TWO MEN CHARGED SEE PAGE 3 - IN NIGEL CHRISTIAN MURDER INVESTIGATION
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FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 | ISSUE 213 | WWW.POINTVILLE.AG
TWO MEN CHARGED
IN NIGEL CHRISTIAN MURDER INVESTIGATION
SEE PAGE 3
Lasean Bully of Cashew Hill (l)
Wayne Thomas of Hatton (r)
“WE MUST NOT BE LEFT BEHIND!”: SIR MOLWYN PAGE 6
PAGE 2 FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021
EDITORIAL
HOORAY FRONT LINE
WORKERS
It was refreshing to the virus themselves, of emergency. It has Minister Gaston
hear speaker after in the process putting not been an easy task Browne, Sir Molwyn
speaker at Thursday’s their families at risk; a and the security forc- and Foreign Affairs
ceremony at the V.C. remarkable act of sac- es have been the sub- Minister, E.P. Chet
Bird International rifice and service. ject of much ridicule Greene who have
airport to welcome But it was not just the and derision. Yet they been ‘working the
the arrival of the lat- healthcare workers persevered. The na- phones,’ negotiating
est batch of vaccines who placed them- tion must also salute with suppliers of vac-
into the country tak- selves in the service of those volunteers who cines to ensure that
ing time out to lavish the nation in its hour organised and execut- Antigua and Barbuda
praise on the country’s of need. The workers ed what Health Minis- receives enough vac-
front line workers. at the airport – cus- ter, Sir Molwyn Joseph cines over the coming
It is not hyperbolic to toms and immigration has described as one weeks to fully inocu-
say that All front line – were ever ready to be of the most effective late the population.
workers performed a on hand to welcome vaccine roll out pro- Thursday’s announce-
herculean task in the back visitors to the grammes not just in ments from the prime
service of the nation country when the bor- the Caribbean but the minister are an indica-
when Antigua and ders were reopened, world. What Antigua tion that those efforts
Barbuda needed them following the closure and Barbuda achieved by his team have not
most. The coronavirus for the months of April in a matter of weeks been in vain. Vaccines
pandemic was total- and May last year. The much larger, more will arrive from China
ly new to healthcare taxi drivers had to un- resourced countries, and the Russian Fed-
workers the world dergo special training have not been able to eration in the coming
over. Little was known and were required to achieve. With more weeks.
of this virus at the very make adjustments to than twenty-seven It has been a team ef-
beginning; only that it their vehicles, yet they thousand people re- fort at every step of
was highly contagious complied willing- ceiving their first dos- the way. It is now up to
and it was spread ly. They too deserve es, it means that close all residents to make
through the air. It was our praise. The secu- to one-third of the themselves available
also known that it was rity forces – the po- resident population to be vaccinated as the
deadly in some cases. lice and the defence has received at least country is depending
With very little infor- force – were called to one dose of the vac- on this to happen in
mation to work with, perform two very im- cine. The figure would order for us to return
our healthcare work- portant tasks: Firstly, have been much high- to normality. Ending
ers placed themselves they had the security er had it not been for the curfew, getting rid
at great risk to treat of the nation to safe- the fact that enough of the need to wear a
those residents who guard and secondly, vaccines were just not mask and life to return
not only contracted they were the ones available. to pre-COVID days
the disease but who that had to enforce Kudos also to the se- depend on us all; let
also became very ill. the restrictions im- nior government of- us not fail Antigua and
Some even contracted posed under the state ficials, led by Prime Barbuda!
FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 3 TWO MEN CHARGED IN NIGEL CHRISTIAN MURDER INVESTIGATION There has been a major break- of Friday 10th July 2020. He He was of high praise for the through in the Nigel Chris- was later found dead in the team of police investigators tian murder case which has Thibou’s area, with what ap- and commended them for gripped the nation’s attention peared to be multiple gunshot their professionalism, perse- for the past nine months. wounds to his body. verance and commitment to Late Thursday afternoon, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. the task. He also expressed police announced the break- Atlee Rodney, said he is pleased gratitude to other local, re- through with the arrest and with arrest and the significant gional, and international law charging of two men for Chris- amount of progress that has enforcement agencies, which tian’s murder last July. been made into the investi- offered and continues to pro- In a press statement, STRAT- gation so far. He pointed out vide invaluable assistance to COM identified the two as that the investigation, to be- the investigation. Commis- Lasean Bully (thirty years old) gin with, was a very complex sioner Rodney also acknowl- of Cashew Hill and Wayne matter, one which required edged the role of the govern- Thomas (twenty-eight years in-depth forensic analysis and ment of Antigua and Barbuda old) of Hatton. Both have the interviewing of several in- in providing additional re- been charged in connection dividuals as well as constant sources to the investigation, with the alleged murder of the consultation with the Director and thanked the general pub- senior customs officer. Both of Public Prosecution. lic for their support and coop- men were taken into custody He used the opportunity to eration, especially those who earlier this week and ques- thank the family of Nigel Chris- came forward and shared in- tioned. tian for their patience and un- formation with the police. Christian was allegedly ab- derstanding, along with the The accused men are expect- ducted from his home at level of trust and confidence ed to make their first court ap- McKinnon’s on the afternoon they placed in the police force. pearance today, Friday.
PAGE 4 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 ANOTHER COVID-19-RELATED DEATH COVID-19-related deaths in the Mount St. John’s Medical ical Centre on 6th April, at Antigua and Barbuda have Centre (MSJMC) in a state- 11:03a.m. He had tested posi- climbed to thirty with the ment issued to the public. tive for COVID-19.” confirmation Thursday eve- Dr. Albert Duncan, MSJMC He continued: “Our thoughts ning that another person suc- Medical Director said: “We can and condolences remain with cumbed to complications confirm that sadly, a male pa- the patient’s family and loved caused by the disease. tient, age fifty-four, has passed ones at this difficult time.” The confirmation comes from away at Mount St. John’s Med-
FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 5
COVID VACCINATION: PM APPEALS FOR
SENSIBLE PERSONAL DECISIONS
[Federation].” medical schools’ stu-
He disclosed that “the dents, they are now con-
first one thousand [doses templating whether or
from Russia] will arrive not they should return in
this Saturday on British September if the preva-
Airways about 1:00 p.m., lence of COVID remains
and two weeks later we high in this country.
