National Weekly March 26, 2020 by Creative Network Media

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 26 – APR 1 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 12

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Your Phone Is A Prime Transmitter of COVID-19 By T.G. Brown

By Garth A. Rose

RELIEF!

After days of agonizing delay as Democratic and Republican lawmakers debated the structure of a stimulus bill, the U.S. Senate, early on Wednesday morning, agreed to a $2 trillion stimulus package—the largest in the nation's history. The bill, which will help to tide over American residents and businesses during the coronavirus crisis, is subject to a vote in the House before it goes to President Donald Trump for his signature. The primary objective of the stimulus package is to cushion the U.S. economy currently being battered as enforced social distancing to combat the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), forced the closure of many small and large businesses, placing millions of American out of work. In summation, the package includes a onetime payment of $1,200 per adult and $500 per child, $367 billion in soft loans for small businesses, $500 billion for loans to larger industries, $100 billion for hospitals and the healthcare system, and $600 more per week in

IS ON THE WAY One of the most important aspects of relief offered in the package for Florida, is the $600 increase in unemployment beneﬁts. By increasing the beneﬁts by $600 weekly, Floridians applying for unemployment should be eligible for a maximum payment of $875 per week or $3,500 monthly.

unemployment benefits for four months for the unemployed. An original draft of the stimulus bill proposed two one-time payments of $1,000 to every American earning under $75,000 annually. One payment was proposed for April 6 and the other on May 18. On their part, Democrats proposed payments of $1,500 per month over a period of three months. However, the final bill includes a one-time payment of $1,200 for adults earning less than $75,000 annually. The payments will decrease incrementally for those earning over $75,000, stopping at those earning $99,000 annually. Details about how and when the money will be distributed are expected within days. One of the most important aspects of relief offered in the package, especially in Florida, is the $600 increase in unemployment benefits. Many South Floridians who are laid off as their place of employment closed were panicking at Florida's stingy unemployment benefit of $275 per week for up to 12 weeks—just over $1100 per month. By increasing the benefits by $600 weekly, Floridians applying for unemployment should be eligible for a maximum payment of $875 per week or $3,500 monthly. The drafters of the stimulus bill intended the unemployment benefit to compensate for a significant percentage of one's salary while unemployed during the current crisis. In addition to those who are laid off without continues on B4 – Relief

WHAT’S INSIDE

E TIN AN AR QU

QUA RAN TINE

NEWSMAKER

TLC

NAJ PRESIDENT URGES NURSES TO BE RESILIENT A3

QUARANTINE BLUES? HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME AT HOME B1

With a world population of close to eight billion people (7,621,018,958 at the last oﬃcial count) coupled with a cellphone penetration which far outstrips it—in excess of 300,000 (7,950,000,000) — this every-day communication device is in pole position, as potentially one of the main transmitters of the deadly COVID-19 virus. This fact is further underscored by a recent study published by the New England Journal of Medicine and authored by Carolyn Machamer, a professor in cell biology from the John Hopkins School of Medicine who specializes in coronaviruses. It found that SARS-2-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, can live on diﬀerent surfaces for varying periods of time, ranging from 72 hours on plastic, 48 hours on stainless steel, 24 hours on cardboard, four hours on copper and is also detectable in the air for up to three hours. However, she was quick to point out that “what is most important is the amount of virus that remains, is less than 0.1 percent of the starting (initial) viral material…therefore infection is theoretically continues on B4 – Prime transmitter

ENTERTAINMENT

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A2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 26 – APR 1, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 12

FLASHBACK Reggae Smilez: Reggae Girls pose for the camera at the Bob Marley's Football Match in Miramar. Photo Credit: Mark James

Broward Coronavirus (COVID-19) Press Conference: Broward County Mayor Dale Holness addresses the County on the state County on Coronavirus. Pictured here with his colleagues, Commissioner Michael Udine, Commissioner Lamar Fisher, Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief, OESBD Director Sandy Michael McDonald, and Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeane e Nunez. – Contributed

Most Essen al: Hats oﬀ to our nurses on duty during the Coronavirus pandemic. – Contributed

Dapper Dan: This gentleman was all dressed and ready for the ladies at the Holy Childhood Interna onal Alumni Gala in Fort Lauderdale. Photo Credit: Luke Ballen ne

FLASHBACK Fashionably Fabulous: Sophis cated and elegant, these two shined at the Holy Childhood Interna onal Alumni Gala held at the Embassy Suites Hilton in Fort Lauderdale. Photo Credit: Luke Ballen ne

FLASHBACK: Campion Strong! Champion College Alumni L-r: Junior Mar n, Andrew Yap, Michael Lewis, Keith Lindo, Allan Lewis, Michael Hall, Aubrey Chung, and Nicholas Suite (2nd from right). – Contributed

Cuba to the rescue! Dr. Christopher Tu on (right) on Tuesday welcomed the team of Cuban health professionals who arrived in Jamaica to assist in the ﬁght against COVID-19. - Contributed

