Daily 16_09_23 no 212

Page 1

Carlisle Bay resort issued with ‘stop-work’ order - Pg 3

Defence Force welcomes new aircraft - Pg 4

Government open to negotiations with Alfa Nero’s second highest bidder - Pg 4

Vol. 31 No. 212 St. John’s, Antigua Saturday, September 16, 2023

WHAT’S ON

Until September 21

VACANCIES AT OSEC

The following vacancies are available at the One Stop Employment Centre effective September 15, 2023: Boatbuilding Instructor; Chef (Restaurant); Cleaner (Restaurant); Clerical Assistant (Intern); Customer Service Clerk; Customer Service Representative/Cashier; Domestic Cleaner; Events & Experience Manager (Restaurant); Fish Attendant; Hair Stylist; Handyman (Maintenance); Housekeeping Manager (Hotel); Housekeeper/Maid; Internal Auditor (Hotel); Inventory Clerk; Labourer (Construction); Live-In Nanny; Mason (Construction); Maintenance Technician (Plumbing); Pool Technician; Professor Of Clinical Medicine; Programme Assistant; Receptionist (Watersports); Refrigeration Technician; Seamstress; Security Officer; Site Supervisor (Barbuda); Store Clerk; Tour Guide; Tractor Driver; Trained Preschool Teacher; Truck/Forklift Driver; and Waiter/Server/Grill Attendant. For more information about vacancies or how to register as a jobseeker, please contact the centre at 5628533/4

September 15

TV SHOW FEATURING ANTIGUA

US TV show ‘Secret Celebrity Renovation’ featuring the St John Hospice with scenes from Antigua will air on ABS Channel 10 on September 15 at 8pm, by special arrangement of the show’s host Phil Koeghan.

September 17 to 22

SPECIAL ANOINTED SERVICES

The New Testament Church of God will be holding one week of Special Anointed Services with Apostle Terol Hunte of Barbados from 7:30pm from Sunday 17 to 20 September at The Mount of Blessing New Testament Church of God in Clare Hall, and at Potters New Testament Church of God on the 21 and 22 September from 7.30pm. A warm welcome and a blessing await you.

September 20

ST JOHN ASSOCIATION AGM

The St John Association of Antigua & Barbuda will be holding its Annual General Meeting at Government House on Wednesday, 20th September at 10am. All board members, committee members, volunteers and friends are invited.

Until September 21

SOAP CRAFTING COURSE

The GARD Center is accepting registration for training in Soap Crafting. This course will run for seven days, tentatively 25th to 28th September and 2nd to 4th October 2023.Training will be held at GARD Center from 5 to 7:30pm; no previous experience is needed. Register online at www.gardc.org or visit our main office at Mercers Creek, East of Pares Village, Monday - Friday 8:30am – 3pm. Deadline for registration is Thursday 21 September 2023.

September 21 & 22

DEAN SMITHEN’S THANKSGIVING SERVICE & BANQUET

A special service of thanksgiving will be held on Thursday, 21st September at the Cathedral starting at 6pm to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ordination of Dean Emeritus Rudolph Smithen to the sacred Priesthood. This will be followed by a banquet on Friday 22nd September starting at 7pm at Casa Palmadita. Tickets for the banquet are only $250 and can be purchased from at the following locations: Bishop’s Lodge Redcliffe Street; Glennettes Beauty Salon, Newgate Street; CECO Pharmacy, High Street; St John’s Pharmacy on Thames and St. Mary’s Street; or any committee member of the Deanery Office, 462-0820. All proceeds from both activities will go towards the Cathedral Restoration Fund.

Send your notices to The Daily Observer: dailyobserver@antiguaobserver.com

EXTENDED FORECAST

Partly Cloudy with a moderate chance of showers

High: 32ºC/90ºF

Low : 24ºC/75ºF

Sunrise:5:55 am

Sunset :6:08 pm

Partly Cloudy with a moderate chance of showers

High: 32ºC/90ºF

Low : 23ºC/73ºF

Sunrise:5:55 am

Sunset :6:07 pm

Saturday OBITUARIES /ALMANAC

6 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Welcome to the Market Place

7 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Second Morning Edition of the Big Stories Sponsored by Caribbean Union Bank

7:45 a.m. – 8 a.m.

Serpent is in the Snakepit

10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Lunch Time Edition of the Big Stories Sponsored by North Coast Hardware

11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

OBITUARIES

12 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Evening Edition of the Big Stories Sponsored by ACB Caribbean

5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

The most comprehensive roundup of the day’s news

Klassic Kaiso Korner

7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Sunday OBITUARIES /ALMANAC

6 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Glorious Sundays with Dave Lester Payne

7 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Second Morning Edition of the Big Stories Sponsored by Caribbean Union Bank

7:45 a.m. – 8 a.m.

Choice of the People with Roger Fane

10 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Lunch Time Edition of the Big Stories Sponsored by North Coast Hardware

11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

OBITUARIES

12 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Big Issues

12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sunday Sessions in Steel

3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Evening Edition of the Big Stories Sponsored by ACB Caribbean

5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.

The most comprehensive roundup of the day’s news

Rebroadcast of the Big Issues

6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Page 2 Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer
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Carlisle Bay resort issued with ‘stop-work’ order

The Development Control Authority (DCA) has taken action against the owners of the Carlisle Bay resort, issuing a ‘stop-work’ order placing an immediate halt to excavation activities adjacent to their property.

The hotel had embarked on a significant land-clearing project to expand its facilities, but it apparently did so without notifying the relevant authorities or submitting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Under the Land and Development Control Regulations, any person who intends to undertake a development project must obtain planning permission before starting work.

During this week’s postCabinet press briefing, Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office, Lionel Hurst, said the hotel intends to construct villas on the land being cleared.

“If you’re going to remove vegetation in such large quantities, even on private property, you have a responsibility to inform both the DCA and the Department of the Environment, especially if you think that it might have some impact not only on your property but primarily upon the beach which is not the property of any hotel,” Hurst said.

He confirmed that visits had been made to the site since the story was first reported in the Observer earlier this week. Following the

site visit, hotel bosses were asked to “cease and desist” until they get permission from the authorities.

“They also know that they need experts in determining where they can put villas and where they cannot.

“Now, that does not free them of the responsibility to report to the Development Control Authority and the Department of the Environment that they intend to remove unwanted vegetation from the land,” he continued.

The lack of oversight

came to light when the Observer visited the site in Old Road on Monday, accompanied by concerned local residents who raised alarms about the potential environmental impact, particularly on the nearby mangrove swamp.

A soil-based trail had cut off access between the milelong swamp and Carlisle Bay. The beach at Carlisle Bay is within existing protected area bounds which is considered part of Antigua’s critical environment areas.

Residents are concerned that the blockage could kill

various aquatic species within the swamp since it could change the salinity of the water. They are also concerned that the blockage could backlog the water during heavy downpours and affect the homes of nearby residents.

Despite several attempts to make contact, the Observer has been unable to reach the owner or general manager of Carlisle Bay resort. However, according to Hurst, the hotel has recently submitted a request to clear the lands, signalling a potential resolution to the issue.

Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer Page 3
Local residents are concerned by the clearing of vegetation in the area (Observer photo)

Defence Force welcomes new aircraft

Operations of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force are expected to see a boost with the addition of another aircraft to its air wing.

This aircraft, ‘Alpha 2’, is one of two nine-seater aircrafts in the ABDF’s fleet.

Along with the ‘Alpha 1’, the aircraft is expected to carry out duties including medevac services, movement of troops, humanitarian disaster recovery, and search and rescue efforts, according to Lieutenant Colonel, Alando Michael.

He told Observer that the new addition will allow for versatility as two situations can be remedied simultaneously.

“Let’s say for instance, we had to go to St Lucia, and at the same time we had a call

from Barbuda for a medevac. It now allows us the versatility to be in two places at once,” the lieutenant colonel said.

Another role of the aircrafts is to transport heads of government when there are no commercial flights available, he indicated.

The services of the air wing are not limited to Antigua and Barbuda but are extended to the 11 other countries of the Regional Security System (RSS).

“It isn’t only when Antigua and Barbuda need it, but other countries in the RSS need an aircraft for one reason

or another,” the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Lionel ‘Max’ Hurst, said in the postCabinet press briefing yesterday.

An air wing is essentially a military’s aircraft unit that may have dozens of aircrafts.

A medevac refers to the transportation of a sick or injured person to a hospital via a helicopter or plane.

The RSS was established in the early 1980s with the purpose of ensuring the stability and wellbeing of member countries while fostering regional security.

It is comprised of 12 countries: Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Barbados, according to Lieutenant Colonel Michael.

Government open to negotiations with Alfa Nero’s second highest bidder

The government says it is open to negotiations with the second highest bidder for the Alfa Nero superyachtbut not under a legal dispute.

“The government of Antigua and Barbuda is willing to negotiate with Mr Halle but it will be on different terms … and those terms have not yet been fully determined,” Lionel Hurst, Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office, remarked during Friday’s post-Cabinet press briefing.

In July, Warren Halle, a US real estate entrepreneur, filed a lawsuit against the government, alleging that he

had been unfairly denied the right to acquire the Alfa Nero vessel. Under the agreement of the June auction, Halle should have acquired the boat after the seven-day deadline passed

for the winning bidder to send the funds.

Halle’s lawsuit seeks USD$5,683,000 in damages for breach of contract and outstanding payments related to his attempt to secure

the yacht.

Hurst asserted that the government views certain claims made in Halle’s lawsuit as “unjustified.” However, he refrained from providing further details, emphasising that discussing the matter in public could potentially harm their legal position.

He stated, “the less said the better”, saying that the government’s pronouncements on the matter in the past have been used against it to support “more than one court case”.

Even with litigations hanging over its head, the government is insistent on selling the former Russianowned vessel promptly.

“We want to get rid of the Alfa Nero as quickly as

Page 4 Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer
The new aircraft will assist with search and rescue efforts, among other things (Photo courtesy Arnulf Husmo/Getty Images) The luxurious Alfa Nero has been slowly falling into disrepair while litigation limps on

possible and we want to ensure that all the liabilities it incurred since being moored here in Antigua and Barbuda can be addressed by the sale price, and that some leftovers for the difficulties faced by Antigua and Barbuda will be forthcoming,” Hurst explained.

One pressing concern has been the safety of the Alfa Nero should Antigua experience a severe storm, particularly as September is considered the peak hurricane month. Hurst, however, claimed that the vessel’s current mooring location at Falmouth Harbour is secure.

“Falmouth Harbour has 24-hour watch, and it’s in nobody’s way. Moreover, it

can refuel at Falmouth Harbour, which is a very important part of why it is there,” he explained.

“We have no idea what some of the evil plans are of some of the people who may have come to the conclusion that they lost their $100 million vessel as a consequence of no bad action on their part, and therefore what kinds of resources they might plough into receiving it unlawfully,” he added.

Additionally, the government has been bearing the cost of maintaining the Alfa Nero and paying the wages of the crew on board.

Nevertheless, as the vessel remains moored for an extended period, concerns

about its gradual deterioration persist.

Last Thursday, Port Manager Darwin Telemaque disclosed that the Alfa Nero had undergone a short sea trial following repairs carried out.

Telemaque said the captain was conducting tests to assess the vessel’s mobility in preparation for adverse weather conditions, which are not currently a threat.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt submitted the winning bid for the vessel in the June 16 auction, offering US$67.6 million. He later withdrew the bid due to ongoing legal delays.

Halle had submitted a slightly lower bid of US$66 million.

The Alfa Nero was acquired by the government in April, after being abandoned in the country’s waters for more than a year. The government currently bears the expenses related to the vessel, including fuel and crew members’ salaries, at a cost of US$28,000 per week.

Meanwhile, the sale continues to be contested in court, with Yulia GuryevaMotlokhov claiming to be the yacht’s rightful owner. Guryeva-Motlokhov, the daughter of sanctioned Russian oligarch Andrey Guryev, asserts ownership through a trust that holds a 100 percent share in the BVIbased firm, Flying Dutchman Limited.

Rotaract helps offer the gift of education

More than 100 primary schoolchildren benefited from fully-stocked back-toschool bags thanks to the Ro taract Club of Antigua.

The club’s Community Service Committee, led by Director Romancier Ed wards, had set in motion a robust programme designed for the success of local youngsters.

In recognition of Basic Education and Literacy Month, the club carried out a project called “Supplying Success” in which children across Antigua were equipped with school sup plies and interactive reading opportunities.

“A fully packed back pack lies at the core of a child’s opportunity to en gage with the materials learned in the classroom and to apply what they learned outside the classroom,” a re lease said.

“Distinctly, Rotaract Club’s supply of 100 school bags to students across school zones ensures a greater impact on each child’s motivation and confi-

dence, which is beyond any price tag. The bags consisted of exercise books, crayons, pens, pencils, rulers, binders,

The club partnered with

the Ministry of Education and various schools

Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer Page 5
erasers, sharpeners, glues, and pencil cases, with bonus giveaways of lunch bags.” which provided lists of students who were most vulnerable. The backpacks were given out at various locations (Photo contributed)
Page 6 Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer

Observer Lifestyle: A Taste Of Cultures

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A Taste of Cultures

INTRODUCING our new look Saturday

Observer Newsco prides itself on being a brand that delivers instant, ground-breaking news to your 昀ngertips, locally, regionally and internationally.

As times change, we have all had to 昀nd ways to adapt to the current economy.

We are ready to raise our bar that bit further with our new weekend edition. Published each Saturday, Observer Lifestyle will combine vibrant features with human interest stories to inspire, motivate and enhance the reader experience.

Antigua and Barbuda is a nation packed with dynamic achievers, and strong and

newspaper

resilient people blessed with unique skills and talents. We aim to showcase some of them each Saturday.

The weekends are here to kick back, unwind and have some fun. This Saturday’s ‘Taste of Cultures’ is the 昀rst of our features designed to put a spotlight on our twin island nation and all it has to offer from the wonderful people from across the world who call it home. With this comes a vast selection of beautiful spices, dishes and drinks. So get your tastebuds ready for a culinary extravaganza and enjoy a gastronomic trip around the globe.

