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Page:1 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 News
Page:2 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 LOCAL NEWS
News
‘Queeny G’ reigns!
- - wins first Calypso Monarch
‘King Craig’
‘Queeny G’ ‘Queen Kibbi’
By Loshaun Dixon Talented Teen Title. heavyweights of St. Kitts
and Nevis’ Calypso scene
Former Miss St. Kitts and Her journey to the who failed to grab a win-
a former talented teen, Calypso Monarch was ning place, including
Gloria Robinson, is the not easy. She was initially Sugar Mas 48 monarch
new calypso monarch left out of the 15 that ‘King Socrates’, ‘King
in St. Kitts and Nevis, were originally selected I-Soursop’, ‘King Astro’
after defeating 19 other to move on to the finals, and ‘Brown Sugar’.
competitors to win the but it was subsequently
prestigious title at the discovered that a techni- The Senior Calypso
Calypso Monarch finals cal error by the auditors Monarch Finals was the
The Senior Calypso Monarch Finals was the final virtual
event organized for Sugar Mas 49.
on Tuesday evening at on the points totals, meant final virtual event orga-
Carnival Village. that she and four others nized for Sugar Mas 49.
were placed in the finals
Going by the stage name with the previous 15. After the show, Minister
‘Queeny G’, Robinson of Culture Jonel Powell
performed her popular Clad in a mostly black said the decision to go
song “We are in this to- dress that bore messages ahead with Sugar Mas
gether” to capture the one- of togetherness and unity, was tricky.
round virtual competition. Robinson won the hearts
of the judges, as well as “It had us in a position not
‘Queeny G’ won the com- the 150 in the physical au- knowing what we could
petition with 384 points, dience, as throughout her do and what we couldn’t
with ‘Queen Kibbi’ song she beseeched that do, or how we would do
amassing 380 to claim there be togetherness to it. I met with the new car-
the first runner-up spot. get through all the plights nival committee, and they
Former Monarch ‘King faced in the Federation took the reigns of this
Craig’ totalled 363 for throughout this year. whole thing and came up
the second runner-up, and with the idea of the virtual
‘Big Lice’ was the third She becomes only the carnival. They have made
runner-up with 361. second female to cap- not just me, but the entire
ture the Senior Calypso country proud.”
‘Queeny G’ won the Miss Monarch title, following
St. Kitts title in 1996, and the triumph by ‘Queen
before then, was Miss Independent’ in 2017 and
Talented Teen in 1992. 2018. He said the committee
A year later she won the have now set a new bar for
Haynes Smith Caribbean The finals featured other carnival going forward.
LOCAL
NewsNEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 Page:3
Nevis Cricket Association receives
generous donation
By Monique Washington seeing it through, and en- Merchant revealed how
suring we have the equip- he was able to receive the
The Nevis Cricket ment that we have here donation.
Association received a today.”
Christmas gift of hun- ‘One day I was home and
dreds of pieces of equip- Powell pledged that his I was going through some
ment from the ‘Cricket association would work newspapers and I realized
Kindness’ in Australia - a closely with a committee that Jamaica and Antigua
donation the magnitude that has been put in place got a shipment of cricket
of which President of to ensure the best use of gears, and that really
the Association, Carlisle the gear. piqued my interest.”
Powell, said they haven’t
received in years. Jamir Claxton, Director of He said that he then con-
Sports at the Ministry of tacted Lowe and high-
Youth & Sports in Nevis, lighted the achievements
noted that one thing that of Nevis in the cricket
Cricket Kindness was has affected cricket in world. After contact was
founded in Australia as Nevis, is the expense in made, Lowe agreed to
the Children’s Cricket purchasing equipment. assist. The donations in-
Charity by Tamara Lowe, He also lauded Lowe and cluded 26 bats for seniors,
and is primarily dedicated her organization for mak- 28 bats for juniors, 97
to giving disadvantaged ing the contribution. balls, 30 pads, 30 gloves,
communities access to helmets and shirts, among
cricket equipment. “Equipment is very ex- other items.
pensive. This donation
will go a long way in
regards to the develop-
Powell thanked the ment of sports here. You “I would like to com-
founder and non-profit (Lowe) are going to see mend her (Lowe) for her
association, and also duly the results of your dona- outstanding charitable
recognized Augustine tion in the not so distant gesture. I am going to
Merchant, in facilitating future,” he said. promise Tamara that the
the donation. Nevis Cricket Association
Merchant, who facili- along with the Ministry
“Nevis cricket hasn’t tated the donation, said of Education, sports pro-
received a gift like this that they are very elated gramme and the Women’s
in years. I want to reach to have received the gift. Cricket Association. will
out and compliment He added that, “I think make full use of these
Augustine Merchant. He this is a good way to get cricket gears,” Merchant
started the whole thing; Nevis on the rebound (in said.
he was very steadfast in cricket).
Page:4 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 News
EDITORIAL
EDitorial
Watch, wait, pray, remember.
The devotional booklet Our Daily Bread, in its presentation for Remember that in 2020, not-so-good governments were voted out
22nd December 2020 describes what to do in harsh times. It says and good ones [hopefully] were elected or re-elected. Remember
we must watch, wait, pray, remember. In offering this advice, it the challenges that were brought against election results and that
draws inspiration from the 7th chapter of Micah. It is the best Courts of Law were forced to “legitimize” many of these election
advice to take into 2021 after the turbulence of 2020. outcomes. Yet we all got along!
Remember that millions worldwide were affected by the virus that Remember that our lives and general well-being were spared,
changed everything. Remember that millions died as a result of this undeserving as we are and were.
and other diseases; and remember the hurt of not being able to say a
proper goodbye. Watch carefully how 2021 unfolds: how it will be affected by the
use of the $1.105B of governments money that will be used to
Remember that in the midst of all our anxieties we found ways execute the promises of restoration, recovery and advancement
to become more resilient. Remember that it is this resilience that, that are being offered in both the local Nevis ($237M) and federal
under operation warp speed, caused vaccinations to be developed. ($868M) budgets. Wait for the fulfillment of these promises.
It was this resilience that forced us to use the internet for social
contact when physical contact was not possible. Watch for the new emerging norms. Watch for a green economy.
Watch how the post-Trump America unfolds. Watch how we re-tool
Remember that we were forced to “re-imagine” Culturama, ourselves for the new economy.
Christmas and Carnival with no negative side effects!
