Caribbean Times 86th Issue - Tuesday 6th September 2016

Informative, reliable, enriching! 

Tuesday 6th September 2016 A n t i g u a a n d B a r b u d a 

Vol.7 No.86 $2.00 

ANTIGUA 

By Everton Barnes 

Heavy downpours of rain 

that began in earnest Sunday 

night and which continued 

for most of Monday brought 

many activities in Antigua to 

a stand-still yesterday. 

Schools, government offices 

and scores of businesses 

were forced to close early due 

to the persistent heavy rainfall 

that resulted in low-lying 

floods in several areas. The 

Met Office reported that the 

rain was cause by a tropical 

wave that it had been monitoring 

for several days and 

which, while not developing 

into a tropical cyclone, passed 

through the island chain as an 

active tropical wave. 

A Met Office forecaster 

said the activities associated 

with the wave drenched the 

island with 4.5 at the airport, 

5.9 inches at the Botanical 

Gardens in St John’s and 5.7 

inches at Renfrew. The readings 

for the south of the island 

where rainfall is usually 

higher were not immediately 

available. Director of the National 

Office of Disaster Services 

(NODS) Philmore Mullin 

said three shelters were 

opened in Grays Farm, Yorks 

and Bolans, but that only one 

man whose house in Grays 

Farm was flooded out sought 

refuge in the shelter. 

He said in Pigotts a young 

lady was encouraged to seek 

shelter with her relatives as 

flood waters had risen to the 

steps of her house. Mullin 

reported that while the woman 

was reluctant to leave her 

home, she eventually complied 

with the advice from the 

disaster team. 

The NODS director said 

several areas reported flooding 

including the West Palm 

Beach area of Bolans. He 

reported that many of the island’s 

roads became impassable 

during the rain and he 

DRENCHED 

believes that several roads 

would receive significant 

damage that will come to light 

today. 

However, according to 

cont’d on pg 2

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

Tuesday 6th September 2016 

Government seeks major loan 


The Antigua and Barbuda 

government continues its push 

to get the country’s finances 

under control as it embarks on 

negotiations for a major loan 

to consolidate several smaller 

loans. 

Government spokesman 

Lionel Max Hurst said negotiations 

are underway with a 

company out of Spain – Inzema 

– from which it hopes to 

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borrow $250 million at a lower 

rate of interest than the interest 

rates of the current loans 

it hopes to liquidate. 

“The idea is that if successful, 

we will secure this loan at 

an interest rate of two percent 

(2%) and liquidate several 

smaller loans that were negotiated 

at a higher interest rate. 

“Through this method, we 

will have one lower monthly 

instalment and save money in 

the process,” he explained. 

Hurst said the terms being 

negotiated also include 

a 2-year moratorium and 

15-years to repay the loan. 

Meanwhile, Hurst has 

announced that the Government 

will pay US$5.4 million 

dollars to the IMF which becomes 

due today. 

He said under the terms 

of the loan negotiated by the 

former UPP Administration, 

the government is required to 

make quarterly payments of 

close to $6 million to the IMF 

for another two years. 

He indicated that the Government 

is also required to 

By Joanna Paris 

The highly anticipated 

Police Week will begin on 

September 11 th and culminate 

on September 17 th under the 

theme “With renewed energy, 

beyond boundaries, we serve 

with integrity. 

This is the 49 th year that 

the Royal Police Force will 

be commemorating the yearly 

activities. According to 

Police Public Relations Officer, 

Senior Sergeant Frankie 

Thomas, the theme captures 

the aims and objectives of the 

Royal Police Force of Antigua 

and Barbuda. 

“We are going to focus on 

this year’s celebrations with 

renewed energy beyond all 

boundaries. This is what we 

strive for, to meet the security 

needs of the general public. 

We aim to put our best foot 

forward, heighten our professionalism 

and also our administrative 

functions. We are going 

to show the general public 

that we are all about service”, 

explained Thomas during a 

recent interview. 

He encouraged the general 

public to come out and support 

the activities. 

The week will begin with 

a service of Thanksgiving at 

the Precision Centre in Paynters 

on Sunday 11 th . 

On Monday 12 th , there 

will be an open day at the Police 

Headquarters which will 

pay the China Export/Import 

Bank $10 million dollars in 

debt repayment, due also in 

the first week of September 

2016. 

“The former administration 

incurred debt liabilities 

that exceeded EC$3 billion 

dollars, and the new administration, 

since June 2014, has 

paid hundreds of millions of 

dollars to various creditors 

in order to keep Antigua and 

Barbuda from being classified 

as a debt risk or a country in 

default,” Hurst reported. 

Law enforcement officers 

prepare for Police Week 2016 

allow members of the public 

to see first-hand some of the 

daily duties of the officers. 

On Tuesday 13 th , Fort 

James beach will be the venue 

for a swimming competition 

as well as other sporting 

activities. The following day, 

a special ceremony will take 

place at Government House, 

to recognize the outstanding 

and dedicated service of officers 

who have served 18 years 

and more. The popular police 

play will also form a part of 

the week of activities. 

cont’d from pg 1 

Mullin there were no reports of serious injuries or loss of life 

resulting from the storm. He added that there were no reports 

of major damage to property. 

He noted that there were some reports of vehicles stalling 

when attempting to drive through flooded roadways. 

