National Weekly April 30, 2020

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17

N E T W O R K T H E

M O S T

W I D E L Y

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C A R I B B E A N

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F L O R I D A

It Took A Pandemic!

Painful!

Crime Plummets In Major Cities Amid COVID-19

Jamaican Diaspora Mourns Young Woman Who Died After Controversial Childbirth Ordeal

by Cnweeklynews.com

Over the last few weeks that COVID-19 has changed normal operations in the United States, and most of the rest of the world, several cities across the country are reporting a dramatic decline in crime.

by Sheri-Kaye McLeod

The Jamaican diaspora has joined their compatriots at home in expressing pain and shock and is mourning the tragic passing of Jodian Fearon—a young woman whose controversial death has rapidly attracted local and international attention.

According to reports, the 23-year-old expectant mother went into labor on April 23 and was admitted to the Andrews Memorial Hospital (AMH) in Kingston, where she was already scheduled to deliver her baby by C-section. However, Fearon had flu-like symptoms including shortness of breath—a symptom of labor, and was denied services at the hospital, despite being admitted, as the medical staff feared she had the highly contagious COVID-19.

Fearon was actually prepped for the birth procedure, but according to the reports, the anesthesiologist assigned to her surgery refused to attend to her for fear of contracting COVID-19, although she was not tested for the virus.

She was then referred to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) but that facility said they were unable to receive her.

The story of the woman came to light in a TVJ news broadcast on April 24.

According to TVJ News, Fearon was then taken to the country's largest maternity facility, Victoria Jubilee Hospital (VJH) but they advised her doctor that they had no room there to admit her.

As the doctor and family continued searching for a place for Fearon to deliver her baby, Spanish Town Hospital, in St. Catherine offered to accept her. Fearon was forced to go through with natural birth, although her personal doctor had concluded that she wouldn't be able to deliver naturally, hence the scheduled C-section. After giving birth to her daughter, she was transferred to UHWI because of post-delivery complications.

The following morning, on April 25, Fearon died from cardiac arrest. A day later, Fearon's test results came back negative for COVID-19.

The hospitals and medical professionals involved have received widescale backlash from Jamaicans at home and abroad. The hospitals have also been accused of negligence, which ultimately resulted in Fearon's death. Via social media, her mother, a Jamaican living in New York, had begged for the Ministry of Health to investigate and help her daughter two days before her death, but her requests went unanswered.

Jamaica's Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton expressed condolences to Fearon's family and friends and said he ordered an investigation into the matter.

"I have asked for a thorough investigation to take place. As soon as the results

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Fearon

The hospitals and medical professionals involved have received widescale backlash from Jamaicans at home and abroad. The hospitals have also been accused of negligence, which ultimately resulted in Fearon's death. Via social media, her mother, a Jamaican living in New York, had begged for the Ministry of Health to investigate and help her daughter two days before her death, but her requests went unanswered.

continues on B4 – Pained

All it took was a global pandemic.

For decades, many police departments have struggled to get crime under control in their respective cities. While numerous, detailed crime plans have failed, the unforeseen 'stay-at-home' directives, ushered in to control the spread of the coronavirus, seemed to have been the most effect on crime in recent times.

Earlier this week, Miami's Police Department reported the city had not recorded any homicides in seven weeks—for the first time since 1957.

"We can say that it's due to our police high visibility, attributed with the pandemic and the Stay At Home order," a Miami Police Department spokesperson told CBS News.

From February 17 until April 12, a total of seven weeks and six days, Miami had no reported homicides, according to police. In 1957, the city went nine weeks and three days without any reported homicides.

Miami, which has been the city most affected by COVID-19 in Florida, has been under a state of emergency since March 12. The entire state of Florida has been under a “stay-at-home” order since the beginning of April. Many businesses and outdoor venues began closing their doors since early March, forcing residents to remain at home. And while COVID-19 is continues on B4 – Crime Plummets

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWSMAKER

HEALTH & WELLNESS

ENTERTAINMENT

SPORTS

JACK WARNER: THE FALL FROM GRACE A3

LIVING WITH HIV DURING THE PANDEMIC B2

PROTEJE PRODUCES ALL-WOMAN ALBUM B3

JAMAICAN MATT PEART SELECTED BY NY GIANTS IN NFL DRAFT C3

A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17

Docs Rock: Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Hazelle Rogers pays tribute to the hardworking and dedicated medical staff at Florida Medical Center with her brightly colored placard. - Contributed

Let’s Get It Done! Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam prepares for food distribu on at City of Miramar Regional Park. - Photo Credit: Gregory Reed

Let’s Talk: Broward County Mayor Dale V.C. Holness (center), seen here with staff hos ng a Working Families Tele-Town Hall with 1199SEIU on Tuesday . - Contributed

Messengers of Hope: Tamarac Mayor Michelle Gomez (center) and Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony (right) share a moment with Pastor Shawn at a food distribu on site in Tamarac recently. - Contributed Come On Down: Tamarac Mayor Michelle Gomez (center) calls up the next car in line at a food distribu on site in the city recently.

The event included Chris an Life Center volunteers and pastors, Feeding South Florida, and Broward Sheriff's Office. - Contributed.

Duty Calls: Miramar Commissioner Yve e Colbourne totes a bag of groceries for needy Miramar residents at a drive-through food distribu on event, planned by the city and Feeding South Florida. - Contributed

A Hot Meal: Volunteers join City of Miramar Commissioner Yve e Colbourne in distribu ng warm lunches to seniors, the most vulnerable in the community. - Contributed

Keep it Moving: Broward County Mayor Dale V.C. Holness directs traffic at a food distribu on event at the Broward Regional Park on Monday. - Contributed

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17 –

A3

NEWSMAKER

Former FIFA Executive, Jack Warner’s Continued

FALL

FROM

RACE G

After being implicated in a 53-count indictment unsealed in the U.S. District Court in Brooklyn on April 6, former FIFA executive and Trinidadian politician, Jack Warner, has seemingly jumped from the frying pan and into the fire.

