SOCIAL SECURITY: PENSIONERS TO BE PAID TODAY - Pointe FM Radio
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FRIDAY 04 DECEMBER 2020 | ISSUE 165 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG
SOCIAL SECURITY:
PENSIONERS TO BE PAID
TODAY
SEE PAGE 3
Tracking bracelet Defence Force IICA spearheads
legislation goes to called to keep major automated
Parliament next Post Office open project for
week farmers
PAGE 5
PAGE 8
PAGE 4
EDITORIAL: Social Security: Victim of the pandemic Page 2
FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020 EDITORIAL PAGE 2
Social Security: Victim
of the pandemic
On Thursday, scores of not enough, the Jolly istration is the only one tions on the unfortunate
pensioners, angry over Beach Hotel announced that has not borrowed circumstances of pension-
late payments from the its permanent closure as money from the SSS. ers.
Social Security Scheme its owners sought an in- Over its tenure, he UPP The combined impact
(SSS), gathered outside vestor to revive the failing paid only $1.5M monthly of the pandemic and the
the Office of the Prime property. into the SSS and accrued flood on the economy has
Minister to protest. Any fair analysis of arrears between 2009 been estimated at more
The group of pension- the current situation fac- and 2014. than one billion dollars.
ers and their supporters ing the SSS must take all Upon taking office in Put another way, Antigua
gathered to ventilate their these matters into ac- 2014, the Browne admin- and Barbuda has lost 20
frustration over the late count. They are all relat- istration moved quickly percent of the value of its
payment of their pen- ed and a problem that to return the scheme to economy in a mere ten
sions. This unfortunate sit- existed prior to the on- a position of stability. It months.
uation began shortly after set of the pandemic was raised contributions and This significant blow to
the start of the COVID-19 amplified by its crippling it instituted measures to the economy was due to
and the lockdown in April. impact. increase the pension age factors beyond the con-
The halt in the opera- There is a shortfall in from 60 to 65 years over trol of this, or any gov-
tions of virtually all busi- revenue now because a period of time. ernment. With such losses,
nesses affected everyone, the private sector now It is understandable it is clear that govern-
but hotels and service only contributes about that pensioners, some ment’s revenues would be
oriented operations such half of its pre-COVID-19 of whom have no other negatively impacted par-
as restaurants and salons payments. The govern- source of income, are un- ticularly as we are a ser-
were among the worst hit. ment now has to meet happy with the fact that vice-based economy.
The lockdown, which the shortfall that has they are being paid late There is some light,
was accompanied by the been created. The Gas- as these delays will no however, at the end of
closure of Antigua and ton Browne administra- doubt cause hardship for this turbulent tunnel.
Barbuda’s borders also tion has paid all premi- some. The Ministry of Tourism
resulted in Antigua-based ums due to the SSS and Despite the best plan- has announced an en-
airline, LIAT, being would have increased the ning, however, the reality couraging increase in vis-
grounded as country af- contribution income to is that Antigua and Bar- itor arrivals and there has
ter country in the region bring payments in align- buda has had to endure also been the announce-
followed suit and closed ment to fulfil pension dis- two major calamities over ment of the availability of
their airports. bursements. the last ten months - the vaccines which appear
This was devastating to Prior to this intervention coronavirus pandemic to be highly efficacious in
the SSS as LIAT is one of by the ABLP administra- and the once-in-a-gener- preventing the contrac-
its major contributors. tion, pension payments ation flood of November. tion of the virus.
Compounding the cri- exceeded SSS revenue. What we must collec- The availability of a
sis was the abrupt end The vulnerability of SSS tively reject in the face of vaccine now means that
of the cruise season one can be traced to the fail- this knowledge is the at- in time, economic activi-
and a half months before ure of previous ABLP and tempts of some political ty will be restored which
it would normally wind UPP administrations to operatives to piggy-back in turn will generate more
down. This resulted in taxi pay their premiums. SSS on the situation facing revenue for SSS and
drivers being made idle was further strained be- pensioners in an attempt eventually the end of late
as the itineraries of thou- cause those administra- to score political points. payments.
sands of cruise passen- tions also borrowed mon- It is unfortunate, but not All are encouraged to
gers were canceled liter- ey from the SSS. surprising, that there are exercise some patience
ally overnight. In the history of the those who would seek to and lower the tempera-
As if these trials were SSS, the Browne admin- pin their political aspira- ture. The end is in sight!
PAGE 3 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020
Social Security to
start November
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES
FIVE ISLANDS CAMPUS, ANTIGUA & BARBUDA, WEST INDIES
pension
MARKETING OFFICER
The University of the West Indies (UWI) is a dynamic, international institution
payments today
serving the countries of the Commonwealth Caribbean. Its faculties and
institutes offer a wide range of undergraduate, masters and doctoral
programmes in Humanities and Education, Science and Technology, The Social Security paid their October pen-
Engineering, Law, Medical Sciences, Sport and the Social Sciences. The
institution represents the oldest of its kind within the region and has been
Scheme (SSS) has con- sions this week due to
responsible for producing outstanding leaders who have made remarkable firmed that it will begin technical issues which
contributions to regional development. In 2019, the UWI placed 32nd among
the 150 best ranked universities across Latin America and the Caribbean,
paying November pen- were resolved this week.
according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Latin America University sions today. Earlier this year Mat-
Rankings. After 71 years The UWI remains the number 1 ranked university, out
of more than 200 registered universities in the Caribbean. The UWI is currently
Director of SSS, David thias reported that SSS
within the top 3% of universities in Latin America and the Caribbean from a Matthias, announced has been hard hit by
complement of over 2,000 registered universities.
that pensioners whose the COVID-19 pandem-
The Five Islands Campus is inviting applications from suitably qualified cheques are normally ic which resulted in a
individuals for the post of Marketing Officer.
delivered by the Gen- decline in its revenue of
The successful candidate will be required to: eral Post Office can approximately 40 per-
• Develop and implement communication and marketing strategies
aimed at raising the brand profile of the UWI Five Islands Campus across collect their November cent. The steep decline
a wide range of stakeholder groups. 2020 cheques today at in revenue is directly
• Support the building and maintenance of a strong identity, public
image and brand, ensuring One UWI consistency in all aspects of brand the SSS’s London House linked to the job loss-
•
communications particularly in the local and OECS space.
Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Office. es in the tourism, airline
to advance implementation and dissemination of communication “Please note if you and service sectors.
•
messages specific to the UWI Five Islands.
Prepare materials for internal and external communiqués including the
are sending someone On Thursday, scores
web and digital assets/social media. to collect on your be- of pensions gathered
QUALIFICATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:
half, the individual must outside the Office of the
have a valid Govern- Prime Minister to draw
• Bachelor’s degree in; communications, marketing, or journalism. Masters
degree is an asset.
ment issued ID, a writ- attention to the issue
• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing, supporting and delivering ten note granting au- of late payments. Prime
exemplary marketing, communications or media services in a medium or
large organization.
thorization for cheque Minister Gaston Browne
• Knowledge of project management, brand reputation management, collection and the Pen- left his office to speak
marketing strategy, development and implementation methodologies.
• The ideal candidate should also have a record of successful sioner’s Social Security with the pensioners ad-
administrative innovation, change management and motivational number, or presenting vising them that all out-
leadership towards the transformation of Institutional culture.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills coupled with an ability the Pension Card for standing payments will
to carry a heavy work load, perform under pressure, and contribute to the cheque to be is- be made during this
the innovative transformation of job processes.
• Excellent organizational, writing, editing, content creation, and verbal sued,” Matthias further month.
skills. advised. He explained that the
• Knowledge of the structure of The University of the West Indies, its rules
and regulations, its systems including their enterprise software will be a Matthias said all pen- scheme has been un-
distinct asset.
sions for October have derfunded for nearly
Applicants are required to submit a completed employment application form, been paid in full and four decades. The SSS’s
Curriculum Vitae giving particulars of qualifications, experience, the names
and addresses of at least three (3) references (one of whom should be from
added that only No- accumulated deficits,
your current organization) and copies of academic qualifications. These are to vember pensions are Matthias continued,
be sent by electronic mail to hr.fiveislands@uwi.edu addressed to the Director
of Administration, The University of the West Indies, Five Islands, Antigua and
due. He explained that means that the scheme
Barbuda, West Indies. Application forms, which must be completed can be pensioners who receive no longer has a reliable
requested by emailing hr.fiveislands@uwi.edu. The completed application
must accompany your CV and cover letter to complete the application payments through CIBC revenue source with its
package. The final date for receipt of applications is December 12, 2020. In First Caribbean Interna- only revenue coming
order to expedite the appointment procedures, applicants are advised to ask
their referees to send reports under confidential cover to the above address tional Bank and Royal from the contributions
without waiting to be contacted. Bank of Canada were of the workforce.
FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 4
Tracking bracelets
legislation goes to
Parliament next week THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES
FIVE ISLANDS CAMPUS, ANTIGUA & BARBUDA, WEST INDIES
Two hundred tracking being trained in the use of
bracelets have arrived in the bracelets, interpreting
HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
the country and the gov- the information collected The University of the West Indies (UWI) is a dynamic, international institution
serving the countries of the Commonwealth Caribbean. Its faculties and
ernment will go to Parlia- and implementing regula- institutes offer a wide range of undergraduate, masters and doctoral
ment next week to pass tions. The implementation programmes in Humanities and Education, Science and Technology,
legislation which will pave of a Command Center is Engineering, Law, Medical Sciences, Sport and the Social Sciences. The
institution represents the oldest of its kind within the region and has been
the way for their use. also in the cards. responsible for producing outstanding leaders who have made remarkable
On Thursday during the “The training is taking contributions to regional development. In 2019, the UWI placed 32nd among
the 150 best ranked universities across Latin America and the Caribbean,
Post Cabinet Press Brief- place even as we speak according to the Times Higher Education (THE) Latin America University
ing, it was confirmed that and when I leave here this Rankings. After 71 years The UWI remains the number 1 ranked university, out
next Tuesday legislation for morning I will be working of more than 200 registered universities in the Caribbean. The UWI is currently
within the top 3% of universities in Latin America and the Caribbean from a
the bracelets, which will be with the technology team complement of over 2,000 registered universities.
used to monitor the move- to make sure that that sup-
The Five Islands Campus is inviting applications from suitably qualified
ment of people placed in port that we offered the individuals for the post of Human Resources Officer
quarantine, will be debated Ministry of Health in terms
The successful candidate will be required to:
and passed. of building a command • Provide Human Resource administration for staff at all staffing categories
According to the dash- center will take place,” he to include Senior Academic and Professional and Administrative
board sent out by the added. Technical and Support staff levels at the Five Islands Campus
• Support the management of the Human Resource Cluster of the Five
Ministry of Health dated Nicholas is confident that Islands Campus.
December 1st 2020, 247 this new initiative will im- • Manage the recruitment, hiring and onboarding processes for the
Campus.
persons are in self-quaran- prove security in respect • Servicing of selected Committees/Boards relating to HR matters on
tine. of the spread of the coro- behalf of the Director of Administration.
The bracelets are intended navirus and the control of
QUALIFICATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:
to ensure that people in people in self-quarantine.
the fourteen day quaran- “We do anticipate that not • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management/ Development,
tine remain in the location only will the bracelets act Management Studies or Business Administration or a related discipline.
Master’s degree would be an asset.
they agree to be restricted as a security mechanism • Minimum 3 years’ experience managing, supporting and delivering
to. This is part of the gov- for the Ministry of Health, exemplary human resource services in a medium or large organization.
• Knowledge of Enterprise HRM design, structure and implementation.
ernment’s effort to limit the but it does improve the sur- • Knowledge of procedures contained in collective agreement bargaining.
spread of the coronavirus. veillance and the monitor- • Have a record of successful administrative innovation, change
management and motivational leadership towards the transformation of
It is also possible that the ing of persons who would Institutional culture.
