VOLUME 16 ISSUE 13

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL 3RD, 2020

Website: www.suntci.com

VOLUME 16 - NO. 13

Email: sun@suntci.com

Tel: (649) 348-6838

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‘THERE ARE PROBABLY MORE VIRUS CASES’ Premier advises residents to exercise extreme care and caution”

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

T

he Turks a n d C a i c o s I s l a n d s recorded t w o confirmed cases of the coronavirus as at Thursday march 26th, Premier Sharlene 2020, but Cartwright-Robinson Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright says that realistically there could be more.

“We want you to behave as if there are more because there probably are. We want you take note of symptoms and use the numbers provided by the Ministry of Health. If you experience any of the symptoms, please do not go to the Hospital. Please use the numbers provided,” she said in a national address on March 25th.

On Thursday, the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital revealed that a patient who was recently admitted and under clinical management and isolation at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre has tested positive for COVID-19.

This was the second confirmed case.

The inpatient is a middle-

GRACE BAY BEACH EMPTY

The world-famous Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, which is normally patronised by several visitors, and which has won the World’s Best Beach aged male resident who recently returned from the United States and developed fever and respiratory symptoms. The inpatient was transported to the emergency department via private vehicle.

Based on those factors, the male was classified as a suspected case upon admission and a sample was collected and tested, according to a release from the government and the hospital.

“Strict infection prevention and

Award on several occasions, is now empty, following the closure of several hotels and the announcement of a curfew that also closed all beaches.

This Kelano Howell photo, taken on Thursday, March 26th, 2020, shows the beach with not a single person on it.

containment procedures are constantly enforced at the medical centre and were followed as a precaution in this case. The now confirmed COVID-19 male inpatient is currently in critical condition. He is receiving aggressive respiratory care and has other co-morbidities. This patient represents the second person in the Turks and Caicos Islands with confirmed COVID-19. The Turks and Caicos Islands Government - Ministry of Health Team

commenced immediate contact tracing and persons identified in the process are required to undergo quarantine and/or screening as a risk mitigation measure.

The patients’ relatives have been notified.

TCI Hospital and the Ministry of Health continue to provide support and guidance to the relatives of the affected person given the diagnosis,”the release added.

Continued on page 2

TCI UNDER STATE OF EMERGENCY

The Turks and Caicos Islands is now operating under a state of emergency and is the first British Overseas Territory to have this in place, says Governor Nigel Dakin.

“In doing so the Government continues to work as one,” Govenor Dakin said during a national address on March 25th, 2020.”Myself and the Premier are in the same place, able if you like to finish each other’s sentences.

Cabinet Government and consensus is the order of the day.

We have the powers bestowed on

the Governor which are going to the Premier to run, if she needs, allow us to act at pace and rigour, a deficit budget. Money is cheap but we also have the legitimacy, in to borrow in the international this time of crisis, that democracy markets. The Governments past can deliver. prudence has bought itself some

He added: “We start time, space and International this crisis with the Government credibility to support its people. finances in good shape. It has Again many countries would wish well over 100 million in reserves. to start from this position.”

It finished the year with a The Governor continued: financial surplus. It carries very “We also have the UK. She too is little debt. This year was the going through her own version of first year its financial plan didn’t this - indeed she is deeper into this need to be cleared with the UK. pandemic crisis than we want TCI It has a BBB+ credit rating. The ever to get. But the UK in the end UK has immediately agreed for holds the contingent financial

liabilities for these Islands and remains one of the largest economies in the world; a backstop most other Caribbean states would welcome at this time. She is sourcing health materials for us. She has been providing advice to our clinicians. I have military aid to call on to support us, as I need. Indeed, I spoke to the UK’s Chief of Defence Staff - General Nick Carter - who commands all the UK’s land, air and naval forces this morning. HMS Medway is in Governor Nigel Dakin the region.”

Continued on page 2

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT WITH FORTISTCI Two-way texting • •

For outage notifications and service restoration updates.

To opt in, text FTCIGO to 1-855-334-9998. www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313

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MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL 3RD, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

‘THERE ARE PROBABLY MORE VIRUS CASES’ Continued from page 1

It was also revealed that test results for the 89-year-old female resident who was admitted to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre on March 18th 2020 and classified as a suspected case based on travel history and presenting symptoms, have returned as negative for COVID-19. The elderly patient remains under hospital care and is in stable condition.

Meantime, the Premier stressed that in all of Cabinet’s deliberations during the threat of this pandemic, they have been guided by four principles.

“Top of the list and paramount

is the health and the well - being of our people and so we have had to make some tough decisions that adds to all of our financial state. There must never be a competition between economy and health. Health must win every time. It is a sacrifice that we have all had to make as leaders and I know that it is the right decision,” she stated.

“These are difficult times and this hand has been dealt to every country across the globe has challenged us not just as leaders but as citizens to take proactive steps. This uncertainty does not make us powerless. In fact, this

empowers each of us to take this matter seriously and in our own hands and it has rewarded those who act responsibly together. Whilst the Governments across the world are taking serious measures to protect its people, our efforts are only as good as the individual.”

She noted that countries dealing with the fallout from the coronavirus have had to juggle figures that are shifting by the day.

“The response of TCI has been a measured one and one that has looked around sectors to see how we can assist individuals and businesses. As we are all

uncertain of the length of this period, we ask that you tighten your boot strap where you are able to and consider the uncertainty. Whilst TCI Government will do what it can, we ask corporate citizens to not close their bowels of compassion and we ask us as individual citizens to be our brothers’ keepers. We need each other. The road ahead may become increasingly difficult. These are indeed uncertain times but I remain confident that if we take individual responsible action, we can come through this the best way possible.”

TCI UNDER STATE OF EMERGENCY Continued from page 1

“We also have not taken our eye off our priority of sloop interdiction.

The waters between us and Haiti are being patrolled and our maritime police, our radar and immigration assets, remain vigilant and ready and will remain so throughout this period; indeed, they will be reinforced.

Crucially we have you - the public of TCI. You understand adversity and you understand hardship. You have been through three hurricanes in twelve years. Compared to most other countries in the world you know we can do this, and we know we can get through this, if we stick together and behave responsibly. We know that we have to act for the good of the community at moments like this.

Selfishness at this time is a social taboo. The actions we will need to

take in a pandemic are different from those taken in a hurricane but the underlying human instinct - being steady, knowing it will pass, knowing that short term hardship will be replaced by a future normality, is the most powerful thought and many populations around the world have not got your experience. They can’t imagine it will end; they can’t imagine things will be better; you can because you know it does happen.”

He stated that because these Islands understand disaster we are well prepared for them.

“I have said in the past we have weeks of supply of food on the Island. The truth is, it’s months. There’s no indication our food supply chain will be impacted. And Government - in preparation for hurricane - has its own

supply of food as a contingency. In the coming days be as responsible in our super-markets and stores as you have been to date. How we behave there will tell us a lot about how we will behave elsewhere,” he added.

“We produce our water from the sea. So long as we have fuel (and again our fuel supply line is in great shape) to run our desalination plants we have fresh drinking water. We have a world class power provider and - unlike in a hurricane - we will have excellent and guaranteed communications. Our health service is small - it can’t cope with a pandemic - but our health service professionals are amazing. It’s not an accident that we are in good shape at present; their advice has been exemplary.

He said the TCI has a most important

advantage which it is not going to squander.

“Unlike many we are ahead of the curve in terms of what we already have in place compared to how the virus has spread elsewhere. We have seen other countries react, we have seen what has worked and what has not.

You, yourselves, will have been tracking this through the international media.

Through the UK’s global network, we have been in very close touch with multiple foreign governments and been able to track their reactions - not from the press - but from talking to their officials, Heads of Government and medical professional. As I say, all their advice (and many are saying this in hindsight rather than foresight) is when you move, move quickly and move with great purpose,” he added

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

COMPLIMENTARY PRACTICE FACILITIES The Club has a short-range warm-up net for golfers to help focus on the long game, and pitching area and putting green. All the practice facilities are maintained to the same high standard as the golf course, essential when honing short game skills.

PGC has recently purchased a fleet of E-Z-GO® Freedom® golf carts. Unique features include GPS navigation providing yardages, an enhanced ride experience, and an automatic parking brake for added safety on slopes.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

PGC is committed to the maintenance and preservation of the course for future generations in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

It’s taken 2 years of hard work, but the beautiful new playing surfaces are ready for the season.

Platinum Paspalum turf, known throughout the industry for its dark green grass, excellent lies and smooth fast greens, should not only provide an improved player experience, but this salt tolerant grass should reduce irrigation volumes by over 50% reducing water demand by over 25 million gallons per year, over the next 5 years.

FEHERTY SPECIAL PACKAGE Includes •

18 holes of golf

•

Titleist Rental Clubs

•

Complimentary Practice Facilities

•

Use of shared golf cart

•

Sleeve of Titleist golf balls

•

$20.00 Fairways F&B voucher

Available after 11.00am daily

PRO-SHOP & RENTAL CLUBS Whether you are looking for the latest rental-clubs or fashion item or would like to buy a locally made souvenir, the Pro Shop is the place to start. Find a wide selection of golf clothing and equipment and excellent leisure attire that includes Nike, Adidas, Ralph Lauren and Under Armour.

PGA Pros are on hand for advice and lessons, and golfers can test-drive the latest that Titleist has to offer in one of the many sets of both ladies and gentlemen’s rental clubs available in left and right handed and variety of flexes.

Titleist Clubs start at $40 for 9 holes Open from 7.00am daily

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Employers reminded of employee rights regarding lay-offs, short-time, severance pay

The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services would like to remind employers of their obligations and employees of their rights with regards to Lay-offs and short –time.

We are conscious of the economic strain the Covid-19 pandemic has placed on the business community in the Turks and Caicos Islands and the world at large. It has come to the departments attention that it is the intent on employers to either lay-off staff or decrease their hours of work i.e. place them on short-time.

The Ministry would first like to recommend that all employers make every effort where possible to create alternative work schedules i.e. allow staff to work from home, create compressed and flexible work schedules in order to retain staff during this period.

Secondly employers are reminded that all changes to the terms of employment needs to be properly documented and communicated to the staff in writing and in accordance with the applicable laws of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Where the circumstances require employers to place staff on short-time, Employers are encouraged to be mindful of Part IV 13. (2) and 14 of the Employment Order.

13. (2) Where by reason of a diminution in the work provided for an employee by his employer (being work of a kind which under his contract the employee is employee is employed to do) the employee’s remuneration for any week is less than half a week’s pay,

he shall for the purpose of this part be taken to be kept on short time for that week.

14. An employee shall not be entitled to severance pay by reason of being laid off or kept on shorttime unless he gives in writing to his employer indicating (in whatsoever terms) his intention to claim severance pay in respect of lay-off or short-time(in this order referred to as a “notice of intention to claim”) and, before the service of the notice, he has been laidoff or kept on short-time for eight or more consecutive weeks of which the last before the service of the notice ended on the dated of service thereof or ended not more than four weeks before that date.

Please note that staff are eligible for severance once they have been employed continuously for a period of two years by the same or associated employer. See Part IV 11. Of the Employment Order. Severance pay shall be paid at the rate of two weeks’ basic wage (based on the latest basic wage) for each year of service, and prorata for each incomplete year. See Part IV 12. Of the Employment Order.

Employers are asked to be mindful that where staff are laid off consideration must be given to section 106 (4) of the Employment Ordinance which states:

106 (4) No employer shall layoff or make redundant an employee who is a Belonger and within three months prior or six months after, obtain, extend or renew, or apply to obtain, extend or

renew, a work permit for a non-Belonger to the travel restrictions are still their to work in a similar position, or carry responsibility. Once the restrictions out similar duties for the employer, as are lifts cards must be submitted to the did the Belonger. office for cancelling and the individuals

Employers should ensure that returned to their home country. the layoff or short-time process is fair Employers are prohibited from provided and persons are not singled out without release letters to employees for this is just cause and in line with section 72 of not allowed under current legislation. the Employment Ordinance.

The Commissioner of Labour

72. Where the reason or in line with section 33 (1) of the principal reason for the dismissal of an Employment Ordinance is also requiring employee was that he was redundant, that employers to submit a report to the but it is shown that the circumstances Commissioner on the list of persons constituting the redundancy applied being laid off and placed on shortequally to one or more other employee time. This report must be submitted in the same undertaking who held before or on the date the information positions similar to that held by him is being communicated to the effected and who have not been dismissed by staff members. Please note that persons the employer, and eitherwho provide false information would

A. that reason (or, if more than be, “committing an offence and is liable one, the principal reason) for which he on summary conviction to a fine of was selected for dismissal was one of $25,000 or to a term of imprisonment those specified in section 70(1); or of six months, or both such fine and B. That he was selected for dismissal imprisonment.” (as per section 32 of in contravention of a customary the Employment Ordinance) arrangement or agreed procedure Note: that late fees on renewal relating to redundancy and there were of work permits are suspended for no special reasons justifying a departure work permits that would have expired from that arrangement or procedure in between Saturday 28th March 2020 and his case, 17th April 2020.

Then, for the purpose of this part, the The Ministry has established dismissal shall be regarded as unfair. a hotline to answer all employment

Employees who are being laid related matters during this period. For off are asked to contact the Employment employment related matters please call Services Department to register for - (649) 348-3085 / (649) 348-9340 and current unemployment benefits such for stimulus package information please as maintenance of NHIP benefits. call (649)-347-2943. The general public Employers are also reminded that work can also submit questions and provide permit holders who are laid off during information through the email address this period, and are not able to travel due covid19-stimulus@gov.tc [VSJ1] .

Full Activation of Emergency Mode at TCI Hospital

Due to the detection of the first COVID-19 case within the Turks and Caicos Islands, effective March23, 2020at 5:00p.m., the public is here by advised that as a proactive and precautionary measure, all nonessential services have been suspended at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre and Cockburn Town Medical Centre until further notice and only emergency operations will continue until such time.

These efforts seek to reduce non-essential patient traffic to the hospital to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19, and divert health care

workers to support emergency services. • Active chemotherapy treatment

Routine appointments will • Inpatient services be rescheduled to a later date once •Urgent and emergency diagnostic normal operations resume. Patients imaging with appointments for urgent surgical and specialty clinic referrals will be The main hospital entrance contacted and informed of the next will be closed and only accessible steps based on clinical risk assessments. to high risk groups such as dialysis, antenatal and chemotherapy patients The following emergency services will with pre-booked appointments. All continue: other patients and persons who require emergency services are required to be • Dialysis screened in a designated pre-triage area near the entrance to the emergency • High risk and emergency surgeries department to access the facility.

• High risk antenatal clinics • Emergency department

The Ministry of Health and

TCI Hospital continues to be engaged in dialogue throughout this public health challenge. The Ministry fully supports these prudent and necessary measures. We wish to assure the public that the decision for the protocols being put in place were not taken lightly and is in the best interest of patient care. The Ministry of Health will continue to work with TCI Hospital to ensure the best possible healthcare outcomes for all patients seeking care at this time as we fight the risk and potential spread of COVID-19.

RTCIPF to enforce strict curfew restrictions

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) will be enforcing the curfew given under the Turks and Caicos Islands Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations 2020 which controls the movement and assembly of residents to control the spread of Covid-19.

Curfews will commence Thursday, March 26th 2020 to Friday, March 27th, 2020 from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. and on Saturday, March 28th, 2020, - April 15th, 2020, a twentyfour-hour curfew will be imposed as approved by His Excellency, Governor

Nigel Dakin. “curfews” to keep people off the streets

Officers will be placed at for non-essential activity. I would like strategic locations in communities to strongly encourage all residents to across the Country. During the curfew, obey the orders given. It is our job to vehicles will be stopped by Officers and enforce this regulation and we will drivers/passengers questioned. During do just that. We have adjusted our overnight to early morning curfews, resources to meet the changes and with all vehicles will be stopped by Officers the assistance from our Immigration and drivers and passenger(s) will be colleagues, we are confident that we checked against a list issued by the will maintain control. Again, I want various Essential Service Agencies. residents to cooperate with us as we

Commissioner of Police Trevor try to break the chain of the spread of Botting said, “In an attempt to halt Covid-19”.

Individuals who violate the or slow the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Governor has activated curfew are subject to questioning,

an arrest or have their vehicle confiscated. Any person who assaults, obstructs, hinders or resists or uses any threatening or abusive language or aids or incites any other person to assault, obstruct, hinder or resist a Police Officer in the execution of his duty under this regulation, commits an Offence.

We wish to ask that all residents walk with their Identification Cards and Essential Service personnel to have their Company Identification cards available. We also urge that you continue to follow the guidelines as set out by the Ministry of Health.

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LOCAL NEWS

TCI could not have a better Governor at this time, says Premier Robinson

By Todeline Defralien

During these challenging times where Turks and Caicos Islands have had to deal with National Security, Crime at its highest and now the Coronavirus pandemic, TCI could not have a better Governor, according to Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson.

“We could not have a better Governor at this time and I am prepared to say that publically that he does care, he does listen and he does respect the voices around him. His Excellency (HE), I am truly grateful because our journey is

made easier even through our challenges in National Security and Governance, but particularly in this period,” she said live on Radio Turks and Caicos on Wednesday March 25th.

She added: “The partnership that my office has with the Governor is unprecedented and I’m sure many leaders before me will say but it certainly makes governing and serving my people much easier.”

When moderator Cheryl Foreman asked the Governor if his good quality and leadership are being put to the test, he responded: “Yes I do,

I think any leader in this position is going to be put to the test. Every leader globally is being put to the test. I think looking back, of course, this couldn’t be predicted, but a governorship and leadership through values is possibly the only route through this particular issue, because you certainly can’t govern through experience. This experience has never been gone through before by any global leader.”

He added: “Myself and the Premier co-chaired Cabinet and we finish each other’s sentences. We wrote both of our addresses separately last

Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson and His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin night and brought them together and found them identical. It’s probably the single biggest strength that we can bring to the country at the moment, this partnership.”