should get another thou- Prime Minister Browne
sand [doses of vaccine].” restated what he has
The head of government pointed out countless
stressed how important times previously: that
it is “for citizens and res- mass vaccination is the
idents to take these vac- only known route of es-
cines” as they become cape from the grip of the
Prime Minister Gaston Browne available, “because they coronavirus pandemic.
are all efficacious,” re- “Those who believe the
By Shelton Daniel decision in the national gardless of brand name last twelve months were
interest … Those of us or country of origin. extremely challenging, if
Even though vaccination who have the capacity to “I know that traditionally we fail to return to nor-
against the COVID-19 vi- get vaccinated … need to we are more comfortable malcy within the next few
rus is entirely voluntary, do so to protect others,” with Western vaccines, months … the scars we
Prime Minister Gaston the Prime Minister stat- but the data would have have experienced during
Browne has encouraged ed. shown that all of the vac- the last year would turn
Antiguans and Barbu- He went on to disclose cines – the Russian vac- into deep economic
dans to weigh their per- that Antigua and Barbu- cine, the Chinese vac- wounds with significant
sonal choices in this da, to date, has “commit- cines – that they are all socioeconomic conse-
matter against a broader ments for one hundred … effective; therefore we quences,” was how he
responsibility to the na- and two thousand vac- need to avail ourselves of put it on Thursday.
tion’s collective well-be- cine [doses].” Provid- these vaccines,” he add- Never one to sugar coat
ing. ing a breakdown of that ed. realities, however un-
The Prime Minister was number, PM Browne said Prime Minister Browne pleasant, Prime Minis-
speaking on Thursday it consisted of approxi- noted that Antigua ter Browne revealed that
during a function mark- mately forty-one thou- and Barbuda needs to “Antigua and Barbuda
ing the receipt of twen- sand from the COVAX achieve the desired “herd has one of the highest
ty-four thousand doses facility; “forty thousand immunity in lockstep prevalence [rates] of ac-
of the Oxford-AstraZen- that we received from with our international tive COVID cases in the
eca vaccine, the coun- the Indian government; partners, especially our entire world on a per cap-
try’s first batch of sup- twenty thousand from major tourism source ita basis.”
plies procured under the the People’s Republic markets. If we were to He warned that “this
WHO-coordinated CO- of China (to arrive here fall behind, then clearly means the entire world is
VAX arrangement. within a matter of weeks); it will have serious impli- watching us, and if we do
“The decision to get vac- and two thousand [dos- cations for us. It means not get those COVID cas-
cinated is not simply a es of vaccine] that were our tourists would go es down, the implications
personal decision. It is a donated by the Russian elsewhere … Even our will be very serious.”
PAGE 6 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021
“We must not be left
behind!”: Sir Molwyn
vaccines. We cannot suc- the ministry staff for ex-
ceed unless the people ecuting “one of the most
come out to be vaccinat- effective roll out of a vac-
ed.” cination programme not
The minister announced just in the Caribbean but
that the second phase the entire world.”
of the vaccination pro- He indicated that the gov-
gramme starts next Tues- ernment has been relent-
day and that this will less in its efforts to secure
be “the most important sufficient vaccines to in-
phase we are entering oculate the entire popu-
in.” lation. He disclosed that
Sir Molwyn commended on Wednesday he was in
the front line workers for a virtual meeting with
their unwavering sup- the drug manufacturer
port for government’s ef- Pfizer in the continuing
forts to keep the spread efforts to purchase vac-
of the virus within grasp cines for the country.
Health Minister, Sir Molwyn Joseph and he also commended
Health Minister, Sir Mol- as tourist arrivals plum-
wyn Joseph, is issuing meted. However, the
a clarion call for all res- minister noted that the
idents of Antigua and major countries, partic-
Barbuda to make them- ularly the source markets
selves available to be for tourists for Antigua
vaccinated as the coun- and Barbuda – the Unit-
try’s future may depend ed States and the United
upon it. Kingdom – are likely to
Speaking at the V.C. Bird achieve herd immuni-
International airport ty within another two to
where an official party three months and that
was on hand for the ar- Antigua and Barbuda
rival of a further twen- must achieve this goal
ty-four thousand doses within that time frame.
of vaccines, Sir Molwyn According to Sir Mol-
declared, “We must not wyn, if the country fails
be left behind!” to achieve this it would
He noted that the coro- not because the govern-
navirus pandemic is ment did not provide
perhaps the first such the necessary vaccines.
disease to have totally “I am sending a clear
decimated internation- invitation to all Antigua
al travel and commerce, and Barbuda residents
resulting in lost revenues to be vaccinated; we (the
for Antigua and Barbuda government) will get the
FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 7
UK SUPPORT FOR
COVAX VALUABLE:
HCR THOMPSON
Antigua and Barbuda This funding brings the
and other developing UK’s total contribution
countries have been able towards the global re-
to benefit from the World sponse to the
Health Organisation coronavirus pandemic
(WHO) facility COVAX, to over 4.8 billion East-
which gives them access ern Caribbean dollars.
to coronavirus vaccines “My Foreign Secretary,
at prices cheaper than Dominic Raab, has said
what obtain on the com- we have both a moral
mercial markets. duty and strategic ne-
That is the view of the cessity to make sure
United Kingdom High there is global access to
Commissioner Rep- vaccines to end the pan-
resentative, Lindsy demic. The UK’s support
Thompson, who was to COVAX has made sure
one of the speakers at that no country has been
Thursday’s brief airport left behind and that the
ceremony to mark the most vulnerable get vac-
arrival of twenty-four cinated first,” she told
thousand doses of vac- the gathering.
cines made available Thompson also com-
through the COVAX ar- mended the Antigua and
rangement. “The UK was Barbuda government
one of the first countries for the swift manner in
to support COVAX, with which it rolled out the
a grant of over two bil- vaccine in the first phase
lion Eastern Caribbean of the vaccination pro-
dollars. Indeed, we were gramme.
the first major donor, “This is another land-
and our early support mark for Antigua and
gave COVAX the pur- Barbuda, and the wider
chasing power to allow world, as it moves to-
access to the market. To wards the end of this
put it in to real terms, awful pandemic. We
the billion Eastern Ca- have all seen the im-
ribbean dollars we have pressive speed at which
donated equates to over Antigua and Barbuda
one billion doses of vac- has administered its first
cine. These vaccines will twenty-seven thousand
be distributed across the vaccine doses. The CO-
world this year, with the VAX-provided vaccines
most vulnerable receiv- we see here today will al-
ing their vaccines by the low that progress to con-
end of June,” Thompson tinue,” she added.
stated.