Watch how the goodness of the Almighty is manifested, whoever
Remember that churches were closed for an extended period and you conceive him to be, and be prepared to wait on Him.
were the last institutions allowed to re-open. Yet we did not lose
faith. As you make your new year resolutions, remember to wait, to
watch and to pray. Be optimistic for an uplifting 2021. Pray for
continued and continuing mercies as you wait during 2021
Happy New Year everyone!
News
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 Page:5
Missing man found in abandoned house
The abandoned house into which the man ran and was found
By Monique Washington there the police found that reported missing three
all his items were gone. times in the last couple of
Mario “Minguito” The landlord claimed years. One time he was
Florentino, the Dominican that he had removed his missing for over a month
Republic national who items and had not been and turned up in St. Kitts.
was missing for over one seen since. His cell phone He again went missing for
month, has been found number was also given to a week and then turned up
this past week, in an aban- the police, but numerous behind Sunshine Bar at
doned house in Craddock attempts to call Florentino Pinney.
Road. were unsuccessful.
In the meantime, the
police along with other
agencies are still in search
Florentino, who is said to The Observer under- of 39-year-old Clovis
be in his 50s, was reported stands that on Sunday Williams who went out to
missing on December 10 (December 27), the Police sea in the Verchilds area
He was taken to the Alexandra
Hospital where he was treated.
by restaurant owner Maria were alerted after a resi- over a week ago with two
Rosario. Rosario claimed dent in Craddock Road other persons and did not
to have seen Florentino saw the missing man pick- return.
two weeks before making ing guineps in the area.
the report. Officers of the When he realised that he
Royal St. Christopher and was spotted, he fled to an
Nevis Police Force, Nevis abandoned house where According to a police
Division, launched an in- he was eventually found. source, Williams dived
vestigation into the man’s He appeared to have lost into the water to pull up a
disappearance. weight. fish pot and has not been
seen or heard from since.
He was taken to the Divers were sent into the
Alexandra Hospital where water to search while fish-
Florentino’s apartment he was treated. ermen in their boats as-
was searched by the police sisted, but Williams was Florentino on the day he was located
at Old Hospital Road, and Florentino had been not found.
Page:6 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 News
TRAVEL
WHEN ENGLAND MIGHT HAVE BECOME PART OF THE
SPANISH EMPIRE-HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE WIND.
TRAVEL by Eric Mackenzie Lamb
The west coast of Ireland. Image by the author.
About four years ago, Ireland and the Republic, The following morning, decided to take a break Felipe II of Spain to in- to England’s conversion
having some time on my it was evident that most after spending a restful from driving and do a vade England-a decision to Protestantism under
hands, I decided to ex- locals on either side, night with a great break- hike along the seaside which would ultimately the Reformation Act,
plore Ireland, a country many of them tradesmen, fast at an Air B&B farm- cliffs. There wasn’t a result in the tragic loss along with its support by
which I’d never visited farmers and fishermen, house, I continued south solitary human being to of over twenty thousand English royalty. Queen
before. After arriving at were adamantly opposed along the coast. As is typ- be seen, only flocks of lives and the beginning Mary, the daughter of
Dublin airport, I rented to such a drastic move, ical in Ireland, especially seagulls and gannets. of the end for the Spanish Henry VIII, infamously
a car and headed north, especially as they be- on the Atlantic side, the All I could hear was the
a route which would whistling of the wind and
first take me to Belfast the muted roar of waves
in Northern Ireland, then breaking on the rocky
back across the border in beaches below. It felt
a southwesterly direction almost ghostly. Walking
along the island’s pictur- along the path, I sudden-
esque Atlantic coast. The ly noticed a large solitary
weather was perfect-at rock about a hundred
least for the moment- yards away, inscribed
with plenty of photo with what appeared to
opportunities along the be a metal plaque. Out
way. of curiosity, I made my
way toward it for a closer
look. The plaque’s text
was in both English and
And I wasn’t disap- Gaelic, not easy to read
pointed. It didn’t take because most of its sur-
long to realize why the face had been worn away
country was known as by time and weather.
the Emerald Isle. Rolling But its message was still
green hills, centuries-old clear-a testimonial to a
stone farmhouses, ram- momentous event which
bling sheep, spectacular had happened more than
views that seemed to Image by the author. four centuries before, Image by the author.
stretch forever: the epit- and which changed his-
ome of history, serenity, lieved that it had all been weather had changed tory forever: the English Empire. became known as Bloody
and unspoiled beauty. dictated by the political overnight from sunshine defeat of the Spanish Mary for her brutal ex-
elite in London, another to sporadic rain and Armada. ecutions of hundreds of
universe away. (Little patchy fog. Then again, I English Catholics who
had they realized how thought to myself, that’s But first, some back- refused to stop practic-
By coincidence, my maddeningly compli- what kept the country ground information. ing their faith, an act
visit took place only cated the process would so green. Ominous dark The real story starts here. of defiance which was
a few days before the become over the next clouds on the western Not even Hollywood considered heresy. Mary
referendum in which four years. But by then, it horizon were a sure sign could come close to died in 1558 and was
a majority of the UK’s was too late to turn back that some fierce Atlantic depicting the scale of By the mid Sixteenth succeeded by her half
population would vote the clock). gales would soon be human bravery under century, England and sister, Elizabeth the First,
in favor of Brexit. But arriving. hopeless conditions Spain had become sworn who continued to support
not here. Crossing the which followed a reck- enemies, with much of mandatory Protestantism
border between Northern Shortly after noon, I less decision by King the mutual hostility due (known as the Act of
News
TRAVEL The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 Page:7
assault, the Armada’s
fleet managed to proceed
slowly up the channel
and, by July 27, had an-
chored off the French
port of Calais. The plan
was to wait until a mes-
sage was received con-
firming that the Spanish
army was ready to em-
bark from Flanders.
But no message came.