The Met Office is predicting that improve weather conditions 

will be the main feature today…with clearing skies and 

reduced rainfall.

Tuesday 6th September 2016 c a r i b b e a n t i m e s . a g 3 

ABNAB launches new website 

Director of Education Clare Browne, left, and Minister of Education, Technology and Science, the 

Honourable Michael Browne, centre, were in attendance. 

By Justin Peters 

Last Friday, September 

2nd marked the beginning 

of a new era in education 

awareness. The Antigua and 

Barbuda National Accreditation 

Board introduced Antiguans 

and Barbudans to its 

new website www.abnab. 

edu.ag. 

In keeping with the organization’s 

campaign motto 

“Promoting an Ethos of 

Quality in Antigua and Barbuda 

– Quality Education 

for Socioeconomic Development” 

the website provides 

information on choosing 

tertiary institutions and 

avoiding diploma mills 

among other insightful content 

that aids students in 

preparing for the future. 

Visitors to the website 

will be able to view information 

about ABNAB and 

its mission and get information 

about the tertiary institutions 

on the island as well 

as view the organization’s 

informative newsletter. 

Those desirous of receiving 

additional information 

that may not be listed 

on the website can make use 

of the contact form which 

will allow for direct contact 

with representatives of AB- 

NAB. 

Minister of Education, 

Technology and Science, 

the Honourable Michael 

Browne commented on the 

importance of continuing 

education and having the 

perquisite knowledge readily 

available so that one is 

fully prepared to select an 

institution when the time 

comes.



Weather affects normal operations 

By Joanna Paris 

On Monday, the country 

received significant rainfall 

associated with the passage 

of a Tropical Wave. 

It was a short day for students 

across the island, as 

several public schools closed 

their doors early in the morning 

as a result of the heavy 

showers. 

The Ministry of Education, 

Science and Technology, 

subsequently issued a release 

stating that the schools were 

closed to ensure the safety of 

both students and teachers. 

Private academic institutions 

were also advised to 

close their doors for similar 

reasons. 

There were also reports of 

flooding in low lying areas, 

with persons indicating that 

it was sometimes difficult to 

drive on some roads, while 

others found it difficult to 

enter their dwellings at some 

point during the day. 

The National Office of 

Disaster Services headed by 

Philmore Mullin, urged person 

to be vigilant as they navigated 

the roads. 

A flash flood warning remained 

in effect up until 8 

pm. 

Yesterday (September 

5 th ) also marked the 21 st anniversary 

of Hurricane Luis, a 

category 4 hurricane, which 

caused tremendous damage 

across the twin islands in 

1995. 

Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown supports 

the Back to School/Back Pack Project 

The Rotary Club of Antigua 

Sundown (RCAS) 

and several of its members 

contributed 23 back packs 

and supplies to the Back to 

School/Back Pack Project. 

Also joining RCAS was RBC 

with another 6 filled back 

packs. 

Founded by Miss Koren 

Norton (Social Worker and 

Counsellor) and Mrs. Corina 

Edwards-Sealy (a member 

of RCAS) in 2010; the initiative 

provides backpacks and 

supplies from funds and resources 

received from various 

sponsors and donors including 

discounts extended by 

supportive retail outlets. 

The backpacks are filled 

with school items for well 

deserving students attending 

primary and secondary school 

and has grown from (12) in its 

first year to a record breaking 

(113) this year. 

A worthy initiative aligned 

with one of Rotary International’s 

focus areas of Basic 

Education & Literacy and 

recognizing our New Generations! 

Definitely a staple on 

the calendar. 

“We were able to provide 

over 100 school bags, surpassing 

our goals by far this year. 

The recipients are carefully 

selected and are children who 

would have otherwise not 

had the opportunity to start 

the school year with the necessary 

supplies. Corina and I 

would like to thank Wishing 

Well Inc., our largest sponsor 

to date, for the generous donation 

and for making this a 

reality!” – Koren Norton.


First town hall meeting postponed 


Inclement weather conditions 

forced the postponement 

of the first town 

hall meeting organised as 

part of the public education 

campaign on the Caribbean 

Court of Justice (CCJ) and 

the Judicial Committee of 

the Privy Council (JCPC). 

The postponement followed 

a day of intense and 

sustained rainfall that measured 

up to over five inches 

in some parts of the island. 

In making the announcement, 

head of the National 

Coordinating Committee 

(NCC), Ambassador Dr. 

Clarence Henry said the 

decision to postpone the 

event was influenced by 

the concerns for safety as 

well as the knowledge that 

House to 

resume meeting 


Debate on the controversial clause of the Statutory Corporations 

(General Provisions) Bill comes up today when the 

House of Representatives resumes its meeting. 

The specific section of the Bill – Claude 7 –has been returned 

to the House by the Senate when a majority of government 

senators sided with those in the opposition to reject 

it. 

Clause 7 of the Bill states: Secondment of employees of 

Statutory Corporation; (1) The Cabinet may, if it considers 

it in the best interest of public administration, transfer an 

employee on secondment from one statutory corporation to 

another statutory corporation, or in the public service. Subsection 

2 says ‘an employee may be seconded to (a) a post of 

equivalent or similar rank in another statutory corporation, 

or (b) to a non-established post in the public service’. 

It now appears that there will be no changes to the bill 

despite strong objections from the Antigua Trades and Labour 

Union. 