PAGE 8 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021
Preschools and daycare services
likely to reopen next week
The Cabinet is likely to give the private sectoroperations to open a determinant factor, as well. Ev-
green light for preschools and day- next week, also,” informed sourc- eryone is encouraged to get vacci-
care centres to re-open next Mon- es say. The country’s highest ex- nated, especially those who will be
day alongside the limited face to ecutive authority also determined in close contact with students, the
face classes announced earlier. that a single national policy should elderly, and the vulnerable.
This comes as the Cabinet on guide both public and private Additionally, the Cabinet will
Thursday took into consideration schools; hence, until primary and also give consideration to allow-
the readiness of preschools and secondary schools are permit- ing more visitors to elderly-care
kindergarten to reopen, informed ted to return to a more expansive homes as more residents and citi-
by the requirements of parents to schedule, private schools are also zens are vaccinated, especially el-
secure childcare services as older governed by the policy decisions derly residents of these homes and
siblings leave home for school. rendered by the Cabinet. those relatives who wish to visit
“The Cabinet therefore decided The Cabinet has also given a com- them.
that the Central Board of Health mitment to review the policy re- The need for closer contact be-
(CBH) will garding a return to a shift system, tween the elderly and their fami-
examine all daycare and childcare as previously existed as well as to ly members is evident, and those
centers, determine the level of review or alter the decision to limit wishing to make visits are encour-
readiness for face-to-face exposure to only a few aged to take the vaccines that are
receiving the infants, and to pro- grades/forms. The degree to which being offered.
vide licences that will allow these the infection rate declines will be
FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 9
Financial Services Regulatory
Commission issues statement on
fintech-related activities
The Financial Services
Regulatory Commission
digitally traded, or trans-
ferred, and can be used
(e) participating in and
provision of financial
NOTICE
LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION
(“the Commission”) is for payment or invest- services related to an FORM P7, Rule 15
charged with the licens- ment purposes and does issue or sale of a virtual THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN
SUPREME COURT
ing, regulation and su- not include digital rep- asset;
pervision of the financial resentations of fiat cur- IN THE HIGH COURT
OF JUSTICE
services sectors in Anti- rency or security; and While fintech initiatives
gua and Barbuda, except “virtual asset business” have the support of the ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
(Probate)
for Commercial Banks means the conduct of Commission, the gener-
In the Estate of MIGNONETTE
and designated Credit one or more of the fol- al public is advised that JACQULINE WILLIAMS late of
Institutions which fall lowing activities or oper- the legal framework for Swetes Village, St. John’s,
Antigua, Deceased
under the mandate of ations for or on behalf of supervising such activ-
the Eastern Caribbean another person— ities is not yet fully in ADVERTISEMENT OF APPLICA-
TION FOR GRANT
Central Bank. place; therefore, these
FIRST (SECOND) PUBLICATION
The Commission is (a) exchange between a transactions do not have
aware of a number of virtual asset and fiat cur- any protection by stat- TAKE NOTICE that an applica-
tion has been filed by NAKIMA
individuals and entities rency; ute as obtains for oth- WILLIAMS of Swetes Village,
St. Paul’s, Antigua for a Grant of
who have taken the ini- (b) exchange between er licensable activities Letters of Administration to the
tiative of engaging in one or more forms of such as banking or mon- Applicant who is the daughter of
the deceased, the deceased having
fintech-related activities virtual assets; ey service business. died intestate on the 26th day of
within the jurisdiction, (c) transfer of a virtual May, 2020. Any person having an
objection to the grant of Letters of
including the use of vir- asset whether or not for Individuals are therefore Administration to the Applicant shall
tual assets and espe- value; urged to fully assess their file an objection within fourteen
(14) days of the publication of this
cially the use of virtual (d) safekeeping or ad- risks, before investing Notice.
coins. The Commission ministration of a virtual funds in any financial
DATED the 4th, day of April, 2021
defines “virtual asset” asset or instruments en- transactions relating to
CUMBERBATCH & ASSOCIATES
as a digital representa- abling control over a vir- virtual assets business,
tion of value that can be tual asset; and including virtual coins. Attorneys-at-Law for
the Applicant
PAGE 10 FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021
Vandalism at Potters Primary School
An investigation is un- turn for the worse on they have wondered Primary to investigate
derway to determine Thursday, when hu- out loud what may have these acts of vandalism.
the person or persons man faeces was dis- triggered someone to The police have dis-
responsible for a series covered in one of the target the school in this patched officers from
of acts of vandalism teacher’s drawers. The manner. the Criminal Investiga-
perpetrated against the incidents have left the “On three consecutive tion Department and I
Potters Primary School. teaching and janitori- days, I have been forced have also called the su-
Principal Jacinter At- al staff at the school in to call the police to ask pervisor of the securi-
hill is reporting that for a depressed mood as them to come to Potters ty firm assigned to the
three consecutive days,
beginning on Tuesday
this week, staff turn-
ing up to the primary
school for the restart
of in-class teaching on
Monday, have arrived at
the school to discover
various acts of vandal-
ism.
On Wednesday, tro-
phies and certificates
that were to be present-
ed later in the day to
graduates of the school
were found smashed
and broken when the
teachers arrived early
in the morning.
