Daily-Observer-24-07-14-No-171

1Vol. 21-A

No. 171

St. John始s, Antigua

Thursday July 24, 2014

Price: $3.00

ROBBERCOPSHOT Paradise Casino was the scene of a foiled robbery Tuesday night. Lawmen are questioning one of their own who was shot during the incident.

Inset Corporal Alexis Thomas. (Photo by Tameika Malone)

Read story on page 3

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WHAT’S ON Tomorrow 100-VOICE CHOIR Seventh Day Adventists aged 16 and over are invited to be a part of the South Leeward Mission 100-voice Mass Choir, to be directed by renowned winner of the USA McDonalds Music Festival, Ian Hobson. All interested musicians are asked to meet at St John’s Seventh-day Adventist Church at 6 pm tomorrow and persons who wish to be a part of the choir are asked to meet at 7:30 pm that same evening.

Tomorrow MANGO FEST COOK-OFF All chefs and bartenders are invited to register by tomorrow to enter the preliminaries of this year’s Mango Fest Culinary Cook Off to be held on Saturday, August 2 on the Ministry of Agriculture compound at Country Pond. Forms can be collected from that ministry or by calling 764-8843 or 562-7439. The Annual Mango Festival and Mango Culinary Cook Off Finals will be held Sunday, August 10.

Tomorrow BAR-B-QUE FUND-RAISER The Ambassadors For Christ Church in Freeman’s Village invites you to our Annual Summer BBQ tomorrow on the church lawn from 4:30 pm to 9 pm.

Fried fish and hamburgers will also be available.

Tickets are $10. Proceeds are in aid of our Building Fund.

July 26 BREAKFAST FUND-RAISER Support young, talented sailor, Rhone Kirby at a tasty fund-raiser breakfast on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, August 3 at Cobb’s Cross corner, 6:30 – 9 am.

Proceeds are in aid of Youth Olympic Games, Nanjing, China from August 18 – 28, 2014.

July 26 BAKE SALE Calling all sweet tooth enthusiasts! The Antigua Barbuda Students Association will be having a Bake Sale on Saturday, July 26 from 10 am to 2 pm at Ebenezer Methodist Church grounds on Redcliffe Street. Please come out and support the association.

Proceeds will be going towards our welfare fund and outreach programmes.

July 28 PARENTS OF PSS 5TH FORMERS There will be a meeting with the parents of fifth form students at Pares Secondary School on Monday July 28 at 4 pm.

Send your notices to The Daily Observer: dailyobserver@antiguaobserver.com or fax: (268) 480 1757

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THE BIG STORY

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Robber cop shot

By Martina Johnson and Tameika Malone

A police corporal, who was shot when he allegedly attempted to rob Paradise Casino in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, was being questioned by police under close watch at Mount St John’s Medical Centre, last night Well-placed sources said Corporal Alexis Thomas also known as “Big Foot” and “Sheep” was shot about five times in the chest and arm by a colleague, who was acting as security inside the lower All Saints Road business place.

An eyewitness said it all unfolded in less than a minute in the presence of about three people who

were inside the casino - an employee, security guard and a customer.

“The man walked in with a white hoodie, blue pants and black shoes. He pointed the gun and asked the people for money while he stayed close by the door,” the witness said.

Just as the hooded gunman turned his attention to the casino worker, who was handing over a moneybag, an armed police officer dressed in civilian clothing opened fire.

The officer, was reportedly an off duty police working as security at the casino.

“I heard about nine shots and then the man ran from the casino,” the witness said.

OBSERVER media was reliably informed the would-be robber, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, dumped his hoodie close to the now closed Kennedy’s Bar on Prince Klaas Street.

He reportedly returned to the scene in different clothing. Asked why he was bleeding, he reportedly told individuals he had been attacked and robbed in an alley nearby.

The injured cop remained on the scene until an ambulance arrived and took him to hospital, a source said.

At the time of going to press, Corporal Thomas was warded in the Intensive Care Unit.

Reports are that the corporal and the officer, who

allegedly shot him, joined the police force at the same time 19 years ago. Corporal Thomas was reportedly attached to the force’s Human Resource Department.

Operator of the Casino Emilio Fagalde, who said he was not on the scene when the incident occurred, declined to comment on what transpired.

However, he said, he was happy none of his workers were hurt and the robbery was foiled.

He said the branch where the robbery took place was opened about a year ago. Fagalde also operates Kings Casino, another branch of Paradise Casino, and Burger King.

Police commissioner makes no comment on cop’s robbery attempt

By Tameika Malone

There is no word coming from the hierarchy of the Royal Police Force of Antigua & Barbuda after a corporal of more than 15 years was shot following a botched robbery.

Alexis “Big Foot” Thomas was shot after he allegedly attempted to rob Paradise Casino (east) early Wednesday morning.

Commissioner of Police Vere Browne had been unavailable for most of yesterday and when OBSERVER media finally reached him by phone he said he did not wish to comment.

“At this time I have no comment. When I am ready to speak I will contact the media with a statement,” Commissioner Browne said.

Thomas, of Bendals,

was reportedly shot about five times in the upper body by a colleague employed as a security guard at the small casino located on lower All Saints Road.

The injured man was believed to have been wearing a bulletproof vest because even after the armed guard discharged his weapon more than seven times, Thomas reportedly managed to flee the scene on foot into the neighbouring alley.

He was rushed to the Mount St John’s Medical Centre in an ambulance and is now in stable condition.

The Strategic Communication (STRATCOM) Office is tight-lipped as well, saying it had no comment unless Commissioner Browne granted approval, which he

Commissioner of Police Vere Browne. (File photo)

had not done up to press time.

Public Safety Minister Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin, speaking mere hours before the incident, announced that a plan which had been put in place to curb robberies was working.

“Please don’t worry; we have a plan in place and it is

working very well. We have faced all of our challenges.

We shall deal with them as we go along. But let us remember we have been in power for 37-38 days. We shall conquer the problem and we will make your lives safe and sound,” Benjamin declared on ZDK Tuesday night.

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NEWS

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Weather system downgraded to tropical wave

By Kiera Spronk

The tropical depression expected to make landfall today has been downgraded.

Forecaster at the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services Lorne Salmon said the system has regressed into a tropical wave, which is now travelling through the islands.

“It has degenerated into a tropical wave, so it is no longer a tropical depression.

It is expected to move through the Windward Islands (Wednesday night) and (Thursday) as well, but for the Leeward Islands it would likely be (Thursday) morning, possibly to the early parts of the afternoon.”

Antigua & Barbuda, he said, will likely experience

passing showers and gusty winds.

“Antigua will be affected in the sense that we could very well have some very quick passing showers out of this tropical wave.

The winds also will be a little bit gusty at times,” Salmon said.

Consequently, an advisory given to mariners is still in effect.

Meteorologist Leonard

Josiah had issued a warning to fishermen and other mariners, Wednesday morning, not to venture far from port due to the likelihood of encountering rough waters.

Salmon told OBSERVER media, “Most of all the mariners, with the winds becoming a bit gusty, we’re just advising the small craft operators stay put and those that want to go the beach, just stay put.”

Former AG: House Speaker cannot appoint ABEC commissioner

By Martina Johnson

The stated intention of Speaker of the House Sir Gerald Watt QC to appoint the seventh commissioner to the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission (ABEC) is “laudable,” but “cannot be effected”.