3 Observer Lifestyle: A Taste Of Cultures

Delectable dishes & C

relaxed vibe atDarkwood

lyde George has been serving up delicious fare to locals, tourists and cruise ship visitors alike since the 1980s over at the wonderful Darkwood Beach Bar and Restaurant.

It’s a spot he, his son Shelmore and the rest of the family, who originate from the south side of Antigua close to Darkwood Beach, call home.

The breathtaking location along with its combination of Antiguan, international and seafood dishes have earned the family worldwide recognition.

Shelmore loves his work – and is proud of the diverse menu the restaurant has on offer.

Darkwood Beach Bar and Restaurant is nestled on one of Antigua’s most stunning stretches of coastline,

attracting holidaymakers from across the globe. Shelmore says that meeting new people and seeing the reactions on their faces as they tuck into their food is what really makes his day.

Got a day off work, visiting the island on holiday, or on business? The bar and restaurant are open each day from 9am to 6.30pm.

The signature dish of local lobster with garlic butter

4 Observer Lifestyle: A Taste Of Cultures

sauce is sure to whet your appetite and has been given 昀ve stars, winning hands down as the in-house all-time favourite.

Local juice drinks are available in an abundance of island 昀avours and can be topped off with the bar’s famous pina colada fused with dark rum, a special creation credited to Mummy George.

People return to Darkwood not only because of its scrumptious menu, but also for its family-friendly and easygoing vibe.

If you’re planning to pop over to Darkwood, tell the Georges you read about them in Observer Lifestyle to get 5% off your breakfast or lunch.

Observer Lifestyle: A Taste Of Cultures

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[ ]
Shelmore loves his work – and is proud of the diverse menu the restaurant has on offer

Jamaican Ackee Saltfish And

A hearty dish for any time of the day

Observer Lifestyle: A Taste Of Cultures

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Tishon was inspired to move to Antigua from her native Jamaica, bringing her son with her, after hearing of the island’s unique qualities through a friend.

She has since started her own cleaning business and loves the opportunity to meet kindred spirits from across the world through her work.

A self-confessed foodie, Tishon enjoys many types of dishes. But when she’s not working, she loves to cook traditional Jamaican ackee and salt昀sh. She usually has this dish with fried dumpling and fried plantain.

This hearty dish is packed with 昀avours and is ideal for when she invites friends over to her home.

Ackee and salt昀sh can be

eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s also perfect for a packed lunch at the beach, enjoyed with an ice-cold local beer.

YOU WILL NEED:

1tsp black pepper

1 small sweet pepper, julienne

1 can Grace ackee in brine, drained

1tsp scotch bonnet pepper, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 medium tomato, chopped

1tbsp vegetable oil

2 spring onions, chopped

Half a pound of salted cod

2 cloves garlic, chopped

Thyme to taste

Put the salted cod in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil, then boil for 昀ve minutes, drain and add fresh cold water to cover.

Repeat this process until you’re happy with the saltiness when tasted; generally

speaking, boil the 昀sh three times in total for a perfect balance of salt in the 昀sh. Drain and leave to cool. Use a fork to shred the salted cod into pieces and set aside.

Pour the vegetable oil into a frying pan and place over a high heat. Once the oil is sizzling hot, turn the heat down to low-medium. Add the onion, garlic, spring onions and scotch bonnet, then cook until soft, for around 昀ve to seven minutes.

Add the salted cod, dash in some black pepper and thyme, then mix it together and cook for around three minutes.

Add the sweet pepper and tomato. Mix together and cook for two to three minutes. Add in the ackee and dash in a little more black pepper. The ackee is soft so it’s important to fold it in very gently.

Simmer for three to 昀ve minutes before serving.

7 Observer Lifestyle: A Taste Of Cultures

Observer Lifestyle: A Taste Of Cultures

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DELECTABLE DUCANA

AND HOW TO MAKE IT

Antiguan-born Olivia grew up in Swetes village. She is now retired, and spends her free time looking after her grandchildren, gardening and enjoying days out with the family.

Olivia also loves to cook and is truly passionate about food. She has travelled a lot over the years, which has given her the opportunity to sample a vast range of dishes.

But there is one dish that she still rates above all others: Antiguan ducana. Olivia likes to make ducana at Easter, as well as at weekends when she’s in the mood for something tasty but not too heavy.

She says ducana is great for the kids too as it 昀lls them up quickly and can be enjoyed as part of a meal or just as a snack.

As a culinary veteran, Olivia doesn’t use measurements, but says ducana is very easy to make and that any local will be happy to help out if needed.

• Grated sweet potatoes (pumpkin optional)

• Grated dry coconut

• Flour

• Sugar

• Salt to taste

• Cinnamon

• Ground nutmeg

• Black pepper (optional)

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Add water to desired consistency. Spoon equal portions of the mixture onto preserved banana or grape leaves. Wrap with foil to seal. Allow water to boil, then add ducana. Cook for about 75 minutes.

Remove from pot, allow to cool and set, then serve.

9 Observer Lifestyle: A Taste Of Cultures

Swiss soul

in the heart of Antigua

10 Observer Lifestyle: A Taste Of Cultures

Silvana

It’s almost three decades since Silvana Moses and her family decided to relocate to her husband’s birthplace of Antigua and Barbuda. She has since made the island nation her home, bringing with her some traditional dishes from her native Switzerland, along with Italy where her father hails from.

Silvana is a 昀orist by profession but learned to cook as a child from helping out in the family kitchen and loves to cook up a storm whenever she gets the chance.

As a child, Sundays were a special family day and would start with a breakfast of butterzopf –a type of Swiss braided bread – with jam, butter and cheese.

To make butterzopf at home you will need:

• 500g 昀our

• 40g yeast

• 50g sugar

• 1tsp salt

• 2 eggs

• 125 ml milk

• 1 egg yolk for brushing

Mix all the ingredients except the egg yolk to a nice, smooth dough and leave it for one hour before forming it, brushing with the egg yolk and baking in the oven.

Tuesdays and Fridays were often pie day. Leek, spinach and cheese was a family favourite.

To make the pie dough you will need:

• 250g 昀our

• 1tsp salt

• 125g butter

• 100ml water

Mix everything into a smooth dough.

Cut the spinach into 昀ne pieces and boil in salt water. Chop an onion and some bacon and fry together.

Roll out the dough and place it on a baking tray. Mix the spinach with the onion, add an egg and some cheese and lay it on the dough.

Bake for 20-30 minutes at 250-300 Celsius. Enjoy.

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is a 昀orist by profession but learned to cook as a child from helping out in the family kitchen

POPular:

Plant-based, guilt-free and delicious

12 Observer Lifestyle: A Taste Of Cultures

What’s food without a thirst-quenching drink to top it off?

POPular is a wellness brand founded by Roquell Millington, who is originally from Guyana but has lived in Antigua since the age of 10.

Over the years she has worked as a bartender at some of Antigua’s 昀nest restaurants.

POPular was launched just a few months ago to coincide with Antigua Sailing Week 2023. The initial range of eight 昀avours of popsicles has now soared to more than 20, and the brand also features sorbets, cocktails, mocktails, probiotics, smoothies and more.

Roquell’s services are always expanding, and she is currently offering private and corporate bar services, plus personalised bottled and labelled beverages and popsicles.