Parliament will pass legisla- be isolated simply because • Excellent organisational and administrative skills coupled with an ability
tion to address people ar- the bracelets are able to to carry a heavy work load, perform under pressure, handle multiple
priorities and contribute to the innovative transformation of job
riving in Antigua and Bar- give a report back to the processes.
buda without a negative Ministry of Health officials • Excellent organizational, writing, editing, content creation, and verbal
skills.
COVID-19 PCR Test. These of not only the temperature • Knowledge of the structure of The University of the West Indies, its rules
people will be fined, tested but also of the heartbeat and regulations, its systems including their enterprise software will be a
at the airport and quaran- conditions and if these two distinct asset.
tined at their own expense. things were to change they Applicants are required to submit a completed employment application form,
Several Caribbean coun- would be able to respond Curriculum Vitae giving particulars of qualifications, experience, the names
and addresses of at least three (3) references (one of whom should be from
tries have also implement- in a quicker manner than your current organization) and copies of academic qualifications. These are to
ed this measure. they are currently doing at be sent by electronic mail to hr.fiveislands@uwi.edu addressed to the Director
Minister of Information, the moment,” he said. of Administration, The University of the West Indies, Five Islands, Antigua and
Barbuda, West Indies. Application forms, which must be completed can be
Melford Nicholas, reported According to Nicholas, the requested by emailing hr.fiveislands@uwi.edu. The completed application
that technicians are mak- bracelets could be put to must accompany your CV and cover letter to complete the application
package. The final date for receipt of applications is December 12, 2020. In
ing some final adjustments use as early as next week. order to expedite the appointment procedures, applicants are advised to ask
which will ensure that the It was also disclosed that their referees to send reports under confidential cover to the above address
bracelets work as intended. an additional 300 brace- without waiting to be contacted.
Health officials are also lets will be acquired.
PAGE 5 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020
Defense Force called in to
keep Post Office open
Cabinet took the unusual 27. According to reports the ing. He announced that
step during its Wednesday “GPO staff are part of staff took action without the Ministry of Works is al-
meeting of calling on the the ‘essential services’ list notifying the government ready on the job and is
Antigua and Barbuda De- of employees who can as neither of the unions carrying out repair work
fense (ABDF) to help man take industrial action only involved – the Antigua on the High and Long
operations at the General after giving two weeks’ Trades and Labour Union Street site.
Post Office after its staff notice to their employer. (AT&LU) and the Public Head of the ABDF, Col-
downed tools forcing the The Cabinet ordered the Service Association (AB- onel Telbert Benjamin, said
closure of the critical ser- Postmaster General and PSA) - communicated a a team from the unit vis-
vice. senior management at the grievance. ited the GPO to assess
Chief of Staff in the Of- GPO to report for work Hurst explained that the what needs to be done.
fice of the Prime Minister, immediately and to make staff have taken issue with Talks are also taking place
Lionel ‘Max’ Hurst, said the stamps available to those working conditions at the with the Postmaster Gen-
executive body discussed who wish to mail Christ- GPO where water from eral, Algernon Gomes.
the disruptive action of the mas cards, bills and other the flood water last month “The discussions are on-
staff at the General Post correspondence and for compromised the roof. This going with all involved and
Office who have been off purchase of passports,” led to water damage to we are ready to move for-
the job since November Hurst reported. the interior of the build- ward,” he declared.
Prices and Consumer Affairs
urges wise holiday consumerism
Joanne Peters, the turn policy of the busi- home. I know this is the once or twice to ensure
press officer for the ness, and other pertinent season where we find a that it is working.”
Prices and Consumer information relating to lot of sales of applianc- According to Peters,
Affairs Division is ad- their sales policy, which es and other household there is a limited peri-
monishing consumers to may differ depending on items. Especially for the od within which redress
ensure that they check the store the item is pur- small appliances you can be sought and con-
their goods properly chased at. may be thinking, for ex- sumers should avoid
prior to purchasing and She said there have ample, I’m replacing my missing this timeline. She
before leaving the store been cases in which blender-now when you also called for people
this Christmas season. consumers purchase an purchase that blender to make wise purchasing
Both consumers and item and do not use it don’t just go take it home decisions.
traders are being re- immediately, only to lat- [and] keep it in the box “So again, although
minded of the Sales er discover that it is de- for the next three four you are making your
of Goods Act, which fective. months and then when purchases, ensure that
defines, among other Peters specifical- you open it, it is not you are checking them
things, the steps that ly mentioned electronic working as it should,” [and] they are fit for the
can be taken in disputes items, which she advis- Peters cautioned. purpose,” Peters said.
between a trader and es should be used once “At that time you can- The press officer is also
consumer and the rights you get home, even for not get redress. So even advising traders that the
which both parties have. a short period. if you are not quite ready goods which they have
Peters said that per- “Consumers, please to put that new blender on offer are offered as
sons should also avail check your items careful- into play, please at least described and should
themselves of informa- ly before you purchase use it to do something. be what the consumer
tion relating to the re- them; when you go Make some smoothie requested.
FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 6
Airlift into V. C. Bird
International is improving
the Ministry of Tourism
have held discussions with
airline partners regarding
the destination going into
2021.
“Our country’s tourism
continues along the path
of positive recovery with
airlift increases. Five flights
from Atlanta with Delta, is
the most flights we have
ever had. This airlift com-
ing out of Atlanta is a vote
of confidence in the desti-
nation,” James said.