By now, it had become
apparent to the Spanish
officers that the Duke
of Medina Sedonia was
totally inexperienced
when it came to maritime
warfare. His decision to Image courtesy of Worldbook.com
wait in an exposed po-
sition off Calais, rather resulting panic was im- first light of dawn, the by the English. After this
than proceed as quickly mediate. The Spanish scattered and disorga- was done, the captain
as possible to Flanders, were forced to cut their nized Spanish fleet was and his crew were trans-
Image by the author. message or no message, own ships’ anchors and attacked in full force by ferred to another ship,
would have disastrous sail out to sea to avoid the smaller and more the Duquesa Santa Ana,
consequences. catching fire. agile English ships off which itself was wrecked
Conformity) and the abo- Sedonia, set sail from the French coast, in four days later off County
lition of what was then Corunna. Its goal was what would go down Donegal.
termed as Popery. to secure the English in history as the Battle
Channel and then trans- of Gravelines and the
port the invading Spanish ultimate defeat of what
army to England from had once been called In the end, less than half
Nor were tensions eased Flanders. The very size the Invincible Armada. of the Armada’s fleet
by the fact that English of the force was unprec- Many Spanish ships managed to return to
privateers, often led by edented: 130 ships, 2,500 tried frantically to escape Spain. By then, untold
the legendary Sir Francis guns, 8,000 sailors, and by turning southwest thousands of men had
Drake, consistently at- 20,000 soldiers. (In addi- along the channel, but a perished, either from
tacked Spanish ships in tion, the fleet carried 180 sudden change in wind wounds sustained in
Atlantic and Caribbean priests and 14,000 bar- direction and blockage battle, or from malnutri-
waters in order to confis- rels of wine). However, by English navy vessels tion, disease, or drown-
cate gold and other valu- the Armada was beset made this impossible. ing. Meanwhile, back in
ables being transported by storms and didn’t The only choice was to England, the expression
from Spain’s South reach the southern coast turn around and sail in God sent us the wind had
American colonies to of England until July 19, the opposite direction, almost become a national
the mother country. As almost two months after only to be further dev- anthem.
far as King Felipe was it had departed. This astated by gunfire from
concerned, enough was also adversely affected the faster English vessels
enough. He ordered his its supplies of food, which pursued them. The
armed forces to start pre- fresh water, and other es- Armada’s remnants were You may also have
paring for the invasion sentials even before the forced to retreat to the heard the expression
of England. He also re- battle had begun. northern tip of Scotland Black Irish. Although
vealed his plans in secret and then south along the it’s never been proven,
to Pope Sixtus V, who Irish coast in an attempt many still believe that
gave his blessing to bring to return to Spain. With they’re descendants of
Protestant England back The delay had also helped no anchors, the surviv- the Armada’s Spanish
into the fold of Rome. the English to spot the ing ships were now survivors who made it
approaching fleet when even more vulnerable to ashore and eventually in-
it first appeared off the tides and strong winds. termarried with the Irish
coast of Cornwall. On According to historical population-a perception
By 1587, Spanish prepa- July 21st, as the Armada records, at least twen- fostered by their darker
rations were well un- approached Plymouth, ty-one Spanish ships complexion and black
derway to prepare for they were intercepted by were driven ashore and hair. And, like so many
the invasion. However, a hundred English ships wrecked along the Irish Irish over the past cen-
these were interrupted under the command of coast, including the Santa turies, they became im-
when Drake raided the Lord Charles Howard Maria Rata Encoronada, migrants to other parts of
Armada’s supplies in and Francis Drake, who with 520 guns and 429 the world, including the
Cadiz, which resulted in had already made metic- Image by the author. men, whose memorial Caribbean. All in search
almost a year’s delay. ulous tactical plans. Their plaque I’d seen during of a better life.
first step was to bombard my hike along the cliffs.
the Spanish fleet from And they weren’t long Most of the Encoronada’s
a safe distance, taking in coming. Just after crew managed to escape.
Finally, in May of 1588, advantage of their heavy midnight on July 29, the Once ashore, a decision Who knows? Maybe it’s
the Armada’s fleet, un- long range guns. Despite English launched eight was made by its captain time to check those birth
der the command of the confrontation, and burning unmanned ships But worse was yet to to set the vessel on fire to records in Montserrat?
the Duke of Medina thinned by the English into Calais harbour. The come. Precisely at the prevent its appropriation
Page:8 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 News
LOCAL NEWS
“Doctor of Culture” keeping folklore alive
with youthful push
He said he will also
be bringing back
the cake walk.
Bull Troupe
“I am bringing back the real clown
dancing in Newtown.’
David and Goliath
By Loshaun Dixon concerts and at churches in the estate manager’s Nisbett said that as soon are to survive. to preserve. If I can put in
all December. house.’ as the year ends, they my foot, I’ll do my utmost
Zack Nisbett, the man will carry the ‘Cowboys “I have been working my to do it”.
dubbed the “Doctor of He said that starting in He said in Tyrrell and Indians’ to the Irish butt off to get culture es-
Culture”, is on a mission January, he will be teach- Williams Primary School, Town Primary School; tablished. Culture is me He said he was willing to
to revive the folklore ing a young clown group there will be nearga Mommies in St. Paul’s and I am culture, and I am put in the work to ensure
elements of culture in for the cultural depart- business, noting that the Primary; as well as going to deliver on behalf the folklore is kept alive.
St. Kitts, and is doing so ment in the Tucker/Clarke programme has already David and Goliath in the of St Kitts and the Culture
through the youth - teach- Primary School. He said “I have the dedication, the
ing primary school stu- modern-day clowns for ‘The cake walk is the original thing the clowns application, the inspira-
dents, in conjunction with Carnival do not dance tion, the motivation, and
the Ministry of Culture. like clowns should, and used to dance to. They would flank the it’s only getting better
he will be teaching the when you see the children
Nisbett visits multiple pri- young students the cor- sides of the streets and dance, or in the delivering. My aim is to
mary schools on St. Kitts, rect way. estate manager’s house.’ put my best foot forward
weekly, to teach some of and do what I have to.do
the folklore rudiments “I am bringing back the started, but he was not Joshua Obidiah Williams Department. I spent a lot in a professional manner,
that had been on the de- real clown dancing in pleased with the progress Primary. And he indicated of time training these chil- and make sure the chil-
cline, in an effort to revive Newtown.’ so far. there was a strong bull dren and bringing them to dren respect themselves.”
them for carnival and fu- programme in the Cayon perfection. I am not doing
ture events. He said he will also be “I am going to have them Primary School and a it for me, but for the entire He was disappointed,
bringing back the cake restructured, because I strong actors’ program in population and through- however, in some criti-
He indicated that along walk. am not satisfied with it. St. Peters. out the region.” cisms that were levelled
with that work, he also So, I’m going to polish towards him and his deal-
has his own string band of ‘The cake walk is the it, bring it to fruition, and Nisbett however pleaded He continued, “We have ing with the programme,
young people that brought original thing the clowns you will see the real near- for national support in been too Americanized but noted that he would
Christmas cheer to resi- used to dance to. They ga business coming out the programmes, if indig- while we have things of not let it distract him from
dents around Basseterre, would flank the sides of with some of the ills from enous elements of the cul- a more indigenous art- the work he has been
and performed at the streets and dance, or within the community.” ture of St. Kitts and Nevis work here, and we need doing.