Her handcrafted products are 100 percent plant-based, local, and natural. Guilty pleasures become totally guilt-free. POPular thrives on creativity and all products are customisable. Roquell invites you to play with combinations of different products and see how they work together. The possibilities are limitless, she says. There’s never a dull moment and never a bad mix.

For more information, call Roquell on 775-5111.

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Her handcrafted products are 100 percent plantbased, local, and natural. Guilty pleasures become totally guilt-free.

Observer Lifestyle: A Taste Of Cultures

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The vast potential of the human spirit GUEST Opinion

With hope and courage, we must rise to the challenges before us. We must rise to the challenge of a world set afire by climate change, forced displacement, armed conflicts and human rights abuses. We must rise to the challenge of girls being denied their right to an education in Afghanistan. We must rise to the challenge of a global refugee crisis that is disrupting development gains the world over. We must rise to the challenge of brutal and unconscionable wars in places like Sudan and Ukraine that are putting millions of children at risk every day.

By ensuring every single child has access to quality education and embracing the vast potential of the human spirit – especially the 224 million girls and boys caught in emergencies and protracted crises that so urgently need our support –we can rise to this challenge. It’s a chance for persons with disabilities like Sammy in Colombia to find a nurturing place to learn and grow, it’s a chance for girls that have been forced into child marriage like Ajak in South Sudan to resume control of their lives, it’s a chance for refugees like Jannat in Bangladesh to find hope and dignity once more.

As Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the United Nations global fund for education in emergencies, has successfully completed its first strategic plan period and now enters its second strategic period, we are seeing time and again the power of education in propelling global efforts to deliver on the promises outlined in the 2030 Agenda

for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and other crucial international frameworks. By ensuring quality holistic education for the world’s most marginalised and vulnerable children in crisis settings, we invest in human capital, transform economies, ensure human rights, and build a more peaceful and more sustainable future for all.

The achievements outlined in ECW tell a story of a breakout global fund moving with strength, speed and agility, while achieving quality. Together with a growing range of strategic partners, ECW reached 4.2 million children in 2022 alone. It was also the first time girls represented more than half of the children reached by ECW’s investments, including 53% of girls at the secondary level, which is a significant milestone in achieving the aspirational target of 60% girls reached. Now in its sixth year of operation, ECW has reached a total of 8.8 million children and adolescents with the safety, power and opportunity of a quality, inclusive education. An additional 32.2 million children and adolescents were reached with targeted interventions during the Covid19 pandemic.

We are also seeing a global advocacy movement reaching critical mass, together with stronger political commitment and increased financing for the sector. In 2022, funding for education in emergencies was higher than ever before. Total avail-

able funding has grown by more than 57% over just three years – from US$699 million in 2019 to more than US$1.1 billion in 2022.

However, the needs have also skyrocketed over this same period. Funding asks for education in emergencies within humanitarian appeals have nearly tripled from US$1.1 billion in 2019 to almost US$3 billion at the end of 2022. This means that while donors are stepping up, the funding gap has actually widened, and only 30% of education in emergencies requirements were funded in 2022.

With support from key donors – including Ger-

many, the United Kingdom and the United States, as the top-three contributors among 25 in total, such as visionary private sector partners like The LEGO Foundation – US$826 million was announced at the ECW High-Level Financing Conference in early 2023. Collective resource mobilization efforts from all partners and stakeholders at global, regional, and country levels also helped unlock an additional US$842 million of funding for education incountry, which was contributed in alignment with ECW’s Multi-Year Resilience Programmes in 22 countries, and thus illustrates strong

Page 26 Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer

“Meh ongliest hope dat dis new Fort James projeck lef lickle space fuh arweya.”

coordination by strategic donor partners who work in affected emergencies and protracted crises-contexts.

We must rise to this challenge by finding new and innovative ways to finance education. To date, some of ECW’s largest and prospective bilateral and multilateral donors have not yet committed funding for the full 2023–2026 period, and there remains a gap in funding from the private sector, foundations and philanthropic donors. In the first half of 2023, ECW faces a funding gap of approximately $670

million to fully finance results under the Strategic Plan, 2023–2026, to reach more than 20 million children over the next three years.

The investments will address the diverse impacts of crisis on education through child-centred approaches that are tailored to the needs of specific groups affected by crisis, such as children with disabilities, girls, refugees, and vulnerable children in host communities. These investments entail academic learning, social and emotional learning, sports, arts, combined with mental

health and psycho-social services, school feeding, water and sanitation, as well as a protection component.

Since ECW became operational, we have withstood the cataclysmic forces of a global pandemic, a rise in armed conflicts that have disrupted social and economic security the world over, the unconscionable denial of education for girls in Afghanistan, floods and droughts made ever-more devastating by climate change, and other crises that are derailing efforts to deliver on the Sustainable De-

velopment Goals.

Now is the time to come together as one people, one planet to address the challenges before us. Now is the time to embrace the vast potential of the human spirit. With education for all, we can make sure girls like Sammy, Ajak and Jannat are able to reach their full potential, we can build a better world for generations to come. (Inter Press Service)

Thoughts and views expressed in guest opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Observer Newsco, its management or staff.

Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer Page 27

Our Neighbours

JAMAICA: Suspected serial killer in Jamaica was a good Christian boy, neighbours say

Kingston - Ronaldo Ricketts, the suspected serial killer that struck fear into the heart of Montego Bay, a prime tourist destination in Jamaica, was described by neighbours as a “decent, Christian boy.”

This narrative sharply contrasts with the image now painted by local authorities. According to them, Ricketts, 25, fits the chilling description of a “serial killer.”

Reports are that Ricketts, who detectives arrested, may be responsible for the murder of four individuals since

July. It was the violent abduction and subsequent attempted rape of a woman on August 30 that led to Ricketts’ capture.

He allegedly stabbed all of his victims to death and has reportedly confessed to the gruesome murders.

A neighbour, reflecting on the situation, told the Jamaica Observer: “His parents are decent people; father decent, mother decent. I don’t know why he’s doing this to his parents.”

“I know him as a Chris-

tian, decent boy. He went to Barracks Road Primary and he then went to Herbert Morrison Technical where he passed a number of subjects.”

The weight of these allegations has deeply affected Ricketts’ family, leaving his parents “devastated.”

Reports are that the first known victim was an unidentified woman, believed to be in her 60s. Her lifeless body, bearing multiple stab wounds, was discovered on Jimmy Cliff Blvd on July 28.

It is reported that a later victim, Leonardo Lewis, 20, also known by the nicknames ‘Raheem’ or ‘Ackeem’, was tragically found by

neighbours on August 9. He was found with stab wounds and succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

Ricketts has also been charged with the murders of two homeless men. Mark Thompson was stabbed to death on August 19 while the second homeless man, slain on July 28, has not been identified.

Detectives have also begun to connect Ricketts to five other unsolved cases involving the deaths of homeless men.

Ricketts, who appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday is to undergo psychiatric evaluation. (Caribbean National Weekly)

TRINIDAD: Let’s celebrate our diversity

Port of Spain - Days after her crowning as Miss Grand T&T sparked outrage amid questions of her eligibility, Venezuelan Mileidy Materano, the beauty queen caught up in the firestorm, has broken her silence.