Prime Minister Gaston Browne said whatever reservations 

the government –appointed senators may have had, 

these were cleared up when the senators met with the Cabinet 

following the senate meeting. 

President of the CCJ, Sir Denis Byron, left, with acting Governor 

General, Sir Clare Roberts 

the attendance would have 

been greatly affected by the 

weather. 

He said a new date for 

the town hall meeting will be 

announced during this week. 

Meanwhile, President of 

the CCJ, Sir Denis Byron 

concluded his visit to Antigua 

with courtesy calls on 

acting Governor General, Sir 

Clare Roberts, Prime Minister, 

Gaston Browne, as well 

as a meeting with Opposition 

Leader, Baldwin Spencer 

and UPP Political leader, 

Sen. Harold Lovell. 

Sir Denis was in Antigua 

for a meeting of the Council 

For Legal Education which 

brings together leaders from 

the law schools in the region, 

attorneys general and chief 

justices where discussions 

focused on the curricula for 

the law schools.



Duo facing charges for 88lbs drug bust 

By Alecia McPherson 

Andre Robinson of Yorks Village 

and Prince Caballero of McKinnons appeared 

before Chief Magistrate Walsh 

at the District ‘A’ Court. The men were 

arrested after they were nabbed with 

88lbs of cannabis in May of this year 

and are jointly charged with possession 

of cannabis, possession with intent to 

transfer, being concerned in the supply 

of cannabis, and drug trafficking. 

It is reported that on Saturday May 

7th, 2016 at about 1:00 p.m. Officers 

from the ONDCP were on patrol duty 

in the Cassada Gardens area when 

they observed the two men at an 

apartment belonging to Caballero in 

the said area. Officers said that the men 

were displaying suspicious actions, as 

a result investigations were launched 

immediately and a search commenced 

on the premises. 

The illicit substance was reportedly 

found while searching the living room 

area, the defendants were arrested and 

taken into custody where the drug was 

weighed and amounted to 88lbs and 2 

ounces with an estimated whole sale 

value of EC$352,500.00. 

It is reported that officers also found 

cash of $11, 620.00 during their search; 

the money believed to be proceeds of 

crime was also seized. 

Police sources said that Caballero 

claimed sole ownership to the drugs, 

however both men were served with 

copies of the charges. 

Yesterday at the District ‘A’ 

Court the completed case file was 

served to the court and defence, committal 

date is now set for December 

8th, 2016. 

Mother fails to feed son, chided 

By Deborah A. Parker 

For failing to provide 

food for her son, a Bolans 

woman was chided by a 

magistrate recently. 

The woman’s teenaged 

son was in court on a larceny 

charge. 

When asked why he had 

committed the offence, the 

youth told the court that he 

was hungry, when he broke 

and entered a Jennings 

home and stole money. 

Turning her attention to 

the teen’s mother, Magistrate 

Ngaio Emanuel asked, 

“Why did you not provide 

food for your son?”. 

“Before going to bed 

or work you should ensure 

that there is food for your 

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son,” the magistrate added. 

“ I don’t know,” the 

woman responded, after the 

magistrate insisted that the 

question be answered. 

Emanuel told the mother 

that was unacceptable, 

and reminded her that it 

was her duty to care for her 

child. 

The magistrate also told 

the woman to keep a close 

watch of her son, since it 

could wind down to her 

bearing the consequences 

of her son’s misbehaviour. 

To get a feel of what is 

taking place in that home, 

a probation report has been 

ordered. 

The matter will again be 

called next month. 

Accused thief bailed 

By Deborah A. Parker 

Although the electronic items he stole have been recovered, 

an All Saints man still has to face the music. 

The young man was arrested and charged for the theft of 

goods valued at $2,300 recently. 

When the offender made his first court appearance, bail 

was set at $2,500, with the cash component being $1,000. 

The accused was unable to make bail, which resulted in 

him spending several more days on remand. 

Bail was revised when the accused again appeared before 

Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel. 

Of the principle sum he was asked to deposit $500. 

The offender indicated that he wanted to get the matter 

behind him, but he will have to wait until November 2nd 

when the case will again be called.


Young Antiguan receives full 

scholarship and service award 

From left: Chris Willis - H&P Caribbean, Managing Partner; Gaye Hechme - H&P Antigua, 

Managing Director; Her Excellency Lady Sandra Williams - Chairperson, The Halo Foundation; 

His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams - Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda; 

Ariana Joseph - Winner of the Henley & Partner Hero Scholarship; and Mr & Mrs. Bertrand 

Joseph - Ariana’s parents. 

16-year old Ariana Joseph, a student 

at Christ the King High School 

in St. John’s, has been selected as the 

first recipient of the Henley & Partners 

Hero Scholarship and the Halo Hero 

Humanitarian Award. 

The scholarship is exclusive to St. 

Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova 

Scotia, Canada and commences in 

September 2016. 

It covers all associated study costs, 

including tuition, accommodation and 

meals, medical and dental insurance, 

books and other educational supplies, 

clothing, local transportation and a return 

air ticket from Antigua to Halifax 

each year during their four years of 

study. 

Henley & Partners Director in Antigua 

and Barbuda, Gaye Hechme, 

states: “We extend heartiest congratulations 

to Ariana. She was chosen 

because of her commitment to her 

community and her determination to 

succeed in her chosen field. 

