ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA INSIDER PROGRAM LAUNCHED Wednesday 19th November 2014 A n t i g u a a n d B a r b u d a Vol.3 No.34 $2.00 ASC students benefit from tourism talk pg 3 Derede Samuel-Whitlock (center), Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Tourism in the United States, during her presentation. New York - In preparation for the upcoming winter season, Antigua and Barbuda has launched the first phase of a new online Sales, Training and Incentive Program for travel professionals. Coined the “Antigua and Barbuda Insider Program,” this technology tool is expected to give the Antigua and Barbuda a competitive advantage by greatly enhancing the destination’s sales and marketing strategy. Described as having interactive and futuristic appeal, it is designed to create excitement and better engage travel agents, within the ever growing tech cont’d on pg 2 Digicel responds to C&W statement pg 11 Darren Bravo opts out of SA tour...pg 24 pg 23 For Voucher 2 caribtimes.com cont’d from pg 1 savvy travel community. Powered by cutting edge technology, the Insider Program provides a continual learning platform to propel education and awareness among TO: Her Worship the Licensing Magistrate St John’s Magistrates Court High Street St. John’s Antigua TO: The Magistrate of District “A” St. John’s Magistrates Court High Street St. John’s Antigua TO: The Commissioner of Police Police Headquarters American Road St. John’s Antigua I, JULIE A. MARCUS CHANDLER of Clarkes Hill, St. John’s, Antigua, DO HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that it is my intention to apply at the next special session, to be held at the St. John’s Magistrate’s Court, High Street, St. John’s Antigua on the 4th day of December, 2014 for a Tavern Licence in respect of my premises known as “KHLOE RESTAURANT & BAR” situated at Clarkes Hill, St. John’s Antigua. This application is made pursuant to Section 3 of the Licencing (Intoxicating Liquor) Act Cap 249 of the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda Revised Edition 1992. Dated the 17th day of November, 2014 Lawrence Daniels Daniels, Phillips & Associates Attorney-at-Law for the Applicant Wednesday 19th November 2014 travel agents who can be more autonomous in accessing information and content to promote the destination. Described as the next generation in online sales training, Antigua and Barbuda is the first Caribbean destination to launch a robust sales and training tool of its kind. Close to two hundred (200) travel partners including representatives from the Caribbean Travel Organization (CTO), attended the launch of the “Antigua and Barbuda Insider Program.” The event, which was held at the Midtown Loft and Terrace in New York City, began with a cocktail reception to celebrate the destination’s 33rd Anniversary of Independence. The reception featured décor themed Jonathon Cooper, CEO of TravPRO. around the colors of the national flag, steel band music by United Harmony in Steel and authentic Antiguan and Barbudan cuisine, by Chef Murphy of Yabba Foods. Following the cocktail reception, Mr. Jonathon Cooper, CEO of TravPRO, a travel technology solutions provider, engaged attendees in a 30-minute presentation about some of the program highlights, unique features and revolutionary technology solutions of the Insider Program. It will be operated through an online platform which includes training, webinars, seminars, events, expos and sales calls. This virtual sales venue will also be accescont’d on pg 4 Wednesday 19th November 2014 caribtimes.com 3 Antigua State College students benefit from tourism talk ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda –The Marketing Class of 2014 at the Antigua State College was recently addressed by Lady Sandra Williams, wife of Governor General Sir Rodney Williams. Lady WIlliams delivered a talk on trends, issues and opportunities in tourism from international, regional and local perspectives. Marketing Instructor, Mrs. Diane Cornelius, remarked: “The students, our planners and leaders of tomorrow, were able to glean much valuable information. Their critical thinking on Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry has been sharpened as a result of this presenta- Lady Sandra Williams and the 2014 Marketing Class, Antigua State College. tion. They were able to participate in useful discussion on the subject matter, and as a result a large proportion of the students were able to identify how their skills and interests could be used in the marketing and development of tourism. This is the first time we have had industry leaders at such a senior level of the state bring their knowledge and experience into the classroom, and we will certainly seek to continue to make this a regular part of our curriculum.” 4 caribtimes.com cont’d from pg 2 sible through a mobile app powered by TravPRO which is available to Android and Apple users. Upon completion of the course work, participants can qualify as certified Antigua and Barbuda Insiders. With this distinguished credential, travel experts will be an authoritative resource in promoting the destination, thereby generating significant interest demand and retention among their clients. Derede Samuel-Whitlock, Director of Tourism in the United States remarked, “As we prepare for the upcoming season, the “Antigua and Barbuda Insider Program” will Wednesday 19th November 2014 be a welcome addition to our armamentarium of sales tools. During the testing phase, travel partners have found the program to be innovative and easy to use and this will help position the destination highly in the minds of some of our top producers”. Samuel-Whitlock also stated, “In a highly competitive market place, the program will help fast-track our marketing and promotional strategy by educating, engaging and incentivizing our travel partners. In an online environment, travel experts can access a range of innovative marketing collateral and technology solutions Derede Samuel-Whitlock, Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Tourism in the United States. on their terms. This level of autonomy and flexibility will likely increase sales confidence among top producers and gen- erate greater demand for the Antigua and Barbuda product.” The second phase of the Antigua and Barbuda Insider Program will strengthen the destination’s “post-engagement” strategy for travel experts by providing more content to help customize the client experience. A range of local businesses across various tourism sectors will be featured. This will include hotels, restaurants, adventure tours and transportation providers. Phase II of the program will be launched by the end of the first quarter of 2015. Wednesday 19th November 2014 caribtimes.com 5 6 caribtimes.com Wednesday 19th November 2014 Valuable time lost for students must be