The 77-year-old Warner, once a powerful vice president of football's world governing body, FIFA, and head of CONCACAF and Caribbean umbrella organization, Caribbean Football Union (CFU), has been accused of receiving up to US$5 million in bribes.

His charges include wire fraud, money laundering, and racketeering, with prosecutors alleging these crimes have taken place between 1998 and 2011.

The indictment alleged that Warner “together with others, conspired to use their positions to engage in schemes involving the solicitation, offer, acceptance, payment, and receipt of undisclosed and illegal payments, bribes and kickbacks.

“The defendants and their co-conspirators

When asked by a Trinidad newspaper if he would be prepared to fight the current legal battle, Warner simply indicated that he was “not interested in that.”

Pre-FIFA Corruption Scandals Prior to the numerous corruption scandals, Warner was on track to becoming one of Trinidad's most powerful politicians and businessmen.

Austin "Jack" Warner was born in Trinidad 1943.

After attending Teachers Training College, he graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from the University of the West Indies at St, Augustine.

During the 1970s, Warner began working as a part-time lecturer at UWI until the 1990s. He also spent his time managing local football associations in Trinidad.

In 1990, he was elected president of the Caribbean Football Union, resigning from his post as secretary of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation. He was, however, appointed as a special advisor to the Federation, a position that he still holds.

continues on B4 – Fall From Grace

The 77-year-old Warner, once a powerful vice president of football's world governing body, FIFA, and head of CONCACAF and Caribbean umbrella organization, Caribbean Football Union (CFU), is accused of receiving up to US$5 million in bribes.

corrupted the enterprise by engaging in various criminal activities, including fraud, bribery and money laundering, in pursuit of personal and commercial gain,” the indictment continued.

Warner, a former cabinet minister in Trinidad and Tobago, resigned from FIFA, CONCACAF, and CFU at the height of the infamous cash-for-votes scandal in 2011, relating to the attempted bribery for hosting World Cup finals, the 2011 FIFA presidential election and broadcast deals.

He was also named in a similar U.S. Department of Justice indictment in 2015, also charged with “wire fraud, racketeering, and money laundering,” but has so far successfully avoided extradition to the United States to face those charges.

As we navigate these trying times, let us recognize the people on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19.

The best support we can offer is to do our part by following the CDC guidelines such as staying at home, practicing social distancing and wearing protective covering in public.

Remember, we are all in this together.

N E T W O R K

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17

Jamaica Should Declare Summer Holidays Now, Says Sen. Damion Crawford Inequities in everything—from economic stability and health care to food security and access to technology—have been thrust to the forefront amid the coronavirus pandemic. As such, Jamaica, as well as many countries around the world, including the United States, have had to adjust to meet the immediate needs of their citizens and rethink certain established norms.

One area of inequity that can have farreaching consequences is access to education during the crisis. For Jamaican students who are forced into virtual learning, the disparity couldn't be more stark, as so many are left without the basic tools needed to connect to their education sources, which has caused great concern within the diaspora. Opposition Senator Damion Crawford has pointed to this inequity in the government's response to education amid COVID-19 and is putting forward ideas for a more equitable solution.

The senator notes that Jamaican students do not have equal opportunities to learn during the crisis and says the government's approach falls short in this regard. "There isn't any equity in how we have approached access to education during the COVID-19 crisis," Crawford says.

According to the senator, “Many of our homeschool students don't have the variables necessary to make a reasonable homeschool experience, for example, a capable parent able to help at home. So this method of sending homework to the child via email, Zoom or WhatsApp, doesn't change the situation of the child if the parent is incapable of helping. But we are now suggesting that all Jamaican households have equal competence to help their children at home.”

Crawford believes a logical solution is to

15 Cases, 15 Recoveries St. Lucia Reports Coronavirus-free Status

by Cnweeklynews.com While Caribbean countries such as Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago struggle to stem the rising tide of coronavirus cases and keep their death tolls in check, the island of St. Lucia is reporting a 100 percent recovery as April of 22.

St. Lucia's chief medical officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George said in an official statement on YouTube, “To date, all of the positive cases of COVID-19 in St. Lucia have recovered, with the remaining two cases who were in isolation receiving negative COVID-19 test results and since discharged from hospital. This now places St. Lucia at a 100 percent recovery of all COVID-19 cases.”

Dr. Belmar-George said the 15 cases recorded in that country, included high-risk

individuals who were either elderly or living with chronic illness, who recovered well without complications or need for critical care.

This stands in stark contrast to other Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, which up to press time recorded 396 cases, seven deaths, and 29 recoveries, and Trinidad and Tobago, at 116 cases, eight deaths, and 72 recoveries. St. Vincent and The Grenadines is also recording a low number of cases at 16 with zero deaths and eight recoveries.

Despite the good news, St. Lucia continues laboratory testing for COVID-19 locally and has also modified its testing strategy, increasing the testing of samples from community respiratory clinics. In addition, the partial shutdown continues, with a 10-hour curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Dr. Belmar-George said St. Lucia is at a critical juncture in the national response to the pandemic, and has implemented large-scale public health and social measures including school closures, national zoning to manage the movement of people, travel restrictions and closure of non-essential businesses. In addition, citizens are encouraged to continue wearing masks, washing hands frequently, and practicing self-isolation if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. “The public must note that many of these measures need to be sustained in an effort to achieve low COVID-19 levels in [the] country,” she said.

Barbados PM Among Global Advocates For New UN Roadmap to Post-COVID-19 Recovery Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley is calling for a renewed commitment from the international community to confront the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“Let us repurpose, because this is perhaps the most apt reminder of what we must fight for in the multilateral system, in the global community of nations.

“We can do it, but we need to respect each other, to see each other, to hear each other and to work together,” said Mottley, one of 10 prominent global advocates for the new United Nations roadmap to post-COVID-19 recovery.