FLASHBACK Sweet and Soulful: Afro-La na singer, actress, entertainer, and author, Diana Danleys De Los Santos, aka Amara La Negra performs at the City of Miramar's Afro Caribbean Fest Photo Credit: Mark James

NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 26 – APR 1, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 12 –

NEWSMAKER

Carmen Johnson

NAJ President Urges Nurses To Be Resilient Amid COVID-19 Crisis The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) to most countries in the world has not only exposed poor hygiene practices, the inability or challenge for people to practice social distancing, and the general disregard for national regulations, but also the lack of respect for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. Many people would be quick to acknowledge the importance of doctors in a health crisis, without giving nurses the credit that they deserve. However, it's nurses who are mostly on the frontline of coping with this pandemic everywhere, and their work is often unappreciated. President of the Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ), Carmen Johnson, urged Jamaican nurses to “fight the good fight” and continue to do their part in containing the virus and protecting the country's residents. “I want to say to our members, continue to do what you do. Continue to prepare yourself to be a part of the greater fight that you will have to fight and the greater crisis that may result, because we have to play our part and do it well,” she told the Jamaica Observer. In Jamaica, since the first case of COVID-19 was reported, nurses in hospitals and clinics have complained about being scorned and discriminated against by some residents. There are frequent reports of operators of public transportation, mostly taxis, who have refused to transport nurses out of fear that they may have the virus and can spread it to taxi drivers and other passengers. As a result, many nurses have resorted to wearing regular clothes to their places of work, instead of their usual uniforms, in response to being scorned in public. But the treatment at the healthcare facilities is not much better. Nurses have also complained about being

“I want to say to our members, continue to do what you do. Continue to prepare yourself to be a part of the greater ght that you will have to ght and the greater crisis that may result, because we have to play our part and do it well,” – Johnson deliberately coughed on and sneezed on by patients, and even being rudely sprayed with Lysol, alcohol or other unknown substances, by people who enter their places of work. In times of a pandemic, people often react out of ignorance. Also, the prevalence of the preponderance of misinformation has only

made the job of nurses even harder. The more rumors and gossip spread, in relation to COVID-19 and frontline health professionals, is the more nurses are being discriminated against by the very people that they are working hard to protect and care for. Carmen Johnson, who has been head of the

Nurses Association of Jamaica since 2017 has also had to “fight the good fight.” Since the beginning of her tenure as the NAJ president, Johnson has had to deal with a global health pandemic, a local dengue crisis, rampant sexual harassment, mass migration of nurses, and unsatisfactory salary negotiations. However, Johnson says she genuinely believes the nursing profession is her life's calling, and this belief enables her to find the strength to cope during the tough times, like the current pandemic crisis. She says she is very committed to being a motivating force to all Jamaican nurses who are coping with the demands brought about by COVID-19. “When our nurses are signaled that their work is appreciated and welcomed, they will be better motivated no matter the odds they are faced with wherever they are called to offer treatment and healing.” While studying at Knox College in Jamaica, Johnson said she wanted to pursue sociology, but the care she showed for the sick and elderly at her community church in Clarendon eventually translated and transformed her into a career in nursing. She officially became a nurse in the late 80s and by November 1990, she was being assigned to the St. Ann's Bay Hospital in rural Jamaica. The devoted Christian and mother currently in her 50s, earned the nickname of “Devotional Sister,” after spending over 20 years at that hospital where she would readily have devotions and prayers with the patients which helped them tremendously during their various illnesses. In 2017, Johnson replaced Janet CooreFarr as president of the Jamaica Nursing Association. Johnson said her elevation to the presidency of the association was “a dream come true,” while most NAJ members agreed she was indeed the right person for the job.

A4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 26 – APR 1, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 12

NEWSBRIEFS

Antigua Seeking Medical Supplies, Health Professionals From Cuba The Antigua and Barbuda Government has made a request to Cuba for supplies of the Interferon 2B drug that boosts the immune system, allowing patients who are very sick a chance to recover from diseases like the coronavirus. “The Cuban drug is in great demand at this time, as are others that are being tested on patients. Only one conﬁrmed case of coronavirus has been detected in Antigua, and that 21-year-old patient is recovering. However, should an elderly Antiguan or Barbudan fall ill with the virus, the Cabinet is determined that all will be done to save that life. No death from coronavirus has occurred in Antigua and Barbuda,” a statement issued following the special Cabinet meeting on Sunday read.

Cuba's medical mission arrives in Jamaica On Saturday, March 21, Jamaica welcomed 140 Cuban medical professionals on the island, to help the country ﬁght COVID-19. The medical professionals arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport and were greeted by Jamaica's Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton and Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, Inés Fors Fernández. In keeping with the Jamaican government's current regulations for travel, the entire Cuban team is quarantined for 14 days before being deployed across hospitals on the island. Minister Tufton welcomed the group to the island, saying he was encouraged by their need to assist. “Thank you, Cuba for your quick response to our request for support against COVID-19. Thanks to the local health team who coordinated to get this mission here in just over a month,” said the minister.