made up Quite an odd set of circumstances has hit the staff and students at the Antigua Grammar School. Over the past two days, there have been no classes as the school is apparently run over by fleas. No one would ever consider this the usual run of the mill eventuality that would somehow sneak itself into the routine of classes at any educational facility in Antigua. We would not want to say these things happen as we cannot recall in recent times a prece- dent where any school or similar entity have come under such attack. Nonetheless productive hours which would have been otherwise spent under the careful watch of the teacher and within the structure of the school compound are now being spent at home by students at one of the country’s leading educational institutions. Very little can compensate for the loss of valuable time at school especially at this crucial period when students are going into the last month of the school term. cont’d on pg 7 caribtimes.com Wednesday 19th November 2014 cont’d from pg 6 It’s pretty much approaching the period we call exam time and every bit of effort is needed by students and teachers to ensure that the best possible results are achieved. Students were left roaming the streets as parents were caught off guard by the news that the school day had suddenly ended as a result of the infestation. Now its two days and so parents have now been left to either keep their children under their care or find some one who will as they wait for the all clear signal to return to the classroom. All of this should trigger the relevant authorities into action in devising new ideas as to how they can protect the school plant from anything or anyone that would disrupt the important process of educating our children. Responsibility must be taken by the Board of Education, with whom many citizens have left their hard earned money to ensure that quality education is available to all citizens. It is probably going to require some forward thinking by the Board and all authorities concerned that some sort of fumigating of the schools need to take place prior to the start of every term. In this way, students and staff can be assured of an uninterrupted flow in the school year. It is unacceptable that we would have to deal with these circumstances. We are hopeful that no member of the staffing body or student falls ill as a result of the flea infestation. Lost time for the students will now have to be made up. We do not think there is any reason to panic but at the same time some important lessons should be taken away from the incident. The old saying goes that prevention is better than cure and so the education authorities need to take note and implement the required policies that protect the health of both staff and students. There are so many issues affecting our young people today and we should not allow for the minute distractions to keep them away from gaining the tools to take them through an increasingly challenging world. 7 Possible Tactics to use if attacked TALKING The key to this tactic, which can be successful in aborting an attack, is to speak calmly and sincerely as one human being trying to reach out to another. Don’t beg, plead, cower or make small talk. Many times this is what your assailant expects to hear and it may antagonize him further. Talk about something in which you are interested, something about which you can talk comfortably. It could be your pet, a movie you’ve seen, a book you are reading, or a recent death in the family. Hopefully, this will make him see you as an individual offering concern and not as his enemy. Make him see you are not an object to vent his anger on. Try to reduce his rage by enhancing his ego. Don’t give a sermon. He may be trying to rape you because it would give him great satisfaction to knock a moralizing female down. It is important to reach him in a way which will break his fantasy and allow him to see you as an individual (not an object) with honest feelings and concerns. If something you are saying is antagonizing him further, switch to another topic, as quickly and smoothly as you can. FIGHTING When considering this tactic you should keep in mind all rapists have the potential for inflicting serious harm. This is probably the last tactic to try if all others have failed. If you begin by fighting you will have little or no opportunity to try another way. You have already committed to your behavior. You must be willing and able to inflict serious injury on your assailant. Surprise and speed of reaction should be used to your benefit. If you use a fighting tactic which will not completely incapacitate, you are probably going to be in worse shape. If you try to fight him and he has a weapon, always assume he won’t hesitate to use it. Even victims with extensive training in martial arts are not always successful with quick chops or kicks to vital spots on the body. The struggle itself could arouse or further enrage your assailant. Remember, if you are going to fight your attacker use surprise and speed to your advantage. Many schools (Dojo) teaches courses in defensive tactics for women which specifically teaches how to incapacitate an attacker. 8 caribtimes.com Wednesday 19th November 2014 Tourism Under Threat Let me ask you a very easy question: Suppose you lived in the temperate zone and planned to pay an arm and a leg for a nice vacation in some warmer place on the globe. Would you, as a rational person, voluntarily travel to a location where, after you’ve enjoyed those beautiful beaches, and sampled the island life, and returned to the daily grind supposedly refreshed and rejuvenated, you run the risk of being laid low by an extremely painful (and possibly fatal) disease? Don’t bother to answer. The implications of our little question-and-answer exercise are frighteningly clear: Antigua & Barbuda’s fabled Tourism Industry, the jewel in the crown of our economy, is facing a serious (and possibly fatal) threat. If left unchecked, the mosquito-borne Chikungunya Fever Virus holds the potential to devastate the livelihood of the thousands who service the main driver of our economy. Just as the Ebola virus caused the collapse of the health sector in Liberia and Sierra Leone, the challenge of Chikungunya has put a spotlight on our local vector control apparatus – and the emerging picture is not good. Increasingly, reports coming from our prime tourism markets suggest that a significant number of visitors to our shores are returning home unwittingly carrying a highly unpleasant souvenir. The international media is beginning to take note of the trend, and a distinct possibility exists that a combination of rational caution and outright panic may drive our Tourism into the toilet – just when improvements in the World economy are sending more visitors to boost our economic fortunes. Another mosquito-borne