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Weekly News Volume 34 | No. 18 | May 2-8, 2020

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National Stadium land bought by Government

EMERGENCY POWERS EXTENDED TO JUNE 1 ‘THE ENEMY IS NOT DEAD - IT IS JUST SERIOUSLY WOUNDED’ – GOVERNOR WARNS RESIDENTS TO REMAIN CAUTIOUS

TEAM OF ROYAL MARINES ARRIVES TO BATTLE ILLEGAL MIGRATION

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Until the end of the lockdown the full edition of the TC Weekly News will be available online only. Visit our website www.tcweeklynews.com for all the latest news and views from across the TCI.

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May 2-8, 2020

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National Stadium land bought by Government THE NATIONAL Stadium is now fully owned by the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands - 13 years after it was built - after the Government finally bought the land it was built on.

The news came last week during Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson’s presentation of the Government’s 2020-2021 Budget in the House of Assembly.

Since it was constructed in 2007, the stadium, which sits on land previously owned by the TCI Education Foundation, has been a source of contention.

In 2010 the private land owner took ownership of the entire facility as rent was not being paid.

But in 2014 after long negotiations, the Ministry of Education was finally able to settle the historic arrears issue and reclaim the stadium.

Now six years later, the Government has bought the land, for an undisclosed sum, and the property is owned in its entirety.

“Some years ago, we entered

into an imperfect arrangement and invested millions of dollars of the people’s money on someone else’s property,” the premier said.

“Over the past year, my Government has successfully negotiated on behalf of our people and have purchased and are now the rightful, registered owners of the National Stadium.

“This is not a small accomplishment. This is truly now the people’s National Stadium.”

The track at the National Stadium is now set to get a facelift worth $900,000, after it was included in this year’s budget.

HISTORY OF THE STADIUM In 1995 the charity TCI Education Foundation bought 11½ acres of land on Venetian Road from Provident Ltd. Members planned to build the British West Indies Collegiate, a school that would provide education to the youth of the Turks and Caicos Islands, with cash from private donors.

In 1995 the charity TCI Education Foundation bought 11½ acres of land on Venetian Road from Provident Ltd

The first buildings were completed in 1996 and in the ensuing years there were a number of additions, including a basic sports-field and running track that was built in 1998.

In 2006 the Government approached the foundation and asked to use the college’s running track for the regional Carifta Games, which would be held in the TCI for the very first time.

They had planned to build a stadium in Downtown Providenciales, however obtaining the land and relocating the occupiers had not been achievable within their time frame.

After discussions, the foundation agreed that a new National Stadium could be built on their land next to the school under a number of terms.

The multi-million dollar TCI National Stadium was completed to much fanfare in 2007, just in

time to host the April 2007 Carifta Games.

In July 2010, the legal landowners “very reluctantly” reclaimed possession of the stadium after years of frustration caused by an alleged lack of communication from the Government.

They claimed that none of the terms were ever honoured and more land than was agreed was built on leaving the collegiate without land needed for future school facilities.

The foundation alleged that the Government gave the contract for building the stadium, reportedly worth about $10 million, to Herzog Caribbean without a formal tender process.

And added that following construction, without any consultation with the foundation, the Sports Commission was given the job of managing the stadium.

“This is like your neighbour building a house in your front yard,

and then acting as if they don’t know you,” a press release from the foundation read at the time.

Former minister McAllister Hanchell blamed the interim government for allowing public infrastructure to be “confiscated” and said that the actions could only be “remedied” by compulsory acquisition of the land.

In January 2014, the Government agreed to pay $650,000 to the TCI Education Foundation for back rent for the National Stadium in order to have it returned.

Akierra Missick, then Minister for Education, Youth, Sports and Library Services, told the House of Assembly that after several years of negotiations an agreement had been reached.

Rent, of an undisclosed amount, was then paid to the foundation for use of the land until it was purchased outright this year. (By Delana Isles and Rebecca Bird)

Published by Turks & Caicos News Company Ltd. Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales P.O. Box 52, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI W. Blythe Duncanson - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Olivia Rose - Senior Reporter Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com Follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/tcweeklynews Twitter: twitter.com/tcweeklynews1 In 2010 the private land owner took ownership of the entire facility as rent was not being paid

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TCI to undergo a ‘phased reopening’ from Monday

BY REBECCA BIRD THE TURKS and Caicos Islands will no longer be on lockdown and will undergo a “phased reopening” from Monday (May 4).

Beaches, certain stores and businesses will be allowed to open with restrictions but schools, island-to-island and international travel will remain closed until June 1.

The easing of the rules was announced by Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson during her joint address to the nation with Governor Nigel Dakin on Thursday evening.

She explained that physical distancing protocols need to be followed, people must wear a mask or face covering and there should be strictly no public gathering of over four people.

A night time curfew will remain in place from 8pm to 5am until May 25 and the territory will continue to be on full lockdown every Sunday.

The premier told residents over 65 to remain isolated and urged those with underlying health conditions to do the same.

A list of restrictions, including the imposition of a national curfew, came into effect when Governor Nigel Dakin declared a state of emergency in the TCI on March 24.

His announcement triggered the use of the Emergency Powers Ordinance allowing him to introduce rules, with guidance from the Government, forgoing the usual legislative process.

The lockdown, which was set to run from March 27 until May 4 after being extended from April 14, will now be lifted and certain restrictions withdrawn.

The decision was made following a two-day meeting ending on Wednesday after an 11-hour Cabinet session in collaboration with the TCI’s health leaders.

It came from an understanding of the readiness of the healthcare system to an increase in cases, support for whole of territory testing and the anticipation of a roll back to restrictions.

“The decision as to what comes next is not a decision that anyone in the position of leadership at this time has taken lightly,” Cartwright Robinson said.

“We remain guided by the main principle that life-saving measures

The easing of the rules was announced by Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson during her joint address to the nation with Governor Nigel Dakin on Thursday evening

must take precedence over the economy, and this alone is not an easy decision but a right one for political leaders across the globe.

“While we have to balance these two important and sometimes opposing determinants, we wish to assure you the people that this approach remains heavily based on Ministry of Health’s advice.”

The changes are as following: MAY 4 Physical distancing protocols will remain in place and the Government now mandates the wearing of masks or improvised face coverings when out in public.

Use of beaches and individual watersports can resume for the purposes of fitness and recreation.

There should be strictly no gathering of over four adults, and any gathering must consist of only those living in one household. No alcohol should be taken onto the beach.

Individual fitness is allowed at any time outside the hours of curfew. This does not include any form of team sport.

Residents may drive to their place of outdoor exercise, which can include the beach.

Hardware stores will be permitted to open once they meet the protocols established by the Public and Environmental Health Department.

These businesses will assist homeowners in DIY projects around the home as well as in the preparation

of homes for the hurricane season commencing June 1.

Self-sustaining fishermen will be permitted to undertake activities to support and sustain their families through their businesses.

So long as strict social distancing can be observed, officebased services will be permitted to operate with four or fewer persons in the office at a time.

In terms of duty of care to their staff, the Government expects employers to make the case to themselves and their staff as to why someone should require a physical presence.

Employers should look to implement shift work and to ensure that staff work in the smallest groups possible to achieve the recommended physical distance in the workplace.

There is no requirement to apply for exemptions to the Governor’s Office.

The 911 database that has been developed will be kept should there be a requirement to revert to present lockdown and curfew conditions.

MAY 10 Churches should remain virtual, but they may have up to ten people inside the church who are actively involved in the delivery of the service.

Social distancing protocols must be adhered to.

Attendance at funeral services is also limited to ten persons. Other social gatherings remain restricted.

MAY 11 Restaurants that choose to provide a takeaway service are permitted to open for takeaway only with careful protocols in place including strict social distancing.

Public and Environmental Health Departments will issue guidance in advance and will be making unannounced spot visits.

Public health and police officers will have the power to close a business immediately if they feel the establishment or surroundings are unsafe.

A limited number of key government departments will reopen to provide critical services to the territory.

This will be done on the basis of a reduced staffing and customer service plan that allows for appropriate social distancing.

The Government’s model will be used as the basis for guidelines for statutory bodies and businesses.

It “will lead the way in demonstrating how a responsible employer behaves”, the premier said.

All retail grocery stores are able to open. Public and Environmental Health Departments will bring together guidance for this industry in advance.

Spot checks by environmental health officers will have the power to close any business immediately if protocols are not being met and police may do the same.

Construction and hardware stores will be permitted to open.

There will be Government-led engagement with the construction sector after issuance of draft guidelines by the Public and Environment Health Departments in the coming days.

Related supply businesses, including electrical and plumbing stores and ancillary businesses are expected to begin opening in support of the construction industry.

CONTINUED RESTRICTIONS International travel will remain closed until at least June 1.

The premier will be establishing a stakeholder engagement group with the hospitality sector guided by the Ministry of Health.

This will support and inform the work that will be required to start to reopen the Islands to international tourism.

A night-time curfew will remain

in place from 8pm to 5am each day, and this will continue until 5am on Monday, May 25.

All businesses will be closed on a Sunday and Sunday will remain a day of lockdown and curfew.

Wednesday will revert to a normal working day.

People over the age of 65 years should continue to shelter in at home.

Those with underlying health conditions are also very strongly encouraged to shelter at home and work from home wherever possible.

All businesses, unless otherwise exempted, should continue to work and operate from home.

Schools and educational institutions will remain closed until June 1, with the use of virtual learning to keep students engaged.

This will remain under review.

Restrictions on domestic travel will continue until June 1, with the exception of Salt Cay and Grand Turk which is considered as one island community, and Middle Caicos and North Caicos as another island community.

Those who need to return to their home islands from Providenciales cannot do so yet.

This will become available once on-island testing is established and persons can be tested, and quarantined if necessary, before their return.

The Cruise Port will remain closed until June 30. This decision will remain under review and will follow advice from the Centres for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation.

Penalties for publication of false statements, a duty to provide information to health officials and application to Justice of the Peace will remain as mandated.

Restrictions on visitation will continue until June 1 in any place of quarantine or isolation station, and residential care establishments.

People can also not yet visit a patient in a hospital or facility, except a responsible adult in the case of a child.

Extremely limited visitation can be considered for detainees at detention centres, prisons and police cells with the appropriate application of social distancing.

There must be access by video link, audio or phone for attorneys at the detention centres, prisons and police cells.

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Emergency powers extended to June 1

BY REBECCA BIRD A LAW which allows the Government to temporarily introduce national regulations without following the usual legislative process will continue to be used until the end of May. The Emergency Powers Ordinance was designed to be brought in rapidly during a declared state of emergency – and provides the governor with overriding powers for a month at a time.

“The use of emergency powers is exceptional and only apply in extreme circumstances like we are faced with by this Covid-19 pandemic,” Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said.

She spoke about the ordinance during her address to the nation on Thursday evening (April 30) in which she announced an ease of lockdown rules alongside Governor Nigel Dakin.

The premier explained that the powers permit the administration to take action without complying with statutory duties that would normally apply, she said.

“Emergency powers allow the Government to introduce measures that may affect fundamental rights, such as the right to liberty.

“These measures can only be introduced in exceptional

circumstances and are temporary in nature.”

Governor Nigel Dakin declared a state of emergency in the TCI on March 24 triggering the use of the Emergency Powers Ordinance.

He made the announcement in a national address along with the premier following a Cabinet meeting in which they discussed the pros and cons of the decision.

Cartwright Robinson stressed that all major announcements had taken place collectively and following decisions taken by the Cabinet.

“It is important to note that the governor is required to seek advice from the Cabinet, before making a proclamation,” the premier said.

“Section two of that ordinance defines the term ‘governor’ to mean the governor acting with the advice of the Cabinet, but not necessarily in accordance with such advice.”

The decision to declare a state of public emergency was made to ensure that the Cabinet could make timely decisions, she said.

This included the making of legal provisions - through emergency powers regulations to implement measures to address issues confronting the Islands.

“Through regulations, like other Commonwealth jurisdictions and overseas territories, such as

Permier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said the the emergency powers allow the Government to introduce measures that may affect fundamental rights, such as the right to liberty

Bermuda, we have addressed a wide range of topics.”

The TCI Emergency Powers (Covid-19) (no. 3) Regulations 2020 were introduced on March 25.

They included public health measures, the imposition of a national curfew, the creation of economic relief measures,

$200 food vouchers for vulnerable citizens RESIDENTS that are struggling to make ends meet during the Covid-19 pandemic can apply for a monthly $200 food voucher which will be made available for the next three months.

Applicants must be Turks and Caicos Islanders and unemployed, so not eligible for any other financial assistance under the Government’s economic stimulus programme.

The ‘Coronavirus Social Enhancement Aid Stimulus Package Programme’ was officially announced on Friday (May 1) in a statement from

the Department of Social Development.

The department stressed that the offer is temporary, providing short to medium term support to those that are vulnerable and or may become vulnerable as result of the pandemic.

A formal application must be made to apply for the vouchers with supporting documents.

These include TC Islander Status Card, Government ID (Passport, driver’s licence, NIB card or NHIP card), copies of expenses such as mortgage or power bills, and a letter

of employment or payslip if applicable.

Anyone who is approved for the aid will be referred on a distribution list to a participating grocery store which will create the food voucher in the recipient’s name.

To apply online, residents can visit the TCI Government website on www.gov.tc/dsd/stimulus Questions and concerns can be directed to the Department of Social Development in Providenciales on 243-0435, Grand Turk on 242-0436 or email socialservices@gov.tc

the creation of stimulus and the continuity of the courts.

Cartwright Robinson said a decision had been taken to extend the use of the Emergency Powers Ordinance to June 1.

‘JUSTIFIED’ POWERS Joining the premier on Thursday evening to address the nation was Governor Nigel Dakin who give his perspective on the use of the Emergency Powers Ordinance.

He said that elected representatives realised early on the “extraordinary nature” of what the territory faced and recognised they had to move rapidly and decisively.

The decisive use of the emergency powers was necessary, “justified” and achieved the intended results, he continued.

“The TCI is fortunate amongst the overseas territories that it has a modern constitution which bounds emergency powers within an accountable and democratic framework.”

He said an example of this is that the powers expire after a month and must be renewed – and any regulations made expire after 21 days if they are not put before the parliament.

“It’s that part of the constitution that I believe gave your elected Government confidence that these powers could be used on your behalf - on the nation’s behalf.

“Worth saying we have just

revisited whether those powers are still required and, at the elected Government’s request, we have collectively agreed to extend them to June 1 when we will review again.

“Our intention is that these powers lapse as soon as is possible.”

He said it was “particularly important” that the Government asked to use the powers on behalf of the people, rather than have them imposed on them. “…because it was obvious from the very onset of this pandemic that this was going to be a slow burn and long term crisis and that it would have very serious impacts on the people of these Islands.

“The democratic legitimacy of the Government of the day, who are accountable to their electorate, seemed to me to be essential if the public were to be involved as serious partners in this great challenge we face.”

He stressed that as a result, since the introduction of the powers, there has been no deviation in the way normal Cabinet and ministerial government has functioned.

“There’s been no need to change the way we govern because Cabinet remains the best possible way to make decisions during this time.”

He concluded: “My chairing of Cabinet has been exactly that - as it has been from my first day - a facilitating role to help the Government of the day achieve their lawful objectives.”

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‘The enemy is not dead - it is just seriously wounded’ Governor warns residents to remain cautious

BY REBECCA BIRD COVID-19 remains in the community and it will remain there for a long time, Governor Nigel Dakin cautioned during a joint national address on Thursday (April 30).

As Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson announced the easing of lockdown restrictions, the governor was keen to remind the public to remain vigilant and follow guidelines.

The two were speaking in the same room for the first time since strict distancing guidelines came into effect to prevent the spread of the virus on March 24.

Dakin said the territory is just entering the phase in which the public is “going to have to start to learn to live with it”.

“You now know, because you’ve been living a very different life, how you can live your lives differently and keep yourselves safe.

“You’ve been practicing for six weeks and you’ve adjusted your lives to take this into account.”

He said that to date, to help everyone make the right decisions, the law, the police and UK troops have acted as “handrails”.

“But as we start to now lift off these laws, regulations and exemptions are far too blunt an instrument to take into account every nuance.

“What will now save us, is you doing what we’ve seen you do - be extraordinarily responsible.”

Social distancing is critical, the governor said, in preventing infections, reminding the public to “stay safe by staying distant”.

“Reduce your risk by serious hand washing. If you are covering your face in any way you are seriously reducing the risk to yourself and to others.”

He said what the territory is trying to achieve is to alleviate some of the growing poverty by gently restarting the economy and allowing a more recreational space for mental wellbeing.

“We are not going back to normal. We are not saying the island is safe. We are saying we are all taking a managed risk that we may need to retreat from.”

Large gathering must continue to be avoided, he warned, and people should look after their families by

Governor Nigel Dakin said the territory is just entering the phase in which the public is “going to have to start to learn to live with it”

being “very, very cautious”.

PROTECT THE VULNERABLE The governor reminded that Covid-19 does not discriminate in terms of who it infects but there is a discrimination in who it impacts the most.

Those include the elderly and those with an underlying condition

that weakens their immune system.

They are the most important people and who everyone must protect, he said.

“If even a small group of you were to fall ill at the same time we do not have the health capacity on this island to care for you properly.

“It’s a feature of almost every country that if there is an outbreak

amongst the elderly and vulnerable the healthcare of even the most sophisticated economy cannot cope.”

This group should continue to be “hyper careful” and observe the lockdown, Dakin stressed, and the onus is on the individual to do the right thing for themselves and society.

Employers must also do their part to protect the vulnerable by adjusting job descriptions in need be and allowing them to stay at home.

Dakin spoke of the impact of the lockdown phase, which for some would have been a period of “tremendous hardship”.

“You did a great job TCI in fighting back,” he said, “in not allowing TCI to be a victim.

Of giving us the best possible launch pad to start moving forward.”

He continued: “But if we are to call this virus our enemy, and it seems to me that is not stretching the point to do that, that enemy is not dead - it is just seriously wounded.

“A seriously wounded enemy is still a threat and it needs our

constant vigilance.”

A STEP BACKWARDS There is a chance that restrictions eased this week may have to be put back in place in the future, Governor Dakin said, but it will be an easier and more practised process next time.

“The virus remains here in TCI. There is, if you like, still an invisible tiger stalking the streets.

“And as we lift off we have to do so treating that fact with respect, and being prepared to quickly step back if the medical advice is that we should step back.

“No problem if we do that, so long as we do it.”

He compared the lockdown process to slamming on the breaks of a car and coming to “rapid, controlled but dramatic halt”.

Now the country must move off gently, firmly and in the right direction, knowing it can stop again but less violently and less aggressively.

He said this will show potential tourists that the TCI is not only the most beautiful destination in the world but the safest destination in the world.

Premier rejects stimulus funding suggestions IDEAS on how to fund the Government’s economic stimulus package have been thrown out by the premier along with suggestions to massively boost the available cash pot.

Territory leader Sharlene Cartwright Robinson spoke of the proposals during her address to the nation on Tuesday evening (April 28).

She said the budget went through the required constitutional changes and was passed on April 23.

“I want to remind us all why the budget had to be passed in order to give effect to the cash grants under the stimulus package,” she said.

She went on to address topics said were intended to “mislead our people”.

“The suggestion that we should remove the three percent to 10 percent limit off of the contingency fund could not be considered,” the premier said.

“Neither did we have $30 million unused and accessible that could be used at the end of the financial year.”

There was also a suggestion that the Government increase the stimulus package from $80 million to $120 million. “…which will essentially wipe out our unencumbered savings in one month together with the funds needed for monthly obligations.

“I assure the people of the country that these decisions are taken in our country’s best interests as no one knows the length of this pandemic and the

true fall-out.

“While we fund the stimulus package and pay monthly obligations, we must also consider the unknown health costs and the hurricane season on our heel.

“We believe it best to proceed with caution and to recognise that we are possibly in a marathon and not a sprint and that assistance must be gauged and reviewed over the period of the pandemic.”

On March 26, the Government announced $45 million in direct financial support and waiver of taxes, fees and charges to help residents affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This will go to individuals, small, medium and micro businesses, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said in an address to the nation.

The cash will come from a hefty stimulus package of $80.2 which includes boosts to the health ministry and contingency fund.

An estimated $15 million has been set aside for employees and self-employed of businesses that have closed down since March 16 in the form of a one-off payment of $1,200.

To date, the Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade has received more than 9,500 employee grant applications.

“We have found that there are a number of duplications or erroneous applications, which when purged may take that eligible number down to about 7,500.

“We are aiming at having the payments released by Friday, May 8.”

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Twenty-nine Royal Marines are in quarantine for 14 days during which they will conduct virtual meetings and undergo planning with government officials

UK team of Royal Marines arrives to battle illegal migration

BY OLIVIA ROSE A CHARTERED British Airways flight carrying 29 Royal Marines landed in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Wednesday (April 29).

The members of the UK’s elite fighting force will help the 20-member Security Assistance Team already on the ground in the battle against Covid-19 and illegal migration.

According to Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson, the newly deployed troops who are paid for by the UK will get to work in

two weeks after undergoing their mandatory quarantine.

During the quarantine period the troops, who were previously stationed in Scotland, will conduct virtual meetings and undergo planning with government officials.

During her national address on Tuesday, the premier said the additional support from the UK is in response to a request from the Government.

“Those 30 new arrivals will focus on supporting the Maritime Branch of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Service

on counter-illegal immigration operations.

“The TCI Government and the UK government see this as an essential partnership to prevent new transmissions of the coronavirus.

“Their support is welcomed at this time, and we have seen that even as we face this challenge of Covid-19 we were thwarted with the arrival of sloops during the curfew.

“We cannot continue to be exposed in this way during these trying times.

“We are grateful for this, and we must realise that this is not a normal assignment or the usual approach by the military, and we believe that these times call for unusual approaches.”