Caribbean Must Prepare To Combat Food Shortages The director-general of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Manuel Otero, says the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic provides a situation for the Caribbean to develop food security strategies and greater efforts to increase selfsufficiency. “Approximately 20 countries in the hemisphere are net importers of food. Each year the Caribbean region alone draws a check for six billion U.S. dollars to feed 44.5 million people,” Otero said, adding, “we must again reassess the role of family farmers, who, ironically, although pivotal in ensuring food self-sufficiency, are the adjustment variable in times of economic uncertainty. “These farmers supply close to 60 percent of the food demand in the hemisphere. This situation requires us to focus on policies that

means of reinforcing the importance of health intelligence and prospective monitoring. Otera said that the world is witnessing the spread of a new pandemic in less than four months since it ﬁrst erupted, “this emergency is rocking the world, and we are not yet able to foresee what life will be like in a few months when this dramatic event is ﬁnally over.” But he said amidst the confusion, fear,

beneﬁt these producers, emphasizing areas such as associativity, extension services, access to technology and agricultural insurance.” But he warned that the new generation of pests, and diseases aﬀecting men and women, crops and animals, such as Fusarium on bananas, locusts, and African Swine Fever, create the need for sophisticated surveillance and agricultural quarantine services, as a

continues on A7 – Must Prepare

St. Vincent Warns Against Using Drugs To Treat Lupus And Malaria For Coronavirus Health authorities are warning nationals against using antimalarial drugs, Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine, to treat or prevent COVID-19, even though United States President Donald Trump has been backing the drugs to deal with the virus for which there is no known cure.

Trump has made clear that he thinks the two drugs should be deployed quickly against the virus that surfaced in China last December and is blamed for more than 14,000 deaths so far. But Trump's own medical oﬃcials, including the heads of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, have been hesitant to endorse the drugs. In a statement, St. Vincent's Ministry of

Health, Wellness and the Environment said the “named drugs have been widely used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, along with its related complaints of hair loss and joint pain. “Although both Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine have been proposed by some researchers as being possible treatments against COVID-19, this has not yet been conﬁrmed by health and regulatory authorities,” the ministry said.

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Talk UP Measures taken by local Caribbean-American leaders against COV1D-19 Dale Holness, Mayor, Broward County - The county has put in emergency orders that call for closing oﬀ non-essential businesses. Gas stations, pharmacies, medical care facilities, grocery stores, banks will remain open. We included pawn shops to allow low-income people to be able to access cash on valuables that they may have. We've closed our parks, libraries, and marine launching pads to prevent folks from being on crowded boats out in the ocean. These measures will only beneﬁt us if everyone takes the warning from the CDC and other health professionals, that we should act as though everyone has the virus. The sooner we are able to get beyond this crisis, the sooner we can return to ensuring prosperity for all of our people. Wayne Messam, Mayor, City of Miramar - The City of Miramar has aggressively been planning since the end of February for the possible outbreak of the Coronavirus. We've taken aggressive steps to combat this threat by canceling all city events; closing city facilities while providing vital necessities for our most at-risk residents—our seniors. We are in constant communication with the community to provide updated information and we urge every resident and employee to work from home, practice social distancing and limit going outside except for essential needs. You can also look for us in Jamaica

Hazelle Rogers, Mayor, City of Lauderdale Lakes Lauderdale Lakes declared a state of emergency putting our city in a better position to expedite needed resources to combat the pandemic and to hopefully be reimbursed by FEMA. Also, I implore residents to make sure their kids are sneezing in their sleeves. This is so serious—that if someone is really not feeling well, they should not go out to visit other family members. Keep everyone that is not well at home. Shelter in your own home, do not contaminate others. Protect our children, we need to teach them without scaring them. We have to educate the kids while protecting them. Ken Thurston, Mayor, City of Lauderhill Lauderhill has taken steps to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. The transmission is generally from people-to-people, so we're encouraging folks to stay home, and not have contact with others. We have closed City Hall, we have stopped turning off water for the next 60 days, so if a person can't get in to pay the water bill, they don't have to be concerned. We think there is a window, probably in the next 15 days, where if we can reduce people-to-people contact, we can stop the spread of the virus. I urge the residents of Lauderhill and South Florida to be patient and be calm. We're going to get through this if we follow the rules: wash our hands, reduce interpersonal contact. Mark Douglas, Commissioner, City of Sunrise Last week we entered one of the most far-reaching ordinances, when the county failed to act, closing non-essential businesses including the Sawgrass Mall, restaurants, nightclubs, gyms, other places of amusement, etc... We at [Sunrise] have allowed our non-essential staff to work from home, closed our parks, but leaving the open spaces accessible. All adult and kids programming are canceled... We are always looking at ways to help our residents mitigate the issues that will arise through our social services department. Anyone who needs assistance is urged to reach out to the department so we can try to connect them with available resources. Marlon Bolton, Commissioner City of Tamarac We have instituted a moratorium on water shut-offs. As of March 16, no late fees were charged on unpaid water accounts and no shut-offs will occur for the next 90 days. Many of our neighbors lost their jobs and/or have reduced work hours. This assistance will come at a much-needed time for them. I am urging all Tamarac and Broward County residents at large to stay home...and/or practice social distancing so that we protect our seniors, families and those at high risk. I joined the National League of Cities in calling on our members of Congress to adopt recommendations that will empower our city. I flew to Washington two weeks ago and personally met with Rep. Alcee Hastings, Sen. Rick Scott, and Sen. Marco Rubio and they all heard the passion in my delivery and they all understand just what we need right here in Tamarac.