Statement from the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Tourism on border closure

As the Turks and Caicos Islands and the world at large confront this COVID-19 pandemic, Cabinet has taken the difficult, yet necessary, steps to enact Emergency Powers which will result in the closure of our air and sea borders to the international traveling public for a period of 21 days as of 24th March 2020.

This course of action will no doubt have a tremendous impact on our tourism and hospitality sector, however, it is essential to reduce the risk and exposure of the virus and to protect our residents and visitors.

Many of you from around the world, have visited our islands, year after year and have become a part of our extended family. While we bid farewell for now, we encourage each of you not to cancel your vacation to the Turks and Caicos this year, but rather postpone it to a later date.

The Turks and Caicos Islands has shown in the past that our people and our tourism sector are resilient. We will not lose our desire to host you in

our beautiful country, and once the all clear is given, by local and authorities in your respective countries, we would like the pleasure of your company again.

Following the passage of this pandemic, on your return to our islands, be assured of the continued delivery of the high quality of service, the Turks and Caicos has become synonymous with. On behalf of the people of the Turks & Caicos Islands, we would like to again thank you for your patronage over the years.

The Ministry of Tourism through the Tourist Board commits to keeping you advised of developments regarding COVID-19 and its impact on our destination. Since the beginning of the outbreak, our team has made efforts to directly engage key stakeholders to ensure that the flow of information between all parties including the traveling public, is thorough, accurate and timely.

We understand that as a result of the COVID-19 virus, many of you will no doubt be experiencing some

difficulties and challenges, perhaps in an unprecedented way. We will continue to work in concert with the Ministry of Health, the lead agency tasked with monitoring the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) to provide you with the most up to date information, and we urge you to follow all protocols suggested by local authorities.

The Ministry of Tourism held a Stakeholders meeting with hoteliers, tour operators and public service drivers recently to address the anticipated fallout from COVID-19. At that meeting, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to do all that it can to protect this our country’s most vital industry. We will support all measures taken by the Government to secure the health and wellbeing of our people and visitors, and protect our country’s economy.

However, do not expect business as usual. Our team will be reaching out to you over the next few days to gather the necessary data to assist the Government in exploring the best possible way to assist you as we navigate through this

unprecedented pandemic.

We support the nation-wide educational campaign underway by the Ministry of Health. We would like to urge you, residents and visitors to follow recommended hygiene practices which can be used to prevent the spread of the virus: • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Stay home when you are sick and do not travel.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Staying home when you are sick is recommended every flu season, but especially important now.

Closure of all non-essential services

Following confirmation of the first case of the Coronavirus in the Turks and Caicos Islands and in order to prevent and control a further spread of the disease in the Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands as per the Emergency Powers (COVID 19) (Amendment) Regulations 2020, will impose a 20 day curfew, commencing with a nighttime curfew from 8pm to 5am on Thursday 26th March 2020; then a 24 hour curfew from Saturday 28th March at 5am until Tuesday 14th April 2020.

The curfew will apply across the Turks and Caicos Islands, which will impact service delivery across the public service.

As result of the above, kindly note that normal operations across the public service will cease at the end of the working day on Friday March 27th, 2020 and will resume unless otherwise instructed on Wednesday April 15th, 2020.

Staff across government are asked to commence their shut down procedures as per your ministry’s Business Continuity Plan, taking account of the services that will still be required during the period to respond to this public health crisis in terms of healthcare, policing, the supply of critical care and supplies to the Islands during the period of the curfew.

During this period staff that can, will be asked to work from home, with the exception of essential services, which as directed by their Ministry/Head of Department will continue to work from their office or assigned location, as needed in the following areas – (a) Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and 911 Centre; (b) Fire Services; (c) Her Majesty’s Prisons; (d) Environmental Health Department;

(e) Department of Immigration; (f) Customs Department; (g) Airports Authority; (h) Civil Aviation Authority; (i) National Insurance Board (j) National Health Insurance Board (k) Office of the Director of Public Prosecution; (l) Attorney General’s Chambers; (m) Judiciary; (n) Waste disposal and sanitation companies; (o) Emergency Medical Services Department; (p) Public Health; (q) Any hospital, health care or medical facility; (r) Any water, electricity, telecommunications (including internet services) or other sector encompassing the provision of electronic communications including print and electronic media.

Due to the evolving nature of our required response, kindly note that the above list will be subject to amendments as may be deemed necessary and staff should be ready to report to work when called upon.

Critical agencies such as the Treasury and Social Services Department should put in place measures before closing on Friday March 27, 2020 to facilitate timely payments to staff and clients during the curfew period as well as arrangements to facilitate the next pay cycle should an extension of the current or other arrangements be required.

I encourage all staff to strictly adhere to the provisions of the COVID Emergency Powers Regulations which are being implemented to keep you and your families’ safe during this unprecedented period. The regulations and all other relevant material can be found on the government’s website at www.gov.

By Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service, Her Excellency Anya Williams, MBE tc/moh/coronavirus.

Please also pay careful attention to the daily updates from the Ministry of Health which will also be posted on the TCIG webpage and social media platforms.

I take this opportunity to thank all public officers, particularly those on the front line in the Public and Environmental Health Departments for the sound professionalism, bravery and duty of care that they have demonstrated in the carriage of their duties over the past few weeks, which I am certain will extend into the months ahead.

I similarly wish to convey my thanks to our essential services staff that will be called upon during the next few weeks to ensure that key services continue to be delivered as necessary across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As we work together to stem and control the spread of the Coronavirus in the Turks and Caicos Islands, I pray for the safety of you and your family at this critical juncture in our country’s history.

May God Bless and Keep Us All!

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LOCAL NEWS

Massive cash injection into Turks and Caicos Islands economy needed, hotel and tourism officials say

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

A stimulus package that includes “a massive cash injection into the economy” is required as the Turks and Caicos Islands grapples with a guaranteed setback from the coronavirus pandemic, according to hotel and tourism officials here.

Todd Foss, president of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), said they are working with the Premier (Sharlene Robinson) and Governor (Nigel Dakin) offering ideas for a strategic customtailored financial stimulus package that matches the unique business model of the Turks and Caicos tourism industry.

“Such a package will be essential for the sector to survive this worldwide unprecedented situation and must include a massive cash injection into the economy,” Foss said in a press statement.

“While there are many unknowns during this global emergency,

the priority of the TCHTA and its members is to our thousands of dedicated employees. As the country’s tourism sector moves closer to a zero-revenue situation for an undetermined period, our goal is to promote limited layoffs and opt for salary cuts as a measure to keep funds flowing to as many industry workers as possible, even when closures must occur.

Each property and business will have to make human resource decisions based on their respective current cash-flow position,” he continued.

Foss said that for any business, cash on hand and the availability of credit is the most important element of survival when revenue no longer exists. He said the TCHTA has engaged its partners in the banking sector and is pleased to hear that all banks will be offering some form of payment moratorium to both private and corporate customers.

“We are hopeful the government will also assist by making credit available to businesses,” he added. “The formula to survive for the medium term of six

months and then through a longer-term recovery period is for the government, the tourism industry, and employees to share in the hardships it will take to see the country overcome the challenges ahead. Together we will be successful and restore our tourism industry as strong as ever.”

Foss noted that within the TCHTA membership, support is being provided with educational materials, webinars and digital forums to ensure members and their staff are properly equipped with the tools and information to practice as safely and carefully as possible to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to protect staff members.

“Sharing best practices and making acute efforts to preserve normalcy in operations is critical at this time. As a small country dependent on a single industry, we must look out for one another. We appeal to everyone to be vigilant about your health and safety and that of your families. Additionally, we encourage all Turks and Caicos

Todd Foss, president of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association residents to assist neighbours and allow your actions to be guided by the spirit of caring. The TCHTA will continue to update and keep our membership and the general public informed and demonstrate leadership for the benefit of all,” he added.

Police Force implements policy changes to prepare for coronavirus spread

The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) is making major operational changes as part of its response to the threat of Covid-19.

Policing is a public service centered around direct interactions with members of the public but, given the threat of Covid-19, you are asked to cooperate with us as we seek to reduce Nonessential face to face contact with the community.

Effective immediately, the Police Records Offices will be closed until further notice. Only Emergency Police Records (Health Related) will be issued at this time. For further information please call 231-9950. We will continue to process Investigative Reports i.e., Fire Reports, Missing Document Reports and Vehicular Accident Reports. You will be contacted for collection.

The public is encouraged to avoid visiting Police Stations to file reports unless it is absolutely necessary.

You are welcomed to call our main station numbers for help.

The Grand Turk Police Station is 946-2299, The South Caicos Police Station- 946-3299, The Chalk Sound Police Station 941-8082, The Grace Bay Police Station- 941-5891 and The North Caicos Police Station on 946- 4448. Call

911 as usual for all emergencies. These measures are intended to protect not just the police who interact with members of the public but to control the numbers of members of the public at Police Buildings.

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said: “We are facing the challenges of Covid-19 and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force is resolute and determined to keep our communities safe and secure. Whilst making some changes to how we operate, we remain committed to responding and dealing with serious crime and other incidents. It is business as usual and we will continue to enforce the rule of law.

The threat of Covid-19 requires us all to think and act differently. The Force is planning hard for every eventuality and I would like to ask the members of Public for their patience during these uncertain times and please be assured that the Force will keep you updated with any changes to the policing of the TCI. I would like to encourage the public to follow the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health and do your part in efforts to contain Covid-19”.

Meantime, in keeping with TCIG’s guidelines through the Ministry of Health, The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police has established a Covid

19 Gold Group that includes The Force Executive and Heads of Departments.

The Group, chaired by the Commissioner of Police recently met on Monday, March 16th, 2020 to review policies and to implement certain precautionary measures in light of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting said, “While we continue to finalize our plans to continue to meet public safety needs in light of Covid 19, as it stands now, it is business as usual for the RTCIPF. We are preparing for the worst-case scenario- in the event that significant numbers of officers contract the virus and staffing levels are affected, but nothing is really changing for the public. We will continue to keep the public informed with relevant information on any new policy changes in this regard. I would like to thank the public in advance for their patience and understanding.”

The Covid 19 Gold Group will continue to meet on a weekly basis in an effort to provide the highest standard of service to the Public.

The Police Force advised that if an officer has to respond to your home following an emergency, please be prepared to

TCI Hospital investigating patient death

The Cheshire Hall Medical Centre is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a patient at that institution.

A joint press release from TCI Government and TCI Hospital said they would like to address claims that there was a death of a confirmed COVID-19 patient at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

“The Turks and Caicos

Islands Hospital can confirm that a patient passed away on March 23, 2020 succumbing to existing illness. Testing for COVID19 is taken as a precautionary measure given the current pandemic,” said the statement. “We ask the general public to respect the privacy of the victim and the family of the victims and allow the Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital and the Ministry of Health to conduct

the necessary investigation and requisite tests that may be required.

The Ministry of Health is working closely with the TCI Hospital in regard to investigating this matter.

The Ministry of Health also wishes to extend its sympathies to the family and friends of this individual. We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family.”

Police Commissioner Trevor Botting answer the following questions: •Was anyone at the Residence diagnosed with Covid-19?

•Has anyone at the Residence recently returned from overseas travel?

•Has anyone inside of the Residence display symptoms of cold or flu?

Also, at a Crime Scene, please expect a responding Officer(s) to maintain the safe social distancing zone of 3 feet -6 feet during questioning. This is in the best interest for your personal safety and that of the responding Officers.

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MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Report from March 24th Cabinet meeting His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, •Agreed business continuity and social chaired the 8th meeting of the Cabinet on distancing between Cabinet Members.

Tuesday 24 March 2020,at the Premier’s Office, Hilly Ewing, Providenciales.

•Approved amendments to the Health Professions (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 All members were present. and Schedule 1 of the Health Professions Ordinance.

At this meeting Cabinet: •Noted the recommendations of the •Were updated on work across the TCI Procurement Board on the award of the following contracts: government and the UK government to address and mitigate against any escalation i. PN 005280, Baggage Scanner for of Coronavirus (Covid-19) in TCI. Customs (TR 19/82) •Approved the implementation of a curfew ii. PN 005483, DECR and Tourism Facilities – Purchase of Triple and from 8pm-5am over the night of Thursday 26 March and a 24 hour curfew to begin at Double Axel Trailers (TR 19/35) iii. PN 005515, Replacement Vehicles 8pm on Friday 27 March until midnight on 14 April.

Phase 3 – District Administration/ Prison (TR 19/92) iv. PN 005540, Equipment for PWD – •Approved the Emergency Powers (Covid-19) Community Signs (TR 19/55) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (attached). v. PN 005498, SSP, Detention Centre

Upgrade vi. TCICAA 0080102, Automobile (TR 19/73) •Approved a contract for the President of the Labour Tribunal.

•Approved the deferral of the Caribbean Examinations Council examinations to September-October 2020; the suspension of the administration of the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment for 2020 and the automatic transition of the 2019/20 cohort of Grade 6 student to high school; the deferral of the Students Registration process to commence on 30th June 2020 subject to review; and the extension of the school year by two weeks so that school will close on 17th July 2020 instead of 3rd July 2020.

Further information on these matters will be provided by Ministers in due course.

Registration & Citizenship Product Applications The Department of Registration and Citizenship under the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services wishes to invite the following applicants to contact the nearest Customer Service Center in Grand Turk or Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: TCI NATIONAL STATUS CARD/ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED: ANGEL ARTHUR KERIANO LOUIMA MARC SINDRA ULYSSE GABRIEL GARLAND TEVIN SAMUEL MULLINGS RAYNIN NICOLE LIRIANO DONNEIL WILLIAMS JIM KELLY JOSEPH SEAN HALL EVINDS JOLLY IVANNA ISVERY HIDALGO JAIDA VINIECE SMITH MACKENS PETIT ANNICKA DESTINE ANTOINE RICO KAYLIN N. SAINVIL MAKIA MYA ALLISON CLARE DUVLIN DUCASSE WIDLIN CARIUS LEONARD ROBERT LEWIS HIGGS JESSIE TELLUS HARTFUL SMITH JR. MARIE MIRLAINE HARVEY JASMINE JAYDEN MORRIS DAVE C. K. CAPRON EDIE S. LAURENT HENREY JOSEPH PARKER

PERMANENT RESIDENT APPLICATION REQUIRING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: ANTOUNE SINTIL DAMION OLIVER SIMPSON JOSEPH P. JEAN DEWAYNE DAVIS ROLLIN PREVALCIN YVENET MENARDY MONA BRENIS KETOOTE CYRIL LEGARA CABARON CELCIUS NOMINCY MICHAEL CASEY POLONIO JUDITA KURALIOVA ALUCTON CLERMOND SAPHINA NEDJY BLAISE NADEGE C.D. VIXAMAR RONALD JEANTY DOLERES CONOLLY BOTC PASSPORTS READY FOR COLLECTION: JULIO GARCIA PARET RICHARD MISSICK DEMARI FULFORD

Turks and Caicos Sun

Suite#5, Airport Plaza Providenciales Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 348-6838 Fax: (649) 941-3281 Email: sun@suntci.com Read us online at www.suntci.com Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Hayden Boyce Graphic designer Information Technology and Production Manager: Kelano Howell Todeline Defralien Reporter

The Turks and Caicos SUN is a subsidiary of The SUN Media Group Ltd. We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing our readers, serving and satisfying our advertisers and assisting in the overall development of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

BOTC PASSPORTS REQUIRING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: TYEISHA A. DAV. CAPRON FANISE MOMPREMIER DAVARRI CAPRON VINCENT C.S. HAWKINS ALINA A HARRY CARLENS LOUIS MARQUIS SKIPPINGS

will be formed of reservists who will require excellent leadership if the Regiment is to fulfil its full potential – as it must. We expect the regiment to be at an overall strength of 46 by the end of the year which will be the foundation for any future expansion. Basic Training will be provided by the Bermuda Regiment.

The Governor’s Office Turks and Caicos Islands APPLICATIONS FOR COMMANDING OFFICER TURKS AND CAICOS REGIMENT Applications are being sought for the appointment of the first Commanding Officer of the Turks and Caicos Regiment. The role will be full time.

The Commanding Officer will work closely with the Governor and a new Defence Board. He or she will stand up the Regiment over the next Financial Year. The Commanding Officer will receive training and mentoring support from the British Armed Forces in the UK, the British Defence Attaché for the Caribbean and from the Bermuda Regiment.

The Regiment will initially have a small full time cadre who will work to the Commanding Officer. This permanent Headquarters will include: an Adjutant / Operations Officer, two Troop Commanders, a Training Warrant Officer, and a Chief Clerk. These will be recruited in the early part of the next Financial Year; the Officers will receive training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The Regiment will be built so it has the skills and experience to deliver operationally, at sea and on land. It will work in direct support of the Maritime Police protecting TCI’s border and maritime environment. The Regiment will also be capable of supporting the civil power at times of crisis or natural disaster or emergency.

The Commanding Officer will provide day-to-day leadership of the Regiment as well as strategic direction on policy, training, equipment and Regimental ethos. Beyond the Headquarters element the Regiment

The Commanding Officer, while having independent Command of his Regiment, will nonetheless need to build an excellent working relationship with the Police Commissioner and the Maritime Branch of the RTCIPF. The successful candidate will also have to work internationally and build outstanding relationships with his or her: Bahamian, Bermudan, and Cayman counter-parts, with those UK Armed Forces assigned to disaster relief and the Commanding Officer of any UK Unit the TCI Regiment is partnered with.

The successful candidate will: •Have a minimum of 10 years’ experience and now (or will recently have been) in a leadership position in a disciplined uniformed service.

•Military experience is desirable, particularly if linked to the UK Armed Forces, but not essential.