Arrivals from the United
Kingdom will also steadi-
ly increase as British Air-
ways has announced the
return of daily flights to
Aircraft line up at V. C. Bird International Antigua from December 11
until January. A strong de-
mand for Antigua has also
Tourism officials say Anti- business travel because Delta Airlines will also
resulted in two additional
gua and Barbuda will ben- of the pandemic, airlines ramp up its Atlanta service
British Airways flights. For
efit from increased airlift have shifted their focus, to Antigua increasing its
the first time ever, the air-
during the winter season and their planes, to the service from one Saturday
line will operate two flights
as demand for the desti- leisure travel market where flight, to five weekly flights
on December 19 and De-
nation increases among the demand is slightly bet- on Monday, Tuesday, Fri-
cember 26.
travellers seeking to es- ter. According to the tour- day, Saturday and Sunday
The Virgin Atlantic ser-
cape the cold weather. ism insider, consumer con- starting on December 18.
vice will continue from
In a press statement, fidence is returning and Flights will resume from
Heathrow.
tourism authorities said authorities here on the JFK International Airport
Air Canada will return
activity at the V. C. Bird ground are ensuring that on January 16.
on December 6, with a full
International Airport will the country has adequate United Airlines will con-
flight.
dramatically increase with airlift in place to support tinue its weekly flight on
Sunwing and WestJet are
the return of Air Canada the demand that it will re- Saturday from Newark.
yet to announce when they
on December 6. Other ceive into the first quarter CEO of the Tourism Au-
will resume flights to Anitu-
major US and UK airlines of 2021. thority, Colin C. James,
ga from Canada, however,
will up the number of their Minister Fernandez re- encouraged tourism
it is expected that both will
flights to the country this ported that from the US, stakeholders to remain op-
return in early 2021.
month. American Airlines will op- timistic going into 2021.
November LIAT’s return
“We are heading into erate an additional daily “We are seeing an up-
to commercial operation
the holiday season with flight to Antigua from Mi- tick in leisure travel which
on November 30. The air-
increased airlift which will ami International Airport. is really taking up the slack
line will operate flights
be a catalyst for the des- The second Miami flight is from business travel. De-
five days a week to seven
tination going into the first scheduled to begin on De- mand for the destination is
destinations: Antigua, Bar-
quarter of 2021,” Tourism cember 17. The airline will extremely strong,” he stat-
bados Dominica Grenada,
Minister Charles Fernan- also resume daily flights ed.
St. Lucia, St. Kitts and St.
dez said. from JFK International Air- Over the past months,
Vincent.
As a result of the dip in port on December 18. the Tourism Authority and
PAGE 7 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020
GG plants trees to mark
Arbor Day
Activities marking Arbor
Month continued with Gov-
ernor General Sir Rodney
Williams and Lady Williams
planting trees to bring fo-
cus to the annual event
which is aimed at encour-
aging people to plant trees.
Their Excellences collabo-
rated with the Department
of Environment to plant a
number of fruit trees on
the lawn at Government
House. Plants were also
distributed to members of
the Government House
staff to plant at home.
The trees distributed in-
cluded mango, soursop,
cherry, lime, lemon, golden
apple and guava.
The distribution of trees Governor General Sir Rodney Williams planting Lady WIlliams planting a tree
formed part of the De- a tree
partment of Environment’s Planning and Adaptation November an estimated lic, schools and community
Arbour Month 2020 which for the Future Generation”. 10,000 trees were planted agencies around Antigua
was held under the theme, During the month of or distributed to the pub- and Barbuda.
“Ride the Climate Wave:
Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Lady WIlliams with staff of the Environment Division
FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 8
IICA spearheads major
automated project for farmers
operation on Agriculture (IICA),
through a collective crowdfunding
or microfinancing campaign enti-
tled #IAmJoiningIICAChallenge, will
spearhead the US$25,000 project
which will see six small scale farmers
from various agricultural districts re-
ceive fully automated drip irrigation
systems.
The funding provided will also cov-
er the procurement of seeds and
other agro-inputs and the construc-
tion of a Multiplication Humidity Bin
and a Seedling Nursery in Barbuda.
US$12,000.00 has been allotted to
begin the activities.
Persons who wish to donate to the
#IAm Joining IICAChallenge can do
so by visiting GoFundMe at www.
gf.me/u/yn5cg6 or the IICA website,
www.iica.int/en/crowdfunding.
Since the first case of COVID-19
Farmers in Antigua and Barbuda was announced in Antigua and Bar- tive for the public and other conces-
will benefit from a major project that buda in March 2020, food security sions specifically designed for farm-
will promote activities to strengthen has been a recurring theme for the ers were also introduced.
food security during the COVID-19 government and its people. The gov- Haiti which also faces food vulner-
pandemic. ernment, as a result, has encouraged abilities has also been included in
The International Institute For Co- more people to engage in backyard the initiative.
gardening. A COVID-19 barrel initia-
Alleged used car
scammer granted bail
A 29-year-old alleged bail for the alleged offenc- lice after the female victim Japan, however, the victim
scammer has been grant- es, Josiah, who is defend- reported that he had taken never received the vehicle
ed bail after appearing in ed by attorney Wendel $18,000 from her to pur- which was to have arrived
the Magistrates’ Court on Robinson, was ordered to chase a vehicle online, but in Antigua and Barbuda by
charges of fraudulent con- surrender his travel docu- failed to deliver it. February this year.
version and larceny of over ments to the court. He must The woman is alleged Reportedly, several un-
$15,000. also report to the nearest to have contacted him in successful attempts were
Jevaughn Josiah of police station three days 2019 in order to purchase made to contact Josiah. It
Seatons was placed on each week until his com- a Honda CRV for her busi- was at this time that the
$20,000 bail, with a cash mittal hearing which is set ness. victim involved the police.
deposit of $5,000 and two for February 24 next year. Josiah allegedly instruct- Following investigations
sureties. Josiah was picked up ed her to make a payment Josiah was arrested and
In addition to receiving and questioned by the po- of $18,000, to an account in charged.
PAGE 9 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020
Government House and Halo
Foundation recoginise outstanding
community contributions
strated their invaluable Awards - Kaynas Phillips,
service to humanity, wheth- Michael Joseph, Cuthbert
er through charitable Forbes Jr., Brent Scotland
works, the transformation and Asha Graham.
of a sector, organisation “These young people are
or community, faithful ser- blazing the trail and provid-
vice or meritorious acts ing leadership in the area
all done to the benefit of of humanitarian service. As
Antigua and Barbuda,” he more mature adults, we
explained. have a duty to encourage
This year, two people them on their path to help
were presented with the others. Today, awardees
Faithful and Meritorious we applaud your efforts
Service Award. Teacher, but remind you that you
poet, author and play- should not grow weary in
Several people presented with awards for outstanding community
work by Government House and the Halo foundation. wright, the late Mrs. Mary well doing,” Sir Rodney re-
Quinn, known as ‘The marked.