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A6 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 26 – APR 1, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 12

Extraordinary Crisis Calls For Extraordinary Measures

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mong the more dramatic and devastating effects of the coronavirus epidemic here in the United States is the effect it’s having on the economy. This crisis is both a direct threat to the lives and the livelihood of Americans. And, because the most effective way of stemming the spread of the virus is to distance people from each other, most businesses have ceased to operate. This is resulting in the type of economic crisis, unlike any other seen in American history. The implementation of social distancing to stem the spread of the coronavirus means, according to the directives of the government, that people shouldn’t gather in groups of more than 10, and when in public should be six feet apart from each other. This means people cannot gather in restaurants, hotels, sports arenas, schools, colleges, offices, travel on cruise ships, planes, visit their barbers, beauticians, and shop at small businesses. Suddenly, the demand for most businesses has diminished. Without demand, businesses have no revenue; without revenue, businesses cannot pay workers; without pay, workers cannot pay rent, mortgage, purchase food, and pay other bills. The result is a major economic catastrophe. Each time a government, whether local, state or federal, issues a directive to create more social distancing, is the worse it becomes for the economy. More worrisome, where the economy is concerned, is that the restrictions on social contact will likely not end until the rate of coronavirus infection declines significantly, and widespread testing sparks confidence that the threat from the virus is greatly minimized. The problem is that there is absolutely no timetable for this. But the American economy cannot be allowed to wander without control risking a greater economic depression than what occurred in the 1930s. It is imperative that the federal government leads in taking measures to assist both workers and businesses, small businesses in particular. While large businesses like airlines, and some hotel chains, may have some financial cushion to cope in the economic crisis, typically small business doesn’t have sufficient cash reserves to cover even a month of expenses if their revenues stop coming in. These businesses have very limited profit margins. On the other hand, large businesses also employ large numbers of employees. When airlines, cruise lines, and hotel chains close, the rate of unemployment rises dramatically. It has been estimated that by March 31, over 20 million Americans could be unemployed and depending on benefits – like unemployment benefits. It is imperative that the assistance that government gives is balanced by providing citizens with cash or benefits that allow them to pay their inescapable bills, like rent, mortgage, and food; and provide businesses with funds to continue paying their employees, even if they are not actually working, and also pay their inescapable business expenses.

MANAGING EDITOR Dr. Garth A. Rose grose@cnweeklynews.com

EDITORIAL editor@cnweeklynews.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Normally during an economic recession, like that between 2008 and 2010, the government tries to stimulate consumer demand with stimulus plans that bring revenue to businesses and try to bring an early economic recovery. However, under the current circumstances, the objective of the government’s assistance is not primarily to stimulate consumer demand, since the businesses where most of this demand would be directed have been ordered closed to effect social distancing. So, what the government is doing, in effect, is taking measures to provide people with funds so they can stay home and be able to pay their basic bills, while simultaneously providing businesses with some of the revenue they are losing in the absence of consumer demand. The type of assistance required from the government may be difficult to grasp because it has never happened before in recent memory. And, is going to cost the government trillions of dollars, and more if this crisis continues indefinitely. We can understand why some legislators may find it difficult to vote for funds to pay millions of people to stay home. This policy is totally opposite to their ideological thinking. But these are not ordinary times. These are definitely not times for exercising one’s ideological preferences. Now is the time to save us from being decimated by a wicked virus, and to do this, the government has to fill the financial gap existing within families and businesses as they try to avoid this virus. Sure, the financial measures come with a hefty price tag, but if the expenditure helps to curb the spread of the virus, keep businesses in a position to rebound as soon as possible after the crisis ends, and keep families from bankruptcy and financial collapse, it will be worth it.

Andrew Karim akarim@cnweeklynews.com

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 26 – APR 1, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 12 –

LA SECTION HAITIENNE

President Moïse Declares State Of Health Emergency

University Students Sent Home After Professor Shows Symptoms Of Coronavirus

Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, last week, declared a state of health emergency following the conﬁrmation of two cases of COVID-19 in that Caribbean nation.