The Secretary-General's report, titled “Shared responsibility, global solidarity:

Responding to the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19,” calls for action to suppress the virus and overcome the pandemic, safeguard livelihoods, and learn the lessons of this crisis to “build back better.”

It notes that international cooperation and partnerships at every level are critical to the plan's success, and to the recovery of societies and economies along a more inclusive, sustainable path.

The framework guides action through the next 12 to 18 months, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinators and our country teams, and we will be relying on the technical lead of UNDP to ensure that we can operationalize this framework in the shortest possible time.

The framework was launched Monday by Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed and UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner.

“This framework restates and commits to human rights, the environmental sustainability, climate action, gender equality, thus reflecting the 2030 agenda, the Paris Agreement. COVID-19 may have put a pause button on the world, but it certainly hasn't stopped climate change, nor has it stopped the vulnerabilities or the inequalities around the world. And we must take profit from this crisis to look at the opportunities that we can address.”

During the launch, the Deputy SecretaryGeneral also introduced the “Rise for All initiative,” which brings together women leaders to mobilize support for the recovery framework and for the UN Recovery Trust Fund, designed to support the most vulnerable, including Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in confronting the impacts of the pandemic.

continues on A7 – Declare Holidays

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17 –

A5

Talk UP Would you forgive and stay with an unfaithful spouse?

Frankie – Tamarac, FL No, I would not forgive. Culturally, I'm structured like that. I am faithful and straightforward. When I commit to a relationship, I'm there for the long haul.

If someone does that to me, it's really unfair. When you are truly committed to someone, it doesn't matter what the circumstances are. You will hang in there and remain faithful. I am divorced because of infidelity, and I did not hesitate to get a divorce.

Dalmar – Lauderdale Lakes, FL It depends on the level of infidelity. She would have to explain her actions and I would decide from there.

There is definitely room for compromise and forgiveness. We all make mistakes. I have been unfaithful in a previous relationship, but it was never revealed to my significant other. I am not aware of anyone ever cheating on me.

Reem – Ft. Lauderdale, FL. It depends on the circumstances. I most likely would not forgive infidelity, because our relationship is supposed to be exclusive. I have been cheated on before and the relationship ended because I did not forgive her. I plead the fifth on whether or not I have ever been unfaithful in my relationships. It all depends on the situation at the time.

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Lavoris – Tamarac, FL I don't think that I would have a choice. I would have to forgive him, but whether or not I remain in the relationship is another issue. I would have to evaluate the circumstances of the infidelity. Was this a onetime occurrence, or is he in love with someone else?

People nowadays have to learn to be appreciative of the partner they have, because even though the grass is greener on the other side, the lawn still has to be mowed.

Talmigila – Ft. Lauderdale, FL. It really depends. Circumstances make people do things that they don't really want to do. There is a reason for everything. We all make mistakes. I would have to really look at it to see if it is something that I can forgive. Jah forgives us for our wrongs, so we can't condemn people when they are wrong. I wouldn't really say that I have cheated, but I have to check out the available choices before I leave a relationship. I have been cheated on, and I have forgiven those women.

Devary – Ft. Lauderdale, FL. It depends on how he cheated. People cheat for different reasons. Sometimes it is driven by a need for connection, communication, etc. I would be open to discussing it. I would search myself to see if I had a hand to play in causing him to be unfaithful and I would be open to forgiving him. If however, he is a womanizer who is intent on destroying my selfesteem, then I would not forgive him. I was cheated on, but I expected it from that person. When I was much younger, I cheated on my first husband.

Although he forgave me, I was so overcome with guilt that I could not remain in the relationship. I never cheated again.

Mark – Margate, FL There are so many factors to examine and discuss when infidelity happens. When I was younger, the answer would have been “no,” but now that I am older, more mature, I can see and appreciate the many different aspects of this issue. People have been unfaithful to me, and back then, because of my perspective, I did not forgive, and those relationships did not survive. I have also been unfaithful, and in hindsight, I wish that those individuals were able to adjust their perspective as well. That said, I will only forgive once. You only get one chance to hang yourself.

Nicole – Ft. Lauderdale, FL This is a difficult question, but I would forgive, because I think that it is necessary for me to prove to my significant other that when we make mistakes we all deserve a second chance. Who am I not to forgive when God gives us chances every day to keep going?

I have been in relationships where there was infidelity. I also did things that I am not proud of, but I am young and I'm not perfect. I am still learning.

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17

Work In The Future Will Change Because Of COVID-19 With lockdowns across the world and social distancing, technology is playing a central role in communication.

requires further study. In Jamaica, in 2014, the Employment (Flexible Work Arrangement) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act was adopted but is yet to be fully implemented. COVID-19 is demonstrating that there could be merit in introducing some flexible working schedules where appropriate.

Increasingly, people are participating in religious services and concerts online through livestreaming. Pope Francis may have been speaking over the Easter holidays in a mostly empty St. Peter's Basilica or St. Peter's Square, but he was joined by thousands, if not millions, of persons through the internet and more traditional means such as television and radio. In many ways, COVID19 is accelerating the use of technology in our work and social activities.

In Geneva, Brussels, London, New York, Kingston, Georgetown, and other cities across the world, many people are now working from home using the internet and conducting local and international meetings through some form of teleconferencing.

Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and senior officials have increasingly resorted to more frequent use of teleconferencing. In fact, recently the Heads of government have been holding emergency sessions on COVID-19's impact on the region.

Services, such as medical consultations, physiotherapy sessions, and exercise classes, are now being provided through various internet applications. It seems that e-commerce has also increased significantly. Thus, COVID-19 is forcing many people to become much more familiar with technology, and its various applications.

Working from home has also raised again in Jamaica, and no doubt in other parts of the Caribbean region, the question of flexible working hours. People working from home, whether in the public or private sectors, are reported to be more productive and less stressed. Of course, this

The Challenges in the Caribbean While many developed countries have been using technology in the workplace and have adopted flexible working hours, this is not the case in the Caribbean and other developing countries. In general, these countries are playing catch-up.

