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The Tribune Established 1903
Volume:117 No.78, MARCH 13TH, 2020
Weekend
WEEKEND: OPENING OUR EYES TO OCEAN BEAUTY
THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1
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Friday, March 13, 2020
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Weekend
MISS GALAXY Page 14 & 15
Debut dive
VIRUS SHIP TOLD: YOU CAN’T LAND Learn to snorkel with BRE EF
pages 20 & 21
Cruise liner with five infected not allowed to dock By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas government said yesterday it will deny a ship registered under its flag permission to dock and disembark its passengers and crew in this country after five people on board tested positive for COVID-19. However, the ship continued its journey toward The Bahamas up to press time last night because of what its captain said was advice from the British government, adding there were “continuing talks regarding permission to disembark”. The cruise company, Fred Olsen, is based in the United Kingdom. The Bahamas government pledged to do all it
could to provide humanitarian assistance if the ship does arrive to this country. Fred Olsen’s MS Braemar vessel set sail here with four stricken crew members and an ill passenger after it was denied entry to Barbados where its Western Caribbean and Central America cruise was supposed to end yesterday. On Monday, government officials in Alberta, Canada announced that a recently disembarked passenger of the MS Braemar had tested positive for COVID-19 and a second infection of a returning passenger was confirmed a day later. The Ministry of Transport said in a statement yesterday: “The Braemar
FRED Olsen’s MS Braemar set sail for The Bahamas after it was denied entry to Barbados
SEE PAGE THREE
• Businesses • Local big • Shoppers • Clinics see hit hard by sports events start to show fearful rush cancellations called off sign of panic from patients ‘PI PROJECT WILL BOOST DOWNTOWN’ By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
ROYAL Caribbean yesterday pledged its Paradise Island investment will generate an extra $26m per year in visitor spending and “re-energise” downtown Nassau for the benefit of all stakeholders. Russell Benford, the cruise line’s vice-president of government relations for the Americas, told Tribune Business that the Royal
RCCL’S Russell Benford Beach Club’s impact will be the exact of opposite of what Bay Street merchants
and tourism-related businesses fear. Rather than creating an exclusive enclave where Royal Caribbean will take all its passengers and retain 100 percent of their spending, thereby further depriving Bahamian-owned businesses of much-needed income, Mr Benford argued it would instead act as an “engine to get people off the ship and spend more time in Nassau”. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper
A COMIC’S VIEW ENGAGE BRAIN BEFORE PUTTING MOUTH IN MOTION
SEE PAGE EIGHT
PAGE 2, Friday, March 13, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
UNIVERSITY REMAINS OPEN BUT MONITORING SITUATION By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas (UB) remains open and will continue classes, although officials stress the use of online resources is being encouraged. This comes as some universities in the United States and Europe have cancelled or temporarily suspended classes due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. In a statement posted
to its Facebook page, UB dispelled rumours of the school closing. “Please be advised that, contrary to inaccurate statement, University of The Bahamas remains open and operational and classes are continuing even though the use of online resources is being encouraged,” the statement read. “Any decision regarding curtailing operations will be communicated via official university channels. No such decision has been made. Please continue to
frequently monitor your UB email, the website and official social media channels.” UB later said in a separate statement that a task force has been appointed to review and upgrade procedures and guidelines, conduct monitoring and make recommendations on a coordinated response to COVID-19. The school said all non-essential university-sponsored travel has been suspended. “Even before this COVID-19 outbreak, UB had been delivering
a number of its courses online. In light of current circumstances, faculty have been encouraged to utilise our online mechanisms – supported by the Office of Information Technology – to deliver course content, conduct lectures and communicate with students. Our staff have also been strongly encouraged to use online applications as the preferred mechanism for meetings and to share information,” UB noted. Colleges in the US announced their
decision on Wednesday when the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 was a pandemic. The NY Times reported, that as of Thursday, at least 1,302 people in 44 states and Washington, DC have the virus and an estimated 38 people have died. Currently in The Bahamas, there are no suspected or confirmed cases of the disease. As a health measure, some international universities have stopped in-class
lectures and shifted to online classes for a limited period or through the semester. Institutions such as Harvard University, Yale University, and University of Florida made the drastic to close their campuses and asked students to stay home. It has been reported that some schools have told students not return to campuses for two weeks after their return. Yet, the move has been met with criticism as it is argued that some students have nowhere to go.
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIANS studying in the United Kingdom and America have been thrown into uncertainty as the coronavirus outbreak spreads around the world. It has also heightened fears among some that a United Kingdom ban could follow the United States’ restriction on European travel, making it almost impossible to return home if the need arises. Jenica Frederick, a student at University of Glasgow in Glasgow, Scotland, told The Tribune the situation had ignited concerns about the way forward for her two-year physiotherapy doctorate programme. For now she remains at the school, but is considering returning home in a worst-case scenario. Although she has no signs or symptoms COVID-19, should this happen, Ms Frederick said self-quarantine would “definitely” be an option. Another student studying at Oxford University, who did not want to be named, also said self-quarantine was the plan upon a return to The Bahamas in the coming days. However, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands told this newspaper yesterday this was not yet a Ministry of Health policy position. “I have no idea how classes will continue moving forward,” Ms Frederick, 31, said yesterday. “But I do know that our clinicals and placements will be affected because we won’t be able to go to the hospitals to finish our placements. So we will still have classes, but our clinical placements will be compromised. “Unlike other universities where they can do the classes online, I am in the healthcare field so I have to be in a hospital setting,” Ms Frederick said. “So there is no way that I can finish my programme online. Everything is hands on and I have to deal with patients in order to graduate. “So if I can’t do my placements, I am just a sitting duck.” Her next move
JENICA Frederick is a student at university in Glasgow while William McFord, inset, is a law student at the University of Buckingham in England.
Students studying abroad worry about finishing courses depends on what health officials in Scotland decide about schools continuing, she said. “If the minister of health declares that schools will be shut down, then I will probably have to try and make my way to The Bahamas. Right now there is a ban against European travel to the US so who knows if the UK will have a ban next. So I will probably have to get out before there is a ban. I’d definitely self-quarantine as
a precaution if this is the case,” Ms Frederick said. William McFord has been presented with a different dilemma. His graduation has been postponed with no clear indication of a new date for the event. The 28-year-old law student at the University of Buckingham in England said his plans were disrupted. He said: “My graduation was meant to be the 21st of March and they have
postponed it due to the outbreak of the virus. “It’s been a very difficult situation because I am meant to start Bar school in September and you are supposed to take an aptitude test before you start Bar school, but due to the postponement of my graduation I am not going to be able to go back to England to take the aptitude tests so that’s what is difficult. “The testing facilities are in a lot of places where
the virus is spreading like Florida and England. They already said that in Hong Kong, China they stopped testing altogether. They said that they’ll get back to us but there is no sign of any nearby date as yet,” he continued. Outside of the UK, COVID-19 has spread in the United States. The virus has sickened more than 1,000 people there and killed at least 33. Eric Sweeting II, a
student having nearly completed his Masters of Divinity degree at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan is hoping he doesn’t get infected. “I am mainly afraid because the small town that I live in, I don’t have any relatives here and it’s not a very widely accessible town. So I don’t have any family who can just drive here in two or three hours,” Mr Sweeting said of the situation. “To get to the nearest family member in Alabama it would be a whole flight to Alabama where family is. So it’s very scary for me right now.” His university has decided to enforce distance learning after its Spring Break next week. Residents in dorms have also been told to leave; only international students will be allowed to stay. He will remain due to restrictions on his travel as an international student in the US. Mr Sweeting said his plan is to stay away from others and practise good hygiene to ensure he does not contract the virus. “I am finishing this semester. Fortunately for me I don’t have a lot of work for what I am doing right now. It’s not as stressful. It might be a dilemma for others, but for me I am not in a very difficult position.” As it stands there have been no confirmed or reported cases of COVID19 in The Bahamas.