•Belonger Status will be strongly preferred. British Overseas Territories Citizen, or British Citizenship is required.

•Hold an Associate Degree or Higher Qualification or can provide evidence of sufficient experience to mitigate the lack of formal academic qualification.

•Must pass an initial medical and fitness test, and annually thereafter.

•Salary tied to the Police. Equivalent to Assistant Commissioner of Police. The role is full time and while a normal working week will be agreed this is a role that is 24/7, as required.

•Applications are encouraged and should be sent to Stephen Brown (Stephen.Brown6@fco.gov.uk). Cut off time for receipt is 5pm on Friday 8th April.

•Application should include a CV and a covering letter outlining your past experience, explaining your hopes for the role, the contribution you believe you can personally make and confirming that you fulfil all the eligibility criteria.

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

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coronavirus outbreak: we will get through this together!

Dear TCC Team, I know that we are all watching the development of the coronavirus pandemic with feelings of great concern and uncertainty. We all – the TCC family and the world in general – are in uncharted territory, and it is important that we remain calm, show solidarity and stand by each other in this difficult time.

We are urging you all to adhere to the laws of the country and the critical guidelines issued by the Government, particularly, the EMERGENCY POWERS (COVID 19) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2020, to ensure this country remains safe and the effects of the virus is controlled. We must heed the warnings to practice good personal hygiene and stay at home if you are not required to leave to carry out essential tasks.

We will continue to monitor the effects of the coronavirus, COVID-19 locally, regionally and Internationally and communicate how these changes affects us. Once again, I urge all of us to remain calm, continue to monitor and follow all health and safety protocols given by the Ministry of Health, show solidarity and stand by each other in this difficult time.

Sincerely, TCC Management

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Page 10

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Statement from the Leader of the Opposition on Coronavirus

By Hon. Charles Washington Misick Leader of the Progressive National Party (PNP) I have repeatedly stated my support of any decision that the government makes for the safety and well-being of the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and those persons from abroad who live amongst us.

In this fight for our lives’ politics, religion, race or nationality is irrelevant.

Survival is what matters, individual survival and the survival of our economy, once we have come through this successfully.

Of this I am confident through God’s help, and our adherence to the protocol established by WHO, other agencies and our own local authorities.

In that regard I lend my support to the additional emergency measures announced by the Government today and appeal to all to follow these mandatory requirements diligently. The life you save may be yours. STAY AT HOME!!

It has been said that “we measure success by the way we touch the lives of people” and some business in Providenciales are putting people

and customers first, treating profit as an outcome rather than the goal. This is what should happen at this time. We applaud them for this and expect others to follow suit.

At the same time, the shadow of the future looms large from the social and economic impact of this enemy.

Presumably its awareness of this and the potential for long term unintended consequences of a decision made today has forced the government to postpone until tomorrow its original intention to announce an economic stimulus package.

In the meantime, many woke up this morning without a safe place to live, without food to eat, or water to drink - never mind water to wash themselves with. There are people across the country whose water and electricity have been turned off perhaps for failure to pay their bill.

Whatever the circumstances these services should be reconnected and any past arrears can be dealt with after the crisis is past. But no one should be denied water and electricity at this critical time. Actions such as these can be made to immediately reduce the pressure on vulnerable families, and we call on TCIG to make them immediately.

Grace Bay Resorts close properties

Grace Bay Clubs Resorts has closed its properties in light of the coronavirus pandemic

In a statement, the resort said: “In our 25 year history, we couldn’t have ever anticipated the impact brought upon our world by the current global health crisis. During these unprecedented times, now more than ever, the safety and well-being of our guests, team members, and community are of utmost priority. As of this past Friday, The Turks & Caicos Government made the difficult and precautionary decision to cease the operation of our air and seaports. This closure will apply to all incoming non-essential travelers for a period of 21 days, where no visitors shall be permitted to enter or transit through the Turks & Caicos Islands. This decision was not made lightly, and in doing so, over the next few days, we will reluctantly say farewell to our remaining guests. Regrettably, with our final guest departing coupled

with the airport closure, we now have been faced with the difficult choice to temporarily suspend our hospitality operations until further notice.”

The statement added: “Rest assured that our team will be in touch with you in the coming days to assist with rescheduling confirmed reservations to all of our resorts and private villas. Our reservations department will remain available to personally assist you between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST, Monday through Saturday. There is no doubt in our minds that our commitment to reopening stronger than ever before remains firm in our hearts as we navigate through these unprecedented times. We encourage you to follow updates via our website at www.gracebayresorts.com. Our most heartfelt thanks for your support and loyalty throughout our 25 years of service in our beloved destination of Turks & Caicos.”

The government is rightly giving plenty of stick to the public for their own good and again I call on residents to heed the warnings; but many are hopeless and need the Government to deliver some carrot along with the stick.

The failure of TCIG to announce a comprehensive package of social and economic measures, and for that matter to provide for the safety of the public by providing: personal protective equipment - such as masks and hand sanitisers; dedicated quarantine facilities; and other critical life saving equipment is concerning and reflects poor planning.

While asking people to confine themselves to their homes is the right thing to do they will need food, gas or electricity to cook; clean water to bathe wash and drink; and they should not at this time have to decide between life saving medicine or food. Even at this late stage a hot line should be setup for persons to register for help other than that relating to illness from the virus.

I would like to thank the Governor for his invitation to join with the Government this morning to demonstrate solidarity in the face of this common enemy. I wish to again reiterate that I support the measures, but

as promised on Monday I cannot hitch the PNP horse to a wagon that does not include economic and social relief.

My calling the Government out is no indication that I will not continue to collaborate and cooperated where my support will help. I am unequivocally committed to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands and every decision I make will be made with a clear conscience in their interest. If after tomorrow, the measures announced by the Government are balanced, affordable and lifesaving, I will be the first to validate those measures; but for now time is precious.

May God bless our land and save us from harm!

Customer Announcement Scotiabank (Turks & Caicos Limited) wishes to advise that due to the recent announcements by the Federal Reserve the following changes will occurred: • Effective March 4, 2020, the Bank’s U.S. Dollar Base Rate in New York decreased by 0.50% from 4.75% to 4.25%.

• Effective March 16th 2020, the Bank’s U.S. Dollar Base Rate in Canada decreased by 1.00% from 4.25% to 3.25%.

All products linked to USD Prime Rates will be adjusted as of April 1, 2020.

Registered Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia

®

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Penalties in place for the spread of fake information, says Governor

By Todeline Defralien

Governor Nigel Dakin on Wednesday March 25th announced that there are provisions and penalties in place for the spreading of misinformation and causing fear in community.

“There are provisions now in place to stop the spreading of misinformation linked to this emergency, and I will be looking to make examples where I see misinformation designed to cause alarm or spread hate or fear,” he said during his national address on COVID-19.

The Governor elaborated on his testament during a live session on Radio Turks and Caicos stating that they are in partnership with the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force to carry out these provision.

When moderator Cheryl Foreman asked the Governor what are the penalties and if it applies to social media post, Governor Dakin said, “It’s

not only social media post but it is almost, with all the problems that we have are through social media. The Police are setting up a cell, so this will be a policing matter; I’ve talked to the Commissioner of Police (Trevor Botting) and there’s sort of threshold. We’re talking about a meeting with the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Eugene Otuonye, Q.C) and the Commissioner tomorrow (Thursday March 26th) to just talk through how we move prosecutions forward during this period.”

Governor Dakin said it is understood why people would want to pass information that they think is credible between family and friends and it is a very natural reaction.

He continued: “You just need to keep asking the question when you receive something; this looks credible but who did you get it from and how do you know that this is the truth. There is one source of information which is the Ministry of Health’s website. We are

working as hard as we can to keep that as updated as quickly as we can.”

The Governor said their main focus is to have public confidence that when government speaks that it’s accurate.

“We want public confidence that when government speaks that it’s accurate. All I’ll say against that is just to understand that we’re dealing with people; we’re dealing with your grandmother, sister or your child and they have rights as well. We do not want material flooding across social media as frankly it has done in the last 24 hours where relatives are hearing news and frankly inaccurate news before next of kin and family are, that is outrages,” he said.

Dakin stressed that the persons that pushed misinformation and fake news should literally be ashamed of themselves.

“They’ve already lost it, on this crisis they’ve made a bad mistake which

Governor Nigel Dakin they will never recover from in terms of their integrity. It’s a sad moment for them, don’t be part of that, ” he said.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Both passengers of Carnival Magic cruise tested negative for COVID-19

By Todeline Defralien

The two passengers on Carnival Magic that were air lifted from Grand Turk were both tested negative for COVID-19.

Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson made this announcement during a press conference on Monday March 16th, 2020.

“I am pleased to announce and share that the passengers of Carnival Magic that were air lifted from Grand Turk are stable and showed no signs of COVID-19,” she said. “This experience revealed much, but more importantly it is important to highlight the strength exuded by team Health in taking critical decisions for the protection of our citizens.”

Her Excellency Anya Williams, who is also head of the Civil Service, said recently that an immigration officer has been suspended for allowing passengers to disembark the Carnival Magic cruise ship which was denied entry to the Grand Turk Cruse Center last Friday, March 5th, 2020.

“This matter is a serious breach

and is now the subject of an active internal investigation which resulted in the immediate suspension of the Immigration officer on duty that day with a view to further disciplinary action being taken,” the Acting Governor said during a national press conference on Tuesday, March 10th, 2020.

“We have written to Carnival Corporation to highlight the need for compliance with established protocols and to understand the status of those persons removed from the ship so that we can mitigate against potential risks, which we take very seriously. We await their response.”

According to a government press statement, the Carnival Magic cruise ship called at the Grand Turk cruise port, and as per the protocols already in place, the ship was met, but not boarded, by officials from the Environmental Health Department (EHD).

It was immediately issued an official notice of refusal for docking by the EHD, and no passengers or crew were allowed to disembark.

This refusal was as a result of the mandatory Maritime Declaration

of Health (MDH) document, issued by the ship to health officials in TCI, which showed cases of influenza-like symptoms on board. Senior government leadership, including the Minister of Health, was then made aware of the refusal.

As per their MDH, Carnival Magic also notified officials that they were requesting further medical care for two passengers in the form of a medical evacuation. Ministry of Health officials reviewed this request, taking into consideration the risk to the public health of Grand Turk residents and the wider TCI and the declaration from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicating that the global risk posed

by COVID-19 Coronavirus is very high, this request was also refused.

Passengers were removed subsequently off the ship and placed on an aircraft.

Acting Governor Williams said she empathizes with the persons that day that required medical treatment overseas, but “out of abundance of caution” and due to the inability of the ship and the Turks and Caicos Islands to immediately test for the Coronavirus;

a decision was made by Immigration and Health Officials following the established protocols and supported by senior Government officials to deny entry to that vessel.

In a media statement, Carnival Cruise Lines said it was “enormously frustrated” by what transpired in Grand Turk.

“The ship has several guests on board experiencing routine cold and flu symptoms, but these individuals do not meet the criteria of having COVID-19 based on the guidelines set by health experts including the CDC and WHO and would not even be required to be tested in the United States and most places around the world,” said the press release.

“We also have two other guests with medical emergencies that are not related to this matter. We have spent the day trying to appeal the decision to not allow all our guests off the ship, as well as to get the two guests who need urgent medical care to an air ambulance we have chartered. We are enormously frustrated by the unwarranted decision by local officials and the delay in getting our guests medical attention.”

Financial Services Commission’s Regulatory Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

The Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission - the regulator/supervisor of financial and designated non-financial businesses, non-profit organisations, and administrator of the commercial registry in the Turks and Caicos Islands - recognises the potential negative impact of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on economic activity in the TCI, and by extension on the financial services sector.

While the Commission is encouraged by the strength and resilience of the financial sector and its key players, the Commission will continue to monitor and take proactive measures to safeguard the sector. This includes the monitoring of key performance indicators and the implementation of business contingency plans. The objective of these reviews is to assess regulated persons’ resilience to the shocks caused

by COVID-19.

The Commission’s highest

priority remains the health and safety of clients, staff and other stakeholders, and the safety, soundness and stability of the financial system. Accordingly, the Commission continues to closely monitor developments regarding COVID-19 and to update its business continuity plan to respond to all likely scenarios. The Commission’s response will continue to evolve to adequately keep pace with changing circumstances and developments with the virus.

Until further notice, the Commission intends to maintain operations, with adequate precautions to safeguard customers and staff.

During this period the Registry will introduce a drop box facility for the receipt of business name applications. all applications (new or renewal) are to be completed and placed in the appropriately labelled boxes at the Commission’s Providenciales and Grand Turk Offices. On completion of the review of the application, the applicant will be contacted to pay the

requisite fee and collect the certificate.

An officer will be available to assist clients needing special assistance with their applications between 8:30am – 1:00pm, Monday to Friday.Same day processing will be available to clients from the other Family Islands, subject to receipt of their applications before 10:00am. These applications should be delivered to the Business Names Window. Incomplete or inaccurately completed applications will not be processed.

All applications must be accompanied by all required supporting documents and clear copies of the requisite government issued identification document.

In responding to COVID-19, the Commission encourages regulated persons to take steps to meet the needs of affected clients and communities, subject to prudent risk management and compliance with relevant regulations. The Commission supports efforts to accommodate customers in a safe and sound manner and will

provide appropriate regulatory support and flexibility to regulated persons, as warranted. Regulated persons or sectors are invited to contact the Commission on a case by case basis to discuss and agree on alternative measures, with appropriate risk management structures, for responding to the effects of COVID-19.

Niguel Streete, Managing Director of the Commission, noted that “The Commission welcomes the measures already taken or announced by regulated persons to safeguard the physical and financial health of clients and the stability of the financial system. The health and safety of all market participants are of paramount importance, which is consistent with the Commission’s mandate to promote financial sector stability”.

The public is encouraged to continue to monitor and adhere to guidance provided by the relevant public health authorities.

Two more police officers on leave following murder accused’s escape from custody

Two additional Police Constables have been placed on administration leave following the escape of murder suspect, Keno Kanvon Taylor on Saturday March 14th, 2020.

“The Public is advised that an additional two Police Constables are subject to an Internal Investigation following the Escape of Murder Suspect Keno Kanvon Taylor from the Grace Bay Police Station on Saturday, March 14th, 2020. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force continues to affirm that any professional misconduct or improprieties will be dealt with

accordingly. The two Officers are on Administrative Leave,” Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting said in a release on Wednesday March 25th.

Last week Thursday March 19th, one Police Constable was placed on administration leave and has now increased to three.

Commissioner of Police, Trevor Botting said in a release on Thursday March 19th that following the launch of an internal investigation of Taylor’s escape, a Police Constable has been placed on Administration Leave until further notice.

“Transparency and accountability are crucial as we continue to build trust and confidence throughout the communities we serve.

Our Custodial policies are under review,” he said.

On Tuesday March 17th Taylor was rearrested by members of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force and taken into custody.

Botting assured that the Force is reviewing their custodial policies to ensure that this does not reoccur.

“I am happy to report that Murder Suspect Keno Kanvon Taylor is

back in Police Custody. We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the escape and any personal or organizational failings will be addressed. I understand the concerns of the Public regarding the escape of Taylor, I share that concern. This is a serious matter and we are currently reviewing our custodial policies to ensure that this does not reoccur.

Additionally, I would like to use this opportunity to thank the Public for their assistance in getting the word out in a swift manner”.

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Anti-Human Trafficking training

The Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services along with the Office of the Director of Prosecutions and the Attorney General Chambers continues to meet its Anti-money laundering and human smuggling objectives through training in keeping with the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force.

As part of The Immigration Department efforts to sensitize law enforcement bodies of the issues surrounding illegal human trafficking and smuggling of persons and other predicate offences in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Department hosted a series of training sessions on Providenciales and Grand Turk.

The initial training session was undertaken October 9 – 10, 2019 on Providenciales. During that session, a total of twenty (20) law enforcement officers of the Immigration Department, Police, Customs, and Customer Service Department participated in the workshop. The training was hosted at

the Police Department Training Room, South Dock, Providenciales.

The second training session was held on Grand Turk, March 4 – 6, 2020.

These sessions were attended by over thirty (30) law enforcement officers from the Police, Customs, Attorney General Chambers, Labour, Labour Tribunal and Customer Service Department.

The Grand Turk training session

was hosted at the SPPD Conference Room, South Base, Grand Turk. The workshop was facilitated by staff of the Immigration Department Attorney General Chambers and the Director of Public Prosecutions.

During the training sessions participants were introduced to the laws that cover human smuggling, how to identify a smuggled person and smuggler,

rights of smuggled persons and the conventions that govern such activities person, Other important topics included: Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing which can also be linked to human trafficking and smuggling.

As the law enforcement officers of the Turks and Caicos Islands join in together to try and combat human trafficking and smuggling in the Turks and Caicos Islands this time the immigration department took the training to Grand Turk.

Assistant Director of Immigration, Mr. Peter Parker, noted; “We cannot avoid the reality and overlook the fact that the human smuggling and trafficking of persons in the Turks and Caicos Islands is real.”

“There is evidence of such and law enforcement officer of the Turks and Caicos Islands must be equipped with the right tools, knowledge, and training to combat this growing problem.”

Cancellation of Cancer Society’s May 2020 Events

By Rosemary Jolly

President of National Cancer Society

It is with much regret that we are forced to cancel our May 2020 events.

The National Cancer Society of TCI Inc (NCS) advises that the events usually held annually in May in recognition of “All Cancer Awareness” will be CANCELLED due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19. The events include: 1.NCS Teeing ‘fore’ a Cure (Golf Scramble) 2.A Night for the Fight (Candlelight vigil and walk)

3.All Cancer Awareness Church Service 4.All other events which require group gathering

NCS has taken this tough decision in the best interest and safety of our volunteers, patients, members, participants and stakeholders.

