Caribbean Times 56th Issue - Wednesday 14th December 2016

Informative, reliable, enriching! 

Wednesday 14th December 2016 A n t i g u a a n d B a r b u d a 

Vol.8 No.56 $2.00 

CANADA LOOKS TO 

STRENGTHEN TIES 

Prime Minister of Canada, the Hon. Justin 

Trudeau 

By Joanna Paris 

Prime Minister of Canada, 

the Hon. Justin Trudeau, 

has expressed the desire to 

forge a closer link with the 

government of Antigua and 

Barbuda. 

In a letter written to 

Prime Minister Browne, 

the Canadian Prime Minister 

thanked Prime Minister 

Browne for providing recent 

updates on the country’s 

Citizenship By Investment 

Programme (CIP) and expressed 

an interest for Canadians 

to become more 

involved in the programme. 

“Canada takes the integrity 

of its border security, 

immigration and citizenship 

programs seriously. As 

such we continue to monitor 

global migration patterns 

and trends and we seek to 

ensure that countries offering 

citizenship by investment 

meet a high standard 

of programme integrity, in 

particular those enjoying 

visa exemption to travel to 

Canada”, the letter indicated. 

Prime Minister Trudeau 

also stated that he is very 

pleased that representatives 

from both countries have 

been in direct contact to discuss 

the CIP. 

“It is important to continue 

these frank conversations 

so that Canada can understand 

what due diligence 

processes have been put in 

place. Again, we welcome 

any further updates about 

improvement that you are 

making to the programme”. 

The Canadian Prime 

Minister also thanked the 

government of Antigua and 

Barbuda for supporting 

Canada’s bid for a non-permanent 

seat on the UN Security 

Council. 

“As a dynamic and respected 

leader within the Caribbean 

Community (CAR- 

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon., 

Gaston Browne 

ICOM), I appreciate your 

active support on Canada’s 

behalf within CARICOM 

and at the UN through your 

permanent mission in New 

York”, Prime Minister 

Trudeau penned. 

He also added that he 

welcomes the opportunity 

to undertake an official visit 

to the twin island state to 

discuss a number of foreign 

affairs related matters.

2 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 

Wednesday 14th December 2016 

More money for scholarships 

Editor’s Note 

Caribbean Times is printed 

and published at Woods 

Estate/Friars Hill Road. 

The Editor is Justin Peters. 

Contact: Caribbean Times, 

P.O. Box W2099, 

Woods Estate/Friars Hill 

Road, 

St. John’s, 

Antigua. 

Tel: (268) 562-8688, 

Fax: (268) 562-8685. 

Visit us online at our website: 

www. caribbeantimes.ag 

We ask you to send: 

Pertinent news items to 

news@caribbeantimes.ag. 

Advertisement inquiries to 

accounts@caribbeantimes.ag. 

Letters to the editor to 

editor@caribbeantimes.ag 

By Everton Barnes 

The government is making 

it possible for more 

nationals to pursue their 

dreams of higher education 

by increasing the amount 

of money it allocates for 

scholarships under the 

Prime Minister’s Scholarship 

programme. 

The disclosure comes 

from Minister in the Ministry 

of Finance Senator 

Lennox Weston, who has 

announced that there will 

be a major increase in the 

allocation going into the 

next year. 

According to Weston 

both the ministry of finance 

and the Office of the prime 

Minister have been working 

hand-in-hand to ensure 

that the monies allocated 

under the scheme increases 

from its current $3 million 

to $17 million for the next 

academic year. 

“We are now going to 

ensure that if you want an 

education, you can get an 


United Progressive 

Party executive member 

George Wehner, who was 

detained overnight for 

education. We are ensuring 

that you can attain most of 

your tertiary level education 

free of cost since you 

will be able to attend the 

Antigua State College free 

then pay for your final year 

at the University of the 

West Indies,” he stated. 

Weston said this programme 

is being expanded 

to include skills training 

starting with 19 young people 

who have been sent off 

by the Antigua Port Authority 

for specialized training 

at the Caribbean Maritime 

School in Jamaica. 

He said the government 

questioning by the police, 

has now been set free. 

Wehner was released 

Tuesday pending further 

investigations into the production 

of a video that has 

Informative, reliable, enriching! 

Think you have a good news story; did you witness 

anything that is news-worthy; did you take that 

valuable picture; things happening in your community 

but there is no outlet or voice for you? You can 

earn just by telling your story. 

Call Caribbean Times at (268) 562 8688 

Email: editor@caribbeantimes.ag 

Or news@caribbeantimes.ag 

Reach us now with that breaking news! 

has made a request to the 

World Bank for assistance 

in this area of training as 

the government seeks to 

train more people in the 

critical areas needed to 

help advance the country’s 

development. 

The programme also 

seeks to provide trainees 

with the certification that 

they would need should 

they decide to seek employment 

internationally. 

Weston added that the 

government is seeking to 

provide opportunities for 

nationals through education. 

Wehner released from police custody 

been widely condemned by 

many in the society. 

That matter is still under 

active police investigation. 

Police sources say 

Wehner has however been 

charged with battery on a 

police officer arising out of 

an incident that happened 

some two months ago when 

he allegedly pushed a police 

officer. 

The sources say the officer 

was on duties at Seatons 

where the group that 

calls itself, the Movement, 

was holding a meeting. 

It is alleged that Wehner 

recognized the officer and 

assaulted him. 

He was charged and released 

on bail.

Wednesday 14th December 2016 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 3 

Lennox Weston delivers ‘goodies’ 


Conditions are perfect 

for what would be perhaps 

the biggest shopping weekend 

in the country starting 

this Friday when the government 

reduces the Antigua 

and Barbuda Sales Tax 

(ABST) from the current 15 

percent down to 5 percent. 