Students, teachers as well as administrative staﬀ at the Université Henri Christophe de Limonade have been sent home after a professor who recently returned from a visit to the United States exhibited symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Since then Haiti has recorded three new additional cases of the coronavirus and health officials have urged people to follow instructions given by the relevant authorities so as to prevent the spread of the virus. Speaking during a news conference last week, Moïse said the country's ports, airports, and borders would be closed to people from midnight on Thursday, although they would remain open for goods traffic. Schools, universities, places of worship and industrial parks would be closed and a curfew would be in force from 8:00 pm to 5:00 a.m. (local time) as of Friday. During the state of emergency, the president said schools, voodoo temples, churches and all other places of worship will remain closed until further notice. He said the government will also make the appropriate arrangements to provide hospitals with masks, gloves, medicines, fluids and all

Must Prepare

other necessary medical supplies. In addition, citizens are asked to stay home or limit their trips only to what is necessary and Individuals coming from high-risk areas will be automatically placed in quarantine for a period of 14 days.

Haiti was one of the last Caribbean nations to remain free of COVID-19 and had suspended ﬂights from Europe, Latin America, and Canada and imposed major restrictions on the border with the neighboring Dominican Republic earlier this week in a bid to prevent the disease's entry.

from A4

and disorientation, “we can draw some conclusions and identify preliminary lessons. “The ﬁrst is obvious. This situation is having a greater impact on economies that are excessively dependent on one sector, such as tourism, petroleum or agricultural raw materials. The structural, long-term antidote to this is diversiﬁcation.”

Otero said that the slowing down of trade is also endangering people's ability to fully exercise their right to food, especially in countries with an extremely high agricultural trade deficit. “In some cases, it seems that there may be insufficient labor to transport goods, especially over long distances, although, this is not affecting the food supply at the moment.”

Otero said that the regional countries will have to strengthen national and regional innovation and development systems before the developed countries leave them behind completely.

The university's management board asked the teachers, administrative staff and students, to stay at home until Sunday as they await the results of the tests conducted on the lecturer. Secretary of State for Communication Eddy Jackson Alexis confirmed that the professor had been placed in quarantine because he has symptoms that resemble those of COVID-19. He said the professor had just returned from a visit to the U.S. The health directorate of the department said the samples had been sent to the national laboratory and that the results should be available in approximately 24 hours. It said it should be noted that the professor has been in contact with other people, including students, since his return from the U.S. Haiti, up to press time, had five confirmed cases of the virus which was first detected in China last December and blamed for more than 8,000 deaths worldwide.

A8 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

| THURSDAY, MAR 26 – APR 1, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 12

Park Closures And Social Distancing For Bus Riders

South Florida Implements Several Curfews Amid COVID-19 Spread As coronavirus continues to spread across the state of Florida, several curfews have been implemented across South Florida in addition to the statewide State of Emergency. Schools across the state have been closed until further notice, in addition to bars, entertainment venues, and restaurants. In Miami, all commercial lodgings including hotels, motels, and short-term rentals were shut down and guests ordered to leave. In smaller counties like Broward County, other measures have been implemented, like closing all non-essential businesses. As of March 22, Florida has 830 conﬁrmed cases of COVID-19. Below is a list of current curfews in South Florida:

MIAMI-DADE: Ÿ

Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

City of Miami Beach: 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the city's entertainment district. The city-wide curfew is from 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m daily. The public beach from 5th to 15th streets, including Lummus Park, is closed. Village of Key Biscayne: Curfew is 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. North Miami Beach: Curfew is 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Hallandale Beach: Curfew is 10:00 p.m. nightly. All beaches and city parks are closed. Sunny Isles Beach: 11:00 p.m to 5:00 a.m. until further notice.

BROWARD: Ÿ

Coconut Creek: 11:00 p.m to 5:00 a.m. until further notice.

PALM BEACH: Ÿ

Palm Beach: 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Broward County has temporarily closed county parks and implements schedule changes and activities to support social distancing for bus riders. The county has also restated some provisions of Emergency Order 20-01 regarding essential businesses. Broward County Parks – All parks operated by Broward County are closed to public access beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, until further notice. This includes regional, neighborhood and specialty parks; nature centers; and natural areas. C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines will remain open as a COVID-19 drive-through testing collection site until further notice. Parks employees will continue to report to work. Broward County Transit (BCT) – Broward County asks that members of the public limit their use of bus and paratransit services to essential travel only; and that riders comply with the CDC recommendations for social distancing. BCT will also implement the following social distancing measures, until further notice: Beginning Tuesday, March 24,

customers will enter and exit the bus only via the rear doors, except for customers who require use of the wheelchair ramp, which will remain available at the front door. Also beginning March 24, bus fare collections will be temporarily suspended on all bus service, including TOPS paratransit. Beginning Saturday, March 28, BCT will operate a Saturday schedule daily, Monday through Saturday; Limited Stop (or “Breeze”) service will be eliminated, and Express buses will operate on 30-minute schedules. Sunday schedules will continue as they currently are. Broward County Libraries – As a reminder, Broward County Libraries were closed to in-person public access at the close of business on March 19, until further notice. Library staﬀ will continue to report to work. A wealth of online library resources remains available. Fines will not be assessed for materials returned late as a result of the closure. The following provisions of Emergency Order 20-02 restate portions of Emergency Order 20-01 regarding essential and non-

essential businesses. Marinas and boat launches, docking, fueling, marine supply, and other marina services – These continue to be identified as essential businesses, but only for limited operations, including commercial fishing, law enforcement activities, to accommodate boats and ferries operating out of Port Everglades, to accommodate persons living aboard their vessels, persons returning to the U.S. from international voyages, and persons needing to remove their vessel from the water or perform emergency maintenance. This change was made primarily to curtail the continued social gatherings of large parties and groups at these facilities, contrary to the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pawn Shops - Excluded from the initial list of essential businesses, pawn shops are now included in the list of essential business, as they are deemed to provide an important financial resource to many residents, particularly during times of need.