However, there are definite signs of improvement over the last 12 years, during which time Caribbean countries upgraded internet services and received teleconferencing equipment through a technical cooperation program. The CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) Special Session on Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) has, for many years, been looking at creating a Single ICT Space allowing for ICT harmonization and other legislative frameworks in CARICOM. Increased use of ICT, it is said, would aid the realization of the long-awaited CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Within the Caribbean, and especially in its public sector, it is necessary to ensure that institutions and employees have up-to-date, properly maintained equipment and are efficiently trained in how to use them. The service providers in the Caribbean also have to iron out all the kinks to provide a high quality of service at a price that users can afford.

To be honest, Caribbean residents are not actually receiving the best quality telephone and internet services from their principal providers.

Security is an important issue as well and, of course, across the region cybersecurity policies and legislation need to be completed.

E-commerce, which is among the issues proposed for consideration in the World Trade Organization (WTO), needs to be properly addressed across the CARICOM region. This is where business is now being conducted especially among Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

The use of technology is also changing how diplomacy is being conducted, moving from faceto-face meetings and very formal diplomatic notes and saving-telegrams to teleconferencing, emails, and social media portals like Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc. This is not to say that there isn't still a place for diplomatic person-to-person contact, but diplomacy has clearly moved into the digital age.

The flexible working arrangements also need to be seriously examined for implementation. The experiences forced on the region and the rest of the world in this COVID-19 period clearly indicates that the use of technology for communication in various scenarios is workable.

So, whether people are prepared or not, the future of work is evident as COVID-19 preventative is propelling the world more into the digital age and the related reform of working procedures.

A few weeks ago when CARICOM Heads met to share ideas and experiences on measures related to COVID-19, Barbados Prime Minister Mottley said the presence of the coronavirus “could be the region's time.” Indeed, it could be the Caribbean's time to implement the many CARICOM proposals which are outstanding including proposals on agriculture and food security, trade in services, and most importantly, ICT.

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N E T W O R K

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17 –

A7

LA SECTION HAITIENNE

Covid-19 Patients Flee Haitian Hospital Haitian health authorities Monday appealed to five people who tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID19) and fled a hospital in Port-au-Prince on Sunday.

The departmental director of the Center Department of the Ministry of Public Health,

Dr. Denis Jean, confirmed that the five people, who tested positive for COVID-19, fled from the Sainte Thérèse de Hinche hospital, built in the 1930s by U.S. Marines.

“If we do not quickly find these people they risk infecting a lot of people,” he warned.

Last week, a Haitian national, who had been deported from the United States, and who tested positive for the virus that has killed more than 200,000 people worldwide, fled from an Isolation center in Port-au-Prince.

Eddy Jackson Alexis

LOG ON TO

Haiti Gets US$16.1M From U.S. To Combat COVID-19 The government of Haiti has received funds amounting to US$16.1 million from the United States, to help the country respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will support the Haitian government's national COVID-19 response plan, led by the Ministry of Public Health, the Department of Civil

Protection of the Ministry of the Interior, the Haitian intensive care hospital network and local organizations and international.

“The American people have a long history of helping their neighbors both at home and abroad. The United States provides aid because we believe it's the right thing to do; we also provide assistance as a matter of pragmatism. If we can help countries contain outbreaks, we'll save lives abroad and at home in the United States,” said U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, Michèle Sison.

Through the USAID and the Centers for Disease Control, the United States will

Secretary of State for Communication, Eddy Jackson Alexis, said that the escapee poses a threat to national security.

Haitian health officials have said that six people have died since the virus was first detected here since March 19 and that the number of active cases now stands at 60.

support, among other things, the purchase and distribution of handwashing kits to reach approximately 400,000 Haitians; launch a national handwashing campaign in health facilities, religious centers, marketplaces and public spaces in French and Creole and to amplify the government's messaging through national and local radio, sound trucks, megaphone announcement, and visual materials to specifically address any stigmas, discrimination, misinformation, and myths.

To date, the number of active cases in Haiti now stands at 61 cases. There have been six deaths.- (CMC)

THURSDAY, MAY 7th

EPISODE 6

Declare Holidays

from A4

pause the current school term and resume during the summer and collaborate with telecommunications companies to ensure students can access various learning platforms for free. He also suggests that students who want to delay their CXC examinations until January should be able to do so without penalty, given the current crisis.

"The government, in my opinion, should declare 'summer holidays' for now and resume school in the summer if the crisis abates. As it stands, the school term cannot continue in this way, because we are leaving many of our students behind.”

The Senator also highlights his previous “Mommy and Me” proposal during the April 2019 elections in East Portland. If implemented, PEP teachers would be paid to help facilitate daily lessons for parents who needed extra help tutoring their children after school.

"If we are going to do homeschool, we have to homeschool the parents too. If we aren't thinking that way, then it won't work,” says Crawford.

Crawford also emphasizes the need for better access to data and internet services, particularly in rural areas.

“The second variable that's not available to all students is access to the internet. There are areas that don't pick up the internet well, and for some households, the cost of the internet surpasses what they get for their salaries.”

Crawford says, "When I did the research into Zoom, an hour to access and use the platform for lessons uses 1 GB of data. If you're going to do three hours of lessons, that's 3GB of data and it costs approximately $2000 prepaid. That's just one day. To facilitate a Zoom lesson on your phone for J$2000 per day, that's J$10,000 per week.

How many people can afford that?”

The Senator recommends a more cohesive partnership between the government and telecommunications companies, where a lump sum is paid to ensure students and parents get access to video conference platforms including Zoom free of cost.

“The fact is, we can't have schools in session and leave half the population behind, when they're going to take the same examination. All we're doing is setting students up not to get into their preferred schools. That is inequity.”

Crawford also proposes more foresight and planning for the upcoming CXC examinations.

“The government should talk with the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) and say, 'our students must be able to choose to defer taking CXC until January if they do not feel ready.' Additionally, they should be having conversations with local universities to ensure those who choose to sit exams in January are granted entry at that point.”