Making the announcement 

Minister in the Ministry 

of Finance, Senator 

Lennox Weston, said the 

reduction is to allow both 

consumers and business 

people some relief in time 

for the Christmas holidays. 

Additionally, the minister 

also announced that all 

government salaries and 

pensioners will be paid by 

this Friday December 16. 

“We will be paying every 

single public servant 

and pensioner on the government 

payroll by Friday, 

this week,” a confident 

Weston declared. 

Minister in the Ministry of Finance, 

Senator Lennox Weston 

According to the minister 

the ABST reduction will 

run for a 72-hour period, 

from Friday 16 to Sunday 

18 December ending at 

midnight. During that period, 

all goods supplied by 

registered ABST vendors 

and businesses will be reduced. 

Consumers in Antigua 

and Barbuda have become 

accustomed to the annual 

reduction in ABST and 

many use the opportunity 

to purchase big-ticket items 

such as motor vehicles, furniture 

and regular items 

such as groceries. 

Businesses are especially 

expected to do robust 

business this weekend 

since coupled with the early 

salaries, there has been a 

general uplift in the economy 

which translates to 

more people having money 

to spend this holiday season. 

“This is the government 

giving back to the people 

of Antigua and Barbuda; 

something to make their 

100% 

FINANCING 

Christmas special,” Weston 

added. 

The government’s generosity 

will also extend into 

the New Year as Weston 

is also giving a commitment 

to pay salaries before 

month-end in January. 

“We recognize that by 

paying salaries early in 

December, we need to pay 

earlier in January so as not 

to make the month seem 

longer than it really is. 

“So I am going to go 

on the record to promise 

that salaries will be paid by 

January 20th to lessen the 

pain of a long January,” he 

declared. 

Don’t Dream it. 

Drive it 

ESCAPE 

FREE INSURANCE 

& LICENSING 

FREE ONE YEAR SERVICE 

& 3 MONTHS GAS 

FREE REGISTRATION 

& PLATES 

FACTORY & AMERICAN ROAD,ST.JOHN’S ANTIGUA W.I. 

1 (268) 462-1062 

www.harneymotorsltd.com



APUA unveils new internet plans 


The local telecommunications 

and internet provider, APUA Inet is 

launching a brand new suite of internet 

plans and customers are being 

encouraged to choose the package 

which will best meet their needs. 

The company’s Communications 

and Marketing Officer, Cathrona 

Samuel, has noted in a recent media 

interview that the launch of new internet 

services and the upgrade to the 


The Executive Director 

of the World Bank Christine 

Hogan has written to 

Prime Minister, the Hon. 

Gaston Browne to express 

thanks for his support of 

her recent nomination for 


The government is eagerly looking forward 

to giving citizens and residents the 

keys to new homes in the coming year as 

construction continue under the National 

Housing initiative. 

Government’s Chief of Staff, Ambassador 

Lionel “Max” Hurst has stated that 

there are currently 51 homes available at 

Dredge Bay with work being done to build 

roads in that area, 150 have been built at 

Paynters, approximately 250 homes will 

be located at Denfields and government 

has plans to build an additional 100 houses 

on Royals Estate located east of Cedar 

Grove. 

Ambassador Hurst said that the aim is 

to give person the opportunity to own their 

own home affordably. 

network will offer customers an internet 

speed of no less than 10 megabytes 

per second. 

The packages begin as low as 

$75.00 for 10MB with the highest 

possible cost being $140.00 for 

20MB. 

“Once you are an INET customer, 

you will be able to upgrade to the 

service range that best suit what you 

are currently paying for so there will 

be no need to come in and re-apply 

an executive role at the 

world renowned financial 

institution. 

In a letter penned to the 

nation’s leader, Hogan outlined 

her profound gratitude. 

“I would like to thank 

you for supporting my 

nomination to serve as your 

Executive Director at the 

World Bank. 

“It is indeed an honour 

to serve at a time when 

the Small States Agenda is 

gaining renewed attention 

Updates on housing projects 

“We have an inventory of houses hat 

is worth almost 100 million dollars so we 

have to sell these houses in order to get 

additional resources so that we can build 

new houses. 

“That is where we are now. The National 

Housing has been used to enhance a 

number of key public areas to include the 

National Archives. 

“The National Housing has over 150 

million dollars in assets”, he noted. 

According to the Chief of Staff, the 

National Housing has also employed more 

than 250 persons. 

As part of its 2014 Election Campaign, 

the Gaston Browne led Administration has 

emphasized the need for Antiguans and 

Barbudans to have access to affordable 

land and housing. 

for the service. That upgrade will be 

automatic”, she highlighted. 

Samuel said that a third of the customer 

base has been upgraded so far. 

New customers will need to apply at 

the headquarters, with a photo ID, 

land line and Social Security Number 

as pre-requisites. 

The company also has plans to unveil 

a fibre to the home service, which 

will be done on a limited basis in the 

initial phase. 

World Bank Executive Director expresses 

thanks to Prime Minister Browne 

at the World Bank Group 

and when the chairmanship 

of the Small States Forum 

is being rotated to the Caribbean 

Constituency”, she 

expressed. 

She also congratulated 

the government for its leadership 

role in coordinating 

the recently held meeting 

on loss of correspondent 

banking relations (de-risking), 

which took place here 

in October. 

Hogan also indicated 

that she was happy that the 

meeting included discussion 

on identifying solutions 

to the issue and other 

related challenges in the 

Caribbean region. 