We received many outstanding applications; 

our only regret is that we 

could only choose one applicant. We 

are proud to offer the Henley & Partners 

Hero Scholarship which provides 

qualifying Antiguans and Barbudans 

with the opportunity to gain higher 

education, and to return home to contribute 

to nation-building with a deeper 

understanding of their place in this 

world.” 

Ariana’s ambition is to become a 

multilingual paediatric cardiothoracic 

surgeon. 

“I was taught at home and church 

to be a friend to the friendless and to 

show concern for those in need, especially 

the elderly,” says Ariana. 

She has assisted with the housecleaning 

and cooking for a former 

96-year old neighbour, and describes 

how she was “touched to see tears of 

joy streaming from the eyes of the 

residents” at the Fiennes Institute for 

the aged as a result of her many visits 

there. 

President of The Halo Foundation, 

Lady Sandra Williams, has congratulated 

Ariana on her accomplishments 

and urged her to continue with her 

excellent academic performance and 

her care of vulnerable members of our 

society. 

“The Humanitarian medal is reserved 

for a young person who has 

engaged in acts of bravery or kindness. 

In addition to her involvement in 

numerous charitable works, Ariana’s 

genuine expressions of empathy towards 

those who are less fortunate is 

quite apparent to all who meet her. 

“Her choice to become a medical 

specialist is not surprising, given her 

gentle and nurturing nature. We are 

looking forward to her future achievements,” 

says Lady Williams. 

The Henley & Partners Hero 

Scholarship is part of an ongoing effort 

by the world’s leading citizenship 

and residence advisory firm to create 

opportunities for the development and 

empowerment of young people in Antigua 

and Barbuda. 

An announcement for the submission 

of applications for the 2017–2018 

Henley & Partners Hero Scholarship 

will be made in January 2017.



Island routes to host region’s first 

Caribbean attractions conference 

Five top attractions providers and tour 

operators in Antigua will join over 50 of 

their Caribbean counterparts in Jamaica 

to discuss industry challenges and opportunities 

for growth and development 

when Island Routes Caribbean Adventures 

hosts its inaugural Island Routes 

Certified Partner Conference later this 

month. 

Slated for Sandals Ochi Beach Resort 

from September 13 – 16, 2016, the conference 

will feature presentations from 

Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, 

Director of the Centre for Tourism 

and Policy and Carlton Alexander Chair 

in Management Studies, Professor Ian 

Boxill and Tara Lano, Director of Product 

Planning and Promotions, Leisure, 

Flight Centre, USA, one of the world’s 

largest travel companies and retail travel 

outlets. 

The local tour operators who will 

attend the conference are Adventure 

Antigua, Antigua Rainforest Company, 

National Tours & Services, Rendezvous 

Tours, and Tropical Adventure. 

The revolutionary event is spearheaded 

by Island Routes’ Chief Executive 

Officer Adam Stewart who said the conference 

would allow stakeholders to collectively 

assess the state of the industry 

and discuss possible solutions for existing 

challenges. He said, “This is an exciting, 

billion-dollar industry, not just for 

Jamaica but for the entire region. Numerous 

opportunities exist but there are also 

many challenges. This conference will 

provide a platform for this growing community 

to come together, share ideas, discuss 

the difficulties and determine how, 

as a region, we can overcome these and 

better position ourselves to take advantage 

of all the available opportunities.” 

As a five-time recipient of the World 

Travel Award for the World’s Leading 

Caribbean Attraction Company, Island 

Routes is a respected authority within the 

sector and this conference represents its 

newest initiative to support attractions 

providers across the region. 

The company will also use the opportunity 

to launch its Island Routes Certified 

Partner Programme to demonstrate 

its continued commitment to delivering 

first-class service to its customers and 

to show recognition for the strict operational 

standards maintained by its partners. 

Stewart explained, “We know that 

by helping our partners to grow, we will 

ensure that Island Routes and the entire 

tours and attractions industry continues 

to provide the latest and greatest experiences 

for visitors. We want to create an 

industry benchmark that attractions providers 

and consumers can recognize and 

trust. We hold our partners to rigorous 

checks and standards and believe that 

they should be recognized for their commitment 

to meeting these.” 

Stewart added, “We always strive to 

deliver experiences that exceed guests’ 

expectations and motivates customers 

to book incredible adventures. These 

experiences often lead to community 

engagements and ultimately linkages for 

extensive economic benefits. We recognise 

that this would not be achievable 

without our valued partners. It is after all 

their products that keep customers coming 

back time and time again!” 

Presentations from the conference’s 

primary speakers will be streamed live 

and links to additional video content will 

be shared following the event. Streaming 

information will be publicized in the days 

leading up to the conference. 

Island Routes Caribbean Adventures 

offers guests the ultimate in Caribbean 

destination experiences, bringing together 

and certifying the premier excursions 

that spotlight what is unique and beautiful 

in each of its island locations. Island 

Routes Caribbean Adventures defines the 

true island experience as a way of life. 

They are much more than tours and 

excursions; they inspire visitors to LIVE 

FUNNER, get off the grid and dive into 

cont’d on pg 9


Biblical Perspectives continued 

From the beginning, God 

established human government 

and leaders to restrain 

unrighteous people (Rom. 