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, March 13, 2020, PAGE 3
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE medical sector is experiencing impact from coronavirus fears as people bombard clinics with coldlike symptoms and stock up on medication from pharmacies even though the country has not recorded a case of COVID-19. “I’ve never seen this in my 20 years of practise,” said Gina Archer-Carey, the chairperson of the Bahamas Pharmacy Council, about people buying up medication. “Everyone in the lobby is demanding masks when they have no flu-like symptoms,” said Dr Macumba Miller, the immediate pastpresident of the Bahamas Doctors Union, in a separate interview. Dr Miller, who works at the South Beach Clinic, said: “They are coming in concerned about their cough or cold-like symptoms and asking, ‘Should I be worried about the coronavirus?’” For their part, he said, doctors are calm in the face of the coronavirus threat and stress that about 80 percent of the people who contract the disease will have mild symptoms while only about five percent will need intensive care. The greatest risk, he acknowledged, is that if wide swaths of the population are infected at the same time, the number of people requiring medical help could overwhelm the public healthcare system.
Clinics bombarded by worried patients “We couldn’t even handle 200 people on respirators,” he said. “Considering bed space, we couldn’t handle that.” If an outbreak does happen, Dr Miller said it would be important for people with mild symptoms not to burden medical institutions. “There could be a dry cough, joint pain, a fever, for two weeks you may feel tired and then you recover,” he said. “But the concern is that the hype over this will cause people who are not very sick to flood clinics and the hospital.” A limited amount of protective equipment and gear for doctors exists in the country, he said, adding that when the doctors union tried to buy 400 N94 masks, they couldn’t find any worldwide. “We could understand the ministry’s difficulty,” he said. Dr Marcus Cooper, the president of the Medical Association of the Bahamas, said he is so far satisfied with the Ministry of Health’s preparations
A SHOPPER stocks up on supplies. and response to the coronavirus threat. “There is more hype about the actual COVID19 than there is fact,” Dr Cooper said. “I think because of the media
Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
they’ve created a hysteria in the country and people are a lot more worried about coronavirus than they really need. For what we would expect, a majority of people who contract
the virus will have a mild infection and will not require hospitalisation. I don’t think we will have a mass crisis on our hands and I believe we will be able to deal with it.”
Meanwhile, Mrs ArcherCarey said the buying habits of Bahamians have changed, with many people who suffer from common diseases like diabetes and hypertension stocking up on medication out of concern about supplies in the country. “One man bought medications using all the money he could from his insurance and then bought another one out of pocket,” she said. “Government clinics have been facing big orders and are replenishing their stocks.” Mrs Archer-Carey said there is no risk of pharmacies running out of medication. She said emergency supplies are replenished precisely for moments like this. The country, she added, is also benefiting from the large amount of medication donated after Hurricane Dorian. Pharmacies, she said, have also been provided with a questionnaire and advice on what to do if someone shows up with coronavirus symptoms.
Liner with five infected on board not allowed to dock FRED Olsen’s MS Braemar vessel set sail for The Bahamas with four stricken crew members and an ill passenger after it was denied entry to Barbados where its Western Caribbean and Central America cruise was supposed to end.
from page one cruise ship carrying five persons who have tested positive for the COVID19 coronavirus will not be permitted to dock in The Bahamas and passengers and crew will not be allowed to disembark. This decision is based on consideration for the protection of the health and safety of the Bahamian people and residents of The Bahamas. “The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has been in constant communication with the owners of the Braemer, which is a Bahamas-flagged ship.
The BMA has reaffirmed to the Braemar that should it arrive in Bahamian waters, The Bahamas will do all that it can to provide humanitarian assistance. This may include providing fuel, food, water and other supplies as needed by the vessel. The BMA continues to monitor the well-being of passengers and crew with updates at regular intervals. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people who have contracted the coronavirus and who are at immediate risk.” After the government’s statement was released and reported, ship officials updated their website
to say there had been “conflicting information and media speculation” about the matter. “After speaking with our office in the UK and following advice from the British government, we are continuing our passage to The Bahamas,” the captain said, according to an extract of his announcement on board the vessel posted online by the company. “As I have already mentioned, we have received confirmation that essential services and provisions including medical supplies and fuel are available to us when we reach The Bahamas…As it stands, we are therefore
continuing talks regarding permission to disembark. Please bear with me in this incredibly frustrating time, where rumour is plentiful and facts are in short supply.” It is not clear when the ship is scheduled to arrive in Bahamian waters. In a previous update, the captain had said the people with confirmed cases of coronavirus and another person with an inconclusive result are being looked after in isolation along with anyone else reporting flulike symptoms. There was no demand on-board that people stay in their cabins, he said. The Tribune understands
Bahamas Maritime Authority President Denise Lewis-Johnson was summoned for high-level talks with the government as early as Wednesday to discuss this matter.
It is not clear what the implications are of the Bahamas denying docking permission to a ship under its flag. Editorial View - Page 6
PAGE 4, Friday, March 13, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net LOCAL shoppers stocked up on cleaning supplies yesterday amid fears of a coronavirus outbreak. At one pharmacy, The Tribune spoke with a number of customers who said they were purchasing toiletries and disinfecting products to decrease their chances of contracting the disease if it enters Bahamian borders. One shopper, Alicia Thompson, said she was buying “Lysol, Clorox and essential cleaning supplies,” because she believed it was only a matter of time before the virus reaches the country. “I am preparing for creating as clean an environment as I can because the reality is I believe it’s on its way here,” she said. “I’m not silly or foolish in thinking that we’re going to be exempted or we are just more special than anybody else and so I believe that preparation is the key.” Still, Ms Thompson said she was stocking up on particular items out of caution and not panic. She insisted there was no need for alarm, but added it was vital people take the news seriously and prepare. “We don’t know how serious it’s going to be, but I do believe that prevention is much better than cure. We know that it is very easy to become inundated with so much on social media and if you’re not careful, then you can really run yourself into a problem. “So I’ve been getting information from the CDC and my place of employment is doing a very good job of keeping us updated on things that are happening. So I’m fine, I’m not anxious but I’m just getting ready.” Another concerned shopper, Soula Lightbourne, said while she wasn’t panicking, she wanted to make sure she was prepared for any possible outcome. “I’ve just started stocking up on Clorox sprays, Dettol and soap because I’m being cautious,” she told The Tribune. “I’m very concerned, not just for me but I have kids...
‘I’m very concerned, not just for me but I have kids ... and they aren’t as cautious as us’
ALICIA Thompson and, inset, Soula Lightbourne out at Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza yesterday Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff you know the kids interact company and we deal with “I think some Bahamievery day with other kids our companies in the States ans are over-panicking right in school and they aren’t as so we now know (the fear now,” she said. “You probover the virus) is true. cautious as us. ably need some tissue. If “All of our vendors in you’re under quarantine or “I have boys, they play fight and they drink other the States, they are starting watch and you have to stay people’s stuff (and) as much to push for hand sanitisers home two weeks, then I as you say don’t do it, you and stuff and by the time I can see you trying to hustle know they do it so it’s a bit order, they’re saying ‘Oh around to get as much prodwe’re out, so now you have ucts as you need. alarming.” Ms Lightbourne said she to wait’ so now I know it’s “But right now I think did not believe the interna- real.” you just have to pray and Another shopper, who prepare yourself without tional hysteria around the virus until she saw some of asked to be identified as trying to spend your entire the reactions coming out of E Edgecombe, said she month’s salary on buying doesn’t understand why crap.” America. “I didn’t believe it before some Bahamians are so Ms Edgecombe said but I work at a wholesale fearful. the only products she has
bought so far are toilet paper and hand wash. She was dumbstruck by the apparent mad rush of some to hoard supplies. “If you watch the international news, as far as the information I’m aware of, it’s only been fatally impacting people with preexisting conditions. “In terms of young healthy people like us, we’re probably going to be fine. So I’d say just stock up on some vitamin C, stay inside and don’t shake nobody hand.” Locals were not the only ones concerned about the coronavirus pandemic. The Tatum family, tourists visiting Nassau from the United States, said they were “washing their hands a lot and trying to be cautious,” in the wake of COVID-19. They also told this newspaper that the recent European travel ban US President Trump enforced in America made them “a little nervous.”