The situation took a
Cont’d on pg 11FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 PAGE 11 school because there is sup- between one and two securi- The matter has also been re- posed to be round-the-clock se- ty officers at the school at all ported to the Ministry of Ed- curity at the school,” Athill told times. She reported that the se- ucation, bringing it to the at- PointeXpress newspaper. Athill curity firm gave a commitment tention of both the education is of the view that the securi- to launch its own investigation officer responsible for that ty arrangements at the school into the matter and to report its zone and the Director of Edu- need review as there are to be findings to the principal. cation, Clare Browne. Antiguan families in Canada make donations to Potters and Browne’s Avenue clinics Two Antigua and Bar- the Henry and Janzen nicable diseases. Clinic received the do- buda families who families who were They came through on nations and expressed are now based in Van- drawn to the demands their promise and as their appreciation with couver, Canada, have on the facilities while a result, Avery Henry the assurance that they made much-welcomed on a visit to Antigua. (Constance’s husband) put the donations to donations to two local Leona Janzen, orig- presented a set of four the very use for which medical facilities. inally of Potters and blood pressure ma- they were intended. Both the Potters and her husband Wilfred, chines to the Browne’s On behalf of the fami- the Browne’s Avenue and Constance Henry, Avenue Clinic and two lies, Henry noted “We clinics were present- also originally of Pot- blood pressure ma- are really delighted to ed with a set of medi- ters, who now reside in chines and two infra- help. Antigua and Bar- cal tools each that the Canada, gave commit- red thermometers to buda will always be nursing staff will find ments to the nursing the clinic in Potters on home for the Henrys useful in serving the staff they would make behalf of the two fam- and Janzens and we health needs of the re- every effort to assist ilies. only hope that we can spective communities the staff of the commu- Nurse in Charge at continue to be of some where they operate. nity clinics, especial- Browne’s Avenue, Jo- meaningful assistance The donation was ly in supporting their seyan Campbell, and to the people and land made possible through work in diagnosing and Nurse Josephine Wil- we will forever love.” the combined efforts of treating non-commu- liams of the Potters
PAGE 12 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021
FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 13
Teachers at the Parham Primary School receive
free Google Classroom training
ordinators from the some of the difficul-
ministry should try to ties being faced first-
conduct workshops hand and I have an
and provide addition- appreciation for the
al resources on how amount of work that
to integrate technol- has to be done to ef-
ogy into the various ficiently run a virtual
aspects of the curric- classroom.”
ulum. Imhoff added, She added that the
“Often when we talk objective of the train-
about education, we ing session was to not
tend to focus only on only demonstrate a
During the ongoing having the necessary the students and par- commitment to the
coronavirus pandem- skills. So that’s what ents and not on the school but to equip
ic which has forced we’re prepared to do,” educators that have the teachers with the
schools to close their when asked about been given such a tools they need in or-
doors and transi- their partnership with daunting task. As a der to be successful.
tioned into an online Imhoff ’s team for this parent, I have seen
learning environ- activity.
ment, parents, stu- The two-hour ses-
dents, and teachers sion facilitated via
have been having Zoom and a blended
varying experiences. learning environment
On Thursday 8th covered the basics of
April, alongside Tan- Google Classroom and
ice Powell Williams equipped the teach-
of Project Jaguar - an ers with tools and re-
award-winning digital sources that will im-
education hub - Cha- prove their knowledge
neil Imhoff conduct- of the education plat-
ed a Google Class- form.
room training session Grade Six Teacher,
with the teachers of Miss Alexis Murray
the Parham Primary noted that, “The train-
School. ing was very informa-
President and CEO of tive and enlightening.
Project Jaguar Trev- She says that it is im-
aun Solomon re- portant because there
marked that, “Profes- are still teachers who
sional development are not familiar with
has always been an Google Classroom and
important goal to us. the training would
We’re always ready to have shown them how
work towards that. In- to make their class-
creasing accessibility rooms more interac-
to quality education tive for the students.”
for students definite- Murray also said that
ly starts with teachers the subject area co-PAGE 14 LOCAL NEWS FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 Cabinet to place more emphasis on the blue economy Cabinet is taking This inaugural plan steps that will result provides an over- in greater reliance view of the existing on the blue econo- maritime economy my as Antigua and of Antigua and Bar- Barbuda charts the buda and sets out way forward for the priorities and ac- local economy. The tions that aim to government aims to help the country strengthen the econ- demonstrate a clear Dean Jonas omy of Antigua and vision and direction “The events of 2020, Marine Economies Barbuda through that takes account most notably the Programme (CME), sustainable blue of national issues, COVID -19 pandem- the UK government economy, accord- international com- ic, have brought and the many local ing to the minister mitments and the home the urgent stakeholders who responsible for the challenges of a small need to diversify our made this document blue economy, Dean island state. economy so that our possible, notably, Jonas.The Cabinet This original plan island nation can the Department of of Antigua and Bar- provides actions to better handle the Marine Services and buda, on Wednesday support economic shocks of such un- Merchant Shipping 31st March 2021, ap- growth, livelihoods precedented events. (ADOMS).” proved the first Mar- and jobs, while it In one fell swoop, our To implement this itime Blue Economy reduces losses from foremost contribu- plan, the Depart- Plan (MBEP), and a natural hazards, tor to our nation’s ment of the Blue blue economy de- weather events and economy, tourism, Economy will work partment gap anal- climate change. was significantly closely with and co- ysis for the formal The overall objective impacted with lit- ordinate the efforts establishment of is to help grow the tle or no notice. Our of key blue econ- the Department of national economy government, cog- omy stakeholders the Blue Economy, in a way that reflects nizant of the need and investors to charged with the im- the aims of the Com- to identify new broaden economic plementation of this monwealth Charter, economic sectors opportunities which plan. including good gov- which will result in will translate to in- This MBEP is a part- ernance, sustain- growth, innovation, creased economic nership initiative able development, jobs and investment resilience, improved between the govern- gender equality, while safeguard- socio-economy ments of the United and recognising the ing healthy ecosys- standards, and ad- Kingdom (UK) and needs of small and tems is very grate- vancements in cli- Antigua and Barbu- vulnerable states. ful for the work of mate adaptation. da. According Jonas: the Commonwealth
FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAGE 15
PAGE 16 FEATURES FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021
Proposed global minimum
tax rate would be crippling
drive economic and administration at the
social development. OECD, welcomed the
The U.S. government U.S. proposals, saying
is exercising its sover- “This reboots the ne-
eign right to raise its gotiations and is very
domestic corporate positive.” If this prop-
tax to 28 per cent, par- osition is accepted, it
ticularly as it wants to will be enforced on all
spend $2 trillion over countries. Experience
the next eight years on with the OECD, the
building expensive in- European Union (EU)
frastructure in a range and the U.S. demon-
of areas. There should strates that by various
be every appreciation methods, Caribbean
of this ambition. How- countries have been
By Sir Ronald Sanders ed at the proposition ever, conscious that coerced into compli-
by the U.S. Treasury this high tax rate might ance with rules or de-
(The writer is Antigua Secretary, Janet Yellen, push U.S. companies mands to their disad-
and Barbuda’s Am- for a global minimum to migrate to lower vantage.