64,000 Computer Devices Distributed to BCPS Students On Friday, March 20, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) parents and guardians from across the District picked up more than 64,000 computer devices to support their children's education. The devices are part of the District's eﬀorts to ensure all students have access to online learning, which begins Districtwide on Monday, March 30, due to schools being closed because of the coronavirus threat. As part of the distribution process, parents and guardians went to their child's school beginning at 8 a.m., completed necessary documentation and left with

SAFARI

computing devices and reduce our student to computer ratio from 6:1 to 2:1, and in many grade levels to 1:1. Because of those investments, we are technology-rich, which is critical more than ever.” For parents who were unable to go to their child's school, or if the school ran out of computer devices, a second device distribution day will be scheduled in the near future.

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tablets and laptops on loan from the District for their children. Superintendent Robert W. Runcie visited Walter C. Young Middle School on Friday morning to watch the distribution process and speak with families and staﬀ. “It's been wonderful to see our families supporting their child's education and know that we have the technology resources to help them during this time,” Superintendent Runcie said. “Part of this day was made possible through the taxpayers of Broward County who passed our SMART Bond, which allowed us to purchase over 95,000

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 26 – APR 1, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 12 –

TRAVEL. LIFESTYLE. CUISINE.

B2 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 26 – APR 1, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 12 –

Buju Cops Seven IRAWMA Awards Buju Banton scored big at the recent International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). The popular deejay won a total of seven awards at the event which was held as an online event and media announcement of winners as the restrictions of the spread of the coronavirus necessitated the cancellation of the regular award show. Buju won the Marcus Garvey Humanitarian Award, Best R&B/Hip Hop collaboration for “Holy Mountain” featuring DJ Khaled, Best Dancehall Stagecraft Entertainer, Most Cultural/Educational Entertainer, and Best Caribbean Entertainer for which he tied with Beenie Man. Buju Banton's Til Shiloh Band also won Most Outstanding Show Band, while Long Walk To Freedom, his ﬁrst show after his return from a 10-year jail sentence in the U.S., was

named Concert of The Year. Popular Jamaican female Grammy award singer Koﬀee won four awards: Best Female Vocalist, Best Song for “Toast,” Best Album (Rapture), and Best Music Video for “Toast.” IRAWMA's, producer Ephraim Martin, told the Jamaica Observer despite the COVID-

19 pandemic he decided that awards had to be presented. “Yes, the coronavirus pandemic was a setback for us. We had lots of people scheduled to come in from all over the world for the event. There was a big delegation coming from Africa this year, as the awards is very popular there,” he said. “But we decided that we just had to go ahead given the importance of these awards to the entertainment industry. So, we had to do our best. We missed the glitz and glamour of the red carpet and the energy of the audience, but I believe we were able to manage and deliver under the circumstances.” Martin shared that the situation presented an opportunity to widen the IRAWMA reach to those unable to be in Jamaica for the event. “I believe we have set a precedent in these times. Rather than canceling events, we have

been able to show others how you can go ahead in these times. More than 100,000 persons tuned in to hear the announcements. This is great. Especially at this time when many persons are at home with nothing to do, these online events provide a great form of entertainment,” he noted. Other award winners included Entertainer of The year, Popcaan; Recording Artiste of The Year, Vybz Kartel; Best Male Vocalist, Chronixx; Best Gospel Song, “No Weapon” by Jermaine Edwards; Best Male Deejay, Vybz Kartel; Best Female Deejay, Spice; Best New Entertainer, Chronic Law. Veteran Freddie McGregor was named Most Consistent Entertainer; Stone Love was voted Best Sound System, and Ding Dong and Ravers Clavers won for Most Outstanding Dance Group.