News
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 Page:9
Hawley: Virtual Carnival experience
vital going forward
According to Hawley, they were coming
off a very successful weekend where they
hosted a Taste of Jouvert, that was a great
advertisement for Sugar Mas 50.
Winning Steel Band, EBJ Harmonics, during their
performance for Panorama 2020
A scene from the virtual J’ouvert
By Loshaun Dixon Taste of Jouvert, that was messaging us from over a four-week period, the virtual experience this. It was probably more
a great advertisement for Trinidad, BVI, USVI.... then went into the open- moving forward. difficult hosting the vir-
After hosting several suc- Sugar Mas 50. so our mission has been ing of carnival and the tual experience than some
cessful virtual events for accomplished as it relates quarter-finals. Every of the live events, because
Sugar Mas 49, Carnival “By all accounts it was to the virtual experience, event that we would have there are so many ele-
Chair Shannon Hawley amazing; it went viral we have been able to hosted virtually, the view- “We realized that for so ments that have to come
has indicated that the and to date, we have had share with local, regional ership has continuously many people who are un- together to ensure that the
virtual aspect needs to be 90,000 views on social and international carnival increased. We have ac- able to come home, it is production of the event
part of the carnival expe- media, so we are very lovers.” complished our mission important for them to get comes off, and comes off
rience going forward. happy about the oppor- to bring Sugar Mas to the a taste of what we have to right.”
tunity to show the world people in a safe way, in offer. People from around
the region who would not
have known about St.
Hawley was speak- “People have been messaging us from Kitts Carnival, we have The Panorama competi-
ing after the Carnival now been getting calls tion, held last Thursday,
Committee last week suc- Trinidad, BVI, USVI....so our mission has been about partnering with us... featured seven steel pan
cessfully hosted a virtual accomplished as it relates to the virtual and we expect to have groups and was won by
Panorama competition, that increase in visitors, EBJ Harmonics, who
Icon Road March concert
and a Taste Jouvert that
experience, we have been able to share with come 2021, for our Sugar
Mas 50.”
performed ‘Sand to the
Beach’ from Menance.
came in for great reviews, local, regional and international carnival lovers.” The icons event featured
and saw record viewers She thanked all involved five local bands perform-
tuning in to take in these for making Sugar Mas 49 ing their famous road
events. a taste of our Jouvert, at She said that over the a redefined way, and we a success. march hits from the past,
the same time in a safe carnival period they were definitely have to contin- while the virtual Jouvert
environment, and reach able to continuously build ue the virtual experience. allowed for a small audi-
much more people than on the experience. ence and the virtual audi-
According to Hawley, we would have reached in ” “It has not been an easy ence to experience some
they were coming off a the past. “We started at the begin- feat. I am sure people of the usual bands, artistes
very successful week- ning of November with Hawley said that they have seen the level of pro- and DJs providing musi-
end where they hosted a “People have been Virtual Calypso Tents would have to incorporate duction that has gone into cal entertainment.
Page:10 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 News
News
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 Page:11
Female dominates Nevis drag race
Cars on the track on Sunday
By Monique Washington “I began racing drag since is expensive to maintain
2008 in a white Hyundai your car when it comes to
A female in the drag rac- Prelude. It was a success- damaged parts.
ing world in Nevis has ful meet. I have always
proven once again that liked driving. When I got She said that drag racing
there is a place in the to the gate when the drag in the Federation is a big
sport for women. strip opened, the man at event. She noted that at
the gate asked if women the inaugural meet the at-
Annelise Leibbrandt, race too. I won the race tendance was the biggest
who has been drag rac- I competed in that day at she has seen thus far.
ing from 2008, outshone the inaugural races,” she
her competitors this past said. “The first drag race in
weekend at the St. James 2008, the attendance was
Raceway. Leibbrandt is She noted that there are the biggest I have ever
the only female drag racer not a lot of female drag seen. It continued to get
in Nevis. racers in the Federation. better.”
She said that she knows
She informed the of one from St. Kitts Cars from Antigua,
Observer that she raced who has participated in Anguilla and Montserrat
in the 13-second class, the meet, and another fe- have participated in
in which she placed male racer who is from drag racing in Nevis.
first with her Mitsubishi Antigua. She advised, Leibbrandt said the asso-
Evolution 2002. Adan however, the sport is open ciation has just purchased
Sam was second in his to female participation. a new timing system.
Accord Evo 2005.
“There is more space for “I hope this will encour-
“On Sunday it was a very women in drag racing. age other islands to come
good race with unex- There is no discrimina- to Nevis to participate.”
pected results. Jonathan tion. You are not excluded
Chiverton did very well. from drag racing. As a
I raced in the 13-second matter of fact, most wom-
class. I made a mistake in en have a better reaction Leibbrandt said that she
the first race which cost time; that makes us better loves racing, and knows
me that race, but I came racers,” she said. what and whom she
back. I managed to beat represents.
the other two cars,” she
said. “I have a lot of female
Though she has been fans, because I am repre-
Leibbrandt highlighted racing for over a decade, senting them. Kids love
her experience as a drag Leibbrandt said that drag me. I have a huge fan
racer over the past 12 racing is an expensive base.”
years venture. She noted that itPage:12 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 News
ST KITTS-NEVIS CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
CONCEPT TO
CREATION
A strong CBI Programme aims to:
• Create job opportunities
• Upgrade the interior airport terminal building
• Complete the construction of the Old Road Bay realignment project
• Install a new runway and lighting at the RLB International Airport
• Construct more hotels
• Construct better roads
• Construct the bus terminals
• Complete the second cruise pier
Prosperity for our country, a bright future for our people. ciu.gov.knNews The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 Page:13
Mr. Valentine Thomas, a
Prime Minister offers condolences prominent journalist and radio
to Valentine Thomas’ family personality who owned and
operated Sugar City (90.3) FM.