Governor Nigel Dakin in an Instagram post on Thursday said the troops brought with them medical supplies for the territory including 2,800 swabs for testing.

“The many different ‘consumables’ are part of the whole global procurement problem and when you are down to your last hundred or so the

arrival of close to 3,000 feels good.

“Six ventilators follow next week along with a further large industrial testing kit, further consumables and more vital medical supplies.”

Dakin further explained that the TCI’s law enforcement agencies will remain at the helm of local operations.

He said: “The maritime police remain very much in the lead on professional, constitutional and legal grounds.

“On the first (and we should

May 2-8, 2020

be proud) our police officers are some of the most experienced and professional in the region in these types of operations.

“But it’s also right TCI leads this and also right that the police, not soldiers, enforce the law.

“The arrival of the Royal Marines will allow the police to deploy more boats and deliver a different type of response.

“It’s all designed as part of a layered approach to reducing the risk from Covid-19.”

The flight on its outbound leg took about 50 passengers including 13 British citizens back to the UK and onto Europe.

The 29 marines will join the team already in the TCI making a total of 47 military on the island along with UK policing support.

The multi-disciplinary team

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

consists of a doctor, medical planners, logisticians and security planners and is led by the Standing Joint Force Headquarters.

It includes personnel from the Standing Joint Force Headquarters, the Royal Marine Commandos, the British Army and the UK police.

On Thursday during his national address Governor Nigel Dakin said this team put in the groundwork to allow for the recent reinforcement.

He said they have also been working in close collaboration with the TCI Hospital and Ministry of Health to build capacity at the hospitals.

Meanwhile logisticians have been helping set up a hub in TCI to create a “land bridge” for vital supplies coming from the UK. Dakin said the Governor’s

Office has supported the health emergency through the constitutional responsibilities the governor has on internal and national security.

“And it is important to stress that this remains a health crisis; not a national security crisis.

“Health is, and will remain, an issue devolved and controlled by the local government and therefore local government leads during this crisis.”

He added that what been helpful in supporting the national security offer is the shared approach to leadership on national security by the Governor’s and Premier’s Offices.

“We have been using newly established national security structures and a whole of government approach has been quickly developed.”

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May 2-8, 2020

One more tests positive to Covid-19 this week THE NUMBER of people who have tested positive to Covid-19 in the Turks and Caicos Islands has risen by one this week.

The figure is now at 12, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health on Wednesday (April 29).

The latest count also revealed that five people have recovered from the virus and one positive case remains under hospital care.

There is still just one Covid-19 death recorded.

During her address to the nation on Tuesday evening (April 28), Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said she was happy at the “encouraging” numbers. “…but recognise as well that the virus is in country and we must be prepared to face the fight head-on, and every decision we take will determine how we do battle.”

During the curfew, the Ministry of Health and the Government identified key investments and policies that had to be made, she said.

“It allowed us to slow down as it were, the spread of the virus but in a contained way.”

The number of suspected cases is now at three with two under hospital care. These are TCI residents experiencing relevant

symptoms without a history of contact with confirmed cases.

They all met the World Health Organisation case definition for a suspected case of Covid-19. Samples have been collected and sent for testing. Contact tracing is underway.

Meanwhile quarantine and observation numbers have decreased to 66.

These include five active confirmed cases (patients in the TCI that are currently infected), 19 contacts of confirmed cases, four indirect contacts of confirmed cases, three suspected cases, 13 relatives/contacts of suspected cases, 10 symptomatic persons not meeting the case definition and their contacts and 12 TCI residents returning from a country with local transmission along with their contacts.

Those under observation/ quarantine are either not displaying symptoms or have not met the case

GOVERNMENT CHANGES COVID-19 DASHBOARD THE DASHBOARD which displays statistics on the TCI’s cases of Covid-19 has been given an overhaul by the Ministry of Health.

It now shows active cases, which is critical given the recoveries that are now being seen, according to Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson.

She spoke about the figures during her address to the nation on Tuesday evening (April 28).

“During this pandemic, we have relied so heavily on our health experts who use a science that continues to change in many respects to advise us,” she said. “We salute these persons.”

The premier singled out a “little known department” called the National Epidemiology and Research Unit (NERU) led by Dr Shandey Malcolm.

The health expert works behind the scenes to analyse and study the numbers that are published several times a week. “…and it is this expert advice that continues to assist in guiding us,” Cartwright Robinson said.

She stressed that it is the ministry and by extension, the Government’s aim to clearly communicate as much as it can.

“I remain grateful for those who continue to share ideas on how we can improve the dashboard so that the messages are clear.”

definition for Covid-19.

A total of 500 people have been released from quarantine/ observation status.

No new positive or negative confirmations had been received in the 24 hours prior to the release of the figures.

To date, the TCI has received a total of 101 test results, with 89

confirmed to be negative and 12 positive confirmations.

Anyone confirmed not to have Covid-19 and their contacts, were moved from quarantined status and asked to continue following proper guidelines from the Ministry of Health.

Those cases confirmed positive are in isolation with contact tracing aggressively continuing.

“The public is hereby reminded that lockdown measures have been extended and you are to stay at home, only leaving for essential travel under the specified guidance,” the ministry said.

“The Ministry of Health also takes this opportunity to remind the public of offences committed

under section 18 of the Emergency Powers (Covid-19) Regulations 2020 in regard to false statements/ information.

“You do not have to be the originator of the statement/ information in order to be charged under the law.”

The public is advised to wash hands for 20 seconds or more, practise social distancing and sanitise their home, office and other surroundings.

Visit the Ministry of Health website www.gov.tc/moh/ coronavirus, email covid19@ gov.tc or call the hotline numbers 232-9444 and 333-0911 if you or someone you know has symptoms or signs of Covid-19.

People without permits must leave, says gov’t ANY NON-RESIDENTS without valid work or visitor permits must leave the Turks and Caicos Islands imminently, the Department of Immigration has said.

Those remaining in the territory could face a fine of $10,000 or a jail term of up to two years.

The department issued the reminder on Tuesday (April 28), stating that anyone not covered by a permit should begin making travel arrangements.

However, this rule does not apply to people whose work permits are in the renewal process or remain at appeal status, the statement said.

According to the Immigration Ordinance 2018 Revised, permits are authorised by the director of immigrations and the board or commissioner of labour.

They allow non-residents to reside in the TCI and engage in gainful occupation, and are issued with conditions or restrictions.

It is an offence to remain within the Islands beyond the time permitted by an immigration officer.

Along with a fine and

imprisonment on conviction, if the offence is a continuing one, a person can be charged $100 for every day or part day on which the offence has continued.

The rule applies to people whose work permit has expired and their current employer does not intend to renew it, and those whose work permit has been cancelled.

It also covers people who are currently unemployed and will be unemployed for several months after the curfew has been lifted, and those whose temporary work permit has expired.

Non-residents whose visitor’s visa has expired must seek extensions from the Immigration Department to cover the period of stay – or prepare to leave the territory.

Those who can remain legally in the TCI include Turks and Caicos Islanders, British overseas territory citizens, and holders of permanent residence certificates and endorsees.

Also legal are holders of valid residence permits and endorsees, holders of current work permits and endorsee, or those holding permits in the renewal process or at appeal

status.

Anyone with queries about their status can email the Immigration Department at infobordercontrol@gov.tc or the Labour and Employment Services Department at registration@gov.tc They can also call 348-2372, 348-9340 or 348-2536.

The Ministry of Tourism and the Tourist Board have partnered with the Ministry of Health to put on the flights. Provo Air Centre and Blue Heron Aviation are joining to facilitate airlift.

Flights details can be obtained from Provo Air Centre at debby@provoaircenter.com or from Blue Heron Aviation at concierge@blueheronfbo.com Those wishing to travel must have available their name, number of people in travelling party, contact information and country of origin or destination.

“Please note that during the operation of any flights all Public Health Protocols relating to Covid-19 will be strictly enforced,” a statement from the Tourist Board on April 17 said.

To make travel arrangements non-residents can email the Tourist Board at travel@ turksandcaicostourism.com

May 2-8, 2020

NEWS 11

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

TCI to receive second Covid-19 test machine

BY OLIVIA ROSE A SECOND polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyser - the machine used to test for Covid-19 - is on its way to the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The key equipment, which will help boost the territory’s scientific and technical capacities to combat the virus, will arrive sometime next month.

This was revealed by Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson on Tuesday (April 28) during her address to the nation.

“We are also delighted that another PCR equipment is in route and was procured by Public Health England, and this will increase our testing capability,” she said.

“This second equipment builds redundancy and increases our capability to test more.”

Public Health England has also been instrumental in helping the TCI to procure Covid-19 test kits, biosafety supplies and related equipment to support the local battle against the virus.

The first PCR machine arrived on April 18 and was hailed a significant breakthrough for the local health sector.

“I am delighted that we are in receipt of our first PCR equipment which has been in the country for the past week and which is an important part of our national strategy.

“The Hon. minister of health and his team have repeatedly stated that in country testing must be central to any strategy.”

It will allow the TCI Government to increase testing of residents beyond the World Health Organisation’s definition, she said.

Previously, the TCI’s samples were sent to the Bahamas and Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) laboratory in Trinidad.

Wait time for these results varied to as much as three to five days depending on the location where the test took place.

The premier also expressed gratitude to the Bahamas and Trindad for assisting the territory in this critical area during the pandemic.

“We remain grateful to the

Bahamas and CARPHA in what remains a true regional partnership.

They continue to conduct testing for TCI, and we are greatly appreciative.

“TCI continues to enjoy valuable partnerships with benefit to our people.

“We must thank the people of Jamaica for their support in our Treatment Abroad Programme despite the recent unfortunate situation that made headlines.

“Our region has been a great family support when it matters, and we likewise have also been able to lend support.

“But we are delighted with this in country capability and await the start date as will be announced by the Ministry of Health very soon.”

Now that the Ministry of Health is equipped, efforts are being made to conduct widespread community testing of the virus.

Minister of Health Hon. Edwin Astwood said the Ministry of Health is now in the position to roll out the strategy and protocols for widespread community testing.

He stressed that testing on a larger scale will give the Government and health officials accurate information on the prevalence of this strain of coronavirus in the TCI. PCR testing is regarded as the most accurate and conclusive test for early detection of Covid-19.

The leading-edge device detects viral genetic material, which will be present in the body before antibodies form or symptoms of the disease are present.

The machines, which are in high demand around the world due to the pandemic, will be housed in the Government’s Public Health Laboratory.

Training of local laboratory staff on operating, care, and maintenance of this particular machine is ongoing by the Ministry of Health in partnership with Public Health England.

The device will be operated by skilled clinical laboratory personnel specifically instructed and trained in the techniques of real-time PCR and in vitro diagnostic procedures.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysers are used to test for Covid-19

Under the tree

By Benneth Williams

12 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 2-8, 2020

Tourist arrivals break records again Visitor numbers climb 9% to 1.6 million in 2019

BY REBECCA BIRD THE TURKS and Caicos Islands welcomed nearly 1.6 million tourists in 2019 - the greatest number of visitors the territory has recorded in one year.

It surpassed the previous maximum of 1.4 million in 2018, rising nine percent to break records for the second year running.

The 2019 Tourism Statistics Report published on April 24 said cruise ship arrivals accounted for the majority of the visitors, and showed an increase of nine percent to 1,111,818.

Grand Turk Cruise Centre hosted 354 ships, compared to 320 in 2018.

Land-based arrivals saw a similar growth of ten percent to 486,739 during the year - the highest number of international airport and fixed based operations visitors to date.

This is the result of “strong demand from the main sources coupled with increased airlift capacity, more diverse accommodation facilities and the sustained recovery following hurricane season 2017,” the report said.

The American market maintained its dominant share of total arrivals accounting for 82 percent of the destination’s land based visitors.

Increases in the Canadian and European arrivals were also achieved at a 20 percent rise each, while 29 percent more tourists visited from South America.

The only decrease was arrivals from other Caribbean nations, which dipped from 10,395 to 7,348.

The report, prepared by the Sharissa Lightbourne, statistical officer of the TCI Tourist Board, also highlighted the growth of the vacation rental market.

Vacation rentals such as Airbnb and HomeAway listings increased by 11 percent to 1,737 when compared with 2018.

The listings are composed of

entire homes, private rooms and shared room rental types.

The TCI Tourist Board currently keeps record of all registered properties and their associated room counts for units comprising of four bedrooms or more.

It is seeking to put into place a vacation rental registry that will be able to capture all available accommodation units across the territory.

Jennifer Pardo, senior marketing executive for the TCI Tourist Board, put the positive changes down in part to the promotion of the TCI as a “number one tourism destination”.

She explained that it won several awards in 2019 which are “a testament to the destination’s continued success in the market”.

New flights from cities such as Chicago were added which “will continue to make way for increases in both visitor arrivals and the room inventory in the destination.”

Pardo also said the territory’s success is down to a renewed commitment to promote sustainable tourism and spoke of the ban on plastic and polystyrene.

The board launched its first Sustainable Tourism Symposium in November 2019 to educate industry stakeholders on the importance of sustainability.

“The Tourist Board’s resolve to work hand in hand with our stakeholders to promote the destination has not wavered.

“There has been multiple partnerships for various press trips and tradeshows.

“This allows for the creation of a unified message and the reduction of cost while maximising the output and exposure,” she said.

SISTER ISLANDS In the report, Pardo said the promotion of the sister islands is the top priority of the TCI Tourist Board.

Promotional and marketing materials such as maps, brochures,

the website and social media pages are continuously updated in both print and digital formats, she said.

The traditional methods of marketing such as advertising in

print media and attending various tradeshows in the US, Canada, Europe and Latin America are still being used.

Promotion of culture and heritage

tourism is also being used to market and promote the sister islands.

“The Turks and Caicos has a CONTINUED 

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May 2-8, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

‘Operation Facelift’ is boosting Five Cays’ image

BY DELANA ISLES OVER the past few years, the Five Cays community has seen significant changes better road infrastructure and new business ventures - all leading to a better image of the community.

And in this new fiscal year, more changes are promised.

These changes - conducted under ‘Operation Facelift’ - are promised by Hon. Sean Astwood, Deputy Premier and representative of the Five Cays constituency, who unveiled some new plans during his budget presentation last week.

“During last year’s budget address, I told my constituents that three of their roads were going to be paved, namely the road to the radar station, Granny Hill, and Matilda Way. “I can stand here today and state those roads are 99.9 percent completed.”

Astwood said that in addition to those roads, also addressed was the long-standing issue of the South Dock Highway where water previously pooled, resulting in many accidents over the years and tragic loss of life. That has now been fixed.

“With support from the Ministry of Health, the mobile clinic has a schedule where they visit my community and address the basic health needs of residents requiring their services.

“We also have persons cleaning the community streets and regular pickups of the garbage.”

The deputy leader said these things have resulted in more tourists venturing into the Five Cays and more investment into the community by Turks and Caicos Islanders.

“More entrepreneurs like Katz Kitchen, Papa Cardi, Omar’s beach Hut, and Stephanie’s Kitchen offering their delicious meals. The local economy in Five Cays is on an upward trend.”

Astwood said this year’s budget for the community builds on this trend.

“I have many residents reaching out to me asking when will their roads be paved, and when will they have more street lights, and the simple answer is, as different phases of Operation Facelift continue to be rolled out, every area of Five Cays will be addressed.”

The 2020-2021 projects are therefore a continuation of projects being delivered under Operation Facelift.

This year, the Government has allocated $3 million for the Five Cays, South Dock and Chalk Sound constituency.

This money has been disbursed in the following ways: Roads works – this includes the area around the end of Providenciales International Airport, from the FortisTCI roundabout to the entrance of Five Cays, Rigby Hill and Sand Bar Street.

Twenty thousand dollars will go towards fixing the Five Cays cemetery entrance wall; $1.9 million for a new block for Enid Capron Primary School, $60,000 for boat ramps for local fishermen; and $500,000 on a green park for Chalk Sound.

“The residents of Chalk Sound and Silly Creek will be happy to hear that the land has been identified and the architectural work has been completed and tender has now been awarded,” the representative said.

New initiatives for the constituency include a jetty for the Felix Morley Community Centre for $150,000, Sapodilla Bay beach access development, and another $150,000 to be spent on additional road maintenance works.

“I will continue to work to fulfil all the phases of Operation Facelift and listen to the suggestions of my constituents to ensure we together continue to improve the image and quality of life in our communities,” Astwood promised.

Tourist arrivals break ...

CONTINUED 

rich culture which includes delectable local delicacies, handmade crafts and many historical sites such as the Conch Bar Caves, the Cheshire Hall Plantation and the Grand Turk Lighthouse among others that are being advertised and used to attract tourists on a global scale.”

The concept of dual vacations is also being heavily promoted by the TCI Tourist Board, Pardo explained.

“The Turks and Caicos offers our visitors a destination within a destination, each island has a unique identity and subculture.

“The islands are also easily accessible by short ferry rides and flights which makes it ideal for island hopping.

“A strong emphasis is now being place on splitting your trip and having day trips to islands such as North and

Middle Caicos if you’re staying in Providenciales or splitting the nights across two to three different islands to get the true Turks and Caicos experience.”

The primary source of data for the report is the embarkation/ disembarkation card that all visitors to the TCI fill out upon arrival.

This form is collected in cooperation with the Ministry of Border Control and Labour’s Immigration Department.

Air visitor data card counts are reconciled against daily counts by the Immigration Department and the TCI Airport Authority to ensure accuracy.

The full 2019 Tourism Statistics Report and past reports can be accessed at http://turksandcaicostourism.com/ visitor-statistics/

NEWS 13

14 OPINIONS NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 2-8, 2020

Some lessons from Habakkuk’s conversation with the Lord

H

ABAKKUK was concerned about the violence and injustice that was taking place in Judah and so he wanted to know what the Lord was doing about it.

Perhaps many of us are crying out more than ever in light of Covid-19 with the following questions: How long will this Covid-19 crisis last?? Why is there no cure as yet? Where is God in the midst of this crisis?

How long will it take for the economy to restore after the crisis is over? Will I have a job? Will my business still be in operation?

Habakkuk’s first complaint to the Lord. Habakkuk wanted to know if God heard his plea and if he heard it why was he not doing anything.

He specifically asked: “O Lord, how long shall I cry and thou wilt not hear?” (Habakkuk 1:2) The Lord responded and told Habakkuk to watch and see how he will work it out and he would not believe what he was doing even if

BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR

Drexwell Seymour is a certified public accountant and is the managing partner for HLB TCI. His favourite hobby, however, is writing. He has a personal website, www.drexwellseymour. com, where all of his writings are posted. He also has a YouTube channel where you can find inspirational videos. Drexwell has a BA in Accounting and an MBA in Finance.

he told him.

God told him that he is raising up the Chaldeans (Babylonians) and he will use them to bring judgement on Judah.

Habakkuk’s second complaint is that how can he used evil people like Chaldeans to punish Judah.

The Lord said it write down the vision “for the vision is yet for an appointed time”. The Lord also said that the Babylon will also face judgement.

The final chapter of Habakkuk concluded with a prayer in which Habakkuk recognised the greatness of God and the work

that God did for the salvation of the people.

This prayer ended with the following: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fall, and the fields shall yield no meat, the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls.

“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19

LESSONS LEARNED

It’s okay to ask God some questions. You can talk to God about anything. I know many of us may feel like God is not doing anything about this Covid-19 then talk to him about it.

You may be going through some sort of illnesses and wondering how long God will allow you to go through this pain.

We see David conversing with the Lord in Psalm 13. Jesus also asks God a question in Matthew 27:46 Trust God. He knows what he is doing. Wait and watch and see the outcome. I am quite sure many of us can think of situations where we are now thankful for the outcome that took place.

Initially you were probably disappointed because what you wanted to happen didn’t happen but in the end, something else happened which was for your good. Be patient and wait on the Lord.

Rejoice in God at all times even if you lose your job, house or business. Some of us will face

these circumstances as a result of Covid-19 but still rejoice God. I know it is hard to rejoice when your circumstances appear to be negative.

The Covid-19 crisis is not a surprise to God. His word foretold us about pestilence and other events that will take place.

Therefore, this is proof that the word of God is the most reliable and authentic book. Once we know the word then we too should not be surprised.

God can use anyone or anything to get things done for his glory.

Some may say what does the story Habakkuk have to do with Covid-19 given that Habakkuk was referring violence and injustice?

The point I am trying to make with this correlation is that many of us may feel like God is not doing anything about this Covid-19 crisis.

I encourage you to watch and see what God is about to do. Of course, we want answers and resolutions immediately but our time is not God’s time but I know he is a God that comes on time.

Why young people have a bright future within the PNP Dear Editor, In March 2020, Hon. Washington Misick, leader of the Progressive National Party and the leader of the loyal Opposition, turned 70-yearsold, putting him on track to be the second oldest premier/chief minister in the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

If successful, it will be Hon.

Misick’s second time leading the country and this time he will bring with him over 30 years of political experience.

Despite this, there are those who see Hon. Misick’s age as a bad thing, with a caller to a popular talk show claiming that Hon. Misick is CONTINUED 

17

All but one leader was 45 or under when they took office, with 40 percent being under 40

May 2-8, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

OPINIONS NEWS 15

On St Tosia no Covid-19 virus

T

HE ST Tosia Courier published an article today which included an interview between Raul Escrobar, the Courier’s investigative reporter, and Carlene Cratchlow-Diggins MD, the minister of health, wellness and sport, as well as Jojo Monserrat, the director of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management.

The opening general statement of the Hon. Minister CratchlowDiggins was reassuring that there are no virus infection cases on the island at all, and she went on to say that: “There will probably be more casualties on St Tosia from rum addictions than any virus could bring on.”

“Nothing wrong about drinking a high octane rumbustion or a passion colada with a swizzle stick, an orchid and a sprig of mint as a daily preventive medicine while the sun dips into the sea and darkness sets in over the island, and guaranteed, nothing will sneak up on you,” disaster director Jojo Monserrat volunteered - a remark which visibly irritated the health minister.