“I look forward to meeting 

you and I encourage 

your officials to stay in 

close contact with our team 

here at the World Bank so 

that our office can serve 

you effectively”, the letter 

concluded


Four females represent Antigua and 

Barbuda at high level Abu Dhabi summit 


Four women carried the 

country’s flag at the annual 

Global Summit of Women 

Speakers of Parliament in Abu 

Dhabi which is the capital of 

the United Arab Emirates. 

President of the Senate, 

Senator Alincia Williams 

Grant, Senator Mary-Clare 

Hurst and Senator Shenella 

Govia and Clerk to Parliament 

Ramona Small were the 

local participants in the forum 

that concluded on Tuesday. 

Antigua and Barbuda’s 

participation in this important 

Meeting signals the Gaston 

Browne Administration’s firm 

commitment to the empowerment 

of women and youth in 

Antigua and Barbuda. 

The Government of Antigua 

and Barbuda will continue 

its efforts to expand 

the opportunities provided 

for women to develop their 

leadership abilities thereby 

enabling successful advancement 

in their professional careers. 

The Government of Antigua 

and Barbuda has forged 

strong diplomatic relations 

with the Government of the 

United Arab Emirates and 

will continue to use its established 

diplomatic channels to 

acquire more opportunities 

for the continued empowerment 

of women and youth. 

The conference focused 

immensely on issues pertaining 

to the empowerment of 

women and gender balance. 

The Global Summit of 

Women Speakers of Parliament 

was hosted by the UAE 

Federal National Council in 

collaboration with Inter-Parliamentary 

Union, under the 

theme “United for Shaping 

the Future”. 

The event witnessed the 

participation of a number of 

global women speakers of 

parliament, parliamentary 

representatives and several 

delegates with diverse expertise 

– including scientists, influencers, 

policy makers, entrepreneurs 

and government 

representatives. 

The summit also comprised 

of a series of panel 

PPKB launch on Friday 


The Government of Antigua and Barbuda 

has announced its plan to launch its Public 

Policy Knowledge Bank (PPKB) on Friday. 

According to information circulated by 

the Cabinet Press Secretary, “the PPKB is the 

result of the Government’s effort to provide 

timely, accurate and accessible information 

on policies and other matters that affect the 

lives of citizens and residents of Antigua and 

Barbuda and the support of the Commonwealth 

Secretariat to enhance the principle 

of participatory governance throughout the 

Commonwealth”. 

This new website will feature a number 

of policies of government agencies and other 

resources related to the business of government. 

The historic launch will take place in the 

Office of the Prime Minister. 

sessions that addressed political, 

social, economic, environmental, 

and demographic 

issues relevant to the world 

today. 

According to a press statement, 

the programme agenda 

also focused on the political, 

technological, and economic 

developments that are poised 

to transform the world in the 

imminent future. 

The event’s highlights will 

be summarized in the Abu 

Dhabi Declaration. 

The Declaration will support 

the efforts of political and 

parliamentary organizations 

in enhancing security and stability. 

The report will further 

demonstrate the vision of 

women speakers of parliament 

in addressing issues of 

global interest and compile 

the summit’s outcomes and final 

recommendations that reflect 

regional and international 

political, economic, social, 

and environmental trends.



Safety, Security and Service – the 

Port’s priority says Telemaque 


Port Manager, Darwin Telemaque 

has indicated that the Antigua Port Authority 

(APA) continues to seek ways 

to improve the overall operations of the 

port. 

As the facility prepares for the hustle 

and bustle associated with the Christmas 

Season and particularly through the 

Christmas Barrel initiative, Telemaque 

said that the aim is to meet the expectations 

of the customers through the three 

S’s – safety, security and service. 

Today, persons who will be conducting 

business at the port, will be greeted 

by a brand new checking point, created 

through the innovative use of two containers, 

which have been converted to a 

fully air-conditioned building. 

That is not the only change; persons 

who are waiting to be served will now 

have the option of sitting under tents in 

opposed to standing in the hot sun outside 

the facility. 

Telemaque added that high technology 

cameras have also been installed in 

and around the warehouse to ensure that 

goods are kept safe and without interference. 

He gave kudos to the Chairman of the 

Port’s Board, Senator Mary Claire Hurst 

for her vision and insistence where that 

level of security is concerned. 

“Every effort we make is to improve 

The Ministry of Education, 

Science and Technology along 

with the Zone III officer Mrs. 

Desiree Antonio, take this opportunity 

to congratulate all the 

teachers of Zone III that were 

nominated for teacher of the 

year 2016. 

A special congratulation goes 

out to the teacher of the year Ms. 

Donna Farrell of the Freemans 

Ville Primary School for her 

outstanding performance. 

The Ministry of Education 

takes this opportunity to say 

thank you to all our sponsors, Mi 

Casa Imports, Cool & Smooth, 

Paint Plus, Sanje (formerly Benetton), 

S & B Brokerage, Carlisle 

Bay Hotel, Kings Casino, 

BSS, Office Express, Hadeed 

Motors, Supreme Mobile Car 

Wash and Rentals, Nicholas 

Gonsalves-Barreiro, Sign Pro, 

General Insurance, Flo’s Perfume, 

Furniture Gallery, Vernon 

G Edwards, St. James Club, 

Copper and Lumber, Crabbe 

Hole Liquor, Flower World, 

Schools in Zone III, who generously 

supported our zone III 

teachers’ award. We look forward 

to your continuous support 

in the years to come. 

the efficiency of our operations. That 

is pivotal. We are seeking to give 

our customers are more professional 

environment, so definitely this year 

customers can look forward to walking 

into a whole new different atmosphere”, 

he explained. 

He added that work continues to suppress 

the dust on the compound with the 

addition of a brand new sweeper. 

Workers also have the option of being 

provided with masks so that the dust 

does not affect their health in anyway. 

He emphasized that the main goal is 

to change the public’s opinion of the port 

as being a facility, “where a lot of time is 

wasted”. 