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17 –

Florida To Make Unemployment Claims

Retroactive Many Floridians Ineligible

By Cnweeklynews.com Florida's Department of Management Services Secretary Jonathan Satter announced last week that Floridians submitting unemployment claims will receive payments retroactively to the day of their job loss, if that date was later than March 9.

Satter recently took on oversight of the troubled unemployment system, which is dealing with a record number of claims from furloughed and laid off employees dealing with the economic fallout from the pandemic.

Hundreds of thousands of Floridians have struggled to file for unemployment due to issues with the application website or the inability to get through to a representative at the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) call center.

According to an AP analysis of U.S. Department of Labor data, nearly seven of every eight Floridians who managed to file claims during the period from mid-March until mid-April were waiting to have them processed—the worst rate in the country. A reemployment data dashboard published by the DEO shows that 25 percent of claims were paid out as of April 25.

“We've had problems at the state level with the application process, due to no fault of Floridians,” Satter said.

“We're going to honor those applications as of the date of March 9 if they were unemployed on that date. That's when our system started to have problems.”

A total of 505,000 Floridians filed for unemployment last week, with 1.16 million having successfully registered since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis.

Frustration heightened over the weekend (April 24 to 26) as the Florida unemployment website was shutdown.

The DOE explained this was done to facilitate processing the backlog of claims. When the website became accessible, thousands more Floridians were notified of payments, but thousands more, some 40 percent of applicants, received messages that they were ineligible for assistance. No explanation was given for this mass ineligibility, but CNW's investigation determined most of the applicants who were deemed ineligible for assistance were independent contractors, selfemployed and gig workers who normally do not qualify for assistance.

According to an AP analysis of U.S. Department of Labor data, nearly seven of every eight Floridians who managed to file claims during the period from midMarch until mid-April were waiting to have them processed—the worst rate in the country.

However, the Cares Act approved

by Congress last month mandated $600 weekly in benefits for people unemployed or furloughed because of COVID-19, including independent contractors, gig workers, and the selfemployed, in addition to what each state pays.

Satter also said last week that independent contractors, gig-workers, and self-employed individuals could apply for unemployment assistance through Florida's existing application system. “They will go through the same process as anyone would for the state unemployment process,” Satter said.

B1

Miami Schools High On U.S. News & World Report's List Of Best High Schools U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2020 Best High Schools rankings of nearly 18,000 public high schools, out of a review of more than 24,000 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) led Florida once again with 133 schools on the list, including four high schools among the top 100 in the nation, including nine in the top 20 for the state. These include School for Advanced Studies (SAS) which is the number one school in Florida and the fourth top school in the nation.

“In the middle of this pandemic crisis, we can all use some good news,” said Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho.

“The U.S. News & World Report shines a bright and positive light on the unparalleled talent and drive of our students and educators,” said Schools Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho.

“M-DCPS continues to demonstrate that our District, regardless of the circumstances, is a leader in academic performance, and that includes providing our students with a remarkable range of educational opportunities.”

Four M-DCPS schools were recognized as among the best 100 schools in the nation: #4 School for Advanced Studies (All five campuses) #52 Young Women's Preparatory Academy #72 Design & Architecture Senior High School (DASH) #94 Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy Nine M-DCPS schools ranked among Florida's top 20, four among top 10: #1 School for Advanced Studies (All five campuses) #3 Young Women's Preparatory Academy #6 Design & Architecture Senior High School (DASH) #9 Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy #11 iPreparatory Academy (iPrep) #15 MAST@FIU Biscayne Bay Campus #16 International Studies Preparatory Academy #17 TERRA Environmental Research Institute #19 Maritime & Science Technology Academy (MAST Academy) The magazine analyzed all of the schools relative to college readiness, math and reading proficiency and performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth, and graduation rate.

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17

HEALTH and Wellness

Fitness on the go A consistent recommendation by health and wellness professionals is that we should exercise regularly to prevent several diseases, and remain physically and mentally healthy.

Not everyone has the time or can afford the cost of attending a gym or fitness center to exercise regularly.

However, since regular exercise is imperative to living healthy, there are other ways to ensure one gets enough exercise. These exercises include:

Walking Walking is one of the easiest ways to be physically active regularly, lose weight and become healthier.

Research indicates people who walk regularly, at least 20 minutes daily in a brisk manner, burn more calories than those who make weekly visits to a gym.

For those with busy schedules, try to walk more by walking instead of driving short distances. Aim to walk 10,000 steps daily, burning up to 400 calories.

To keep track of your walking, use a pedometer, or exercise your brain by counting your steps while you walk.

You'll be surprised how many steps you can take within 30 minutes by simply walking in or around your house, garden, office, or the shopping mall.

Home exercises Burn calories, lose weight and feel great with simple exercises at home. These exercises include: walking, jogging on the spot, stretches, sits-ups, pushups, pull-ups (using a door jam), stairs climbing, stomach crunches, rope-skipping, and/or working out with a medicine ball.

Skipping is also an excellent home exercise. Just 15 minutes daily generates health benefits, including heart and lung fitness, strong bones, balance and flexibility. The average person will burn up to 200 calories during 15 minutes of skipping.

Swimming Swimming, like walking, is one of the most effective exercises. Whether swimming free style, back stroke or breast stroke, when one swims all the muscles are engaged. Understandably, unless one has a pool at home, or is a member of a club with a swimming pool, access to a pool may be inconvenient.

However, there are several public pools and beaches in South Florida, where one can swim even a few times monthly. Regular swimming tones and energizes the body.

Living With

HIV? It's Critical To Have Treatment Continuity And Community Involvement During COVID-19 Outbreak During this health crisis—around the world and across the Caribbean—the Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Pan Caribbean Partnership against HIV and AIDS (PANCAP) are calling upon countries in the region to ensure that people living with HIV continue to have reliable access to treatment, healthcare, and human rightsbased social support services.