disease, Dengue Fever, is now endemic to Antigua & Barbuda; but Dengue, a less virulent affliction, does not pose the same level of threat as Chikungunya. To the best of my recollection, there have been no international reports of Dengue Fever affecting visitors to our tiny two-island subtropical paradise. Locally, cases of Dengue Fever are merely low-level background noise. Although carried by the same insect – the Aedes Aegypti mosquito – agonizing Chikungunya Fever is a whole ‘nother story. Okay, okay – I know: The dedicated employees at the Ministry of Health are all doing a simply wonderful job. They are, as we all know, doing the very best they can with the very little they have. Here is where the chronic – and for so long winked at – shortcomings of our national fiscal exercise come home to bite us by day and by night. Let us jump directly to the bottom line: This country has adopted an economic model that sets up the government as the primary source of employment in the land. In the real world, beyond the borders of our tiny two-island state of mind, your typical (textbook) public sector does not dominate the economic landscape. Governments can influence the behavior of the economy through judicious fiscal policies, but it is the dominant private productive sector that will drive the beast forward. Here, safe within the comfortable confines of our complacent two-island state of mind, we choose to see things rather differently, and for political reasons we have turned the paradigm on its head. In Antigua & Barbuda an expensive and inefficient public sector tries to do everything for everybody; with the inevitable result that very little gets done very well; for the inevitable reason that no matter how much the government squeezes out of the private sector, the expanding public sector outstrips the ability of the public purse to deliver the goods. This explains why, in the face of a critical threat to that very same public purse of which we speak so lovingly, we are yet to see and hear any really intense public education campaigns, or the deployment of multiple teams of inspectors and agents to cover the islands’ residential areas, spreading the gospel of Aedes Aegyti Eradication. It also explains why the gutters and drains around those residential areas are too often clogged and stagnant, though the Aedes Aegyti is reputed to fancy clean, still water conveniently available around the homes of its preferred food supply. At this point the solution to the problem should be as clear as crystal: The Ministry of Health – and in particular the CBH – needs to concentrate like a laser on its core functions. This must mean finally devolving the CBH solid waste collection function to the NSWMC, as mandated by the relevant legislation. This move enables the Chief Health Inspector to focus primarily on ramped-up vector control, and control of liquid waste, while the Ministry embarks on a huge public education offensive. The ministry must be able to apply adequate human and financial resources to the task, which implies emergency subventions in the face of a global threat to our national economy. We the People may take the Chikungunya threat to our country lightly, to the peril of all we hold dear. Wednesday 19th November 2014 caribtimes.com 9 10 c a r i b t i m e s . c o m Wednesday 19th November 2014 Know the facts Wednesday 19th November 2014 caribtimes.com 11 Digicel responds to statements made by Cable & Wireless Digicel today called on all regulatory bodies throughout the Caribbean to see through the smokescreen put up by Cable & Wireless/Columbus and subject the proposed transaction to the fullest regulatory scrutiny. Responding to Cable & Wireless’s recent comments in the media, Digicel can confirm that it looked at Columbus Communications several months ago and that it was Digicel’s assessment that the value of Columbus Communications was no more than US$2 billion. The assertion by UK-listed Cable & Wireless that Digicel is suffering from “sour grapes” couldn’t be further from the truth as the reality is Digicel was not prepared to over-pay for the business – unlike Cable & Wireless. With the proposed combined entity having a near stranglehold on the fixed line, broadband and cable TV markets across the region, Digicel is cautioning that this monopolistic position will translate to higher prices for consumers, a slower pace of investment and innovation, job losses and ultimately reduced economic stimulation for the Caribbean – not least because consumers will be looked on to pay up for the massive premium that was paid for the business. Digicel Group CEO, Colm Delves, said; “Any discussion of whether or not Digicel was interested in buying Columbus is a smokescreen put up by Cable & Wireless as it tries to railroad through a very expensive transaction that will put enormous pressure on its balance sheet. While Digicel did take a look at Columbus, the simple fact is that Cable & Wireless paid some US$1 billion more for Columbus Communications than in our view it is actually worth – a fact that should be of grave concern to its shareholders and the public alike. There is a real probability that customers will ultimately have to pay the price for the exorbitant price that was agreed. Cable & Wireless has said that it can’t “talk about pricing and plans until the deals are done” and that statement alone should set alarm bells ringing.” He continues; “It’s vital that the good of consumers is top of mind with regulators and Governments. Digicel has been at the forefront of competition in the communi- cations industry and that competition is key to a vibrant market and to economic development - we cannot risk jeopardising all that has been achieved to date. The proposed transaction must be examined properly and in the fullness of time by all of the relevant agencies to ensure that consumers’ interests are protected and promoted.” TAX NOTICE The Inland Revenue Department extends its ABST Fresh Start Initiative that was launched in July 2014. Taxpayers that have arrears for Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST), can have all of their penalties and interest waived once they make arrangement with the department by close of business on December 31st 2014 to liquidate the outstanding tax amount due to the department. Taxpayers will have the option of either making one payment to pay off their debt in full, or entering into a payment plan with the department to liquidate their debt over time. The Commissioner invites all ABST taxpayers who are in an arrears position to take advantage of this Initiative. For further information contact the Collections Unit by calling 468-9488 or 468-9473. ……..Commissioner of Inland Revenue 12 c a r i b t i m e s . c o m Wednesday 19th November 2014 To merge or not to merge; that is the question Dear Editor, As a