Zone III Teacher of the year 2016


Inland Revenue Department (IRD) 

cashiers closing early on 30th December 

The cashiers at the Inland Revenue 

Department (IRD) will be closed to 

the public at 12 noon on Friday 30th 

December, 2016. 

According to Commissioner of the 

IRD, Ralph Warner, this area of the 

Department will be closed early to facilitate 

the smooth end of year transfer 

of information between the relevant 

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados- 

The Board of Directors 

of the Caribbean 

Development Bank (CDB) 

has approved a USD10 million 

(mn) policy-based loan 

to further build growth and 

resilience in the Grenadian 

economy. It is the final of 

three such loans from CDB 

to the Government of Grenada, 

designed to support the 

country’s 36-month, homegrown 

structural adjustment 

programme. 

“CDB commends the 

Government of Grenada on 

its efforts to implement a 

comprehensive reform programme 

to restore fiscal and 

debt sustainability, build resilience 

and improve competitiveness. 

We are pleased 

to continue our support to 

Grenada as it works towards 

accelerating progress on poverty 

reduction through sustainable 

economic growth 

and job creation,” said Dr. 

Justin Ram, Director of Economics, 

CDB. 

departments in a timely manner. 

To this end, the general public is 

urged to make any final payments to 

the Inland Revenue Department for 

2016 before close of business at 12 

noon on December 30th. 

However, persons wishing to have 

documents stamped or seeking information 

can still do so since the other 

The policy-based loan 

supports the Government of 

Grenada’s ongoing implementation 

of policy and institutional 

reforms. It focuses 

on three main themes: 

Improving investment climate 

and competitiveness; 

Improving public resource 

management; and 

Enhancing resilience 

against natural disasters and 

key elements of resilience in 

the Banking Sector. 

The loan supports reforms 

the Government of Grenada 

implemented in the second 

half of 2015 and first half of 

2016. These reforms build 

on the progress the country 

achieved under the first and 

second policy-based loans, 

which were approved in July 

2014 and October 2015, respectively. 

Several fiscal and structural 

reforms implemented 

since 2014, coupled with 

the restructuring of external 

commercial debt and domestic 

debt, have contributed to a 

marked improvement in Grenada’s 

economic and fiscal 

situation, relative to the 2011 

to 2013 period. In 2015, the 

areas at the IRD will be open until 

1pm. 

We do apologize for any inconvenience 

and look forward for your 

continued support and co-operation in 

2017. 

We also take this opportunity to 

wish you a bright and prosperous 2017 

and beyond. 

CDB approves USD10 mn loan to build 

growth, resilience in Grenadian economy 

Grenadian economy grew 6.2 

percent, making it the fastest 

growing of CDB’s 19 Borrowing 

Member Countries.


Wednesday 14th December 2016

Wednesday 14th December 2016 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 9



Tuesday’s Sudoku Solution 

S U D O K U 

CROSSWORD 

Across 

1. Farm measure 

5. Crafts 

9. Texas landmark 

14. Accurate 

15. Split pea, e.g. 

16. Actress Sophia ____ 

17. Without purpose 

19. Sheep’s cry 

20. Author ____ Tolstoy 

21. Mediocre grades 

22. Part of FDR 

23. Baseball blunders 

25. Imitator 

27. Hurry 

29. Eight-sided figure 

34. ____ mower 

37. Snacks 

39. Higher than 

40. Diva’s solo 

41. Counts calories 

43. 500 sheets 

44. Sight 

46. Gather crops 

47. Norwegian city 

48. Clung 

50. Buddhist monk 

52. Coin opening 

54. What Moses parted (2 wds.) 

58. ____ in distress 

62. Cobra’s comment 

64. Arrest 

65. Korean, e.g. 

66. Essential 

68. “West Side Story” character 

69. Utilizes 

70. Large vases 

71. Incantation 

72. Wren’s home 

73. Loch ____ 

Down 

1. Start of a Dickens title (2 wds.) 

2. Town’s announcer 

3. Hearsay 

4. Snaky fish 

5. Evaluated 

6. Thorny bloom 

7. Oklahoma city 

8. Foreign agent 

9. Canadian province 

10. Recline lazily 

11. Site 

12. Average 

13. Upon 

18. Light tan 

22. Winter mo. 

24. Showy 

26. Of the mail 

28. Coiffure (hyph.) 

30. Overseas 

31. Departs 

32. Track shape 

33. Fictional clownfish 

34. Liquid rock 

35. Parched 

36. Dream 

38. Kickoff device 

42. Most thinly distributed 

45. Arms depot 

49. House wing 

51. Army meal 

53. Not those 

55. Trap 

56. Works for 

57. Chasm 

58. River barriers 

59. Right away (abbr.) 

60. Mud 

61. Travel by water 

63. Freezes 

66. Convent dweller 

67. Our star


HOROSCOPE 

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 

21). To know someone very 

well, so well that you’re comfortable 

with this person in a 

myriad of situations — it’s a 

wonderful feeling. Plus, making 

efforts toward this end is 

nothing but pleasure. 

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). 

People will respond to your 

respect. In fact, it’s the most 

motivating thing you can do 

for another person today — respect 

the efforts, the attitude, 

the person’s expression in this 

world. 

Today’s weather forecast 

Antigua and Barbuda 

Sunny skies. 

High - 81ºF 

Low - 74ºF 

Wind: East 16 mph 

Sunrise 6.28 am; Sunset 5.36 pm 

Tuesday’s Crossword Solution 

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 

19). You may find yourself 

thinking harshly of a situation. 

It doesn’t make you a bad 

person. It’s natural to have a 

whole array of feelings, some 

darker than others. Just watch 

your words, is all. You can’t 

take them back. 