When she was asked about social distancing, the minister stated that as a matter of prevention, she had advised the islanders to increase the consumption of fresh raw garlic and chew well on it before swallowing it.

It automatically will cause distancing. It will encourage

CDR BUD SLABBAERT The almost true stories and almost believable stories of St Tosia are written by Commander Bud Slabbaert.

He claims that it reflects what he experiences while residing on St Tosia and monitoring what else is going on in the Caribbean.

people to wear masks to prevent receiving the penetrating odour spread by others.

Even viruses will be repelled by the smell from the mouth or the ventilation from the alternative opening below on the other side.

When the same question about social distancing was directed to Jojo Monserrat, director of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management, he responded that: “Two persons don’t fit in one hammock in the Caribbean anyway.”

To which the health minister reacted with a: “Shut up Jojo, you don’t know the difference between a virus infection and a fleabite.

“The only reason why you got your director post is because your step-uncle, Mo, our minister of national security and intelligence wanted you to have a civil servant position to be able to make a living.”

No more questions in the interview were directed to Jojo.

The interviewer asked the minister: “When there were no indications of the virus on the island, then why was the St Tosia Carnival cancelled?”

The minister responded: “Carnival is a time to let your hair down and jump for joy. St Tosians pull out all the stops for carnival. It spreads euphoria through its dance, music, food and people.

“Spreading anything by all the stops being pulled out is something we don’t need right now. Not even a need for a baby boom nine months after a carnival.”

When the question was asked how she sees the future related to the virus she responded that “proper cough and sneeze etiquette is of high importance”.

“There is no way to sneeze your way out of a virus pandemic. Our first and most foremost aim is to keep patients healthy at any price!”

In an editor’s comment, the “at any price” was interpreted as possessing a credit card with a

decent credit limit in order to keep the good health promise.

The article in the St Tosia Courier also included a different point of view in a separate interview with Jeremiah ‘Docdoc’ Hangoun who practices his traditional healing in a shack with a roof of palm tree leaves on the Kalinago Hillside, and St Tosia’s marketing guru Nandan Mahasundaram who partners with Docdoc in commercial matters.

“In traditional natural healing, we are prepared for anything that may happen,” said Docdoc.

“I saw the crisis coming.

I receive a lot of my healing inspiration in dreams and see the plant leaves and roots that are needed for a cure.

“Normally, I make special tea, infusions in rum or oils. This situation is a bit more difficult and it took several dreams.

“For the Covid-19 virus, I have developed a psychedelic herbal potion used for physical and psychological healing and divine revelation.

“This brew will cure anything from depression to addiction to any viral infection. We have decided to call it ‘Anti-Covid-X-Plus’.”

The question of how it is used was brought up in the interview, since it might provide some indication of the credibility of the remedy’s effectiveness.

Docdoc explaned: “The oil is applied on the skin behind both ears and then it will have its effect

between the ears as the finely refined oil is quickly absorbed by the skin and then slowly penetrates the skull.

“The liniment contains eicosanoids, and it is common knowledge that these eicosanois are signalling molecules made by oxidation of 20-carbon essential fatty acids.

“They exert complex control over many bodily systems and as messengers in the central nervous system. It may make a patient go all hot and cold which proves the impact.”

And what does marketing guru Nandan Mahasundaram have to say?

“For one, ‘Anti-Covid-X-Plus’ is guaranteed never to fail. There will be a steady demand for the potion during the pandemic.

“There is a tremendous opportunity to export it to those countries that do not have their act together yet and where suggestions are made to use anything from toilet cleaner to starlight to fight the virus.

“We intend to export it in sixpacks of boutique bottles that will have an authentic natural and exotic tropical Caribbean look.

“That for itself has the added magic for financial gain and justifying a higher price, of course.

“It will boost the economy of our paradise island St Tosia and it may get us placed on Google Earth.”

Facing an economic strangle in the TCI I

T IS said that the main drivers of an economy are small businesses. When they are formed and grow, they add more quickly to a country’s GDP. With the extended lockdown in place due to Covid-19, what you have is the choking especially of the local economy.

The result is money is only moving one way - out of the hands of many to the essential industries such as supermarkets, utilities, telephone and internet service providers, landlords etc.

We have reached a critical point where after four plus weeks

of curfew measures many have exhausted their reserves and are hoping they will qualify for the stimulus package.

Others simply need an opportunity to make money.

It’s important that the governor and premier announce the plans for a phased approach to the reopening of the local economy, especially before the stimulus money is issued.

This will give the funds a chance to circulate through the local economy a couple of times before it leaves.

Here’s a simple explanation as

BY JAMELL ROBINSON

to why this is essential.

Several years ago, when I first entered the disaster management field, we had a project headed by Dr Jacob Opedayi, the lead professor of geographic information services at the University of the West Indies Trinidad campus.

He told me of a story about his gardener taking exception to him mowing his own grass.

The gardener told him point blank that we send you to UWI to make the big money so you can afford to hire me to cut your grass and we both keep employed.

How many producers in society

right now cannot effectively shift money making gears because they have to do all the cooking, cleaning and care giving that they previously paid someone to do?

How are those caregivers going to make it, if they too continue to be unemployed?

How are small businesses and local restaurants going to bounce back if their main customers don’t have money?

We are at a significant crossroads in this crisis and the decisions soon to be announced may determine who’s able to survive in this country in the very near future.

16 OPINIONS NEWS

May 2-8, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Balanced tourism recovery a key to future Caribbean growth THE CHALLENGE that is now facing almost every Caribbean nation is how best to recover the tourism economy without which future economic growth and sustainable tax revenues will be all but impossible.

The Covid-19 pandemic has shuttered the industry, made hundreds of thousands of workers unemployed, pushed many hotels, airlines and cruise companies into financial meltdown, and caused travellers to fear placing themselves at risk in any situation where public health cannot be guaranteed.

According to Frank Comito, the CEO and director general of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), 87 percent of Caribbean hotels have suspended operations and are not accepting guests.

His initial estimates indicate that from March to mid-April the industry lost $1.3 billion in room cancellations and Caribbean governments’ total tax revenue on visitor spend may have fallen by around $0.5 billion.

For the Caribbean, the most tourism dependent region of the world, the obvious consequence is an urgent need to consider when it can reopen for business, how it positions itself when international travel again becomes possible, and how it should adapt its offering.

Some Caribbean countries, most notably Jamaica, are already well ahead of the curve.

It has established a multidisciplinary task force to determine not just how and when to bring visitors back but to ask difficult questions about its tourism model.

BY DAVID JESSOP

David Jessop is a consultant to the Caribbean Council. He has worked on Caribbean issues for over 40 years. David is the editor of Caribbean Insight and Cuba Briefing publications. He can be contacted at david.jessop@caribbeancouncil.org

Jamaica’s minister of tourism Edmund Bartlett says the new group will be asked to establish a realistic view of the tourism baseline that Jamaica has to recover from, give consideration to multiple alterative versions of the island’s tourism future, establish as far as possible a time line, and develop a strategic posture for the journey back, taking account of national imperatives and scenarios.

He also believes there is a need for strategies that create a much closer integration with agriculture and data-led thinking about market development.

It is an approach that recognises that tourism and the way it recovers will not be as before and that much more thought needs to be given to forms of sustainability and betterbalanced economies.

Nonetheless, the greatest immediate challenge, absent either a vaccine and/or some form of reliable visitor health certification, is that the virus could asymptomatically be imported into the region from countries that have not done enough, have failed to deliver an efficient response, or are simply in denial.

Without a vaccine, such an eventuality will remain politically and electorally sensitive for

several years and have xenophobic implications.

It will also impact on the frequency of air and sea lift, foreign relations, public health policy, taxation, food security, insurance provisions and much else, well before the marketing specialists are able to address consumer perception.

Jim Hepple of Tourism Analytics in Aruba believes that governments will be so concerned about importing the virus that US residents in particular travelling to and from the Caribbean will require government approved health documentation to board flights and pass immigration, and on return to the US may for a period be subject to some sort of quarantine, making questionable the idea of a short or even two-week vacation Although regional tourism has a proven ability to recover from crises, and industry optimists are hoping to see visitors return this coming winter season based on the region’s recovery after 9/11 and the 2017-2018 global financial crisis, these inflection points provide little guide to where the world economy and by extension where tourism now is.

At best, the world markets are about to enter a recession or worse, and as polls show would-

be travellers have become fearful of leaving their own country: factors that suggest that the time horizon for the start not the end of Caribbean recovery may be as late as the fall or winter of 2021.

As Australia and New Zealand have already indicated, it is also quite possible that governments in the region’s major source markets may not immediately encourage external travel, preferring first to incentivise staycations in order to stimulate domestic economic growth and protect public health.

It may also be the case that not every category of visitor the Caribbean has welcomed in the past will wish to or be able to travel.

Older travellers may be reluctant and may no longer be able to obtain medical or travel insurance for nations deemed to be at higher risk.

Moreover, hotels and other visitor facilities may be cautious about litigation and insurance should the virus reappear in a manner traceable to one of their properties or facilities.

There is also much to be considered in relation to the cruise lines.

The first post-pandemic requirement will be to stimulate employment and tax-generating long-stay land-based tourism, then after that to develop a unified regional response to the cruise company’s divisive approach to destinations.

While acknowledging their value, Frank Comito points out the cruise lines need to be better regional players.

The Caribbean, he says, “will have to explore whether it has the

collective will to address from an equity perspective, the role of the cruise sector vis-a-vis land-based tourism in its many forms”.

More generally the outlook for a rapid global economic recovery and the return of international tourism is not promising.

Marla Dukharan, one of the region’s leading economists, expects a recession and almost every Caribbean economy to contract causing governments to have to become more important as drivers of economic activity, needing to come together to find common regional economic solutions involving support from the IMF and others.

She also believes that “tourism activity and the businesses which depend even partly on tourists will not see their levels of revenue recover for years to come”.

Addressing all these and other issues will require much thought, joined up local and regional responses, a high degree of realism about how Caribbean tourism markets will reopen, and most likely fierce global competition as all nations see visitors as a means to rapidly power future economic growth.

Just as importantly, the crisis facing the sector offers an opportunity to governments and international financial institutions to think long and hard about how to rebalance Caribbean economies, so that the region in the longer term is much less reliant on the fortunes of a single sector.

A second column addressing the way ahead for the Caribbean tourism economy will appear next week.

Gov’t refuses to release names of Covid-19 carriers THE NAMES and addresses of those who have tested positive for Covid-19 will not be released to the public, according to Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson.

She said the decision has been made “in the best interest of the victims” and it remains up to everyone to follow healthy practises to restrict the spread of the virus.

The premier spoke about the stigma of having coronavirus during her address to

the nation on Tuesday evening (April 28), stating “…sicknesses never discriminate and neither should we”.

She revealed that the Government had received requests to release names and even the location of victims.

“For the time being, it has been decided against, in the best interest of the victims,” Cartwright Robinson said.

“While we understand the request, we

must encourage us all to take care and follow good hygienic practices, shelter in place until otherwise advised.

“Please note that if you are revealed in any contact tracing exercise, the small and dedicated team at the Ministry of Health will advise you.”

Earlier in the month Governor Nigel Dakin said: “…what this short period is not, is an opportunity for us to stigmatise

anyone who has Covid-19.

“For all you know you may be one of the fortunate that had it, suffered few if any symptoms, but passed it on to others.

“Or, if we all lose control of this through our casualness, it’s very probably true that it will be someone very close to you, who you love, that ends up with this virus. It doesn’t discriminate.”

May 2-8, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Why young people have a bright future ...

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14

too old to run the country.

And seeking to give the impression that “experienced leadership” is fighting against “youth leadership”, someone recently posted on social media that: “The concept of youth leadership in every aspect of society is under attack.

“For far to [sic] long, we have been told to wait our turn, No! I say it is time we take a stand and say our time is now!”

While bold, this statement is false and misleading on many levels.

First, in the truest sense of the term, youth leadership refers to teens gaining “… the skills and knowledge necessary to lead civic engagement, education reform and community organising activities”.

There have certainly been no attacks by the community or the political establishment on teens in this area, and I am encouraging teens to be civic minded and to take on youth leadership roles, even as we seek to find some sense of normalcy during this pandemic.

Second, when the author of the post referred to youth, he most likely meant young adults - ie. persons in their 20s and 30s - as for the most part, these persons would have completed their education, have started working, and are now seeking to take on leadership roles.

But even so, the author stating that their leadership aspirations are under attack, and that for far too long they have been told to wait their turn, is also false.

The truth is, the Turks and Caicos Islands has a rich history of young people in leadership positions, even at the highest level.

For example, since elected government was instituted in 1976 (over 40 years ago), the Turks and Caicos Islands has had 10 different leaders.

If we look at their ages when they first took office, we’ll see that Hon. JAGS McCartney was 31, Hon. Oswald Skippings 26, Hon. Norman B. Saunders 37, Hon. Nathaniel (Bops) Francis 73, Hon. Washington Misick 41, Hon. Derek Taylor 44, Hon. Michael Misick 37, Hon. Galmo ‘Gilley’ Williams 43, Hon. Dr Rufus Ewing 44, and the Hon. Sharlene Cartwright Robinson 45.

That’s an average age of 42, with one leader being in his 20s, three in their 30s, five in their 40s, and one in his 70s.

All but one leader (90 percent of them) was 45 or under when they took office, with 40 percent of them being under 40.

When it comes to putting young people into positions of power, you won’t get much better than the Turks and Caicos Islands.

We have a history of elevating young people into positions of leadership, and it’s not because they were young but because our leaders have proven to be competent, talented, focused and most importantly they cared about the people that they were seeking to represent, regardless of their age.

So, young people, if you’re interested in taking on positions of leadership particularly in public life, go for it, history is on your side.

After all, our second chief minister was only 26 when he assumed office, and our three most popular leaders were all in their 30s when they assumed office.

However, when you do, don’t let others convince you that what you have to contribute now will somehow cease to exist when you reach your 40s.

The burning desire that you have now to take on leadership responsibilities is not there because you’re young, but because you want to make a difference.

This desire will not burn out when you get older.

Remember, youth is nothing but a stage that we all pass through in our life’s journey.

The important leadership traits, especially those for public service ie. trustworthiness, a sense of duty, service above self, forward thinking, competency and dependability are refined over time.

If you have those traits now, you’ll get better at them as you get older, because you’ll have experience to go with them.

In closing, I would like to remind everyone that the PNP is a big tent party - a party that welcomes everyone.

Our current slate of candidates includes a person at 70, persons in their 60s, one in his 50s, some in their 40s and persons in their 30s – that’s experience covering five decades.

We have a bright future, with over 25 percent of our candidates for the upcoming general election being under the age of 40, and 60 percent of us being under the age of 50.

That’s a great mix of youth and experience.

So, if you’re ready to take on a leadership role, I encourage you to join the PNP. May God continue to bless us, and may he continue to keep us safe during these trying times.

E Jay Saunders, Deputy leader of the Progressive National Party

We welcome letters from all members of the public on a variety of topics Please note that all submissions are subject to editing in keeping with defamation laws and newspaper style. Letters should be accompanied by the author’s full name, location and phone number. Names will be withheld if requested.

Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com

NEWS 17

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 2-8, 2020

Small businesses urged to apply for cash grant

BY OLIVIA ROSE SMALL business owners are being encouraged to apply for the Government’s Coronavirus Business Assistance Grant.

The one-off cash award is aimed to compensate those who are losing revenue due to the Covid-19 pandemic and resultant local lockdown.

Micro enterprises of one to five employees will receive $2,000, small enterprises of six to 19 employees will receive $3,500 and medium enterprises of 20 to 25 workers will receive $5,000.

Meanwhile employees and selfemployed of businesses that have

closed down since March 16 are eligible for a one-off payment of $1,200.

The online application process was launched on April 24 following Cabinet’s approval of the Emergency Powers (Covid-19) (Economic Relief Measures) Regulations 2020.

Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson spoke in detail about the grant during her address to the nation on Tuesday evening (April 28).

She said it is specifically designed for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises CONTINUED 

Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said self-employed people and MSMEs are required to satisfy a set of criteria

May 2-8, 2020

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NEWS 19

CONTINUED 

(MSMEs) registered under the Business Licensing Ordinance and with the National Insurance Board.

“These businesses are then further defined in relation to the number of employees within each category.”

She stressed that it is “critical” that in giving effect to this initiative, the Government must institute appropriate processes that are in accordance with existing legislation and procedure.

“As such, self-employed persons and MSMEs are required to satisfy a set of criteria which would enable them access to the grant funding available.”

The premier explained that in keeping with pre-existing criteria under the MSME Development Ordinance (commenced on April 1, 2016), the grant provides financial assistance to small businesses that are “not wholly or majority owned” or a subsidiary of a larger company.

The businesses must also be majority owned by Turks and Caicos Islanders.

She said small business operators who do not satisfy these criteria may be eligible to apply for financial assistance under the grant programme as self-employed persons.

She added that anyone employed by any category of business that serves the hospitality sector is invited to apply for the financial assistance available to hospitality workers.

NON-HOSPITALITY HELP The premier said that the $80 million economic stimulus package when conceived was geared towards supporting businesses in the hospitality sector.

However, after businesses were listed, a provision for others was inserted “as the list was inexhaustive”.

“Since this time, we have initiated a mandatory shut down which has further impacted other sectors,” she said.

“The Ministry of Finance is looking at how we might provide assistance to those businesses and employees who have been impacted by the curfew and mandatory closure of businesses.

“This includes identifying funding, the numbers of persons and the level of, and/or type of assistance.”

Cartwright Robinson said a number of non-hospitality businesses have reached out and are being considered for help guided by the availability of funding.

“Let me state clearly; this programme is designed to stimulate this economy by getting cash to those whose income has been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and the consequential economic fall-out.

“We understand the concerns from many who like us will be

Coronavirus Business Assistance Grant infographic

appalled if in fact monies are remitted overseas.

“Truth is in our consideration; we have too heard from businesses whose goods will see an increase in cost should a further tax be applied and likewise we have heard from

TC Islanders who have children overseas or relatives who may need to share their gains in that manner.

“Both sides are not lost on us, and we are carefully considering all factors,” the premier said.

Small businesses and self-

employed people must submit a Coronavirus Business Assistance Grant Application Form and supporting documents to be considered for the grant.

To view eligibility criteria and submit an online application form

visit the website of the Department of Trade, Industry and Consumer Affairs at www.gov.tc/trade/ stimulus Questions and concerns can be directed to the department at tradetci@govt.tc

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May 2-8, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

‘It is normal to feel fearful’ Mental health director offers help to anxious residents

BY OLIVIA ROSE WHILE it is normal to feel fearful during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important not to mentally exaggerate those fears, according to Dr Alicia Malcolm.

The director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence offered a number of tips to help residents manage anxiety and stress this month.

In an email to the Weekly News on April 23, she said it is customary

for people to feel anxious and afraid during a natural disaster or infectious disease outbreak.

“The first thing you might be tempted to do is to catastrophize,” she said.

“Catastrophizing is an example of an unhealthy thinking pattern where you believe that something is far worse than it actually is.

“For example, saying, ‘Well since it’s spreading, I’m bound to get it and become really ill.’ That is catastrophizing.”

Dr Malcolm explained that the

JOB OPPORTUNITY

key to overcoming this unhealthy thought pattern is to first recognise when it is occurring and to then challenge or scrutinise the thought.

“Failing to control your thoughts can result in immense fear and anxiety,” she said.

“While it is normal to feel fearful in the presence of a threat, there is a tendency for that fear to be disproportionate to what is at hand.

“When this occurs, we begin to see fear based behaviours that can actually be detrimental. It therefore benefits us all to try and stay calm and not to panic.”

To cope with anxiety, the director suggested that people should opt to get news from reliable sources, focus on the facts or seek out evidence to combat any irrational thoughts.

“Try to keep things in perspective. It may be helpful to look at the coronavirus in the context of other illnesses to gain some perspective.

“Another strategy to reduce fear and anxiety is to ask yourself what is the benefit of believing the worst-case scenario.

“There is no positive purpose in doing so instead direct your

energy and attention on following the instructions of your local health authorities such as the Ministry of Health.”

Dr Malcolm offered practical self-care advice to treat anxiety and gradually overcome fear.

“Ground yourself - practice slow breathing and soft exercises to relax your muscles.

“Distraction - think pleasant thoughts, count, recite or listen to music.

“Talk to someone - a friend, family member or a counsellor over the phone, internet or social media.

“Relaxation, exercise and techniques - practice regularly listening to calming music, watch a new series.

“Exercise - try completing simple exercises in the comfort of your home.

“Replace irrational thoughts with facts - challenge yourself to avoid thinking of irrational and exaggerated negative thoughts about the current situation.

“Keep a healthy lifestyle - eat a balanced diet, get quality sleep, avoid use of alcohol and other

Senior Reporter

We're looking for a qualified multimedia reporter who has strong news gathering and writing skills, as well as the ability and enthusiasm to help keep the country's leading newspaper ahead of the pack. The position is available for immediate start and the successful candidate will be joining a small, dedicated team covering a wide range of news and features across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Local knowledge is preferred but not essential. The successful applicant should have had experience with community, court and parliamentary reporting. They will also be expected to take photographs and videos, and use social media.

The salary for this position will be dependent on experience.

Write or email the publisher at

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Department of Mental Health’s coronavirus anxiety and stress graphic

CONTINUED 

24

May 2-8, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

21

22 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 2-8, 2020

Deadline change for scholarship applicants THOSE applying for scholarships for the upcoming school year have an extra month to submit their applications.

The Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services has offered the extension

due to challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

A statement from the ministry on Tuesday (April 28) reminded applicants that in order to permit the Education Advisory Committee to make an informed decision “all the

required information as specified in the explanatory notes must accompany each application”.