13:1-7). How can something 

God established to be 

a blessing be inherently evil 

and off limits for Christians, 

and only be acceptable for 

participation by unrighteous 

people? If governments are 

established by God to restrain 

unrighteous people, 

should they be unrighteous 

people? 

Speaking of Jesus, the 

Bible tells us that one day, 

“there will be an end of His 

government of peace” (Isa. 

9:6-7). If government is inherently 

evil, Jesus will one 

day be alignment Himself 

with evil. 

One day, followers of Jesus 

will reign with Him over 

the earth and even judge 

angels (1 Cor. 6:3). If righteous 

people (and only righteous 

people) have a place 

in Jesus’ future worldwide 

By Bishop Rolston S.M. Jeffrey 

Ph.D; D.Min.,DRE., M.Div. 

government, why would it 

be appropriate for them to 

participate now in much 

smaller governments, especially 

when the unrighteous 

aggressively participate, and 

by doing so, help promote 

what God hates? 

God has set up a divine 

order of government for 

His church of which Christ 

is the head and on which 

under-shepherds represent 

Him. How could righteous 

people, who are the only 

ones qualified to serve in 

the church’s government be 

unqualified to serve in any 

other government? 

God at times placed His 

righteous followers in high 

position on non-righteous 

human governments, people 

like Joseph and Daniel. 

The polluted leaders under 

whom and with they served 

were not exactly paragons 

of virtues. Are their roles in 

secular government examples 

of blindness? Who can 

say that God would never repeat 

such divine placements. 

God has commanded us 

to participate with human 

governments by paying our 

taxes, praying for, and submitting 

to our leaders (see 

Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:1-7; 

1 Tim. 2:1-4). Why would 

other contemporary forms 

of participation – ones that 

cont’d on pg 10 


the heart of the islands where setting sail, grabbing the reins, 

exploring lush peaks and tasting rich flavors are the experiences 

that become lasting memories. Island Routes currently 

offers experiences in Antigua; Aruba; the Bahamas; Barbados; 

the Cayman Islands; Dominican Republic; Grenada; Jamaica; 

Mexico; Saint Lucia; St. Maarten and the Turks & Caicos Islands. 

Island Routes has received the World Travel Award for 

“World’s Leading Caribbean Attraction Company” five years 

since 2010, and has set the tour industry standard by becoming 

the only tour company to receive a Six Star Diamond from 

the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS), and 

has done so four years in a row. In addition, Island Routes has 

also been awarded four TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 

Awards.




were not options for members of the 

early church, such as voting of being 

involved in the political process – be 

wrong? 

Clearly, God expects His people 

to pay taxes to support even unrighteous 

governments, yet He does not 

hold those of us who pay our taxes , 

accountable for other forms participation 

with our unrighteous government , 

especially when our participation is an 

attempt to curb and stop unrighteousness? 

Is it more likely that He will hold 

us accountable if we ignore our opportunities 

to be salt and light? 

The Apostle Paul was a Roman 

citizen who at times used his citizen’s 

rights to obtain justice (see Acts 22:25- 

29; 25:11). He saw himself as a citizen 

of two kingdoms , one temporal and 

one eternal, one more important, but 

neither to be ignored. 

Governments determine the religious 

freedoms which its citizens enjoy. 

If we can elect leaders who can 

protect religious freedoms, the gospel 

can be spread more freely. Why would 

any true Christian who possesses the 

God-given right to vote and thus influence 

public policy regarding religious 

freedom shun his responsibility and 

risk hindering the gospel? 

The world is full of examples of 

good and bad rulers and the consequent 

sufferings and blessings they both engender 

among the citizenry they lead 

(Proverbs 29:2 “When the righteous 

are in authority, the people rejoice, 

But when a wicked man rules, the 

people groan.” Psalm 33:12 “Blessed 

is the nation whose God is the Lord, 

the people He has chosen as His own 

inheritance.” 

As people who are commanded to 

love our neighbors as ourselves, and 

whose participation in the political process 

can help elect leaders who will use 

their authority for good rather than evil, 

how can we claim to be obeying the 

second greatest commandment if we 

don’t participate in the political process 

to vote, and by doing so elect the worst 

candidates? 

All of this is to say that to be apolitical 

is be amoral and that is exactly how 

the worldview of the Christian who say 

“I don’t vote or take part in politics because 

I am a Christian. It’s like saying 

you obviously don’t care about anyone 

but yourself. One must be cognizant 

that political decisions and outcome 

affect every one of us and as a consequence, 

we all should be involved in 

one way or another. 

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed 

in this Op-ed are those of the 

author and do not necessarily reflect 

the views of Caribbean Times.


Seven Caribbean drug smugglers 

nabbed by US Coast Guard 

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Charges 

are being filed against seven people from 

the Caribbean who were taken into custody 

along with almost US$34 million in 

ganja and cocaine late last month. 

Over the weekend, the US Coast 

Guard transferred the 2,367 pounds of 

cocaine and 2,074 pounds of marijuana 

netted in two separate operations, and 

handed over the three Jamaicans, one 

Antiguan, and three Dominican Republic 

nationals who were apprehended in 

the drug smuggling attempts in the Caribbean 

Sea and the Atlantic Ocean late 

last month, to US Customs and Border 

Protection, Immigration and Customs 

Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations 

and the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

The disruptions and seizures of these 

drug shipments were the result of ongoing 

multi-agency law enforcement efforts 

in support of Operation Unified Resolve, 

Operation Caribbean Guard and the Caribbean 

Corridor Strike Force (CCSF) 

Initiative, the Coast Guard said. 