Young Jamaican Singer Shines on American Idol Jamaican singer Jahzan McLaughlin is giving the diaspora something to look forward to as she excelled in a recent episode of American Idol. The 18-year-old wowed the judges during the Sunday, March 15 audition round of American Idol telecasted in ABC-TV and advanced to the next round to be held in Hollywood, California. Jahzan, who is based in New York City, impressed the panel of judges which included singer Lionel Richie, with her renditions of Clean Bandit's “Rock-A-Bye Baby” and Demi Lovato's “Warrior.” During her performances, Jahzan's mother, Zandriann Maye who is also a performer, showed support by dancing on stage with her. She received a “yes” vote from all three judges and has moved on to the Hollywood Week. The news was the ultimate blessing for the creative mother-daughter duo, who recounted their struggles, having moved from Kingston, Jamaica three years ago to settle in the “Big

Apple.” “We moved to New York as we busk in the city. Right now, we are homeless, so American Idol is basically my opportunity. It's tough coming over here [America] at age 15 and not knowing where you're gonna live,” Jahzan told the judges. Richie and fellow judges, pop star Katy Perry and country music singer Luke Bryan, oﬀered supportive words to the pair who were both emotional. “I like this. And Mom, you're the rock of everything for this. I want you to understand what a great job you've done”, Richie said. “We came here ﬁrst and foremost for our safety, for reasons I cannot discuss on

television. We came over here to escape from that. I live in my uncle's salon. Nobody even knows about my situation at school, because I don't want to be looked down on,” Jahzan continued to explain. Jahzan said she also learned how to sing under the guidance of her mother. Maye, speaking in patois, chimed in: “I stay with her sometimes in the subway, and dance and hype har up and build the vibes.” Jamaica's Minister of Entertainment, Olivia “Babsy” Grange took to Twitter to send congratulations to Jahzan, saying “The hotter the battle the sweeter the victory. Congratulations Jahzan for reaching the

Hollywood round of American Idol and Big up Mumma Zandria, your “stick-to-it-iveness” a guh mek it happen.” Under strict guidelines from ABC- TV and producers of American Idol, neither Maye nor Jahzan are allowed to do interviews with any media. They did, however, post an Instagram video, thanking the diaspora and the world for the support, and shared a bit of their background. “I'm so thankful for everyone and the support I'm getting. It's just unbelievable. I feel so good that everyone is so proud and my country is so proud of me”, Jahzan said in the video. Jahzan, is a former student at Queens' Preparatory. She was enrolled in Jamaica's JCDC performing arts program as a child. Her mother encouraged all Jamaican children to get involved in the JCDC, saying that the program set the foundation for Jahzan.

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ON THE COVER

Prime transmitter possible but unlikely at the levels [transmittable] after a few days.” The professor says it a kind of “cold comfort” for the billions who see their cellphone—this ubiquitous communication tool—as a virtual extension of themselves and the sober but stark realization, that the majority of the external make-up of this device are plastic and glass. Additionally, it has been proven that cellphones accumulate approximately 10 times more micro-organism than if you were in a health institution. Beginning with the fact that the average person, in a day, uses his phone more than 50 times, with the same set of hands that previously were used to touch the doorknob, exchange money, hold on to the handrails in public transportation, and the list goes on—all done in public spaces. If that was not enough, consider the following scenario: you are talking on the phone as an asymptomatic person who also is, unknowingly, a carrier of COVID-19 virus. In your conversation, a lot of ‘spraying’ and droplets of the virus settles on your phone. On the completion of your call, you lend it to a friend or being ‘good neighborly’ to someone who asks you for a call. She then hands you back the phone and sometime later uses those same ﬁngertips to touch her face. Boom, there goes another case of COVID-19 transmission! And, the roles could have been the reverse, as there are so many diﬀerent instances where our

Relief

from A1

pay, unemployment benefits will be available to workers staying home to take care of their families, or those who were hospitalized or quarantined. Residents are urged to apply for unemployment benefits as soon as possible online at www.floridajobs.org. With so many people unemployed, high demand for benefits is anticipated, so people should not procrastinate in applying.

cellphones are involved in our day-to-day activities. So what are some of the steps that we can take to not only to sanitize our cellphone but other electronic devices such as tablets, laptops, desktop computers, keyboards, and mouse as transmitters of the dreaded COVID-19 virus? The first step is to turn off the instrument, then get a soft piece of cloth, like the kind used to clean eyeglasses. We do not recommend paper towels or napkins as they can scratch the face of your device. Prepare a solution of warm, soapy water that you use to dampen (not too wet) the cloth that will allow it to run into ports and other areas critical to the operation of the device. The soap solution should not be sprayed onto the devices but gently rubbed with the cloth. A word on the soap and water, it’s not that it’s the be-all and end-all, the proverbial silver bullet of COVID-19, but this particular virus has a thin membrane which is destroyed by soap and water solution. Regarding your keyboard and laptop computer, please use a cotton swab to clean the ports and between the keys as damp cloth can pose a problem. The mouse should also not be overlooked in the sanitization process. Finally with the current global death toll in excess of 20,000 and confirmed cases numbering 454,000 with the United States contributing 930 deaths and over 70,000 confirmed cases respectively to this deadly pandemic, any step that slows down this carnage in human lives, should be embraced.

Small Businesses Should Move Quickly To Benefit Another peculiar area of relief is the provision for small businesses. The Caribbean-American community is replete with numerous small businesses including professionals, restaurants, grocery stores, beauticians, barbers, and so on. These businesses, like residents, do not carry significant cash reserves and face bankruptcy as they are forced to close. The $367 billion allocated for small businesses will provide local small business owners funds to cover the revenue lost because of closures. A source from the Small Business Administration offices in Washington, speaking to CNW under anonymity, said while no details of the funding have been released, the loans should be at very low interest, with repayments extended over several months, and should be for at least $50,000 each.