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 

18). Some have trouble saying 

“no” while others are afraid to 

say “yes.” Everyone is different. 

Set up those personal rules 

again, and this time, make sure 

they are catered to you. 

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). 

How can you take the relationship 

to more-splendid levels? 

You will accomplish this aim, 

mostly because you have the 

creativity, curiosity and moxie 

that it takes to ask this question. 

ARIES (March 21-April 19). 

Seize the opportunity to meet 

new people. On the surface you 

may not have all that much in 

common. A little effort is all it 

takes to go deeper. What you’ll 

learn from this is that you’re 

more alike than different. 

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). 

Everything will be better with 

a little preparation, especially 

those things that you usually 

wouldn’t have to prepare for 

— a casual conversation with 

a friend, for instance. 

CANCER (June 22-July 22). 

You heard the music before, 

and now you can’t hear it. But 

this is not cause for alarm. The 

songbird has not flown away. 

The songbird is inside you always. 

It just needs to, once in a 

while, rest its voice. 

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Don’t 

let other people’s opinions 

knock you off your game. 

Someone else’s judgment 

doesn’t have to be unsettling; 

uncertainty could, in fact, call 

forward your best self. It’s all 

in your interpretation. 

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). 

Your imagination gets an injection 

of color. It’s like a brandnew 

ink cartridge in your 

printer, ready to flesh out some 

vivid imagery for you. Dream 

that you’ll make it. Dream big 

and dream wild. 

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It’s 

not enough to have an opinion. 

Anyone can do that. But 

to have an opinion that’s thoroughly 

and uniquely thought 

out — you really admire the 

person who presents you with 

such a thing today. 

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). 

If thoughts were furniture, a 

few timeless pieces deserve 

the prime mental real estate 

you give them. Then there are 

some broken down, archaic 

pieces that you would do well 

to move on out and replace.


The Medical Benefits Scheme wishes to advise all its’ beneficiaries 

that the Browne’s Avenue Pharmacy is now open to 

serve you. Enjoy quick service including pick-up & drop off 

services and spacious parking. Opening hours are MON – FRI 

8 AM- 3 PM. Special extend hours on 12th – 23rd of December 

& 3rd -13th JANUARY 2017: 7AM – 4 PM. Have a 

healthy and happy holiday from the Medical Benefits Scheme. 

The General Public is hereby advised that the Antigua Port Authority 

(Deep Water Harbour) will open every Saturday from 

8:00 am to 1:00 pm through to December 31, 2016 to facilitate 

regular business activities. Please be guided accordingly. 

The Cedar Hall Moravian Church invites you to its Extravagant 

Black and Gold Gala Event on Saturday 17th December, 

2016 starting at 7pm. This grand event takes place at 

the Ernest James C.E Building on the Church grounds in 

Jennings. Tickets - $150 per couple or $80 single. It’s an 

evening of fine dining, great entertainment and wholesome 

fun. So bring the entire family and enjoy this spectacular 

event. Proceeds are in aid of church development. 

Please be advised there will be a end of year meeting for 

all members to be held at the msjmc conference room on 

Wednesday 14th December, 2016. Please make an effort to 

be in full attendance. 

ABSTEP SPECIAL RECRUITMENT DRIVE 

ATTENTION JOBSEEKERS! 

The Antigua and Barbuda Skills Training and Empowerment 

Programme (ABSTEP) is offering short-term job opportunities 

for residents of Freetown and surrounding areas. 

ABSTEP is looking for individuals who: 

• Are between the ages of 17-50 years 

• Are legal residents of Antigua and Barbuda 

• Aren't afraid to get their hands dirty 

• Are hard-working 

• Are willing to learn a range of skills 

• Are team players 

If you are interested in attending ABSTEP’S recruitment 

drive, here's what you need to know: 

• DATE: Thursday, December 15, 2016 

• VENUE: Freetown Health Centre (on the verandah) 

• TIME: 9:00 a.m. -- 1:00 p.m. 

• WHAT TO BRING: 

o Passport 

o Social Security card 

o Medical Benefits card 

o Curriculum vitae/resume 

o Educational certificates (original and two copies) 

o Driver's license (if any) 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: call (268) 562-8533/ (268) 

462-STEP (7837) or e-mail abstep@ab.gov.ag 


Christmas is a time when 

some people overspend to dine 

By Mrs Jacqueline Wetherill 

Can you believe it, Christmas is here, 

ham and turkey to prepare. 

Feting and dining girl fuh true, 

drinking Puncha Cuba, mauby and ginger beer too. 

Yuh nah hear nearly every bank ah give unsecure loan, 

meh ah get one fuh guh fix meh home; 

The extra change ah guh do me good, 

ah suh meh guh show off in meh neighborhood. 

Christmas Is A Time When 

Some People Over Spend To Dine. 

Every store meh pass there is something nice; girl, I have 

money meh nah mine the price. 

Meh children done tell me all wah them want; girl, ah suh 

them guh dance and prance. 

Christmas comes once a year, everyone must have their 

share, suh meh tek meh loan without fear. 

I don’t care what people say about me, I was qualified to 

get an unsecured loan yuh see. 



Wow! Christmas came and passed by fast, now paying 

back the bank is a hard task. 

I forgot to pay my children’s school fees, now that nuff, 

ugly principal just ah harass me. 

Meh nah see wah mek them can’t wait; meh use to pay 

them early, suh wah if meh late? 

Hey look, nah come inside meh yard, to cut off whose 

light? You dare come in meh guh loose meh dog and we 

guh fight. 



Hello Mr. Bank, wah yuh ah call meh fah? 

Your loan is late madam. I don’t have any money Sir. 

