
11 12 20 Off-white colour (5)
22 Car race run over public roads (5)
23 Student with the same background as David Cameron
and Boris Johnson (7)
24 Small fairy (6)
13 14 15 25 Wing added to a building (6)
16 17 Down
1 Think logically (6)
2 Push into (5)
18 19 20 21
3 Raft built by Thor Heyerdahl for his 1947 crossing of the Pacific (3-4)
5 Au revoir (5)
6 Fruit cooked or preserved in syrup (7)
7 Badly wounded (6)
22 23 8 Wild cat from the Indian subcontinent (6,5)
14 More modest (7)
15 Tropical cyclone in the Indian and Pacific Oceans (7)
16 Portuguese mid-Atlantic archipelago (6)
17 Flat rim on a wheel to keep it on a rail (6)
24 25 19 Land of the Pharaohs (5)
21 Get up (5)
DAILY COMICS SUDOKU
Dilbert
Garfield
Cathy
How to play
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the
digits 1-9. There is no math involved. You solve the puzzle with reasoning and
logic.PAGE 19 WHAT’S UP MONDAY, 18 JANUARY, 2021
LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST COMMUNITY NOTICES
COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP NOMINATIONS
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the United King-
dom is inviting nominations from Antigua and Barbuda for Com-
monwealth Master’s Scholarships tenable from 2021.
Closing date for nominations is 1st March, 2021.
Deadline for submission of applications to the Ministry of Educa-
tion, Sports and Creative Industries is 19th February, 2021.
Full details of the scholarships are included in the 2021 terms and
conditions, available at: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/about-us/scholarships
CHSS DARE TO D.E.A.R. BOOK DRIVE 2020
Clare Hall Secondary School is inviting past Clarehalites, enter-
tainers, radio personalities and the general public to participate
in its DARE to D.E.A.R (Drop Everything and Read) Book Drive
2020. Send us a video recording about your favourite book and
donate a copy or multiple copies of that book to our school library.
Give us a call at 462-3487 or mail us at admin@chss.edu.ag.
The book drive culminates in December 2020. We DARE you to
D.E.A.R with us and help us promote literacy amongst our stu-
YOUR DAILY HOROSCOPE dents.
ARIES | Mar. 21-Apr. 19 LIBRA Sept. | 23-Oct. 22
QUALITY ASSURANCE UNIT
The Quality Assurance Unit, Ministry of Tourism will be suspend-
Your drive for success simply can’t The next time you speak with an older
steer you wrong right now, so let it relative, ask them a few questions about
ing operations from December 15, 2020 to January 15, 2021. All
introduce you to new and exciting the family’s past. They have an awful lot property owners are asked to take note as no inspections and
circumstances today. Tackling difficult to teach you about history, perseverance covid-19 certifications will be executed during this period. For
new challenges might not be the first and maintaining hope when there may
thing on your wish list. not be much of a reason to do so. more information contact the department t 468-4061/4003.
TAURUS | Apr. 20-May 20 SCORPIO Oct. | 23-Nov. 21
t’s time to celebrate the fact that There are some amazing people in
you’re feeling more grounded than your life right now, and you should set
ever in your personal life. The people aside some time to get to know them
you’re spending time with totally get a lot better. They will welcome your
who you are, accept who you are, increased attention and reward your
and love who you are! curiosity with juicy gossip and tips.
GEMINI | May 21-June 20 SAGITTARIUS | Nov. 22-Dec. 21
You might be having a hard time get- Music could bring you a lot of joy
ting along with someone you usual- today, so listen to your favorite tunes
ly like, but it won’t last very long, so whenever you can, while you’re getting
don’t worry. There is a lot of tension ready in the morning, running errands,
between the two of you through no cooking, cleaning, or doing some oth-
fault of your own. er type of semi-mindless activity.
CANCER | June 21-July 22 CAPRICORN | Dec. 22-Jan. 19
You are always great at not letting prob- The big question for you is whether
lems at work bleed over into your personal you go with your latest whim or stick to
life, but not everyone in your life is quite so your previously made plans. This inde-
good at it. Be on the lookout for moodi- cision might bring you to the edge of
ness and grumpiness to blossom with one frustration, especially when so many of
of the most important people in your life. your friends are pressuring you.
LEO | July 23-Aug. 22 AQUARIUS | Jan. 20-Feb. 18
You could get some good news to- If things are getting tense between
day. In fact, it might send you over you and a friend or co-worker, don’t
the moon! You need to be careful try and fight it. Sure, conflict is nev-
not to let your enthusiasm distract er fun to deal with, but sometimes
you too much from the business at it’s necessary to solve a problem or
hand. move in a better direction.
VIRGO | Aug. 23-Sept. 22 PISCES | Feb. 19-Mar. 20
A person from your past may make a A kind word from you could help a strug-
surprise appearance, and you have no gling co-worker immensely right now, so
reason not to welcome them. No matter swallow your pride and give credit where
how weird things got between the two of credit is due even if the person who de-
you, right now this person is on your side serves the praise isn’t exactly your favorite
and eager to help you get stuff done. person in the whole word.
Tell us what’s happening in your community.
Submit community notices to news@pointville.agYou can also read