“We wash our hands and we’re aware of our surroundings,” Christy Tatum said. She added that while they had no plans to cut their current vacation short, they were starting to get very anxious considering the global outbreak. “It does affect travel plans in the future because we’ve called off plans to travel to Europe. We were thinking to go to Greece this summer, but we’re not going to do any of that this year anymore.” Her husband, Terry Tatum added: “We’re kind of worried about going back home because even in the state of Utah, which is in the middle of the desert, we’re seeing that some people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and it’s kind of scary.” According to the World Health Organisation, globally there were 125,048 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 4,613 deaths up to press time.
they’re going to encounter when they come off the ship.” Kristique Moncur, a supervisor at Souvenir Outlet, added that the store also has sanitizer on deck and Lysol that they spray every day. “We’re not wearing any masks or gloves or anything, but honestly the minute we hear anyone cough or sneeze, we spray right away.” Ms Moncur said she has noticed people are fearful because customers who visit the store have even asked them for sanitizer once they notice it on the stand. “From what I understand, a lot of hand sanitizers are completely out of all of the stores and you can’t find hand sanitizers or Lysol anywhere.” The Tribune also visited a local food store, where a manager told this newspaper
disinfectant products are flying off store shelves. Bradley Rolle, Centreville Food Market’s assistant manager, said the store has had trouble keeping certain items in stock for long periods of time since the spread of COVID-19. “There’s a pharmaceutical company next door and as soon as we order from them and stock up it’s gone. As soon as we stock the shelves with hand sanitizers, they gone again.” Mr Roberts said the shop’s “biggest problem” is not being able to find Lysol. “I assume it’s because on the back of the Lysol spray you see a type of coronavirus that it actually gets rid of,” he said. “It’s not the COVID-19 so I don’t know why people buy it so much, but I guess it probably helps.” Still, he said from what he has seen, the shortage has only impacted the availability of disinfecting supplies. “Nobody is panicking about food,” he assured. “The only thing is they’re just trying to keep themselves sanitized, that’s the only issue.”
Retailers working hard to protect their staff By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net AS the coronavirus continues to infect people worldwide, Bay Street retailers said they are taking the necessary precautions to decrease their chances of contracting the potentially deadly disease. The Tribune canvassed the downtown area to find out what the stores – which come into contact with thousands of visitors from around the world every day – are doing to protect staff amid the global outbreak. Simone Whyte, a sales professional at Diamonds International, said the luxury jewellery store is taking a number of “precautionary steps” to protect its staff and customers from being exposed. “Right now the coronavirus is in the headlines and it’s all over the news,” she said. “It’s widespread and of course it does affect our business because tourists are a major part of our revenue for the company. “In terms of the precautionary steps, we’re trying to keep the spread of the bad germs at a minimum so we are spraying the entire store four times a day, every two hours.” Ms Whyte said in addition to disinfecting frequently, staff have also “plastered” safety tip posters all over the store to inform people on how to avoid contracting and spreading the disease. “We have sanitizer pumps at every station in the store,” she added. “We also try to keep the Clorox
wipes underneath the showcases where we have the jewellery set up so after every sale or interaction with the customers, we are able to wipe down from the aftermath.” Ms Whyte said that every morning, the staff has a “regular briefing” with managers where they are told what kind of traffic they are going to have that day. She said during these meetings, they are given safety tips and told to look out for customers who display flu-like symptoms. “They tell us to keep yourself abreast and when they do walk away, spray if you can,” she explained. Still, while Ms Whyte said she is confident Diamonds International is doing everything it can do to prepare for the virus, she said she is still concerned they may lose customers amidst the global outbreak. “Even now we have seen a little bit of a decline in the traffic as far as the hotels… so with that being said, we are going to keep hope alive with trying to keep all of the good and bad germs under wraps so we can keep our money flowing and keep the business good.” Ross Lockhart, a jewellery supervisor at John Bull, also said the department
MAIN picture: Simone Whyte, below: Ross Lockhart and, right, Kara Seymour Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff
store is doing all it can to prevent the contraction and spread of the disease. “Every station has hand sanitizers and Lysol and we’re also urging the staff to wash their hands as often as they can,” she said. “We also have an online training site where every supervisor and manager is taking the course which is giving us tips and preventative measures on how to safeguard ourselves.” Mrs Lockhart said the online course was introduced earlier this week for supervisors to “go through, learn and then turn it over to staff.” “Once we’ve completed the course, we will train our staff to make them aware
of ways to keep themselves safe as well.” Kara Seymour, a sales representative at Cole Thompson, also told The Tribune their store planned to get hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and Lysol to protect themselves. Ms Seymour, who was wearing a face mask while speaking to this newspaper, said staff were on high alert since the store gets hundreds of visitors every day. “We’re fearful because we have people coming in from different places and you don’t know who has it,” she said. Asked whether they were concerned about losing customers amidst fears of the virus, she added: “There might be a decline because even some of the people on the cruise ship are scared (to disembark) because they don’t know what
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, March 13, 2020, PAGE 5
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIANS are bracing for financial pain after global coronavirus fears began to cause major cancellations to businesses this week. Tour operators, taxi drivers and major hotels are beginning to report the significant changes. The owner of one company, Exuma Water Sports, said the company lost between $45,000 and $50,000 through cancellations this week alone. “We’ve not experienced anything like this before,” Rebecca Lightbourn, 35, said yesterday. “I’ve received well over two dozen emails in cancellations today, big corporate groups in particular and a group of 66 people cancelled last week because of coronavirus and another group of 80 have cancelled for next Wednesday.” Robert Sands, Baha Mar’s senior vice president, said the resort is now seeing a booking pace that is “far
Tourism industry begins to feel the financial strain off where it was this time last year.” “We’ve had a number of postponements of people rebooking and rescheduling, but our business still for Spring Break looks very strong,” he said. Some people cancelling reservations know there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in The Bahamas but are reportedly trying to save money in case of a protracted global shutdown. “We’ve had business owners reach out who are advised to now save money instead of travelling,” said Sandra Ferguson, owner of Sandra Taxi & Tours in New Providence. She had ten cancellations for the day when she spoke to this
newspaper before noon yesterday, saying: “They are cancelling every minute.” Such is the impact that Ms Ferguson has stopped pre-paid charges to people making bookings. “We won’t charge them until closer to the time,” she said. “It’s double work because people are now cancelling. Once we send money back to their cards, we have to take on the fees as well.” Ms Ferguson and Ms Lightbourn run small businesses with fewer than 15 employees respectively. They are concerned about what will happen to their staff if normalcy takes long to resume. “For now, we can keep our employees but their
days might get cut,” Ms Ferguson said. “We have hired drivers. They have homes and children to take care of. We’re taking it one day at a time. We’re going to be impacted very drastically because this seems to be worse than when the hurricane comes around. I’m now sending back $800 worth of refunds from last night to today.” Wesley Ferguson, president of the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union, said one consolation taxi drivers have is that many college students on Spring Break have not been cancelling their vacations. However, he said: “The airport is already slow. Passengers on cruise ships have already diminished
tremendously. All the tour companies are saying they have massive cancellations. This is supposed to be peak season with Spring Break. Nassau is supposed to be inundated with tourists. It’s become a little bit frightening.” The government began cancelling events as well yesterday. The country will no longer host the 50th Annual Organisation of American States meeting in June. Officials believe the cumulative impact of Hurricane Dorian and the coronavirus is too great to spend millions on an event that will reap diminishing returns for the country, according to a source. For his part, Tourism Minister Dionisio
D’Aguilar said the coronavirus’ impact on tourism will be “significant.” “This will probably be painful for the next two months or at minimum through the end of the second quarter,” he said. “Up until maybe the end of last week, our numbers for March and April seemed to be holding certainly in the stopover business but as every day evolves and you get messages pumped into your subconscious like the one President Trump delivered (on Wednesday night), more and more people are deciding that nonessential travel is really not necessary and there is a growing desire to cancel any planned vacations.”