Former Attorney General Justin Simon QC expressed that opinion in response to Sir Gerald’s June 25 statement in which he told Parliament, “I will be allowing those organisations a maximum of 14 days to identify a person that they have agreed upon pursuant to law. If not I will proceed to exercise the discretion in the legislation and I will make the appointment.”

The bodies tasked with nominating the candidate for the post are the Antigua & Barbuda Employers’ Federation, the Chamber of Commerce and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Simon said, “(Sir Gerald) cannot exercise his discretion in making an appointment to the membership of the Electoral Commission following the continued failure of the (three groups) to jointly make that appointment.”

He added, “It is very disappointing that these

three organisations have been unable to sink their differences and fulfill their civic duty, even in the face of a general election when all hands aboard were needed to assist in that national process. But, unfortunately, the legislation does not address or provide a remedy for that failure.”

Simon QC pointed to Section 3(5B) of The Representation of the People (Amendment) Act 2011, which, he said, provides for the Speaker to recommend to the governor general, a person to fill the vacancy “where there is a failure (by an organization) to make the nomination within four weeks of the office becoming vacant...”

But, Simon said, the legislation in Section 3(5) specifies the circumstances in which the office of a member of the commission becomes vacant, and these do not include the failure of an organisation or person to make that appointment as required.

He cited the Act: “The office of a member of the Commission becomes “vacant”: at the expiration of his/her seven-year term; where he/she becomes disqualified for appointment; upon resignation addressed

Justin Simon QC. (File photo)

to the Governor General; upon death; if removed from office following a political or senior public service appointment; or if absent from three consecutive meetings of the Commission without reasonable excuse.”

He noted that failure to make the appointment is not a specified reason by the legislation as creating a vacancy.”

Attorney E Ann Henry QC had initially been appointed by the three entities, but her appointment, like all the other initial appointments, were rendered null and void by the Court of Appeal, which said

it was unlawful to give retroactive effect to the Ministerial Order that had brought the new law governing the composition of the commission into force.

A new Ministerial Order was issued and the affected commissioners had to be renominated last year. The tripartite group then failed to agree on a nominee.

“It has been a grave disappointment, particularly given the time, and then prevailing circumstances.

One would expect that such organisations would lead the way in performing their civic duties, particularly given whom or the interest they represent,” Simon said.

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Former Barbuda MP calls for audit of Council finances

By Raisa SN Charles

Severe delay in payment of salaries to Council workers on Barbuda has led to a call by Political Leader Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM), Trevor Walker for an audit of the Barbuda Council’s finances.

Walker said the council apparently has trouble managing the funds allocated to it by the central government.

“The people are not being paid in a timely manner,” he said. I think the people are now owed up to 18 or 19 weeks in wages.”

The BPM leader appealed to Prime Minister Gaston Browne to look into the matter, Wednesday morning, on OBSERVER AM. “I’m calling on Prime Minister Gaston Browne to

establish some sort of investigation into this matter because it’s really unfair to have public funds being spent in a frivolous way that nobody can give an account for,” he said.

According to the Barbuda Local Government Act Part VI, Section 27, the council should “submit to the Director of Audit and the Ministry of Finance, in the month of March of every year, a financial statement in duplicate of its accounts for the precious year.”

However, Walker said any audit in Barbuda would be long overdue.

“I think there was some work done about four or five years ago, but in terms of a proper audit, I’m not aware that an audit was done on the Barbuda

Council in any recent time,” Five months ago, former Senator Linton Thomas echoed a similar sentiment.

He reportedly alleged that there was “no accountability whatsoever” for Council spending and that the council had not been properly audited in over 10 years.

Meantime, chairman of the Barbuda branch of the Antiguan and Barbuda Labour Party, Adrian Lee agreed with the opposition leader’s statements.

He noted that while workers on Barbuda are owed for 18 weeks, the overdue payments are non-consecutive. He said the council has been paying workers consistently for the past three years, but fell into arrears over the last year due to conflict between the ABLP-led Council and the

United Progressive Party who was in power at the time. Lee also said that since the Antigua Labour Party has come to office, the situation has improved.

“Since the Labour Party got into power, out of five weeks we’ve only missed one. But we’re currently working on measures to clear up that 18 weeks owed to the workers,” he said.

Lee said while the council has seen a few internal audits recently, it is time for a comprehensive one.

“I would say, yes, we need an audit,” he said.

“Not only for the last year when the Labour Party was elected to the council, but more so the last five, six years. We do need one. One is due and I’m sure a lot of things will come to light.”

Walker predicts an ABLP loss in by-election

Were a by-election to be held on Barbuda right now, leader of the opposition, Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM) Trevor Walker said the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party would lose.

“I think the people are very dissatisfied and disappointed with the way in which certain things are going. And I think, if they are to vote the way the mood is right now the ABLP would not be successful at

Opposition (BPM) leader Trevor Walker. (File photo)

the polls,” Walker said.

Among the list of grievances, Walker said, was the delay of 18 weeks’ worth of payment for workers on the sister isle. He said matters like that one have knocked the public out of their pre-

election high and brought them back to earth.

“There’s that sense on the ground now that the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party supporters are ashamed to even speak on some things because they

were promised so much. So I think people are just disillusioned,” Walker stated.

Barbuda is scheduled for a by-election since the current chairman Arthur Nibbs must vacate his position on the Barbuda Council

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T h u rs d ay Ju l y 24 , 2 01 4 after becoming a minister of the crown.

According to the chairman of the Barbuda branch of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, Adrian Lee, the party has not yet selected a candidate for the election.

“We have already put out notice to the senior members for submissions within

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a rather short time frame, but we haven’t selected a candidate yet.” Lee said the decision should be finalised within the next week or so.

The deadline for the byelection was last week Friday, but Lee revealed that both parties were still waiting on the governor general to select a date. (Raisa SN Charles)

PM outlines cost-cutting measures

By Theresa Gordon

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said his government has implemented a number of cost-cutting measures to keep the country’s economy afloat.

He identified them as cutting the stipends allocated to heads of statutory boards; reducing the remuneration packages for ambassadors and diplomats who represent the country abroad; reducing government rentals by at least 15 per cent.

“All board fees so far have been cut. And, I emphasise, at least 50 per cent,” Browne said. Some boards, he added, will not be re-constituted.

The prime minister was speaking, Tuesday evening on ABLP-aligned ZDK Radio. “We continue to battle to make sure that we place this country’s finances on a sound fiscal footing, having said that sacrifices would have to be made.”

The reduction in the rentals, Browne said, will be subject to consultation with the relevant parties.

“What I want to assure the nation is that we are running a very prudently fiscal government, prudently responsibly to ensure at the end of the day, the excesses that took place under the former administration, we do not continue

Prime Minister Gaston Browne

them,” the PM said The new administration has also begun the process of recalling ambassadors from around the world.

Browne said these individuals would be replaced by competent staff.

“When it comes to diplomats, we want to make sure that we have square pegs in square holes, so this will not be based on jobs for the boys. We want to make sure we appoint people who can bring more investments and more tourists to this country, who can provide better representation,” the PM said. “All those contracts will be re-negotiated,” he added.