“The new Fast Response Cutters are 

delivering exceptional positive results by 

allowing us to effectively interdict drug 

smuggling vessels deeper into the Caribbean,” 

said Captain Robert Warren, Coast 

Guard Sector San Juan commander. 

“The strong cooperation and partnerships 

between our international, federal 

and local law enforcement partners in the 

Caribbean are vital to the region’s security, 

as our collective efforts seek to prevent 

these drug shipments from reaching 

our shores and bring those responsible to 

BASSETERRE, St. 

Kitts – Prime Minister Dr. 

Timonthy Harris has started 

legal action against Opposition 

Leader Dr. Denzil Douglas 

and a local radio station 

for what he says were “false, 

malicious and libelous” allegations 

made against him. 

The action relates to a 

statement which Dr. Douglas 

made on Freedom FM 

106.5 radio last Friday afternoon, 

regarding threats being 

made against his life on the 

popular social media network 

Facebook. 

In addition to airing the 

former prime minister’s statement, 

Dr. Harris said, Freedom 

FM 106.5 published it 

on its Facebook page. 

“As soon as the offending 

publications were brought to 

his attention, the Prime Minister 

immediately engaged 

Thomas W.R. Astaphan QC in 

the matter, and after Queen’s 

Counsel communicated with 

Freedom FM 106.5…the offending 

posts were removed 

from its Facebook page,” a 

statement from Harris said. 

“The Prime Minister’s 

Counsel has commenced 

legal action against both 

Freedom FM 106.5 and Dr. 

Douglas for the publications 

of these false, malicious and 

justice. It’s a team effort, and it’s making 

a difference.” 

In the first case on August 24, the 

crew of a maritime patrol aircraft detected 

a suspicious go-fast vessel with four 

people and possible contraband on board. 

The go-fast was detected approximately 

44 nautical miles northeast of Blanquilla, 

Venezuela. 

In total, 525 packages of marijuana 

weighing approximately 2,074 pounds 

were seized and the Jamaicans and Antiguan 

taken into custody. 

In a second case a day later, the crew 

of a US Customs and Border Protection’s 

Air and Marine Operations maritime patrol 

aircraft detected three men aboard a 

25-foot go-fast vessel carrying a load of 

suspected contraband, approximately 93 

nautical miles north of San Juan, Puerto 

Rico. The US Coast Guard found 48 

bales of cocaine and took the nationals of 

the Dominican Republic into custody. 

The seized contraband was estimated 

to have a wholesale value of US$33.9 

million. (Caribbean360) 

St. Kitts Prime Minister and 

Opposition Leader to battle in court 

libelous allegations. Justice 

will now take its course,” it 

added. 

Dr. Douglas has been 

calling for protest action 

against how the 18-monthold 

administration of Prime 

Minister Harris is managing 

the twin-island federation, 

as well as the crime situation 

and the deterioration of 

healthcare services. (Caribbean360)



Monday’s Sudoku Solution 

S U D O K U 

CROSSWORD 

Across 

1. Asparagus unit 

6. Clapton or Idle 

10. Delhi dress 

14. Barton or Bow 

15. Catherine ____-Jones 

16. Time periods 

17. Shabby 

18. 500 sheets 

19. Coal pit 

20. Passed effortlessly 

21. Ease 

23. Most insignificant 

26. Islamic nation 

27. Lump of dirt 

29. Rummy variety 

33. Sent another way 

37. Chamber 

38. Aussie bird 

39. Subscription extension 

43. Water barrier 

44. Snack 

46. Boulder’s state 

48. Sports figure 

52. Slangy negative 

53. Portal 

54. Landed manor 

58. Parking lot employee 

63. Wander 

64. Shakespearean King 

65. On the ocean 

66. Monte ____ 

67. Inform 

68. Coastal bird 

69. Group of eight 

70. Exclusively 

71. Greek Cupid 

72. Tantalize 

Down 

1. Beat it! 

2. Location 

3. Diner 

4. 1930s design style (2 wds.) 

5. Beam 

6. Poet ____ Pound 

7. Stagger 

8. Slanting type 

9. Snapshot taker 

10. Educational meeting 

11. Pavarotti solo 

12. Rave’s partner 

13. Words of comprehension 

(2 wds.) 

22. Movers’ vehicle 

24. Speak indistinctly 

25. Carry around 

28. Rec room 

30. Carbonated beverage 

31. Frog’s kin 

32. Bullets, for short 

33. Country singer ____ 

McEntire 

34. Send forth 

35. Baseball’s Babe ____ 

36. 12th mo. 

40. Conquered 

41. Balm 

42. Trims (off) 

45. Not youthful 

47. Go back over 

49. Billion years 

50. Until now (2 wds.) 

51. Blackboard cleaner 

55. Main artery 

56. Stories 

57. Act the ham 

58. Chorus voice 

59. Juvenile 

60. Lofty 

61. Roman tyrant 

62. Sunbathes 

66. Narrow bed


Today’s weather forecast 

Antigua and Barbuda 

A few passing clouds, otherwise 

generally sunny. 

High - 87ºF 

Low - 78ºF 

Wind: East 12 mph 

Sunrise 5.54 am; Sunset 6.15 pm 

Monday’s Crossword Solution 

HOROSCOPE 

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). 