Regular access to essential care and treatment for people living with HIV may be challenged at this time due to the burden of COVID-19 response on health facilities. It is therefore vital that HIV programs develop contingency plans to meet the demand for the care and treatment of people living with HIV, as well as HIV testing, antenatal care, and other essential sexual and reproductive health services. During the implementation of quarantine, social distancing measures, and stay-at-home orders, alternative modalities for remote or virtual clinical care may be explored, for example via telephone or on-line portals.

It is also critical that countries now implement HIV treatment guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) for multi-month dispensing (MMD). This would ensure that people living with HIV,

Source: UNAIDS Data 2019

who are stable on antiretroviral treatment, are given three to six months of their medications at once. Doing so will help alleviate the burden on health facilities and allow people to maintain uninterrupted treatment regimens without risking increased exposure to COVID-19 when retrieving their medicines. Countries with HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) programs should also ensure a minimum three-month supply for users. Alternative treatment access options which may be considered include community pharmacy dispensing, community-based pick-up points, or home delivery.

Health services should also prioritize ongoing care for people living with HIV who have a higher COVID-19 risk due to low CD4 counts, tuberculosis, and other underlying conditions, as well as individuals recently

diagnosed with HIV infection who need to start treatment as soon as possible.

Community organizations, including those made up of people living with HIV, will play a key role in supporting treatment adherence and mental health during this time. These organizations should be included in contingency planning and implementation processes to ensure continuity of treatment and care.

The HIV response has many lessons learned that can be utilized in the COVID-19 response. This includes complying with a human rights-based approach that puts communities at the center and respects the rights and dignity of all. A primary lesson from the AIDS response is that stigma and discrimination are counterproductive to ensuring good individual and public health outcomes.

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17 –

Protoje Produces All-Woman Album Despite the gains made in the last 20 years by women in reggae, the music is still dominated by producers who usually look to their male counterparts for hit songs.

In December, singjay/producer Protoje stood up for the ladies with the release of his Rock and Groove Riddim album. It features songs by singers Naomi Cowan, Lila Ike, Sevana, and Jaz Elise.

Cowan, whose song on the project is “Peace of Mind,” says more compilation albums of this nature are needed.

"That would be awesome if there were more of these. I wholeheartedly think there should be more projects like this because it's relevant," she said.

Protoje, a pivotal figure in Jamaica's rootsreggae revival, approached Cowan last year to be part of the album which is released by his In.Digg.Nation Collective label.

The Rock and Groove album has songs by each artist, accompanied by a dub version. Lila Ike, Sevana, and Jaz Elise are part of In.Digg.Nation Collective which recently signed a distribution deal with RCA Records.

With acts like Jah9 and Etana also doing well, Cowan believes the all-woman concept is warranted.

"We are in a time in our society when women are being uplifted and recognized in music, so it's only natural we made this happen. Women's voices matter even more when we are together because the public listens to us more," she reasoned.

Cowan is the daughter of singer Carlene Davis and Tommy Cowan, who had a successful career as an artist, producer, and marketing executive. She had a breakthrough hit in 2018 with “Paradise Plum.”

“Sweet Inspiration” by Lila Ike, Sevana's “Haul And Pull,” and “Rock And Groove” are the other songs on the Rock And Groove album.

from (L-R) Sevana, Lila Ike, Jaz Elise and Naomi Cowan

B3

Reggae Sumfest Pulls Plug on 2020 Event Joining a long list of entertainment shows and festivals canceled amidst COVID-19, Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica's biggest annual entertainment festival, has pulled the plug on this year's event.

As the fallout from the spread of the virus continues, organizers said that the festival could not take place as initially scheduled, from July 12 – 18.

Joe Bogdanovich, Chairman and CEO of DownSound Entertainment, promoters of the annual festival in a statement said, “In consultation with the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministries of Health, Tourism, and Entertainment, we must sadly confirm the rescheduling of Reggae Sumfest 2020 to July 18 – 24, 2021.”

The statement further reads, “While we hope and expect COVID-19 to be contained with the public's continued cooperation, we take the safety and health of our guests, staff, and community very seriously. We urge everyone to follow the guidelines and protocols put forth by the Ministry of Health and your local public health officials.”

Bogdanovich advised that patrons have 30 days (until May 27, 2020) to request a refund for existing online tickets. They can request this via the organization's Eventbrite page where they were purchased. Otherwise, tickets will be valid for redemption at Reggae Sumfest 2021.

The lineup that was previously announced included dancehall artist Spice and Grammy-winner Koffee as the two main headliners. There is no word from organizers yet on whether or not the lineup will remain exactly the same.

In the meantime, Reggae Sumfest will continue its food distribution program to help the farmers and the needy in our society. There are other Reggae Sumfest 2020 initiatives to be released soon.

Veteran Trinidadian Actor Dies Prominent Trinidad and Tobago playwright, screenwriter, actor, and director, Michael Anthony Hall, died Monday after suffering a massive heart attack on the island of Tobago where he lived, his family has said.

Hall, 71, became widely known as a producer/presenter on the Gayelle television series. He wrote and directed for street, stage, and screen since the late 1960s and from 1987 he collaborated in Carnival as a masmaker, working closely with master masman

Peter Minshall.

Hall conducted his theatre practice in Trinidad through a playwrights workshop, started in 2003, and his own Lordstreet Theatre “Peoples of the Sea” Company, which he co-founded with Errol Fabien in 1990.

Hall also created award-winning works as a screenwriter, director, producer, and performer in film, video, and television since the mid-1970s, mainly with a collective of artists at Banyan Studio. Those projects

include: And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon (1992/USA release 1994), an awardwinning BBC/TVE/Banyan documentary that gives “an astonishingly searing look at TV” in the Caribbean, and Gayelle (19851990), a ground-breaking cultural magazine for television.

Hall, the brother of the popular comedian, Dennis “Spranalang” Hall leaves to mourn, his wife Mary and two children.