Days after the June 12 general elections, the government called on ambassadors and diplomats to tender their resignation to make way for new appointments.

Chief of Staff Lionel “Max” Hurst said at that time “it is a normal procedure once government changes.”

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Gaston Browne denies plans for oil refinery

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has denied that governent is in talks with Venezuelan authorities to contruct an oil refinery here.

Browne said Tuesday evening,” I want to make it abundantly clear that we have never ever held any discussions with the government of Venezuela about any oil refinery. So those of you who may have concerns about it you need not concern yourself”, Two weeks ago, Venezuela’s Ambassador to Antigua & Barbuda, Carlos Perz, revealed plans for the

construction of the facility in the twin island state.

In an interview with OBSERVER media, Perez said discussions were at an advanced stage, and the Venezuelans are hoping that with this new administration of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, “he will advance to conclude that project.”

But Browne insisted, ”We are far more creative than looking at the whole issue of an oil refinery. We will get the petrol here and make our money without having an oil refinery.”

(Theresa Gordon)

By Raisa SN Charles

us fishing grounds and told us that they were fishing grounds,” he shared. “But if we had a good map of the seabed we could study and see where there’s reefs, where there’s grasslands, where there’s sand lands, and where there’s mud; and that would be of great assistance to us.”

The Brazilian team has also offered to assist with national security. They have committed to working with INTERPOL - The international police - to provide information exchange on the movement of identified criminals.

The group from Rio de Janiero has already met with officials from the ONDCP and will meet with executives from the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Maritime Services and Merchant Shipping, ADOMS, later this week.

According to a government release, the arrival of a seven-member Brazilian Military delegation in Antigua, on Tuesday, is a follow-up to a meeting Prime Minister Gaston Browne held in Brazil.

Price says Brazil’s maritime assistance would benefit fishermen

Maritime assistance from the government of Brazil could have long-term benefits for local fishermen.

The South American country has offered to assist in establishing naval borders between Antigua and Barbuda and its neighbouring islands. It also plans to help map the seabed around the island, a venture which PRO of the Fisherman’s Cooperative Gerald Price said would be most welcome.

Price said an up-to-date map of the seabed would help fishermen identify fertile fishing grounds.

“We will have a map of the seabed and we will know exactly where to set our traps and where not to set our traps to catch fish and lobsters. So that would be of great importance to us,” he said.

Price said the only guide fishermen have now is information from older fishermen.

“There are many reefs that we don’t know exactly where they are. Except for the old fishermen who gave

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AIDS programme manager says young people disregard abstinence message

By Tameika Malone

AIDS Programme Manager Delcora Williams said young people in Antigua & Barbuda tend to be dismissive of the message that abstinence is an effective means of preventing HIV and AIDS. “We find when you are talking to a lot of young people they are telling us that is for old people; like they are not at risk. A lot of people think abstinence doesn’t work,” Williams said.

She noted that based on maturity, young people can make more responsible decisions about their sex lives, as risky sexual encounters can place the reproductive health of both young women and men at risk. “(Abstinence) works and it allows you to value yourself; it allows you to wait on the right person. Not only the right person, it allows you to decide whether or not they are HIV positive because it is not just HIV, it’s syphillis, gonorrhea and if those remain untreated they can affect your reproductive health,” she said.

During the Carnival celebration, the AIDS Secretariat will be distributing about 3,000 condoms — donated by the Caribbean HIV/AIDS Alliance – each

night, to patrons attending the various events.

Williams said the “goodie” bag contains four male condoms, one female, lubricant and a leaflet on HIV prevention methods.

Meanwhile, researchers, scientists and other HIV activists are meeting in Melbourne, Australia to discuss the challenges that lie ahead in fighting the global epidemic.

Executive Director of the Antigua & Barbuda HIV/AIDS Network (ABHAN), Eleanor Frederick is among the over 16,000 delegates and 1,000 media representatives attending the seminar.

She told OBSERVER media the primary focus of the exercise will be on prevention and cure of HIV and AIDS. While in Australia Frederick was scheduled to make a presentation on the work of ABHAN entitled: “The Impact Of A Peer Buddy Treatment Adherence Programme with Adherence To HIV Treatment As A Biomedical High Impact Prevention Intervention In Addition To Psychosocial Support Resulting in Viral Suppression”.

The AIDS 2014 conference concludes tomorrow.

Registration of new students to Pares Secondary School will be held on Thursday, July 31 from 9 am – 12:30 pm.

Registration fee is $100, and parents should bring along the following: original and a copy of the child’s birth certificate OR a valid passport and a copy of the photo page; two recent passport-sized photos; the child’s updated health card and a copy of the same; clearance form from the Book Scheme Manager of the student’s previous school.

PARES SECONDARY SCHOOL

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Task force warns excessive drinking causes health risks

By Kadeem Joseph

Revellers are being warned that drinking excessively during the carnival season can cause serious health risks.

In a press release, the Antigua and Barbuda Alcohol Task Force said data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that “alcohol consumption was the leading risk factor for deaths and illnesses in the Americas in 2004 and was responsible for more than 347,000 deaths”.

The group advised people to not only consider the burdens which they will place on an already overwhelmed health care system but “the agony through which persons will likely later put their loved ones” if their drinking persists.

The task force noted the most common pattern of consumption in the hemisphere is the most risky pattern: heavy episodic drinking, mostly by males.

“This leads to acute and chronic health problems including injuries, mental health disorders, cancers, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes,” the task force highlighted. “It also negatively affects people other than the drinker, such as victims of drunk-driving car crashes and alcohol-related violence.”

Dr Maristela Monteiro, PAHO/WHO’s top expert on alcohol and substance abuse, is also lamenting the adverse effects of excessive alcohol consumption.

“The major impact is from over-consumption and

risky drinking by people who are not alcoholics. This is what underlies most alcohol-related injuries, illnesses and deaths,” Dr Monteiro cautioned.

However, the doctor advised that the occasional consumption of limited amounts of alcohol and no episodes of excessive drinking could be beneficial to people 45 years of age and older, but may be harmful among other age groups.

“In any case, low-risk drinking is not the prevailing pattern in most of the countries of our hemisphere,” she noted.

The Antigua and Barbuda Alcohol Task Force consists of representatives from the insurance sector, the police force, the Ministry of Health, the American University of Antigua and the Ministry of Social Transformation and Human Resource Development.

Meantime, the Carnival Development Committee (CDC) is reminding vendors, booth operators, Tshirt, J’Ouvert and mas’ bands who will be selling or serving alcohol, that a liquor licence is mandatory for operations.

Prospective vendors are required to present $100 in stamps and a photo ID to Police Headquarters on American Road, upon completion of the application form to acquire the licence.

Providers found in contravention of this requirement will have their services discontinued by the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.

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A&B nominated for travel awards

By Kiera Spronk

Once again the destination of Antigua & Barbuda has been nominated for several World Travel Awards in a number of leading categories.

The nation has been nominated in the categories of the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination, the Caribbean’s Leading Destination, the Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination, and the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board.

Marketing Manager of the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA), Charmaine Spencer said

earning these titles would be a very prestigious accolade for the nation.

“The World Travel Awards is considered to be the “Oscars” of the Travel and Tourism Trade and is a prestigious accolade to have behind any aspect of your destination,” Spencer said.