When would you be able to pay your loan? 

Mr. Bank, is not you say it was unsecured? 

If you cannot pay your loan by a certain time, we will have 

to auction your home, don’t be surprised. 

Yuh mad inna yuh head, fuh tek away who house? Mr. 

Bank, you and all yuh staff ah nasty, no- conscience louse. 



Message to all nah push yuh head 

where yuh body can’t pass.


Bendals sit at the bottom while 

Swetes on top in ABFA First Division 

By Marver Woodley 

The Cool and Smooth 

Empire Football Club’s on 

again, off again performance 

in the 2016 Premier Division 

season has caused die-hard 

fans to once again wonder if 

the Green Bay founded team 

will bring home a trophy. 

According to captain of 

the team and the nations Under 

17 squad Shakimba Williams, 

this is due to lack of 

commitment to training. He 

expressed that in order for 

the weltering performance to 

improve the team has to work 

hard. 

The 13 times Premier 

League Champions currently 

Paynters Goal Project 

to open this weekend 

By Carlena Knight 

The FIFA Goal Project will finally open this Sunday in 

Paynters at 1:00 p.m. 

The long awaited project will commence with an opening 

ceremony and demonstration by some youth footballers. 

This is according to President of the Antigua Barbuda Football 

Association, Everton Gonsalves, who stated in a previous 

interview. ‘Each team is expected to have in attendance two 

principal individuals and four team members and will assemble 

by latest 12:30 p.m. at the Police Recreation Grounds and will 

move off from there up to the stadium’. 

With the opening taking place this weekend all upcoming 

matches in the Premier league have been postponed. 

During this break minor repairs will be done at the Antigua 

Recreation Grounds before the commencement of matches on 

December 26th. 


The Hon. Molwyn Joseph Bendals 

FC will continue to sit at the bottom of 

the standings in the Antigua and Barbuda 

Football Association First Division even 

after a draw. 

Bendals drew 1-1 with Ottos Rangers 

FC with scores coming from Audwin 

Joseph and Jason Benjamin. Elsewhere 

Bethesda S.C defeated Real Blizzard 2-1. 

Teshawn Simon and Troy Jules contributed 

for Bethesda while Jamaul Williams 

netted the lone goal for Blizzard. 

Meanwhile, Five Island FC also celebrated 

a win after defeated Fort Road FC 

3-1. Junito Jeffery netted the final goal 

of the game for Fort Road while Daniel 

Francis’ early opener was followed up by 

Fernandez Cevante Sander and Damian 

Francis. 

The trouncing of Hill Top FC has 

boosted Oyster, V.E.G International 

Swetes FC to the top of the scoreboards. 

Swetes defeated Hill Top 3-nil in yesterday’s 

encounter with all three scores 

coming from Lyndon Goodwin 

A day prior Lion Hill handed All 

Saints United their first defeat for the season, 

being the now second seated team 

2-1. 

Point West Ham, Villa Lions, Jennings 

United and Willikies however all 

fought to a goalless game. Meanwhile 

Potters Tigers took their hit at the 4th 

place holder’s Freemansville S.C, defeating 

them in a 2-1 square off. 

Empire’s fluttering leaves fans in awe 

sits in the sixth position on the 

scoreboards amongst the other 

9 contesting teams. 

The fall back was due to 

their recent loss at the hands 

of Asot’s Arcade Parham 

during the weekend’s show 

piece at the Antigua Recreation 

Grounds. 

The recent on and off winners 

fell 3-2 to lead runners 

Parham in a nail biting finally 

of the triple header action. 

The team however gave 

their fans an opportunity to 

stand in the winner’s circle 

after finishing 3rd in the 

2015/16 action, a move fans 

are hoping for or even higher 

yet again. 

Hoppers to face Police 

FC and Jamaica in CFU 

Club Championships 


Premier League Champions Green Bay Hopper FC are set 

to face former title holders Portmore United FC out of Jamaica 

in the upcoming Caribbean Football Union Club Championships. 

The Championships which will kick off in February 2017 

will show case five groups with four teams each. 

Hoppers has been drawn in Group 4 alongside Jamaica, 

neighboring Police FC from Monserrat and USR from Guadalupe. 

The national club last competed in the Championships in 

2009 where they were knocked out in round two against Haiti. 

In the opening round, they defeated Puerto Rico, 2-nil but 

fell hard to Haiti, 8-nil. The squad who will compete representing 

Hoppers is yet to be decided.



Environment in focus at the Iron 

Krew 2 - Barbuda 

The half-marathon hike and 

run along 13.1 miles of Barbuda’s 

Low Bay this Saturday 

December 17 th will offer hikers 

and runners more than just the 

opportunity to complete an intense 

physical challenge. 

The Digicel Iron Krew 2, 

held in partnership with Blue 

Halo, is also designed as a 

hands-on learning experience 

about the importance of Barbuda’s 

pristine coastal environment. 

The hike and run begins 

at the northernmost tip of the 

Codrington Lagoon National 

Park – a protected fishing nursery, 

bird sanctuary and one of 

the Caribbean’s only Ramsar 

sites – meaning a wetland site 

designated of international importance. 

Before hikers and runners 

get started, Blue Halo Site 

Manager Robin Ramdeen will 

lay out the environmental importance 

of the internationally 

treasured coastal area. 

Hikers and runners will 

travel along some of the least 

disturbed coastline in the world 

on a sand bar which encloses 

the world-famous Codrington 

Lagoon and end at the famous 

Martello Tower. 

Twenty-five persons 

from Antigua will travel 

to Barbuda via ferry on 

Saturday morning for the 

afternoon trek and spend 

a night in Barbuda at the 

sports center before returning 

to Antigua on Sunday 

afternoon. Another 

twenty-five young Barbudans 

are expected to join 

the Antiguan contingent 

for the joint challenge. 