bassador to the United corporate tax rate of 21 tax countries, the U.S. Once the OECD
States and the Orga- per cent. Developing government wants a member states agree it
nization of American countries, including global minimum tax amongst themselves,
States. He is also a Se- those in the Caribbean, rate of 21 per cent. Its they will enforce it. The
nior Fellow at the Insti- need to monitor this belief is that a suffi- method in the past on
tute of Commonwealth development closely. ciently high minimum matters such as what
Studies at the University Their already suffering global tax rate would they called “harmful
of London and Massey economies could end discourage U.S. com- tax competition”, has
College in the Universi- up being hurt by it even panies from leaving. been to identify coun-
ty of Toronto. The views more. Tax rates are a The U.S. proposal has tries they pejoratively
expressed are entirely his sovereign matter. Gov- been welcomed by the list as ‘uncooperative
own) ernments set tax rates OECD and the Euro- jurisdictions’. The mere
in the context of several pean Union nations, naming of countries
Officials of the Organ- factors including their France and Germany, injures the standing
isation for Economic domestic financial de- that have always been of their financial ser-
Co-operation and De- mands; a judgement the ‘hawks’ on setting vices sectors, causing
velopment (OECD) – on the ability to pay; and enforcing global loss of business and
the rich countries’ club and the need to attract tax rates. Pascal Saint- the capacity to partic-
– are no doubt delight- foreign investment to Amans, head of tax ipate effectively in the
Cont’d on pg 17FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 FEATURES PAGE 17 world’s trading and at the behest of the “that would hinder has helped its growth financial systems. To OECD. The tax would poor countries’ ability and raised its living avoid these conse- apply to global profits to attract investment”. standards. quences, countries of large companies, No doubt, Ireland have complied, erod- including big U.S. And, this really will be will face considerable ing sovereignty over technology groups, re- the crux of the issue. pressure from other their tax policies and, gardless of their phys- Every country has the OECD and EU coun- importantly, jobs and ical presence in any right to set its own do- tries to accept the pro- income. country. Agreement mestic tax rates, but posed new corporate Remarkably, the on the tax would allow not to impose rates on tax rate, but it has re- OECD has described the U.S. administra- others – which is what sisted bullying in the its efforts for ‘tax har- tion to increase cor- the OECD has been past, and it is likely to monisation’ and an porate taxes on U.S. trying to do since do so again. If that is end to ‘tax competi- companies without 1998. the case, other small- tion’ as “levelling the fear of competition Small countries, in- er countries, includ- playing field”. In oth- from other countries. cluding those in the ing Caribbean ones, er words, the playing Alarmingly, a senior Caribbean, have low- should join it in argu- field for competition representative of the er corporate tax rates ing for a sensible min- in taxation, is levelled International Mone- because they need in- imum corporate tax by forcing develop- tary Fund (IMF) has vestment not only to rate that is agreed and ing countries to meet already endorsed compete with larger not imposed. high taxation levels the U.S. government countries but also to The World Bank’s needed by the rich. proposal. IMF Chief survive. A mandated David Malpass has Other areas, in which Economist, Gita Gopi- tax rate of 21 per cent set a reasonable tone level playing fields are nath, said that “We’re would cripple many stating that any new necessary, are con- very much in support of them and retard minimum tax should veniently ignored. A of having this kind of their growth. not be too high. Hith- current example is the global minimum cor- An example of this erto, the OECD itself purchase and hoard- porate tax.” It is un- currently exists in the has been working on ing of COVID-19 vac- clear if she was speak- OECD and the EU. a rate of 12.5 per cent. cines by many OECD ing for the Board of Ireland, one of the On this matter, Carib- countries. At the time the Fund or for her smallest of their mem- bean and other small of writing, of the 674 division. Fortunately, ber countries, has a countries should million vaccines that the Head of the World corporate tax rate of stand up in unison for have been adminis- Bank, David Malpass, 12.5 per cent and has their rights by strong tered globally, 77 per has taken a more bal- been one of the big- representation and in- cent are in the 10 rich- anced position on gest beneficiaries of formed argument. est nations. The U.S. the matter. He has foreign investment. A has reportedly sent warned against setting few decades ago, Ire- Responses and pre- documents, propos- a global minimum tax land was much poor- vious commentaries: ing the new tax, to 135 rate that is too high, er than Britain, but its www.sirronaldsand- countries negotiating adding that he did not implementation of a ers.com international taxation want to see new rules low corporate tax rate
PAGE 18 ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021
PROPOSED
ANTIGUA AND
BARBUDA MUSIC
WEEK TO TURN
SPOTLIGHT ON LOCAL MUSIC
The music of Antigua and Barbuda will take centre stage during the first-ever Antigua Music
Week, planned for April 19 to 25 being organized by Limerz INC, creators, and producers
of numerous high powered successful events in the United States.
One of the organisers, Clint James, who is based in Atlanta, Georgia, said his group is pro-
posing that the Antigua and Barbuda Music Week be observed in different ways. Firstly, the
group wants all local radio stations and DJs to switch their music formats during the period
to all Antigua and Barbuda music. Additionally, Limerz wants to engage the local stations in
seven nights where the music will be featured following a theme specific to the night.
The format the group is proposing is as follows:
• Monday (April 19) Opening
• Tuesday (April 20) – Classics night
• Wednesday (April 21) – Girls Power night (featuring female artistes)
• Thursday (April 22) – Jam Band
• Friday (April 23) Revival night
• Saturday (April 24) Jam session (J’Ouvert)
• Sunday (April 25) – Last lapFRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 19
national pride for Antigua
and Barbuda Music Week
from 19th April to 25th April
2021.“We are requesting
artists, radio stations, mas’
bands, all DJs local and
abroad, blogs, social media
James noted that the events ing, and supporting the mu- influencers to join this histor-
of Antigua and Barbuda Mu- sic of Antigua and Barbuda ic initiative. Let us celebrate
sic Week must be held virtu- for one entire week. “Let us Antigua and Barbuda in a
ally this year because of the celebrate Antigua and Bar- big way this year and every
pandemic but the plan is that buda in a big way this year coming year,” James said.
by next year with the antic- and make ABMW an annual This year’s event will salute
ipated end of the pandemic event!” it declared. LIMERZ the career of King Swallow.
more activities will be added INC is an innovative enter- “We need to create a festival
to the week’s events and ev- tainment company focused experience that delivers a
erything will be done face to on conceiving, creating, and message to the community,
face. “The launch of Antigua executing impactful, mu- love, laughter, fun, and em-
and Barbuda Music Week sic-based live experiences powerment that the ABMW
(ABMW), a new and bold delivered across multiple will become known for and
initiative geared towards mediums. Its founders, Clint leave our audience feeling
publicising music from An- James, Marsha Martin, and inspired and uplifted, espe-
tigua and Barbuda globally. Franklyn Benjamin, each cially during these times.