Our source, however, advised business to get their financial records in order, particularly information related to the lost revenue resulting from their closure or decline in business. It's important that the loans cover the salaries of all employees of the business for at least the next three months. Broward County Mayor Dale Holness also advised that small businesses and nonprofit organizations can apply for lowinterest loans of up to $2 million. The mayor said on March 16 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The bridge loan program provides short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic loss. Applications were opened from March 17 and will remain open through May 8, 2020. More information is available at FloridaDisasterLoan.org. The $2 trillion stimulus package also includes $150 billion for a state, local and tribal fund; creation of a Treasury Department office to oversee the distribution of loans; tax credit for employers who keep workers on their payroll; and a provision that no loans can go to businesses controlled by President Trump, members of his administration, members of Congress or their families.

Sudoku 1

28 31

30 35

18 20

38 42

45 48

242

1. Brownish Gray 6. Lyricist Gershwin 9. Time past 12. First Greek Letter 13. Lab animal 14. Toss 15. Water _____ (like some watches) 17. Sock part 18. Hint of color 19. Highway curve 20. Regard highly 24. Main course 26. Harpooned 28. Noise 29. Hearing organs 30. Polka _____ 32. Computer fodder 35. Got together 37. Made 39. Lifts 42. Burstyn and DeGeneres 43. Country hotel 44. Performed 46. School group (abbr.) 47. Oppress 52. CT time zone 53. Lennon’s lady 54. Actress _____ Sarandon 55. Deli bread 56. Newsman _____ Koppel 57. Adolescents

1. Pitch 2. Malt beverage 3. _____ and downs 4. Greek letter 5. Spring holiday 6. Mideast country 7. Kitchen appliance 8. Show up 9. Take turns 10. Silly bird 11. Chubby 16. Clocked 20. Compass point (abbr.) 21. Exercise club 22. Conclude 23. Soothes 25. _____ wave 27. Medic 31. Squirrels’ homes 33. Knockout count 34. Commercials 36. Pekoe server 38. Firstborn 39. More mature 40. Restless 41. Play part 45. Walked upon 48. Stage signal 49. Employ 50. Summer shade 51. Naval rank (abbr.)

Last week’s answer

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NATIONAL WEEKLY | THURSDAY, MAR 26 – APR 1, 2020 | VOL. 17 NO. 12 –

2020 Hero CPL Still On For Now

Olympics Postponed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and IOC President Thomas Bach, on Tuesday, agreed to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics until no later than the summer of 2021. In an interview with USA Today, veteran International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Dick Pound said the games are likely to be postponed to 2021, with details to be worked out in the coming weeks. “On the basis of the information, the IOC postponement has been decided,” Pound said in a phone interview. “The parameters going forward have not been determined, but the Games are not going to start on July 24, that much I know.” Pound, a Canadian who has been one of the most inﬂuential members of the IOC for decades, said he believes the IOC will announce its next steps soon. “It will come in stages,” he said. “We will postpone this and begin to deal with all the ramiﬁcations of moving this, which are immense.” The announcement comes days after Australia and Canada both withdrew from the Olympics, that they would not send their

athletes to the games if it was held this summer. In its own statement, the IOC said that they have set a fourweek deadline to make a ﬁnal decision. “In light of the worldwide deteriorating situation…the executive board has today initiated the next step in the IOC's scenario-planning,” it said in a statement. “These scenarios relate to modifying existing operational plans for the Games to go ahead on 24 July 2020, and also for changes to the start date of the Games.” They also announced that the Games will remain in Tokyo, Japan and still be referred to as the “2020 Games.” Cancellation is “not on the agenda,” said the IOC, but a “scaled-down” Games will also be considered. Postponement, up to a year, is said to be the most likely outcome.

Jamaican Olympic President Relieved President of the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), Christopher Samuda, says he is relieved to know that the decision to postpone the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games 2020 has been taken. “It is a relief for all. As we knew from the beginning, the Olympic and Paralympic Games will go on and now, hopefully, at an opportune time,” Samuda said.

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As a number of sporting events around the world are being either canceled or postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers of the Hero CPL tournament say its “too early” to make a decision. CPL organizers said in a statement, “In light of recent media reports and as the eﬀects of the COVID19 virus impacts people around the world there has been some understandable speculation with regard to the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season which is scheduled to take place from 19 August to 26 September 2020.” The organizers say they have been “in constant communication with our medical advisors in recent weeks, as well as speaking with Cricket West Indies about the current situation with regard to cricket around the world, and at present, there has been no discussion about moving the event.” The organization said it believes it's too early to make a decision to cancel or postpone the event, but are watching how the situation unfolds. “Our thoughts at this time are with the many CPL fans, players and staﬀ from around the world who have been impacted by this crisis and we hope that they and their families stay safe and healthy,” the statement concluded.

C4 – NATIONAL WEEKLY

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