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts leader and mentor, as St. Kitts and Nevis who passing.
— Prime Minister Dr. well as to the people of join them in mourning his
the Honourable Timothy
Harris extends his heart-
felt condolences, and
those of the Government
and people of St. Kitts
and Nevis, to the fam-
ily and loved ones of
Mr. Valentine Thomas,
a prominent journal-
ist and radio personality
who owned and operated
Sugar City (90.3) FM.
Val T, as he was affec-
tionately called, died on
Sunday, December 27, af-
ter an ongoing battle with
kidney disease. He was
64-years-old.
“Val T’s strong personal-
ity and passion for politics
– and for life – imbued his
outstanding journalism
career with authentic-
ity, intensity, originality
and a quest for justice,”
said Prime Minister the
Honourable Dr. Timothy
Harris, while reflecting
on the life and legacy of
Valentine Thomas.
“He was truly inimitable,
not only in his witty style
of questioning at press
conferences, but also in
the substance of his work,
which covered subjects
of national interest, no-
tably health care and law
and order, with dogged
persistence and determi-
nation that redounded to
the benefit of his listening
audience and the nation
at large,” said the Prime
Minister.
“On a personal note, Val
T was a valued friend and
advisor, who was cher-
ished for his unvarnished
opinions that provided
keen insight and analysis
with an eye toward fa-
cilitating the building of
a stronger and safer future
for his fellow citizens
and residents of his be-
loved country,” said Hon.
Harris. Paid out
The Prime Minister
extended deepest con-
dolences to Valentine
January - November 2020
Thomas’ mother, Dora;
his children, extended
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family and friends; the
media community who www.thecaribbeanlottery.com
has lost an inspirationalPage:14 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 News
News
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 Page:15
2021 to be swept in
with high winds
By Monique Washington it did not come directly crafts,” the advisory
from the Antigua Met reads.
St Kitts and Nevis, along Services, but a person’s
with other islands in the private page,” he advised. The Met Service warns
region, will be experi- boaters of potential “loss
encing a windy New According to a release of life”, “injuries” and
Year, as increased wind from the Antigua Met “damage to vessel or ma-
speeds and high waves Services, St. Kitts and rine equipment”.
are predicted by the Nevis among other is-
Meteorologists. lands are placed on a “Caution: Inexperienced
“small craft advisory. mariners, especially
The Observer spoke with those operating smaller
Brain Dyer, Director “Locations to be affect- vessels should avoid nav-
at the Nevis Disaster ed: Mainly open waters igating in these condi-
Management Department on the Atlantic or east- tions. Please continue to
(NDMD), who noted that ern sides of the islands. monitor these hazardous,
starting today (December Timing: Wednesday life-threatening marine
31) until Monday, the 8 am to 8 pm for the conditions,” the advisory
islands can expect rough British Virgin Islands and concludes.
seas, and increased wind Anguilla, and Wednesday
speeds which would 8 pm to Thursday 8 am
cause high waves. for Antigua, Barbuda,
St. Kitts and Nevis. Dyer noted that the pre-
“The Met Synopsis: Fresh winds, dicted winds could dam-
(Meteorological) due to the expected sig- age “light materials”
Services in Antigua have nificant steepening of such as tents.
issued an advisory for the pressure gradient, are
the next couple of days. forecast to cause hazard- “We might have rain.
They have issued a small ous seas. The threat level We will have something
craft advisory because to the life, livelihood, that is called a ‘pocket
of the weather that is ap- property and infrastruc- of moisture’, that will
proaching,” he said. ture of mariners will rise encourage rain activity.
to high, and there is the We will have some low
Dyer said currently there potential for extensive hanging cloud that might
is information circulating impacts. A small craft ad- cause some heavy rain,
on social media that isn’t visory means that wind but they will be short-
accurate. speeds of 21 to 33 knots lived,” he said.
and/or wind waves and/
“We are aware of some or wind swells of 7 feet Dyer advised that per-
information circulating or greater are expected sons can visit antiguamet.
about the weather, but it to produce hazardous com for accurate weather
is not fully correct, and wave conditions to small updates.Page:16 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 News
LOCAL NEWS
COMMENTARY
Two bodies found, two non-fatal incidents
also being investigated
By Loshaun Dixon multiple wounds to the Kiln area on Monday, Personnel from the he is warded in a critical, as he normally would to
head. Preliminary inves- December 28, 2020. Forensic Services Unit but stable condition. set his trap.”
Police officers in St. Kitts tigations so far have re- visited and processed the
have been left busy after vealed that Francis, who “As a result of informa- scene. On Wednesday, officers An autopsy has been
several days in which lived nearby, was on his tion received, Officers received a report some- scheduled to determine
there were two fatal and way home when he was visited the JNF General On Tuesday, December time after midday on the exact cause of death.
two violent but non-fatal attacked by an unknown Hospital to conduct en- 29, Police responded to December 29 that the Personnel from the
incidents. assailant.” quiries. Preliminary in- the Fisheries Complex body of a man was found Forensic Services Unit
vestigations so far have after a report was made on Phillips Mountain. visited and processed the
Last Sunday, police con- The District Medical revealed that sometime by personnel at the facil- scene.
firmed they were inves- Officer visited the scene after 10 p.m. on Monday, ity that a man was found “Upon arrival at a moun-
tigating a fatal incident and pronounced him 26-year-old Kia Jareth next to a container calling tainous area in Phillips Police said investigations
in Dieppe Bay after the dead. Personnel from the Liburd of Lime Kiln for help. Village, the body of into the matter are ongo-
report of a body being Forensic Services Unit Project was making his 60-year-old Charles ing and are encouraging
found in the Dieppe Bay processed the scene and way to his vehicle from Upon arrival, the Lowry, formerly of persons with information
Cemetery at about 11 p.m. collected items of eviden- his residence when a lone Officers found 67-year- Phillips Village, was met regarding these incidents
on Saturday, December tial value. An autopsy will gunman fired gunshots at old Thomas Rennix of laying on his back. The to contact the Criminal
26, 2020. be performed on the body him. He received a gun- East Street, Newtown, District Medical Officer Investigation Department
to determine the exact shot wound to his arm. semi-clad with his hands visited the scene and by dialling 465-2241, their
“They responded and cause of death. Liburd was transported to bound behind his back. pronounced him dead. nearest Police Station, or
upon arrival, the motion- the JNF General Hospital He had what appeared Preliminary investiga- the Crime Hotline at 707,
less body of 54-year-old The Police said they were in a private vehicle where to be lacerations to the tions so far have revealed where information can be
Bevinton Francis was also investigating a non- he is warded in a stable head and face. He was that Lowry left home at given anonymously.