We recognise that we all must play a role in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and as such do not think that the events would allow for the appropriate social distancing required to stem the tide of the virus. In addition, we recognise that COVID-19 will cause hardships, financial, social and

PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD. We are currently seeking a qualified applicant to fill the position of Pipe Labourer: REQUIREMENTS: •Minimum of 3 years experience in waterworks and piping networks.

•Must be in good health to meet the demands of physically challenging work •Must be available for emergency maintenance calls on evenings and weekends according to rotational schedule.

•Must have a clean driver’s license WORK ENVIRONMENT: •Hot, dusty and muddy conditions including confined spaces •Active roadways and associated traffic noise levels •Remote locations JOB DESCRIPTION: The Pipe Labourer is responsible for: •Using hand digging tools to excavate and bury pipes and plumbing fixtures •Installing, repairing and maintaining pies, fixtures and other plumbing used for water distribution in residential, commercial and industrial connections.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE TO: 1.Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.

2.Reads and follows installation plans and establish the sequence of pipe installations.

3.Measure, cut, thread and bend pipe to required angle, using hand and power tools or machine such as pipe cutters, pipe threading machines and pipe bending machine.

4.Use hand or powered tools to excavate trenches and ditches.

5.Cut openings in structures to accommodate pipes and pipe fittings, using hand and power tools.

6.Repair and maintain plumbing, replacing defective washers, replacing or mending broken pipes.

7.Attend Emergency callout when necessary.

8.Carry out all other duties as directed by the Supervisor.

Salary Range: US$ 8.00 - $ 12.00 per hour All applications must be submitted by March 31st, 2020. Turks & Caicos Islanders need only apply.

PROVO WATER COMPANY LTD. P.O. Box 39, Grace Bay Road Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Email: Recruitment@provowater.tc

otherwise and we do not wish to add to that.

NCS commits, however, to continue supporting our patients in the most appropriate ways.

We are hopeful that the COVID-19 threat will pass in the next few weeks to allow us to plan and execute our annual October and other events later in the year.

We encourage all to be responsible and comply with the many guidelines and regulations issued by both domestic and international health officials.

The NCS takes this opportunity to thank all its members, volunteers, sponsors and corporate partners for the

years of support and we hope to see you all well in the post COVID-19 world.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all; stay safe and be Blessed.

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LOCAL NEWS

IGA promises product purchasing limit

Graceway IGA has imposed a As mandated in the Emergency product purchasing limit for customers Powers Regulations, the first hour, 7am

In a press release, the company – 8am will be for; the elderly (+70 years stated: “As you will have seen from old), the disabled and essential workers pictures around the world, people who who will be asked to present their ID are understandably concerned about the upon entry.

COVID-19 virus have been panic buying •To ensure more people have access and leaving stores with empty shelves. to everyday essentials, we have During these challenging times and to introduced a storewide restriction ensure we can serve all our customers; we of 2 items per customer on every are limiting each item to 2 per customer product line excluding fresh (excluding fresh produce). While we are produce. Where necessary and in order confident in our supply levels, we take our to provide for everyone, we may reduce responsibility to feed the people of the this to 1 item per customer on selected Turks and Caicos Islands very seriously. products. We have more stock Thank you for your understanding and coming into stores every day – but for allowing us to serve you.” we need everyone’s help: please buy

Following the Premier’s recent only what you need, so that there announcement, IGA issued a statement is enough for everyone. updating customers on the measures it will continue to take and what new Safety for everyone things you will begin to see in our stores over the next few days.

To ensure we are doing everything

“We want to reassure our possible to reduce the risk of infection customers and everyone on island that for our customers and colleagues, we will grocery stores are considered essential begin to introduce new social distancing services and will remain open during the measures in stores in the coming days; three (3) weeks curfew. Therefore, travel these include: for grocery shopping or any essential services is considered legitimate reason •Floor markings in our car parks to to travel,” the statement said. help you to maintain safe distances when queuing outside the stores.

Food for all •Where necessary, we will limit the flow of people coming into our stores From Thursday 26th March, we will to ensure they don’t get too congested. be making the following changes: •Hand sanitizers are being placed •Our opening hours to the general around our stores for customers and public will be from 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. colleagues to use, as well as extra cleaning products to wipe down your

The Gourmet store and Grand trolley or basket.

Turk stores will be open to the general •New floor markings will help you to public from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. keep a safe distance from others while waiting to pay.

This is a challenging time for the whole country, but we are committed to playing our part in feeding the people of TCI and to keeping everyone safe.

We also need your help to change the way you shop with us, so here are a few simple requests to help us serve you better: •Before you leave home, please bring enough bags for your shop. If it’s raining, don’t forget an umbrella too, in case you need to queue outside the store.

•Please shop with no more than one other person per household, which will help to reduce the number of

people in-store at any one time.

•Please use our cleaning stations to wipe your trolley.

•Please be kind to our colleagues as they’re working hard to serve you; we’re all in this together.

We want to thank our suppliers, our colleagues – and especially you, our customers – for understanding and helping. We know these are some big changes, and we will all need to do our very best to adjust. We will continue to update you as things change.

Together, we can do this.

Colonial to close offices and transfer employees to remote working model

In response to the novel As a continued reminder, coronavirus (COVID-19), Colonial will clients can continue to renew their close its offices at the close of business policies, pay premiums, file claims on 27th March 2020 and transfer all and get insurance quotes by accessing employees to a remote working model the following: but will continue to service clients without any disruptions.

Claims: cibtci_claims@colonial.tc

Colonial Agency Manager Clarita Gardiner-Smith said: “Further Customer Service & Benefits: 649-941to recent developments and Turks & 3195/649-232-3195 Caicos Government’s guidance for all residents to stay at home, we have Email: cibtci_admin@colonial.tc taken the step to transfer all of our Ms. Gardiner-Smith added: staff to a remote working model.

“As the situation evolves, we will

Colonial Agency Manager continue to provide updates via our Clarita Gardiner-Smith said: “Further website, social media platforms and to recent developments and Turks & media releases.

Caicos Government’s guidance for About Colonial Group all residents to stay at home, we have International Colonial Group taken the step to transfer all of our International (CGI) is a leading staff to a remote working model. regional insurance provider serving

While you can expect Bermuda, the Caribbean, and changes to our current business and select international markets. CGI customer management processes is comprised of independently as the situation progresses, you can incorporated companies offering be assured that we will take every property and casualty insurance, precaution to ensure that our clients employee benefits for pensions and continue to access quality insurance health, and personal life insurance coverage and level of service that you and investment products. Colonial have become accustomed to.”

Group International is a subsidiary of

The closure of the office and Edmund Gibbons Limited in Bermuda. remote business model will continue For more information, please visit: until further notice. https://cgigroup.com/.

We’re changing the way you bank online.

We’re upgrading our authentication process to improve your security.

Scotia Online customers will now be asked to set up a One Time Password (OTP) to confirm their accounts.

A validation code will be sent to your registered email address once you log into Scotia Online. This code will be used to authenticate and register your selected computer or mobile device. Once you register your device, you will not need to verify it again.

For added security, OTP will also be required for: • Self-Enrollment • Sign-in on untrusted/new device • Reset/Change Password

Coming soon to a phone near you: The NEW Scotia AppTM

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

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LOCAL NEWS

CIBC FirstCaribbean credit card clients to get ease due to COVID – 19 pandemic

CIBC FirstCaribbean credit card holders are being offered a payment ease to help cushion any financial hardship as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic.

The bank announced that its credit card holders would automatically benefit from a payment waiver for three (3) months based on their current account standing. As a result, clients will see their minimum payment on their statements set to $0.00.

“Our credit card holders are a key segment of our business with many of them having additional products and services with us. We felt it essential at this time that we offer them as much of a financial cushion as possible to see them through this crisis,” said Mark St. Hill, Managing Director, Retail & Business Banking.

Mr. St. Hill said that in addition to the payment waiver, card holders will also not have to pay late fees or over the limit fees during the three-month

waiver period.

He noted that clients who could afford to make payments and wanted to continue doing so could make their monthly payments as usual.

The offer is not available to clients whose cards are over 60 days in arrears at the commencement date.

The special waiver period begins on March 25, 2020 and comes to an end on June 30, 2020.

Last week the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Colette Delaney, announced that Retail, Business Banking, Wealth Management and Corporate Banking segments could benefit from a number of measures to mitigate the impact of any adverse effects from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

She said the help could include deferred payments; special loan financing and other concessions including:

•6-month payment moratoriums on existing loans and mortgages •Temporary revolving or working capital financing options for our Corporate Banking and Business Banking clients.

Ms. Delaney urged CIBC FirstCaribbean clients who may be experiencing challenges to reach out to the bank to see what assistance could be offered to them.

Clients experiencing challenges can contact:

financial

Retail & Business Banking clients:– •Contact the Customer Care & Sales Center or Branch directly •Relationship Manager, Platinum Banking •Business Banking Manager

Corporate Clients:-

&

Investment

Banking

•Contact your Relationship Management Team directly by telephone or by email.

Wealth Management Clients:•Contact your Relationship Management Team to arrange the earliest opportunity to discuss their specific needs, either by telephone or by email.

The bank’s clients can also make contact via email. There is a list of email addresses on the bank’s website at https://www.cibcfcib.com/covid-19.

We also recommend clients to visit us online, at www.cibcfcib.com/locations to find additional contact information for CIBC FirstCaribbean offices in each territory.

Ministry of Education rolling out its risk reduction plan

The Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services has joined the Ministry of Health in its campaign to battle the deadly disease, Coronavirus (COVID19). There is growing concern about community transmission in a number of countries throughout the world. In particular, the rapid rise in case numbers in China and Italy.

The Ministry of Education has amplified its planning and strengthening measures to minimize the risk to students and will be working intensively with the Ministry of Health to take all possible precautionary measures to protect the welfare of students and staff alike in the case of a COVID-19 outbreak in the schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Possible scenarios have been explored along with contingency plans that the Ministry is finalizing to ensure the smooth functioning of operations, particularly that our students’ learning is not significantly impacted,” a government press release stated. “We have also reached out and provided support to our students

that students and staff take note of the advisories and updates issued by the Ministry in relation to COVID-19 health precautions:

studying overseas, including measures they should exercise to ensure their wellbeing and we encourage them to remain vigilant while adhering to the advisories issued by the health authorities in their respective jurisdictions.”

Detailed school guidelines and protocols are being finalized and will be shared with all schools within the Turks and Caicos Islands. In addition, the

Ministry is also working on continuity plans to minimize disruption to learning, in particular with students that are preparing for external examinations.

The ministry would like to reassure the public that it is taking the necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of children and teachers.

As such, we it has strongly urged

•Stay at home when you are sick.

•Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol.

•Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

•Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

•Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands has been proactive in developing a preparedness and response plan for COVID-19. More information on the Risk Reduction Plan rollout is forthcoming.

Provo Water Company public service announcement

Please be advised— effective 26th March 2020, Provo Water Company’s Grace Bay Office on Grace Bay Road will be closed to walk-in customers in response to COVID-19 concerns.

Our Customer Service Department will continue to serve customers remotely from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Customers seeking to establish a new service, reconnection, account changes or queries can contact Customer Service Department at 649-946-5202 or email customerservice@provowater.tc for assistance.

Staff will remain available for emergency assistance, please call 649-231-0705 to report a fault, broken water line or outage.

We are encouraging customers to utilize our My Account portal either via our website or at https://provomyacct.smartgridcis.net/ to view water

bills, make payments, view water usages and update account details.

Customers can continue to make payments at our payment vendors:•My Account Quick Pay https:// provo-myacct.smartgridcis.net/ •CIBC First Caribbean, Scotia Bank and RBC Caribbean •Graceway IGA stores during their hours of operation.

We appreciate your cooperation with these proactive measures that will remain in place until further notice.

The health and safety of our customers and staff remain our top priority during this time, and we thank you for your patience as we work together to stem the spread of Covid 19.

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LOCAL NEWS

Wellness during lockdown

In an effort to diminish the spread of covid-19, the government has issued a directive for us to stay at home as much as possible over a 3-week period.

Of course, this is subject to review according to the local and international state of the disease prevalence. It is a necessity but that doesn’t mean that it won’t come with its challenges in maintaining a sound body and mind as our routines are dramatically altered.

Keep Moving

Without the daily routine of going to work, we will inherently become less active in our daily lives. This is obvious is you work in construction or as a waiter in a restaurant where you may be constantly moving.

However, even in sedentary jobs where we sit at a desk almost all day, there is usually more physical activity that just lying on the couch or bed for hours at a time.

We all know that exercise is necessary for a overall wellness, the effect of exercise are plentiful – from conditioning the lungs and heart, toning the body, diminishing muscle loss as we get older, helping with balance and coordination to releasing endorphins to help us feel good - daily exercise has benefit in almost every facet of life.

This is why it is vital that you start an exercise program at home.

Whether you are gym buff, or you were never working out before, make exercise a priority over this period. Luckily, there are many exercise channels on you tube and videos are also available for downloads and even purchase online.

Whether aerobics for persons at every fitness level, Pilates, yoga or resistance training, the internet is flush with great options. During this time, we are still able to leave our homes to run or walk. Of course, when doing this it should be done alone or with your family members with whom you live. This is an excellent way to bond with nature and get some fresh air whilst you keep the body lean and the mind clear.

Stick To Your Diet

Life as we knew it might have changed but our lifestyle illnesses and conditions are still here. As such, the same rules apply. Lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grain, low calorie juices, low sodium foods and healthy fats are still the fundamentals in maintaining a health through diet.

Now this may be more challenging as we are buying in larger quantities and as such have to look at the shelf life of our food options.

As a result, we are probably purchasing more carbs like rice and pasta, more snacks, more tinned foods and less fresh produce. I implore you however, to

look for low salt options in the tin foods, whole grain options in the pasta and rice, and healthier snacks such as nuts and fitness bars.

Remember too that frozen fruits and vegetables are also very healthy options that can last a long time whilst maintaining their nutritional value.

It is imperative that you have good nutrition and get lots of vitamins and especially vitamin C at this time. As always, minerals and vitamins are best when had from healthy foods and not a supplement only.

Accomplish A Goal

You now have a lot of time at

By Dr. Marsha Barnett home which you didn’t have before.

With no work, dinner parties, social so that after the Covid 19 crisis you will gatherings and so on, this may be the emerge a better you.

We are in uncharted territory. time for you to focus on some things you It is uncertain and stressful, but the have needed to accomplish.

Perhaps, it’s reading a book fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle you thought would be informative or remain constant. We will need our inspirational, or writing a plan for your mental and physical strength for the dream business, you can use this time days and weeks to come. Be smart. Keep to dedicate yourself to things you could safe. not have before. Now is the time to use the internet to help you hone your skills, *Dr. Marsha Barnett is a general practice or study at home or learn or practitioner who also specialises in dermatology. For questions or refine a new skill.

This approach will not only keep comments, please contact her at your mind occupied and improve your drmarshabarnett@gmail.com or at mental state but also help you improve Associated Medical Practices - 9464242. in whatever ways you think necessary

COVID-19 financial tips for Individuals

While I believe one of most important issues for individuals to be concerned about during this COVID 19 is their health, however the one thing that will impact all of us the most is our finances.

If you do not get your finances in hand, it will affect your health because you will be worrying. Worrying will increase your stress level and if your stress level is increased, it will affect your immune system. You do not need to compromise your immune system especially during this pandemic.

Please note that I cannot tell you what to do, but I believe it is my duty to share with you the gift that God has given me so here are some financial tips.

1.Know your financial condition.

Now is the time to truly document your financial condition. List all of your assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Develop a budget and a plan based on your condition.

2.Prioritize

Some people will experience a reduction in income as result of reduced hours of employment or no employment at all. You should know the difference between your needs and wants. Eliminate your wants and focused on your basic needs.

3.Deferral of mortgage payment

Some banks are offering deferred payment of principal and interest.

Personally if you are in still in a position to make your mortgage payment, please do so because in the long run, your mortgage will be extended. However, if you are not in a position to pay as a result of being laid off, then take advantage of

this opportunity.

4.Refinance if interest rate is favourable

More than likely the interest rate may be reduced. If this is the case and you are strap for cash and have a mortgage and need some extra cash, consider refinancing your loan. Payments can be lower if interest rate is lower.

5.Rent

Some of you may not have to pay mortgage but you have to pay rent.

If you are in a position, please continue to pay your rent as your landlord also has obligations to meet. If you are not in a position, then speak with your landlord about possibly reducing the rent. Hopefully some landlords have a cushion in the rent that they can reduce it and still meet their obligations. In addition, some of you may have to relocate to other places where the rent is cheaper. This may include living with family members or getting roommates to share in the cost.

6.Short term rental

Individuals in short term rental will experience most of the loss. You may want to consider returning to long term if you have loans obligations. If you don’t have any loans, then stick it out and hopefully things will improve soon.

7.Alternative employment

For individuals who find themselves being unemployed, do not panic. You may have to look for alternative employment such as babysitting, delivering food and groceries services to individuals, cleaning services and repairing services.

8.Vacation pay

Of course, we do not know how long this crisis will last, perhaps you can discuss with your employer about allowing you to take vacation now so you can get paid for at least two weeks.

9.Avoid more debt

During this time, you may be tempted to get more debt by getting loans and using your credit cards. Please avoid getting new debt unless you are getting a good deal on refinancing. If you are in a position, please continue to pay your loans and credit cards. If you are not, then consider negotiating for a lower payment terms until you are in a better position.

10.Tap in savings

If you are still employ, do not touch your savings, in fact still continue to save something monthly. If you are unemployed and have savings, you will need to tap in your savings. However, do not utilize all of it. Leave some because we do not know how long this crisis will last and you do not know how long you will be unemployed.

11.Change your eating habits

Now it is not the time to be spending a lot of money on food that you will eventually not eat. Make sure you eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Start your garden now. Eat basic and simple food as long as it healthy.