PEOPLE in The Bahamas are doing their bit to reduce the chances of infection and illness. Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff
Cruise line hopeful it can handle ‘challenging’ times By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net DESPITE it being a “really challenging” time for the travel industry, a Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd executive said the cancellation rate for cruises to The Bahamas has been low. Russell Benford, the company’s vice president of government relations, spoke to reporters after US President Donald Trump announced the United States would ban travel from Europe for 30 days, excluding the United Kingdom. Mr Benford said while RCI has a “really large business” in Europe, the travel restriction would not impact the amount of travellers coming to The Bahamas on its cruises. “As it relates to the Caribbean cruise product, the vast majority of our guests
that cruise with Royal Caribbean to The Bahamas are Americans and so that’s really the base – the people that are visiting The Bahamas on a cruise ship and then visiting the Caribbean. “So, I mean you know Americans are still travelling. They’re still booking cruises. Our cancellation rate has been fairly low here in the Bahamas. So business is still going. People are still taking a vacation but it’s fluid situation.” Still the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the cruise industry, he conceded. Princess Cruises has announced it will voluntarily suspend global operations of its 18 cruise ships for 60 days due to COVID-19. Cruise ships from other lines, including Royal Caribbean, have been denied entry from various ports due to coronavirus fears.
The US State Department has advised Americans, particularly travellers with underlying health conditions, not to travel by cruise ship. “CDC notes increased risk of infection of COVID-19 in a cruise ship environment,” the State Department’s website advises. “We’re seeing a slowdown,” Mr Benford said. “I mean globally for us we’re gonna see a slowdown. It’s already happening in other parts of the world… we’re just kind of monitoring it day-by-day and see what happens but we’re prepared.” The cruise line says it has implemented stringent boarding measures amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. Workers are now taking the temperature of every person on board their vessels and RCI has increased the amount doctors and nurses on their ships.
DISNEY TO CLOSE ITS THEME PARKS IN FLORIDA AND PARIS DISNEY is closing its theme parks in Florida and Paris beginning Sunday until the end of the month, amid the global coronavirus pandemic. “In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our guests and employees, we are proceeding with the closure of our theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Paris Resort, beginning at the close of business on Sunday, March 15, through the end of the
month,” Disney said in a statement. Meanwhile Disney Cruise Line will suspend all new departures beginning Saturday, through the end of the month. “The Walt Disney Company will pay its cast members during that closure period. The hotels at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris will remain open until further notice. The retail and dining complexes, Disney Springs at Walt Disney
World and Disney Village at Disneyland Paris, will remain open. “Domestic Walt Disney Company employees who are able to work from home are being asked to do so, including those at The Walt Disney Studios, Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Direct-to-Consumer, and Parks, Experiences and Products. We will continue to stay in close contact with appropriate officials and health experts,” Disney noted in a press release.
He added that US Vice President Mike Pence, who heads the White House’s coronavirus task force, asked for a meeting with all cruise heads last Saturday. Cruise line executives met with Mr Pence in South Florida and were asked to give a plan of action in order to increase the safety protocols on ships. Mr Benford said Royal Caribbean submitted its plan on Wednesday and is expected to get a response from Mr Pence today after it is reviewed.
“We put protocols in place such as every single person who boards the ship now we take their temperature whether they are a passenger or a crew member,” he said. “We’ve increased the number of doctors on our ships, the number of nurses on our ships. We’re working very diligently with the United States government to get COVID-19 test kits, you know, on our ships so we can test people. “We have stringent, you know, policies in place for people who are sick and just aren’t feeling well….
what the cruise industry has said (is) that if we ever have a situation on board a ship where we need to remove someone who tests positive for COVID, we would do that at our expense. We will bring those folks back to the United States at our expense and make sure they are hospitalised in the United States. . .” Mr Benford also praised the Bahamian measures to prevent a COVID-19 outbreak. He said communication between the cruise line and government officials has been great.
NOTICE TO: MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WORKERS’ CO-OPERATIVE CREDIT UNION LIMITED A Special-Call Meeting will be held on FRIDAY, MARCH 27TH, 2020, beginning at 6:00 p.m., at the BAHAMAS PUBLIC SERVICES’ UNION (BPSU)HALL, East Street south (across from Esso gas station); for the sole purpose of electing a NOMINATION COMMITTEE re: the upcoming 40th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (scheduled for Friday, May 22nd, 2020).
All ELIGIBLE members are invited to attend!!
PAGE 6, Friday, March 13, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
The Tribune Limited NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
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The worst thing we can possibly do now is panic WITH coronavirus news sweeping the world, it is easy to get caught up in the reports of flight bans, Disneyland and Broadway closing and let fear get to us. The result can be the exact opposite of what these measures are trying to achieve – protecting people rather than exposing them to risk. Instead, people dash to stores to over-stock up on items when they don’t need to, or burden the medical sector with concerns when the country has not recorded a single case of coronavirus. We need to take a moment. Take a breath. It is appropriate to be concerned and to make suitable preparations. But you don’t need to stock up on a year’s worth of toilet paper, or go from never buying bleach to buying every container you can find. Be sensible. In yesterday’s Tribune, Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said the country expects a worst case scenario of 400 cases of coronavirus. That would take a considerable period of time – if you look at how the virus has affected other countries, weeks have passed since a first case before measures to restrict movement have been put in place. If you fill your cupboard with snacks right now, they’ll be like the hurricane snacks that are long gone before the storm arrives. Measures are being taken already to reduce risk – but that is out of an abundance of caution. Sporting events are being postponed or cancelled, and that is not a sign that you need to panic, but rather a sign of being cautious. For some of these, it’s a case of asking why take the risk rather than pressing on regardless. It’s being sensible. We need to be aware that even for those who catch the virus, the majority will be fine. What is important is to minimise the risk of spreading the virus to those who might not be fine if they catch it. We’ve said it before in this newspaper many times – wash your hands thoroughly, use sanitisers, keep your distance from people, avoid shaking hands, isolate yourself if you have symptoms or feel you might have been exposed to someone with the virus. These aren’t things that will change your world – but
they can help to reduce the spread of germs and the virus, and that might stop it reaching others. Equally, if you don’t need medical care, don’t clog up the system and stop others from getting care they might need. And if you’ve got an elderly neighbour, especially one who lives on their own? Check in on them. Keep your distance so you don’t spread any bugs yourself, but stay in regular contact and help them out with their own preparations. Clear communication at government level is also important – President Donald Trump created confusion last night when stating that air travel from all of Europe was banned apart from the UK, and including cargo flights. It turns out a number of European countries are not included in the ban, and cargo will continue as normal. That kind of miscommunication can lead to people rushing to find out if they are affected – and further jamming up switchboards and helplines. Yesterday, the strength of clear communication was on show with a quick response from the Ministry of Transport to news of a cruise ship – registered under a Bahamian flag - with five people on board diagnosed with coronavirus headed for Bahamian waters. The ministry quickly said the boat would not be allowed to dock. Again, no need for panic. Follow the guidelines, listen to reliable sources – and not the fake reports going round, the kind that led the University of The Bahamas to have to come out and tell people they’re not closing their doors. Sources that spread lies are trying to scare you – so don’t give them the satisfaction. We reiterate – no one in The Bahamas has been diagnosed with the coronavirus as yet. Unlike other countries, we have been in a position where we can prepare, we can learn from the response of other nations, and we can be ready to isolate anyone affected if necessary. There is a difference between preparation and panic. We need to do more of the former, and none of the latter.