found laying on the ground fatal shooting incident condition.” transported to the JNF about 7:00 a.m. Tuesday
with what appeared to be that occurred in the Lime General Hospital where and went to the mountainNews
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 Page:17
US man convicted for
COVID-19 breach
George Mc Cumisky
leaving the High
Court in Basseterre
on Wednesday
morning
By Loshaun Dixon International Airport. The Wednesday afternoon. from COVID-19;(b) the
patient was escorted to a removal of a person to a
A visitor from the United government-designated Current laws do not per- public hospital or a des-
States of America has quarantine site, and is un- mit visitors to break iso- ignated facility; or (c) the
been convicted for der the supervision of the lation, according to the curative treatment of a
breaching quarantine, af- security forces and mem- COVID-19 Bill passed in person. required to do serial test- stakeholder meetings in-
ter he was caught trying to bers of the Compliance November. ing. International travel- volving the Ministry of
leave the Federation while Task Force.” The COVID-19 bill lers/tourists will be tested Tourism.
in isolation, after testing It reads, “Where the result passed last month states on day # 7 and on day
positive for COVID-19. On Wednesday, 33-year- of a test conducted by the “A person who contra- #14 (if still in Federation). All inbound travellers
old George Mc Cumisky Caribbean Public Health venes a provision of this Tourists who receive a and tourists must receive
“The guest, who is a citi- of Texas, United States of Agency or by a private Act for which a penalty negative PCR test on a RT-PCR test on day#14
zen of and resides in the America, was convicted medical laboratory under is not specified commits day #7 (if still on island) of stay/vacation (if still
United States of America, for breaching his quaran- section 17 shows that a an offence and is liable can be allowed (only in Federation) and once
was in isolation at the tine conditions. He was person is suffering from on summary conviction through the hotel’s tour the result is negative, the
hotel. After receiving in- fined $4,800 to be paid COVID-19, the Chief to a fine not exceeding desk and by appointment traveller/ tourist will be
formation that the guest forthwith or spend six (6) Medical Officer may give five thousand dollars or a only) access to selec- allowed to integrate into
had left for the airport, months in prison. such directions, as he or term of imprisonment not tive excursions or tourist the society/Federation. If
the SSU responded, ap- she thinks fit, for (a) the exceeding 6 months, or to destination sites on the the trip/vacation is less
propriately attired in full Mc Cumisky, who recent- quarantine or isolation of both”. island in a secure bubble. than 14 days, the tourist
personal protective equip- ly tested negative twice that person or any other The selective excursions can easily depart the is-
ment. The individual was for COVID-19, has since person who, by exposure According to the new and tourist sites that are land with an exit test – a
found in the departure paid the fine and was set to infection from that law, international travel- COVID-19-certified are COVID-19 PCR test.
lounge at the R.L.B. to leave the Federation on person, is likely to suffer lers and tourists will be being determined throughPage:18 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 News
news
Venezuela Signs
Deal With Russia
For 10 Million
Doses
Of Sputnik V
Vaccine.
CARACAS, Venezuela– million Sputnik V doses possible.”
December 29th 2020– was the result of “months
President Nicolas Maduro of serious and respon- “No criminal blockade
of Venezuela announced sible work,” extending will undermine the sacred
that Russia will deliver gratitude to the Russian right of our people to ac-
the Sputnik V jab to 10 leadership for enabling cess the vaccine,” she
million people, saying he the mass vaccination tweeted, referring to the
hopes to finish the first campaign in the country. sweeping US sanctions.
round of vaccinations in
the first three months of “I thank President Putin While touting the vac-
2021. for this important step cination as a milestone
in the beginning of in the fight against
Announcing the deal in mass vaccination in Covid-19, Maduro cau-
a televised speech on Venezuela,” Maduro tioned against premature
Tuesday, Maduro said the tweeted. celebrations, urging the
vaccine would be “dis- public to stay vigilant and
tributed free of charge follow hygiene rules.
to the entire population
living in the country, Venezuela became the “The vaccine will un-
be they Columbians, first nation in the Western doubtedly be an impor-
Portuguese, Italians, hemisphere to partici- tant response… but the
Venezuelans,” while tak- pate in the post-approval main battle is to take care
ing aim at Colombia’s trial of the vaccine, when of ourselves, everything
plan to exclude 900,000 the first containers with we have learned in the
Venezuelan migrants Sputnik V arrived in culture of biosecurity is
from its own vaccina- October. here to stay,” he said.
tion drive. His original
tweet is shown in Spanish Maduro noted that the
below. phase III trial has proven
to be a success, saying The CEO of the Russian
Colombia’s president, that no adverse reactions Direct Investment Fund
Ivan Duque, defended the from the vaccine have (RDIF), which sponsors
move, saying that he was been observed in the the production of Sputnik
prioritizing Colombian country so far. V, Kirill Dmitriev, said on
citizens over other coun- Tuesday he hopes to start
tries’ nationals, and drew Vice President Delcy shipping the inoculations
accusations of xenopho- Rodríguez, who partici- without delay. He noted,
bia from the opposition as pated in the signing of the however, that the delivery
well as from Maduro. contract, also hailed the of 10 million doses to the
vaccine as being “very Latin American nation
The Venezuelan presi- safe” and vowed to set might take half a year or
dent said that the newly the inoculation campaign even longer.
signed deal to procure 10 in motion “as soon asNews The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 Page:19
St. Vincent
Volcano May Be
Ready To Blow
Again.
ST. VINCENT– They contacted the and equipment.
December 30th, 2020– National Emergency File photo. The Sourfriere volcano in St. Vincent last eruption in 1979. Is it
Residents of St Vincent M a n a g e m e n t Robertson said he hoped overdue for a blow-off? Experts are cautious and remind residents to stay
and the Grenadines were Organization (NEMO) there would be enough well away from the volcano which may emit poisonous gases.
warned to stay away from and arranged for the time to alert citizens in the
La Soufriere volcano after Soufriere Monitoring danger zone so they can
increased seismic activity Unit to visit the site on be evacuated ahead of a
was detected in the dome Tuesday. The magma is major event. (SAT)
over the weekend. slowly building on the
existing dome. Soufrière Saint Vincent is
Volcanologists Dr an active volcano on the
Erouscille Pat Joseph Robertson said sulphur- island of Saint Vincent in
and Professor Richard rich gases will be released the Windward Islands of
Robertson of the into the atmosphere and the Caribbean. Many vol-
University of the West warned residents to stay canoes in the Caribbean
Indies Seismic Research away from the area at this are named Soufrière
Centre (SRC), joined time. (French: “sulfur outlet”).