While the application deadline is now May 31, exceptions will be made for applicants not receiving the necessary information from

their institution at the time of submission.

They remaining documents must be presented to the ministry

by August 17 for local students and by June 30 for international students.

“If your application does not have all the requirements to be presented to the Education Advisory Committee, it will be returned,” the statement said.

Application forms are now available on www.gov.tc/ education/scholarship All applications not submitted previously from this point forward should be submitted with all the requirements via PDF or JPEG format to scholarshipsecretariat@ tciedu.tc The Secretariat Unit will vet the application and inform of any missing information to be submitted to the unit. Students will be electronically submitted a receipt.

The skills audit was adopted in February 2018 and changes made to the National Scholarship Policy of July 2018.

As a result, new priority areas of study were included in the existing scholarship application, having been revised for the 2019 academic year.

They were logistic management and communications, science and technology, disaster management and social sciences, business, finance and management, planning and engineering, and performing and visual arts.

In addition to these new broad areas of study, new programmes were identified under existing areas of priorities such as under education, health, law, technical and vocational.

Students who were not successful in receiving a scholarship last academic year are encouraged to reapply for academic year 20202021 now.

“The Ministry of Education wishes to encourage all Turks and Caicos Islanders to further their education and enrol into tertiary studies,” the statement added.

As part of this mandate, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in recent years attained full membership to the University of the West Indies.

This enables TC Islanders who are not beneficiaries of a scholarship to be able to attend any of the university’s three campuses in Jamaica, Barbados or Trinidad and Tobago and pay a reduced tuition fee.

The UWI Open Campus also provides an opportunity for students to pursue tertiary education while remaining in the TCI through online courses of study.

For courses that are offered at the TCI Community College at any level, applicants will be referred to the college.

May 2-8, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

THE SALT CAY NOTE

NEWS 23

It will be quite some time before we return to anything remotely similar to the preCovid-19 routine

Most donkeys may be bold, but some donkeys are definitely bolder than others

Bossy donkeys, pet roosters and pandemic dreams A

Salt Cay makes the best of lockdown fatigue

S WE enter the fifth week of the nationwide lockdown, a degree of ‘lockdown fatigue’ is beginning to be noticeable amongst some of Salt Cay’s 104 residents.

From Islanders who miss their weekly trips on the Salt Cay Ferry to Grand Turk, to the American winter residents, some of whom are appearing to tire of their existence as corona refugees, to the island’s business owners and entrepreneurs who long for an end of the lockdown and the beginning of the new normal.

Of course, most of us realise that even if some of the local restrictions are eased or lifted on May 4, it will be quite some time before we return to anything remotely similar to the pre-Covid-19 routine.

In the meantime, people all over the country, and this is certainly true for Salt Cay, are making the best of these unprecedented challenges.

Business owners are preparing, as best as they can, for the end of the lockdown and families hope and pray that the catastrophic effect the crisis has had on the job market and consequently their finances will not affect them for too much longer.

I can certainly say for Salt Cay that conversations have become more sincere. People show genuine concern for one another.

People listen to one another - help one another, wherever and whenever they can.

Not that this wasn’t so before Covid-19, but the level of friendliness has reached a new high- and that is indeed heartening.

No doubt every island and every neighbourhood in the TCI has its specific set of circumstances, which in turn are illustrated in stories that are uniquely Back Salina, Cockburn Harbour, Bambara, Bottle Creek or Wheeland, as we all try and cope with this pandemic in our own ways.

And so, it comes as no surprise that on Salt Cay too, some of the island’s eccentricities appear to be more noticeable as we look to one another and at one another in these times of (almost) total isolation

BY TITUS DE BOER

Titus was born in Hamburg and has lived in the Turks and Caicos Islands since 1989.

He works as a general business consultant and has been based in Salt Cay since 2016.

from the rest of the world.

From Dwight’s (aka Stagerlee) daily parade of the island’s donkeys to their watering points, to a rooster named Scooter being taken for walks (on a harness leash) by its owner, to varieties of chants, drumming performances and other musical contributions one can overhear in the early evenings; there’s always a lot to observe and take note of on any given day.

And then there are the donkeys. A few weeks ago, I had commented that the donkeys were taking over, when I wrote, “...in fact they probably can’t believe their luck: Not a human, annoying car or buggy to be seen, all day!

“It’s probably just me, but I do get the distinct impression that the donkeys are becoming bolder by the day.”

It’s not just me. Other Salt Cay residents are convinced that the donkeys are indeed emboldened, as for hours on end they see no one out and about, as yards are unattended and very few (if any) attempts

are made to shoo them away.

And still, most donkeys may be bold, but some donkeys are definitely bolder than others.

Case in point: I had only just taken possession of a 50 lbs bag of dry dog food when after turning away for literally 30 seconds Desmond the donkey (yes, some have names on Salt Cay) grabbed the dog food with his teeth and made for the bushes.

After an exceedingly exhausting chase and several cuts and bruises, the dog food was back in my control, but only just.

The other day I read an article entitled, ‘The meaning behind your strange coronavirus dreams’.

In it, Dr Meir Kryger, a professor of pulmonary medicine and clinical professor of nursing at Yale School of Medicine, makes the following observation about persons who had described their dreams: “This pandemic is something that they’ve never experienced before...And it’s possible that their brains are trying to find a time when things weren’t like that.

“It’s like when sometimes people are trying to fall asleep and they can’t turn their minds off. They will try to think about a time when things were better.”

One such pandemic dream resonated with me. “I dreamed that I encountered a duck hanging out in deep snow.

“I asked the duck: ‘If I were your chickie would you take care of me?’ and the duck replied ‘Yes.’ It was very reassuring.”

My dream was slightly less reassuring, although not less interesting: I met a donkey, wearing round, professorial glasses, who informed me that as a result of the recent demise of the human species, donkeys were now in charge. I was the last of my kind.

He then proceeded to console me with the following: “Your species was simply no longer considered the pinnacle of evolution, so we took over...”

And with that I awoke - and made sure no one had taken the dog food.

24 NEWS

May 2-8, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

THE WRITING NOOK  Creatively accessing your words through knowledge, vision and wisdom

Marketing your writing

BY TATIANA HANDFIELD

Tatiana Handfield is a trained English language and literature high school teacher, an author and a poet who enjoys teaching and nurturing young people to embrace and enhance their creative abilities.

Handfield has penned two book series and a magazine: Merilla City (a children’s adventure story), the TCI Word Search Puzzle Book and the Let’s Create TCI Youth Magazine.

She was recently shortlisted for the London Book Fair Trailblazers Award 2020.

As the owner and creative director of local independent publishers Cyril and Dorsie Publishing, she hopes to gather and share the stories of the TCI with the world.

F

OR the past five weeks, we have focused on various facets of building your writing portfolio.

This week, marketing will be the key focus as we examine different avenues for marketing your writing before finally publishing.

Here are 16 tips for marketing your writing: 1) Make a book trailer.

2) Ask your readers to send in images of them with your book and then pin them on Pinterest (people love the human connection).

3) Comment on threads in Facebook groups or on other people’s threads to build your reputation as an expert.

4) Write a press release for PR Web. It’s a great way to get some back links to your site and maybe

even some press interest.

5) Do a presentation at a local meet up group. Don’t sell, just give great information and make sure to have some books to hand in case people ask.

6) Do a Kindle on Demand Promotion (KDP) free promotion.

They still work if you use them correctly.

7) A Goodreads giveaway is one of my favourite ways to promote your book, generate some interest and also to get some reviews.

The giveaways only work with print books, although there are things you can do with your digital book.

And it’s good to know that the reviewers can be a little harsher than on Amazon (so prepare yourself!), but it’s well worth the effort.

8) Create a post about your book on your Facebook business page.

Pin it to the top.

9) Post some free content or excerpts from your book on https://scribd.com. That’s great for exposure and you can also sell your book here if you’re looking for additional retail outlets.

10) Give a talk at a local school (if it’s appropriate content - works well for children’s fiction, history or other educational content).

11) Make a series of how-to videos for YouTube related to your non-fiction book content.

12) Send an email to your list.

Give them a reason to buy a book - many authors run promotions such as offering a special webinar or teleseminar to customers, which they access by sending a receipt as confirmation of purchase.

If you’re not sure what to say, then get your creative juices flowing with these writing activities.

13) Run a Facebook ad but make sure it’s closely themed around time or an event - maybe you have a Christmas recipe book and just before Christmas you run an ad targeted at foodie groups.

‘It is normal to feel fearful’ drugs to cope with stress.

“Take a break - take a regular 30-minute break from social media in order to avoid feeling scared or overwhelmed from constant new information being dispersed.”

CHILDREN’S ANXIETY With schools across the territory closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many children are now at home.

The Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence issued a leaflet with advice for parents to help their children cope with stress on April 2.

It says children will be observing the behaviours of those around them and may become confused and worried, so it is important for parents to speak to them about their concerns.

“Provide them with facts, and not overwhelming, unnecessary information.

Remember to speak to them in a calm manner,” it reads.

“Limit media exposure as this can increase fear and anxiety. Try to be present with them if they are watching any news programmes in order to answer any questions.

“Talk about how they are feeling.

Listen to their concerns. Normalise their worries and fears, let them know it is normal to feel worried in new and stressful situations.

“Model calmness. Stay calm and manage your own anxieties as children will look to you for cues to manage their own worries.

“Practice safety measures with children such as washing hands and staying inside. This will foster a sense of control over the stressful situation.

“Try to keep up with regular routines.

If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun

14) Get more reviews (more reviews will help your Amazon ranking).

15) Create a URL forward that directs people to your Amazon page.

Use this as your main website in your book and whenever you’re talking about your books (for example mysite.com/bookname and forward this to your Amazon page).

16) Do as much guest posting as you can and refer to your book in the author box (or use that URL forwarding tip just above this one).

Source: https://authorunlimited. com

CONTINUED FROM

20

activities “Allow phone contact with loved ones such as grandparents, close relatives and school friends. They may be worried about their safety and this assures them that they are okay.”

The leaflet encourages parents to promote healthy lifestyles and to ensure that children eat a balanced diet, get quality sleep and engage in quality family time at home.

For additional support, persons can contact the mental health 24/7 support hotline on 338-4357 or the Red Cross Psychosocial Support Line on 232-8056.

May 2-8, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 25

WORD GAME

South Caicos- Fishing Capital Use the following clues to fill in the boxes related to the beautiful island of SOUTH CAICOS. Some of the letters will be provided to help you along!

1) ___ i ___ S___ ___ ___ _____ South Caicos is also known as this due to the island being a popular hotspot 2) S___ h____o____ for F ___ ___ ___ ___ S__ ___ __ ___ ___ s The island is home to this institution for marine resource studies 3) M___ ___ ___ ___ __ __ __ B ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ H ___ ___ ___ The only local secondary school on the island of South Caicos 4) ___ ____ ____ ____ ing South Caicos is known for this popular industry

5) S ___ ___ t This was a well known industry on the islands of Grand Turk, Salt Cay and South Caicos 6) ___ ___ ___ __ tta Popular Caicos Sloop sailboat race festival held on the island 7) Admiral ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ Land and __ ___ __ National Park which secures portions of the sea and coast South Caicos is 8.2 square miles!

8) Q __ ___ ___ ___ E ___ ___ ___ ___ b ___ ___ ___ This royal visited the island of South Caicos in 1966

26 NEWS

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 2-8, 2020

Buffets and mini-bars could go for good post Covid-19 pandemic

BY DELANA ISLES EATING establishments such as hotels and restaurants will have to get creative in order to survive in a Covid-19 environment when curfews are lifted.

Hospitality experts are urging owners to scrap conveniences such as buffets and drinks stations, and reduce the sitting capacity of à la carte restaurants in order to attract guests.

Instead, they will have to find creative ways to attend to customers, like serving dinner in secluded areas on the beach.

That’s according to Emile Gourieux and Rico Louw, senior managers at STR, a Tennessee, USA-based firm that tracks supply and demand data for multiple market sectors, including the global hotel industry.

Gourieux, STR’s hotel sector business development executive in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, said: “We may never return to travel as normal, as we understood it before.

“Things like buffet breakfast may never be seen again. So there’s a lot of things that we need to rethink.”

Move away from buffet style dining - hospitality experts urge

She added that at the very beginning of recovery, when people are coming back out, they are going to be very leery about close contact.

“So, the hotels that succeed and

thrive are going to be the ones that find a way to address that anxiety.

“So more in-room dining options for families, a lot of allinclusives have different dining options where you have the buffet,

that’s going to be tough.

“Even a la carte, they’re going to have to cut capacity by half to allow that [social] distancing.

So where hotels can add value in comfort and confidence that’s

going to be a plus.

“Offering a special dinner on a beach where you are secluded and comfortable, that’s going to be a plus.”

Louw, the senior account manager and client liaison at STR, suggested that a buffet may be totally out of the question in terms of moving forward, so will minibars.

Gourieux and Louw made the statements earlier this week as guests on the latest episode of a podcast series produced by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), entitled, ‘Covid-19: The unwanted visitor’.

During that episode, discussions were held on what the Caribbean hospitality sector could look like in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis, which has brought tourism to a virtual standstill.

Both senior managers emphasised the enormity of the challenge ahead for the region’s hospitality sector, which recorded occupancy of under six percent during the week of April 12, and a fall in revenue of over 80 percent.

They said it is difficult to predict when arrivals will return to prepandemic levels, noting that based on several factors, including airlift, it could be up to three years before parity is achieved.

The STR experts said the global pandemic will have a serious impact on people’s pockets and the confidence to travel.

“Anytime somebody sneezes or coughs on a plane or in a restaurant, or anywhere near you, everyone is going to get a little nervous,” Gourieux said.

May 2-8, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

NEWS 27

Impressive first quarter for real estate market

BY DELANA ISLES THE WORLD as we know it is changing, and like many other industries, the real estate market will have to get creative if it is to survive in a post pandemic world.

That change needs to begin now, Sean O’Neill, managing director of real estate brokerage and lifestyle company The Agency Turks and Caicos, urged in his company’s first quarter report.

He noted that while 2020 started strong for the TCI real estate market, circumstances require continuous monitoring so that sellers and purchasers can make informed decisions.

“Our continued conversations with clients reflect the belief that the market will continue to grow with opportunities presenting themselves in our current circumstances; it will, however, require creativity, hard work and careful consideration,” he said.

Purchasers will be in a position to take advantage of the 50 percent reduction in stamp duty that is available until June 30.

O’Neill said this will assist in acting as an incentive to keep the real estate

But creativity urged post Covid-19 pandemic market, an important income generator for the Government, moving forward and to generate interest for sellers who wish to sell in the short term.

A STRONG START The director stated that despite the current circumstances, the first quarter of 2020 was a remarkable start to the year within the local market.

“The volume, average price and median price have all increased year on year with 2019.

“As is often the case this was driven by the luxury market, which saw a 17 percent year on year increase in sales volume.”

He noted that there remains a large number of transactions pending or conditional, which should continue to drive the market in the second quarter

of 2020, together with those who use the Government’s concessions on stamp duty to complete purchases.

Until June 30, stamp duty rates on property transfers on Providenciales and East Cays, Ambergris Cay, West Caicos and East Caicos will be as follows: Stamp duty on properties $25,000 to $250,000 is 3.25 percent; $250,000 to $500,000 is four percent and $500,000 and above is five percent.

For properties on Grand Turk, Salt Cay, South Caicos, Middle Caicos and North Caicos adjusted stamp duties are as follows: Properties worth $25,000 to $100,000 is 2.5 percent while properties $100,00 and above is 3.25 percent.

There has also been a 50 percent reduction in the fees for application for grant of outline development permission;

RAF plane lands in Providenciales

THE MILITARY aeroplane seen landing at Providenciales International Airport on Friday morning (April 24) is supporting the Royal Navy in the region.

The Royal Air Force is conducting a routine resupply

of military equipment and stores in the Caribbean, according to a statement on the Governor’s Office Facebook page. “…this type of activity happens on a regular basis across the globe,” it read.

The Royal Air Force is conducting a routine resupply of military equipment and stores in the Caribbean

application to change the use of building or detailed development permission; and application to subdivide.

This too is available until June 30.

Meanwhile, according to The Agency, condominiums remained a popular investment at the start of 2020.

It reported that while the total number of sales fell just short of 2019, which would likely have been matched if not overtaken had lockdown regulations not come into place on March 27, the sales volume increased.

“Condominiums remain, on the long term, a steady first investment in the Turks and Caicos and we expect that this will continue in the future,” The Agency predicted.

Despite a slight dip in overall land sales for the first quarter of 2020, the Long Bay area continued to attract buyers.

“Long Bay was the driving force in land sales during the first quarter of 2020 with just over half of the land sales recorded in that area.”

The Agency is a full-service, luxury real estate brokerage and lifestyle company representing clients worldwide in a broad spectrum of classes.

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May 2-8, 2020

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

May 2-8, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION Regulating with Honesty, Integrity and Transparency

NOTICE FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHARE GROUP It has come to the attention of the Financial Services Commission that the Friends and Family Share Group is offering, via membership and a contribution of $500, significant financial returns to the public through the pooling of the funds of contributors. Please Take Notice that neither the Friends and Family Share Group nor any programme it operates is licensed, regulated or supervised by the Commission.

By way of this notice, the Commission is requesting that appropriate representatives of the Friends and Family Share Group meet with the Commission to assist the Commission in fully understanding the operations of the Group and its regulatory requirements, if any. The Group’s representatives are to contact the Commission by 20 April 2020 via the following email addresses: nstreete@tcifsc.tc or ccoalbrooke@ tcifsc.tc The public is advised to exercise caution and to carefully assess financial and other associated risks when pooling and/or investing funds as part of any arrangement.

It is recommended that professional advice be sought before entering these arrangements.

The public and members of the Friends and Family Group are urged to consider this advisory and be guided accordingly Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission

May 2-8, 2020

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Focus on COVID-19

Studies leave question of ‘airborne’ coronavirus transmission unanswered A GROWING number of studies, including one published this week in the journal Nature, have found evidence that the coronavirus can remain suspended in the air in aerosol particles. That raises anew the question of whether and to what extent the virus can be transmitted as an aerosol — although the evidence is far from conclusive and no such infections have been documented.

The consensus so far is that the virus, although very contagious, spreads through respiratory droplets generated when people breathe, speak or cough and doesn’t infect people through particles that can linger in the air for hours, in the way that measles and some other viral diseases can.

But the research is fueling a scientific debate over one of the most basic questions about the novel coronavirus — how it spreads — and doing so at a time of high anxiety and rattled nerves.

Outbreaks linked to crowded indoor environments such as prisons, meatpacking plants, a cramped call center and a restaurant may serve as warnings about the perils of reopening.

The scientific literature is full of alarming questions: Could ventilation systems spread the virus? Could removing clothing shake virus particles back into the air?

Research has shown that the virus typically is transmitted from person to person through relatively large respiratory droplets that travel only a few feet before falling to the floor or ground. People can also become infected by touching contaminated objects — known among scientists as fomites — and then, for example, touching their face.

“Airborne spread has not been reported for COVID-19 and it is not believed to be a major driver of transmission based on available evidence,” concluded a comprehensive report by researchers from China and the World Health Organization published in February.

But that report went on to say that some medical procedures in health-care facilities, such as intubating a patient, can generate virus aerosols. And research at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories, part

The consensus so far is that the virus, although very contagious, spreads through respiratory droplets generated when people breathe, speak or cough and doesn’t infect people through particles that can linger in the air for hours.

of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, showed that virus particles aerosolised with laboratory equipment remained viable — still capable of growing in a cell culture — for up to three hours while suspended in the air.

The Nature paper, authored by scientists at Wuhan University in China, reported that aerosolised traces of viral genetic material, called RNA, were found in two hospitals — particularly in poorly ventilated spaces. The highest concentration of the aerosol particles were found in a singleperson mobile toilet that lacked ventilation. Viral RNA was also found in an area where hospital workers took off their protective gear.

The report, however, did not establish whether the airborne coronavirus samples were viable — that is, capable of generating a new infection.

“Although we have not established the infectivity of the virus detected in these hospital areas, we propose that SARSCoV-2 may have the potential to be transmitted via aerosols,” the authors wrote. “Our results indicate that room ventilation, open space, sanitization of protective apparel,

and proper use and disinfection of toilet areas can effectively limit the concentration of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in aerosols.”

The public should view the new China airborne virus study with caution, because the PCR test cannot distinguish viable virus from genetic fragments that aren’t infectious, said Andrew Noymer, an epidemiologist at the University of California at Irvine.

“The test for viable virus is a much-more-painstaking cell culture test, which the present study did not perform,” Noymer said.

An alarming report from a restaurant in Guangzhou, China, showed that one infected person who had not yet developed symptoms infected nine other diners. Researchers suggested that an air-conditioning unit recirculating the air could have spread droplets, carrying the virus between tables.

“This just demonstrates the terrible confusion that is created by the common misconception that there’s somehow a bright line between aerosols and respiratory droplets,” said Donald Milton, professor of environmental health at the University of Maryland

School of Public Health. “First of all, they are all respiratory droplets — some are larger and some are smaller, all the way down to microdroplets less than a single micron in diameter. It is true that larger droplets will behave as aerosols as the velocity of air increases, countering the pull of gravity so that they don’t fall out.”

A study from an 11th-floor South Korean call center found that 94 people were infected in a single outbreak, most of them clustered in one half of the office. The authors wrote that the outbreak highlights that the virus is “exceptionally contagious in crowded office settings such as a call center.”

That does not necessarily mean aerosolised particles caused the infections.

“I’m skeptical.

To my knowledge we haven’t really seen evidence of transmission occurring that way,” said Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. “The transmission studies from the call center and restaurant suggest that regular airborne droplet transmission in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces is itself a transmission risk

without needing to worry about small particle aerosols, too.”