businessman who uses telecoms services from all three providers as well as Cable TV services from Flow, I welcome the news of the imminent merger of Cable and Wireless Communications (LIME) and Flow. There has been a lot of talk on the radio talk show of all the pros and cons and whether or not the Governments should allow this to be done. It’s therefore important that we clear away the fluff and look at the facts. With all telecommunications companies now looking to expand their service offerings to offer TV services to consumers in Antigua and Barbuda, this increased competition will mean better value and lower prices to consumers. If the North American experience with AT&T is anything to go by, we in Antigua and Barbuda can expect a host of bundled product offerings with phone, Internet and TV con- vergence packages at price points to suit every budget. This will only serve to set the pace in the consumer’s favour to empower us to choose on price, service and value. When Digicel acquired AT&T business in Antigua several years ago, I didn’t hear any cont’d on pg 13 Wednesday 19th November 2014 cont’d from pg 12 trepidation about this requiring special “regulatory approval”. In fact the net result is clear today in that Antigua and Barbuda has one of the highest penetration of Mobile and Internet usage anywhere in the world. It was the beginning of true competition that improved the overall service to the consumer and gave us choice and better value! With this merger there will no doubt be long-term investment and innovation in the latest Cable TV technology available. This can only mean more investment in Antiguan and Barbudans who already have the skill and talent to support these investments. The spin off business opportunities for small entrepreneurs who will now be able to offer such innovation like e-commerce and mobile wallet payments are huge. It will be a boost to businesses. Can you imagine one day using your smartphone to pay your bus fare from St Johns to English Harbour? Well the technology is now available and is a real proposition with the merger of these two companies. My response to the prophets of regulatory doom and gloom is to judge them by the Biblical rule as to whether or not someone is really a prophet. If what they predict caribtimes.com doesn’t come through, and they had even one wrong prophesy in the past then just ignore them. I look forward to the day soon when I can receive HD TV on my smart phone, while waiting on my barber. It is long overdue and cannot come fast enough. To borrow the words of a famous sneaker brand, they should stop pussyfooting around and JUST DO IT! Concerned Citizen 13 14 c a r i b t i m e s . c o m Wednesday 19th November 2014 US Coast Guard makes US$5.1m cocaine bust in Caribbean Sea FLORIDA, United States, CMC – The United States Coast Guard says crew members aboard the Cutter Alligator offloaded cocaine valued at US$5.1 million in St. Petersburg, Florida on Thursday. The Coast Guard said the cocaine was seized in support of Operation Caribe Venture. During a routine patrol last week, a Customs and Border Protection Office of Air and Marine aircraft detected a 25-foot “go-fast” vessel in the Caribbean Sea. Coast Guard officials report that an armed Coast Guard helicopter crew aboard observed suspicious packages on board the go-fast vessel. “After the suspected vessel failed to heave to, the armed helicopter crew employed warning shots and then disabling fire to stop the vessel,” the Coast Coast Guard Cutter Alligator conducts drug offload in St Petersburg, Florida. Guard said. The Coast Guard said aboard the go-fast vessel turned over to law enthree suspected smugglers were detained and later forcement officials. St. Lucia Trade Union body agrees to three year wage freeze CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – The St. Lucia Trade Union Federation (TUF) which groups most of the islands public sector unions, has agreed to a three-year wage freeze, as part of efforts to help resuscitate the economy. The decision was announced in a statement earlier this week at the conclusion of negotiations between Government and the Federation for the period April 2013 to March 2016. The TUF has described the wage freeze offer as “a huge contribution” to national development, and expressed hope that other sections of the country will follow the “good example”, in making a sacrifice for country in times of need. “The Federation conveyed to government its understanding of the current economic situation facing the country, and was ready to assist by making certain sacrifices towards alleviation of the situation,” the statement signed by TUF President, Julian Monrose noted. However it made no reference to Government’s request for a five per cent wage cut for public sector workers, as part of government’s prescription to deal with an EC$76 million fiscal crisis. While Government’s proposal for the wage cut had been ini- tially rejected by all public sector unions, Prime Minister Kenny Anthony urged the public servants to either keep it on the agenda or come up with alternative ways in which the fiscal deficit could be funded. While the TUF made a list of recommendations, which included the introduction of VAT (Value Added Tax) on electricity, the St Lucia Civil Service Association (CSA), which is not, a member of the TUF refused to include the wage cut in any discussions with the GNT. In response to the decision of cont’d on pg 15 caribtimes.com Wednesday 19th November 2014 15 Barbados signs FATCA agreement with US to improve international tax compliance BRIDGETOWN, Barbado, CMC – The government of Barbados, on Monday signed the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) with the United States and pledged the implementation of global standards for the supervision and regulation of the international business and financial services sector. The agreement was signed by Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development, Donville Inniss and US Ambassador to Barbados, Dr. Larry Palmer. “The signature of this FATCA agreement represents one of the salient pillars in the transformation of how we as an international business and financial services centre interact not only with other jurisdictions on the sharing of vital information, but is an indication cont’d from pg 14 of the transformation of how we interact with our clients and apply greater due diligence in an ever-changing environment,” Inniss stated. He however cautioned that the signing was not a deviation from Government’s belief that “businesses and investment must be allowed the flexibility to thrive”. Palmer welcomed Barbados’ commitment to intensifying its cooperation with the U.S. to improve international tax compliance, and hailed the TUF to accept a wage freeze, CSA President, Mary Isaac said she was not surprised, and declined further comment until negotiations between the CSA and government are concluded. the signing as “a significant step forward in efforts to work collaboratively to combat offshore tax evasion”. “The FATCA introduces reporting requirements for foreign financial institutions with respect to certain accounts held by U.S. taxpayers. Because access to information from other countries is critically important to the full and fair enforcement of domestic tax laws, information exchange is a top priority for the United States. Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony who has not spoken publically for several weeks on the state of the economy, gave the unions several ultimatums for resolution of the wage cut issue, all of which have longed passed. “By working together to detect, deter and discourage offshore tax abuses through increased transparency and enhanced reporting, we can help to build a stronger, more stable and accountable global financial system,” Palmer stated. The signing is the culmination of discussions between Barbados’ Task Force and Negotiating Team, chaired by Secretary to the Board of the Central Bank, Elson Gaskin, and the U.S. Treasury Department. During his budget presentation in April this year, Anthony without prior consultation with public service unions legislated the 5% wage cut, which he said was urgently needed to resolve the islands fiscal crisis. 16 c a r i b t i m e s . c o m Wednesday 19th November 2014 Israel vows harsh response to attack JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel vowed harsh retaliation Tuesday for a Palestinian attack that killed five people and left bloodsmeared prayer books and shawls on the floor of a synagogue in Jerusalem - an assault that sharply escalated already-high tensions after weeks of religious violence. The attack during morning prayers in the west Jerusalem neighborhood of Har Nof was carried out by two Palestinian cousins wielding meat cleavers, knives and a handgun. They were shot to death by police after the deadliest assault in the holy city since 2008. Four of the dead were rabbis and one was a police officer who died of his wounds hours after the attack. Three of the rabbis were born in the United States and the fourth was born in England, although all held dual Israeli citizenship. Five others were wounded. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack, the first time he has done so in the wave of deadly violence against Israelis. But he also called for an end to Israeli “provocations” surrounding Jerusalem’s shrines that are sacred to both Muslims and Jews. President Barack Obama called the attack “horrific” and without justification, urging cooperation from both sides to ease tensions and adding that too many Israelis and Palestinians have died in recent months, Tuesday’s attack, however, appeared to mark a turning point, with the gruesome scene in a house of worship shocking a nation long accustomed to violence. The government released a photo of a meat cleaver it said came from the crime scene. Government video showed bloodsoaked prayer books and prayer shawls in the synagogue. A pair of glasses lay under a table, and thick streaks of blood smeared the floor. “I saw people lying on the floor, blood everywhere,” said Yosef Posternak, who was at the synagogue in the quiet neighborhood that has a large community of English-speaking immigrants. “People were trying to fight with (the attackers) but they didn’t have much of a chance,” Posternak told Israel Radio. In one of Israel’s first acts of retaliation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the dem- Paramedics carry a body out of a synagogue after an attack in Har Nof, an ultra-Orthodox neighborhood on the western edge of Jerusalem, yesterday. olitions of the homes of the attackers. But halting further violence could prove to be a tough challenge as police confront a new threat: Lightly armed assailants from annexed east Jerusalem who hold residency rights that allow them to move freely throughout the country. Netanyahu condemned the deaths of the “innocent and pure Jews.” In a nationally televised address, he accused Abbas of inciting the recent violence and said the Palestinian leader’s condemnation of the attack was insufficient. Hamas, the militant Palestinian group that runs the Gaza Strip, praised the attack. In Gaza, dozens celebrated in the streets, with some offering trays full of candy. The U.S.-born victims were identified as Moshe Twersky, 59, Aryeh Kupinsky, 43, and Kalman Levine, 55. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said the British man was Avraham Goldberg, 68, who immigrated to Israel in 1993. It described the four as “rabbis,” an honorific title in the ultra-Orthodox world given to men who are considered pious and learned. Twersky, a native of Boston, was the head of the Toras Moshe Yeshiva, a seminary for English-speaking students. He was the son of Rabbi Isador Twersky, founder of Harvard University’s Center for Jewish Studies, and a grandson Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, a luminary in the world of modern Orthodox Jewry. Thousands of people attended a joint funeral for Kupinsky, Levine and Goldberg before sundownheld outside the synagogue where they were killed. Wednesday 19th November 2014 caribtimes.com 17 UN push against North Korea on rights moves ahead UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- The world’s boldest effort yet to hold North Korea and leader Kim Jong Un accountable for alleged crimes against humanity moved forward Tuesday at the United Nations, where a Pyongyang envoy threatened further nuclear tests. The U.N. General Assembly’s human rights committee approved a resolution that urges the Security Council to refer the country’s harsh human rights situation to the International Criminal Court. The non-binding resolution now goes to the General Assembly for a vote in the coming weeks. China and Russia, which hold veto power on the council, voted against it. The resolution was inspired by a groundbreaking U.N. commission of inquiry report early this year that declared North Korea’s human rights situation “exceeds all others in duration, intensity and horror.” The idea that their young leader could be targeted by prosecutors sent North Korean officials on a furious effort to derail the effort. North Korea sent a sharp warning in com- ments before the vote. Trying to punish it over human rights “is compelling us not to refrain any further from conducting nuclear tests,” said Choe Myong Nam, a foreign ministry adviser for U.N. and human rights issues. His colleagues gave no details on that threat. Choe also accused the European Union and Japan, the resolution’s co-sponsors, of “subservience and sycophancy” to the United States, and he promised “unpredictable and serious consequences” if the resolution went