Several people were “This philosophy pro- Grand Dame of Poetry’ The Halo Hero Humani-
awarded for outstanding pelled us to establish two was singled out for her tarian Awards are present-
community work by Gov- awards entitled the Gover- legacy, focus and positive ed by the Halo Foundation
ernment House and the nor General’s Faithful and influence on her family. In Inc. which is the parent
Halo Foundation, a charity Meritorious Service and recognition of these, she organisation for the over
associated with Governor the Halo Hero Humanitari- was awarded at the high- thirty charities listed under
General Sir Rodney Wil- an awards,” he stated. est rank, the Service Cross. their Excellences’ Patron-
liams and Lady Williams. Sir Rodney explained that The second recipient age.
In a ceremony held at the insignia in the Faithful was George Yeager, a These awards recog-
Government House on and Meritorious Service former homeowner at the nise outstanding charita-
Thursday, Sir Rodney said Awards includes a cross, at Mill Reef Club, who quietly, ble work among children
both he and Lady Wil- the highest level as well as but generously, supported and youth at the prima-
liams were happy to cel- three medals designated development in Antigua ry, secondary and tertiary
ebrate outstanding service as gold, silver and bronze, and Barbuda. He was rec- levels. Recipients are iden-
and those who give of their ranked in that order. ognised for his philanthrop- tified based on their acts
time, effort and resources, “These insignia are pre- ic services to Antigua and of bravery and/or kindness
above and beyond the call sented to deserving indi- Barbuda. in their educational institu-
of duty. viduals who have demon- Five people received tions or their communities.
Halo Hero Humanitarian
FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020 COMMENTARY PAGE 10
Guyana and Suriname can underpin
CARICOM’s sovereignty and prosperity
(The writer is the Ambassador of Suriname (formerly Dutch Gui- ernments have sensibly not ig-
Antigua and Barbuda to the U.S. ana). Along with French Gui- nored their one remaining ter-
and the Organization of American ana, they make up what used
States. He is also a senior fellow to be known as ‘The Three Gui-
at the Institute of Commonwealth anas’, lying next to each other
Studies, University of London and on the north-eastern coast of
at Massey College in the Universi- South America.
ty of Toronto) In the foreword to the book,
“Post-Colonial Trajectories in
The presidents of Guyana and the Caribbean: The Three Gui-
Suriname have announced anas”, published by Routledge
two major joint venture proj- in 2017, I wrote: “Guyana and
ects whose implementation will Suriname are more similar to
deepen the beneficial relations each other than they are to
between the two countries, any of the member countries
and could have a positive ef- of CARICOM, except Trinidad
fect for the 15-nation Caribbe- and Tobago. Given the simi-
an Community (CARICOM) of larity of their resources which
which they are members. includes mining, agriculture, By Sir Ronald Sanders
The projects are a bridge fisheries and oil, they would
across the Corentyne river to benefit enormously from the
link the two countries, and the economic integration of their ritorial dispute. Having settled
construction of a US$1 billion production, freedom of move- their maritime boundary dis-
offshore base to support huge ment of goods and services, pute in September 2007 under
oil discoveries in the Guy- joint bargaining with foreign an arbitration by the United
ana-Suriname basin of more investors and the international Nations Tribunal on the Law of
than 10 billion barrels of oil. community generally ”. the Sea, the governments have
Relations between the two I added: “If the governments agreed that their joint Border
countries have not always of Guyana and Suriname – to- Commission will continue to
been harmonious. Land and gether with the private sec- examine ways of resolving the
sea territorial disputes have tors of both countries – were land border dispute over an
caused military skirmishes and to work diligently toward eco- area known as ‘the New River
tension in the past. Fortunate- nomic integration, the two Triangle’.
ly, successive governments of countries could easily become Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali,
both territories were sufficient- a joint economic powerhouse, in noting that the “future of (the
ly restrained to stop short of a exporting their products glob- two) economies is intertwined”,
full-scale war – a marked dif- ally ”. In this connection, also stated that “Guyana and
ference with the other coun- it is noteworthy that the Su- Suriname are also part of the
tries on the South American rinamese President, Chandri- Caribbean Community ”. He
continent. kapersad Santokhi, said that did not have to do so. His de-
Peaceful resolution of disputes the US$1 billion offshore base liberate inclusion of this remark
through negotiation and inter- “will extend also to the private to the Suriname Parliament, is
national arbitration, and active sector so that we can have a an indication of the impor-
fostering of economic integra- public-private partnership ap- tance his government places
tion, have always been the proach”. on CARICOM. Even more in-
best way forward for Guyana In pursuing joint venture proj- dicative of Guyana’s commit-
(formerly British Guiana) and ects that will strengthen their ment to CARICOM is President
economic integration, the gov- Ali’s further remark that “both
cont’d on pg 11PAGE 11 COMMENTARY FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020 cont’d from pg 10 states (should) take the lead sorptive capacity to utilize all reliance on external countries in demonstrating the efficacy the expected annual income, and strengthening the sover- of regional integration”. “To- however free spending they eignty of the region in its de- gether”, he said, “we can meet might be in building physical cision-making. and fulfil a great portion of infrastructure, increasing the Security of regional transpor- the food needs within the Ca- wages of their workforce, and tation, food and energy would ribbean community ”. improving health and educa- be three important, immedi- President Ali is right, provided tion. They should be able to ate areas for Guyana and Su- that the long-standing problem dedicate a portion of their rev- riname to “take the lead in of sea and air transportation enues to invest in CARICOM demonstrating the efficacy of can be resolved to carry food projects and member states regional integration” to which between Suriname-Guyana and in ways that would strengthen President Ali referred. other countries in CARICOM. the region, breaking its depen- The “dedicated pathway to The regional group’s bill for dence on external powers and deepen economic and social the importation of food is now enhancing its integration. cooperation” between Guyana US$5 billion a year. It would None of this would be a give- and Suriname should be ap- be highly beneficial to the re- away; it could be targeted in- plauded by all. Even as they gion’s food security and its re- vestment in projects that pro- pursue this path, from which tention of foreign exchange, if vide financial returns for all both countries and their peo- its member states could collec- the parties concerned, while ples will undoubtedly benefit, tively devise at least a break- accelerating development in they should take the steps to even financial operation for a CARICOM. In addition to examine how such coopera- shipping line. It is a project food and related transporta- tion can be extended to CAR- which Guyana and Suriname, tion, Suriname, Guyana and ICOM. in collaboration with Trinidad Trinidad and Tobago could The neighbourhood in which and Tobago, might consider consider, in consultation with the people of Guyana and Su- underwriting through a portion other CARICOM states, how riname live would be more se- of their oil and gas income. they could profitably underpin cure, and in that regard, so Guyana and Suriname are ex- energy security for the region. would they. pected to receive significant That profit would be measured revenues in the coming years. not only in financial terms, but Responses and previous commen- Neither country has the ab- also in the benefits of ending taries: www.sirronaldsanders.com
FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020 COMMENTARY PAGE 12
BREAST IS NOT
BEST IN TRINIDAD
the issue and allowing it to happen, dated Nov 16 2020 have been re-
or they just sit in the office, when ceived and noted by the Division.