12.Reduced consumption on power

Reduce your consumption on power. One of the recommendations provided by health practitioners is increased ventilation. Discontinue using

By Drexwell Seymour the AC especially during the day. Keep the windows open, however, at nights for safety reasons, close the windows.

With the increase in the electricity rate in April, do your best to conserve energy.

13.Share with others

If you are wealthy, please use this time to help others either by providing loans to other individuals’ debts free or by giving others something during this crisis.

Conclusion

Despite how things look, do not panic. Review your budget and do your best to manage your finances.Ask for help. Don’t be quiet on this because if you do, you may harbor many negative thoughts.

Remember that this crisis is not permanent. Having faith, implementing a great action plan and having a great attitude will help you to survive and thrive.

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Robinson urges business community to step up

At the time of this publication, many people within the Turks and Caicos would have been made aware that we have had our first confirmed case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and are coming to grips with updated Emergency Powers Regulations. Now more than ever is it incumbent on the Business Community to step up to the plate and demonstrate their corporate citizenship. Below are a few suggestions that will help out residents in the short and longer term of the crisis: 1.All stores that carry critical supplies, such as hand soap and sanitizers, Lysol sprays and wipes or their equivalents, and other food supplies etc, if they have not done so already, should limit the amount of product each individual customer can purchase at any given time.

This will reduce the pressure on the supply chain and allow all in need to have access to these critical products.

This is important because there is little use in a few have all of the protective products and the remaining population is exposes which will still result is a risk to all. We are all in this together.

2.Internet service providers must do a rapid assessment of their networks to determine their robustness. With schools being closed and children doing online schooling, the tourism industry coming to a grinding halt, and many persons having to be home or work from home during this lockdown period, the strain and overload on the bandwidth of these networks will be severely tested.

Additionally, package deals should be offers at this time as increase data usage

with go through the roof at a time when available cash with will limited.

3.Big companies, especially those in the Tourism Industry, must step up to the plate in this time of crisis and do as much as practical for their employees whom are the backbones of their companies. It was done after Hurricanes Ike and Irma and must be done again in the face of this Pandemic. TCIG cannot be made to be responsible for bailing out the entire economy when its revenues only account for a quarter of the annual GDP. Good corporate citizenship must be practiced and demonstrated.

Together, we can face and overcome any Crisis!!

Stay Home and Stay Safe TCI

By Jamell Robinson

COVID-19: Time for prudence, not panic As much as the coronavirus has medical consequences, so too it has become clear that it has economic consequences. For many, those consequences are immediate – and as pressing as the health concerns.

Among those to feel the sting are personnel in the hospitality industry, who were asked to take their earned vacation days or, ominously, to volunteer to take two weeks of unpaid leave.

We would hope that hoteliers remember living high on the income of tourism over many years as it makes decisions that affect the income of those who helped play a key part in making the most of those good days. We would hope the same for other businesses too – to look at the long game and consider what they can do to keep things going until those good days come again.

Growth rates in the tourism NAVA JEWELERS LTD, dba JEWELRY, world renowned jewelers and retail sectors have already declined. Many sellers of signature brand jewelry and jewelry related products, with a chain of hotels have experienced cancellations affiliated jewelry stores and outlets throughout North America, the Caribbean over the immediate period and well and Worldwide, is now accepting applications/resumes from suitably qualifies into the next winter season. With a persons as: reduction in the numbers of hotel guests and patrons of restaurants as well as the ASSISTANT MANAGER, JEWELRY SALES SPECIALISTS, JEWELRY numbers renting vehicles, earnings in the SPECIALIST TRAINER, SUPERVISORS AND MERCHANDISERS, sector have dropped; jobs are being lost JEWELERS, PRECIOUS STONESBRAND QUALITY CONTROL CLERKS, and government revenues are declining.

SALES CLERKS, and/or ASSOCIATES

But the spread of the virus will peak. Our economies will recover.

At the Company’s prestigious retail Jewelry sales and Jewelry related merchandise sales Store located at the Carnival Corporation’s Grand Turk Cruise Center, South Beach, Grand Turk.

The world’s focus remains on COVID-19 as the virus continues its international spread.

We see this every time. Every, single, time something mysterious happens, the worst-case scenario is assumed. People behave irrationally in a panic.

Then more knowledge we gain, uncertainty is resolved. People calm down. The market recovers. With coronavirus news sweeping the world, it is easy to get caught up in the daily reports.

The result can be the exact opposite of what these measures are trying to achieve – protecting people rather than exposing them to risk and frightening. Instead, people dash to stores

to over-stock on items when they don’t need it. It is appropriate to be concerned and to make suitable preparations.

We need to be aware that even for those who catch the virus, the majority will be fine. What is important is to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to those who might not be fine if they catch it.

Basic hygienic practice: wash your hands thoroughly, use sanitizers, keep your distance from people, avoid shaking hands, isolate yourself if you have symptoms or feel you might have been exposed to someone with the virus.

These aren’t things that will change your world – but they can help to reduce the spread of germs and the virus, and that might stop it from reaching others.

By Ranaldo Forbes Until then, we must act together to slow the spread of the virus and look after each other.

Even though the situation has been classified as a pandemic, it is one we can control. We can slow down transmissions, prevent infections and save lives. But that will take the unprecedented personal and national engagement.

COVID-19 is our common enemy. We must declare war on this virus.

TURKSTECH SOLUTIONS

Requirements: •A sound educational background, and a minimum of five (5) years jewelry sales and general merchandising experience, in the case of Assistant Manager, Supervisors, Precious Stones and Brand Quality Control Clerks and two (2) years in the case of Sales Clerks and Associates, together with a proven and unblemished track record of employment in a highly trusted related field of employment and/or business.

•A positive and disciplined attitude and aptitude toward work in a customer service oriented business.

•Excellent communication, inter-personal and customer service skills.

•A trustworthy, dependable and honest disposition.

•Must be willing to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays and irregular cruise ship schedule.

•Clean criminal record.

•Unblemished employment history.

•All candidates must be proficient in the English written and spoken word.

•Salary will be negotiable and dependent on the qualification and relevant experience of the successful applicant but will be not less than $7.00 per hour.

Suitable candidates whodo not meet the prescribed requirements that who, in the sole discretion of the Company’s management team, demonstrate a clear willingness to embrace the Company’s in-house training initiatives and established standard operating policies and procedures, may be eligible for recruitment in exceptional circumstances. All applicants who are Turks Islanders are invited to send their application to the Labor Commissioner and Immigration Board.Preference will be given to documented Turks and Caicos Islanders.

Interested persons may submit their applications and resumes, via e-mail to: resume@effyjewelery.com, via fax to:2127308887, or hand deliver the same to any senior member of the company’s staff at its store, commonly known as Jewelry located at Suite No. 2, Building 1, Grand Turk Cruise Center, South Beach, Grand Turk.

Job Title: Location:

Service Technician Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

8B Leeside Ave, Long Bay

DUTIES Responsible for installation of new and existing cable services. Perform tests, troubleshoot and repair STBs/converter boxes and cable modems/ ONT at customer premises.

Qualifications &Experience •At least three CXC or GCE subjects one of which must be English.

•Valid Drivers license and must be able to operate a motor vehicle and use standard tools •Ability to work within confined spaces, such as crawl spaces, manholes etc, while performing duties of this job.

•Must be capable of carrying heavy equipment and is required to climb poles using ladders up to.

•A high level of confidentiality and work with highly sensitive data and information.

•Excellent Trouble shooting and analytical skills.

Frist Time Salary: commission Base Only Phone:649-331-6872/649-332-4013 Interest Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Living A Fear Free And Fulfilling Life

We as human beings were not created to be fearful, but to use our intelligence and wisdom to live a full and fulfilling life.

Our environment, shapes us to be a certain kind of person with specific emotions, and ways of thinking and acting. It is baked into us what is good, unpleasant, or acceptable. These tendencies make us who we are, and cause us to feel guilty when we make certain kinds of choices, or validate us when we live up to society’s demands.

But when we live according to the dictates of others, we become handcuffed to their ways and values which do not suit us, but deprive us from being our real selves, and we become carbon copies of others. Our authenticity is lost, and this becomes the basis of our uncertainty, fear, and anxiety, which deprives us from living a fear free and fulfilling life.

Our aim should be to live a fear free and fulfilling life. We were created without fear and anxiety, and our nature is to be fulfilled, and to live free, independent lives.

What is it to live free from fear? It means knowing ourselves. What pushes us, what pulls us, and what keeps

us back. The things that push us are ambition, the desire to achieve, to care for ourselves and our families. To be really human, meaning to project our higher selves, which is really who we are.

To be success itself, and to take charge and govern ourselves.

When we know ourselves and the responsibilities that come with it, all fear leaves us because we are not kept back by what society wants.

We push forward fearlessly to achieve our goals. We strive for that credential which will put us in a better economic state. We put ourselves first regardless or unconcerned about what is trying to hamper us. And we exert ourselves despite the nay-sayers, and achieve things we previously thought were beyond us. This is being fear free, which is real freedom.

And living a fulfilled life? This happens when we engage ourselves in what is best for us, regardless of what others think. This engagement is the beginning of the collapse of fear and anxiety, while at the same time becoming fulfilled. As we move ahead the more fearless we become, the nearer we arrive at our goals, and fulfillment is right there in the midst of things.

The fulfilled life is a life of satisfaction, inner peace, and a calm spirit. It is the point where we know we can and will succeed in whatever we put our hands to. It is knowing we are success itself, and that nothing can stop us, since our goodness will blow away any opposition.

A fulfilling life is one where we experience unlimited happiness, and know that divine favour is in our corner.

Whatever we touch turns out positively for us. Our economic and social circumstances undergo tremendous changes for the better. And contentment takes up residence in our lives, becoming an ever present factor.

But there is something even greater in living a fear free and fulfilling life.

It is realising we have a nature that is divine. That is spiritual. When we tap into this unstoppable force, everything becomes new for us, and to us.

Our divine spiritual self cannot be harmed by anyone or anything.

Illness and misfortune melt in its presence. We transform totally into our divine nature which is, and has always been our authentic self. All of the values

By Oliver Mills society expects of us are jettisoned. We become miracle workers and healers.

Total goodness becomes natural to us.

And others can see the difference in us when we interact with them. Here, our sacred self develops, and a life free of fear and anxiety, disappears, and inner fulfillment becomes our normal way of living and existing.

In this transformed state of living, we have the power and will to remake the world, and all that’s in it.

Windward Construction Ltd Project Manager and Maintenance Coordinator Must be able to plan and supervise a wide range of construction projects from concept, tender to completion, as well have extensive experience in the following areas:

Finance Analyst Graceway Supermarkets is seeking a suitably qualified individual to fill a newly created position within the company. A key focus of the role will be developing the analytical skill set of the Finance Analyst to provide in depth knowledge of the company’s systems and databases, enabling data to be extracted, interpreted and presented to key stakeholders. As such, the successful candidate must be prepared to be trained and work closely with other members of the Finance team.

Requirements •ACA/ACMA/ACCA/CPA professional qualification.

•Comprehensive knowledge of general ledger accounting and the function of financial accounting systems.

•Training in SQL (Structured Query Language) will be provided but prior experience would be beneficial.

•Strong data analytics skills and a desire to further enhance analytical abilities.

•Strong written and verbal communication skills.

•Attention to detail and flexibility to simultaneously manage multiple tasks.

Job Responsibilities •Provide analytical support to the Retail and Food Service operations teams.

•Investigate pricing and inventory movement anomalies.

•Responsible for the preparation of Accounts for the Maintenance Division, allocating and rebilling costs as appropriate and reporting of KPIs to stakeholders.

•Working in coordination with other members of the Finance team to contribute towards the preparation of the monthly management report for the board of directors.

•Assisting with semi-annual inventory counts across all stores.

•Extensive training will be provided on the company’s pricing and inventory management systems in order to develop the skill set to analyse and interpret the data within these systems, representing a significant portion of the role.

•Reporting directly into the Group Financial Controller and performing ad-hoc tasks as directed.

Application Deadline: April 15, 2020 Submit to: Graceway Supermarkets’ Corporate Office, upstairs the IGA store or email: hr@gracewaysupermarkets.com Only short-listed applicants will be contacted to attend interviews.

•Proven experience as Construction Project Manager •Organize and oversee construction procedures and ensure they are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

•Collaborate and coordinate with engineers, architects and consultants to create specifications for projects •Draft and negotiate contracts with external vendors •Determine required project resources (manpower, equipment and materials) with close attention to budgetary limitations •Plan all construction operations and schedule intermediate phases to ensure timely delivery – create and implement Gant sheets •Acquire equipment and material and monitor stocks to enable work flow consistently •Hire contractors and other staff and allocate responsibilities •Evaluate progress and prepare detailed weekly reports for management •Communicate with clients and manage client requirements in written and verbal form •Outstanding communication and negotiation skills •Excellent organizational and time-management skills •Flawless reporting and documentation skills •A team player with leadership abilities Competency in the following IT programmes is a requirement of the application: •Microsoft Excel •AutoCad •Sketchup •Smartsheet •CoConstruct Ability requirements: Fluent verbal and written English necessary Fluent Spanish or French beneficial Min 15+ years experience in Construction Management and Maintenance Management.

Good on the ground experience of site management for large scale projects to include post completion maintenance systems and programmes.

Salary: $6,000 per month subject to experience Resumes to be submitted to: Windward Construction Ltd, Third Floor Graceway House, Graceway Plaza, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL 3RD, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

SUPREME COURT ORDINANCE PRACTICE DIRECTION NO.2 OF 2020 COVID-19 PRACTICE DIRECTIONS ARRANGEMENT OF PARAGRAPHS PARAGRAPH

1. Citation and commencement

2. Conduct of Proceedings

3. Magistrate’s Court

4. Traffic Matters

5. Supreme Court: Criminal Jurisdiction

6. Supreme Court: Civil Jurisdiction

7. Matters which may be considered under exception

8. Court of Appeal

9. Coroners Court

10. Time

11. Application for a hearing on the grounds of urgency

12. Filing

13. Service

14. Service on Companies

15. Hearings

16. Video Conferencing

17. General Matters

PRACTICE DIRECTION NO 2 OF 2020 COVID 19 – PRACTICE DIRECTIONS ISSUED by the Acting Chief Justice pursuant to section 17 of the Supreme Court Ordinance.

As a result of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, it has become necessary for the courts to adjust their ways of working which would limit the spread of the virus and manage their workloads appropriately.

I have therefore decided to issue this Practice Direction on a pilot basis for a period of three months, although it may be reviewed within that period should it become inappropriate or unnecessary and may be revoked at any time.

The Judiciary of Turks and Caicos Islands is committed to doing everything possible to ensure access to justice is not fettered, whilst protecting our staff and the public.

The Judiciary is hoping to ensure— (i) that the number of persons coming to the various court locations are limited, and (ii) that the courts are as safe as possible for those who are essential to be in attendance.

These Directions are issued in order to protect the health and safety of the court staff and the public.

Citation and commencement

1.These Directions shall be cited as the COVID-19 Practice Directions 2020 and shall come into operation on 25March 2020 at 10am and shall expire on 19 June 2020, unless earlier revoked.

Conduct of Proceedings

2.Judges, Magistrate’s and Registrars are encouraged to use telephones and video technology for all hearings which are determined to be urgent.

Magistrate’s Courts 3.

(1)All matters listed to be heard during this period will be adjourned to the 20th April 2020 or until further notice except for any urgent applications or hearings as mentioned at paragraph 7.

(2)All urgent applications may be conducted by telephone or video conferencing even where the court considers it necessary to hear viva voca evidence.

Traffic Matters

4.(1) All traffic cases or hearings are to be adjourned for a period ofthirty days or until further notice except for those matters determined by the Magistrate to be urgent.

Supreme Court: Criminal Jurisdiction

5.(1)All criminal cases or hearings are to be suspended until further notice except for those matters determined by the Judge to be urgent.

(2) All persons who are currently on bail and whose case is not urgentshall be extended on the same terms and conditions to the adjourned date.

Supreme Court: Civil Jurisdiction

6.(1)All civil cases or hearings are to be suspended until further notice except for those matters determined by the Judge to be urgent.

(2)In respect of filing fees, all payments ought to be made by cheque and deposited in the safety deposit box at the front of the court together with the relevant application.

(3)If payments are to be made at the Government Treasury, upon making payment persons should contact the court on the designated phone number or email address to inform the court of such payment and the necessary receipt will be provided by the court.

Matters which may be considered under exception

7.The matters in both the Magistrate’s Court and

Supreme Court which may be under exception include— (a)bail; (b)urgent children or vulnerable adults applications; (c)extradition; (d)applications under the Mental Health Ordinance; (e)proceeds of crime applications, including restraint of cash applications; (f)maintenance applications, including applications to vary maintenance orders; (g)domestic violence applications; (h)writs of Habeas Corpus; (i)urgent custody application or any other application relating to a child or minor; (j)injunctions; (k)judicial review; (l)any other matter determined to be urgent.

Court of Appeal

8.All sittings of the Court of Appeal are suspended until further notice or unless the court is so assembled to deal with any matter determined to be urgent.

Coroners Court

9.All Coroner cases or hearings are to be suspended until further notice except for those matters determined by the Chief Magistrate to be urgent.

Time

10.(1)In respect of any deadline, timeline or direction given by the court and not specifically addressed by this Practice Direction time will cease to run until the 20 April 2020.

(2)For the avoidance of doubt, subparagraph (1) does not freeze the normal operation of limitation periods.

Application for a hearing on the grounds of urgency

11.(1)Any party to an action or intended action may apply to the court to determine whether it is urgent during this period or the Court of its own motion may decide any action isurgent.

(2)Any application to the court for any action or intended action to be decided urgent must be made in writing and supported by an affidavit setting out the facts and grounds as to why the matter is urgent.