To test whether aerosolised particles are spreading the virus, researchers will have to grow live virus from those samples and not simply recover viral RNA, which could just be residual genetic material not capable of seeding new infections.

A report, not yet peer-reviewed, from the University of Nebraska Medical Center found virus RNA on the surfaces of cellphones, toilets, bedside tables and exercise equipment used by 13 patients with confirmed cases of covid-19.

Samples from the hallway outside patient rooms were also positive for viral RNA, suggesting that aerosols could be spreading the virus, but again the research did not conclude that the hallway samples were infectious.

Outside researchers remain skeptical of this fragmentary data.

Vincent Munster, a virologist at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories who led the research on aerosolised coronavirus, said Wednesday it is possible aerosolised particles are capable of spreading the virus — but this could be a very minor element in the pandemic.

(Washington Post)

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Entertainment

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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

Mariah Carey’s ‘E=MC2’ opus tops iTunes chart, 12 years after release MARIAH Carey has staying power.

One of the top-selling singer’s old albums is having a chart resurgence — and she doesn’t even understand why.

Carey’s 2008 opus, “E=MC2,” has topped the iTunes albums chart – a full 12 years after its initial release.

“What is going on?????” the “Vision of Love” singer tweeted Monday in response to the news, along with a series of celebratory emojis. #JusticeForEMC2!!!!!” she continued. “So OVERWHELMED by this moment! Thank you #lambily for always lifting my spirits and giving me life.. Love you forever.”

The iconic singer affectionately refers to her fan base as lambily, plural for lamb.

She then asked fans on Twitter how they should celebrate. “I want to do a singing moment for you!” she wrote. “Which song?”

“E=MC2,” released on April 15, 2008, featured the lead single “Touch My Body” and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The album served a follow-up to her big comeback project, 2005’s “The Emancipation of Mimi,” which followed her disastrous 2002 departure from a $100 million deal with Virgin Records and the media meltdown that later ensued amid the

Mariah Carey signs her autograph on a board during a fan event to promote her album “E=MC2” in Tokyo on June 1, 2008.

release of her semi-autobiographical film debut “Glitter.” (NYDailynews)

An Oscar statue appears outside the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Oscars change rules to allow streaming films in 2021 Former US first lady Michelle Obama meets with fans during a book signing on the first anniversary of the launch of her memoir “Becoming” at the Politics and Prose bookstore in Washington, DC, in this file photo.

Michelle Obama announces Netflix ‘Becoming’ documentary FORMER First Lady Michelle Obama will be giving fans an “intimate look” into her life in the new Netflix documentary “Becoming,” which is based on her bestselling memoir of the same name.

The streaming giant announced Monday that the new film, chronicling Obama’s 34-city Becoming book tour in 2018-2019, will officially launch on May 6.

The 89-minute film is directed

by Bronx native Nadia Hallgren, a

filmmaker and cinematographer best known as the Director of Photography on the Oscar-nominated and Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winner “Trouble the Water” and CNN’s “When We Rise: Michelle Obama’s Mission to Educate Girls Around the World as well as Motherland.”

Hallgren’s previous credits include “Fahrenheit 9/11,” “Searching for Sugarman” and “The Hunting Ground.”

“I’m excited to share that on May 6, @Netflix will release BECOMING,

a documentary directed by Nadia Hallgren that shares the stories of the amazing people I met after the release of my memoir,” Obama wrote on Twitter. “During this difficult time, I hope you’ll find some inspiration and joy in this film.”

“Those months I spent traveling — meeting and connecting with people in cities across the globe — drove home the idea that what we share in common is deep and real and can’t be messed with,” Obama said with the announcement.

THE coronavirus pandemic has completely changed the film industry, shutting down both the sets where movies are created and the theaters where they’re first seen. Now, it’s also forced a change for the industry’s most iconic awards show: the Oscars.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Motion Picture Academy’s board of governors announced a tweak to the 2021 awards’ rules for eligibility.

Previously, despite the rise of Netflix and other streaming services in recent years, movies have always needed a theatrical run of at least one week to be eligible for Oscars consideration.

But because social distancing guidelines have kept any new movies from entering theaters, the Academy will for the time being allow any film made available on-demand or through

streaming to compete in its awards categories. This exception will apply, the Academy says, until theaters reopen.

“The Academy firmly believes there is no greater way to experience the magic of movies than to see them in a theater. Our commitment to that is unchanged and unwavering,” Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said in the statement. “Nonetheless, the historically tragic COVID-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules. The Academy supports our members and colleagues during this time of uncertainty. We recognize the importance of their work being seen and also celebrated, especially now, when audiences appreciate movies more than ever.” (NYDailynews)

May 2-8, 2020

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‘Trolls World Tour’ nears $100M rentals mark “TROLLS World Tour” is dwarfing the competition.

The animated sequel to the 2016 animated hit “Trolls” is approaching the $100 million mark in rentals, as of Tuesday, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the jukebox musical featuring the voices of Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick bypassed a theater release and beelined directly to ondemand.

“Trolls World Tour” has racked up nearly 5 million rentals — at $19.99 a pop — since its April 10 premiere, reported The Wrap.

Universal Studios previously boasted that “Trolls World Tour” had the largest digital debut in history, according to Variety.

“The results for ‘Trolls World Tour’ has exceeded our expectations and demonstrated the viability of (on-demand),” NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell told The Wall Street Journal. “As soon as theaters reopen, we expect to release movies on both fronts.”

But late Tuesday, AMC announced it would cease screening Universal offerings in the future.

“It is disappointing to us, but (Shell’s) comments as to Universal’s unilateral actions and intentions have left us with not choice,” stated AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron. “Therefore, effective immediately AMC will no longer play any Universal movies in any of our theaters in

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the jukebox musical featuring the voices of Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick bypassed a theater release and beelined directly to on-demand.

the United States, Europe and the Middle East.”

Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, film studios usually waited 90 days after a theatrical opening before releasing films in digital form.

But Universal responded to the threat in timely fashion.

“We absolutely believe in the theatrical experience,” countered Universal. “We expect to release

future films directly to theaters, as well as on (video on demand) when that distribution outlet makes sense.”

The movie studio had been raking in big-time cash from two previously released films, “The Invisible Man” and “The Hunt,” that were unspooling when the outbreak intensified.

“The Invisible Man” had racked up $64.9 million in domestic

earnings before the pandemic led to the shuttering of cineplexes, according to Box Office Mojo.

The sci-fi thriller starring Elisabeth Moss as an abused woman seeking revenge on her brilliant optics engineer boyfriend was a hit with moviegoers and critics following its Feb. 28 release.

Globally, it has earned about $123 million on its purportedly modest $7

million budget.

“The Hunt,” which was slated for a September 2019 release but pushed back due to the El Paso shooting that caused 23 deaths, had the misfortune of premiering March 13, just as theaters began going into lockdown mode.

In just its first few days, it had earned $5.3 million at U.S. box offices. (NYDailynews)

Rap pioneer Scarface reveals he has kidney failure following coronavirus diagnosis SCARFACE is experiencing serious health issues resulting from his COVID-19 diagnosis last month.

The 49-year-old Houston rap legend, born Brad Terrence Jordan, has revealed he’s currently on dialysis due to kidney failure which he attributes to his recent coronavirus battle.

During a Zoom chat with his former Geto Boys cohort, Scarface gave a health update, saying he’s “glad to be alive” after getting out of the hospital April 20 — showing his dialysis report.

“I fought the COVID double bilateral pneumonia in both lungs and kidney failure in my house,” the hip-hop trailblazer detailed in the beginning of the video, which was uploaded two days later.

“I gotta change my entire diet,” Scarface shared. “I gotta do dialysis four times a week, three hours a day.

That’s taking all of my blood out,

Scarface said that before COVID 19 he never had kidney problems.

cleaning it, and putting it back in my body. Before the COVID, I never

had kidney problems before.”

The “Mind Playing Tricks on Me”

lyricist also described some of the symptoms while fighting the virus,

which was diagnosed March 26: “I couldn’t keep food down, I couldn’t get comfortable, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t stay woke, I could not breathe. It was the worst time of my life.”

“Hanging on that string of death makes you really appreciate life. I was inches away from death,” the former Def Jam South artist said, explaining that he didn’t want to be on a ventilator at a “quarantined hospital” alone, as opposed to being at home.

Scarface, who ran for Houston City Council last fall, optimistically closed the video by playing his guitar and mentioning future endeavors, such as a Geto Boys podcast and a grand finale tour.

He also talked about the virus’ impact on black communities, warning states like Georgia and Texas about reopening too early.

(NYDailynews)

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Regional News Caribbean tops 10,000 COVID-19 cases – DR leads way with over 6000 infected THE total number of coronavirus cases in the Caribbean region has topped 10,000 with the Dominican Republic leading with 6,293 cases, 282 deaths and 993 recovered while Saint Lucia has had 15 cases, 15 recovered and no deaths.

This is information, as of April 27, 2020, coming out of over 30 Caribbean countries.

In the hardest hit in the Region, Dominican Republic officials have put in place a national curfew that prohibits all traffic and movement of people from 5pm to 6am. Cruise arrivals have been suspended at all ports and coasts and public transportation has suspended services to limit the public’s ability to move freely in urban areas.

Roadblocks have been set up at various points throughout the country, prohibiting internal travel in the country, along with several

other measures to curb the spread of the virus.

Less than half the country’s number of cases have been seen in Puerto Rico with 1,389 and 84 deaths and Cuba with 1,389 cases, 56 deaths and 525 recovery. Still the three Spanish-speaking countries rank the highest by far in the Region.

On April 13, 2020, Jamaica recorded 73 cases and was managing detection of the virus fairly well, when, suddenly, in a matter of just two weeks, the country’s cases shot to 350.

Reports as of April 27, 2020 state that a total of 178 of those now confirmed has come as a result of workplace cluster at one BPO company, Alorica.

Somewhat close behind are Martinique with 175 cases, 14 deaths and 77 recovered; Guadeloupe with 149 cases, 12

By Thursday morning, the Dominican Republic had 6652 cases, with 293 deaths. Some 1228 persons had recovered from the virus.

deaths and 95 recovered and Trinidad and Tobago, with 116 cases, 8 deaths and 59 recovered.

Just on Saturday, the twin island extended its stay-at-home order to May 15 and its Prime Minister will address the population on May 10 to advise whether any changes are necessary.

French Guiana, Bermuda, Bahamas, Barbados all have cases between 111 and 79 while Saint Maarten, Haiti and Guyana all had 74 cases as of Monday.

In the Cayman Islands there are 70 cases, 1 death and 8 recovered; in the US Virgin Islands there are 59 cases, 4 deaths and 51 recovered;

in Saint Martin there are 38 cases, 3 deaths and 24 recovered while Antigua and Barbuda has 24 cases, 3 deaths and 11 recovered.

With COVID-19 cases hovering in the teens and with high recovery rates are Belize, Grenada, Curacao, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Saint Lucia; the latter experiencing full recovery and no new cases.

On Monday, the country’s government announced a relaxation of some of the measures, put in place to prevent the spread of virus but said that the 10-hour daily curfew, zoning and stay-at-home policy would remain in effect.

Its Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet said that the construction sector, private doctors and clinic and local designers, tailors and seamstresses would be allowed to reopen under strict protocols.

“We must have the ability to take decisions quickly, if the situation suddenly changes,” he said in a media broadcast.

Experiencing the lowest cases thus far are Turks and Caicos, Montserrat, Saint Barthelemy, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Saint Eustatius and Guyana’s neighbour, Suriname with cases between 12 and 2. (Guyana Chronicle)

Holness says all Jamaicans could get COVID

Andrew Holness says the Government is trying to find a way to balance public health and the country’s economy.

PRIME Minister Andrew Holness was blunt. “The possibility is that all of us, at some point in time, will get it,” he said about the coronavirus, which has had a crippling economy on the country since the first case was discovered on March 10.

“The COVID-19 is not a death sentence. It is not something that individuals should be scorned because the truth is the probability, and indeed the possibility is that at some point in time, maybe not now, maybe not tomorrow, but this disease is going to be around… This virus is around now and the possibility is that all of us, at some point in time, will get it,” Holness said.

Jamaica has confirmed 364 cases of the COVID-19 as of Monday.

Some 143 (39 per cent) of the total confirmed cases are males while 221 (61 per cent) are females with ages ranging from two months to 87 years.

HEALTH CRISIS

The Holness-led Government signalled that it is important that the management of the COVID crisis does not lead to further economic fallout. The prime minister said that his administration, in managing the health crisis, is seeking to ensure that there is no spike in the COVID cases which would impact the public health system’s ability to respond.

Holness says the Government is trying to find a way to balance public health and the country’s economy.

“This is the balancing act. Every measure we put it place to slow down the movement slows down our economy. People will be out of work, out of job and bills pile up,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that Jamaicans are feeling the impact of the crisis, and even though the Government has urged people to stay home, he accepts that all Jamaicans cannot do that. (Jamaica Star)

May 2-8, 2020

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Regional News Concerns raised over planned gang raid in Haiti LAST week Haiti’s minister of justice and public security announced that government forces would conduct a raid to curb gang violence in Village de Dieu, a low-income neighborhood in Port-au-Prince. He gave “good people” 72 hours to leave, saying that the government was “not responsible” for what happened afterward. These are extremely worrying statements in a country where past raids in slums have led to egregious abuses, including killings and rape.

A day after the April 24 announcement, Jimmy Cherizier – a former police officer implicated in human rights violations who was fired in December 2018 – said he and 19 police officers would “clean up” Village de Dieu.

Cherizier now describes himself as a community leader who protects his neighborhood from rival gangs, but local human rights groups have accused him of leading the Delmas 6 gang.

The National Network for the Defense of Human Rights and the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti have reported that Cherizier is implicated in two massacres in Port-au-Prince, at least one while

he was a police officer.

In the first, at least 71 people were killed in La Saline neighborhood between November 13 and 17, 2018. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights reported that charges were brought against 98 people implicated in the killings and other abuses, including two senior state officials.

According to the UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, during confrontations between rival gangs in La Saline, 11 women and girls were raped and up to 150 houses looted. The mission reported that criminal gangs competing for control were apparently responsible for the abuses but operated with complicity of state actors, including Cherizier.

Between November 4 and 6, 2019, Cherizier and other members of the Delmas 6 gang allegedly led an attack against local residents in the Bel-Air neighborhood who refused to remove barricades that people raised to protest a government announcement to end a fuel subsidy. At least 3 people were killed, 6 wounded, and about 30 houses and 11 cars burned. Three active members of Haiti’s National Police and others off duty those

Some communities in Haiti are dealing with gang-related violence.

days allegedly participated in the attacks with the gangs, according to the UN mission.

The raid did not take place on April 27, as originally announced

by Haitian authorities, but they have not confirmed that they will not move ahead with the “cleaning” operation. Haiti’s government

has an obligation to address alarming insecurity in the country.

But authorities have overriding obligations to respect basic rights in public security operations and bring to justice those implicated in past abuses. Particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the government should

avoid relocating residents unless absolutely necessary for their security, and should ensure that any residents they do relocate, in particular women, children, and the elderly, have the support they need to access housing, health, and food services in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. (Hrw.org)

COVID-19 free Anguilla lifts restrictions on movement H.E. Governor Tim Foy and the Hon. Premier Victor Banks have announced the removal of all regulations restricting movement and gatherings, effective Wednesday, April 29.

Testing has now shown that there are no active or suspected cases of Covid-19 in Anguilla, and the Chief Medical Officer advised the Executive Council on April 27 that these restrictions can be safely removed.

This means that churches, places of worship, all retail stores, hair salons and barber shops, accommodation suppliers, gyms and spas, recreational facilities, official lotteries, restaurants and bars can re-open from Wednesday, 29 April.

The Governor and Premier thanked Anguillians for their support in following the restrictions while they were in place, and in bringing about this great achievement. They also cautioned against becoming complacent and asked that everyone continue to practice social distancing.

Environmental health officials

Anguilla had three cases of Covid 19, but they have all recovered.

in Anguilla will be visiting all commercial premises in the coming weeks to check compliance with established environmental health regulations, bearing in mind the importance of good basic hygiene in preventing the spread of all infectious diseases.

The Governor and Premier

also noted that these or other restrictions may be re-introduced if circumstances change.

Anguilla’s ports will remain closed for passenger movements until the situation outside Anguilla allows for the safe reopening to external traffic. No definitive date has yet been set,

but it is unlikely to be before the end of May. A limited number of repatriation flights for foreign nationals will take place this week. These flights – all of which have been formally requested by overseas governments – will take place under the same controlled arrangements as those previously

implemented. All aircraft will arrive empty, with the aircrew remaining on board so avoiding any contact with ground staff.

The Hon. Premier Victor Banks is painfully aware that there are many Anguillians overseas who wish to return home but can’t because of the current border closure. They are working now to put in place arrangements to enable their safe return, and details will be announced in the coming days. Establishing an onisland capability to reliably test for the virus, expanding quarantine facilities and creating a phased programme of returns that will match the island’s ability to test and quarantine people are the key requirements that are being addressed.

Illegal boat landings remain the greatest threat to Anguilla’s health and security and protecting Anguilla from illegal entry is a top priority for the Government.

Coordinated land, sea and air patrols remain in place, and anyone attempting or assisting an illegal crossing will be arrested.

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May 2-8, 2020

Regional News Burt: Bermuda to begin gradual reopening BERMUDA’S Premier announced on Wednesday evening that the island had “come to the end of the beginning” as he revealed a relaxation of state of emergency restrictions.

David Burt outlined a phased return to normal life after several weeks of regulations that he said had “not been easy for any of us”.

But Mr Burt added the Government would not impose a timeline for the phases.

He explained: “We are going to look based upon what the conditions are on the ground.”

Mr Burt said Saturday at 6am would mark the end of shelter in place restrictions after a “marathon” Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. But he urged the public to wear masks and maintain strict social distancing to avert the spread of the coronavirus.

A 10pm to 6am curfew will remain, with gatherings limited to no more than 10 people.

Mr Burt said he wanted to be “crystal, crystal clear” that emergency legislation that imposed restrictions extended to June 30.

He added: “We can change these laws very quickly.”

Mr Burt said if the situation worsened, “we will revert”.

Retailers will be allowed to open between 7am and 9pm, but only kerbside service or home delivery will be permitted.

Grocery stores and gas stations will remain open under their present conditions, with shoppers limited to specific days based on surname.

Construction and landscape services will be allowed to operate with social distancing and wholesalers will be allowed to deliver goods.

Funerals are still set at a maximum of ten mourners.

Limited cashier counter services will be introduced at the Transport Control Department, the Tax Commissioner’s Office, and the Government Administration Building on Monday and the courts will reopen.

Limited public transport will also resume on Monday, but schools will stay closed.

But parks, beaches and the Railways Trail will reopen, with golf courses resuming play — although club facilities must stay shuttered.

Diallo Rabain, the education minister, will outline further details on schools at Friday’s press conference.

Mr Burt said that he would hold a live online session tomorrow with the health minister to questions from the public from the Government’s Facebook page or Twitter account.

Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, said there would be announcements later this week

Bermuda will reopen in phases from Saturday.

on the status of checkpoints on the roads.

Mr Caines added that a decision would be made whether or not to keep the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s 120 embodied soldiers on the job.

Mr Burt said there would be three further stages of eased restrictions.

Expansion of services would be phase two, which would permit reopening of retail floor space and limited operation of personal services such as barbers.

Phase three — “moving to the new norm” — would see schools reopen and a return to normal for public transport.

It would also mean the end of

mandatory working from home.

Phase four, “the new norm”, will mean “full reopening” of personal services such as spas and the return of dining in restaurants.

The number of people at public gatherings would be upped to 50.

Mr Burt said there was also the possibility of a return of commercial flights to the island at that stage.

The island also logged one additional positive case of Covid-19 today, out of 636 test results.

The new case was traced to local transmission.

Kim Wilson, the health minister, said the island had “recorded 111 total confirmed positive cases”.

There are 57 active cases, 43 of them under public health monitoring.

There are 14 people being treated in hospital, and 48 who have recovered.

Ms Wilson added: “Our total deceased remains at six.”

More than 2,000 coronavirus tests have been completed, which Ms Wilson said gave “confidence that our status remains at local transmission, with clusters of cases”.

She said that indicated there had been no sustained community transmission of the coronavirus.

Ms Wilson said there had been 118 care home residents and 149 staff tested at five homes tested.

Students will only get multiple choice exams from CXC CARIBBEAN students sitting exams this year will be faced with temporary changes to the exam to accommodate testing in the time of covid19. The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) is offering three forms of testing during the covid19 pandemic. This was announced last week during a CXC webinar.

CXC is offering either fully online exams where students are connected to the exam portal for the duration of the test, partially online exams where students can begin the exam with internet, lose connection, then reconnect to

submit their responses or offline exams where students will be given a paper-based exam which the exam invigilator will manually upload.

Each country’s ministry of education will determine what centres will be used for exams, as well as the best exam mode for each centre. There is no intention or infrastructure for students to take exams at home. Students must sit the exam at an approved centre.

The Ministry of Education will determine if schools or students will provide exam devices. CXC recommends laptops or desktops

with Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. If a computer crashes, has power loss, or any disruption, the CXC invigilators are trained to handle the situation and have the power to extend time for a candidate to complete the exam, as well as manually uploading the student’s responses. Most subjects will be graded only by the paper one and school based assessments (SBAs) except for human and social biology and subjects with an oral or practical component such as French or Art. The format of the paper one exam will not be

different from previous years, nor will it have extra time allotted.

However, officials from CXC cannot comment on how much weight each exam component will weigh but assured that “appropriate weighting” will be administered.