Prizes for the event include 

top three male and 

female overall and top 

three male and female 

Barbudan. The event is being 

led by Cordova Simon, 

Maverick Weathered, Jimmy 

Joseph, Peter Cuffy 

and Wayne Henry among 

others. 

The event is being 

sponsored by Digicel, 

Blue Halo, the Barbuda 

Council, Barbuda Belle, 

Tropical Adventures (Excellence), 

Island Provision 

(Aquafina), Lucozade(Tony 

Armstong), 

Ambassador Daven Joseph, 

former Attorney 

General Justin Simon, Dr 

Philmore Benjamin, Carlton 

Broody, Red Cross, 

the Barbuda Fisheries, the 

Barbuda National Office 

of Disaster Services, the 

Barbuda National Park, Island 

Mantra and Code Hut 

Solutions. 

The 13.1-mile hike/run will take persons along some of the most scenic 

coastline in the world.


De Villiers steps down as Test captain 

AB de Villiers has stepped 

down as South Africa’s Test 

captain with immediate effect 

and has been ruled out of the 

three Tests against Sri Lanka 

as he continues to recover 

from elbow surgery. De Villiers 

endorsed his stand-in, 

Faf du Plessis, to take over 

permanently and the CSA 

board have confirmed du 

Plessis’ appointment. 

“The interests of the team 

must always outweigh the interests 

of any individual, including 

me,” de Villiers said. 

“It was a fantastic honour for 

me to be asked to captain the 

Test side but I have missed 

two series and I am still in 

doubt for the upcoming series 

against Sri Lanka. Following 

the squad’s outstanding performances 

in Australia, it is 

clearly in the greater interests 

of the team that Faf du Plessis 

should be confirmed as 

the permanent Test captain.” 

De Villiers has been out 

of action since the Caribbean 

Premier League in July and 

was expected to be fit for the 

Sri Lanka Tests but still needs 

another three to four weeks 

before being declared fully 

fit. He will target the ODIs 

later in January, a format in 

which he remains captain, for 

a comeback. 

De Villiers had surgery on 

his left elbow in early October, 

after initially adopting a 

conservative approach to recovery, 

and his surgeon was 

aiming for a three-month 

rehabilitation period. De Villiers 

tried to push that forward 

and was even talking 

about a comeback in Novem- 

AB de Villiers needs another 

three to four weeks to recover 

completely after undergoing surgery 

on his left elbow. 

ber’s Adelaide Test but only 

had his first net session last 

Tuesday. He has been practicing 

with his franchise, Titans, 

and had hoped to turn 

out for them in the ongoing 

domestic T20 competition 

but CSA’s medical committee 

did not give him clearance 

to play. He has also 

been instructed not to play in 

Friday’s final. 

“AB’s left elbow is much 

improved but is still regaining 

the last few degrees of 

straightening. Fitness to play 

requires full range of elbow 

movement and this may 

take another 3-4 weeks to 

achieve,” Mohammed Moosajee, 

South Africa’s team 

manager, said. 

De Villiers’ unavailability 

means he would not have 

captained South Africa since 

he was named permanent 

Test captain in February, after 

taking over from Hashim 

Amla in the middle of the 

home series against England. 

South Africa lost one Test and 

won one under de Villiers. In 

his absence, du Plessis led 

the team to a 1-0 Test series 

win over New Zealand, a 5-0 

ODI whitewash over Australia 

at home and a 2-1 Test series 

win in Australia and was 

widely praised for his leadership 

skills. 

Despite calls for him to 

stay on, du Plessis remained 

committed to being a deputy 

and said he was “100% behind” 

de Villiers, who also 

enjoyed the support of the 

convener of selectors Linda 

Zondi and premier fast 

bowler Dale Steyn. Both 

were quoted in these pages as 

saying they believed de Villiers 

was the man for the job, 

although they noted that du 

Plessis could not be ignored. 

But du Plessis is also under 

scrutiny because he too 

may be unavailable for the 

first Test against Sri Lanka, 

depending on the outcome 

of his ball-tampering appeal. 

Du Plessis was found guilty 

of breaching the code of 

conduct in relation to changing 

the condition of the ball 

after being caught shining 

the ball with saliva that also 

come into contact with a mint 

during the Hobart Test. 

He was fined 100% of his 

match fee but escaped a suspension. 

He is appealing the 

verdict and runs the risk of a 

one-match ban at the judicial 

commissioner’s discretion. 

The odds appear stacked 

against du Plessis after the 

For Sale 

MCC Committee meeting in 

Mumbai, where it was decided 

the body would not recommend 

any changes to the 

ball-tampering law, believed 

it to be clear despite CSA’s 

assertion that the definition of 

“artificial substance” needed 

clarity and John Stephenson, 

MCC’s head of cricket, who 

sat during du Plessis’ original 

hearing, said he had “flagrantly 

contravened the law”. 

ESPNcricinfo has learned 

that du Plessis has no intention 

of withdrawing the appeal. 

The hearing will take 

place on December 19, a 

week before the Test. 

In de Villiers’ absence, 

South Africa will also be 

looking for a reserve batsman. 

Rilee Rossouw traveled 

in that capacity to Australia 

but cannot be considered because 

he is nursing a foot injury 

that will sideline him for 

up to six weeks. 

Omphile Ramela, who 

will captain a South African 

Invitation XI against the 

touring Sri Lankans, could 

come into contention. Alternatively, 

the former Under-19 

World Cup-winning 

captain Aiden Markram, who 

has been in fine form for 

Titans, may be considered. 