– (CMC)

B4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17

CONTINUATIONS

Crime Plummets still on the rise in the state, other crimes have also decreased in Miami.

Several other major cities in the U.S. have also reported a dramatic decrease in crimes. Since Maryland issued its own 'stay-at-home' order, shootings, robberies, assault, and other criminal activities showed a steady decline. When compared to the same time last year, common assaults in Baltimore are down 34 percent, aggravated assaults down 17 percent, and shootings down by eight percent. Los Angeles and New York City have also reported a significant decline in violent crimes.

In Chicago, one of America's most violent cities, drug arrests have declined by 42 percent since the lockdown of the city in mid-March, when compared with the same period last year.

But while law enforcement officers have welcomed the decline in crime, many are also worried about a surge of unreported domestic violence and child abuse cases that will happen if the restrictions are extended into summer.

Since stay-at-home orders went into effect, some

Fall From Grace from A3

In 1983, Warner became a CONCACAF vice president and also joined the FIFA executive committee. Warner was later elected CONCACAF president in 1990, unseating Joaquín Soria Terrazas who had held the position for 20 years.

Warner was subsequently appointed as a FIFA vice president in 1997.

As a businessman, Warner made several lucrative purchases including the Scarlet Ibis Hotel in St. Augustine, which he renovated and renamed the Emerald Apartments and Plaza, and the Kantac Plaza, which was used as the base for Trinidad and Tobago's 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.

In October 2007, he turned his focus to Trinidad and Tobago politics when he was elected United National Congress Alliance chairman and co-leader. Campaigning for a set in the nation's 2007 General Election, Warner was elected as a Member of Parliament.

After the 2010 election, Warner was appointed as the Works and Transport Minister in Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's government. At the time, the opposition party questioned Warner's ability to continue serving in the position as a FIFA vice president, while also being the Works and Transport Minister, but the government counsel concluded that Warner was not breaking any laws and his two positions were unlikely to be conflicted.

Two years after the 2011 scandal FIFA broke, Warner resigned from his new government position as Minister of National Security, due to public pressure, and later formed and led a new political party, the Independent Liberal Party.

Jack Warner has two sons, Daryan and Daryll Warner with his former wife, Maureen—a math teacher.

Pained!

from A1

regions have reported spikes in domestic violence complaints as victims are quarantined with their abusers, while other regions have seen a drop in the number of calls.

Miami's Police Chief Jorge Colina said while the department has seen a decrease in domestic abuse calls, he is still concerned that incidents of abuse will go unreported during the order.

Across Latin America and the Caribbean, several countries have also seen a significant decrease in crime.

El Salvador and Peru, South American countries that have been constantly riddled with crime, have both seen a decline in violent crime due to COVID-19 restrictions and increased police presence on the streets. In Peru, crime levels fell 84 percent in March.

In Jamaica, several parishes including St. Elizabeth, Clarendon, and some parts of Kingston and St. Andrew have also seen a reduction in crime since the 'stay-at-home' order has been implemented. The parish of St. James, which has been on-and-off a state of emergency (SOE) for the last three years, is experiencing its lowest murder rate in 17 years.

Leader of Government Business in the Jamaican Senate, Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said the enhanced security measure in the parish coupled with the COVID-19 restrictions has led to the milestone. In the meantime, Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has extended the current SOEs until July this year. Holness said he intends to get crime on the island under control as he does not intend to hold a pending general election while sections of the island are under a state of emergency.

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As an investigation is launched into the circumstances of Fearon's death, two hospitals involved tossed blame back and forth regarding which medical staff should be held responsible.

In a statement, Andrews Hospital denied accusations of negligence, saying the UHWI is to be blamed for not answering appeals for assistance.

Andrews has also blamed the team of anesthesiologists working with Fearon's OBGYN for refusing to engage because of fears the patient possibly had COVID-19.

A medical source at the UHWI told the Gleaner, “UHWI was consulted, and our team of specialists were in talks with Andrews. We were told the baby would be delivered at Andrews and the mother sent to us next morning. UHWI was never asked to admit an expectant mother.”

The family has been urged to make no further comments, as it is now a legal matter. Jodian Fearon would have celebrated her 24th birthday on April 28.

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are available, which I hope will be very soon, we will make the information public. In the meantime, we will give whatever support is necessary to the newborn child who I understand is stable and in hospital," Tufton said.

Jodian's death has confirmed shortcomings of the Jamaican health care system and has put the vulnerability of pregnant women during the COVID19 pandemic at the forefront of the national news.

Fearon's family hired prominent Jamaican physician, Dr. Jephthah Ford, as an observer at her autopsy on Wednesday. He said she died because of the pre-existing heart condition, which was included in all her medical records, and of which all the hospitals were aware. The family has also asked for privacy and that her name not be used for partisan political purposes.

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Get more boatloadpuzzles.com Log on to @ boatloadpuzzles.com for more

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C1

Bermudian Running Back Whaley Joins Cincinnati Bengals The interest around Whaley after a freshman year when he rushed for more than 600 yards was genuine.

But, like the Razorbacks' program overall, he has taken backward steps since, not helped by a serious injury that moved him down the pecking order at an already struggling school that went through its share of head coaches.

During Arkansas' Pro Day, shortly after the end of bowl season, Whaley ran an unimpressive 4.62 seconds 40-yard dash, which scouts suggest shows one of the big flaws in his game, labeling him as “a throwback, one-cut running back.”

Cincinnati-based pundit Patrick Judis added: “He doesn't really have that top-end speed to make him one of the sought-after running backs in the NFL.” The Bengals, of the AFC North Division, were the worst team in the NFL last season with a 2-14 record and did not draft a running back with one of their seven picks, which supporters say gives Whaley some hope he can make the 53-player roster by showing value on special teams covering kick-offs and punts.

Devwah Whaley, a 22-year-old Bermudian, has been given the chance to realize his dream of playing in the National Football League (NFL) after being signed by the Cincinnati Bengals, a franchise that struggled badly last season.