Bloomberg should stand here EDITOR, The Tribune I READ the very interesting “Investing in People & Communities” - a Government Progress Report, which was an insert in your paper recently. The report talks about investing $17 million in upgrading wifi in schools, a grant of $840k to help young entrepreneurs and other small amounts to improve the quality of life in the Bahamas, a sovereign country. Then we read about the US elections at the same time where Michael
Bloomberg, an individual, can splash out half a billion dollars to try and persuade unsuccessfully people to vote for him to be President. And splashing out half a billion dollars from his total wealth does not make him blink or short of a penny to buy a cup of coffee, a drop in the ocean as they say. To be fair there are a lot of people struggling in the US who need help and handouts who could benefit from this largesse, but Bloomberg’s largesse and the Bahamas Government
which probably does not have half a billion dollars to throw away illustrates the extreme gap there is in the world between those who can afford to do this to benefit themselves and those who struggle to use funds to benefit others, the Bahamian people. One is a individual and one is a Government. Too bad he does not want to stand for election in the Bahamas! PATRICK H THOMSON Nassau March 8, 2020
Spread of virus would be devastating EDITOR, The Tribune THE statement that 400 will be the worst-case scenario for the COVID-19 virus in the Bahamas is totally ridicules. This number was based on the cases from Wuhan China. Based on a population of 15 million against our 400,000 population but does not take into account the area of Wuhan against the Bahamas. If this virus gets into the
Bahamas we will be in serious trouble. The spread of the virus in our community would be devastating. First, we do not have the support facilities to cope with a virus outbreak. How many hospital beds are available here? How many testing kits do we have here? On Wednesday there were four cruise ships, with possible visitors of 8,000. Were there any checks on the condition of their
health when arriving? With the SARS outbreak, all arriving visitors to Canada were scanned for excessive temperature. Nobody is being checked or screened for arrivals into the Bahamas. We are not ready for this, no matter what the government is stating Make sure you are ready. MICHAEL G Nassau March 12, 2020
Deserving an honour EDITOR, The Tribune
MANY of us know Wendall Jones is a draftsman, journalist, entrepreneur, media magnate and social commentator. Through his art exhibition at the Central Bank, we see him as an artist. Wendall is not a formally trained artist. He has Godgiven talent. The works displayed show an impressionistic style, conveying mood through the interplay between light and colour. That someone not formally trained paints in an impressionistic style suggests that person has tremendous courage. Impressionism conveys mood. The artist lays bare his emotions for public scrutiny. These paintings also convey a courageous man because, as anyone who has tried to paint knows, putting colour on top of another colour and next to a colour requires technical knowledge and skill. Paint does what it must. It is not respecter of people. The canvas, sometimes mercilessly, reveals all. Also, the use of the paint brushes, the thickness and quality of the strokes, to capture mood or essence requires skill. Wendall has obviously spent hours mastering these
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net skills. This is no surprise because throughout his life, Wendall has shown discipline and determination to master any arena into which he entered. I think that the paintings capture the essence of The Bahamas and Bahamians, people whose indomitable free spirit cannot be caged. In them I saw sunrise and sunset colours; various shades of our ocean; and the plethora of colours of our flora and fauna. I recall someone saying that impressionist art is like wine – a matter of taste. It’s wonderful to have with others a discussion about how a painting makes you feel or what you see in the painting. These paintings evoke lively discussion. I loved the works that were painted as a triptych but not displayed as such. Although I saw women dancing in celebration, others may have seen something else. The colours used made me wonder whether the woman/ women were on a journey or whether they epitomized the progression of women
over time. The artist, maybe wisely, won’t say what he was feeling. Also, I thought that it was a good idea that they were painted so that they could stand alone, or as a triptych. This first exhibition, at the Central Bank, a premier space to display Bahamian art, is a reason to celebrate Bahamians. My grandmother, the late Meta Davis Cumberbatch, called the Mother of the Arts in The Bahamas, spoke unceasingly about the tremendous artistic talent and cultural richness of Bahamian people and The Bahamas. We are gifted people, filled with artistic talent and cultural richness. Wendall’s exhibition of paintings that can hang in any collection alongside acclaimed Bahamian and international art is more evidence of this fact. Wendall for decades has found ways, including through books and “the Person of the Year” to honour, celebrate and acknowledge Bahamians. Is it now time for The Bahamas to honour him – a Renaissance Man? ALLYSON GIBSON, QC. Nassau, March 11, 2020
Drivers causing a hazard EDITOR, The Tribune I WOULD like to raise awareness of one of the growing issues on our streets at night. The streets of Nassau have become plagued with drivers who drive with their high beams instead of their low beams. This creates a serious hazard for oncoming traffic as you get blinded
temporarily as the oncoming vehicle approaches you with their high beams. A trained eye can see that most persons are doing it to compensate for only having one working low beam, and in other cases the lens on their headlights are hazy and reduces the effectiveness of their low beams. If you’re reading this and you know you’re
guilty of this, you should strongly consider getting your headlights polished by a professional or getting that burnt out bulb replaced. It’s for your safety and your fellow road users. CONCERNED DRIVER Nassau March 12, 2020
We need some commonsense EDITOR, The Tribune WHEN will common sense return to the Bahamas or the world for that matter? It was ordained in the beginning that man would have to toil for his food. Government does not
owe the populace food and housing and to add insult to injury to suggest blowing a whistle when in trouble from another human will in this degenerate time probably leave you dead or maimed when – or if – it goes to court our esteemed lawyers will
fight tooth and nail to clear the defendant even if in their heart they feel sure the said defendant is guilty – where does that leave the victim? J C CASH Nassau, March 6, 2020.
THE TRIBUNE By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net A LEADING pastor has called the Bahamas Christian Council’s support for medicinal marijuana a “grave” and an “alarming” mistake. In a press statement released on Wednesday, Pastor Cedric Moss condemned the religious group’s stance on medical marijuana, calling BCC leaders contradictory for supporting medicinal use of the drug and not religious use. “...It is a stark and glaring contradiction because in the same breath of support for medical marijuana, the BCC opposes religious marijuana,” Pastor Moss noted. “What is the rationale for supporting people smoking dope in the name of medicine, while in the same
Friday, March 13, 2020, PAGE 7
Pastor: Council’s support for marijuana ‘a grave mistake’ breath opposing people smoking dope in the name of religion?” He continued: “…If the government adopts the (Bahamas National Marijuana) Commission’s recommendation, marijuana use in The Bahamas, legal and illegal, will undoubtedly increase to alarming levels with societal harm. “Sadly, some of the responsibility for such an outcome will lay squarely at the feet of the BCC.” His comments came hours after the BCC released its highly anticipated position
paper on the controversial drug, adding support behind regulated medical use of marijuana. However, the council was firm that recreational use should not be encouraged or condoned. “We do not believe marijuana use should be condoned or encouraged as it is a mind-altering potentially debilitating drug to some at varying degrees, capable of several negative side effects such as marijuana induced psychosis, cognitive impairment, negative impact on the brain of
users under the age of 21, and reduced productivity,” a BCC statement read. “We have no objection to medicinal use as long as it (is) properly regulated and scientifically proven to be the best remedy for the condition prescribed.” The BCC also disagreed with calls from the Rastafarian community for the government to sanction marijuana use for religious purposes. Calling it contradictory, Pastor Moss noted that a referendum should be held in the country to decide the matter.