Filing

12.(1)Every document which is required by the Supreme Court Rules to be filed in the Court Office may be filed electronicallyby sending that document in PDF format to the appropriate email address of the Supreme Court or delivered to the designated drop-off box at the front of the Court Building located at 1288 Leeward Highway, Providenciales.

(2)Prior to any hearing, draft orders required to accompany all applications shall be filed electronically in Word format for the use of the court.

(3)Where a document is filed by email address, the party who has filed the document must also subsequently deposit one (1) hard copy of the document at the Court Office, by no later than the next business day when the Court Office is open for Business.

(4)When a document is filed the subject line of the emailmust contain the following information— (a) the title of the case; (b) the case number (if available); (c) the date and time of any hearing to which the email relates; and (d) the type of matter or application being filed.

(5)The email message must contain the sender’s— (a) identity; (b) telephone number; and (c) email address, and should be in plain text or rich text format rather than HTML.

(6)Correspondence and documents to be filed must not be sent as text in the body of the email, but rather as attachments to the email in the format stipulated by the court.

Service

13.(1)Notwithstanding anything in the Supreme Court Rules every document which is required to be served upon an attorney may be served via email.

(2)If a document is being served via email the party who is serving the document shall copy the court on the email effecting service using the designated email address.

(3)The email address at which service may be effected is the email address— (a) notified in writing by that attorney for this purpose; or (b) if an email address has not been notified in writing by that attorney, service may be validly effected upon that attorney by sending that document to— (i) the email address used on the letterhead of that attorney or previously used by that attorney; (ii) the email address given on the website of that attorney; or (iii) the email address of the general mailbox of the firm to which that attorney belongs.

Service on Companies

14.(1)Notwithstanding the provisions of the Supreme Court Rules, a claim form or other document may be served on a limited company by sending it by email to the registered office or Registered Agent of that limited company.

(2)The email address at which service may be effected is the email address—

(a) notified in writing by that limited company or its Registered Agent for this purpose; or (b) if an email address has not been notified in writing by that limited company or its Registered Agent, service may be validly effected upon that limited company by sending the claim form or other document to— (i) the email address used on the letterhead of that limited company or its Registered Agent or previously used by that limited company or its Registered Agent; (ii) the email address given on the website of that limited company or its Registered Agent; or (iii) the email address of the general mailbox of that limited company or its Registered Agent.

(3)Proof of service of a filed document shall be by way of an affidavit of service, which shall exhibit the following— (a)copy of the cover email under which the document in question was served; and

(b)a copy of any message tracking, relay or delivery confirmation, including the address to which the email was sent, the date and time the email was sent, and if applicable, a copy of any reply or bounce-back notice of non-delivery or delivery failure.

Hearings

15.(1)All hearings will be heard on the date and in the manner specified by the Magistrate or Judge and will utilize video or teleconference where the Magistrate or Judgedetermines it appropriate during this time.

(2)All in-person appearances are discouraged during this time.

(3)In determining whether a hearing should be conducted in person under paragraph 2, the Magistrate or Judge must have regard to the interest of public health and the ability to maintain appropriate social distancing attendance in courtrooms.

(4)Where a Magistrate or Judgedetermines it fit for a hearing to be conducted in person, attendance should be limited to attorneys, parties and necessary witnesses only when determined to be absolutely necessary with due consideration for maximising social distancing between persons.

Video Conferencing

16.(1)Where a hearing proceeds by telephone or video conference, subject to any technical constraints, an attorney may attend the hearing from different locations.

(2)It is the responsibility of an attorney to identify an appropriate video conferencing facility and to connect to the facility of the court.

(3)At the commencement of the hearing, an attorney representing each party shall identify every person present with him.

(4)No party or his attorney is entitled to be physically present before the court unless the court gives permission.

General Matters

17.(1)In accordance with the social distancing guidance issued by the Ministry responsible for health the only persons who should be in the court room are essential court staff, attorneys and the relevant parties to the proceedings.

(2)Attorneys are encouraged to deliver documents and submissions via email to the court registry on the designated email addresses or delivered to the designated dropoff box in Providenciales.

(3)The Judicial Administration has the power and may put in place any measures or protocols that are consistent with maintaining health and safety to court staff and the general public when gaining access to the court buildings.

(4)A person may be denied entry to the court building if he does not comply with the measures or protocols that have been instituted including the filling out of any health and travel questionnaire that the court determines fit.

(5)Any person who has business at the court or conducting business on behalf of another person but who is unwell and displaying flu like symptoms or who may be considered high-risk as per the public health guidance is hereby asked to refrain from attending at any court building and encouraged to call the court office, court registrar or Magistrate’s clerk and request that the matter be adjourned to another time.

(6)Any person requesting an adjournment or other information should email the court.

(7)The designated email addresses and phone numbers to be used under these Directions are— (a)Civil Matters

(i)Supreme Court - supremecourttci@gov.tc

(ii)Magistrate’s Court - magistratecourttci@gov.tc ; (b)Criminal Matters (i)Supreme Court - supremecourttci@gov.tc (ii)Magistrate’s Court - magistratecourttci@gov.tc (c) Telephone number

(i)Magistrate’s Court: Providenciales - 232-7240

(ii)Supreme Court: Providenciales - 232-2460 (iii)Magistrate’s Court and Supreme Court Grand Turk - 231-7409 ISSUED this 25thday of March 2020.

JUSTICE SHIRAZ AZIZ ACTING CHIEF JUSTICE

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OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE Reporting to the General Manager, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Responsibilities: •Contact vendors, receive visitors for the General Manager and directs visitors to the appropriate dept. head.

•Schedule appointments for the General Manager, and all dept. heads.

•Maintains General Managers’ agenda and responses to email inquiries.

•Researches products needed for entire resort; reviews quotes; creates PO’s for signature and follows up with the purchasing process.

•Create Training Manuals and update SOP’s for all departments, Presents and trains on new SOP’s as they are created.

Requirements: •Knowledge of Opera (preferred but not required) •Extensive computer skills, Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) •Strong communication skills are required and control of the English language, written and spoken •Ability to transcribe meeting minutes, Strong organizational skills •Strong Record keeping ability •Advanced knowledge of HR practices •Advanced knowledge of Hotel Operations (i.e. Housekeeping, Maintenance, Front Office, F&B).

Salary for this position will commensurate with qualifications and experience. Entry point is at $32,000.00 per annum including the benefit of service charge.

NIGHT AUDITOR RESPONSIBILITIES •Ensuring that all charges and credits are posted accurately to guest accounts; that the telephone call accounting system reporting has been completed and system is functional •Balancing all credit card charges to cashiers reports and hard and soft copies are balanced with credit card folios •Organizing the night audit work in an orderly manner for distribution to the accounts department •Closing out of accounts and resetting the system for the next day’s operation •Conducts analytical review of all daily Front Office and Room transactions reports and to rectify and discrepancies.

•Acting as Manager on Duty and maintain an open line of communication between guests, team members and management.

•Performing Front Office duties, processing express checkouts and assisting guests as needed during the shift REQUIREMENTS •Must have 3 or more years previous experience as a Night Auditor in a resort or condominium environment •Proficient in Microsoft office and Visual one is a MUST •Clear communications skills (written and oral) •Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays Salary commencing at $10.00 an hour and is based on experience.

Belongers only need apply COMPUTER & INFORMATION SYSTEM DIRECTOR Reporting to the Corporate Director, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Responsibilities: The successful applicant will be responsible for the Management of computer and information systems operations of the department including but not limited to the; •Manage backup, security and user help systems.

•Consult with users, management, vendors, and technicians to assess computing needs and system requirements, and stay abreast of advances in technology.

•Develop computer information resources, providing for data security and control, strategic computing, and disaster recovery.

•Evaluate the organization’s technology use and needs and recommend improvements, such as hardware and software upgrades •Control operational budget and expenditures and develop and interpret organizational goals, policies, and procedures.

•Review projects in order to plan and coordinate activities and evaluate data processing proposals to assess project feasibility and requirements.

Requirements: •Have a first degree in Computer or Information Systems from a recognized University/College or equivalent.

•At least 4-5 years’ experience in computer and information systems management at a four-star resort

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

•Knowledge of PMS IS A MUST •Clear communications skills (written and oral) •Must be fluent in the English language •A proven track record in managing an efficient diversified work force Salary commencing at $50,000.00 and is based on experience. Belongers only need apply.

SENIOR HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR Reporting directly to the Executive Housekeeper and Assistant Executive Housekeeper you will be responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the Housekeeping department. Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: •Training housekeepers on cleaning and maintenance tasks •Assist with room assignments, scheduling and time management •Overseeing staff performance daily and conduct disciplinary warnings when necessary •Checking rooms and common areas, including stairways and lounge areas for cleanliness •Establish and educate staff on cleanliness, tidiness and hygiene standards •Motivate and replenish cleaning products stock including floor cleaner, bleach and rubber gloves •Any other assigned duties REQUIREMENTS •Minimum of 3 years of experience within field.

•Strong interpersonal and problem solving abilities •Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced environment Salary for this position begins at $30,000.00 per annum and will commensurate with qualifications and experience.

HEAD CONCIERGE Reporting to the Front Desk Manager. Responsible for ensuring and accommodating all guest needs, transportation, appointments. Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Responsibilities: •Consistently offer professional, friendly, hospitable service •To identify and anticipate Guests’ needs and ensure personalized service is provided •To fully understand and have knowledge of all in suite services, technology, amenities, functions & systems •Provide information on local restaurants, special sites, activities, etc.

• Resolve customer complaints and problems calmly and effectively •Notify management of any serious issues that you cannot resolve Requirements: •Constant standing and walking throughout shift •Superior knowledge of All-Inclusive hospitality •Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.

•Willing to work outside of normal working hours.

Salary Scale: $9.00 - $11.00 per hour. Belongers only need apply.

CARPENTERS Responsible for maintaining all furniture and buildings. Inspect municipal buildings and facilities for needed services and repairs. Maintain inventory of spare and repair parts and tools. Ensure work site is left in usable and safe condition. At least 4 years work experience.

Salary Scale: $9.00 - $11.00 per hour. Belongers only need apply.

SENIOR OWNERS RELATIONS COORDINATOR Reporting to the Owners Relation Manager, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following: Consistently offer professional, friendly and engaging guest services. Support Owner’s Relations Manager, Strata Accountant and Administrative Accountants. Support Timeshare members by maintaining an organized system to manage payments, record, reports, request and track owners arrival. Ensure continuity of business and the adherence to established deadlines during critical times. Associate’s Degree in Business Administraion is a plus.

Salary Scale: 8.00 - $10.00 per hour. Belongers need only apply.

Interested persons may contact out Corporate HR department office or by submitting your resume with qualifications and experience to: hr@wihl.com Please also submit a copy of your completed application to our labour department.

Closing date April 3rd, 2020

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

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MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

CUSTOMER UPDATE - COVID-19 OPERATIONAL CHANGES AT FORTISTCI

Dear Valued Customer, As an essential service provider, and your energy partner, FortisTCI understands the importance of electricity to our country, homes and businesses at all times. And now, as the Turks and Caicos Islands joins the global fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, we are even more focused on ensuring that we continue to deliver the electricity you need, with the same high level of service that you have come to expect from us.

As we continue to implement our pandemic response measures to minimize the risk of exposure to our employees, customers and the public, please note the following changes to our operations.

Temporary Office Closure

Effective Wednesday, March 25, our offices and customer service centers are closed until further notice, and we remain available to meet your account needs. Please call 946-4313, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or email us at customerservice@fortistci.com.

Other Business Changes

A secure cheque drop box has been installed at the entrance of the customer service lobby in Providenciales, to facilitate Provo customers who usually pay by cheque. Cheques may be deposited Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Additional payment options will be available at remote collection facilities later this week and will be announced.

More Ways to Stay Connected My Online Account

Sign up for My Online Account at www.fortistci.com, so you can monitor your energy use, get your account balance and pay your bill online using a debit or credit card.

You will need your meter and account numbers to sign up.

Automated Account Information

Call 946-4313 to get your balance and other account details. Select the option for ‘Account Enquiry’ and be sure to have your account number on hand.

Text for Outages and Updates

To report an outage, receive outage updates, and notice of service restoration, use our new two-way texting system. To opt in, text FTCIGO to 1-855-334-9998.

2017 Winner

Allied Member of the Year

BCMS 681102

www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313 |

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

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LOCAL NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

Virus redefines respecting personal space S

ocial distancing could qualify as an oxymoron in Italy, where walking armin-arm with friends, kissing neighbors in greeting and patting the heads of babies are part of the demonstrative culture.

But a new virus has rapidly redefined the concept of respecting personal space for tactile Italians, as well as for South Koreans,

Filipinos, Americans, Spaniards and citizens of many other crowded parts of the world.

Whether acting under government orders or following basic public health advice, people are putting distance between themselves to keep the coronavirus away. The new rules of engagement call for maintaining a gap of one to two meters (or three to six

feet) to prevent possible exposure when an infected individual coughs or speaks.

The COVID-19 illness causes mild or moderate symptoms in most of those infected, but severe symptoms are more likely in the elderly or people with existing health problems. The vast majority of those infected recover.

A line of people waiting to buy supplies amid coronavirus fears snakes through a parking lot at a Costco, March 14, 2020, in Las Vegas.

A supermarket cashier waits for costumers behind a makeshift plastic curtain as a precaution against the spread of the new coronaviru

German Chancellor Angela Merkel speaks during a news conference about the coronavirus, where journalists sit spread out, at the chanc

Pastors wearing face masks attend a service at the Yoido Full Gospel Church in Seoul, South Korea, March 15, 2020.

People line up to enter in a shop to buy supplies in Barcelona, Spain, March 17, 2020.

People line up to enter in a supermarket to buy supplies in Brussels, Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

Customers make a line with shopping carts at a local retail store, March 16, 2020 in New York.

Customers make a line with the shopping carts at a local retail store, March 16, 2020 in New York.

Enza Garzia, 79, left, talks at a distance with Paola Albano, in central Rome, March 11, 2020.

People keep their distance as they queue up in front of a post office in Debrecen, Hungary, March 16, 2020.

People line up at a supermarket, in Paris, March 17, 2020.

People line up to enter a shop to buy supplies in Barcelona, Spain, March 17, 2020.

People queue outside a bakery in the rain, in Pamplona, northern Spain, March 16, 2020.

People wait in a line to enter a gun store in Culver City, Calif., March 15, 2020.

People wait in line to vote for local elections March 15, 2020, in Paris.

People wear masks as they line up to enter a pharmacy, in Rome, March 16, 2020.

Residents line outside a supermarket in Manila, Philippines, while the government implements a localized quarantine as a precautionary measure aga

Residents step on measured tape placed outside a supermarket to practice social distancing as a precautionary measure against the spread of the cor

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LOCAL NEWS

Shopping frenzy at local supermarkets

R

esidents have been flocking to supermarkets and food stores over the past few days to stock up on supplies following the

announcement of curfew by Premier Sharlene Robinson.

These pictures by Earlson Robinson capture the shopping frenzy.

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

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MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

Pop superstar Rihanna donates $5 million to relief efforts

From finding ways to help others cope to sheltering in place to canceling events, here’s a look at some of the ways the entertainment industry is reacting to the spread of the coronavirus, which most people recover from but can cause severe illness in the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions.

RIHANNA OPENS HER WALLET

Rihanna‘s Clara Lionel Foundation is giving $5 million to the response efforts against the coronavirus.

The money will support “onthe-ground partners working on the frontlines of disaster response especially those focused on protecting and serving marginalized communities — helping the most vulnerable in the United States, the Caribbean and in Africa prepare for what is to come,” the foundation said in a statement.

The funding will be channeled through Direct Relief, Partners In Health, Feeding America, the International

Rescue Committee, the World Health Cuomo’s attention, who thanked the Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity “Project Runway” star and got in touch Response Fund and others. with his team.

“Never has it been more Siriano later posted a photo of important or urgent to protect and a mask in a plastic bag and captioned prepare marginalized and underserved it: “Prototypes are happening — more communities –those who will be hit updates by next week.” hardest by this pandemic,” CLF’s SECOND BROADWAY CASUALTY executive director Justine Lucas said in the statement.

The money will go to food banks, A revival of Edward Albee’s testing, healthcare worker training, virus “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” will prevention and distribution of critical not reopen when Broadway resumes respiratory supplies. performances, a second play to call it quits as the theater world grapples with the fallout over the coronavirus.

BESPOKE FACE MASKS COMING

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Singer Rihanna poses for photographers upon

Hospitals and health care Woolf?” starred Laurie Metcalf as arrival at the British Fashion Awards in central workers in New York without enough Martha and Rupert Everett as George. London. face masks to deal with the coronovirus It managed just nine previews before comedy “Hangmen” said that show also are being promised help from someone Broadway was shuttered on March 12. will not reopen on Broadway.

Producers early Saturday blamed “cast “Who’s Afraid of Virginia more famous for his red carpet looks.

Christian Siriano in a tweet scheduling conflicts amid the shutdown” Woolf?” and “Hangmen” were two of 16 shows that were scheduled to open vowed to make masks, asking his sewing for abandoning the show. team to pump them out to help medical The move came a day after this spring that were suspended when responders. The tweet got Gov. Andrew producers of Martin McDonagh’s dark Broadway went dark.

Netflix’s ‘Self Made’ tells of first female millionaire

Madam C.J. Walker may be one of America’s most successful “pull yourself up by your own bootstrap” stories, but many have never heard of her. However, that’s changing, thanks to the recent release of a Netflix limited series starring Octavia Spencer.

“Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker,” which also stars Blair Underwood, Tiffany Haddish, Bill Bellamy and Carmen Ejogo, tells the story of America’s first female millionaire, who was also black, at the turn of the 20th century. Her path to riches would be noteworthy in any era, but it’s particularly impressive given the discrimination and roadblocks women and blacks had to endure at the time.