“CXC cannot necessarily test all syllabus content but will work towards focusing on skills students ought to display having completed the syllabus. CXC believes that the SBA and Paper 1 is enough to determine a valid grade for a candidate (for the subjects aforementioned),” a synopsis of

the webinar stated. CXC is working towards administering these exams in July 2020. A final timetable will be published by next week, before the original start of the May/June exams.

Schools can request a demo session to acclimatise students with the new online format. Demo e-tests are available on CXC’s website and learninghub. CXC has no receipt system in place for the exams.

“However, students can rest assured that the council has put many measures in place to ensure that all responses are received.”

May 2-8, 2020

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Regional News Bahamas goes days without new COVID-19 cases DESPITE increased testing for COVID-19, the country has not recorded new cases of the disease for three days in a row.

The number of confirmed cases in the country remained at 80 on Wednesday afternoon with 25 people now recovered and 792 people in quarantine.

The latest cases were announced on Sunday after two New Providence women, both in isolation at home, tested positive. Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Delon Brennen said officials can’t make anything out of the lack of new cases unless the trend is sustained.

“I think if we see a downward trend sustained for a full week, that might give a bit more comfort that the trend is real,” he said.

Dr Brennen also said 75 percent of healthcare workers who were tested over the weekend after being sidelined because of their possible exposure to a patient with COVID-19 have had their results returned. Those tests were negative for the virus. However, he said

before they return to work, the employees must be cleared by the Ministry of Health.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis recently released the government’s phased plan for reopening the country.

According to their plan, the country is currently in phase 1a: essential businesses, hardware, auto parts stores and nurseries are opened, some for just two days per week; NGOs are providing food to the needy with permission and people can exercise for 90 minutes in their neighbourhood from Monday to Friday.

During phase 1b, there could be a relaxation of restrictions on exercise and hardware, nurseries and auto parts stores can expand to five-day online delivery and curbside services.

During phase two, there could be even further relaxation on exercises and worship services could be permitted with strict social distancing rules and use of masks. Business operations in Family Islands that have not

recorded a COVID-19 case could resume during this phase and there could be the resumption of healthcare and manufacturing industry services that can develop protocols to maintain social distancing.

In phase three there would be restriction reopening for non-essential stores, limited education services, relaxation of limits on weddings, funerals and social gatherings, reopening of parks and beaches with social distancing. During the fourth phase, the government could allow restaurants, cultural facilities, gyms, movie theatres and entertainment faculties to operate with social distancing protocols and masks while resuming office operations and personal services such as hair care and nails with the use of personal protection equipment.

During the fifth phase, international travel can resume, hotels can fully operate along with public transportation and a general lift on movement. (Tribune242)

Bahamas enjoyed three days without cases from Sunday to Wednesday afternoon.

Regional UN body calls for new development model LIKE each previous global crisis, the coronavirus pandemic is expected to produce lessons learnt and prompt change. Regionally, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean has stressed that a new development model is needed due to the COVID-19 crisis.

The commission called for more redistributive institutions that have greater concern for minorities, women and older persons, and one that takes into account climate change. To have an impact in the new global economy, the region would have to move towards greater regional integration in terms of production, trade and technology.

Locally, last week, a report commissioned by the Chamber of Commerce said new economic strategies are needed in the Cayman Islands to adjust to and capitalise on the ’new normal’ of a post-COVID-19 world.

This should include an updated economic strategy to better prepare the islands for external shocks, and to diversify and create a more substantive domestic economy that embraces technology.

The commission called for more redistributive institutions that have greater concern for minorities, women and older persons, and one that takes into account climate change.

As companies are thinking about shortening their supply chains, a greater emphasis on local production could also lead to discussions about enhancing local agriculture, the report noted.

At a virtual seminar held Monday on how regional organisations are responding to the crisis, Alicia Bárcena, executive secretary of the United Nations regional commission, said, “The

world of the future is going to be completely different.”

While globalisation would not be rolled back, changes will result in a more regionalised global economy.

“Companies are recalculating; there is a reorganisation of economic geography to depend less on imported manufactured goods. We will have to turn again to regionalisation and to regional integration, since the global chains

will surely be organised around three poles: the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific,” Bárcena said.

She argued that the COVID-19 pandemic requires a coordinated global response in today’s interconnected world.

She said international cooperation is more urgent on the fiscal side. Many countries in the region are considered to be middle income – some of them in

the Caribbean, which are already highly indebted – which means they are not granted low-cost concessional facilities, or low interest rates.

“We are calling for multilateral organisations to make loans at favourable interest rates and to provide relief to highly indebted countries, deferring their debts or forgiving them. Otherwise, the payments will be impossible and fiscal space will be compromised,” the ECLAC executive secretary said.

Last week, ECLAC predicted a historic contraction of regional economic output this year. The 5.3% decline in GDP would be the worst fall in the region since the Great Depression of the 1930s and the crisis of 1914.

In the virtual conference, organised by the Germany-based EU-LAC Foundation, Bárcena also called on the European Commission to pursue a “new green deal”, as the Latin America and Caribbean region had been doing, so that both can converge towards a more democratic, equal and sustainable world.

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May 2-8, 2020

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World News

Coronavirus: Boris Johnson says UK is past the peak of virus BORIS Johnson has said he will set out a “comprehensive” plan next week on restarting the economy, reopening schools and how people might travel to work, following weeks of lockdown.

The prime minister said the UK was “past the peak” of the coronavirus outbreak and “on the downward slope”.

But he stressed the country must not “risk a second spike” of the virus.

Latest figures show 26,771 people with coronavirus have died in UK hospitals and the wider community, a rise of 674.

The prime minister said that “we can now see the sunlight”, but he insisted that to avoid the “disaster” of a second peak the UK must meet the fifth of five tests before the lockdown can be lifted.

“Nothing we do should lift the R or reproduction rate - back above one,” he said.

More than 81,000 coronavirus tests were carried out on Wednesday, still short of the government’s target of 100,000

The prime minister said the UK was “past the peak” of the coronavirus outbreak and “on the downward slope”.

by the end of April. Mr Johnson insisted: “We’re massively ramping up testing.”

The reproduction number is a way of rating a disease’s ability to spread and is the average number

of people that one infected person will pass the virus on to.

The BBC’s political editor Laura Kuenssberg asked what level the reproduction rate should be before the government would be

“comfortable easing restrictions”.

The government’s chief medical officer, Prof Chris Whitty, replied: “We are absolutely confident that the wrong answer is anything over one.”

He explained that as soon as the R rises above one you “restart exponential growth” and “sooner or later” the NHS would be at the risk of being overwhelmed.

Mr Johnson said that keeping the reproduction rate down “is going to be absolutely vital to our recovery”.

Our correspondent also asked whether the economy “just has to wait” as the government continues with the lockdown in the UK. The prime minister said it was “vital” to avoid a second peak “because that would really do economic damage”.

He added: “That’s why we’ve got to calibrate our measures so carefully and make sure that we not only unlock the economy gradually, but also find ways of continuing to suppress the disease.”

Mr Johnson said face coverings

will be “useful” as part of the strategy for coming out of lockdown “both for epidemiological reasons but also giving people confidence they can go back to work”.

Speaking at the No 10 briefing for the first time since recovering from the virus, the prime minister said: “I’m not going to minimise the logistical problems we’ve faced in getting the right protective gear to the right people in the right place, both in the NHS and care homes.

“But what I can tell you is that everyone responsible for tackling these problems - whether in government, the NHS, Public Health England or local authorities - we are throwing everything at it, heart and soul, night and day to get it right, and we will get it right.”

Asked about the UK’s response to the pandemic, Mr Johnson said he thought it was “right to make our period of lockdown coincide... with the peak of the epidemic”.

But he added that the government was “learning lessons every day”. (BBC)

Coronavirus: Eurozone economy shrinks at record rate THE eurozone economy shrank at the sharpest pace on record in the first quarter as the Covid-19 pandemic forced countries into lockdown.

A first estimate of GDP between January and March showed a contraction of 3.8%, worse than during the financial crisis.

Separate figures revealed a steep fall in economic activity in France and Spain over the same period.

In Germany, unemployment has increased though it remains relatively low compared with other nations.

On Wednesday, the US revealed that its economy had suffered its most severe contraction for more than a decade, after GDP shrank at an annual rate of 4.8% in the first quarter of the year.

However, this “annualised” rate implies that the US economy actually contracted by about 1.2% in the three-month period, a less severe contraction than in the eurozone.

On Thursday, figures from the US Department of Labor showed that 3.8 million more Americans filed claims for unemployment benefits last week. That is the lowest weekly rise for a month, but still very high, bringing jobs lost during the pandemic to about 30 million.

‘FREE-FALL’ Andrew Kenningham of Capital Economics called the European news a blizzard of depressing economic data that “confirms that the eurozone economy was in free-fall”.

In the case of France, the 5.8% decline in gross domestic product (GDP) was the largest the quarterly series has recorded since it began in 1949.

Two other large economies have published first estimates: Spain saw a contraction of 5.1% while Italy’s economy shrank by 4.7%.

The figure for the eurozone as a whole was more moderate, but is still by any standards severe

A pharmacist in France puts up a sign reading ‘protective facemasks are available’.

especially for a contraction over just three months.

So far most individual European countries have not published national estimates. That applies to the largest of them, Germany.

But new figures for the German labour market are beginning to show the impact of the pandemic, with the number of people out of work rising by 373,000 in April.

However, the full impact is damped by the country’s system of financial help to people put onto shorter working hours, known as

Kurzarbeit.

Claus Vistesen of Pantheon Macroeconomics said the news on the Geman labour market was “bad, but it would have been disastrous without Kurzarbeit”.

GROWTH WARNING European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde said that a sharp downturn in eurozone economic activity in April “suggests that the impact [of the pandemic] is likely to be even more severe in the second quarter.”

She warned that eurozone economic growth could fall between 5% and 12% this year, “depending crucially on the duration of the containment measures and the success of policies to mitigate the economic consequences for businesses and workers”.

Ms Lagarde added that the ECB was fully prepared to increase emergency support measures to ease the burden of the pandemic, to “as much as necessary and for as long as needed”.(BBC)

May 2-8, 2020

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World News

Trump says China wants him to lose re-election US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has said China “will do anything they can” to make him lose his re-election bid, stepping up his criticism of Beijing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In a White House interview with Reuters news agency, he said Beijing faced a “lot” of possible consequences from the US for the outbreak.

He said China should have let the world know about the contagion much sooner.

A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry has denied the allegations.

Geng Shuang said China saw the US election as an internal issue, and said he hoped US politicians would stop using China in their domestic politics.

Mr Trump himself is often accused of not doing enough to tackle the crisis.

The coronavirus has ravaged a formerly humming US economy that had been the president’s main selling point for his re-election campaign in November.

Mr Trump, who has waged a trade war with China, offered no

specifics about how he might act against Beijing.

He told Reuters: “There are many things I can do. We’re looking for what happened.”

Mr Trump added: “China will do anything they can to have me lose this race.”

The Republican president said he believes Beijing wants his likely Democratic challenger Joe Biden to win in November’s election.

Mr Trump also said he is sceptical of data indicating Mr Biden would win.

“I don’t believe the polls,” the president said. “I believe the people of this country are smart.

And I don’t think that they will put a man in who’s incompetent.”

US media reported earlier in the day that Mr Trump had erupted at political advisers last Friday evening about internal polling that showed him losing in critical states.

His aides have doubts about whether Mr Trump will win crucial battlegrounds such as Florida, Wisconsin and Arizona, while

some of his re-election team have all but given up hope of success in Michigan, according to the Associated Press news agency.

“I’m not losing to Joe Biden,” Mr Trump reportedly said, inserting an expletive, during a conference call with campaign officials.

The US president also reportedly snapped at his campaign manager, Brad Parscale, who had called in from Florida.

He cursed at Mr Parscale and at one point mentioned suing him, according to CNN and the Washington Post, though it is unclear how serious was his threat of legal action.

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Trump said he would not be renewing his government social distancing guidelines once they expire on Thursday.

The guidelines - which were originally supposed to last 15 days and were then extended an additional 30 - encouraged Americans to work from home and avoid large gatherings, while advising those with underlying

The US president says he believes Beijing wants his likely Democratic challenger Joe Biden to win in November’s election.

health conditions to self-isolate.

After more than a month being stuck mainly at the White House, Mr Trump said he plans to resume travel, starting with a trip to Arizona next week.

He told reporters he hopes to hold mass campaign rallies in the coming months with thousands of supporters.

The US currently accounts for around a third of all coronavirus cases worldwide. Its death toll

- at more than 60,000 - has in six weeks surpassed the number of Americans killed in the two decades of the Vietnam War. More than 30 million people in the US have filed for unemployment in the past six weeks, since the outbreak hit the country.

Figures released on Wednesday showed the US economy had shrunk by nearly 5% - its sharpest contraction since the Depression.

(BBC)

BA may not reopen at Gatwick once pandemic passes BRITISH Airways has told staff that its Gatwick airport operation may not reopen after the coronavirus pandemic passes.

The admission came in a memo, written by the head of BA’s Gatwick hub and seen by BBC News.

BA’s Gatwick operation, which is currently suspended, is roughly a fifth as big as its Heathrow hub.

In a separate letter to pilots, BA said it cannot rule out suspending the rest of its Heathrow operation.

In the memo to Gatwick’s staff, the company says: “As you know, we suspended our Gatwick flying schedule at the start of April and there is no certainty as to when or if these services can or will return.”

In the letter to pilots, BA notes that some of its rivals abroad are facing tough competition. It adds that a quarter of BA’s 4,300 pilots

are set to lose their jobs.

“We need to ensure that our remaining operation is efficient, flexible and cost-competitive to enable us to survive in an increasingly lean and unpredictable industry,” says the letter from senior management.

HOW WILL AIRLINES GET FLYING AGAIN? On Tuesday, BA said it was set to cut up to 12,000 jobs from its 42,000-strong workforce because of a collapse in business due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

The airline’s parent company, IAG, said it needed to impose a “restructuring and redundancy programme” until demand for air travel returns to 2019 levels.

The pilots’ union Balpa said it was “devastated” and vowed to fight “every single” job cut.

Airlines across the world have grounded aircraft as passenger numbers collapse.

SURVIVAL AT STAKE BA has been flying from Gatwick for decades. Before its merger with BOAC in 1974 to form BA, BEA flew its first routes from the hub in 1950.

Plane-makers and airlines alike have been struggling to cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their businesses.

On Monday, aerospace

giant Airbus announced it was furloughing 3,200 staff at its north Wales site.

Hours earlier, Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury had warned the company was “bleeding cash at an unprecedented speed”.

Mr Faury also told Airbus’ 135,000 staff to brace for potentially deep job cuts and warned that its survival was at stake without immediate action.

Meanwhile, US aircraft manufacturer Boeing announced that it would cut 10% of its workforce after it said the lockdown had delivered a “body blow” to the business.

Other airlines, including BA’s close rival Virgin Atlantic, have been seeking UK government help.

The aviation industry as a whole has also been lobbying the government for assistance.

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May 2-8, 2020

More than 80 percent of hospitalised covid-19 patients in Georgia were African American, study finds AS Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) moves to reopen more businesses, a new study underscores the disproportionate toll the virus has taken on the state’s African American population.

Surveying eight Georgia hospitals, researchers found that ­ in a sample of 305 covid-19 patients, 247 were black — more than 80 percent and more than they expected.

“It is important to continue ongoing efforts to understand the reasons for these racial disparities, including the role of socioeconomic and occupational factors in transmission,” the researchers wrote. “Public officials should consider racial differences among patients affected by COVID-19 when planning prevention activities.”

While limited by time and geography, the results of the study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released Wednesday echo research showing black Americans are more likely to be infected and die of covid-19, the disease the novel coronavirus causes.

Kemp pushed forward in recent

days with a reopening of businesses across the state, a decision made without input from state and local health officials. Many black leaders have criticized that decision, saying their communities will suffer the most if covid-19 cases spike and the virus overwhelms state resources.

“We call upon our local political leaders to continue to work on behalf of all Georgia citizens, and especially its most vulnerable citizens who need and deserve reparative outreach and service,” the state’s NAACP said.

About 40 percent of the 305 patients in the study had diabetes, and a quarter had cardiovascular disease. Previous research by the CDC, which is headquartered in Atlanta, has shown that people who have chronic medical conditions face an increased chance of being hospitalized with covid-19 and put into intensive care. Diabetes is twice as common among black Georgia residents as whites, and black Georgians are more likely than whites to die of heart disease.

But a quarter of the patients included in the study had no

preexisting conditions, and 5 percent of those patients died, a reminder the virus can cause significant illness and death for previously healthy patients.

The median age of patients was 60. Most had private insurance or Medicare; 11 percent were on Medicaid; 15 percent were uninsured. All the Medicaid patients in the study were black, but the black patients were no more likely than others to be uninsured.

Statewide, African Americans are less likely to be insured, according to Benjamin Lopman, a professor of epidemiology at Emory University. They’re also more likely to work in industries with a greater risk of exposure such as transportation, nursing homes and animal slaughter plants, Lopman said.

The black patients studied were not more likely than those of other races to require treatment with ventilators or to die while hospitalised. The researchers did not follow the patients after discharge or after the study ended, when 8 percent remained in the hospital. During the month-long study, 48 patients died.

Surveying eight Georgia h ­ ospitals, researchers found that in a sample of 305 covid-19 patients, 247 were black — more than 80 percent and more than they expected.

State numbers indicate African Americans, about 30 percent of Georgia’s population, make up about 36 percent of confirmed covid-19 patients; race was unknown or missing in 28 percent of reported cases. The state stopped reporting covid-19 deaths by race this week, although a spokeswoman for the state Health Department said the agency hopes to release those numbers again in the next few days. As of last week, African Americans made up more than 50 percent of patients who have died.

Georgia has moved more quickly than any other state in

reopening businesses after a stayat-home order. Bowling alleys, tattoo parlors, gyms and salons were allowed to open last week, followed by movie theaters and restaurants Monday. Vacation rentals can open Friday.

A funeral in February in a small and largely black southwest Georgia community is believed to have sparked an outbreak that took 117 lives in Dougherty County, more than anywhere else in the state.

Seven of the hospitals that participated in the study are in the Atlanta area; one is in southern Georgia.

Captain Tom Moore’s NHS appeal tops £32m on 100th birthday THE appeal by NHS fundraiser Captain Tom Moore topped £32m as he celebrated his 100th birthday.

The war veteran, who raised the money by walking laps of his garden, has also been made an honorary colonel.

The occasion was also marked with an RAF flypast and birthday greetings from the Queen and prime minister.

With celebrations under way, Capt Tom said everyone who donated was “magnificent” as the fund reached £30m on Thursday morning.

Head of the Army, General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, called Capt Tom “an inspirational role model”.

Capt Tom said it was “extraordinary” to be turning 100, especially with “this many wellwishers”.

Capt Tom was spending most of the day self-isolating with his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her family at his home in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.

Benjie Ingram-Moore presented his grandfather with a photo of the thousands of birthday cards he has received.

“Reaching 100 is quite something. Reaching 100 with such interest in me and huge generosity from the public is very overwhelming,” he said.

“People keep saying what I have done is remarkable, however it’s actually what you have done for me which is remarkable.

“Please always remember, tomorrow will be a good day.”

Capt Tom, who was recently treated for a broken hip and skin cancer, initially aimed to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together and said he set about raising the money “for the sake of the nurses and the NHS we have, because

they are doing such a magnificent job”.

His donations page will close at midnight but Capt Tom said people could still give money directly to the charity via their urgent appeal.

The charity’s chief executive Ellie Orton said “what he has achieved will make a lasting difference”.

“We cannot thank him enough for all that he’s achieved and we wish him a very happy birthday, and look forward to continuing to ensure that what he’s done is used to improve the lives of the NHS staff and volunteers that are giving so much to their communities at the moment,” she said.

Among the thousands of birthday greetings was a personalised card from the Queen.

“I am so pleased to know that you are celebrating your one hundredth birthday,” she wrote.

“I was also most interested to hear of your recent fundraising efforts for NHS Charities Together at this difficult time.

“I send my congratulations and best wishes to you on such a special occasion. Elizabeth R.” Prime Minister Boris Johnson recorded a special message in which he said the veteran was “a point of light in all our lives”.

“I know I speak for the whole nation when I say we wish you a very happy 100th birthday,” he said.

“Your heroic efforts have lifted the spirits of the entire nation, you’ve created a channel to enable millions to say a heartfelt thank you to the remarkable men and women in our NHS who have all been doing the most outstanding job.”

Capt Tom said it was “really outstanding” to get a message from Mr Johnson.

Capt Tom was informed of his promotion to honorary colonel in a letter presented by Lt Col Thomas Miller, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, at his home.

May 2-8, 2020

TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS

World News

41

‘Too early’ to start easing lockdown - Sturgeon It is “too early” to start lifting coronavirus lockdown restrictions “in any meaningful way”, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

The next review of strict social distancing rules is due on 7 May. But the Scottish first minister said the margins for making any changes were still “very, very tight”.

Ministers are considering ways of gradually lifting the lockdown, but Ms Sturgeon warned that it “is not going to be a flick of the switch moment”.

She said the key objective was to “get the virus to as low a level as possible” and then keep it there with continued social distancing and a testing and isolation regime.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is due to set out the UK government’s thinking on options for easing restrictions in future, after Ms Sturgeon’s government published a paper on the same topic.

However, at her daily briefing the first minister said she had to deliver a “tough message” that changes will not happen quickly.

She said: “I have to be straight with you that it may very well be too early in any meaningful way to safely lift any of the current restrictions.

“We have worked very hard to

The Scottish and UK governments have both set targets to ramp up testing for the virus.

bring down the transmission rate of the virus and we are definitely seeing results from those efforts.

“But our progress against the virus is too fragile for us to let up.”

Ms Sturgeon said there was evidence that people were beginning to venture out more, warning that “if everyone starts easing off, the virus will quickly take off again”.