Whaley, a running back at the University of Arkansas, was not selected in the NFL draft at the weekend, but was picked up as an unrestricted free agent, and could take to the field with Joe Burrow, the Heisman Trophy winner, and No 1 overall selection, if all goes well, commentators said.

The pundits said it was no surprise that Whaley was not picked up initially, after two largely injuryaffected seasons in his junior and senior years with the Razorbacks.

Arkansas were the worst team in the powerpacked Southeastern Conference in 2019 with an 08 record—2-10 overall—costing them any chance of being invited to a bowl game, primetime viewing for college football enthusiasts, and NFL scouts.

Whaley, who was mostly used as a blocking back and for short-yardage plays, had only 69 carries for 278 yards with four touchdowns in 2019. He also caught 16 passes out of the backfield for 141 yards.

Windies Women Cricketers Focus on Fitness Amid COVID-19 West Indies Women have been placing heavy emphasis on personal fitness, even though the coronavirus pandemic has ruled out any possibility of on-field action for the foreseeable future.

Lead selector Ann Browne-John said each member of the squad had been issued with fitness plans, allowing them to remain in shape in preparation for the resumption of international cricket.

“In the interim from a senior team perspective, I'm aware that all the coaches and all the training staff have given the girls work to

do that they can be doing at their home even if they're on lockdown,” Browne-John said.

“We've seen videos where so many people are doing work in their home gyms, on their balconies, in their yards so our girls are doing the same. They have their programs and we hope when they're able to come back to camp or when we're able to start back any series, they'll be fit, raring and ready to go. The coaches are in contact with them constantly and we hope that we all will get through this safely.”

West Indies Women were preparing for a hectic schedule before the outbreak of the

SAFARI

While neither international assignment has been officially canceled, they are highly unlikely to take place, leaving the Caribbean side devoid of match practice.

However, Browne-John said the safety of all players amidst the pandemic remained the priority for administrators.

West Indies Women are coming off a poor showing in the T20 World Cup in Australia earlier this year when they failed to reach the semi-finals for the first time in six appearances, after winning just once in four matches to finish third in their group.

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17 –

Jamaican Matt Peart Selected by NY Giants In 2020 NFL Draft

Caribbean Netball Stars To Benet From COVID-19 Pay Agreement

In the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft on April 24, the New York Giants selected Jamaican Matt Peart.

The 22-year-old Peart becomes the second offensive lineman taken by the Giants thus far, and the 99th overall pick.

Caribbean stars, like Jamaican Jhaniele FowlerReid and Trinidadian Samantha Wallace, who compete in the Suncorp Super Netball League in Australia will benefit from a decision by netball authorities to extend the government's JobKeeper payment to international players.

The Australian government recently instituted a $1,500 fortnightly payment for eligible employers to help insulate themselves from the disruption in business caused by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While international stars would not be normally eligible for the payment, the league and the Australian Netball Players Association recently agreed to extend the benefit to the foreign players to keep them on the same level as their Australian counterparts during the ongoing crisis.

The fourth edition of the league, Australia's premier professional netball competition, was supposed to get underway on May 3, but the COVID-19 outbreak forced organizers to delay the start until June 30.

“It really is a credit to our sport how well all parties have approached these discussions,” league chief executive, Chris Symington said. “It's not an easy time for

anyone and I'm proud of our clubs' and playing group's maturity and willingness to ensure the league will survive and bounce back strong.”

This player payment model, made possible by the Morrison Government JobKeeper package, will see all athletes considerably better off within the current COVID-19-impacted payment structure, and further discussions with the clubs and ANPA will continue to take place as the COVID-19 situation progresses.

The league had announced last month that players would take a two-week break from March 30 before being placed on “active rest” for seven hours each week for the three weeks following, while having their pay reduced by 70 percent.

However, organizers have since agreed that until May 31, contracted players will benefit from the JobKeeper payments while

players earning in excess of $78,000 annually will be paid at 50 percent of their contract.

Most of the players in the league currently make less than $78,000 per year but now stand to earn more than 50 percent of their normal salary.

Additionally, players' hours have been increased from seven to 12 hours per week.

Jamaican stars Shamera Sterling, Kadie-Ann Dehaney, Jodi-Ann Ward, Romelda Aiken, and Shimona Nelson are all currently in the league.

The 26-year-old Wallace was voted Most Valuable Player in last season's grand final when her New South Wales Swifts defeated Sunshine Coast Lightning.

THERE'S

C3

The 6-foot-7, 318-pound Peart is extremely athletic for his size. His arms were measured as the longest at the NFL Combine (36 5/8”).

Peart was born in Kingston, Jamaica and he and his family migrated to the Bronx, New York in 2002.

Through the Oliver Scholars program for highachieving students, Peart was accepted into Governor's Academy, a boarding school in Byfield, Massachusetts.

It was at Governor's Academy that Peart was introduced to football. Although football was a huge part of sporting culture in New York, there weren't many opportunities to play, growing up.

“Just watching them on the TV, just the culture and everything the Giants stand for was something that was appealing for me as a young kid,” Peart said. “Especially growing up, especially that moment in high school when they had that Super Bowl (XLVI) win my freshman year.

That was a very, very fun time for me.”

Peart grew up playing basketball in the Bronx.

“You know, Jamaicans call it 'The Concrete Jungle,'” he said. “So it's easier to pick up a ball and shoot some hoops because there weren't really that many fields open.”

But while at the Governor's Academy, he excelled at the sport, helping his squad win four consecutive Independent School League titles. In the winter, he served as captain of the school's basketball team.

Rated a two-star recruit, Peart committed later, to play college football at the University of Connecticut (UConn).

He played in all 48 Huskies' games during his four years at university, and in his final season at UConn, he was named first-team All-American Athletic Conference.

He also graduated with a degree in allied health sciences, with a focus on occupational therapy.

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| THURSDAY, APR 30 – MAY 6, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 17

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