We are inviting your com- has over ten years of expe- ”The multi-day event will ex-
pany to partner with us and rience in production and cre- tend to a global audience of
support ABMW 19th April, to ative development.In their viewers that will feature vir-
25th April, 2021. ABMW will sixth year as a company, tual performances and in-
be an annual event for the LIMERZ INC is proud of its terviews which will include
music of Antigua and Barbu- work on large-scale events, leading musical artists, influ-
da,” a Limerz circular to local such as The Annual NYC La- encers, and experts. “ABMW
radio station management bour Day Camouflage Boat is not just about soca music,
stated. The circular added Ride, Shades of Sexiness Antigua and Barbuda has a
that this is a time to reflect, Day concert, PECKISH, pulsing dance hall communi-
honour the past, observe the and SOCAVILLE.“We are ty along with a growing Hip
present and look to a bright- asking everyone to join the Hop and R&B sound that has
er future by playing, promot- movement by showing their to be heard.”PAGE 20 REGIONAL NEWS FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021
ST. VINCENT ON RED ALERT FOR
‘IMMINENT’ VOLCANIC ERUPTION
mic research center. idents, a spokesperson
Trinidad and Tobago told CNN. “Each ship
Prime Minister Keith will accommodate up to
Rowley has spoken to 1,500 residents who will
Gonsalves and offered be transported to neigh-
assistance, according to boring islands which
the Ministry of Nation- have agreed to offer
al Security for Trinidad refuge out of harm’s
and Tobago. way. All precautions
Venezuela will send will be taken to protect
humanitarian supplies the health and safety of
and risk experts, Vene- Carnival crew and the
zuelan Foreign Minister passengers who board
Jorge Arreaza said on his the ships,” the spokes-
Twitter account. person said. The ships
Cruise lines to help will arrive Friday, the
(CNN) - St. Vincent and and the Grenadines Cruise ships are heading spokesperson said.
the Grenadines Prime chain in the Caribbean. to the islands to assist Royal Caribbean and
Minister Ralph Gon- Scientists at the Bel- in evacuations, NEMO Celebrity Cruises are
salves on Thursday de- mont Observatory in officials wrote on their each sending one ship
clared a disaster alert St. Vincent observed a Twitter account. and should have arrived
prompted by a change volcanic tremor on the Carnival Cruise Lines Thursday night, accord-
in the eruptive activ- island at about 3 a.m. is sending two ships -- ing to a statement from
ity at the La Soufrière local time, according to the Carnival Paradise Statement from Royal
volcano, according to UWI-SRC. and the Carnival Leg- Caribbean Internation-
the country’s National The first band of trem- end -- to evacuate res- al.
Emergency Manage- ors was followed by five
ment Organization. more throughout the
The island is on red day. This type of seismic
alert, meaning an erup- signal is usually associ-
tion is “imminent now,” ated with movement of
NEMO said. magma and fluids close
Evacuation orders are to the surface, accord-
in place in about a doz- ing to UWI-SRC.
en districts of St. Vin- “Ash venting was also
cent, affecting roughly observed during the
6,000 to 7,000 people, most recent tremor ep-
a spokesperson for the isode,” the center re-
University of the West ported on Facebook.
Indies Seismic Research The volcano has
Centre, or UWI-SRC, had five explosive erup-
told CNN. tions -- in 1718, 1812,
St. Vincent is the largest 1814, 1902/03 and 1979
island of the St. Vincent -- according to the seis-FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 21
GHTA: ‘WE’RE IN A GOOD POSITION’
….as Barbadian specialist takes over top tourism post
to the six candidates international market-
that we interviewed, ing network, some-
there [were] two out- one who has been to
standing candidates. the trade shows, who
The last one we in- knows all the players,
terviewed, afterwards who can pick up the
when we were dis- phone and call Amer-
cussing, we said ... ican Airlines, who can
that’s the best one. pick up the phone and
And I’m delighted call British Airways.
that she’s accepted “The important thing
and delighted that is not just that we re-
we’ve got someone start tourism, but it is
who, in my opinion, if how we restart. So we
we were in the Olym- thought that one of
pics we’d have Kirani the main criteria was
New head of the Grenada Tourism Authority, James on our team. to have someone who
Petra Roach She is amazing. “Her could do that and lead
(Barbados Advocate) new assignment at background is amaz- to restart very quick-
- “We’re in a good po- the GTA. During the ing and she’s going ly to get businesses
sition.” question-and-answer to do a lot for Grena- open, to get people
This observation was segment of a virtual da, because she’s got coming here as quick-
made by President post-Cabinet brief- passion ... She is an ly as possible. Having
of the Grenada Hotel ing yesterday, Garbutt amazing person. And, an international mar-
and Tourism Associa- likened Roach’s ap- I must say, I congratu- keting network [is]
tion (GHTA), Leo Gar- pointment to having late the Chairman on important as it relates
butt, as he respond- Kirani James on their getting her to come to to what I think it says
ed to a query from a Olympic team.“When us. We’re in a good po- about Grenada.”
member of the Gre- we were discussing sition.” He revealed that two
nadian press about the situation of the Chairman of the GTA, Grenadians applied
the criteria used to new CEO, I thought Barry Collymore, for the post, but none
hire the new head of the sensible thing that while responding to of them had an inter-
the Grenada Tourism was stated is that we a member of the Gre- national marketing
Authority (GTA), Petra should concentrate nadian press, said: “In network.
Roach. News broke on marketing the des- terms of the interview Meanwhile, Grenada
on Tuesday that the tination.” He lament- – selection, criteria, is making it mandato-
Interim Chief Exec- ed that the promotion process – one of the ry for all hotels work-
utive Officer of the of tourism has never things that we thought ers to be vaccinated
Barbados Tourism been high on the pri- was very important to if they want to keep
and Marketing Inc. ority list in Grenada. have a quick restart their jobs in the sec-
resigned from that “My feeling is that for Grenada was to tor.
post to take up her when it came down have someone withPAGE 22 REGIONAL NEWS FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021
GOVERNMENT MUST LOBBY FOR
STUDENTS TO DEFER CXC EXAMS – PNP
Jamaica Observer - Peo-
ple’s National Party
spokesperson on Educa-
tion and Training, Dr. An-
gela Brown-Burke, is call-
ing on the Government
to make proper repre-
sentation for Jamaican
students to be allowed to
defer all aspects of their
Caribbean Examination
Council (CXC) exams
until January or June of
2022.