She said car travel - while still far lower than pre-lockdown levels - had increased by 5%, and by 10%

in some towns and cities. Uses of concessionary bus travel was up by almost a sixth last week.

The first minister said she understood people wanted to travel more and spend more time outside, but said “all of it adds up”.

She said: “What I’m asking you to do is to think about whether or not it is the case that right now you are a little more active than you were at the start of lockdown, and why that is the case.”

She asked people think about

whether their journeys were essential and added: “If we allow this virus to run out of control again, I’m going to be standing here for a lot longer giving you even more grim statistics.”

Ms Sturgeon has pledged that next week she will update her government’s paper with more detailed options on how to begin easing restrictions.

She has said the country could return to something like the previous “containment” phase

of dealing with the virus, which would involve a “test, trace, isolate” system of tracking down people who have come into contact with infectious patients and have them go into isolation.

She told ITV’s Peston programme: “It stands to reason you have to protect your NHS from being overwhelmed, which is why we’ve said all along protecting the NHS is an objective, but its not a sufficient objective in and of itself.

“The key objective in my view is to get the virus to as low a level as possible, and then through, unfortunately, a period of continued social distancing. And in the next phase test, trace, isolate to keep it as low as possible so we are minimising the harm it does to people and minimising the number of people who die from it.”

Ms Sturgeon said the whole focus should not be on protecting the capacity of the health services, as NHS Scotland currently only has 114 of its 600 intensive care beds filled.

She said: “If your only objective was not overwhelming the NHS I could say to you, well we could afford to have the numbers of people in intensive care quadrupling, and we still wouldn’t be overwhelming the NHS.”

Germans face fines of up to $5,000 as wearing a face mask becomes mandatory PUBLIC life changed considerably for most Germans on Monday as the wearing of masks became mandatory in many public spaces across the country.

In an interior design store on the main shopping street of Potsdam, just outside of Berlin, all the customers were sticking to the new regulations.

Store manager Carolin Hucke said the masks made both her and her patrons feel calmer. “I can tell that people are more at ease,” Hucke said while wiping shopping baskets with disinfectant, and adding, “they keep their distance and are more sensitive to the situation, but they are also less stressed and just watch out for each other.”

From last week, Germany loosened many of the restrictions on public life that were designed to halt the spread of coronavirus.

Shops no larger than 800 square meters (8,600 sq. ft.) were allowed to reopen. So were car dealers and bicycle stores, regardless of their size.

But there is a patchwork of rules and penalties across Germany on the use of masks. Fines for not ensuring that face coverings are worn range from €15 ($16) to €5,000, with rates differing across the country’s 16 federal states.

Some states are not imposing any fines.

When Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government announced the relaxing of the regulations, it only recommended wearing face coverings when going back into public spaces. ‘’It is recommended that masks be used in public transport and while shopping,’’ Merkel said on April 15.

As the restrictions were lifted, scores of people flocked into

A man walks down an empty street in Berlin.

pedestrian zones in cities and towns around the country, eager for a slice of normalcy after weeks of near lockdown. And some states got creative in interpreting the rules, allowing even larger shopping centers to open as long as the single stores inside didn’t exceed 800 square meters, or allowing larger stores to open the maximum permitted area while cordoning the rest off.

This led Merkel to warn that

Germany risked squandering the gains it had made in beating back Covid-19. She said she fully supported the measures to loosen restrictions, “but their implementation worries me.

Partially, they appear to be very bold, maybe too bold.”

Germany has a decentralized system, and the federal government cannot force states into lockdowns or make masks compulsory. But the states all separately made laws

making masks a requirement, even though the details vary. In most states, people are required to cover their mouths and noses while taking public transport or when going into stores.

The type of masks themselves is not specified either. They can vary from surgical masks to even a scarf covering the mouth and nose. Germans call these “Alltagsmasken” or “everyday masks.”

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Science & Technology

Remdesivir: Drug has ‘clear cut’ power to fight coronavirus THERE is “clear-cut” evidence that a drug can help people recover from the coronavirus, say US officials.

Remdesivir cut the duration of symptoms from 15 days down to 11 in clinical trial at hospitals around the world.

The full details have not been published, but experts said it would be a “fantastic result” if confirmed, but not a “magic bullet” for the disease.

A drug would have the potential to save lives, ease pressure on hospitals and allow parts of lockdown to be lifted.

Remdesivir was originally developed as an Ebola treatment.

It is an antiviral and works by attacking an enzyme that a virus needs in order to replicate inside our cells.

The trial was run by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and 1,063 people took part. Some patients were given the drug while others received a placebo (dummy) treatment.

Dr Anthony Fauci who runs the NIAID said: “The data shows remdesivir has a clearcut, significant, positive effect in diminishing the time to recovery.”

He said the results prove “a drug can block this virus” and were “opening the door to the fact that we now have the capability of treating” patients.

The impact on deaths is not as clear cut. The mortality rate was 8% in people given remdesivir and 11.6% in those given a placebo, but this result was not statistically significant, meaning scientists cannot tell if the difference is real.

It is also not clear who is benefiting. Is it allowing people who would have recovered anyway to do so more quickly? Or is it preventing people from needing treatment in intensive care? Did the drug work better in younger or older people? Or those with or without other diseases?

Do patients have to be treated early when the virus is thought to peak in the body?

These will be important questions when the full details are eventually published, as a drug could have the twin benefit of saving lives and helping to lift lockdown.

Prof Mahesh Parmar, the director of the MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, who has overseen the trial in the EU, said: “Before this drug can be made more widely available, a number of things need

Remdesivir cut the duration of symptoms from 15 days down to 11 in clinical trial at hospitals around the world.

to happen: the data and results need to be reviewed by the regulators to assess whether the drug can be licensed and then they need assessment by the relevant health authorities in various countries.

“While this is happening we will obtain more and longer term data from this trial, and other ones, on whether the drug also prevents deaths from Covid-19.”

If a medicine can stop people needing intensive care then the risk of hospitals being overwhelmed is smaller, and there is less need for social distancing.

Prof Peter Horby, from the University of Oxford, is running the world’s largest trial of Covid-19

drugs. He said: “We need to see the full results, but if confirmed this would be a fantastic result and great news for the fight against Covid-19.

“The next steps are to get the full data out and work on equitable access to remdesivir.”

The US data on remdesivir has come out at the same time as a trial of the same drug in China, reported in the Lancet medical journal, showed it was ineffective.

However, that trial was incomplete because the success of lockdown in Wuhan meant doctors ran out of patients.

“These data are promising, and given that we have no proven

treatments yet for Covid, it may well lead to fast-track approval of remdesivir for treatment of Covid,” said Prof Babak Javid, a consultant in infectious diseases at Cambridge University Hospitals.

“However, it also shows that remdesivir is not a magic bullet in this context: the overall benefit in survival was 30%.”

Other drugs being investigated for Covid-19 include those for malaria and HIV which can attack the virus as well as compounds that can calm the immune system.

It is though the anti-virals may be more effective in the early stages, and the immune drugs later in the disease. (BBC)

CDC adds to its list of coronavirus symptoms THE Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added six new symptoms to its list of signs that a person may have coronavirus.

Prior to the update, the CDC said that fever, cough and shortness of breath were the primary indicators that someone may have the virus. This week, it updated the list to include chills, headache, sore throat, repeated shaking and chills, muscle pain, and new loss of smell.

The CDC noted that the list of symptoms isn’t “all inclusive” and to consult with your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning. It also noted that symptoms for the virus usually appear within two to 14 days after exposure.

The CDC made the updates after the Council of State and

Territorial Epidemiologists issued a recommendation that the virus be considered a nationally notifiable condition, and gave guidelines on how cases should be defined and identified.

The CDC’s symptoms list differs slightly from the World Health Organization’s, which states that, along with fever, dry cough, and fatigue, patients may also experience “aches and pains, nasal congestion, sore throat or diarrhea.” Both agencies recommend that people seek medical attention if they have trouble breathing or persistent chest pain or pressure,.The CDC also said medical attention should be sought if patients experience “new confusion or inability to arouse” and “bluish lips or face.”

(Nowthisnews.com)

THE updated list includes chills, headache, sore throat, repeated shaking and chills, muscle pain, and new loss of smell.

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Science & Technology Dr. Oz recommends socially distancing pets as COVID-19 is found in cats and dogs DR. MEHMET Oz on Wednesday backed up the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation that people start socially distancing their pets to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“There have been pets both in this country and overseas, cats primarily, they do seem to actually get symptoms,” the host of “The Dr. Oz Show” told “Fox & Friends.”

Oz mentioned the eight big cats that tested positive for coronavirus at New York City’s Bronx Zoo. “As was demonstrated at the Bronx Zoo, we had a big cat who got sick. Dogs can also have the virus. We know that from a case

now in North Carolina,” Oz said.

Until we know more about how the coronavirus impacts animals, social distancing guidelines are now being recommended by the CDC for family pets in the U.S. Those guidelines include having pet owners take precautions to treat their companions like “family members” during the pandemic, and not let them interact with people or other animals outside the household.

The agency recommends walking dogs on a leash at least six feet from other people or animals and keeping cats indoors when possible to prevent them from interacting with other people.

If one is sick with COVID-19 or

is suspected to have the virus, the CDC says to limit contact with pets and other animals, “just like you would around other people.”

The new guidelines come after the agency announced two cats in the U.S. had become infected with the virus last week, although officials told the news organization there is no need to send your pet away if you become sick.

“Avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food or bedding,” the CDC said.

Oz said that he has been keeping his own pets away from other people’s pets as a precaution.

“So, the CDC is saying don’t be afraid of your pets. Socially

Until we know more about how the coronavirus impacts animals, social distancing guidelines are now being recommended by the CDC for family pets.

distance them. Don’t get close to them if you get sick, but, most importantly, don’t let other people

who may be sick or other pets who may be ill get close to your pets.”

(Foxnews)

NASA will shoot lasers at the moon to help find water NO stranger to shooting lasers at the moon, NASA will once again send a laser to Earth’s celestial satellite to look for water on the surface that may be hidden.

The government space agency said it is working on developing a small satellite (CubeSat) known as a Lunar Flashlight to look for surface ice that may be at the bottom of craters on the moon that never see sunlight.

“Although we have a pretty good idea there’s ice inside the coldest and darkest craters on the Moon, previous measurements have been a little bit ambiguous,” said Barbara Cohen, principal investigator of the mission at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, in a statement.

“Scientifically, that’s fine, but if we’re planning on sending astronauts there to dig up the ice and drink it, we have to be sure it exists.”

The Flashlight, which is being managed by NASA JPL, will look to become not only the first mission to look for water using lasers, but also use a new “green” fuel, one that is safer to transport and store.

“A technology demonstration mission like Lunar Flashlight, which is lower cost and fills a specific gap in our knowledge, can help us better prepare for an extended NASA presence

The Flashlight, which is being managed by NASA JPL, will look to become not only the first mission to look for water using lasers, but also use a new “green” fuel, one that is safer to transport and store.

on the Moon as well as test key technologies that may be used in future missions,” John Baker, Lunar Flashlight project manager at JPL, added.

Researchers have known for some time about the existence of that water on the moon, having first discovered water vapor as early as 1971. In 2009, the first evidence

of frozen water on the surface was discovered.

In recent years, experts have learned more about water ice on the moon, including details about

its age, discovery at the polar regions, as well as the fact it may exist all over.

The mission, proposed in a research paper, will last two months and see the satellite hover over the South Pole of the moon to look for surface ice in the craters that are largely hidden from view.

“We will also be able to compare the Lunar Flashlight data with the great data that we already have from other Moon-orbiting missions to see if there are correlations in signatures of water ice, thereby giving us a global view of surface ice distribution,” Cohen explained.

“The Sun moves around the crater horizon but never actually shines into the crater,” Cohen said.

“Because these craters are so cold, these molecules never receive enough energy to escape, so they become trapped and accumulate over billions of years.”

The proposed mission comes in advance of NASA’s Artemis program, which is intended to land American astronauts on the moon by 2024, as well as establish a sustainable human presence on Earth’s natural satellite.

The successor to the Apollo program, the timing of Artemis could be delayed due to the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

(Fox.com)

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Science & Technology

Why the largestever Arctic ozone hole just closed AN OZONE hole over the Arctic that was the largest ever recorded there has closed, according to the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS).

And its beginning and end have nothing to do with climate change, global warming or a reduction in air pollution because of the coronavirus pandemic.

It has to do simply with the weather.

CAMS monitored the rather unusual ozone hole that formed over the Arctic this spring and was reported closed April 23. Ozone holes are more common over the Antarctic every year, according to CAMS, but “the conditions needed for such strong ozone depletion are not normally found in the Northern Hemisphere.”

The Arctic stratosphere is usually less isolated than its Antarctic counterpart because the presence of nearby land masses and mountain ranges disturbs the weather

patterns more than in the Southern Hemisphere, CAMS reports.

This year, however, a particularly strong polar vortex led to the Arctic ozone hole in which most of the ozone typically found around 11 miles into the stratosphere was depleted, according to CNN. The last time such a strong depletion was observed in the Arctic was almost a decade ago.

So, why did it occur this year?

“The behaviour of the ozone and the stratospheric polar vortex during the winter into spring is supported by a couple of research papers,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bob Smerbeck. “They state that the coldest and strongest polar vortex in the stratosphere and the lowest concentration of ozone over the Arctic are more likely to occur when you have a combination of a solar minimum, which we are in now, and a westerly QBO [quasibiennial oscillation, meaning lower stratospheric westerly winds over

The total column ozone field (in Dobson Units) from CAMS on 29 March 2020 showing values below 250 DU over large parts of the Arctic. (Source: Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, ECMWF)

the equator], which we had from last summer through most of this winter.

“These are all naturally occurring processes,” Smerbeck said.

A polar vortex that remained above the polar region without weakening and a strong positive phase of the Arctic Oscillation

(AO) were among a combination of factors that led the contiguous U.S. to experience higher-than-normal temperatures from December 2019 through February 2020.

“When you have a strong polar vortex that remains in the polar region, it tends to keep frigid air

pent up so that it is difficult for long-lasting outbreaks of frigid conditions to reach the middle latitudes, including portions of the Midwest and Northeast,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok.

(AccuWeather)

Coronavirus: Fears for future of endangered chimps in Nigeria AN AWARD-WINNING conservationist says she fears for the future of some of the world’s most endangered chimps.

Devastated by hunting and deforestation, they now face a threat from coronavirus, says Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh, project director of The South-West/Niger Delta Forest Project.

The pandemic is bringing to the fore issues such as wildlife trade and consumption, she says.

And it’s time for conservationists to speak up and advocate change.

“There should be changes, there should be regulations, and there should be policies that would bring an end to wildlife trade, and especially the bushmeat markets,” she told BBC News.

With forests lost to farming and logging, chimpanzee habitat has been fast disappearing across Africa. And poaching is also a grave threat, with chimps hunted for their body parts or taken alive and sold as pets.

The forests of southwestern

Nigeria harbour populations of the most endangered of all chimp groups, the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee sub-species (Pan troglodytes ellioti).

About 100 chimpanzees live in two forested areas, making up an “extremely precious and extremely endangered” distinct population, says Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh, who has won a “Green Oscar” from the Whitley Fund for Nature for her work.

She will use the money to work with the government to establish conservation areas and to advocate for tougher laws to protect wildlife. Many wildlife preservation laws in the region were created decades ago and are now in need of reform.

A reserve in the Ise Forest has recently been approved by Nigeria’s Ekiti state government, following years of campaigning.

Despite this “good news”, she fears for the chimps’ future if coronavirus strikes.

“The fears for the chimps are great because chimpanzees share

The Nigeria-Cameroon chimp lives in forests along the border.

about 98% of human genetics,” she says. “They are very vulnerable to contracting or being infected by any disease that humans have.”

It’s not known if great apes can contract the virus, but precautionary measures are being taken.

Gorilla tourism in Africa has been suspended, while sanctuaries for other apes, such as orangutans, have closed to the public. (BBC)

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Science & Technology

Dancing gargantuan black holes perform on cue ASTRONOMERS have been able to test key consequences of Einstein’s theories by studying the way a couple of black holes move around each other.

One of these objects is a true colossus - a hole weighing 18 billion times the mass of our Sun; the other not quite so big at “only” 150 million Sun masses.

Scientists managed to predict their interactions very precisely.

They did so by including their warping effects on space-time and by assuming the larger hole had a smooth “surface”.

The black hole pairing, known as OJ 287, exists about 3.5 billion light-years from Earth.

Scientists have long recognised a sudden brightening from this system that occurs twice every 12 years. The outburst of energy is equivalent to a trillion suns turning on at once in the holes’ host galaxy.

The best explanation for this extraordinary behaviour is that the smaller object is routinely crashing through a disc of gas and dust that’s accreting on to its larger companion, heating the inspiraling material to extremely high temperatures in the process.

But this flaring is somewhat irregular.

Sometimes the brightening episodes in the 12-year period occur as little as one year apart; other times, as much as 10 years apart.

It speaks to the complexity of the path the small hole takes around its partner - a complexity the research team has now built into a highly sophisticated model.

“The orbit of the smaller black hole precesses. That’s why the times of the impacts vary,” explained Prof Mauri Valtonen from the University of Turku, Finland. “Already back in 1996, we had a model that predicted more or less what would happen.

But we’ve just got more and more accurate,” he told BBC News.

One of the updated model’s important parameters is the energy radiating away from the system in the form of gravitational waves.

These ripples in the fabric of spacetime - a consequence of Einstein’s theory of general relativity are generated by accelerating bodies, and in the super-massive circumstances of OJ 287 they have a significant influence on the way the system operates.

The big test of the latest model came on 31 July last year when the appearance of the most recent flaring was identified to within 2.5 hours of what the equations had anticipated.

The event was captured by the US space agency Nasa’s Spitzer infrared telescope, a fortunate observation, as it turned out, because OJ 287 was on the far side of the Sun to the Earth at the time and therefore out of sight to ground-based facilities.

Spitzer’s separation from Earth (160 million km), on the other hand, put it in prime position.

“When I first checked the visibility of OJ 287, I was shocked to find that it became visible to Spitzer right on the day when the next flare was predicted to occur,”

The black hole pairing, known as OJ 287, exists about 3.5 billion light-years from Earth.

said Dr Seppo Laine, a Caltech, US, staff scientist who oversaw the Spitzer viewing.

“It was extremely fortunate that we would be able to capture the peak of this flare with Spitzer, because no other human-made instruments were capable of achieving this feat at that specific point in time.”

Another refinement in the model involved folding in details about the larger black hole’s physical characteristics. Specifically, its rotation.

Scientists, including the late Stephen Hawking, developed

what became known as the “nohair” theorem of black holes. This essentially states that the surface, or “event horizon”, of a black hole along its rotation axis is symmetrical - there are no lumps and bumps.

The observation of OJ 287 is said to be the best test yet of this no-hair idea. If there were serious irregularities, the predicted timing would not have worked out so well.

Prof Achamveedu Gopakumar, from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, India, worked on gravitational-wave additions to the model along with graduate student Lankeswar Dey.

The professor spoke of his “elation” on seeing the Spitzer data come through. He is now looking forward to OJ 287 being imaged by the Event Horizon Telescope which produced the first ever picture of a black hole last year.

“The EHT observed the source both in 2017 and 2018. The other campaigns are suspended (because of coronavirus) and we hope to get time during the 2021 campaign,” he told BBC News.

Details of the Spitzer observations are published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

(BBC)

‘Crazy beast’ lived among last of dinosaurs A CAT-SIZED mammal dubbed “crazy beast” lived on Madagascar among some of the last dinosaurs to walk the Earth, scientists have revealed.

The 66-million-year-old fossil is described in the journal Nature.

Its discovery challenges previous assumptions that mammals would have had to be very small - the size of mice - to survive alongside dinosaurs.

Researchers say this individual animal weighed 3kg (6.6lbs) and had not reached its full adult size.

Scientists think that the badger-like creature, known as Adalatherium, would have burrowed - helping it to evade predatory dinosaurs. This could

Researchers believe this animal, roughly the size of a domestic cat, lived alongside the last dinosaurs.

explain how it evolved to such a size.

Before mammals took over the Earth, they probably had to run and hide from the much larger dinosaurs that ruled our planet - not to mention crocodiles and constrictor snakes.

Scientists hope the find will help them understand how mammals developed into the diverse array of species that we see today.

The name “Adalatherium” is translated from the Malagasy and Greek languages and means “crazy beast”.

Its discovery “bends and even breaks lots of rules”, said David Krause of Denver Museum of Nature and Science, who led the research. (BBC)

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May 2-8, 2020

Ligue 1: Paris StGermain awarded French title as season finished early PARIS St-Germain have been awarded the Ligue 1 title after it was announced the season would not resume because of the coronavirus pandemic.

PSG were 12 points clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand, when French football was suspended indefinitely on 13 March.

Earlier this week the French government cancelled the 2019-20 sporting season.

The club said they wished to dedicate the title “to healthcare staff and all the everyday heroes on the front line”.

PSG chairman and CEO Nasser Al-Khelaifi added that French essential workers’ “commitment and self-sacrifice over many weeks have earned our deepest admiration”.

He continued: “We understand,

respect and support the decisions taken by the French Government to end the championship. Health, as the government has always said, must be everyone’s priority.

“In these difficult times, I hope that this trophy will bring a little happiness and hope to all our supporters, and I am grateful to them for their unwavering support which helps drive Paris St-Germain forward.”

Before the government’s intervention, French football’s governing body had been hoping to resume the season on 17 June.

PSG have been awarded the title on a points-per-game basis, while Lorient have been crowned Ligue 2 champions on the same principle.

They were just one point above Lens when the season was suspended and both teams will be

PSG have now won three consecutive Ligue 1 titles.

promoted.

Amiens and Toulouse will be relegated from Ligue 1.

Lyon - who were fifth a week before the last match day, but finished seventh - said they might appeal against the verdict.