Several hotels and attractions within Antigua & Barbuda were nominated for awards as well, such as Caribbean’s Leading Resort, Caribbean’s Leading Airport Lounge, and Caribbean’s Leading Heritage Attraction, among many others.

Last year Antigua &

Barbuda won many different titles, including the Caribbean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination.

Spencer said although it may not seem to be a grand accomplishment to most people, earning titles like these increases your brand awareness and improves attraction to the destination.

She said hotels and organisations that win feature the emblems and titles in their marketing strategies.

“It does a lot for your PR. Especially countries in the US, they like to know a country has an accreditation behind it. It makes you more

credible. Not everyone is familiar with all the islands in the Caribbean, but when they see that you’ve won a prestigious award they take notice,” the ABTA marketing manager said.

Spencer said voters are primarily people within the travel and tourism industry who put their support behind the destination.

The ABTA is also rallying for support in the country, asking the public to vote for the destination at the dedicated web page: http://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote-forantigua-barbuda-2014.

Gaston Browne eschews victimisation

By Tameika Malone

The Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party leader is reaffirming his party’s stance that there will be no victimisation under his leadership.

Prime Minister Gaston Browe said if there is any need for investigation or suspension, however, once any wrongdoing is not found, the individual will be reinstated.

“You have to understand that we are determined to provide the people of Antigua & Barbuda with better governance and where we find areas that need to be investigated. If nothing untoward comes up, then evidently the person will be restored,” Browne said on ZDK. “But if there is anything that justifies or requires dismissal then you can be assured that the person or persons will be dismissed.”

The prime minister added that individuals accused will have an opportunity to clear their names.

The prime minister

noted that his Cabinet ministers are being pressured by their constituents to remove United Progressive Party supporters from their posts, but, Browne asked the electorate to be considerate.

“I say to them we are all Antiguan and Barbudans,” Browne said. “I say to them that if you send home a man today that is making a few $100 and then he cannot take care of his family, how would you feel about that if you were in that position.”

The prime minister said those political appointments removed to “create opportunities for some of (the ABLP) people,” were not victimisation.

“Now I know that some of our comrades are obviously waiting for opportunities for employment; we understand your pain, we assure you, you will get employment. As they say, Rome was not built in a day,” Browne said on ZDK. He is also promising more investigations into government institutions.

This week, Education

Minister Michael Browne revealed that several anomalies at the Board of Education were being investigated. PM Browne said investigations are a good governance model.

He’s warning people who

wish to go public with internal investigations that they are doing so at their own risk.

“We would not seek to make this information public, then they do so at their own risk, I want to make that clear,” he added.

LEADING THE CHARGE: National sprinter Daniel “Bakka” Bailey leads Antigua & Barbuda’s contingent during Wednesday’s Opening Ceremony of the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

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Our Neighbours Murder rate up, overall serious crime down

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC- The Guyana Police Force is reporting an increase in the number of murders since the start of the year when compared to the same period in the previous year.

As of July 21, there were 79 murders recorded in comparison to 67 for the same period in 2013.

At the end of June 2014, there were 69 murders for the year, but up to reporting time, July alone recorded 10 more murders, the police stated Tuesday.

The total number of

reported cases of serious crimes made between January 1 and June 30, 2014, was 1,827, compared to 1,960 for the same period in 2013, reflecting a 7 per cent drop.

At the end of June 2014, robberies increased by 22 per cent, with 577 reports compared to 472 for the same period in 2013.

There was a 33 per cent increase in the number of armed robberies involving the use of firearms, and a four per cent increase in armed robberies where instruments other than firearms were used.

Jamaican embassy commemorates 100th anniversary of Marcus Garvey group

WASHINGTON, CMC – The Jamaican Embassy here has commemorated the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Negro Improvement Association – African Communities League (UNIA) formed by national hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

At a ceremony hosted by the embassy on Monday and attended by UNIA executives, Jamaica’s ambassador to the US, Stephen Vasciannie, noted Garvey’s heroic status in Jamaica and other parts of the world.

“We still look for Garvey in the whirlwind because his vision and commitment themselves created a magnificent whirlwind on behalf of the poor and the dispossessed, and because

he stood firmly for the rights of all black people, at home and abroad – under the special banner, ‘One God, One Aim, One Destiny’,” Vasciannie said.

UNIA President General, Senghor Baye emphasised the continuing relevance of Garvey in the lives of people in the Diaspora, noting the significant contribution made by women to UNIA’s work and lauded the Government of Jamaica for “having issues relating to Marcus Garvey placed on the school curriculum.”

Garvey founded the UNIA on July 20, 1914 when he recruited the first member, Amy Ashwood, and held the organisation’s first meeting at 121 Orange Street in Kingston.

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USAID announces US$500 million in HIV/AIDS fight

M E L B O U R N E , Australia, CMC – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says over US $500 million will be allocated for new efforts to reach an AIDS-free generation in the Caribbean and other places.

The new programmes will support implementation of the blueprint for US President Barack Obama’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), USAID said.

Announced at the 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014) here, USAID said the investments illustrate how it is supporting the next phase of PEPFAR, and the global HIV and AIDS response.

“With this substantial investment, USAID and PEPFAR are better able to sustain a lasting impact in the global fight against HIV and AIDS,” said USAID Assistant Administrator for Global Health Ariel PablosMéndez.

“By strengthening high impact interventions, engaging key populations, and supporting the capacity of local partners and host country governments, we know that it is possible to accelerate the end of this

AE GOODWIN FAITH AND HOPE

Registration of students for primary and secondary levels for the new academic year will take place at the school in Paynters on Monday, July 28, from 8 am to 1:30 pm. Please bring along the child’s passport and/or birth certificate, photograph, health card and last school report. Registration fee is $50. Call 562 7754, 779 4757, 462 0619, or 560 6382 for further details.

epidemic and realise the promise of an AIDS-free generation,” he added.

USAID said the awards include US $250 million that will be implemented over five years for strengthening the impact interventions for an AIDS-Free Generation (AIDSFree).

It said the award also comprises USAID’s Linkages Across the Continuum of HIV Services for Key Populations Affected

by HIV (LINKAGES), a US $73 million award that will also be implemented over five years.

NOTICE

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE (PROBATE) In the Estate of RUPERT HENRY also know as ASFORD HENRY, Deceased

NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that after the expiration of fourteen (14) day from the date this Notice, Application will be made in the Probate Registry of the High Court of Justice for an Order that Letters of Administration of the Estate of RUPERT HENRY also know as ASHFORD HENRY late of Cross Street, in the City of St. John, in Antigua who died on the 24th day of March, 2014 be granted to TILDA DOROTHY HENRY and ORRIN HENRY, the intended Administrators of the above named deceased.

Dated the 22nd day of July, 2014.

JOHN E. FULLER Solicitor for the Applicants.

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World View

Health workers take blood samples for Ebola virus testing at a screening tent in the local government hospital in Kenema, Sierra Leone, June 30, 2014. (Reuters)

Sierra Leone’s chief Ebola doctor contracts the virus

FREETOWN (Reuters) The head doctor fighting the deadly tropical virus Ebola in Sierra Leone has himself caught the disease, the government said.

The 39-year-old Sheik Umar Khan, hailed as a “national hero” by the health ministry, was leading the fight to control an outbreak that has killed 206 people in the West African country.