“I cover every criteria necessary by the international body,” Materano, 29, said in response to questions from the Express.

At yesterday’s post Cabinet retreat news conference at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley was asked his thoughts on Materano representing this country on a world stage. He responded that there’s a lot he can say but will say nothing.

On Sunday, Materano

was crowned Miss Grand T&T, becoming the first Venezuelan national chosen to represent T&T at the Miss Grand International pageant in Vietnam on October 25. Her victory was quickly overshadowed by controversy as questions about her eligibility swirled and picked up pace. People took to Facebook to argue that Materano is not a citizen of T&T and therefore does not meet the criteria. In the days following the pageant, Stolen Productions Ltd— the franchise responsible for the Miss Grand T&T—released a statement defending the judges’ decision.

Materano said she expected some to have strong opinions about a Venezuelan national representing T&T at

an international pageant but says people must come together as one people and in love. She added that she is more overwhelmed by the voices of support and encouragement which she has received. She said this country’s multiculturalism should unite, not divide.

“I advocate for multicultural unity and I do this because in this world of such division, if we combine our strengths no matter our birth country, we will solve most issues and perhaps begin a way forward to world peace,” said Materano.

“It is so important to me to try to use this platform to unite all. Trinidad is my home. I am happy to have been accepted with open arms and I

have fell (sic) in love with the warmth of its people. That is the Trinidad I wish to show to the world, starting in Vietnam.”

Materano said she does not want to think that this controversy surrounding her selection as Miss Grand T&T has anything to do with discrimination but more about misunderstanding.

“It is my belief that discrimination is not inherent to us as people (sic), it can be taught and learned through various influences, such as upbringing, social environment and cultural factors. I need Trinidad and Tobago to understand that it is my desire to celebrate our diversity. I will represent this country, my home, with all that I have and

Page 28 Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer
“Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?” [The Shadow] (Photo courtesy Caribbean National Weekly)

with every intention of becoming your ambassador for multicultural unity internationally,” she said.

Being crowned a beauty queen has been a lifelong dream for Materano who is the owner and operator of her

own registered business Glamour and Beauty M.M. The Miss Grand T&T is her first ever pageant. She said as a child she always wanted to be on stage, to dance, sing and express her views. The entrepreneur comes from Zulia and

from a family of three.

“I left Venezuela more than six years ago due to very unfortunate circumstances and came to Trinidad to seek a better life. Trinidad has become my home and it has helped me to shape my values

and realise all my dreams. I have fallen in love with its culture, the warmth of the people and how well I have been embraced. I hope to empower others to do the same and with the same passion and purpose,” she said. (Daily Express)

by including all people from all places.

Bridgetown - Barbados

Prime Minister Mia Mottley issued the following statement after it was announced that the African Union was being admitted to the G20:

It is with great joy and optimism that I join my fellow African brothers and sisters across the world to celebrate the African Union’s (AU) admission to participate in the

NOTICE

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION

FORM P7

Rule 15

THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SUPREME COURT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA (Probate)

In the Estate of WALTER RAYMOND ARMSTRONG a.k.a. WALTER RAYMOND ROMIG ARMSTRONG a.k.a. WALTER ROMIG ARMSTRONG a.k.a. WALTER ARMSTRONG

Deceased of Mc Kinnons, in the Parish of Saint John, in the State of Antigua and Barbuda late of 6183 Duford Dr. Mississauga Ontario, Canada, L5V 1A5, Canada

ADVERTISEMENT OF APPLICATION FOR GRANT FIRST PUBLICATION

TAKE NOTICE that an application has been filed by TERRI YOLANDA ARMSTRONG a.k.a. TERRI YOLANDA

ARMSTRONG - KUPFERSCHMIDT of Mc Kinnons, in the Parish of Saint John, in the State of Antigua and Barbuda for a Grant of Letters of Administration to the Applicant who is Daughter of the deceased, the deceased having died intestate on the 19th day of October, 2021. Any person having an objection to the grant of Letters of Administration to the Applicant shall file an objection within fourteen (14) days of the publication of this Notice.

Dated this 13th day of September, 2023

TERRI YOLANDA ARMSTRONGKUPFERSCHMIDT Applicant

Filed by Walter Armstrong Jr. whose address for service is Gunthorpes in the State of Antigua and Barbuda or by email walterarmstrong1960@gmail.com

Group of Twenty (G20) as a permanent member.

That Africa, a continent with a population of 1.3 billion and a strong and rapidly growing economy, now has a seat at the table of this critically important intergovernmental forum, is not only an admission of Africa’s rightful place amongst the world’s prominent economic leaders, but it is a truly significant step towards creating a better tomorrow, by creating a more inclusive and equitable global community today.

I say this moment is one of great joy and optimism, for it was only last year that I spoke

to this very topic as I addressed Ghana and all Africans during Ghana’s 65th Independence Day celebrations in Accra. There, I followed others and yet again called on the world to recognise that the G20 could not remain as it was. It needed to become the G21 and recognise and respect the rise of Africa, and its people, as a global leader.

While long overdue, this invitation is not a moment about boasting or self-disparagement. No, this is a moment where the world, which faces a multiplicity of crises, can now properly address the challenges of today and tomorrow,

This is a good thing. But we cannot dare stop here. The African continent has a major role to play in shaping our shared future, whether it be matters related to the economy, finance, migration, global public health, the climate crisis, poverty alleviation, or sustainable development.

And it is for that reason that Africa must have a seat at not only the G20, but also the United Nations Security Council and any other major global decision-making forum. This is how we will secure the world’s future with an inclusive approach.

Within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), we have understood the importance of this inclusive approach, leading to the strengthening of our relationship with Africa within recent years. This moment is particularly joyful for us as less than a week ago, on September 7, we celebrated Africa – CARICOM Day, recognizing the historical and cultural links that exist between Africa and the Caribbean Community, and reflecting our growing partnership.

Once again, on behalf of Barbados, and I am sure many in the African Diaspora, I celebrate this decision and commend the leaders of the G20 nations for seeing and embracing this vision. It is a step forward that amplifies the voices of African people, and acknowledges the rich diversity, culture, and heritage that they bring to the global stage.

May this G21 be the foundation of greater cooperation and progress, and may it be that beacon of hope the world needs as we go now into an uncertain future. (Black News)

Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer Page 29
BARBADOS: Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley on African Union’s admission to G20: “This is a good thing”

WORLD VIEW

Scientists discover how brain cells die

in Alzheimer’s

UNITED KINGDOM, London (BBC) - Scientists in the UK and Belgium think they have figured out how brain cells die in Alzheimer’s disease.

It has been a mystery and a source of scientific debate for decades.

But the team, writing in the journal Science, connect the abnormal proteins that build up in the brain with “necroptosis” - a form of cellular suicide.

The findings have been described as “cool” and “exciting”, as they give new ideas for treating the disease.

It is the loss of brain cells, called neurons, that lead to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, including memory loss.

And if you look inside the brains of people with the disease you’d see the build-

Li

up of abnormal proteins called amyloid and tau.

But scientists have not been able to join the dots between these key traits of the disease.

This is what the researchers - at the UK’s Dementia Research Institute at University College London and KU Leuven in Belgiumnow think is happening.