“Indeed, deciding this matter by way of referendum would be the deepest expression of our democracy to settle it, and all true democrats would be willing to live with the outcome, even if it happens to be what they oppose,” he continued. “Therefore, if a majority of Bahamians wish to legalise marijuana for recreational and whatever other purposes, they should be allowed to. The opposite is also true. Whatever the outcome, we should accept it as the will of the majority.” In February, Prime
Minister Dr Hubert Minnis tabled the Bahamas National Commission on Marijuana’s report in the House of Assembly. The BNCM recommends that up to one ounce of marijuana be decriminalised for people 21-year-old and older. It also recommends having the drug legalised as a sacrament for Rastafarians and legal medical marijuana. However, the commission did not take a view on whether cannabis should be legalised for recreational use.
HUNDREDS HOPING TO FIND SOME WORK AT TWO-DAY RCI JOB FAIR By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
CALVIN Newbold searching for a job yesterday Photos: Shawn Hanna/Tribune Staff
NEARLY 400 people are expected at Royal Caribbean International’s two-day job fair at the National Training Agency, seeking positions at Coco Cay and on-board ship. One hopeful is Alexis McPhee, 23, who has been unemployed for a month and is “prepared and willing to work”. She has a daughter and is looking to be hired as a restaurant attendant. “It’s extremely hard because it’s a lot of unemployment in The Bahamas and it’s very costly with getting resources for employment,” she said. “I find it difficult. The economy is a little rough so it’s difficult as the prices are high, so you need a job to take care of a young one.” Cindy Williams-Johnson, who oversees talent attraction at Royal Caribbean, said that the company is engaging people for a variety of roles. She estimated about 350 Bahamians have been hired by the company over the years. “We have a commitment to The
Bahamas, the (National Training Agency) NTA, and our other partnerships that we have here to look at Bahamians first for our career opportunities and so that’s why we do these career events to give everyone an opportunity to come an express interest in our jobs. That number will continue to grow, “ she said. Gadville McDonald, NTA executive director, told The Tribune that the agency has partnered with the cruise line for previous job recruitment. “We been able to assist them with the process of recruitment for employment on the cruise line as well as for Coco Cay and the
partnership has been phenomenal,” Mr McDonald said. “Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has been an excellent partner here for the National Training Agency. They have a lot of our trainees over the years.” Calvin Newbold, 18, graduated from Government High School last year and has been without a job for two months. Yet, he is optimistic in getting hired to work at Coco Cay. “Just gotta keep your head up and hope something work out,” he said. “It’s just if you put your foot out…the best thing to do is hope the people call you back.” The fair runs from 9am-noon today.
DOCTOR TELLS HOW SURVIVOR SUSTAINED INJURIES
By LEANDRA ROLLE lrolle@tribunemedia.net
TESTIMONY continued in the Fox Hill mass shooting trial yesterday, with a medical expert revealing that one of the survivors sustained injuries to their left upper back and right forearm. Dr Crystal Wells, taking the witness stand before Justice Deborah Fraser yesterday morning, read from a Royal Bahamas Police Force hospital form that was partially completed by another doctor who examined the patient following the 2013 shooting. “(The physician wrote) that the patient had sustained superficial lacerations to the left upper back and penetrated wounds to the right forearm,” she told the court. The patient’s nerves and blood vessels, however, were found to be normal upon examination, Dr Wells added, while reading the doctor’s findings. Dr Wells told the court she was not present when the patient in question was examined nor when the RBPF form was completed. However, she said she recognised the signature
and handwriting of another doctor named Dr Masekela on the form, whom she claimed was “no longer in jurisdiction.” Asked by crown prosecutor Roger Thompson what she thought may have caused the injuries, Dr Wells said in cases where there are penetrating wounds, the cause could be a sharp object or gunshot. During yesterday’s proceedings, there were several objections from defence attorneys, who argued Dr Wells’ statements were “hearsay evidence,” as a result of her not being in attendance when the examination or form was completed. But having worked with Dr Masekela at Princess Margaret hospital for five years, Dr Wells told the court that she was familiar with the former’s handwriting. She also said she assumed the doctor had filled out the police form after conducting an examination as a part of her duty. “Once you examine a patient, you must document it,” she said. “That is what we are taught to do. That is what we are supposed to do.”
Service of Remembrance Engaging in the Art of Re-Memory for
Juan Antonio Ritchie II will be held on Saturday, March 14th, 2020 at 9 a.m. at Zion Baptist Church, East & Shirley Streets.
Dr Wells’ evidence came during the trial of Peter Rolle, Jermaine Curry and Justin Williams concerning the December 27, 2013 shooting at Freedom Park. The three men are accused of murdering four people - Claudezino Davis, Shaquille Demeritte, Eric Morrison and Shenique
Sands - on December 27, 2013. They are also charged with the attempted murder of Chino Davis, Janet Davis, John Davis, Benjamin Demeritte, Samuel Ferguson, Jermaine Pratt and Leroy Taylor. According to initial reports, around 6pm on the date in question, occupants
of a small, dark vehicle opened fire in the area just behind the basketball court where several people were gathered awaiting Junkanoo results. Davis was pronounced dead on the scene while 10 others were taken to hospital via private vehicles and ambulance. Demeritte,
Morrison and Sands later died in hospital of their injuries. Curry is represented by attorney Murrio Ducille, Rolle is represented by Sonia Timothy, and Williams is represented by Geoffrey Farquharson. The case continues next Tuesday.
PAGE 8, Friday, March 13, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
Engage your brain in gear, before you put your mouth in motion BOY when we blew the whistle to start “Silly Season” I didn’t imagine the contestants would be off and running so quickly. Chomping at the bit even, to make an impression. Looking back at the week that was, there were several contributors, both politically and socially, that were determined to make their mark . However one stood out from the rest, a certain bumptious, undocumented Jamaican national, and his video contribution to The Bahamas, about The Bahamas and Bahamians. Oh the irony!! THE BIG MOUTH YARDIE Now before we go too deep into this, it’s still all good with me and my Jamaican friends, locally and in Jamaica. But, as the old saying goes,
what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. So for all those times I had to take it off my boisterous, joke cracking on The Bahamas, ‘Yardie’ friends, from my college days to present, hush, “my turn fi talk.” I must admit when I saw a certain viral video this week, involving a Jamaican national, clad in a local security firm’s uniform, I was not amused, in fact it annoyed me on multiple levels. First, if Jamaica is so sweet, what are you doing here in The Bahamas? Obviously The Bahamas, has some ‘sweetness’ of its own, like that good security job you had at the time of your ‘viral video’ debut. I’m sure if you had such a job back home you wouldn’t be here benefiting off The Bahamas.