“I knew about her since I was a little girl because my mother taught us about her. We were from humble beginnings and Madam was from humble beginnings,” said Spencer.

“She dictated her path in life, and what an inspirational and aspirational story to use as an example for young people who were from nothing. ... She was able to do all of that without having the right to vote or the right to own anything because of her gender and color.”

Walker, whose real name was Sarah Breedlove, created and marketed hair products for African American women at the turn of the 20th century.

The four-part drama is based on the book “On Her Own Ground” by author and journalist A’Lelia Bundles, Walker’s great-great granddaughter.

Kasi Lemmons, who helmed last year’s “Harriet” film and DeMane Davis both direct two episodes.

Although Bundles says this

This image released by Netflix shows Octavia Spencer in a scene from “Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker.” has been a project “50 years in the making” with many starts and stops, it almost failed this time as well. Spencer says she nearly walked away from the project before basketball superstar LeBron James and his business partner, Maverick Carter, intervened (both are executive producers on the project, along with Spencer).

“There were things that I felt that, in my career, that I needed within my contract,” said the Oscar winner. “Sometimes you reach an impasse. And I am always prepared to graciously walk away, especially now, understanding my value as an actress, as a producer, and understanding what will be required of me when I’m on set.

“So I was graciously bowing out and LeBron (James) and Maverick (Carter) advocated for me. And it’s terrible that they had to, but they did.

And that’s what we all need sometimes in the negotiating process. But you also have to be ready to say, ‘Thank you for thinking of me.’”

Hulk Hogan sex tape lawsuit reaches confidential settlement

Hulk Hogan

Pro wrestler Hulk Hogan has settled a lawsuit against a talk show host and two others he’d accused of taking part in leaking video of him having sex and using racist language.

The Tampa Bay Times reported that the full details of the settlement aren’t known.

The lawsuit filed in Pinellas County demanded damages in excess of $15,000, but didn’t specify an amount. The lawsuit did note that Hogan — whose real name is Terry Bollea — was awarded $140 million in a previous lawsuit against Gawker over the tape, but settled for $31 million when that company went bankrupt.

Mike Calta, who hosts a morning drive talk show heard across Tampa Bay on Cox’s 102.5-FM The Bone, was among those sued. He could only be reached via his verified Twitter account, the paper reported.

“My understanding is the lawsuit was amicably resolved by Cox and Hogan on terms that are confidential,” he wrote in a direct message. “I’ll address the rest Monday on my show.”

Court documents show the judge has closed the case, but not the exact disposition.

Court orders signed by defendants Matt Loyd, a former radio personality known as “Spice Boy,” his ex wife Tasha Nicole Carrega and Los Angeles lawyer Keith Davidson were filed on Thursday.

All three were accused in the suit of conspiring to leak and sell the footage to TMZ and thedirty.com. Davidson was the man who met Bollea at the Sand Pearl in Clearwater to receive a check for $300,000 to stop the leak of the tape while FBI agents secretly watched. Federal prosecutors declined to file criminal charges in that case.

The permanent injunctions state that all three are banned from possessing or sharing any recordings of Bollea “naked, having sex, and/ or having private conversations in a private bedroom,” or could be held in contempt.

A letter sent to judge Linda R. Allan by Bollea’s attorney referenced a “confidential settlement reached between the parties.”

Michelle Obama, Oprah, more joined an epic (virtual) party

The hottest party in town Saturday night was on DJ D-Nice’s Instagram, where over 100,000 accounts tuned in during his epic 10-hour set including the likes of Michelle Obama, Oprah, Rihanna and Will Smith.

Oprah tweeted that it was the “best party of 1 and 100K I’ve ever been to.” Smith expressed a similar sentiment.

As the world practices social distancing to slow the spread of the coronavirus, many have been looking for ways to hang out virutally and D-Nice’s joyous dance party proved to be just the ticket.

D-Nice has been hosting Club Quarantine parties on his Instagram Live since Wednesday, but it hit a peak Saturday night, attracting entertainers,

athletes and politicians to the account, like Missy Elliott, Ellen DeGeneres, Mark Zuckerberg and Magic Johnson.

Presidential hopefuls Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders also stopped by the virtual party, as did Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Kamala Harris.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever

and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 29

HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE No, drinking water doesn’t kill coronavirus

First there was the bizarre suggestion that it can be cured with cocaine. After the erroneous idea circulated widely on social media, the French government had to quickly issue a statement saying that it’s definitely pas vrai. Then came the claims that avoiding ice cream could help, prompting Unicef to issue a statement that this is also not true. Finally the – extremely dangerous and also false – idea emerged that it can be prevented by drinking bleach.

Though the coronavirus pandemic started just a few months ago, it has already spawned an abundance of online fables and urban legends about how to evade it. One suggests that drinking water can help to prevent the infection. Here’s why that’s extremely unlikely.

The original posts shared on social media say that we should make sure our mouths and throats are always moist, and drink water every 15 minutes.

The logic is that this will help to wash the virus down the oesophagus, so it that it can be killed by our stomach acid.

“This is just so simplistic, I can’t even get my head around it,” says Kalpana Sabapathy, a clinical epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Sabapathy explains that infections often begin after we’ve been exposed to thousands or millions of viral particles, so sweeping a few down the oesophagus is unlikely to have much of

an impact. “One gaping hole in it is the discovered that the pathogen – which is likelihood that you managed to flush a coronavirus and relative of Covid-19 – all of them down into your stomach,” is “considerably resistant” to the slightly she says. “You would probably have diluted acid that you would find in the already got them in your nostrils by stomach of a person who had recently then, for example – it’s not fool proof,” eaten. They found signs that the virus she says. And here lies another of the had managed to colonise one patient’s main flaws in the idea. Even if the virus gut, and showed that it can easily hasn’t already managed to find its way colonise cells from the intestine. The inside the cells of your respiratory tract, team speculated that it might be possible it can also get into the body in other to become infected this way. ways. While some people might become It’s not yet clear if this is also infected by touching their mouth with true for Covid-19. Some patients have contaminated fingers, it can also enter been reporting symptoms such as nausea the body by touching the nose or eyes. and diarrhoea, and now experts from

As it happens, this is not thought China are warning that there are signs it to be the main route of transmission. can infect the digestive tract. According Instead, the main risk is from breathing to one report, more than 50% of people in tiny droplets containing thousands with Covid-19 have the virus in their of viral particles after a person coughs faeces, where it’s lingering long after it’s or sneezes – either when they’re hot-off- been cleared from the lungs. the-press or have been lingering in the Perhaps most compellingly, air hours afterwards. there hasn’t been any research looking

And there’s another reason into whether drinking water can the water-drinking technique might prevent infection with Covid-19, so this not work. You would think that, once technique is not based on science or fact a Covid-19 particle had made its way – just wobbly theory. In fact, the only into your stomach, it would be killed study that comes close is from 15 years immediately. After all, gastric acid has ago. a pH of between one and three; it’s The research looked at whether roughly as potent as battery acid, which gargling with water might help to is capable of dissolving steel. A few years prevent respiratory infections, because ago, scientists invented a way to use it as the practice is popular in Japan. They a power source. found that, over a 60-day period,

But the virus might be far more participants who gargled with water robust than this. After Mers emerged three times a day were indeed less likely from Saudi Arabia in 2012, researchers to report respiratory symptoms than

Three-pronged distancing most effective at controlling COVID-19

High school English teacher, Fabiano da Silva Silveira, 41.

A key modeling study from Singapore has found that putting multiple social lockdowns in place including school closures - will have the biggest impact on curbing COVID-19, the pandemic disease caused by the new coronavirus.

Quarantining infected people and their family members, closing schools, and imposing workplace distancing and homeworking can all limit the spread, the study found, but a combination of all three is most effective in reducing cases.

The global number of confirmed cases passed 377,000 across 194 countries and territories as of 0200 GMT on Tuesday, according to a Reuters tally, with more than 16,500 reported deaths.

Singapore, which according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) data had reported 455 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and two deaths as of March 22, has imposed some social distancing recommendations but has not closed its schools.

Elsewhere, millions of children have seen their schools closed in the

United States, across much of Europe and in many other countries as governments have imposed strict social lockdown measures to stop people meeting and mingling in groups.

Published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, the study, conducted by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS), looked at a simulated Singapore setting to analyze the potential impact of social distancing policies.

It found that while less effective than the combined three-pronged approach, quarantine plus workplace measures presented the next best option for reducing COVID-19 cases, followed by quarantine plus school closure, and then quarantine only.

“The results of this study provide policy makers in Singapore and other countries with evidence to begin the implementation of enhanced outbreak control measures that could mitigate or reduce local transmission rates if deployed effectively and in a timely manner,” said Alex R Cook, an associate professor at NUS who co-led the work.

those who gargled with an antiseptic solution or who did neither. However, the findings don’t necessarily apply to Covid-19 – and it’s dangerous to assume that they do.

First, the study focused on infections of the upper respiratory tract, which mostly involve the sinuses, throat and, airways, while Covid-19 is also known to infect the lower respiratory tract, infiltrating the chest and lungs.

Secondly, it’s worth noting that it was a relatively small study, in which the participants were asked to self-report their symptoms (rather than being assessed objectively) and knew which treatment group they were in. This kind of study is thought to be less reliable than the gold standard – a placebo-controlled randomised trial.

Sabapathy says that, though telling people to keep their mouths moist and drink water every 15 minutes might sound harmless, it’s important to squash this kind of misleading advice quickly.

The danger lies in the false sense of security that it provides. “People will think that by doing that, they’re going to be OK,” she says. “It diverts from the much more important messages.”

The overwhelming evidence suggests that the best approach remains avoiding unnecessary social contact and washing your hands. So her advice is to put down the water and pick up the soap instead.

United States could become coronavirus epicenter: WHO

The United States has the potential to become the new epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic due to a “very large acceleration” in infections there, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday March 24th.

The highly contagious respiratory virus has infected more than 42,000 people in the United States, prompting more governors to join states ordering Americans to stay at home.

Over the past 24 hours, 85 percent of new cases worldwide were from Europe and the United States, WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told reporters. Of those, 40 percent were from the United States.

Asked whether the United States could become the new epicenter, she said: “We are now seeing a very large acceleration in cases in the U.S. So it does have that potential. We cannot say that is the case yet but it does have that potential.”

“...They (the United States) have a very large outbreak and an outbreak that is increasing in intensity,” Harris added.

However, she identified some positive signs such as more comprehensive testing, and further efforts to isolate the sick and trace their immediate contacts exposed to the virus.

She also referred to “extremely heartwarming” stories of how Americans were helping each other during the crisis.

Overall, the global outbreak was accelerating very rapidly and she expected large increases in case numbers and deaths from the 334,981 cases and 14,652 deaths currently reported to WHO. WHO’s dashboard on its website, which

A deserted Times Square is pictured following the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., March 23, 2020. tends to lag countries’ individual tallies, showed that Monday had by far the biggest daily rise in infections since the outbreak began in December, with more than 40,000 new cases.

Harris said that new records were to be expected each day until new confinement measures begin to take effect.

Up until now, Europe has been the center of transmission with Italy the most badly-hit country with the world’s highest number of deaths, although fatalities have begun slowing there.

Asked about a potential tipping point in Italy, she said: “There is a glimmer of hope there. We’ve seen in the last two days fewer new cases and deaths in Italy but it’s very, very early days yet.”

Harris also voiced concern about growing case numbers in countries with weak health systems and high HIV prevalence.

South Africa’s confirmed number of coronavirus cases rose to 554 on Tuesday ahead of a nationwide lockdown panned for 21 days from midnight on Thursday.

Page 30

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

GOVERNMENT VACANCIES (APPLICATION DEADLINE: 3rd APRIL 2020) JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB6-20-01 JOB TITLE: Canine Enforcement Officer MINISTRY: Finance, Trade and Investment DEPARTMENT:

Customs Department LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: GRADE 5.1- $26,650.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent will be responsible for the operational deployment of their canine and daily care, feeding and exercise of the canine. Additionally, the incumbent will be responsible for general Customs duties.

JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB6-20-2 JOB TITLE: Network & Wiring Specialist MINISTRY Finance, Trade and Investment DEPARTMENT: CITU LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: GRADE 7.1 $41,205.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: This position will seek to address the need for permanent IT personnel presence and support on the island of Providenciales to service the IT needs of Government Offices on site and offices in the neighboring islands of North and Middle Caicos as needed. This position will also ensure an efficient response time to the locations mentioned, as well as ensuring proper connectivity to end users in the event remote assistance is to be provided by CITU staff located in Grand Turk.

JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB6-20-3 JOB TITLE: Statistical Technician MINISTRY Finance, Trade and Investment DEPARTMENT: Statistics Department LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: GRADE 5.1 $26,650.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: This is a technical support position with floor level responsibility for the collection, processing and analysis of statistical data to inform economic and planning decisions.

JOB REFERENCE NO: LWB6-20-4 JOB TITLE: Graduate Secondary Teacher – Mathematics MINISTRY: Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services DEPARTMENT: Education Department LOCATION: Providenciales (Long Bay High School) SALARY: $35,926.25 per annum plus allowances JOB SUMMARY: This is a specialist position which has unit level responsibility for the teaching of one or more of the school’s curriculum subjects to students.

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

JOB REFERENCE NO: LWB6-20-9 JOB TITLE: Administrative Officer MINISTRY: Education, Youth, Culture, Social & Library Services DEPARTMENT: Culture Department LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 5 - $26,650.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY This is an administrative position, which has responsibility for the smooth operation of administrative functions in the office and for dealing with information that is sensitive and/or confidential.

JOB REFERENCE NO: LWB6-20-10 JOB TITLE: Truancy Officer MINISTRY: Education, Youth, Culture, Social & Library Services LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: $21,935.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: To ensure that all students between the age of 4 – 16 attend school during school hours.

JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE:

MINISTRY: DEPARTMENT: LOCATION:

LWB6-20-11 and KHB6-20-16 Clerical Assistant MEYCSLS and MOHASHS Education Department and Dental Department Providenciales (Enid Capron Primary School) and Grand Turk (Dental)

JOB SUMMARY: This is an administrative support position for the office. The job holder will undertake clerical and administrative tasks to support the day-to-day running of the office.

JOB REFERENCE NO: LWB6-20-12 JOB TITLE: School Warden (Primary School) MINISTRY: Education, Youth, Culture, Social & Library Services DEPARTMENT: Education Department – Ianthe Pratt Primary School LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: $21,935.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: This is a supervisory position responsible primarily for the safety of pupils crossing the road at a designated point or points on their journeys to and from school and ensuring that pupils remain in class while school is in session.

JOB REFERENCE NO: LWB6-20-6 JOB TITLE: Graduate Secondary Teacher – Music MINISTRY: Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services DEPARTMENT: Education Department LOCATION: Providenciales (Long Bay High School ) SALARY: $35,926.25 per annum plus allowances

JOB REFERENCE NO: LWB6-20-13 JOB TITLE: Grounds Maintenance Worker MINISTRY: Education, Youth, Culture, Social & Library Services DEPARTMENT: Education Department – Iris Stubbs Primary School LOCATION: South Caicos SALARY: $499.98 bi – weekly

JOB SUMMARY: This is a specialist position which has unit level responsibility for the teaching of one or more of the school’s curriculum subjects to students.

JOB SUMMARY: This is a general support services position, to assist with cleaning and maintenance of assigned facilities and grounds so that they are clean and ready for use.

JOB REFERENCE NO: LWB6-20-7 JOB TITLE: Senior Administrative Officer MINISTRY: Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services DEPARTMENT: Social Development LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 6 - $33,415.00 per annum

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-15 JOB TITLE: Community Health Aide MINISTRY: Health Agriculture, Sports and Human Services DEPARTMENT: Primary Health Care Department LOCATION: Salt Cay SALARY: Grade 4 - $21,935.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This is a senior administrative position, which has responsibility for the smooth operation of administrative functions in the office and provides support in resource management of finances, human resources, facilities and purchasing.

JOB REFERENCE NO: LWB6-20-8 JOB TITLE: Social Worker MINISTRY: Education, Youth, Culture, Social and Library Services DEPARTMENT: Social Development LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 6 - $33,415.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY To provide professional social work services to the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This is a specialized professional position, which has departmental wide responsibility for the elderly, orphans, juveniles, probationers and parolees.

JOB SUMMARY: This is a practical position, with basic level responsibility for ensuring that culturally diverse populations and underserved communities receive proper medical attention.

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-17 JOB TITLE: Labourer MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture, Sports & Human Services DEPARTMENT: Agriculture Department LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: $499.69 bi-weekly JOB SUMMARY: The post holder’s responsibilities include providing labour / assistance in all aspects of animal (canine) control. Working under the instruction of the Supervisors the labourer may be required to work alone or with a small team.

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-18 JOB TITLE: Migrant Health Manager MINISTRY: Health Agriculture, Sports and Human Services DEPARTMENT: Primary Health Care Department LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 7 - $41,205.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: This is a senior professional position responsible for the effective management of the Migrant Health Program JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-19 JOB TITLE: Porter DEPARTMENT: Primary Health Care Unit (PHCU) MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services LOCATION: South Caicos SALARY: $499.67 Bi-Weekly JOB SUMMARY To provide support service to the Primary Health Care Department personnel to maintain the cleanliness of buildings, moving of clients, supplies and materials.

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-20 JOB TITLE: Health Research Officer DEPARTMENT: National Epidemiology and Research Unit MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 7 - $41,205.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY To assist/support the Chief of Epidemiology and Research to plan, develop and implement epidemiologic and research programmes under the auspices of the National Epidemiology and Research Unit (NERU) to ensure collection, analysis, and interpretation of data about health effects and risks in TCI. JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-21 JOB TITLE: Emergency Medical Technician DEPARTMENT: Emergency Medical Services MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services LOCATION: Various SALARY: Grade 5 - $26,650.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in this position will respond to emergencies in a safe manner and assist in the extrication, stabilization, care and transportation of the ill and injured as Required.