Prime Minister Ralph These include Soufrière
Gonsalves in a live ad- He said there is not Hills on Montserrat and
dress to the nation on enough data to determine La Grande Soufrière on
Tuesday evening to pro- whether it will continue Guadeloupe, the subject
vide an update on the to slowly build or activ- of Werner Herzog’s 1977
activity. ity will increase to the film La Soufrière.
point where there is an
“This is what we call an explosive eruption. In La Soufrière violently
effusive eruption going the meantime, they will erupted in 1718, 1812,
on at Soufriere, which es- continue to monitor the 1902, 1971, and 1979.
sentially means magma situation, and working in The Saint Vincent erup-
is coming slowly out of conjunction with NEMO, tion of 6 May 1902, just
the earth and building a will put more equipment hours before the erup-
dome,” Robertson said. to collect data. tion of Mount Pelée on
Martinique, killed 1,680
It is similar to what oc- During the briefing, people. The death zone,
curred in 1971/72, after Gonsalves received corre- where almost all persons
which the volcano went spondence from Trinidad were killed, was close to
dormant. La Soufriere lastand Tobago’s Minister of entirely Carib.
had an explosive erup- National Security Stuart
tion in March 1979, and Young, giving clearance This last large remnant
the ash rained on parts offor Robertson and two of Carib culture was
Barbados. others to leave the twin- destroyed, the island
island republic, where of Dominica’s Carib
Robertson said there was the SRC is located, to go Territory being much
minor seismic activity in to St Vincent. Gonsalves smaller in comparison at
November and again on said once they had the that time.
December 16 and 23, but COVID tests, an aircraft
on December 27 a NASA from the Barbados based The last recorded eruption
satellite detected a hot Regional Security System was in April 1979; thanks
spot in the crater. would collect the team to advance warning therePage:20 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 News
Steps to Christ
Chapter 2—The Sinner’s Need of Christ
Ellen G. White Writings
Man was originally en- would long to be hidden is a fatal deception. “The
dowed with noble powers from Him who is its light, natural man receiveth not
and a well-balanced mind. and the center of its joy. the things of the Spirit of
He was perfect in his be- It is no arbitrary decree God: for they are foolish-
ing, and in harmony with on the part of God that ness unto him: neither
God. His thoughts were excludes the wicked from can he know them, be-
pure, his aims holy. But heaven; they are shut out cause they are spiritually
through disobedience, his by their own unfitness for discerned.” “Marvel not
powers were perverted, its companionship. The that I said unto thee, Ye
and selfishness took the glory of God would be must be born again.” 1
place of love. His nature to them a consuming fire. Corinthians 2:14; John
became so weakened They would welcome de- 3:7. Of Christ it is writ-
through transgression struction, that they might ten, “In Him was life; and
that it was impossible for be hidden from the face the life was the light of
him, in his own strength, of Him who died to re- men”—the only “name
to resist the power of evil. deem them. under heaven given
He was made captive by among men, whereby we
Satan, and would have re- must be saved.” John 1:4;
mained so forever had not Acts 4:12.
God specially interposed. It is impossible for us, of
It was the tempter’s pur- ourselves, to escape from
pose to thwart the divine the pit of sin in which we
plan in man’s creation, are sunken. Our hearts It is not enough to per-
and fill the earth with are evil, and we cannot ceive the loving-kindness
woe and desolation. And change them. “Who can of God, to see the benev-
he would point to all this bring a clean thing out olence, the fatherly ten-
evil as the result of God’s of an unclean? not one.” derness, of His character.
work in creating man. “The carnal mind is en- It is not enough to discern
mity against God: for it is the wisdom and justice of
not subject to the law of His law, to see that it is
God, neither indeed can founded upon the eternal
In his sinless state, man be.” Job 14:4; Romans principle of love. Paul the
held joyful communion 8:7. Education, culture, apostle saw all this when
with Him “in whom are the exercise of the will, he exclaimed, “I consent
hid all the treasures of human effort, all have unto the law that it is
wisdom and knowledge.” their proper sphere, but good.” “The law is holy,
Colossians 2:3. But after here they are powerless. and the commandment
his sin, he could no longer They may produce an holy, and just, and good.”
find joy in holiness, and outward correctness of But he added, in the bit-
he sought to hide from behavior, but they can- terness of his soul-an-
the presence of God. not change the heart; they guish and despair, “I am
Such is still the condition cannot purify the springs carnal, sold under sin.”
of the unrenewed heart. of life. There must be Romans 7:16, 12, 14. He
It is not in harmony with a power working from longed for the purity, the
God, and finds no joy in within, a new life from righteousness, to which in
communion with Him. above, before men can himself he was powerless
The sinner could not be be changed from sin to to attain, and cried out,
happy in God’s pres- holiness. That power is “O wretched man that I
ence; he would shrink Christ. His grace alone am! who shall deliver me
from the companionship can quicken the life- from this body of death?”
of holy beings. Could less faculties of the soul, Romans 7:24, margin.
he be permitted to enter and attract it to God, to Such is the cry that has
heaven, it would have no holiness. gone up from burdened
joy for him. The spirit of hearts in all lands and in
unselfish love that reigns all ages.
there—every heart re-
sponding to the heart of The Saviour said, “Except
Infinite Love—would a man be born from
touch no answering chord above,” unless he shall To all, there is but one
in his soul. His thoughts, receive a new heart, new answer, “Behold the
his interests, his motives, desires, purposes, and Lamb of God, which ta-
would be alien to those motives, leading to a new keth away the sin of the
that actuate the sinless life, “he cannot see the world.” John 1:29.
dwellers there. He would kingdom of God.” John
be a discordant note in 3:3, margin. The idea
the melody of heaven. that it is necessary only Copyright © 2019 by Ellen G.