Question is, are you still employed at the aforementioned security firm, after releasing such a video. Secondly, it’s painfully aware for all to see, the Jamaican man in the video is not used to certain basic aspects of Bahamian dayto-day life. Why are you bragging about getting you and your wife’s car licensed? Everyone knows, if you “buy lunch” for the right persons, especially at Road Traffic, (allegedly) you will be expedited quickly and efficiently. So please stop acting like you hit the lottery. Did you not have a car in Jamaica, sir, let alone a wife? Your braggadocios, ignorant rant, makes me think, NO! Now here is where the irony comes in, if you are going to make derogatory statements
about Bahamians and The Bahamas, make sure your closet is skeleton free and your travel documents and related work or marital permits are in order. Sadly our ‘Jamaican’ blogger’s paperwork was not in order. How comical, one shouldn’t be popping off at the mouth while overstaying. (Which is a law-breaking offence in The Bahamas) Moving forward, there is a simple solution to situations like this, for both my fellow Bahamians and my Jamaican friends alike, engage your brain in gear, before you put your mouth in motion, and that way you avoid a big commotion. Finally, please don’t try to politicise the whole incident and the resulting penalties. I’m referring to all of you political minions out there, trying to
twist, spin this incident in your party’s favour, for political mileage and social media, click bait. Both the FNM and PLP should have and would have investigated such a video. And once completing their due diligence, most surely would have handed down any relative penalties or fines, that were called for in accordance with breaking any of the laws of the Bahamas. The Jamaican national hit the national radar with his demeaning commentary on said video, which led to Bahamians far and wide pulling his file. (Dog eat your lunch, when Bahamians pull your file). As a result it was discovered he was overstaying and his documents weren’t in order, thus his arrest and possible deportation. It’s the same the world over. Know better, do better.
WE NEED TO SPONSOR INNOVATIONS WITH THE CAPACITY TO EXPAND THE ECONOMY Funeral Service For Douglas Emmanuel Rolle, 54 of Sisal Road East, Golden Gates Golden #1 will be held on Saturday, March 14th, 2020, 11:00am at Bahamas Holy Bible Mission, Bahama Avenue. Officiating will be Rev. Henry Rolle, assisted by Rev. Jacob Adderely and Bro. Darren Bain. Interment will follow in The Southern Cemetery, Cowpen and Spikenard Roads. Cherished memories will always remain in the hearts of his Wife: Donna Rolle; Son: Douglas Rolle Jr.; 3 Daugthers: Camesha Rolle Venessa and Trevonqa; Grandsons: Marvin and Dyan; Granddaughter: Haley; Mother: Joycelyn Carey; 7 Brothers: Genroy and Charles King, Mario Pattffick Franklyn, Derek, Partirck and Zhivargo Rolle of The Royal Bahamas Defense Force; 5 Sister: Bernadette Cater, Charlotte, Orinta (Pat) Band Pamela Rolle and Sandra (Michelle) Curtis; Uncles: Willard Hepburn, Andrew Pennerman, Anthony Smith, Vincent and Lenard Carey, Wayne Douglas and Levi Johnson; Aunts: Barbara Smith, Mary Hepburn, Sonia Pennerman, Henretta Rolle, Mildred Hepburn and Francis Saunders; Stepmother: Isadora Rolle; Sisters-in-law: Jacqueline Rolle, Sharon and Marshall Smith, Leah Rolle, Kenrith King; Brothers-in-law: Samuel Cater and Sidney Curtis; Granduncles: Courtney and Alphonso Forbes, Marion and Aaron Rolle of Rolle Town Exuma; Grandaunt: Oliver Forbes; Nephews: DeAndrey Carey, Mario Jr. Darius, Leslie Jr., Patricko, Denaje and Isaac Rolle, Nicholas Rse Carlos, Silas, P.C. Jarvis, Javon Rolle, Derrick, Codero, Stefon Charles Jr. Kenton, Kaden, Ryan and Octavius; Nieces: Shanice Clarke, Davisha Rose, Nova-Skai, Regene, Samicka, Lashanna, Antonia, Sidell, Javonia, Jasmine, Lacaja, Lakiesha, R.N. Branishka, Rishaun, Dereka, Silvia, Torry, Joyann, Opreann, Julianna, Samantha, Candice, Maylean, Betney, Kartissia Abriella, Marleah and Michelle; Numerous Cousins including: Bleva Gordon and family, Marram Johnson and family, Elizabeth Lockhart and family, Dewey Carey and family, Ruthmae and Clyde Wilkinson, Terry Dean, Baldwin Johnson, Shaune Hepburn, Alcondo, Seven, Jeanimae Hepburn, Johney, Terria Andrew, Elakia Pennerman, Helenia, Teniel, Dwayne Thomas, Joshua, Romell, Marvin, Renetta, Shanique, Delerease, Sheila Monroe, Carolyn McPhee, Debra Miller, Reuelodo Wallace, Pastor Henry Rolle and family, Reo Frankie Scott and family, Melva Forbes and family, Allan Forbes, Glana Ferguson, Ivy Cater and family, Willis Stubbs and family, The Ward family, Mr. and Mrs. Evans and family, The Sands family, Ben and family, The McKenzie Family, Rose and family, Mr. Oswald Bain and family, Percey Sands and Family, Rose Carey and family, Jacob Adderely and family, Carlton Clear and family, Rosemary Smith and family, Angela Knowles and family, Mariam Johnson and family Lerven Johnson and family, Sarah Burrows and family, The Hall Family, Chad, Tino, Merlene and Rupert Stubbs, Naomi Johnson, Carolyn Coakley, Thelma Moss and family, John Forbes and Kathlene, and a host of other relatives and friends including: The Bahamas Holy Bible Mission Family, The Little Creek , South Andros Community, The Golden Gates and Sisal Road Communities and many others too numerous to mention. The body will repose in the Blessed Redeemer Chapel at Ferguson’s Funeral Directors, 7th Terrace Collins Avenue, on Friday from 12 noon - 5: 00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10:00am until service time.
AFTER the government’s about-turn to eliminate VAT on construction services in the Dorian-ravaged islands was hailed as “a tremendous help”, readers posted their reactions on tribune242. com. ThisIsOurs said: “It seems like the universe is working to tell the govt that tax, tax, tax is a really bad idea. We need to innovate, we need to support innovation. Seriously. Not the current farce of a tech hub comprised of a call centre. Also providing funding for eateries, landscaping companies and barbershops is great, they generate economic activity just as well as any other business.
But we need to change our thinking and sponsor innovations with the capacity to expand the economy exponentially. It took 20 years of strategic investment in human resources for Singapore to become the technological giant it is today. Waiting and hoping is not the answer. Looking to the foreigner to save us is not the answer. Continuing to chase tourism
numbers is not the answer.” Proudloudandfnm posted this comment: “Only makes sense, the faster Abaco is rebuilt the faster it starts contributing to the public treasury . . . duh . . .” And there was this from Avidreader: “Sure would be great to have BPL speed up the pace of their work in the residential areas so that houses capable of being reconnected to the mains supply can proceed with some semblance of normal life. Let’s be real gentlemen, it has been more than six months already.” Don’t miss your chance to join the debate on tribune242.com.