They say abnormal amyloid starts to build up in the spaces between neurons, leading to brain inflammation, which the neurons do not like. This starts to change their internal chemistry.

Tangles of tau appear and the brain cells start producing a specific molecule (it’s called MEG3) that triggers death by necroptosis. Necroptosis is one of the methods our bodies normally use to purge unwanted cells

Shangfu:

as fresh ones are made.

The brain cells survived when the team were able to block MEG3.

“This is a very important and interesting finding,” researcher Prof Bart De Strooper, from the UK’s Dementia Research Institute, told the BBC.

“For the first time we get a clue to how and why neurons die in Alzheimer’s disease. There’s been a lot of speculation for 30-40 years, but nobody has been able to pinpoint the mechanisms.

“It really provides strong evidence it’s this specific suicide pathway.”

The answers came from experiments where human brain cells were transplanted into the brains of genetically modified mice. The animals were programmed to produce large quantities of ab-

normal amyloid.

There has been recent success in developing drugs that strip amyloid out of the brain and they mark the first treatments to slow the destruction of brain cells.

Prof De Strooper says the discovery that blocking the MEG3 molecule can hold off brain cell death could lead to a “whole new line of drugs development.”

However, this will take years of research.

Prof Tara Spires-Jones, from the University of Edinburgh and the president of the British Neuroscience Association, told me “that is a cool paper.”

She said it “addresses one of the fundamental gaps in Alzheimer’s research… these are fascinating results and will be important for the field moving forward.”

Top US envoy questions

China defence minister’s absence

CHINA, Beijing (BBC) -

A top US diplomat has questioned the absence of China’s defence minister Li Shangfu, renewing speculation of a possible corruption purge.

General Li has been not seen in public for about two weeks and has reportedly missed several meetings.

Rahm Emanuel, the US envoy to Japan, speculated on Mr Li’s absence, tweeting

that the “unemployment rate” in the Chinese government was very high.

Mr Li’s absence follows recent axings of several top military officials. Citing sources in the US and China, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Mr Li is being removed from his post.

It also comes months after foreign minister Qin

Gang disappeared from public view. Mr Qin’s sudden absence and replacement in July has still not been fully explained.

In Gen Li’s case too, the Chinese government has not said much. When asked about it earlier this week, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman had reportedly said she was “not aware of the situation.”

Gen Li’s last public appearance was three weeks ago - on 29 August - in Beijing at a security forum with African nations. It is not unusual for defence ministers to be absent from the public view for a few weeks.

An aerospace engineer who began his career at a satellite and rocket launch centre, Gen Li has had a smooth ascent through the

Page 30 Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer
“Scientists have apparently found important clues to the Alzheimer’s mystery.” (Photo courtesy BBC)

ranks of the military and Chinese political elite.

Just like Mr Qin, he is said to be a favourite of President Xi Jinping. He is also the second cabinet minister and state councillor, after Mr Qin, to have gone missing in recent months.

Speculation of a military corruption purge first began to mount online in early August when two generals in China’s rocket forces, which control land-based missiles, were replaced. The president of the army’s military court was also removed months after his appointment.

In tweets last week and on Friday, Mr Emanuel highlighted Gen Li’s absence while referring to the disap-

pearance of Mr Qin and the other military officials.

He also pointed out that Gen Li had been a “noshow” for a trip to Vietnam and a Beijing meeting with Singapore’s navy chief recently, alleging that Gen Li could have been placed on house arrest.

The outspoken ambassador, who is known for his colourful tweets, compared the absence to the Agatha Christie mystery, And Then There Were None, and Shakespeare’s Hamlet. “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark,” Mr Emanuel tweeted on Friday.

A Reuters report citing Vietnamese officials said Mr Li had abruptly pulled out of

GLOBE AT A GLANCE

MEXICO - A court in Mexico has convicted 11 expolice officers of killing a group of migrants near the US border in 2021. The bodies of 17 migrants were found in a burnt-out vehicle in the town of Camargo in Tamaulipas state. Investigators say they were killed as part of a turf war between criminal gangs over control of migrant smuggling routes in the area. Every year, thousands of people from Central America attempt to make the long journey to the US through Mexico. A total of 19 bodies were found in the charred vehicle in Camargo in January 2021. Sixteen

were found to be from Guatemala and one from Honduras. The other two bodies were those of Mexican traffickers taking them to the border, investigators said. Forensic tests showed that they were shot dead before being set alight. (BBC)

MOROCCO - The thoughts of one Moroccan schoolteacher immediately turned to her pupils when she felt the 6.8-magnitude earthquake strike a week ago. Nesreen Abu ElFadel was in Marrakesh - but Adaseel, the mountain village that was home to her school and pupils, was closer to the epicentre. The Arabic-

a meeting last week with Vietnamese defence leaders who were told the Chinese general had a “health condition.”

Singapore’s navy chief Sean Wat had visited China and met military officials last week. The BBC has asked the Singaporean navy to confirm Mr Emanuel’s allegation.

Mr Qin’s disappearance, now coming to three months, was also chalked up to “health conditions” and has been widely speculated to be linked to a corruption purge as well. He has since been removed from his post.

Chinese officials are said to rarely miss top meetings for health reasons as they regularly undergo rigorous

medical tests.

Gen Li is not without controversy. In 2018, when he headed the equipment development arm of the military, he was sanctioned by the US government over China’s purchases of Russian combat aircraft and arms.

The sanctions were thought to be a sticking point for Gen Li, who refused to meet his US counterpart Lloyd Austin at a Singapore defence summit earlier this year.

Observers say that Gen Li’s disappearance once again shows the opacity of Chinese political leadership, while also underscoring the shakiness of some of Mr Xi’s decisions.

seen here before the earthquake - as “angels” They were among the almost3,000 people killed by the strongest earthquake ever recorded in Morocco, which struck on the evening of 8 September. (BBC)

SOUTH SUDAN -

and French-language teacher returned to Adaseel where she went searching for the children. She discovered that all 32 - ranging from six to 12 years old - had died. “I went to the village and started asking about my kids: ‘Where is Somaya? Where is Youssef? Where is this girl? Where is that boy?’ The answer came hours later: ‘They are all dead.’ “I imagined holding my class’s attendance sheet and putting a line through one student’s name after another, until I had scratched off 32 names; they are all now dead,” she told the BBC. Ms ElFadel describes her lost students -

Pressure is mounting on Juba’s acting mayor to resign after he was allegedly caught on camera slapping a female street vendor. The latest criticism comes from the Chamber of Commerce in Central Equatoria State, who say Emmanuel Khamis Richard acted in an “uncivilised way.” Their letter also says vendors deserve respect as “people who are hustling in order to make ends meet” and “put food on the table.” In footage posted on social media, it appears Mr Khamis slapped the female vendor with his right hand while holding a pistol in his left hand at one of the capital city’s roundabouts. The video went viral earlier this week. The mayor has not commented since, and remains in post despite public condemnation and a letter from MPs unanimously calling for his removal. (BBC)

Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer Page 31

Spanish players to continue women’s national team boycott until FA undergoes more changes

general secretary and presidency cabinet; a new media department; new thinking about the integrity department.