Heaven would be to him to develop the good that White. All Rights Reserved.
a place of torture; he exists in man by nature,News The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 Page:21
Page:22 The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 ADVERTISEMENTS
News
LOCAL NEWS
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Regional/
International News:
Quarantine Scandals At Sandals
Barbados Resort. Government
Steps In.
By Jonathan Mason authorities would take cab ride into town to get
firm action against any the test at a local facility,
BRIDGETOWN, businesses or individuals or a $300 fee to do a test
Barbados–December who breached protocols. on the resort property.”
29th, 2020–Sandals
Royal Barbados Resort
and Spa has been delisted
as a designated quaran- It is not clear whether this “We are assured that re-
tine hotel by the Chief means effectively clos- sults will arrive within 24
Medical Officer, effective ing the resort to foreign hours so people can par-
January 5, 2021. tourists. ticipate in offsite tours,
use the gym, and other
This action was taken amenities, yet we find
after several verified most people don’t receive
complaints of breaches of On its Web site Sandals their tests until 72 hours.
the COVID-19 protocols Royal Barbados puffs In addition, if you arrive
taking place at the resort itself as “the all-new, all- on a Friday or weekend
with respect to visitors in suite resort from the ge- (like we did), you have to
quarantine. niuses at Sandals Resorts wait until Monday to even
set in the St. Lawrence schedule your test, mean-
Gap area” where “every ing you won’t get your
suite features a private results until it’s time to
Additionally, police have Tranquility Soaking leave the resort and can’t
held for questioning at Tub™”. participate in many of the
least three tourists in rela- activities/amenities.”
tion to alleged breaches However, in a lengthy,
of COVID-19 protocols scathing review of the re-
related to quarantine. sort dated December 26th
in TripAdvisor a reviewer But Sandals Resort has
The Ministry of Health called A.M.W says: hit back and in a strong-
and Wellness takes the ly worded, exclusive
issue of breaches of the statement to Barbados
COVID-19 protocols TODAY, Sandals Resorts
very seriously and will “Upon arriving at International vehemently
take similar action if Sandals, we were assured refuted the allegations of
other designated quar- our room would have repeated breaches and is
antine hotels and villas been rigorously cleaned accusing public health
refuse to uphold the rules for COVID and sealed – officials of heavy-handed
and regulations that have the seal on the room was action in the middle of
been put in place to pro- broken, multiple aspects dialogue between the
tect workers in the hotel of the room clearly were hotel and the Ministry of
sector, and by extension not dealt with (e.g., the Health, saying that they
the rest of the country. liquor bar had not been were given no warning
cleaned or restocked). In of any violations or any
addition, housekeeping chance to respond to the
is frequently poor qual- allegations or correct
Designated quarantine ity – they have forgotten deficiencies.
hotels are advised to to come to our room, for-
take this opportunity to got to provide towels and
immediately review the toilet paper, don’t restock
standard operating proce- waters, etc.” The five-star property
dures with respect to the is also contesting an
prevention and control of “implication” from au-
COVID-19 in Barbados. thorities that three tourists
“Another frustrating as- currently in police cus-
On Monday evening pect has been the second tody regarding protocol
Minister of Health and COVID test. This test is breaches are even guests
Wellness Lt. Col. Jeffrey mandatory, and you ei- of the property.
Bostic warned that ther pay a $60 fee for aNews
LOCAL NEWS The St.Kitts Nevis Observer - Friday January 1st, 2021 Page:23
Nevis Athletics Stadium
expansion on NIA’s
2021 agenda,
Hon. Eric Evelyn says
NIA CHARLESTOWN right there at our first- for the first time and I
NEVIS (December class facility at the Mondo made my presentation, I
30, 2020) -- Hon. Eric Track,” he submitted. did indicate that we will
Evelyn, Minister of do our best to ensure that
Sports in the Nevis Island we enhance our facilities
Administration (NIA) across the island.
says the government Hon. Evelyn said look-
remains committed to ing forward to 2021, the
continuing the expansion Ministry of Sports will
of the Nevis Athletics continue to work with “We have been doing that
Stadium to include a first- the sporting organizations incrementally. We can-
class football field. on the island, especially not do all one time but
with respect to capacity we have been trying our
building and organizing best to do, and I can say
sporting activities at the ...we’ve had enhance-
During his presenta- community level. ments and improvements
tion at the NIA’s 2021 to a lot of the sporting fa-
Budget Debate in the cilities across Nevis.
Nevis Island Assembly
on December 09, 2020, “Sometimes some of our
Hon. Evelyn highlighted sporting organizations
some of the plans for the need help capacity wise “This past year we’ve
stadium at Long Point. and we have been doing had enhancement and im-
that over the years, we’re provements at the hard-
going to continue to do courts at Jessups, Cotton
that. Ground, and Bath Village.
“We continue to do work We’ve had great im-
at the Mondo Track, be- provement and enhance-
cause we want in the very ment at the St. George’s
near future that over there “We’re going to continue Recreation Ground, we
can be a first-class foot- to work with communi- call Ball Pasture,” the
ball ground,” he said. ties in terms of getting Sports Minister said.
more sports out in the
community. We’re going
to continue to work with
The Minister said pri- the schools in terms of The Ministry of Social
or to the onset of the getting their sporting ac- Development, Culture,
COVID-19 pandemic, tivities- football, cricket, Youths and Sports has
the NIA had been in dis- athletics and so on- and of been allocated funding
cussions to host a region- course we’re going to ex- in the amount of $16.1
al football tournament pand on the Swim to Win million, representing 6.7
at the stadium in 2020. initiative,” Mr. Evelyn percent of the NIA’s to-
He stated that despite said. tal budget for fiscal year
having to side-line those 2021.
plans, the NIA continues
with the improvements
at the sporting facil- He emphasized the need
ity in terms of making to encourage the youths However, Hon. Evelyn
it a FIFA (Fédération on Nevis to excel at noted that all plans,
Internationale de Football sports. Against that back particularly sporting ac-
Association)-certified drop he informed of tivities and capital proj-
football field. enhancements to sport- ects, were contingent
ing facilities around the on the management of
island. COVID-19 in the federa-
tion, among other factors.
“So when COVID is
passed and gone we can END
renegotiate and have our “We have several sport-
regional and hopefully ing facilities around Photo caption: Hon.
international football Nevis and when I came Eric Evelyn, Minister of
tournament being played to this honourable House Sports in the Nevis IslandYou can also read