they condescend to work, and let I have already communicated with
these things happen. Either way, it my counterparts from the Veterinary
poses a problem. Public Health Department -MoH. We
“My concern is that the situation are in the process of putting a team
is remedied. I don’t want to write of inspectors to conduct an investi-
about it except as a positive dealt gation on the matter that you have
with by the Ministry and your de- reported on. There are three major
partment. I have absolutely no po- chicken processing establishments
litical axe to grind. If you look at hence our investigation will include
my articles you will see they try those as well as supermarkets.
to be fair to both political sides in “If possible can you share the
TNT. However, it is possible this Brand and location where you pur-
By Tony Deyal is happening in some of the oth- chased the product.
I am not sure about the issue in er countries I write for but having “I will keep you updated on the
other countries of the Caribbean, lived in Barbados, Belize and An- findings and corrective actions tak-
but there is one in Trinidad that I tigua, I have no evidence that it en based on the investigation. I
tried to bring to the attention of the is. However, I have evidence that have also included the Senior Food
Standards Bureau. I called and sent because of the lack of action by and Drugs Inspector who has re-
messages on FB but for months got your office, it is widespread in TNT. sponsibility for the Food and Drugs
no response and, finally, they told I don’t want to pillory you or bring Inspectorate- Mrs.Stella Harrygin
me that I should take the issue to the your name, reputation and career in the email to provide additional
Chemistry, Food and Drugs Division into disrepute but in these times, the support.”
of the Ministry of Health I called the scam has been allowed to go on Mr. Khan kept in touch with me
Department and immediately got a too long and it costs retired people and reported on Monday this week
response then I wrote to the Head like me a lot of money. You might (November 30) that his Division
of the Division, Mr. Farz Khan and say, as some cynics do, “So why conducted some inspection and re-
copied my email to the Minister of you eh eat some other part of the ceived feedback from two of the
Health, Mr. Terrence Deyalsingh. chicken? Or become a vegetarian?” major processors of chicken . Await-
Basically, the problem is that in If anyone from your office, Ministry ing feedback from the third proces-
any supermarket in Trinidad chicken or Government, a Grocery owner or sor.
breast with the bone and skin still on a chicken company says that to me He explained, “From the initial
it is sold with large sections of the will immediately make sure that my feedback and observation it will re-
back and neck still attached (See readers throughout the Caribbean quire additional labelling informa-
picture below). This way the com- and Diaspora know about it. tion to be placed on the packaging
panies that sell the product to the I am not threatening you or your to adequately inform the consumer
supermarkets get paid for “bone- Ministry. It is just that I want you to, of the nature of the product. Also
in chicken breast” although what as we say, “do your wuck”. no part of the neck should be in-
they are including in the package “This has been happening to me cluded in the
is a large, heavy piece of a much for at least two years now and I breast ( Side Breast/ centre
cheaper part of the chicken (back was finally told by the Standards breast). Correspondence will also
and neck). Bureau it was your problem and not be sent to the Consumer Affairs Di-
In my letter I added, “Many of the theirs.” vision (CAC)- Ministry of Trade to
people I spoke to, including some of I never got an email response get their input and recommenda-
my colleagues in the local and re- from the Minister and did not expect tions on the issue. I must point out
gional media, are convinced that ei- one but I got a commitment from that if the chicken breast is being
ther the people in your division are Mr. Khan by email the next day. He sold unpackaged/ unlabeled and
being paid to turn a blind eye to made it clear to me, “Your concerns placed in the display freezer/ chiller
cont’d on pg 13PAGE 13 COMMENTARY FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020
cont’d from pg 12
then CFDD will have limit-
ed jurisdiction hence the
role of CAC.”
I must say that I was im-
pressed and quite pleased
that the Ministry not only
responded initially but
kept in touch and provid-
ed me with some sense
of the problem from their
perspective and what they
were doing to deal with it
fairly and with the interest
of consumers at heart, es-
pecially people of my age.
While I will continue to
be critical of Governments
and any other organisa-
tion which does not deal
fairly with us, I must thanks
Mr. Khan, the Minister and
Ministry for investigating
and seeking to deal with
the problem.
Tony Deyal
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Facebook: Antigua & Barbuda Humane SocietyFRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020 OPINION PAGE 14
The reality in Haiti is there for all to see
By Pierre Esperance ty, more corruption, and gatherings. The govern- ticipation of a transitional
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti more human rights vio- ment does not respect the government.