Most of Vilda’s coaching staff resigned and some 81 players refused to play for Spain until Rubiales stepped down, which he did so on Sunday.

Tome, who was Vilda’s assistant manager, has become the first woman to hold the position of Spain women’s boss. The Spanish government has assured players that changes will take place and there will be a greater representation of women in the Federation.

A total of 39 Spanish women’s players - including 21 of the 23 members of the World Cup-winning squadsay they will continue their boycott of the national team until more changes take place at the country’s football federation.

Spain’s World Cup win

last month was overshadowed by the federation’s president Luis Rubiales kissing forward Jenni Hermoso after the final.

The fallout led to Rubiales’ resignation.

Head coach Jorge Vilda also was sacked.

Vilda’s successor Montse Tome was due to pick her first

squad on Friday, but a scheduled news conference was postponed.

According to a statement from the players, they are calling for: A restructuring of the Spanish football federation; Resignation of the temporary president; a different organisation of women’s football, new

Rubiales has been banned from going within 200m of footballer Jenni Hermoso, who has said the kiss was not consensual, after the 33-yearold filed a legal complaint last week.

Appearing in court for the first time on Friday, Rubiales denied sexually assaulting Hermoso. (BBC Sport)

Page 32 Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer
Spain’s World Cup win last month was overshadowed by the federation’s president Luis Rubiales kissing forward Jenni Hermoso after the final

Stuart MacGill: Australian cricket star charged over drug supply plot

Former Australian star cricketer Stuart MacGill has been charged over his alleged role in a large cocaine supply plot.

Police arrested the 52year-old, who played 44 Test matches for Australia, in Sydney on Tuesday.

Their investigation was sparked when MacGill was allegedly abducted and beaten in 2021.

The former spinner is yet to enter a plea but has previously denied being involved in supplying drugs.

MacGill made global headlines in April 2021 after telling police he was confronted and forced into a car in the Sydney suburb of Cremorne.

He was allegedly driven to a remote site on the city’s outskirts, where he says he was assaulted and threatened at gunpoint, before being driven to a third location and released.

MacGill sustained minor injuries in the alleged inci-

dent but did not require medical care.

In an interview following the alleged abduction, MacGill said “I’ve done nothing wrong” and police at the time said he was “purely” a victim.

Six people - including

his then-partner’s brotherhave been charged over the incident.

But after a two-year probe, police have now also charged MacGill with taking part in the supply of a large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug.

Local media have reported the alleged deal involved more than $300,000 of cocaine.

MacGill has been released on bail and will return to court on 26 October.

At one point ranked the world’s second-best bowler, behind his team-mate Shane Warne, MacGill was a spinner for the national team between 1998 and 2008. (BBC Sport)

Rubiales given Spanish restraining order over World Cup kiss

A judge has banned Spain’s ex-football chief Luis Rubiales from going within 200 meters of footballer Jenni Hermoso.

Prosecutors asked for the restraining order as the national court in Madrid considered a criminal complaint of sexual assault and coercion.

Appearing in court for the first time, Rubiales denied sexually assaulting Hermoso by kissing her on the lips after Spain’s Women’s World Cup win.

Hermoso’s lawyer was adamant it was a “non-consensual kiss.”

Rubiales resigned his position as head of the football federation (RFEF) earlier this week and appeared in a closed court session on Friday to deny two criminal offences.

Judge Francisco de Jorge was asked to bar him from approaching within 500 meters (1,600ft) of Jenni Hermoso or from communicating with her.

He later agreed to the order but placed restrictions

at 200 meters (650ft), adding that Rubiales should not contact the player during the investigation.

A further request that he should appear before the judge every 15 days was rejected.

Spain won the Women’s World Cup in Australia on 20 August, but the team’s success has been overshadowed ever since by Rubiales’s actions during the celebrations after the final whistle.

He arrived in court in a black suit and white shirt, and spent a reported 45 minutes

being questioned by the judge.

After denying the allegations against him, he left the court alongside his lawyer Olga Tubau.

Rubiales has maintained that when he held her head in his hands and kissed her on the lips it was mutual and consensual. He eventually resigned on Sunday as president of the federation, declaring: “I have faith in the truth and I will do everything in my power so that it prevails.”

Hermoso, 33, says that

she did not consent to the kiss. Prosecutors submitted her initial complaint of sexual assault and added one of coercion, arguing that he had put pressure on the Spain forward to come to his defence amid uproar in the days after the kiss.

Outside court, her lawyer Carla Vall said that everyone had seen what had happened: “We can say precisely that thanks to [these images], and thanks to social change and changes in the law, we can show that Rubiales had a complete lack of consent.”

Spain’s left-wing government reformed laws on consent in the past two years after a notorious gang-rape case in 2016 that led to five men being cleared of rape.

Under the so-called “Only Yes is Yes” law, a nonconsensual kiss can be considered an offence of sexual assault, so Rubiales could face a fine or even a jail sentence if the case goes to trial and he is found guilty. (BBC Sport)

Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer Page 33
Former Australian star cricketer, Stuart MacGill Luis Rubiales has denied allegations of sexual assault and coercion

St Lucia Kings inflict defeat on Amazon Warriors to book spot in CPL playoffs

The Saint Lucia Kings confirmed their place in the 2023 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) Playoffs following a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The Amazon Warriors won the toss and opted to bat first and it was a decision that was to backfire as the innings never really got going until the final five overs. Despite some late power hitting the Amazon Warriors could only post 167-5 which appeared subpar at first glance.

That proved to be correct as the Saint Lucia Kings confirmed that by chasing down the 168 to win with 15 balls remaining.

Earlier the Amazon Warriors suffered a slow start as

Matthew Nandu was run out for three inside the PowerPlay and that setback contributed to the Warriors only reaching 35-1 at the end of the initial six overs.

That sedate start was difficult for the home side to overcome as the CPL’s top run scorer, Saim Ayub, fell for 16 in the ninth over with

the score on 50-2.

However, Shai Hope and Azam Khan then Khan and Shimron Hetmyer helped rebuild the innings before late fireworks from Keemo Paul and Romario Shepherd ensured 72 runs were added in the final five overs to set the Kings 168 to win.

Head Coach Shane Deitz wants West Indies Women to bring back ‘calypso cricket’

“Calypso cricket” is what head coach of the West Indies Women’s team, Shane Deitz, wants his team to play going forward.

The Australian 47-yearold, who was appointed in July this year, believes that the West Indies will have to play a more attacking brand of cricket to compete with the best teams in the world.

“The brand of cricket I want us to play is definitely the traditional West Indian ‘calypso’ brand of attacking, taking it to the opposition and getting on the front foot. It’s the way I’ve always coached cricket around the world and that’s not going to change here,” Deitz said in a press conference on Tuesday.

“It’s a style of play that I think is effective so the players will definitely be getting the message that we’re here to win and we’re going to win

by playing attacking, freeflowing cricket,” he added.

The former Vanuatu and Netherlands Women head coach believes the implementation of this new philosophy will take time, but will be worth it in the end.

“It may take a little bit of time to really adjust to or a few skillset upgrades in players but we’ll work towards that so they’ve got the ability to play that style of cricket and I think that’s the most successful brand of cricket around the world,” he said.