According to the state-
ment from Dr. Brown-
Burke, the concern
comes in light of com-
plaints from students
and teachers that, con-
trary to previous under-
standings, students who
initially thought they
had the ability to defer
are now being told that
the rule only applies to
written exams and that Jamaica Opposition spokesman on Education and Training Angela Brown
School-based Assess- Burke.
ments (SBAs) should still most all of this one, and count for up to 40 per- half of our students,” the
be submitted this year. are therefore at a disad- cent of the overall grade statement said.
“Education in Jamaica vantage when compared for most subjects, Dr Dr. Brown-Burke called
has been significantly with students from oth- Brown-Burke said the on the Ministry of Educa-
impacted by COVID-19, er Caribbean islands. A Opposition is concerned tion to acknowledge that,
and while some schools request for deferral on that students may end “Our students have faced
were allowed to reopen this basis is not unrea- up with automatic fails. significant and unequal
for face-to-face classes, sonable, and a caring “Jamaica has the largest odds over the last several
many students have not government should do number of students sit- months, and are deserv-
had in-person teaching all that’s within its power ting CXC examinations ing of the Government’s
since March 2020,” she to negotiate favourable on a yearly basis, and full support to give them
said. terms for its students this provides significant a fair shot at securing the
“Many of our students with the CXC board,” she leverage for our Govern- best CXC grades possible
have missed half of the added. ment to make effective and safeguarding their
last school year and al- Noting that SBAs ac- representation on be- future.”FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 REGIONAL NEWS PAGE 23
SVG GOV’T MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PAY
SALARIES IN THE COMING MONTHS
(News 784) - As the pan-
demic drags on and
with low uptake in vac-
cines, it appears that St.
Vincent and the Grena-
dines is on a long road
to recovery.
Prime Minister Ralph
Gonsalves, on Wednes-
day morning, said the
government might not
be able in the next cou-
ple of months to pay
salaries.
“In one or two months,
or sometime if the
strained economic ac-
tivity continues, the
government may not
have the 30 million to
pay civil servants and
contribute to the NIS for
pensioners payments”.
Gonsalves said they
have held the economy
together; however, there
is real pressure on the
government.
“Our revenue dropped
by 15 million, and we
recouped in February.
That’s because there
were a couple of big
alien landholding li-
cense transactions
from Mustique. There
is a couple more in the
pipeline,” Gonsalves
said.
The World Bank indi-
cates that St. Vincent’s
economy is expected to
grow by 0.2 percent in
2021. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves,PAGE 24 FUN ZONE FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021
YOUR DAILY HOROSCOPE
An inspiring idea can be refreshing and If you rush in to do a job without thinking
stimulating. Certain actions might be mis- it through first, you can end up entangled
construed, or a sincere explanation could be in messy details. Straighten things out by
thought inappropriate, so consider staying showing your trustworthiness and people will
silent if love or money is a primary issue. rely on your sincerity.
There may be very little opportunity or little
Gather all the facts before you implement in- time to put your knowledge to use. Someone
novative techniques. Wait for better timing to may become uncomfortable if you ask them
revise your schedule or adjust your agenda. personal questions. However, a partner or
Use your people skills to navigate challenging loved one will likely be glad to take your side.
situations.
Misunderstandings are possible, so it’s a
good idea to tread carefully around topics that If you turn on the charm, it will be easy to
might be considered sensitive. Discuss the get along with others and do a difficult job.
most important matters with your most loyal Organize your thoughts so you can present a
friends before acting. convincing argument if needed.
It might be tempting to overreact or lose your It may be difficult to make progress if you are
temper due to a mystery or a misunderstand- faced with talented competition. There may
ing. You could feel threatened by someone’s be great pressure on you to perform at your
avid interest, but it might only be a bit of absolute best, so schedule plenty of breaks
self-doubt at work. and get lots of rest.
Avoid making crucial financial decisions or
Working conditions can quickly improve if you
major expenditures at this time, and delay
can negotiate a better distribution of duties. A
the signing of any agreements. Some of your
friend or partner might be able to offer some
spur-of-the-moment decisions may help you
inventive ideas that will make everything run
achieve your primary goals but won’t grant all
more smoothly.
your wishes.
It’s not wise to test the depth of the water by
Your day may feel like you are playing a
jumping in headfirst. Loved ones might be
game of musical chairs. Someone might urge
overly sensitive if you challenge their ideals
you to try something that isn’t a fit for your
or actions. Say the right things to reassure
abilities, leaving you feeling out of the loop.
them.FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 WHAT’S UP PAGE 25
LOCAL WEATHER FORECAST
TELL US WHAT’S
HAPPENING
IN YOUR
COMMUNITY.
Submit community notices to
news@pointville.ag
COMICS
COMMUNITY NOTICES
SOCIAL SECURITY
PENSION NOTICE
Please be advised that pension pay-
ments for March 2021, will commence
on Monday 12th, April 2021 according
to the following distribution schedule:
A-F Mon 12 April
G-K Tues 13 April
L-P Wed 14 April
Q-T Thurs 15 April
U-Z Fri 16 AprilPAGE 26 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021
Biden tightens some gun controls,
says much more needed
WASHINGTON (AP)
— President Joe Biden,
in his first gun control
measures since taking
office, on Thursday an-
nounced a half-dozen
executive actions aimed
at addressing a prolif-
eration of gun violence
across the nation that he
called an “epidemic and
an international embar-
rassment.”
“The idea that we have
so many people dying
every single day from President Joe Biden speaks about gun violence prevenmtion in the Rose Garden at the White
gun violence in America House
is a blemish on our char- diate “common-sense on homemade guns and with anyone to get it
acter as a nation,” Biden steps” to address gun provide more resources done,” gun control mea-
said during remarks at violence, after a series for gun-violence preven- sures face slim prospects
the White House. of mass shootings drew tion but fall far short of in an evenly divided Sen-
Family members renewed attention to the sweeping gun-con- ate, where Republicans
whose children were the issue. His announce- trol agenda he laid out on remain near-unified
killed at the Sandy Hook, ment came the same day the campaign trail. against most proposals.