– In Haiti, the people are lations. The gangs, who freedom of the people. When we in Haiti look at
not living; they are just support the president, Yes, Haiti needs free the situation in Venezuela,
surviving. Holding all the have been involved in ten elections. However, what Nicaragua and Bolivia, we
power, as the government, massacres from Novem- is required is a transition see the readiness of the
is only one branch – the ber 2017 to present. in which the elections can OAS and the international
executive, in the hands of There is a call for elec- be organized and con- community to call for de-
one man only. President tions. But it is a poisoned ducted by independent mocracy, constitutionality
Jovenel Moïse. With re- chalice because president bodies. If the OAS, CAR- and the rule of law. But
gard to the other branch- Moïse alone, in contra- ICOM and the interna- on Haiti, they are silent
es of government, there diction to the Constitu- tional community, come to and are looking away.
is no parliament and the tion of Haiti, is organiz- observe president Moïse’s We ask ourselves why? It
judiciary is intimidated. ing elections with his own elections, it will only be to is a question the member
Since January 2020 there appointees. That very act legitimatise an illegitimacy. states of the OAS should
has been no parliament, is an alteration of the We cannot have elec- also ask themselves.
no Senate. There is no constitutional order of tions in Haiti under these Haiti today is the most
counterbalance to pres- Haiti, and a violation of conditions, with a presi- dangerous place in the
ident Moïse. He is gov- the Inter-American Dem- dency that controls all key Caribbean, because of
erning by decree, making ocratic Charter which the institutions. The solution is kidnappings, gang vio-
policy decisions that ben- Organization of Ameri- a transition government lence, death squads, or-
efit only his own interest can States (OAS) and its for a period of two-years. ganized murder with the
and that of his henchmen. secretary-general, Luis The transition government support of the executive
They support gangs of Almagro, should have in- should comprise civil so- branch and a presidency
villains, terrorizing dissi- vestigated long ago. Yet, ciety and political parties, by decree. Their interest is
dents, and they operate nothing is done. working together towards corruption and staying in
the levers of government, The only elections in an agreement that lays power.
including the treasury, with which president Moïse has the groundwork on the
no accountability. any interest is one which way forward for Haiti, in-
NOTICE
Recently, the experi- accords with his own cluding free and fair elec-
enced Caribbean diplo- wishes. In Haiti, the voters tions.
mat and respected schol- had electoral cards and When elements of the
ar, Sir Ronald Sanders, he changed that. Most government say “we are
To: Your Worship
published an article on Haitians don’t have an working with the OAS, St. John’s Magistrates Court
Haiti. He wrote the truth. electoral card. We had an CARICOM and the rest of Gray’s Farm
He knows Haiti. And, after electoral system, but he the international commu- St. John’s
Antigua
many meetings with Hai- changed the system. nity to be able to hold this
tian representatives, he is If Haiti has elections in constitutional referendum To: The Commissioner of Police
Police Headquarters
very connected with the this situation, the oppo- as well as general elec- American Road
situation of Haitians. He sition parties will not be tions in 2021”, one has to St. John’s
Antigua
believes that better must able to campaign freely. ask the question: what is
be done. It is the right They will be plagued by their intention? Dear Sir/Madame:
thing to do. organized gangs and vi- Right now, we have a I Maria Elena Rodriguez of Bennet
Street Villa, with registered business
They are a few appoin- olence under the control government ruling by de- situated at Bennet Street Villa St. John’s,
tees of president Moïse of the executive branch of cree that is attempting to Antigua DO HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that
it is our intention to apply at the next
who have tried to deny government. The opposi- re-write a new constitu- sitting of the liquor license Court to be
what Sir Sanders has writ- tion could not organize or tion, unconstitutionally, by held at the Magistrate’s Court, Grays
ten, but they are singing express their fundamental a group of persons hand- Farm, St. John’s, Antigua on Thursday, 7th
January, 2021 next ensuring for a Liquor
for their supper. They can- rights and freedom. Right picked by the president. License pursuant to section (11) (5) of
not disprove the reality on now, if a demonstration For whom are they rewrit- the Licensing (intoxication Liquor) Act
Cap. 249 of the Laws of Antigua and
the ground. It is there for is attempted, the police ing the constitution, when Barbuda 1992 Revised Edition, in respect
all to see. arrest the organizers and there is no civil society of premises known as M.E. Rodriguez Mini
Since president Moïse use whatever means nec- involvement? We cannot Mart situated on Bennet Street Villa in the
Parish of St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
came to power, Haiti has essary, including brutality talk of rewriting the con-
lived with more, insecuri- and bullets, to disburse stitution, outside the par- Dated 2nd day of December, 2020Arts and
Entertainment
DECEMBER 04, 2020
16
Arlen Seaton:
17
Christmas in
18
Majah Hype’s Juno actor, Elliot
20
Shaggy reveals
From medicine Antigua and estranged wife Page comes out all about
to music Barbuda: Part 1 accuses him of as transgender Rihanna album
abuse ‘fiasco’
Painting by Emile Hill and Graphics by Alexia ChallengerFRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 16
Arlen Seaton: From medicine to music
One medical professional complete his medical de-
turned musician is encour- gree and moved on to be-
aging others to follow their gin his residency in the US.
dreams no matter how This did not work out
controversial they may be. as expected, however, so
Arlen Seaton is an An- Seaton returned home to
tiguan singer-songwriter work with Dr. Walwyn.
whose easy-as-molasses Not straying far away
vocals charm the listener from music, he co-found-
with a disarming sense of ed the ‘Blakk Gold’ band
familiarity. It’s not the fa- in 2018 with Hani Hechme
miliarity of a lyric heard and Venisa Gittens while
before, but of the stranger balancing his full-time job.
sitting beside you in a bar “We made it work de-
who you feel like you’ve spite our busy schedules.
known all your life after a We had the ability of play-
short conversation. ing 45 minutes of our own
His nostalgic style of sto- songs. We wrote our own
rytelling through song owes music. We weren’t there
a lot to his West Indian to offer dinner music but
heritage of Calypso and our own brand. We would
folk tales as well as the practice a lot. To be hon-
influence of eclectic art- est, we even practiced
ists including Damien Rice, more than we played,” he
John Legend, Coldplay and said jokingly.
this one, my producer was the tutelage of Dr. Melvin
the Cinematic Orchestra. “Our unique sound has
like well ‘hey, let’s do this Foster every semester of
Two years ago, he made brought opportunities to
one and drop the oth- his tenure there. He spent
the unlikely decision to pur- open for major internation-
er five,” Seaton explained as much time in practice
sue his passion for music al acts to include Marcia
about his song. rooms as he did in the lab-
instead of practicing medi- Griffith and Buju Banton.”