Now set to miss out on a place in Europe next season, Lyon say they also “reserve the right to claim damages”, which the club say

amount to “several tens of millions of euros”.

“There might be appeals but our decisions are solid,” said Didier Quillot, the chief executive of the French League (LFP).

Quillot added the LFP had until 25 May to tell Uefa which clubs will be qualified for European competitions.

That is the same day by which

European leagues have to tell European football’s governing body whether they want to complete or cancel their seasons.

The Dutch top flight was abandoned on Friday with no promotion or relegation and no champions, while on Monday Belgian clubs postponed a vote on confirming the cancellation of their top flight until next week. (BBC)

Gayle lashes out at Sarwan, past players and Jamaica Tallawahs management WEST Indies legend Chris Gayle pulled no punches as he tore into former teammate Ramnaresh Sarwan in a three-part video on YouTube on Monday, blaming him for his fallout with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) outfit Jamaica Tallawahs.

In a scathing attack on Sarwan, Gayle accused the Tallawahs’ 39-year-old assistant coach of being vindictive and also charged that management of the franchise was “playing games” with him before his departure.

“What transpired with the Tallahwahs, you had a big part to play in this,” the big hitter charged in part two of the ‘Breakdown of Release From Jamaica Tallawahs’ videos as he directed his comments to Sarwan. “You want the franchise, have it. There’s no Gayle. You run the show.”

Last week, St. Lucia Zouks announced the big hitter as a marquee player for the CPL – the start of which is still in the air because of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – on the heels of him being released by the Tallawahs before the end of his three-year contract.

Gayle, 40, played his first four

Chris Gayle (left) has accused former West Indies teammate Ramnaresh Sarwan of undermining him in the Jamaica Tallawahs.

seasons of the T20 tournament with Tallawahs, which he led to the title in 2013 and 2016, before turning out for St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the 2017 and 2018 seasons. He returned to his home franchise in 2019 when the team finished bottom of the table.

Speaking publicly for the first time about parting ways with the Tallawahs, the leading run-scorer

in T20I history said: “When I came back to the Tallawahs, Sarwan was assistant coach. Myself and Sarwan had a discussion; he wanted to be the head coach…. So, I’m talking to Sarwan and he was saying he is going to be the head coach and Donovan Miller gonna be the assistant coach. But I’m not going to beat around the bush or go behind him back…. I told Sarawn

directly ‘you have no experience being a head coach, it’s not an easy job’. He said ‘ok, whatever you want, you’re the captain, no problem, we’ll leave it at that’.”

Gayle claimed that Sarwan was upset by his assessment and the fact Miller was selected head coach, and held that against him.

“Sarwan, you were the one, my last birthday party here in

Jamaica, on the platform giving a big speech about how far we have come. Sarwan, you are a snake…

You are so vindictive, you are still immature.… When are you going to change, Sarwan? When are you planning to change?” he charged.

The Jamaican also indicated that he had issues with the Guyanese cricketer from as far back as 1996, when they were youth cricketers.

“We shared the same room in the West Indian Under-19s. You allowed the management staff to send me home from Barbados. I will never forget that, you know.

I forgive but I’ll never forget that,” he said. “You told the management team…that you can’t sleep [because] Chris Gayle was watching TV too late in the night.

That’s what I got sent home for.”

In his rant, Gayle also claimed that people were jealous of him and his success.

“Out of that era – 1996 – I’m the only one active, playing.

Everyone else retired. I’m the last man standing within that era…and I’m still going strong. So it kind of hurt them to see Chris Gayle still playing and still being successful.

I’m talking about past and present players,” he said.

May 2-8, 2020

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Juventus striker Paulo Dybala still COVID-19 positive after six weeks JUVENTUS striker Paulo Dybala is still positive for the coronavirus six weeks after initially contracting it, a source close to the player has told CNN. The Argentine striker was one of the first Juventus players to contract Covid-19, along with Italian defender Daniele Rugani and French midfielder Blaise Matuidi, but has made a recovery.

“He is doing well now, he has no symptoms and is even training.

Now he is waiting for the results of the latest two swabs,” the source said.

“Dybala has to respect the healthcare system and the time it takes. He is a soccer player and doesn’t get preferential treatment.”

Dybala has had four tests overall. The first two tests came back positive but is now currently awaiting the results of the third and fourth tests.

It is unclear when each of Dybala’s tests took place.

A Juventus spokesperson told CNN: “Dybala is still positive and when he tests negative it will be communicated.”

ANTIBODY RESPONSE Dybala first announced on Instagram on Saturday March 21

who is the technical lead for the coronavirus response with the WHO. “Saying that there’s no evidence in this area, doesn’t mean that there’s no immunity, it just means these studies haven’t been done yet,” Van Kerkhove added.

Paulo Dybala is awaiting the results of his third and fourth tests.

that he and his girlfriend Oriana Sabatini had tested positive after his first test.

On March 27, the 26-year-old spoke to Juventus’ official YouTube account about his experience of contracting the disease: “I developed strong symptoms, but today I already feel much better.

“Now I can move better, walking and trying to train. I could hardly breathe, I couldn’t do anything after five minutes. My muscles ached. Fortunately, Oriana and I are better now.”

The club announced earlier

this month that both Rugani and Matuidi had made full recoveries after their swab tests came back with negative results.

Earlier this week the World Health Organization said there is “no evidence yet” that people who have tested positive for Covid-19 are immune from a second infection.

“Right now, there are no studies that evaluate the antibody response as it relates to immunity, so we can’t say that an antibody response means that someone is immune,” said Dr. Maria van Kerkhove,

SLOWLY ON ITS WAY BACK Italy has been particularly badly affected by the coronavirus. There have been 201,505 confirmed cases and 27,359 deaths in Italy so far, according to John Hopkins University statistics.

Italy’s Serie A league was postponed following the pandemic’s outbreak, but teams can return to training next month after Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced the loosening of lockdown restrictions across the country in the coming weeks.

New measures will come into effect on May 4, such as the relaxing of travel restrictions, increased access to parks and gardens and the ability to hold funerals with up to 15 attendees.

The manufacturing and construction sectors will reopen entirely, while bars and restaurants will be allowed to offer takeaway

services.

Conte also announced that on May 18, further restrictions -such as sports teams returning to training and museums and libraries reopening -- would also be lifted.

However, Italy’s Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora said he saw an “increasingly narrow path for the resumption of the Serie A.” “If I were one of the presidents (of the clubs) I would focus on the next season,” Spadafora told private TV broadcaster La7.

While France canceled its 2019/2020 football season on Tuesday, England’s Premier League and Germany’s Bundesliga are exploring ways of trying to finish the current campaign, though Dybala’s case potential raises further questions for major European leagues to consider.

FIFA’s chief doctor said this week he remained skeptical about leagues restarting the 2019-20 season.

“My proposal is if it is possible, avoid playing competitive football in the coming weeks,” the chair of FIFA’s medical committee Michel d’Hooghe told BBC Sport. “Try to be prepared for the start of good competition next season.” (CNN)

Michael Jordan is only fourth-best player I faced: Isiah Thomas ISIAH Thomas disagrees with most of the world. He doesn’t believe Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. Thomas doesn’t even think the Bulls legend is the best he’s ever played against.

After “The Last Dance” documentary reignited the decades-old feud between the former superstars — during which Jordan called Thomas an a–hole — Thomas was asked by CBS Sports to rank the best players he ever faced. Jordan barely cracked the starting five.

The former Pistons point guard placed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar first, followed by Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Jordan and Julius Erving.

Thomas, whose Pistons won back-to-back titles (1989-90) and

knocked Jordan out of the playoffs for three straight years before the Bulls overcame Detroit in 1991, believes more people would have a similar assessment of Jordan’s legacy if his prime aligned with the Johnson-led Lakers, Bird-led Celtics and Erving-led 76ers.

“When you put Jordan and his basketball team in the ’80s, they weren’t a very successful team,” Thomas told CBS Sports. “They just weren’t. When you talk about Jordan and his team dominating, they dominated the ’90s. But when you put him with those Lakers teams and those Pistons teams and those Celtics teams, they all beat him. They just did. … What separated Jordan from all of us was he was the first one to three-peat.

But he didn’t three-peat against

Michael Jordan (left) and Isiah Thomas have been rivals for many decades.

Magic, Larry and Dr. J.” Thomas, of course, leaves out that future Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and future All-Star Horace Grant were only rookies when the Bulls and Pistons met for the first time in the 1988 playoffs. But, of

Jordan’s six title runs, only his first (1991) included wins over teams that had previously won championships, sweeping the Thomas-led Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals and then defeating the Lakers in the NBA Finals.

Johnson retired that fall after contracting HIV. Bird left the league with a bad back one year later.

Thomas stepped away after tearing his Achilles in 1994, achieving everything he ever wanted except an Olympic gold medal.

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Sergio Aguero: Players ‘scared’ about Premier League return PLAYERS are “scared” about the prospect of returning to action amid the coronavirus pandemic, says Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.

The Premier League is hoping to resume the season on 8 June, which would require players to be be back in full training by 18 May. Top-flight clubs will meet on Friday to discuss options for the restart.

“The majority of players are scared because they have children and families,” said 31-year-old Aguero.

Speaking to Argentine TV station El Chiringuito, the Argentina international Aguero added: “I’m scared but I’m with my girlfriend here and I’m not going to be in contact with other people. I’m locked in my house and the only person I could infect is my girlfriend.

“They’re saying that there are people that have it and don’t have any symptoms but still infect you.

That’s why I am here at home.

Maybe I have the illness and I

don’t even know.”

The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March because of coronavirus but all clubs remain committed to playing this season’s 92 remaining fixtures.

All games are expected to be held behind closed doors and the league is considering making some available on free-to-air TV. Aguero said he and his teammates, will be “quite nervous and extra careful” when they return to work.

“When one person is ill we will think ‘oh what’s happening here?’” he added. “I hope a vaccine will be found soon so that this all ends.”

If training is resumed before social distancing rules are relaxed, BBC Sport understands players will be tested for coronavirus twice a week and would be screened for symptoms every day.

All tests would be carried out by health professionals at a drivethrough NHS testing facility that each club would have access to.

Training grounds will be

Aguero last played in the Premier League in the Manchester derby on 8 March.

optimised for social distancing and high hygiene levels. In addition: Players must arrive at training grounds in kit and wear masks at all times.

They must not shower or eat on the premises. If clubs want to provide players with food, it must be delivered as a takeaway to players’ cars.

Only essential medical treatment would be allowed, with all medical staff in full PPE. All meetings and reviews must

take place virtually and off-site.

‘FARCICAL’ FACE MASK PROPOSALS Brighton striker Glenn Murray says some proposed protocols around the Premier League’s return to action, such as wearing face masks, are “farcical”.

“Face masks is going to be offputting; it is not going to be natural.

People will be ripping them off in games,” the 36-year-old said. “It is quite farcical.

“I understand why people are desperate to get football on. It has to be done in a sensible way and in the right time and in a way that is going to keep everyone safe.

“There will be ambulances at training and games. Is it fair to take those from the NHS? I don’t know.

“It is not just two squads, there is a lot more involved and it puts more people at risk.”

Arsenal, Brighton and West Ham have opened their training grounds to players for individual work.

USA Gymnastics suspends coach for repeated emotional abuse of young gymnasts FORMER U.S. Olympic and national team coach Maggie Haney received an eight-year suspension form USA Gymnastics on Wednesday for verbal emotional abuse against her gymnasts, according to The Orange County Register’s Scott Reid.

The decision was reportedly preceded by two months of hearings in which Laurie Hernandez, a member of the gold medalwinning 2016 U.S. team, testified against her longtime coach. World champion artistic gymnast Riley McCusker also reportedly wrote a letter critical of Haney.

Haney, once one of the country’s most prominent gymnastics coaches, was found by a USA Gymnastics hearing panel to have failed to “to provide a safe, positive and healthy environment with a culture of trust and empowerment.”

She was also found to have “engaged in severe aggressive behavior toward a minor that included teasing and ridiculing that was intended to control and diminish another person.”

Under the penalty, Haney will

Maggie Haney, who has been suspended for eight years, reportedly instructed gymnasts to remove casts so they could keep training.

reportedly be unable to coach with USA Gymnastics for eight years, will be banned from all USA Gymnastics events and will not be allowed to contact any of her accusers. If reinstated after eight years, she will

be placed on two years probation.

It’s not surprising USA Gymnastics would come down hard on a coach over abuse allegations given the aftermath of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse

scandal that shook the organization to its core. Haney is reportedly expected to appeal the decision.

The decision comes almost four years after Hernandez filed her first abuse complaints against Haney to

a USA Gymnastics official in 2016.

During the hearing, at least a dozen gymnasts said they were verbally or emotionally abused by Haney at her MG Elite Gymnastics gym in New Jersey. She reportedly told injured gymnasts to remove boot casts and other medical devices to continue training, and gymnasts as young as 10 were screamed at for making a mistake in practice.

Parents reportedly said they witnessed Haney fat-shame girls and kick others out of practice at time for disappointing her. The treatment led to claims of anxiety attacks, to the point that one gymnast was so nervous about an uneven bars routine that she began reportedly shaking uncontrollably.

Haney reportedly responded with a joke about Tourette’s Syndrome.

Haney reportedly received support from several NCAA gymnasts and former U.S. national team coaches who called her coaching style abrasive, but not abusive. Some did reportedly concede in private that her methods were no longer acceptable though. (Yahoo)

May 2-8, 2020

Sports Interational

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Kiki Bertens and Andy Murray surged to the championship honours.

Virtual Madrid Open: Andy Murray & Kiki Bertens clinch titles ANDY Murray won the Madrid Open for a third time on Thursday without even leaving the comfort of his sofa.

With tennis suspended until at least mid-July, the Scot emerged triumphant in a contest of 16 leading ATP players who had all swapped their racquets for PlayStation 4 controllers.

David Goffin was Murray’s victim in the final, with the world number 121 edging out the Belgian 7-6 (5) on the Tennis World Tour video game.

Murray, who reached the final by walkover after Diego Schwartzmann had a “connection issue”, twice served to stay in the contest and trailed 5-4 in the tie-break before winning the last three points.

The Scot, who has not played since November because of complications arising from his hip operation, had previously won in Madrid on a hard court in 2008, then on clay five years ago.

He claimed the biggest share of a 150,000 euros (£131,210) prize pot, part of which will be donated to lower-ranked players whose incomes have dried up during the coronavirus pandemic.

Murray chose to donate half of his winnings to the NHS. Kiki Bertens, who should have been defending her WTA title in Madrid next week, claimed the women’s title.

The Dutch world number seven beat Fiona Ferro of France after overcoming Caroline Wozniacki in the semi-finals. (BBC)

Christian Pulisic and Emerson are two of Chelsea’s foreign-based players who have been asked to return to England.

Chelsea ask foreign players to return to England by Sunday CHELSEA have asked foreignbased players to return to England

by Sunday.

Several players, including Brazilian midfielder Willian, were allowed to travel home after coronavirus led to the league’s suspension on 13 March.

But now the Premier League is exploring whether it can resume the season in June, Chelsea want to be prepared should the green light be given.

Premier League clubs are set to discuss next steps during a video conference call on Friday.

It is understood Chelsea will give players some flexibility if they cannot make it back to the UK

by Sunday as travel arrangements may prove difficult.

Brazilian-born full-back Emerson and American midfielder Christian Pulisic are also believed to have returned to their native countries.

Upon their return players will

comply with any government advice regarding quarantine.

The government is set to introduce a 14-day quarantine period for those arriving from outside the UK from as early as Friday.

Several clubs, including Arsenal, West Ham and Brighton, have allowed their players to train individually at their respective training grounds, but Chelsea are yet to open up their Cobham facility. (BBC)

Tour de France could still go ahead as Vuelta a Espana cancels race start THE Tour de France could still go ahead despite more sanctions on mass gatherings by the French government.

Cycling’s biggest race was set to start two months late, on 29 August, because of coronavirus, but the government ban has extended until September.

“The Tour de France has not been called into question,” said French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu.

The Vuelta a Espana also

announced it would cancel its departure from the Netherlands, set for 14 August.

Maracineanu added: “There will not be any large gatherings before September but with the Tour starting on 29 August, there could be adjustments. It is up to [organisers] ASO to make some suggestions.”

ASO chose not to comment.

The Tour, won by Team Ineos’ Egan Bernal last year, was originally scheduled to run from 27 June to 19 July.

British Team Ineos (formerly Team Sky) have won the past five Tours.

Many large-scale sporting events scheduled to take place this summer have either been called off, such as Wimbledon, or pushed back by a year, such as football’s European Championship and the summer Olympics.

The Vuelta, also run by Tour organisers ASO, was scheduled to

set off from Utrecht but that leg of the three-week event has been cancelled. The race will now run across 18 stages - three fewer than planned - starting in the Basque country, northern Spain.

Cycling’s governing body the UCI was expected to release a revised calendar for the men’s and

women’s road cycling 2020 season on Wednesday, but have pushed that date back to 5 May. Four-time winner Chris Froome is set to return at this year’s Tour, which will start in Nice, after he missed the 2019 race following a high-speed accident in which he broke his neck, femur, elbow, hip and ribs.

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May 2-8, 2020

Fenelus strikes twice in latest clash of Taiwan Football Premier League Even though he no longer plays for defending champion Tatung Football Club, national footballer Marco Fenelus continues to be a dominant force in the Taiwan Football Premier League—so much so that he now has three goals in three games.

After scoring for new club, the Tainan FC in their opening victory three Sundays ago, the striker was able to make amends for a game

two defeat, by beating the Red Lion FC 3-2 in a thrilling encounter at home on Sunday.

Fenelus was involved in all three of his team’s goals. He was able to even the game in the 23nd minute of play, by bring down a ball on his chest and gifting it to a teammate inside the box.

In the second half, he carried his team ahead, by sweetly heading a corner kick into the ground and

Marco Fenelus on the attack.

away from the reaching arms of the goalie. He then scored the winner in the 84th minute after Red Lion had managed to even the game at 2-2.

The TCI footballer collected a ball just outside the box and managed to bullet his way through the defence before firing a solid

right foot shot, which beat the diving goalie.

Fenelus is scheduled to play again this Sunday.v

Coronavirus pandemic robs Gardiner of final outdoor season NATIONAL athlete Devante Gardiner is extremely disappointed since the Coronavirus pandemic has ended his school season prematurely.

The gifted sprinter, who missed a few months last year with a left hamstring injury, was hoping to make his mark on his final outdoor season for the Saint Augustine’s University after recovering from an injury he sustained in January

Devante Gardiner, who started his indoor season with good performances before suffering an injury, was fully rehabbed and ready to dominate his outdoor season.v

of this year. “…Was doing rehab to get back and make outdoors, but the season got cancelled because of the outbreak; it’s sad because it was my last year in college and it went out like that….”

The 2018 National Youth Achievers awardee, who had missed two seasons because of injuries while representing his university in the US, was hoping to prove his worth and end on a high.

Gardiner will now look to make his mark when he reads for a master’s degree in marketing in the not too distant future. At 22, the youngster feels he has approximately two

years left in track.

HOME SICK Due to the lockdown, Gardiner is unable to return to the TCI, but he is counting down his days.

“I am currently in America still and can’t wait to see home again.”

The multi-talented sportsman, who is also a quality basketball player, is appealing to the public in the TCI to adhere to social distancing and isolation. “…Let’s help one another by staying home and avoid catching anything that’s in the air”.

May 2-8, 2020

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Injured Germain suffers scare in hospital – Says perspective in life has changed FORMER national athlete Deangelo Germain, who is recovering from an automobile accident sustained a few weeks ago, fainted on Monday and doctors thought that he might have needed blood transfusion, but he has since recovered.

The dental hygienist, who was knocked down on April 14, while out exercising on Butterfield Drive, was optimistic that he would get better when he chatted (via social media) with the Weekly News on Thursday morning.

PAINFUL INJURIES He was however facing isolation, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and was in immense pain after having successfully completed two surgeries.

“This pain, I wouldn’t want to wish that on my worst enemies.”

The former Munro College athlete, who represented TCI with distinction in his primary and high school years, suffered a broken arm and a broken jaw.

The bone in his right arm had pierced through his skin when he arrived at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, hence the need for surgery, which resulted in a metal rod being implanted.

Luckily, Germain can move his hand, but his mobility is not great and it comes with a lot of pain.

He is however hopeful that with therapy and time he would regain the use of his arm.

His mouth surgery happened last week and since then the 26-year-old has been unable to talk properly and can only use soft or liquid foods.

The former 400M and 800M specialist noted that the accident “broke up” his jaw. He said that nine screws were placed in his mouth after the surgery in order to correct his bite.

His nose, which was also affected, is still swollen, but he

The former athlete’s arm bone had piercing his skin after the accident, which resulted in doctors having to implant a metal rod to correct the break.

is unsure if he would need to do surgery.

The constant pain and the loss of blood caused him to lose consciousness this week.

“I had low blood pressure that caused dizziness, nauseous and I fainted…the doctors said that it was due to fact that I lost a lot of blood.

And that maybe I needed blood transfusion, but now everything is under control….”

THOUGHT IT WAS THE END He remembers turning back, seeing the car and then going blank, only to regain consciousness on the ground under immense pain. At that time, he thought he would

have died.

“Honestly while I was on the floor I didn’t think I was going to make it; and today I am just grateful to be alive and grateful that God has given me a second chance to be greater.”

The young professional was also grateful to the hospital staff, whom he said have been “exceptionally”.

For Germain, the accident was a reminder of the fragility of life.

“We shouldn’t take life for granted because life is really short, if there is something you need to do, don’t procrastinate because tomorrow is not promised.

Whatever you need to do, do it now and put God first.”

Deangelo Germain has a metal rod in his arm and nine screws in his mouth.

DeAngelo Germain prior to the accident.

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May 2-8, 2020