In Loving Memory of our Darling Mother
Sadly missed by her children: Charles, Stephen, Deborah, Burliegh, Cynthia, Theodore, Wanda and David. Grandchildren, great grandchildren, daughters and son in law, sister in law, nieces, nephews, family and friends TOO WELL LOVED TO BE FORGOTTEN
THE TRIBUNE
Friday, March 13, 2020, PAGE 9
Coronavirus crisis: Fallout from the pandemic continues to cause chaos
IRAN ASKS FOR BILLIONS AS DEATH TOLL CLIMBS TEHRAN Associated Press
LEFT: Paramedics carry hazardous medical waste in Brescia, northern Italy; above: Players of Peru’s Alianza Lima and Argentina’s Racing Club line up in an empty stadium in Buenos Aires; below: A supervisor sprays disinfectant in classrooms in Missouri
Mass closures across globe to fight virus NEW YORK Associated Press SCHOOLS shut down across much of Europe. Gatherings were canceled or banned from California to Germany. And the coronavirus reached directly into the world’s centers of power yesterday as fallout from the pandemic further upended daily life. The European Union pushed back against President Donald Trump’s sharp restrictions on travel from Europe to the United States. The EU quickly slammed Trump’s “unilateral” decision, declaring the virus a “global crisis, not limited to any continent, and it requires cooperation.” Trump defended his decision to not notify all EU leaders ahead of the announcement. “When they raise taxes on us, they don’t consult us,” Trump said. “I think that’s
probably one in the same.” The vast majority of new cases of the COVID-19 illness are now linked to Europe. Deaths in Italy topped 1,000, with more than 15,000 testing positive. The virus, first detected in December in China, has produced crippling outbreaks in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, ignited financial panic and in the last week has seen dizzying developments erupt by the hour. European soccer leagues, American basketball, hockey and baseball games, school terms for hundreds of millions of students, weddings, baptisms, funerals, nightlife, culture high and low — all fell by the wayside with a swiftness and scope that was becoming increasingly difficult to grasp. Amid the fear, it can be easy to forget that more than half those infected with the virus have
recovered from COVID-19, the disease it causes. Most patients have only mild or moderate symptoms such as a fever or cold, though severe symptoms including pneumonia can occur, especially in older adults and people with existing health problems. The Brazilian president’s communications director tested positive just days after meeting with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort. Despite that, Trump has no immediate plans to be tested or go into self-quarantine, the White House said. “Both the President and Vice President had almost no interactions with the individual who tested positive and do not require being tested at this time,” White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement. Developments in the pandemic have spilled across continents and
countries, from China’s ongoing lockdown of the original epicenter of the illness, to the shuttering of the Los Angeles Zoo, to Belgium ordering schools, cafes, restaurants and night clubs to close. In Italy’s Lombardy region, the virus’s European epicenter, hospitals were overwhelmed with both the sick and the dead. The nation with the second-oldest population in the world has seen its fatality rate reach more than 6%, far higher than other countries. More than 128,000 people have been infected, the vast majority in just four countries: China and South Korea — where new cases are declining —and Iran and Italy, where they are not. The spread has slowed so much in China that the government sent a medical crew to Italy and offered surplus supplies to Iran. More than 4,700 people have died worldwide.
ENTERTAINMENT WORLD BROUGHT TO A STANDSTILL NEW YORK Associated Press
THE entertainment industry yesterday prepared for an unprecedented shutdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus, cancelling upcoming movies, suspending all Broadway performances and scuttling concert tours until it’s safe to welcome crowds back. To accommodate calls for social distancing, Hollywood moved to pause the normal hum of TV productions and the bustle of red-carpet movie premieres. After New York
Gov. Andrew Cuomo banned gatherings of more than 500 people, Broadway theatres announced that they would close immediately and remain dark until April 12. The Tribeca Film Festival was called off too. The closures amount to a nearly complete halting of the industry, from Lincoln Center to Disneyland, and the largest-scale shutdown of many of the country’s major arteries of culture. The Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, the New York Philharmonic, Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theater and the Kennedy Center in
Washington all cancelled events until March 31. Live Nation Entertainment and AEG Presents, the world’s largest live-entertainment companies, suspended all current tours through March, including those of Billie Eilish, the Strokes and Post Malone. The dawning awareness of the virus’ reach had already forced the cancellation or postponement of all major imminent events on the calendar, including the sprawling South by Southwest conference and festival in Austin, Texas; Hollywood’s annual movie
US STRIKES IRAN-BACKED GROUP THAT HIT IRAQ BASE WASHINGTON Associated Press
The US yesterdaylaunched airstrikes in Iraq, targeting the Iranian-backed Shia militia members believed responsible for the rocket attack that killed and wounded American and British troops at a base north of Baghdad, the Pentagon said.. US officials said multiple strikes by US fighter jets hit five locations and mainly targeted Kataib Hezbollah weapons facilities inside Iraq. A Defense Department statement said the strikes targeted five weapons storage facilities “to significantly degrade their ability to conduct future attacks.”
SECRETARY: Mark Esper The strikes marked a rapid escalation in tensions with Tehran and its proxy groups in Iraq, just two months after Iran carried out a massive ballistic missile attack against American troops at a base in Iraq. They came just hours after top US defence leaders threatened retaliation for the Wednesday rocket attack, making clear that they knew who did
it and that the attackers would be held accountable. “The United States will not tolerate attacks against our people, our interests, or our allies,” Defense Secretary Mark Esper said. “As we have demonstrated in recent months, we will take any action necessary to protect our forces in Iraq and the region.” The Pentagon statement said the facilities hit in the precision strikes were used to store weapons used to target the US and coalition forces. It called the counterattack “defensive, proportional and in direct response to the threat” posed by the Iranianbacked Shia militia groups. U.S. officials said the locations of the strikes were largely around Baghdad.
expo CinemaCon, in Las Vegas; this month’s Kids Choice Awards in Los Angeles; and the sunny California music festival Coachella, which was put off until October. TV networks saw the scuttling of most major sporting events, including the NBA season, March Madness and the NHL season. Earlier yesterday, California urged bans of not just the largest events but also gatherings of more than 250 to help stymie the virus’ spread. California Gov. Gavin Newsom recommended the
cancellation or postponement of gatherings of 250 or more people through at least the end of the month. That put a new focus on Broadway, multiplexes and concert venues. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame postponed its annual induction ceremony, scheduled for May 2 in Cleveland. It was to have been televised live for the first time by HBO. Posthumous inductees Whitney Houston and the Notorious B.I.G. were to be honoured, along with Depeche Mode, the Doobie Brothers, Nine Inch Nails and T. Rex.
Iran yesterdaysaid it asked the International Monetary Fund for a $5 billion loan to fight the coronavirus, the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that it has sought such assistance, in a staggering admission of how fragile its economy has become amid the epidemic and punishing US sanctions. Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted that the Washington-based IMF should “stand on right side of history & act responsibly” by releasing the funds. He also said the fight against the virus, which has infected more than 10,000 people in Iran and killed hundreds, has been “stymied by vast shortages caused by restrictions,” a reference to the U.S. sanctions. Even before the virus struck, Iran’s economy was being battered by plunging oil prices and the sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump since May 2018 after he unilaterally withdrew the United States from the nuclear deal that Tehran struck with world powers. Iran’s Central Bank chief Abdolnasser Hemmati said he asked for the $5 billion loan last week in a letter to IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva. She had said the IMF was prepared to make rapid support available to lowincome countries through a $50 billion emergency fund that the group maintains to help nations facing an economic crisis. IMF spokesman Gerry Rice confirmed it had received a loan request from Iran. He said the IMF is “proceeding expeditiously with all requests and in line with our policies.”
TRUDEAU’S WIFE TESTS POSITIVE TORONTO Associated Press CANADIAN Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife has tested positive for the new coronavirus. .“The Prime Minister is in good health with no symptoms. As a precautionary measure and following the advice of doctors, he will be in isolation for a planned period of 14 days,” a statement said. His office said the doctor’s advice to the prime minister is to continue daily activities while selfmonitoring, given that he is exhibiting no symptoms himself. He spent the day in briefings, phone calls, and virtual meetings from home, including speaking with other world leaders and joining a special Cabinet committee discussion on the new coronavirus.
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