“Australia play it at the moment in women’s cricket and are consistently getting over 300 in ODIs and 160 to 180 in T20Is so we’re definitely going to follow that method and play that style of cricket and play the Caribbean way,” added Deitz.

Deitz will get his first opportunity to see the team in a

competitive outing when they embark on a tour of Australia for three ODIs and three T20Is from September 30-October 14.

He says this will be a great opportunity to see some of the players first-hand against some world-class opposition.

“I’ve only been here for the WCPL to see them live so I think this tour to Australia will be a great opportunity for me to see the players firsthand against the world’s best and a team that has dominated women’s cricket around the world,” he said.

“This is a great test for us and a way for me to see the reality of where we’re at, what we need to work on and what areas we need to improve so we can formulate a long-term plan to work on players to get them up to that world class, elite level and challenge Aus-

That 168 proved to be well under par as the Kings made easy work of the chase.

Although Johnson Charles fell for one in the second over that was to be as good as it got for the Amazon Warriors as Colin Munro and Bhanuka Rajapaksa put on a devastating partnership of 132 runs from 82 balls.

Rajapaksa holed out for 86 to deep mid-wicket and Munro followed shortly after for 55, but the job was done. It allowed Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza to see the chase home with three overs remaining.

The win ensures the Kings qualify for the playoffs with one game to spare.

Scores: Saint Lucia Kings 170-3 (Rajapaksa 86, Munro 55; Shepherd 1-15, Tahir 134) beat Guyana Amazon Warriors 167-5 (Khan 40, Hope 38; Joseph 2-31, Raza 1-14) by seven wickets. (www.sportsmax.tv)

tralia, England and India who have been challenging for World Cups,” Deitz added.

As for the nucleus of his team going forward, Deitz pointed to current skipper Hayley Matthews, former captain Stafanie Taylor and all-rounder, Chinelle Henry.

“Obviously we’ve got a few players who are near the top of the world rankings with Hayley (Matthews) and Stafanie (Taylor). (Chinelle) Henry is also showing signs of being an elite level cricketer,” he said. (www.sportsmax.tv)

Page 34 Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer
Another Guyana wicket falls Shane Deitz

Jerry Roberts: Drag racing head says proposed track upgrades to be submitted to government

President of the Antigua and Barbuda Drag Racing Association (ABDRA), Jerry Roberts, said the body is preparing a proposal for the upgrading of the North Sound Raceway, which they will present to the government within the next two weeks.

Speaking on the Good Morning Jojo sports show, Roberts revealed that the track is in need of “upgrades” as they seek to provide the best possible facility amidst the constant evolution of cars and the speed at which they travel.

“In motorsports the cars are getting faster and faster event for event so we have made a proposal and up to yesterday [Wednesday] we were asked by the powers that be to please put forward another proposal for upgrades to the facility. We are now working on that to put it to the prime minister to try and get some work done up there. We all know, people who race, that the track has challenges but we are lucky enough to have the

facility but it needs some upgrades now,” he said.

First opened in 2014 under the name Staddaco, and under the presidency of Lisa Abraham, the track has gone through a number of changes, but is still in need of crucial upgrades.

Roberts listed a number of areas in need of urgent attention.

“Resurfacing of the track, the straightening of it and barriers is a big thing in terms of side barriers for safety reasons,

a return lane and restroom facilities. When I put up my name to be president that was one of the things I campaigned on, and we’ve had offers from two corporate citizens to help us do this, do that, but it hasn’t come through yet so we’re still trying,” he said.

The president is hoping that the facility could get the attention of a professional in the field.

“To get that thing done the way it should be done, and this is just me speaking, it requires

expertise from somebody who has done something like this before. It’s not just a road, it was gifted to us as a road, so we used a road to do our racing on, but a racetrack requires a little more planning, so we’re lucky so far. Hopefully soon, and that’s all I will say, because I don’t want to put a timeframe to it, but it has to be soon,” Roberts said.

The Prime Minister’s Cup, in August, was the last major drag racing event held at the track.

1973: Buffalo running back OJ Simpson rushes for a then NFL record 250 yards in the Bills, 31-13 win at New England.

1988: Restored to the captaincy, Javed Miandad proved yet again what a master batter he was, by hitting 211 against Australia in Karachi. After putting on 196 with Shoaib Mohammad (94), he declared at 469 for 9. Australia, dismissed for 165 and 116, lost by an innings and

188. It was the fifth of Javed’s six Test double-centuries.

1995: Greg Maddux of Braves sets record of 17 consecutive road victories.

2000: Sammy Sosa becomes the second player to hit 50 or more home runs in three consecutive years, joining Mark McGwire.

2018: An unbeaten 68 by Colin Munro brought Trinbago Knight Riders their third CPL title when they beat Guyana Amazon Warriors

in the final, in Tarouba. The match was a bit of a New Zealand special: Luke Ronchi made a brisk 44 for Warriors before Brendon McCullum opened TKR’s innings with a quick 39, setting the stage for Munro to finish things off. Warriors finished bridesmaids for the fourth time in the tournament’s six-year history.

2018: Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes sets an NFL record of 10 touch-

downs in first 2 weeks of a season, torching Pittsburgh’s secondary with 6 TD passes; leads Chiefs to 42-37 victory on the road.

2020: LeBron James is named to the All-NBA first team, the 16th time he was named to an All-NBA team in his career. In doing so, James moved past NBA legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant for the most All-NBA selections in a career.

Saturday, September 16, 2023 THE DAILY Observer Page 35
The North Sound Raceway is located just east of the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Public Told to Steer Clear of YMCA Amid Revamp Ahead of Netball Series

The public is being urged to steer clear of the YMCA Sports Complex as rehabilitation work commenced at the facility on Friday.

Deputy Director of

Sport, Evan Jones, said the popular venue will remain closed to the public leading into the ECCB International Netball Series slated to shoot off on September 29 here at the said venue.

“We are in full flight as we speak now, and the court

is being painted as are the stands, and so on. The bathrooms are being repaired, the interior of the building will be sorted as to facilitate the officials where they will have their offices to coordinate,” he said.

The former national athlete said signage will be placed at the venue to warn members of the public of the ongoing work.

“We have not looked at putting signage, but we just want to use this opportunity to let it be known to the general public that YMCA is

closed to the public subject to after the netball tournament. We will find ways and means to engage the public with signage, and we can assure that the general public will be aware of it,” he said.

Nine teams including hosts Antigua and Barbuda, will play in the round-robinformatted tournament slated to climax on October 8.

The other teams are defending champions St Vincent & the Grenadines, St Lucia, St Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica, Cayman Islands and Montserrat.

A worker paints a stand at the YMCA Sports Complex Workers offload material from a truck
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Prison inmates clear shrubbery and prune trees at the facility (Observer media photos)
The Daily Observer is published in St. John’s by Algernon Watts who resides at Mount Joy. The Editor is Gemma Handy who resides at Bolans Village, St. Mary's Parish, Antigua. Contact: 156, Redcliffe Street, ABI Financial Building, 4th floor, St John’s, Antigua, WI, (268) 462-3911. Newsroom: (268) 462-3920/21. E-mail: editor@antiguaobserver.com, dailyobserver@antiguaobserver.com. Advertising: adverts@antiguaobserver.com

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