forward. The European Union quickly issued a statement welcoming the support of 111 countries in the vote. Nineteen countries voted against, and 55 abstained. “It is admirable that the member states of the United Nations are acting to protect the people of North Korea when their own government fails to do so,” the head of the commission of inquiry, retired Australian judge Michael Kirby, said in an email, adding that he is confident the Security Council will “act responsibly.” Human rights groups turned their attention to Choe Myong Nam, a North Korean official in charge of U.N. affairs and human rights, listens during a meeting of the U.N. General Assembly human rights committee, yesterday. China and Russia, which could block any Security Council move. “No Security Council country, including China, can deny the horror endured by so many North Koreans,” Kenneth Roth, director of Human Rights Watch, said in a statement just after the vote. “The time has come for justice.” North Korea and its allies have argued that a resolution that targets a single country would set a dangerous precedent and that other developing countries could be singled out, too. The resolution says the commission of inquiry report found grounds to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed under policies “established at the highest level of the State for decades.” It calls for targeted sanctions against the people who appear to be most responsible. The commission of inquiry earlier warned Kim Jong Un that could include him. Cuba proposed an amendment that would have stripped out the tough language on the ICC, but the committee’s member countries voted that down earlier Tuesday. The mere possibility that its leader could be targeted by prosecutors has put North Korean officials, once dismissive of human rights issues, on edge. In recent weeks, it dangled the possibility of a visit by the U.N. human rights chief, among other attempts at outreach. 18 c a r i b t i m e s . c o m Wednesday 19th November 2014 Work Place Feud Good- morning, Good -morning, how are you? Very well, thank you, have a good day too. Hey, what she’s telling me morning for? I can’t stand a bone in that woman that work here so. Miss This, Mrs. That wants to see you; She asked about the documents, if you sent them through. Look, I am not going anywhere, just tell her no. Cover for me, because I punch your card every morning you know. How can I go and tell her that? Wait, something wrong with your head? Don’t make me chat. Oh, Molly did warn me, not to get caught up with you, Because you are the work place bully, that love to cause feud. Are you serious? Molly told you that about me? When she is the one telling me nasty things about the boss pickney. Sorry, sorry, it’s a slip of the tongue! Wait, now you will see how the feud will go around. Now I am going to Mrs. This and confess my mess, By telling her you guys not good, and in here is stress; Every day you all bombard me with all kinds of news, And I am sorry to be breaking all the work place rules. Knock, Knock, Mrs. This I am here to see you; You see them out there, them nah love you. Every day them have you and your pickney name here, Saying that is bleaching cream she should have been named. You see me, I just listen when them chat; I love you, and I have your back; As to the Molly, don’t even try to elevate she Because she is the one nick name your pickney. Well, well, you really love me; Molly came long before and told me what all you said about me. I know you think, by bringing this news you will get a raise, But oh, no, Miss Love Me, I am out of in here. Written By Mrs. Jacqueline Wetherill caribtimes.com Wednesday 19th November 2014 Tuesday’s Sudoku Solution 19 SUDOKU C R O S S WO R D Across 1. Playbill roster 5. Very, melodramatically 9. White colleague 14. Higher in the hierarchy than 15. “Family ___” (Game Show Network rerun) 16. Find irresistible 17. Piece of paper currency 18. Casino card game 19. Showed sudden glee 20. Start of a quip by humorist Red Green 23. Withhold from 24. Bird on a certain ranch 25. Spoke stentoriously 28. Snowshoe or March follower 30. Molotov cocktail “fuse” 33. Exhausted 34. Aspirin label datum 35. Kappa forerunner 36. Quip: Part 2 39. Austin Powers’ nemesis Dr. ___ 40. What to do after you “read ‘em” 41. Prepare for the National Anthem 42. “Catch on?” 43. Siblingless 44. Fashion designer Laura 45. Exist en masse 46. City near Provo 47. Quip: Part 3 54. Sweet ‘N Low rival 55. Chassis rod 56. Offers as an opinion 58. Gravy globs 59. Fermentation sediment 60. University founder Cornell 61. Kindergartner’s stickum 62. Bow and stern, e.g. 63. Appear Down 1. Negative aspect 2. Admit openly 3. Green of “America’s Sweethearts” 4. Gym fixture 5. Put one’s nose out of joint 6. Villain 7. “Natch!” 8. Garlic trait 9. Biblical temptress 10. Parisian’s parting word 11. Writes rapidly 12. Give ___ for one’s money 13. Held onto 21. Minuscule 22. Moore’s paramour in “10” 25. Takes part in a Pillsbury contest 26. Bluto’s dream girl 27. Stan’s tie-twiddling pal 28. Comfortably familiar 29. P.D.Q alternative 30. “The ___ Tenenbaums” (Gene Hackman film) 31. Observe Yom Kippur 32. Like a chartreuse leisure suit 34. Hamilton-Burr incident 35. Land mass connectors 37. Charlie Brown, to Snoopy 38. Double-curved shapes 43. Vague threat 44. Marshal Dillon’s portrayer 45. Rewrite for Hollywood 46. Silenced a hinge 47. The Beatles’ second film 48. Soothing hue 49. Molasses-based liquors 50. Grimm work 51. Yokemates 52. Bring down 53. Brontë belle Jane 57. Humphrey’s “The Maltese Falcon” role 20 c a r i b t i m e s . c o m Wednesday 19th November 2014 The Antigua and Barbuda Tade Union Congress will convene its 12th Annual Delegates Conference. The opening ceremony will be at the Multipurpose Centre, Perry Bay on Thursday, November 20th at 9 a.m. The theme of this year’s conference is Workers’ rights are Human rights. The featured speaker will be Dr. Collin Greene. The business session follows the opening and continues on Friday November 21st at 9 a.m. The following VACANY is currently registered at OSEC: MAINTENANCE MANAGER The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall maintenance of the facility, inclusive of biomedical and non-biomedical equipment. He/she will coordinate and supervise the work of the employees in general maintenance (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, refrigeration and related systems), up keeping of buildings and biomedical/non-biomedical equipment (e.g. Boilers, HVAC system, Generators). The Maintenance Manager is also responsible for the daily administrative functions of the Engineering/Maintenance Department. Main Job Responsibilities include: • Plan, coordinate and implement the maintenance programme of all major hospitality utility systems, including but not limited to, high pressure boilers, stem