Every relationship has a status 

quo. You’ve changed, and the 

basic nature of your relationships 

must change, too. The 

norms that used to be fine with 

you are no longer satisfactory. 

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). 

You need to feel a certain level 

of enthusiasm in order to 

move ahead with the action, 

both from you and the others 

involved. If it’s not there, 

you’ll take it as a sign to stay 

put — a legitimate and wise 

reading of the situation. 

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). 

Teaching what is known isn’t 

teaching; it’s preaching. Find 

out where the knowledge gaps 

are and you’ll quickly gain the 

rapt attention and respect of 

your audience. 

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22- 

Dec. 21). You’ve no need of 

social techniques or tricks. 

You’ve no need to employ any 

special social discipline. The 

reason you seem so interested 

in others is because you genuinely 

are. 

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 

19). You see the problem. Not 

everyone around you will be 

able to see it. Then there are 

those who will see it, and 

yet do not believe that it’s a 

problem at all. You have a lot 

of convincing to do before a 

solution is possible. 

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 

18). Presence isn’t something 

you possess; it’s something 

you give off. You’ll radiate 

an energy today that makes 

people feel good about themselves, 

and the side effect is 

that they’ll feel good about 

you. 

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 

20). A good teacher erases the 

board, clearing the last lesson 

before moving on to the next 

one. Otherwise, there’s a distraction 

hanging in the air that 

is mighty difficult to overcome. 

ARIES (March 21-April 19). 

You’re only just now getting 

to know someone. This is a 

phase of the relationship to 

stretch out for as long as possible. 

Stretching it out will 

make for a better experience 

now and a good story later. 

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). 

Those who are reasonably 

sure that they are “good” 

don’t make goals around being 

good. That doesn’t, however, 

make them automatically 

good. Many aren’t self-aware. 

They don’t question their own 

behavior as you do. 

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). 

Every group has its own special 

language, history and culture. 

You may not know the 

ins and outs of this yet, but 

you know enough to respect 

that it exists and move with 

care around those ideas. 

CANCER (June 22-July 22). 

Once you are absolutely clear 

about what others are expecting 

of you, you’ll find it easy 

to either deliver it or have the 

conversation that gets you out 

of the arrangement with relative 

grace. 

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When 

you’re feeling tough, the one 

who can calm you and give 

you a sense of security will 

be your most valued friend. 

Down deep, you don’t want 

to have to fight so hard for the 

things that should really be 

readily given.



Kraigg Brathwaite in ODI squad, T20 

call-ups for Rovman Powell, Pooran 

Opening batsman Kraigg Brathwaite 

has been called up to West Indies’ ODI 

side for their upcoming series against 

Pakistan in the UAE. Brathwaite has 

played 31 Tests since his international 

debut in 2011 but is yet to play an ODI 

or a T20. The T20I squad includes two 

uncapped players - allrounder Rovman 

Powell and wicketkeeper-batsman 

Nicholas Pooran. 

Chris Gayle is not a part of the T20 

squad, having made himself unavailable 

for selection, while Lendl Simmons 

has missed out due to medical 

reasons. Gayle was part of the West 

Indies T20 squad for the two-match 

T20I series against India in Florida 

last month but missed both games after 

failing to pass a fitness test ahead of the 

first T20I. 

The ODI squad also includes batsman 

Evin Lewis and fast bowler Alzarri 

Joseph, who are uncapped in the 

format. Lewis, who made his T20I debut 

earlier this year, recently scored a 

48-ball century against India in Florida 

opening the batting in place of Gayle, 

while Joseph made his international debut 

in the home Test series against the 

same opposition. 

Pooran impressed in this year’s Caribbean 

Premier League, scoring 217 

runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 

197.27 for Barbados Tridents, while 

completing eight dismissals behind 

the stumps. Pooran’s inclusion boosts 

West Indies’ wicket-keeping options 

in the T20 squad, which include Andre 

Fletcher, Johnson Charles and Chadwick 

Walton, who last played for West 

Indies in January 2014. 

Powell, who made his first-class debut 

last season, also showed promise 

in CPL 2016 for Jamaica Tallawahs, 

Kraigg Brathwaite 

scoring 228 runs at an average of 25.33 

and taking two wickets with his medium-pace. 

With Kumar Sangakkara taking 

up the wicket-keeping gloves for Tallawahs, 

Walton played in the CPL 

as a batsman and finished as the second-highest 

run-getter for the side 

behind Gayle, with 301 runs in 13 innings, 

which included two fifties. 

The T20I squad does not include 

former captain Darren Sammy, who 

was axed from the role last month. 

Sammy was also excluded from the 

T20I squad that played against India in 

Florida. Gayle, Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, 

Lendl Simmons, Andre Russell and 

Samuel Badree were ineligible for ODI 

selection as they did not play in the domestic 

50-over tournament last season, 

made mandatory by the WICB. 