Ebola kills up to 90 per cent of those infected and there is no cure or vaccine.

Across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, more than 600 people have died from the illness, according to the World Health Organisation, placing great strain on the health systems of some of Africa’s poorest countries.

Khan, a Sierra Leonean virologist credited with treating more than 100 Ebola victims, has been transferred to a treatment ward run by medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres, according to the statement released late on Tuesday by the president’s office.

Health Minister Miatta Kargbo called Khan a national hero and said she would “do anything and everything in my power to ensure he survives”.

Khan told Reuters in late June that he was worried about contracting Ebola. “I am afraid for my life, I must say, because I cherish my life,” he said in an interview, showing no signs of ill health at the time.

“Health workers are prone to the disease because we are the first port of call for somebody who is sickened by disease. Even with the full protective clothing you put on, you are at risk.”

Three days ago, three nurses working in the same Ebola treatment centre alongside Khan died from the disease.

The Ebola outbreak started in Guinea’s remote southeast in February and has since spread across the region. Symptoms of the highly infectious disease are diarrhea, vomiting and internal and external bleeding.

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“Da bag a money coulda min sink de Barbuda boat!�

Editorial

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OUR OPINION

In recent editorials, we revisited the Asian Village debacle and made a request of the Office of the Prime Minister for a copy of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of Antigua & Barbuda and Yida International Investment Antigua Limited. We did this in the hope that any new agreement with any developers of the former Asian Village lands would be negotiated in the best interest of Antiguan and Barbudans.

Having witnessed the weak negotiations that led to the signing of the agreement with Asian Village Antigua Limited on February 18, 1997 and which led to the eventual “give-away” of lands to Data Tan, we felt that it was our duty to ring the alarm.

We needed to remind the politicians and people in general, that what we have is precious and that we need to get the best deal possible for such valuable and environmentally sensitive lands.

By doing this, we hoped and prayed that we would not have a repeat of the one-sided deal that did nothing but cost this country money, time and eventually our land.

Sadly, it would appear that our efforts were in vain.

OBSERVER media has been able to secure a copy of the Memorandum of Agreement and we are shocked, to put it mildly. It will take us some time to do a full review and a comparison to the original Asian Village agreement but at a first glance, some persons are already proclaiming

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Feeding the conspiracy theorists

that this one is worse that the original.

The first thing the struck us as strange is that fact that the agreement is not dated anywhere (at least the copy we have).

The document is initialled on every page and it is signed in all the right places by all the right people, but in every place which calls for a date, the date is deliberately omitted.

This oddity begins on the cover page which records the date of the agreement as “Dated June, 2014”. No day of the month is filled in on the cover page but we figured that it was just an omission and surely the date would be included on the signature pages. Not so.

In fact, as part of the agreement, there are two affidavits witnessing the execution of the agreement: one signed by Marian Hesse of B Hesse & Associates and another by Steadroy Benjamin. In both cases, the form makes provision for and requires that the person making the affidavit write their name, the date, etc in front of a notary public. In both cases, all information is completed except for the date.

It is more than odd that lawyers, including the attorney general, and the notary public officials would sign affidavits without dating them. Why? The conspiracy theorists have already begun to propose their theories and naturally the first one surrounds the actual date of signature.

The theory being advanced proposes that the document was actually negotiated and

signed before the June 12, 2014 election. The theorists continue that the deal was struck in order to secure campaign funding and to show off to the world that the Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) had secured a “serious” foreign investor.

“Why else would Yida be so willing to advance the half of a million dollars for the Barbuda payroll?” they ask. “And, have you asked yourself, where did the ABLP get all of that campaign money to plant billboards like trees the size of houses?” is the question that quickly follows.

If one were to buy into that sort of conspiracy and question the reason for the lack of any dates, then it would be easy to see how the deal is so one-sided. It would stand to reason that the strength in the negotiations, ahead of the election, would lie squarely on the side of the foreign investor.

After all, prior to the election, the persons seeking office would need an investor more than an investor would need them.

It is the same reason that the electorate can get more duty free, etc, from the politicians in the months leading to the election than at any other time.

Was the deal stuck and signed before the election so that there would be no backing out after? And if that was the case, then will that impact the legality of the agreement in any way?

These are just a couple of the many questions that the conspiracy theorists want answered.

All that said, we are not in the conspiracy theory business. We deal in facts.

And at this point, we can only report that the copy of the agreement that is in our possession and apparently being widely circulated is signed and witnessed but all dates have been omitted.

We cannot comment on this peculiarity at this time but we can report it as fact.

In the ABLP’s manifesto entitled “Ready to Rebuild Antigua & Barbuda” the ABLP committed itself to restoring accountability so we fully expect that the Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, will address the many questions that have arisen since the agreement was revealed.

We realise that some of our readers may be sceptical and think that we are being somewhat naïve, but it is early days yet and we must take the ABLP at their word when they said: “The ABLP will restore accountability that the UPP has scorned; we will improve transparency measures by taking the people into our confidence in the many projects and programmes that we will institute to diversify and enliven the economy, stimulate business, bring investment and create employment.”

In the interest of promoting full transparency, we invite the prime minister to be a guest on the Voice of the People and greet the people and their questions with the transparency that was promised and the transparency that is deserved.

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Of genetic political ascendancy

e have just completed a general election in Antigua & Barbuda and the United Progressive Party was thoroughly whipped by a huge margin that will allow the victorious Antigua & Barbuda Labour Party to bring about certain constitutional changes by a simple majority and without reference to the electorate for the authority to do so.

I have warned those of the UPP who have said and proclaimed that they are UPP to stand firm and slowly claw their way back into the driver’s seat. The study of power and how to stay in power is, in itself, an awesome exercise. There exists a body of floating votes who keeps on attaching itself to the winning side and it has developed the art of sliding from seeming to support those who control power in a perennial display of political brinkmanship that is extraordinary. I call the members of such a group, the members of the (PIP), Party-In-Power, Party.

Then, there is the Estuary Party. They float like jetsam and flotsam in supreme anonymity, never carrying a loud-speaker on their car or never doing anything visible to help the party to win, not even a financial contribution - but when the party wins, they quietly try to control as much as they can, in the name of the party that they

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claim to have helped to get into power. I call them the Reaper Party.

Anyway, the tumult and the shouting has died and the jockeying for power and positions is now in its embryonic stage, for Antiguans and Barbudans have spoken. But who then is an Antiguan/Barbudan?

We should always be careful how we speak and of whom we speak. We should never be quick to condemn “foreigners” and all dem “who bang water come ya”; for the process of banging water and coming ya, is another way of seeking greener pastures in which to establish oneself and to graze.

I have always wondered why I was so “soup” for politics until I found out that my father Norris Walter in 1932 joined with two “foreigners” to attempt to form a trade union. There was no legal basis that would have supported it but nonetheless, he joined with his friend Luther George, and recruited Berkley Davis, (a building contractor a Barbadian) and Harold Tobias Wilson, (the editor of the Magnet Newspaper, a Barbadian). Together they formed and registered The Antigua Workingmen’s Association, and Harold Tobias Wilson was the first person to represent Antigua in talks held overseas (Dominica) to initiate a Federation of the West

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Indies in October 1932.