This is not the first song oratory, using music as a
cine. The transition, Seaton Previously, he collabo-
Seaton has featured on as means of negotiating the
shared, “has definitely been rated with York on York’s
he has performed on a world around him and as
challenging, but the deci- 2016 Traveler album and
number of others, however a tool for introspection.
sion has been the most lib- in that same year released
this will be his official debut “I would study in the
erating and empowering” ‘Christmas By My Side’, a
as a solo artist. music room and even do
of his life. dynamic duet with fellow
Seaton, speaking on the voice lessons. Sometimes
“I couldn’t be more Antiguan, Jenny Medina.
We are the Ones radio I would spend more time
grateful for the opportunity Now, he continues to
programme on Wednes- than I planned to because
I have received to live my hone his craft as the lead
day, shared that music has music was always an es-
truth, and for the people singer of the band Rico &
always been a part of his cape for me,” he said.
who have supported and Muzic4Play under the ex-
life. In fact, in his early days He continued that prac-
encouraged me on my pert guidance of premier
of tertiary education at the tice as he pursued his
journey,” said Seaton. Antiguan drummer and
Morehouse College in At- medical career, this time at
The Antigua Grammar band leader, Ricardo An-
lanta, he double majored the American University of
School (AGS) graduate will thony.
in Biology and Music. Antigua. It was there that
be releasing his first sin- Seaton is ready. He has
A clash of scheduling, he truly began to master
gle as a solo artiste titled found the gumption to
however, forced Seaton to his craft, spending extend-
“Queen Supreme” on Sun- share his music with the
drop the music major, but ed hours at Brukway Stu-
day online. world. He is currently
he never gave up his love dios producing, writing and
“The song just gives you working on his EP album
of music. singing songs.
a good feeling, a good and is committed to creat-
Although Arlen gradu- It was after his fourth
vibe. It has some funk to ing honest pieces, inspired
ated magna cum laude year at AUA that he be-
it. This song had me go- by real life and to giving of
from Morehouse College gan to question whether
ing around dancing in my himself, through his music,
with a degree in Biology, he truly wanted to pursue
kitchen and when I sent to those who listen.
he studied voice under medicine. He did, however,PAGE 17 ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY, 04 DECEMBER, 2020
Christmas in
Antigua & Barbuda
PART 1
Antigua and Barbuda’s Christmas rican historical twist.
traditions are founded in our colonial Long Ghosts were costumed stilt
heritage. The Europeans introduced walkers whose masked faces used
the concept of celebrating Christmas to peep into the upstairs windows
as part of the conversion to Chris- of homes on Market Street, provok-
tianity which was forced upon the ing terror in little children. They were
Amerindians and then later, enslaved popular during new year celebra-
Africans and the other ethnicities. tions as well. These costumed char-
Although we do not think about acters are a combination of Scottish
it, European Christmas customs are an African traditions. The Scots have
dominant components in our cele- a centuries old ‘Ghost Trail’ tradition
brations today. Christmas morning which was married with African tra-
services, Christmas Day family feasts, ditions for a unique practice.
gift giving, Christmas trees, Santa From the 1800s, Christmas became
Claus - these are all European tra- a three-day holiday that required a
ditions. new dress for each day’s celebra-
It is noteworthy that there are many tion for those among the high so-
African traditions which were incor- ciety. Quadrille parties were popu-
porated giving some unique charac- lar among the affluent and the halls
teristics to our celebrations from the were decked with sprigs of pimento.
days of enslavement until to today. Bay leaf and cherry branches were
Looking further into the European also key decorative pieces. Dances
colonialists past, Antigua and Barbu- were set to the music of the fiddle,
da’s Christmas history is further in- Christmas tree tambourine and triangle. Drinks in-
fused with Scottish traditions. ‘Ole cluded fermented Christmas bush,
Time’ traditions with the Scottish ginger and water molasses. Christ-
brand include the John Bull (twist on mas balls were accompanied by
the Scottish Jam Bull), the Hilanders, feasts of mutton, pork, turkey, duck,
Long Ghosts and others. fowl, guinea bird, ham, tongue, cakes
Caroling traditions are also steeped and tarts.
in Scottish legacy. In Contrast Christmas for the poor,
The John Bull character is based who were the majority of both is-
on an African witch doctor commin- lands’ population, meant serving
gled with the interpretation of the ‘their betters’ in the hope of benefit-
Scottish Jam Bull. Dressed in dry ba- ing from their generosity. The major-
nana leaves and old clothes, he was ity feted on corned pork and journey
probably created by African slaves cakes (fried dumpling). Elements of
to satirise their British masters as the all these customs still survive in our
costume closely resembles that of Christmas traditions today.
the Sensay dancers of Guinea who A long-standing legacy which has
performed at the end of the first only recently begun to fade in ‘Scots
stage of work initiation. Row’ (Scatthrow), the moniker for
The Highlanders are remnants of Market Street, so named because
Antigua’s Scottish heritage and were of the dominance of the Scotts in
quite popular at Christmas. They commerce, most of whom resided
danced the Highland Fling dressed upstairs their stores. The street was
in a sort of kilt. Their wire masks and not only the center of commerce, but
cowhide whips are based on a Scot- was als pivotal to many Christmas
tish military costume, but with an Af- Scottish Jam Bull celebrations for almost a century.You can also read