lines, plumbing, sewage, gas, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and medical gases, oxygen plants and other related systems. • Maintain all fire alarm system. Keep a log of same. • Inventory management. • Ensure current equipment maintenance logs are in place for all equipment and machinery. • Prepare and submit scheduled and ad hoc department reports. • Maintain all records required to assure that the department meets standards. • Develop and/or review departmental policies and standard operating procedures (SOP). Primary Qualifications & Experience Required: • A Bachelor’s degree in either engineering, facility management or building maintenance with a minimum of two (2) years of experience at least at the level of an Assistance Facilities Manager. • An associate degree in building maintenance with six (6) years experience in plant engineering, plant operations and plant maintenance in a large commercial, industrial or institutional building or building complex. • Must be computer literate. • Knowledge of low and high pressure boilers, heating, lighting, ventilating, electrical power, air conditioning, refrigeration, mechanical equipment as it applies to the operation, maintenance and repair of such equipment. Our Centre is located on Old Parham Road in the Ryan’s Building, next to Antigua Motors. OSEC telephone numbers are 562-8533/34/35. {Kindly note that the DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATION is Thursday 20th November, 2014} Service I Love ABI Insurance for my AUTO. HOME. LIFE. PLUS MORE. World Class Service- Free Quotes: Best Affordable Rates in Antigua and Barbuda. Call now 484 6400 or visit us at 156 Redcliffe St. in the ABI Financial Building. Barbuda Express is sailing everyday except Mondays & Wednesdays. Tours available 4 days a week, For more info and reservation, please call 764-2291. You may also visit our website http://www.barbudaexpress.com. Sale THE FURNITURE GALLERY – Freshen up your kitchen with new countertops. LG Himacs 12’x30” from $1100, Dupont Corian 12’x30” from $1250, Dupont Zodiaq Engineered Stone 5x10’ slabs 2 & 3cm starting from $2300. Sinks from $620. The following VACANY is currently registered at OSEC: HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall maintenance and enhancement of the company’s human resources by planning, implementing, and evaluating employee relations and human resources policies, programs, and practices. Main Job Responsibilities include: • Delivers training on workplace ethics and policies, management coaching on employment laws and practices; including counseling managers on corrective action in dysfunctional situations, and conducting successful terminations where appropriate. • Ensures policy compliance with national labour laws. • Guides the Board on the national policy governing non-national employees including handling all immigration issues. • Represents Company in labour and industrial matters with relevant internal and external interests. • Secures appropriate legal representation for labour relations matter where necessary. • Leads the labour relations interactions of the Board. Primary Qualifications & Experience Required: • At least a Bachelor’s Degree in HR Management, Business Administration or equivalent. • At least 5 years of professional experience across all HR disciplines, including employment, benefits, compensation, employee relations, training and development, workers compensation and conflict resolution. • Experience working with a diverse workforce. • Excellent time-management, problem-prevention and problem-solving skills. • Demonstrate the highest level of ethical behavior. • Work accurately with close attention to details. • Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information. • Excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate interaction with the workforce. • Prior experience working in a Medical Center setting is an asset. Wednesday 19th November 2014 caribtimes.com 21 DEAR LADY X HOROSCOPE My husband and I are pregnant with our first child. We are beyond excited and can’t wait for our little one to get here. Our problem: My mother-in-law is getting married two weeks after our baby is supposed to arrive, and she’s expecting all of us to go. While I’m happy she has found someone she wants to spend her life with, I will not be there and neither will our child. I have told my husband this and explained my concerns, but I will support him if he decides to go since it’s his mother. How can I turn her down in a polite way so it doesn’t sound like I’m a horrible daughter-in-law? -- FIRST-TIME MAMA DEAR FIRST-TIME MAMA: Unless a woman is having a C-section, babies don’t always arrive on the expected due date. Sometimes they can be a week late -- or more. If you feel you need time to rest, recuperate and get your child on a regular nursing schedule, tell that to your mother-in-law. As a new mother you are going to have to quickly learn to prioritize, and your child’s well-being and your health must come first. Expect her to be disappointed, but make clear that you love her and wish her a lifetime of happiness, but you will be unable to attend. Tuesday’s Crossword Solution ARIES (March 21-April 19). Most anxiety is caused by living in a time other than the present. Bring yourself to the current moment, and there is nothing to fear, only business to be handled in the “now.” You are in danger of spreading yourself too thin. You won’t get the prize by jumping around from task to category to interest. Streamline your efforts. Narrow your focus. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Tired? Take it as a sign that there is not enough challenge in your routine to trigger your natural enthusiasm. Go off track. Half an hour spent learning something new will be enough to bring back your enthusiasm. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re in a position to motivate and inspire others to do their best work. Keep in mind that some people like praise; others like perks. Find out people’s preferences, and then serve them up. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The action you are contemplating is likely to make 10 people happy and one person mad. Will it be worth it? Much depends on who that one person happens to be. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Do you feel your luck changing for the better? It won’t happen all in one day, but you can bet that you’re about to land a client, move into a fresh space or secure a long-awaited green light. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). If you don’t have a system for getting feedback from those who are affected by your actions, now is the time to create one. Knowing what they think and feel will help you better serve your people (and you’ll be better compensated, too). VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Victims are everywhere, but so are determined people. Claim your natural tenacity, and you’ll attract the sort of determined individuals who can help you take your project all the way. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21). Knowing what’s coming in the culture is more than a talent — you consider it to be your duty. Someone has to lead! Because you’re two steps ahead of everyone else, quite naturally that someone should be you. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Those who frantically try to make things happen are quite simply denying what already is. It’s a waste of energy. Take a careful look around. Everything you need is right here. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). The plan that wants you to count and measure everything is not going to serve you in the long run. For starters, that will get old fast. Also, when you’re doing what feels right, the numbers don’t matter as much. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). True growth is uncomfortable. It changes you so fully that there is no going back. It slays the earlier pattern so there is nothing to return to. If you’re uncomfortable, you’re probably doing it right. 22 c a r i b t i m e s . c o m Wednesday 19th November 2014 In Conjunction with Will be hosting a constituency CLEAN UP DATES: 5:30am - Starting Point @ George Chiai (Coolidge) November 8th & 9th — Coolidge, Hodges Bay, Royal Gardens , Cedar Grove , Crosbies 5:30am - Starting @ North Shore Supermarket November 15th & 16th — Longfords, Flag staff, Mount Pleasant, Blue Waters, Marble Hill, Mc Kinnons 5:30am - Starting @ 1st Choice Supermarket November 22nd & 23rd — Anchorage Road (West), Yorks, Dry Hill, Fort Road West, Old Runaway Lets ALL Help to Keep OUR community CLEAN Wednesday 19th November 2014 caribtimes.com 23 Pacquiao back in China against Algieri MACAU (AP) -- Manny Pacquiao didn’t need the huge bouquet of flowers he was holding to feel welcome in this gambling enclave, where he will be fighting at an odd hour Sunday against an opponent who has to already feel as though he won boxing’s biggest lottery. Pacquiao got them anyway Tuesday night at his official grand entrance in the lobby of the massive Venetian hotel-casino. He smiled and posed with them because there’s a fight with Chris Algieri to sell, something Pacquiao seems to be taking more seriously as his career begins heading into the later rounds. There are also new rumblings along the Floyd Mayweather Jr. front, but more on that later. For now, Pacquiao seems re-energized as he plots what he hopes will be a spectacular performance that might stop talk about his declining knockout power - he hasn’t had a stoppage in five years now - and entice Mayweather to finally enter the ring with him sometime next year in what would surely be boxing’s richest fight ever. 19 November 2014 WBO Welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, left, of the Philippines, and WBO junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri of United States, right, pose for photographers during a news conference in Macau. “I’m not predicting a knockout, but I’m looking for a good fight and looking to prove I can still fight,” Pacquiao said. “I’m willing to fight anybody. I’m not ducking anyone.” That includes Mayweather, of course, and promoter Bob Arum said there have been some prelim- Until 22 November 2014 inary behind-the-scenes talks to make the long-awaited fight finally happen. Whether it actually takes place, though, depends largely on Mayweather, who only recently has given indications he may be more agreeable to make the fight than he has in the past. 24 November 2014 24 c a r i b t i m e s . c o m Wednesday 19th November 2014 Darren Bravo opts out of South Africa tour West Indies batsman Darren Bravo has opted out of the tour of South Africa for personal reasons. Bravo is the only name missing from the original squad of 15 chosen last week by the WICB, which had made it mandatory that all players had to sign the tour contracts before the Tuesday afternoon. The WICB indicated through a media release that it would name a replacement for Bravo in due course. Bravo had also asked the Trinidad & Tobago selectors earlier to not consider him for the regional four-day competition which started last week. The WICB did not disclose the circumstances behind Bravo’s pull-out. “Darren Bravo wrote to chairman of selectors Clive Lloyd and requested not to be considered for the Test series due to personal reasons,” the WICB release stated. “The WICB extends its best wishes to Bravo as he seeks to address his personal matters and looks forward to his return to the game.” The signing of player contracts had assumed a critical importance in the aftermath of the West Indies ODI squad pulling out of the India tour last month. That revolt was lead by Dwayne Bravo, the West Indies ODI captain, who said the players felt dis- criminated against by the actions of the West Indies Players Association, which had gone ahead and signed a combined business agreement along with the new memorandum of understanding with WICB. Dwayne Bravo insisted the MoU would hurt the players’ payment structure drastically and the WIPA had bypassed them by signing the agreement. Even as it faced withering criticism from the BCCI, which slapped a $42 million penalty for abandoning the India tour, the WICB did not penalise the players. After their return from India the WICB swiftly moved to alleviate the player concerns by holding meetings which were attended by senior players including Bravo and Test captain Denesh Ramdin, along with WICB president Dave Cameron and WIPA president Wavell Hinds. But doubts remained about whether the players would consider boycotting the South Africa tour, which starts in December. The question marks further increased after Trinidad & Tobago Cricket Board replaced Ramdin as the captain in the regional four-day competition. At the same time the Jamaica Cricket Association decided to not include Marlon Darren Bravo will not be part of the West Indies tour of South Africa. Samuels in the squad for the firstclass tournament. Samuels was the only player who disagreed with the pull-out from the India tour. But by signing the contracts for the South Africa tour the players have put faith in the ongoing negotiations with WICB and WIPA. “The WICB thanks the players for their timely and positive responses and looks forward to a successful tour of South Africa,” the WICB release said. (ESPNcricinfo) Caribbean Times is printed and published at Woods Estate /Friars Hill Road By Kimon Drigo who is also the Editor and resides at Sugar Factory. Contact P.O Box W2099, Wood Estate /Friars Hill Road, St.John's Antigua/ Tel: (268) 562 - 8688 or Fax: (268) 562 8685.Email: [email protected]/Advertising: [email protected]/www.caribtimes.com