As a boy, I used to see the Magnet Newspaper that was printed in the building on Church Street opposite (facing) Luke’s Hardware.

The Magnet was not legible and it was more black indecipherable blob than legible print. We used to wonder who was this Harold Tobias Wilson who was persisting single-handedly to attempt to produce a newspaper?

Subsequent investigation made me aware that Wilson was one of the political giants of the 1930s in Antigua. History has not dealt kindly with Wilson, a Barbadian, who was forced by deteriorating health and circumstances to sell out everything that he owned and return to his native Barbados to end his life in peace. I salute Harold Tobias Wilson.

The Moyne Commission with its recommendation to form a Trades Union made the pioneering efforts of the Antigua Workingmen’s Association irrelevant. But Norris Walter was there at the Cathedral Schoolroom at the crucial moment that ushered in the Antigua Trades & Labour Union. He saved the day at

Reginald Steven’s Jewellery Shop on High Streert by pressuring Stevens to abandon his reluctance and accept the presidency of the new union. He was the man who argued that the new union should enter politics and contest elections and obtain the political power to fight the plantocracy. It is rather ironic that it was his son George who split with the union in protest against union executives wearing trade union and political hats as ministers of government. That split caused George Walter to initiate the formation of the Antigua Workers Union that is so bullish today.

The same George Walter initiated my recall from London to challenge VC Bird in St John’s Rural West when everybody else was afraid to face VC Bird at the polls. The rest is history. I defeated VC Bird in every ballot box and initiated the first bold political upset in the history of Antigua.

Obviously Norris Walter had something special in his genes. George Walter and myself have made an extraordinary contribution to the politics and culture of this country.

The Catholic Women’s Organization will be hosting a “Fish Fry” on Monday August 4 from dawn till dusk on the grounds of the Annex on Church Street. Proceeds will go towards repairing the roof of The Holy Family Cathedral.

GRAND FISH FRY

All are invited to the Urlings Seafood Fiesta at noon on Sunday, August 10 at the Urlings Wharf. Come and enjoy seafood pepperpot, crab, stuffed shellfish, grilled lobster and entertainment for the entire family.

SEAFOOD FIESTA

The Wesleyan Holiness Church in the Caribbean will be holding its 3rd Quadrennial Conference from July 31 to August 4 at the Jolly Beach Resort. The public is invited to attend a 20/20 cricket match between local and visiting pastors on Saturday, August 2 at 6 pm at Powell’s Playing Field and an Appreciation Service for Rev Dr Carlston Christie on Sunday, August 3 at 6 pm at Ottos Wesleyan Holiness Church.

CELEBRATE WITH WESLEYANS

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EAG TALK Bad news for invasive species on Antigua and Barbuda’s offshore islands

By Natalya Lawrence

he International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) describes rats, especially black rats (Rattus rattus), as among the leading contributors to seabird population

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NOTICE OF AUCTION

UPON INSTRUCTIONS received from THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, High Street, St. Johnʼs, Antigua, I shall sell by PUBLIC AUCTION on THURSDAY the 24th July, 2014 at 3:00 p.m., on site, the property of the ESTATE OF TERRANCE NATHANIEL, deceased, of Mock Pond, All Saints, in the Parish of Saint Paul, in the Island of Antigua which is recorded in the Register of Lands as follows:REGISTRATION SECTION: ALL SAINTS BLOCK: 23 2286A PARCEL: 404 The property consists of a parcel of land, of approximate area of 0.2 acre, with a concrete single storey dwelling house, of an approximate size of 1367 sq feet, located in the middle income residential development in All Saints, north east of the Mock Pond field, All Saints.

For further information contact: Nathaniel “Paddy” James – Licensed Auctioneer, Marble Hill Main Road.

Telephone: 461-3530

declines and extinction around the world. Most of Antigua and Barbuda’s offshore islands have not been spared the ravages of black rats. In their wake, black rats indisputably leave a trail of desolation, wiping out seabirds, landbirds,

AUCTION NOTICE

Instructed by CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank Ltd. of High and Market Streets, in the City of Saint John in Antigua and Barbuda, I will sell by public auction on Thursday the 24th day of July 2014 at 4.00 p.m. on site the undermentioned property owned by Curtis and Kim Cochrane of Seatons in the Parish of Saint Phillips in the Island of Antigua.

The property is a parcel of land with a two story building thereon, located at Seatons, St. Phillips, consisting of an area of approximately 0.25 acre.

The land is registered under the Registered Land Act, 1975 as follows: REGISTRATION SECTION: ST. PHILLIPS NORTH BLOCK: 25 2888A PARCELS: 50

Block: 25 2888A; Parcel: 50 are bounded by the following: -

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-

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North by Parcel: 49; Lands belonging to Crown South by Parcel: 54; Land in the name of Harry and Brendaline Josiah East by Parcel: 51; Land in the name of Cecelia Payne West by Access Road;

Particulars of the sale can be obtained from the undersigned at his office at Crosbies, St. Johnʼs, Antigua. T/P 562-7653 Sgd. Trevor “Teddy” Santos Auctioneer

lizards, snakes, snails, turtles’ nests, plants, and just about anything that moves or grows. In short, research and monitoring have proven that islands with rats (and/or small Asian mongooses (Herpestes javinicus)) are left utterly depauperate of any local wildlife in contrast to islands free of these alien predators.

The story of rats in our country started in colonial days, when the rodents stowed away on ships destined for Antigua. The rats quickly settled in, multiplied and basically overran the small country. To combat the problem, settlers brought in mongooses to devour the rats but, unfortunately, both animals were on a different schedule and the mongooses quickly turned to local wildlife to fill their empty tummies. Since then, rats and mongooses have reached the offshore islands through various means, most commonly by stowing away on boats. They can also hide in camping equipment, float over on debris and garbage floating in the water, and in some cases, if the island is close enough, rats will swim to reach it.

Antigua’s offshore islands, an area of indescribable natural beauty and

great socio-economic value, have received international recognition for their globally important biodiversity, such as Alliance for Zero Extinction Zone, Important Bird Area and, under the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), a Key Biodiversity Area.

These islands are home to much of the country’s unique wildlife, wildlife which once thrived on the mainland but were severely threatened by invasive species, wilful and ignorant killing, and development.

Unfortunately, the same is now the case for the offshore islands, which constantly face the threat of invasion by invasive species, disturbance and wildlifekilling by local visitors, and development.

Since 1995, the EAG, along with its local government partner as well as several international partners, have embarked on projects to rid offshore islands of invasive predators as well as familiarising Antiguans and Barbudans about the importance of local wildlife.

In 2013, feasibility studies were carried out for eradicating rats and mongooses from Pelican Island, Antigua, and several other Continued on page 20

A Memorial Service for

Mrs. Jean Welsh (age 73 yrs) of Whenner Road will be held at St. Boniface Anglican Church in Martin’s Village on Sunday 27th July at 5 pm.

She went missing on 27th July 2013 and hitherto has not been located.

Forever with us.