West Indies will start their tour with 

three T20Is against Pakistan, between 

September 23 and 27, followed by the 

three-match ODI series which starts 

from September 30. The three-Test series, 

which includes a day-night match 

in Dubai, starts from October 13 and 

West Indies’ squad for that format will 

be announced later. (ESPNcricinfo) 

West Indies ODI squad: Jason 

Holder (capt), Sulieman Benn, Carlos 

Brathwaite, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren 

Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Johnson 

Charles, Shannon Gabriel, Alzarri Joseph, 

Evin Lewis, Sunil Narine, Ashley 

Nurse, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, 

Marlon Samuels 

West Indies T20I squad Carlos 

Brathwaite (capt), Samuel Badree, 

Dwayne Bravo, Johnson Charles, Andre 

Fletcher, Jason Holder, Evin Lewis, 

Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas 

Pooran, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, 

Marlon Samuels, Jerome Taylor, 

Chadwick Walton


Walsh aiming to find a new Ambrose 

Bangladesh’s new bowling 

coach Courtney Walsh 

has said he wants to help his 

charges hunt in pairs much 

like he and Curtly Ambrose 

had done for West Indies for 

many years. 

“I don’t see myself too 

much as a coach as I see 

myself as a mentor,” Walsh 

said at a press briefing on 

Sunday. “I have always tried 

to get couple of fast bowlers 

under my wing to mentor 

when I played for Gloucester, 

Jamaica or West Indies. 

Curtly Ambrose was one of 

them. So if I can get a second 

Ambrose from Bangladesh, I 

will be happy. When he came 

into the team, he looked up 

to me. We formed one of the 

best striking partnerships in 

world cricket. If I can pass 

that to any two Bangladeshi 

fast bowlers, I will be very 

happy.” 

Walsh, who finished the 

fifth-highest wicket-taker in 

Test history after a 17-year 

career, hoped to be a “father 

figure” to the Bangladesh 

bowlers and wanted to guide 

them much like his own seniors 

had done for him. 

“I can help them relive 

some of the situations they 

might find themselves into,” 

he said. “A player can sometimes 

help you get out of it. 

I remember Malcolm Marshall, 

Michael Holding and 

Joel Garner. When I just 

started, that’s what they did 

for me. I hope to pass that on 

to the Bangladesh team. 

“I want to pass on to the 

Bangladeshi guys that you 

have to be strong and be prepared 

for hard work, maintain 

physically and consistency. 

If we can work hand in 

hand with those two, we will 

be headed in the right path. It 

won’t happen overnight. We 

have to put in some ground 

work. Once we get the basics 

right, you will see a lot of improvement 

and consistency.” 

This was Walsh’s first 

time coaching an international 

team and he had been 

unsure about taking on such 

a responsibility. 

“The offer was something 

that I had to think twice 

about,” he said. “I remember 

when Nizam got in touch 

with me and said they were 

interested, I said let me think 

about it. We went back and 

forth but when he said, ‘you 

are our No. 1 target,’ that 

was something that I gave 

it a serious consideration. It 

showed that they wanted take 

the cricket to another level. 

“I want to thank Nizam 

for letting me know that I was 

their No. 1 target. He said the 

president wanted to ensure 

that I was here. I arrived here 

last night to do the best I can 

for Bangladesh cricket working 

with the head coach. Together 

we can achieve some 

good success for Bangladesh 

cricket.” 

Walsh was the second 

West Indian in a coaching 

role with Bangladesh after 

Gordon Greenidge had 

steered them to qualify for 

the 1999 World Cup by winning 

the 1997 ICC Trophy. 

“I didn’t get a chance to 

speak to Gordon [Greenidge] 

because I actually went away 

to play a game and he was in 

England,” Walsh said. “But 

beforehand, I used to quiz 

him about Bangladesh and he 

was happy to be a part of this. 

That would help me as well. 

“I am hoping that next 

time I speak to him, he will be 

happy with the state of Bangladesh 

cricket and the direction 

it is headed.” Walsh has 

signed a three-year deal with 

Bangladesh which would end 

with the 2019 World Cup. 

(ESPNcricinfo) 

International cricket tops agenda 

Cricket and its place in the Summer 

Olympic Games, Test Cricket for 4-Days, 

Two-tier system for Test playing nations 

and Women’s Cricket in the 2022 Commonwealth 

Games are just some of the topics 

to be discussed at the next meeting of 

the Board of Directors of the West Indies 

Cricket Board (WICB). 

The meeting scheduled for September 

9 and 10 in Dominica, will also focus on 

the proposed International Cricket Council 

(ICC) reorganization and how West Indies 

may be affected. 

The regional 4-day Professional Cricket 

League (PCL), the new-format Super 50 

and other development plans will be up for 

discussions as the organisation gets ready 

for the new financial year, beginning October 

1. 

Coming off a very successful start to 

2016 winning three championships, “the 

WICB remains committed to the continuous 

growth of cricket in the region, but 

more importantly to improve its rankings in 

the Test and ODI formats,” says President, 

Dave Cameron. 

The President noted too that “the recently 

concluded age-groups tournaments will 

be assessed to look at the preparation for 

the Under 19 title defence in 2018 in New 

Zealand.” 

The men’s team will go in camp soon to 

participate in a series against Pakistan later 

this month; the women will host England in 

Jamaica in October, after which they will 

tour India in November; an ‘A’ Team will 

tour Sri Lanka in October and the men will 

head off to Zimbabwe in November. 

The President added that “the suggested 

changes in world cricket will affect how we 

move forward and we want to be ready for 

any adjustments made. 

“We want the changes to be in the best 

interest of cricket.”


Tuesday 6th September 2016

Caribbean Times 86th Issue - Tuesday 6th September 2016

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