(ESPNcricinfo) 

Flo’s Perfume + is Making Christmas something special 

this Year. December 10th - Make up Sale. December 14 

- 16 - Facebook Contest. December 17th - Customer Appreciation 

Day. Tel 562-5618. Come go with the Flo.



Sebastien stars in Windward’s revival; 

Miller takes nine in an innings 

Jamaica captain, left-arm spinner Nikita 

Miller, took 9 for 41 in the second innings 

as his team beat Trinidad & Tobago 

by 132 runs at Sabina Park in Kingston. 

Miller had taken nine consecutive wickets, 

the last of which came in the 55th 

over, but narrowly missed out on a possible 

ten-wicket haul when Roshon Primus 

was trapped in front by Damion Jacobs 

off the last ball of the 56th. 

Miller’s effort came after T&T legspinner 

Imran Khan had run through 

Jamaica’s lower order earlier in the day. 

Having resumed the day on 148 for 4, 

with a lead of 256, Jamaica lost overnight 

batsman Jermaine Blackwood for 

81 in the second over. He was trapped 

in front by offspinner Jon-Russ Jaggesar 

who also removed the other overnight 

batsman, Devon Thomas. Imran then 

took the last four wickets to complete his 

second five-wicket haul of the season and 

bowl Jamaica out for 229. 

Imran was then promoted to open the 

batting for T&T, from where he scored 

52 and was involved in a brisk stand of 

76 with Kyle Hope. But there was to be 

only one other half-century stand in the 

innings, a 50-run stand for the fifth wicket 

between Yannic Cariah and Yannick 

Ottley; courtesy Miller, T&T had collapses 

of 4 for 47 and 6 for 32 on either 

side of that to fold for 205 in their chase 

of 338. 

Speaking to the Gleaner after the 

match, Miller said he had gone about 

business as usual. “They got off to a flyer 

in the chase, but I was not really worried,’’ 

he said. “I just tried to put the ball 

in the right areas. I was not expecting 

nine wickets, but it worked out well for 

me and I got my best-ever haul.’’ 

Miller had taken three wickets in the 

first innings, while legspinner Jacobs 

picked up four, ensuring Jamaica had 

the comfortable advantage of 108 runs 

after the teams’ first innings. For T&T, 

Jason Mohammed was left stranded on 

91 not out in that innings, as the team 

Nikita Miller 

was bowled out for 206 in response to Jamaica’s 

314. The hosts’ total was built on 

half-centuries from Andre McCarthy and 

Brandon King. 

Windward Islands captain Liam 

Sebastien’s Man-of-the-Match performance 

helped his side defeat Leeward Islands 

and register their first outright win 

of the season at Windsor Park in Roseau. 

The allrounder was at the forefront of an 

impressive comeback by Windward Islands 

- they recovered from 48 for 7 on 

the first day, to win the match by 94 runs. 

Sebastien had led his team back from 

that precarious position on the first day 

with an unbeaten 82, after fast bowlers 

Gavin Tonge and Alzarri Joseph had torn 

through the batting following Leeward 

Islands’ decision to bowl. 

During his knock, Sebastien forged 

consecutive fifty-plus partnerships with 

the last three batsmen - 78, 70 and 97. 

He played second fiddle in the last two, 

where No. 10, Delorn Johnson (56 off 

44), and No. 11, Mervin Matthew (73 off 

53), made career-best scores to lift their 

total to 293. 

In response, only two Leeward Islands 

batsmen made significant contributions 

- Montcin Hodge with 76, and 

Jahmar Hamilton with 94 - as Shane 

Shillingford (5 for 96) combined with 

Sebastien (4 for 78) to bowl them out for 

259 and take the lead. Sebastien wasn’t 

required to bat in the second innings as 

Windward Islands scored at over four 

per over on the back of ninty-somethings 

from Tyrone Theophile (96) and Sunil 

Ambris (91) to declare on 333 for 8 and 

set Leeward 368 to win. 

Hamilton added to his first-innings 94 

with a 134-ball 125 but once again found 

little in terms of partners. Kieran Powell 

and Chesney Hughes got out in the forties, 

and Hodge made another start, but 

no one else got into double digits as Leeward 

folded for 273. Sebastien took 4 for 

67 to finish with eight in the match. 

Guyana conceded the top spot to Jamaica 

after playing out a draw with Barbados 

at the Providence. Barbados are 

placed third, just 0.8 behind Guyana. 

Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s 72nd firstclass 

hundred - 100 off 141 balls including 

13 fours - was instrumental in handing 

Guyana the first-innings advantage. 

His first ton of the season took Guyana to 

311 on the first day. 

Having opted to bat, the hosts lost Rajendra 

Chandrika and captain Leon Johnson 

early, but Shimron Hetmyer (60) and 

Vishaul Singh (40) gave Chanderpaul a 

decent platform. Chanderpaul then batted 

for 245 minutes, before he was the ninth 

batsman to dismissed. Gudakesh Motie, 

the No. 10, contributed 36 off 89 balls. 

In reply, Barbados lost both their 

openers within five overs. Shai Hope and 

Roston Chase then perked up the side 

with half-centuries, but the loss of the last 

six wickets for 78 runs meant they conceded 

a 23-run lead. 

Guyana then subsided to 137 all-out 

in 35.2 overs, with Hetmyer contributing 

almost half of the total. Offspinning allrounder 

Chase did the bulk of the damage, 

claiming figures of 5 for 41. Leftarm 

spinner Jomel Warrican supported 

him with three wickets. Chasing 161, 

Barbados were reduced to 11 for 3 in 3.2 

overs, but Chase and Shamarh Brooks 

hung onto secure a draw and 9.8 points 

for their team. (ESPNcricinfo)

Caribbean Times 56th Issue - Wednesday 14th December 2016

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?