YOUR BIRTHDAY

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STELLA WILDER

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Born today, you are a creative, energetic and capable individual for whom luck will surely play a key role — in both your professional affairs and your personal life. Call it what you will — “fate,” “destiny,” “the stars” or merely “good fortune” — you understand that there are unseen influences with which you must cope on an almost daily basis. Many focus only on the good things that luck can bring, but you are keenly aware that “luck” goes both ways. When it is with you, good things do indeed happen, and you are grateful for them; when it is not, you can expect things to happen that perhaps drive you into corners or cause you to do things that are detrimental to you.

Youʼre likely to make quite a name for yourself, and despite the fact that you can be intensely private (for you were born on the cusp, after all!), you are also quite adept at playing to an audience, and this ability will serve you well in many aspects of your life.

Also born on this date are: Daniel Radcliffe, actor; Slash, guitarist; Woody Harrelson, actor; Marlon Wayans, actor; Philip Seymour Hoffman, actor; Monica Lewinsky, White House intern; Stephanie Seymour, model; Alison Krauss, singer; Don Drysdale, baseball player; Edie McClurg, actress; Raymond Chandler, author; Don Imus, radio personality.

To see what is in store for you tomorrow, find your birthday and read the corresponding paragraph. Let your birthday star be your daily guide.

THURSDAY, JULY 24

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — You are grappling with a few difficult issues at this time. See if you canʼt clear your schedule somewhat to give yourself some rest.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — You may encounter conflicting reports about what has recently happened in the vicinity of your own home. Time will sort it out.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Others are likely to gravitate toward you throughout the day, under the impression that you have something hidden from view.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Youʼre waiting to hear from those who have been left behind in some way. The information that comes to you may be unclear.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Youʼre behaving as if you know better than the experts about something that, in truth, you know very little about. Donʼt be cocky!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — You may want to take it upon yourself to come up with a plan where others are proving ineffectual or unwilling.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Itʼs not up to you to decide what shall be done if the plan goes awry; you must leave that to someone else who knows better.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) — You may discover that a certain habitual activity is actually not good for you, as it can leave you in a mood that is less than productive.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Reports will have you choosing the lesser of two evils when, in fact, your own instincts would yield something much better.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — You will feel compelled to warn another about a growing situation of which you do not have a complete understanding.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — The difference between firm knowledge and simple guesswork will be made clear to you throughout the day. You know which is better for you!

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Youʼre further from your starting point than you have been in the past, yet you are no nearer your stated goals. Whatʼs diverting you?

COPYRIGHT 2014 UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE, INC.

Answer to previous Sudoku Puzzle

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Answer to previous Scrabblegram

JUMP START 速 by Robb Armstrong

PEANUTS速 by Charles M. Schulz

DILBERT速 by Scott Adams

ROSE IS ROSE速 by Pat Brady

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God’s Minute

Volunteers manoeuvre around Pelican Island to lay rat bait on coastal land areas. (Photo courtesy Alan Scholl)

EAG from page 17 neighbouring islands. In March, 2014, the eradication work began on Pelican, Codrington, and a small island next to Codrington, covering a total of 19 hectares. The Environmental Awareness Group organised the eradication, supported by the local government, Fauna & Flora International (FFI), Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, the local Boys’ Brigade and Anguilla National Trust. Volunteers hailed from Antigua, St Lucia, the United States and the United Kingdom. The mongooses were captured

using live traps, while eradicating the rats was carried out in three stages: cutting access grids across the islands, distributing toxic bait by hand, and intensive monitoring to ensure no rodents remained. The whole process was completed in May, 2014, without any native animals being harmed.

On a visit to the islands shortly after the completion of the eradication, it was noted that seabirds had already started nesting on Pelican Island. This had not been observed on previous monitoring trips to that

island. It is almost as if the birds knew that rats and mongooses would not be eating their eggs and chicks!

Here’s to saving local wildlife so that future generations can experience and enjoy it.

The eradication and training received during the process was largely supported by the CEPF grants: Offshore Islands Conservation Programme: Maintaining RatFree Islands for the Benefit of Antigua’s Biodiversity and People (grant awarded to EAG) and Islands without Aliens: Building Regional Civil Capacity to Eradicate Alien Invasive Species (grant

Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for in you do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. (Psalms 143:8 *NKJV) As you may know, when we invite God into our life, and ask Him to take control of our “life and will,” we start on the journey to become the person that we were meant to be. For it is written: If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17-18) This is because God begins to reshape us into that person. It is written: O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you our potter; and we all are the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8) Now, as we become that new person, God will lead us to the path that He has chosen for us to walk. It is then that we become filled with the Holy Spirit, as well as the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

(Galatians 5:22-23) So, why not ask God to take control of your “life and will” today, if you haven’t already? Also say to Him: show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me. For you are the God of my salvation. Amen. (Psalms 25:4-5)

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SPORTS

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Youth athletes optimistic

By Neto Baptiste

At least two of the five athletes set to represent Antigua & Barbuda at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, next month, are hoping their performances will be good enough to see them medal.

Sprinter Bliss Soline and sailor Rhone Kirby have both expressed a desire to dominate at the competitive meet which is set for August 16-28.

Soline, who will compete in the girls’ 100 metre event, said she has put a lot of work into getting ready for the event.

“I am looking forward to going and hopefully making a new time, at least trying to break our national record in Antigua. I have to manage my time very well I really don’t have much time for going out and like people my age would do so I spend a lot of my time home doing school work or I’d probably be at the track because I have to change my training hours to suit my after classes I’d have to go to,” she said.

Kirby, who will compete in the Byte CII boat competition, said his focus is on winning the top prize.

“I have lots of intentions, especially to bring

home a gold medal for my coach and especially for my country. Antigua has been to the Olympics for sailing twice and my coach Karl James got a gold medal in the ’90s and he was back in 2000 and was a medallist again,” he said.

“When I am here training, especially, it’s only like five boats on the water and when I get to the big events I am a bit nervous, but I got to do my thing,” the young sailor added.

Chef de Mission, Kelesha Antoine, said her satisfaction will come once all the athletes give of their best.

“For me, as long as they

all go out and do their best, I think the country will be proud, the NOC will be proud. All of them are very intelligent young people and are all aiming for the gold which is the best thing so that means they will put out their best in everything they do,” she said.

The other members of the team are swimmers Gabriella John and Noah Mascoll-Gomes and sprinter Coull Graham.

The team, which departs on August 10, will be accompanied by coaches Evans “Jawakie” Jones (athletics), Terell Bruno (swimming) and Carl James (sailing).

Bolt criticises Gay’s ban reduction

World record holder Usain Bolt has criticised the decision to reduce Tyson Gay’s doping ban because he co-operated with the US Anti-Doping Agency.

Gay and Bolt’s fellow Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell, both 31, failed drug tests for oxilofrine in July 2013.

Gay was given a oneyear ban and Powell was initially suspended for 18 months.

Bolt said: “It is sending a bad message into the sport that you can do it, but if you co-operate with us we’ll reduce the sentence.”

Former 100m and 200m world champion Gay could have been banned for up to two years but received a lighter penalty because of his co-operation.

Powell claimed his ruling was “unfair and unjust”, and said a legal supplement he took, Epiphany D1, was contaminated.

He appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport

World record holder Usain Bolt (right) is challenged by Tyson Gay in a past meet

and his ban was subsequently reduced to six months.

Six-time Olympic champion Bolt does not agree that the athletics world governing body, the IAAF, should have accepted Gay’s reduced ban.