Connecticut, school as yet another, this one Indeed, Biden again Biden was joined at the
massacre in 2012 and in South Carolina, where urged Congress to act, event by Vice President
the shooting at Marjo- five people were killed. calling on the Senate to Kamala Harris and At-
ry Stoneman Douglas Biden emphasized the take up House-passed torney General Merrick
High School in Parkland, scope of the problem: measures closing back- Garland. Garland said he
Florida, in 2018 attended Between the mass kill- ground check loopholes. was “under no illusions
the hearing, and Biden ings at the Atlanta mas- He also said Congress about how hard it is to
thanked them for attend- sage businesses and the should pass the Violence solve the problem of gun
ing, saying he under- Colorado grocery store Against Women Act, violence” and empha-
stood it would remind shooting last month, eliminate legal exemp- sized a need for a “collec-
them of the awful days there were more than 850 tions for gun manufac- tive effort to keep guns
when they got the calls. additional shootings that turers and ban assault out of the hands of crimi-
He assured them, killed 250 and injured weapons and high ca- nals and save lives.”
“We’re absolutely deter- 500 in the U.S., he said. pacity magazines. The Justice Depart-
mined to make change.” But Thursday’s an- “This is not a partisan ment cannot solve the
Biden’s Thursday an- nouncement under- issue among the Amer- problem by itself, he said,
nouncement delivers on scores the limitations of ican people,” Biden in- but “there is work for the
a pledge the President Biden’s executive power sisted. department to do, and
made last month to take to act on guns. His or- While Biden asserted we intend to do it.”
what he termed imme- ders tighten regulations that he’s “willing to workFRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021 INTERNATIONAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD PAGE 27
Eleven killed as Myanmar protesters fight
troops with handmade guns, firebombs
“Taze, Kale have many
hunters in the jungle,”
said Hein Min Hteik, a
resident of the region
and a youth activist.
“They have handmade
firearms. And now they
came out with their
weapons in order to pro-
tect the locals, while the
people were under attack
by the junta.”
A spokesman for
the junta could not be
reached for comment.
“People will try to de-
fend their own lives and
their rights,” said a for-
mer government min-
ister who is part of the
CRPH, a group of law-
makers representing the
ousted civilian govern-
ment.
(Reuters) - Anti-coup guns, knives and fire- cording to the Assistance “People will not wait for
demonstrators in Myan- bombs, five more truck- Association for Political CRPH to act,” the min-
mar fought back with loads of troops were Prisoners (AAPP). It had ister said in a video call
handmade guns and brought in. a toll of 598 dead as of with Reuters. “The CRPH
firebombs against a Fighting continued Wednesday evening. cannot stop the possible
crackdown by security into Thursday morning Taze is near the town armed resistance by the
forces in a town in the and at least 11 protest- of Kale, where at least people from the people.”
northwest, but at least ers were killed and about 12 people were killed in The junta on Thursday
11 of the protesters were 20 wounded, the media a similar clash between arrested Paing Takhon,
killed, domestic media said. There was no word troops and protesters on a model and actor who
reported on Thursday. of any casualties among Wednesday, according to had spoken out against
Initially, six truckloads the soldiers. news media and witness- the coup, his sister told
of troops were deployed That would take the toll es. Security forces fired Reuters. In Yangon, the
to quell protesters in the of civilians killed by se- live rounds, grenades, country’s biggest city, ac-
town of Taze, the Myan- curity forces to over 600 and machine-guns on tivists placed shoes filled
mar Now and Irrawaddy since the junta seized protesters who were de- with flowers to com-
news outlets said. When power from the elected manding the restoration memorate dead protest-
the protesters fought government of Aung San of Suu Kyi’s government, ers.
back with handmade Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, ac- AAPP said.PAGE 28 INTERNATIONAL NEWS A R O U N D THE WORLD FRIDAY 9TH APRIL 2021
Expert says George Floyd
died from lack of oxygen
The trial is in its sec- cuffs was also signifi-
ond week and is expect- cant. “It’s how they’re
ed to last for at least one being pushed, where
month. The defence is they are being pushed,
due to begin arguing its that totally interfere
case next week. with central features of
The prosecution in how we breathe.”
the case against Chau- Dr. Tobin said the po-
vin has now begun sition of Chauvin’s knee,
hearing from medical pushing down against
experts. the left side of Floyd’s
Asked about the posi- chest, meant that it was
tioning of the handcuffs “almost ... as if a sur-
behind Floyd’s back, geon had gone in and
coupled with the down- removed the [left] lung”.
ward pressure of Chau- “Not quite, but along
Dr Martin Tobin testifies as an expert witness vin’s weight against him, those lines. He has
in the George Floyd murder trial Dr. Tobin - an expert in used up his resources
pulmonary medicine and is literally trying to
(BBC World News) - against him. - said Floyd’s ability to breathe with his fingers
George Floyd died from Dr. Tobin also contra- expand his chest was and knuckles against
a lack of oxygen as he dicted the defence’s ar- severely impaired. He the street to try to crank
was pinned “in a vice” gument that the pain- said it was his medi- up his chest, to try to get
against the street during killer Fentanyl was the cal opinion that Floyd air into his right lung,”
his arrest, a doctor at cause of Floyd’s inability died after a low level he added.He added
the trial of ex-police of- to breathe. A toxicology of oxygen stopped his that Floyd had already
ficer Derek Chauvin in report released last June heart. “[George Floyd] is shown signs of brain in-
Minneapolis has said. said Floyd had Fentanyl jammed down against jury about four minutes
Intensive care doctor in his system. the street, so the street before Chauvin took his
Martin Tobin said Mr. However, Dr .Tobin is playing a major role knee off his neck, and
Floyd died of asphyxia said Floyd’s breath- in preventing him from that a healthy person
from the way he was re- ing did not slow down expanding his chest. who was put through
strained. enough for the drug “He’s against a hard as- this “would have died”
Chauvin, 45, was to have been a factor phalt street, so the way too.
filmed kneeling on in his total loss of ox- they’re pushing down About three minutes
Floyd’s neck for more ygen. The footage of on his handcuffs com- before Chauvin re-
than nine minutes Chauvin, who is white, bined with the street ... moved his knee, Dr To-
during his arrest last with his knee on Afri- it’s like the left side is in bin said, there was “not
May. The ex-officer is can-American Floyd’s a vise.” an ounce of oxygen left
on trial for murder and neck sparked global Dr. Tobin said the po- in his body”.
has denied the charges protests against racism. sitioning of the hand-You can also read