“I don’t think that’s the

right way to go because you are pretty much telling people that this is a way out, it’s a way of beating the system,” he said.

The IAAF said in a statement: “After careful review of the full file provided by USADA, the IAAF

has decided that the oneyear sanction applied in the case of Tyson Gay was appropriate under the circumstances and in accordance with IAAF Rules.”

Both Gay and Powell have now returned to action. (bbc sports)

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A number of the country’s top horses and jockeys will be on show during the Carnival Race Meet. (File photo)

Fresh Milk to settle doubts

By Neto Baptiste

The long awaited showdown between half-bred, Fresh Milk and thoroughbred Lady Anne, will come to fruition during the Antigua Turf Club’s (ATC) Carnival Race Meet at the Cassada Gardens Race Track on August 3.

The two horses are carded to compete in an eight-furlong showdown after injury had forced Fresh Milk out of the Pre-Carnival Meet held July 13 when the two were set to compete for the first time.

Owner and trainer of Fresh Milk, Winston Benjamin, said he will lay all doubts to rest during the upcoming meet.

“For all the naysayers and the derogatory comments that the Lady Anne camp is coming out with that they will still have their time to back their talk because as I said, my name is Winston Benjamin get the job done,” he said.

“She is completely healed and she is ready. I just re-shoed her yesterday (Tuesday) and she is a little tender on the foot but I don’t think that is going to prevent her from running,”

he added.

Lady Anne remains one of the few local thoroughbreds that have never been beaten by Fresh Milk, who has built a reputation for beating the full-breeds.

Benjamin, a former West Indies fast bowler, said the pressure to perform is more so on Lady Anne than Fresh Milk.

“Over a mile, neither of the animals have ever been the distance before, however, one advantage Fresh Milk has is that she has been over 7.5 which is just a half furlong short and I think her strength is going the distance so we will have to see what Lady Anne has to offer,” he said.

“If Lady Anne was to win this race by some stretch of the imagination, it is going to be expected because she is a thoroughbred; but if Fresh Milk was to win this race, which she is going to do, then it is just going to be an embarrassment for them so they are hoping they could talk me out of running and talk me into going into my rightful class,” Benjamin added.

The race will be the feature attraction during the anticipated meet.

Brazil have named former player Dunga as their new coach

Dunga named as Brazil coach

Brazil have named former player Dunga as their new coach for the second time.

Dunga was the captain of Brazil’s 1994 World Cupwinning team and coached the national team from 2006 to 2010.

“I am immensely happy to be back,” said the 50 year old, who was the favourite to land the job.

Dunga replaces Luiz Felipe Scolari, who resigned after Brazil suffered the joint-heaviest defeat in their history, losing 7-1 to Germany in the semi-final of the 2014 World Cup. Dunga was in charge at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when Brazil

were knocked out in the quarter-finals.

Scolari, who guided Brazil to World Cup victory in 2002, and his entire backroom staff have all left their posts since the tournament finished.

Meanwhile, Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella, 59, will decide his future next week after his side lost 1-0 to Germany in the World Cup final.

Members of the squad have said they want Sabella to remain in charge for the 2015 Copa America in Chile.

“It’s down to whether I feel strong enough to give 100 per cent,” said Sabella. (bbc sports)

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T h u rs d ay Ju l y 24 , 2 01 4 T H E D A I LY

O bs e rv er

Bravo defends using Pooran for Super Over

P O R T- O F - S PA I N , Trinidad, (CMC) - Red Steel skipper Dwayne Bravo has defended his decision to allow 18-year-old Nicholas Pooran to take on Sunil Narine in a Super Over against the Guyana Amazon Warriors last week.

Bravo has been criticised for the decision which resulted in Red Steel suffering its first defeat in the Caribbean Premier League ((CPL) this season.

Bravo admitted that Pooran might have lost some confidence after dropping a catch in the final over of the Guyana chase but said the rest of the team backed the youngest player on the side to deliver.

“Obviously, the result

did not work out in our favour so you will hear the negative side in terms of why we chose young (Nicholas) Pooran,” said Bravo.

“Obviously, he was a bit low in confidence (after the final over) but the type of player Pooran is, he is very confident. He is the one who walked up and said, ‘Skip I want to do it’ so we gave him the opportunity”.

With scores tied at 118 after 20 overs, Chris Barnwell swatted the first ball of the one-over eliminator from seamer Kevon Cooper over mid-wicket, to help Amazon Warriors gather 11 runs.

With Red Steel requiring 12 to win, Narine beat left-hander Pooran outside

the off-stump with the first four deliveries before having him caught at long off

by Martin Guptil off the fifth ball to seal the game.

“He will only learn from it. Obviously it was only one over and anything could have happened and he was facing the best bowler in the world in Sunil Narine so there was not much he could do, even myself might not have been able to get the 12 runs in six balls,” Bravo explained.

“It is a learning process and I am happy with him and I like his attitude and his belief in his ability and the team believes in him as well.”

The Red Steel are now in Trinidad and Tobago for three home games at

Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain.

They play Guyana on Thursday, Jamaica Tallawahs on Saturday and St Lucia Zouks on Sunday.

“Last year we played our first three games on the road and we lost all three and coming home to play was a bit of pressure, so to win two on the road now, we obviously feel more comfortable coming home to our fans,” said Bravo.

“Based on reports, tickets are selling out so the fans are happy with the way the Red Steel team is playing so far and I am just looking forward to playing here and putting on a great performance for our fans home in Trinidad.”

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SPORTS

Th ur sd a y J u l y 24 , 2 014

A batting cage erected at Antigua Grammar School some years ago has been overrun by shrubbery and seemingly abandoned by those charged with its upkeep. (Photo courtesy Ministry of Sports)

School Grounds To Be Improved

Students returning to school following the summer break will see a vast improvement to their respective sporting fields.

Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Sports Senator Colin James has confirmed that he has already engaged the Ministry of Works to have the sporting fields upgraded.

“I sat with Minister of Public Works (Eustace Lake) some time last week and we have agreed that the facilities must be improved,” James said.

He added: “There was an assessment done of the fields and the results were

alarming. Most of the fields are in terrible shape and not suitable for our children to play on. In almost every case, there is garbage that needs to be removed from the premises as well as overgrown shrubbery.”

Senator James said he is hoping that the ministry and, by extension, the government can create a culture of excellence at all levels.

“We have high expectations of our youth so we must give them the tools necessary to do well and that includes proper playing surfaces and facilities,” James said.”As a matter of fact, well-groomed playing fields are not much to ask of

the Ministry of Sports.”

James is particularly concerned that in addition to the upgrading of the fields, the protection of structures donated to government schools is seemingly lacking.

He referred to the practice cage for cricket that has been left to run down at Antigua Grammar School.

“From time to time politicians chide the business community for their lack of enthusiasm in making financial and other donations to the Ministry of Sports,” the Parliamentary Secretary lamented. “This practice facility was a donation to the school and we

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must ensure that we protect such investments to the best of our ability, and this is not acceptable.”

Under James’s watch, students can be assured that they will have proper playing surfaces and facilities to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

“We owe all to our youth and I will make sure that the ministry does everything possible to allow for maximum participation in a safe environment,” he said.

Work on the fields is expected to start shortly to be completed prior to the opening of school for the upcoming term.

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