Page 31

JOB SUMMARY: To assist/support the National Epidemiologist to plan, develop and implement epidemiologic and research programmes under the auspices of the National Epidemiology and Research Unit.

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB5-20-26 JOB TITLE: Program Officer MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services DEPARTMENT: Health, Promotion and Advocacy Unit LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 6 - $33,415.00 per annum plus allowances JOB SUMMARY: Under supervision, implements the youth and community HIV/AIDS oriented programs for compliance with national, regional and international guidelines.

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-27 JOB TITLE: Clinical Nurse/Midwife DEPARTMENT:

Health, Promotion and Advocacy Unit MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 5 - $26,650.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY This is a professional nursing position with responsibility for HIV/AIDS/STI patient health care in the HIV Prevention Unit, Primary Health Care clinics and the community at large.

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB5-20-28 JOB TITLE: Deputy Contract Performance Manager MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture and Human Services DEPARTMENT: Contract Management Unit LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 8 - $51,147.50 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent is required to monitor and coordinate the implementation of all obligations under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) hospital project agreement and other Pay for Performance contracts entered into by the MOHAHS. JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-29 JOB TITLE: Head of Secretariat MINISTRY: Office of the Premier & District Administration LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 7- $41,205.00 per annum

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-22 JOB TITLE: Public Health Nurse DEPARTMENT:

Primary Health Care MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services LOCATION: Providenciales and North Caicos SALARY: Grade 7 - $41,205.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This is a senior position responsible for co-ordinating the political and administrative interface between the Minister and Permanent Executive Director in the allocated Ministry.

JOB SUMMARY: The incumbent in this position will be required to deliver effective comprehensive primary health care services focused on disease prevention, health promotion and maintenance in the clinic, homes and communities through the utilization of the nursing process.

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-30 JOB TITLE: Deputy Director MINISTRY: Office of the Premier & District Administration LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 9 - $59,552.50 per annum

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-23 JOB TITLE: Mortuary Assistant MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 5 - $26,650.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This is a Senior Management position with responsibility of assisting the Executive Director for the effective and efficient management of the affairs of the Office of the Premier, Local Government, Community Affairs and TCILondon Office and provides the critical interface between the Premier’s Office and the TCIG, TCI Business Organizations, Non-Government Organizations, Legislative Assembly and Cabinet.

JOB SUMMARY: The job holder is responsible for managing the operation of the Government morgues and coordinating with relevant persons to effectively discharge their duties.

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-24 JOB TITLE: Deputy Supervisor Wellness Center (TEMPORARY) DEPARTMENT:

Special Needs Unit MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services LOCATION: South Caicos SALARY: Grade 6 - $33,415 per annum plus allowances JOB SUMMARY: The job entails responsibility to assist the Supervisor with the management of the Wellness Centre/Special Needs Unit and ensuring quality care for all clients.

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-25 JOB TITLE: Deputy Epidemiologist DEPARTMENT:

National Epidemiology and Research Unit MINISTRY: Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services LOCATION:

Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 8.1 - $51,147.50 per annum plus allowances

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-31 JOB TITLE: Aide De Camp MINISTRY: Office of the Premier & District Administration LOCATION: Grand Turk and Providenciales SALARY: Grade 5- $26,650.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The job holder is responsible for providing transportation, personal security and general assistance to the Hon. Premier in performing their official duties.

JOB REFERENCE NO: KHB6-20-32 JOB TITLE: Gardener MINISTRY: Office of the Premier & District Administration LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: $499.98 bi-weekly JOB SUMMARY: This is general support services position, to assist with cleaning, maintenance and upkeep of the Premier’s Official Residence grounds and the cleaning, maintenance and upkeep of the Premier’s Residence.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

JOB REFERENCE NO: LWB6-20-33 JOB TITLE: Senior Internal Auditor MINISTRY: Independent – Office of the Governor DEPARTMENT: Office of the Chief Internal Auditor LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 7 - $41,205.00 JOB SUMMARY: The successful candidate will be accountable to the Chief Internal Auditor through the Internal Audit Manager and have responsibility for developing the strategy for financial and operational audits and taking lead responsibility for these audits as part of the approved annual internal JOB REFERENCE NO: LWB6-20-34 JOB TITLE: Senior Internal Auditor (Information Technology) MINISTRY: Independent – Office of the Governor DEPARTMENT: Office of the Chief Internal Auditor LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 7 - $41,205.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: The successful candidate will be accountable to the Chief Internal Auditor through the Internal Audit Manager and have responsibility for developing the strategy for IT audits and taking lead responsibility for IT audits as part of the approved annual internal audit plan.

JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB6-20-35 JOB TITLE: Energy and Utilities Commissioner MINISTRY: Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation DEPARTMENT: Energy and Utilities LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 10 $73,185.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: This senior level management position is responsible for the nationwide multi sector regulatory oversight of the Energy and Electricity, Water and Sewerage and the Petroleum Sectors of the TCI. JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB6-20-36 JOB TITLE: Energy Analyst MINISTRY: Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation DEPARTMENT: Energy and Utilities LOCATION: Grand Turk SALARY: Grade 7 - $41,205.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: Provide research and analytical support to the Energy and Utilities Department by conducting effective analysis of conventional and non-conventional energy generation and energy use in the TCI. JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB6-20-37 JOB TITLE: Immigration Officer MINISTRY: Immigration, Labour and Employment Services DEPARTMENT: Immigration Department LOCATION: Various SALARY: GRADE 5 - $26,650.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: This is a Law Enforcement position which supports the Senior Immigration officers and by extent the Border control and Enforcement (Immigration Department).

JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB6-20-38 JOB TITLE: Intelligence Manager DEPARTMENT: Immigration Department MINISTRY: Immigration, Citizenship, Border Control and Employment LOCATION: PROVIDENCIALES SALARY: Grade 7 - $41,205.00

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

JOB SUMMARY: This position is to support the Department in the key areas of tactical employment, training, administration, personnel management, maintenance, force protection, and sustainment of the Intelligence Team.

JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB6-20-39 JOB TITLE: Assistant Compliance and Enforcement Manager DEPARTMENT: Immigration Department MINISTRY: Immigration, Citizenship, Border Control and Employment LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 7 - $41,205.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY To support the Department in the key areas of tactical employment, training, administration, personnel management, maintenance, force protection, and sustainment of the Taskforce Team.

JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB6-20-40 JOB TITLE: Assistant Compliance/Investigative Officer DEPARTMENT: Immigration MINISTRY: Immigration, Citizenship, Border Control and Employment LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: Grade 5 - $26,650.00 per annum JOB SUMMARY: This Post holder will assist with all compliance and investigative matters within the department, ensuring management and the relevant authorities are promptly notified of all unlawful acts, court proceedings JOB REFERENCE: JOB TITLE: DEPARTMENT: MINISTRY: LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB6-20-41 Senior Immigration Officer Immigration Immigration, Citizenship, Border Control and Employment Grand Turk Grade 6 - $33,415.00 per annum

JOB SUMMARY: This is a middle management position which has departmental responsibility for the supervision of junior Staff at the office, airport and field duties JOB REFERENCE NO: JOB TITLE: DEPARTMENT: MINISTRY:

LOCATION: SALARY:

CFB6-20-42 Labour Inspector Employment Services Immigration, Employment and Labour Providenciales Grade 5 - $26,650.00 per annum plus allowances

JOB SUMMARY: This is an administrative and operational support position initially with island wide responsibility for monitoring and regulation of labour laws, policy, standards and procedures JOB REFERENCE NO: CFB6-20-43 JOB TITLE: Radar Operator MINISTRY: Immigration, Employment and Labour DEPARTMENT: Coastal Radar Department LOCATION: Providenciales SALARY: GRADE 5.1 - $26,650.00 PER ANNUM JOB SUMMARY: To monitor Radar targets and radio communications.

For full details regarding these positions please visit our website at https://www.gov.tc/government-vacancies Please note: (Applications that are not accompanied by all required supporting documents will not be processed).

(APPLICATION DEADLINE: 3rd APRIL, 2020)

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 33

CARIBBEAN NEWS

NEWS NEWS

Cayman to be Caribbean tourism will emerge stronger put on lockdown after Coronavirus, tourism leaders say

The Cayman Islands is being put on ‘lockdown’ in an effort to contain the spread of coronavirus through the community.

The nighttime curfew, imposed Monday, has been expanded to the hours Premier Alden McLaughlin of 7pm to 5am, and will be in place for the next 10 days, subject to constant review by the Commissioner of Police.

At all times of day, public gatherings will be restricted to a maximum of two people, unless they are members of a core family group.

All non-essential businesses will imminently be required to close, unless they can operate with staff working from home.

Premier Alden McLaughlin said, “Non-essential persons are required to shelter in place. That means, stay at home.”

“We are not going to allow economic considerations to kill our people.”

He said Cayman was treating this as a war and the aim was to keep casualties to a minimum.

The premier said measures would be implemented to allow people to go to the supermarket, the pharmacy or the doctor, but everyone in the country is advised to stay home unless absolutely necessary.

The ‘shelter in place’ order for businesses was later temporarily postponed as Cabinet grappled with the details of who should be exempt. It is expected it will be put in place Wednesday.

McLaughlin said government had received a slew of requests for exemptions from private sector companies, adding that some businesses seemed to be prepared to risk the lives of their employees to keep running during the crisis.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) urged its stakeholders to take advantage of coronavirus (COVID-19) resources it has set up to contain the spread of the virus in the region, and reminded the world of the Caribbean tourism sector’s proven ability to strongly bounce back from adversity.

Recalling the association’s experience in dealing with emergencies, CHTA’s CEO and Director General Frank Comito, and Patricia Affonso-Dass, President of CHTA, reported that immediately upon understanding the potential threat of COVID-19 in January, the association reached out to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to begin to put in place monitoring, education and awareness initiatives. The association also advanced and implemented measures to ensure the safety of its employees.

In a joint statement, Comito and Affonso-Dass pointed to online resources available to help the industry manage the crisis. Many of these, along with updates on travel advisories, airline and hotel cancellations, and other notices can be found at the CHTA COVID-19 Resource Center at caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/ covid-19.

They reminded that the Caribbean tourism sector has considerable experience in managing disruptions and risks: “We demonstrated this post 9-11,

CHTA’s CEO and Director General Frank Comito, and Patricia Affonso-Dass, President of CHTA. through SARS, Zika, hurricanes and other natural disasters over the past two decades, all while experiencing unprecedented growth.”

The organization’s leaders admitted, however, that nothing compares to what the region and the world are experiencing with the coronavirus threat, and while much of what happens is beyond individual control, through sound collective actions by companies, organizations, communities and governments, the duration and intensity of the pandemic can be managed. “Difficult decisions which are made today will help us to recover sooner and ultimately be stronger,” they asserted.

Despite the severity of the pandemic, Comito and Affonso-

Dass predicted the region will emerge and use lessons learned to make the region even more desirable: “Despite the temporary dark clouds, the sun shines in the Caribbean and will continue to do so. As we come through this, the world will need the Caribbean to help it to heal.”

To the millions of individuals with fond memories of time spent in the region, the tourism leaders noted the region will be ready to welcome them back soon: “A trip to the Caribbean, with over 30 incredible and diverse destinations, is one of the best remedies for wiping away stress and anxiety - refreshing, renewing and warming your heart and soul in the process.”

Barbados PM offers welfare cheques boost to help families

A $20-million “survival” stimulus package was announced Friday night by the Prime Minister to provide critical assistance to thousands of people and businesses in light of the expected calamity from the coronavirus crisis.

She has enlisted the social welfare system, the private sector, banks and pop icon Rihanna in the effort.

In a three-hour speech to wrap up debate on the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure which was later passed as the Appropriation Bill, Mottley announced the immediate establishment of a Household Survival Programme to help more 1,500 vulnerable families.

Under this stimulus package, Government would provide up to $600 per month to each family through the Welfare Department.

There will also be a 40 per cent increase in all rates and fees paid by the Welfare Department to individuals.

“These funds must be the subject of urgent action,” said Mottley.

At the same time, Mottley said Government has asked the private sector to match that stimulus package through an Adopt-a-family programme, where those who earn more than $100,000 annually (over 5,200 people), would also provide up to $600 per month to the fund for families in need.

The fund, which is to be in place for an initial three to six months for the Adopt-a-Family programme was launched Friday at CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank, Mottley announced, adding that details of how to access it would be released in the coming days.

Prime Minister Mottley said: “This Household Survival programme of $20 million in the first instance will be

topped up if it is not enough. arrears.

“The most important thing is Those were among a gamut of for people to keep their heads above “survival” supporting measures outlined water. It is not a kill cow. I wish I could by Mottley to help Barbadians “keep do more. But the important thing now is their heads above water” as the country not to leave anybody behind. begins to feel major effects from the

“I am happy to announce COVID-19 outbreak that originated in that the Massy Foundation has already Wuhan, China in late December. agreed to seed that Fund with the sum Several hotels, tour companies of $250,000 immediately in the first and other tourism-related services have instance.” started to close their doors putting

Superstar Rihanna has pitched thousands of workers on the bread line in $1.2 million to buy ventilators as the or dramatically reducing work hours, country seeks to shore up its medical as countries close their borders to nontreatment capacity for the respiratory nationals and airlines start to ground illness, the Prime Minister revealed. flights.

Additionally, companies that Other industries, including keep at least three quarters of their transport, retail, stand-alone restaurants workforce will be deferred from paying and beauty parlours, are also beginning three months of employers’ National to face hardship as the island recorded Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions. its first cases of the COVID-19 – six on

She also announced that after island and one on a cruise ship docked meetings with the Barbados Bankers’ off the shores as of Friday.

Association over the past two weeks it was agreed there would be a six-month The survival measures also include the moratorium on all existing loans and following: mortgages for individuals and businesses • Sagicor has donated two who are directly impacted by COVID-19. temperature scanners for the Grantley

Mottley also announced that Adams International Airport and one for the Barbados Water Authority would the Bridgetown Port be turning on over 3,000 taps that have • Courts Barbados has donated been disconnected. a number of beds for the quarantine

“It is the view of my Government facility that now is not the time to talk about • Government will facilitate money when people are at risk of being the private sector officials to upskill and victims of a pandemic. invest in training “so they can come

“Therefore, immediately I am back stronger” after the crisis asking the Barbados Water Authority to • Government will facilitate turn back on the water for all of those and fast track a number of private sector customers for the next three to six investments that are ready to be done. months,” said Mottley, who added that • With $145 million in the she was equally asking those customers Severance Payment und and $19 million to start paying what they can on their in the Unemployment Fund, Mottley

Barbados Prime minister Mia Mottley. said: “If push come to shove, at the appropriate time we will recapitalize the Unemployment Fund if it comes under pressure.”

• Workers placed on short-week will get 60 per cent of their earnings for the days they are not working

• It is recommended that tourism-related firms participate in the national training initiative

• Commercial banks have agreed to offer temporary working capital financing options for corporate and small businesses who are directly affected by COVID-19

• Government will refinance the Small Hotel Investment Fund with $20 million to allow small hotels to borrow “and blend with other funds” and refurbish their properties during the down period, and they will pay interest rate of 3.5 per cent instead of five per cent

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

Barbados accepts 35 Trinidadians refused entry into their own country

Just as it came to the rescue of stranded cruise ship passengers turned away from several seaports in the COVID-19 crisis, Barbados today became a safe haven for a group of 35 elderly Trinidadians now under mandatory quarantine at Sugar Cane Club, St Peter.

According to Barbados Today, the Trinidadians who arrived from London at the Grantley Adams International Airport are barred from entering their homeland after the Keith Rowley administration locked down the borders on Sunday night in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19 infections.

Addressing the matter as he appeared in a television interview on state-owned broadcaster the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Attorney General Dale Marshall insisted Barbados had to take a humanitarian stance.

He noted that while Bridgetown has no legal responsibility to accept nationals but its own, it could not abandon the elderly group that had little to no options.

Marshall said: “The Government of Trinidad took the decision that they did not intend to accept them and we reached out to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago during the day to urge that they take their citizens but the fact

of the matter is that they declined to do so.

We had to make a humanitarian decision and it is a decision that we felt was principled and correct ensuring that at all times that Barbadians were safe.”

Marshall explained that if Barbados had denied the group landing rights, the Trinidadians would have had to return to England to face equally harsh measures imposed by authorities there to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Marshall continued: “We had no way of knowing what the situation would be for them in England when they return and so it was a question of what our options were.

“We felt that we were in a position to adequately receive these individuals so long as they were put into mandatory quarantine and that is what we have done.”

It was on Saturday that Trinidadian National Security Minister Stuart Young announced that Port of Spain would close its airspace to all international flights until further notice and seaports would also be closed to both nationals and non-nationals.

The announcement came as the twin-island republic confirmed 49 cases of COVID-19, a massive jump from the nine

Trinidad’s Minister of National Security Stuart Young

Barbados Attorney General Dale Marshall reported 24 hours earlier.

Marshall said the visitors, the majority of whom are over 60, were received and screened upon arrival by officials from the Ministry of Health.

“They were taken to a place of quarantine, that is at their own expense, not an expense of the Government of Barbados,” he explained.

The group reportedly left Port of Spain for a tour on February 25, which took them to Dubai where they spent three nights.

They then went on a cruise to South Africa, which was disrupted because of COVID-19.

Sandals resorts closing for more than a month due to coronavirus concerns

Sandals and Beaches resorts are closing their doors to guests amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Caribbean’s popular all-inclusive resort chain announced recent travel restrictions, flight cancellations and the current global health crisis has forced management to shut down operations from March 30 until May 15.

The resort chain said none of its 15 Sandals resorts nor three Beaches properties would accept any guest arrivals past March 23.

“We also want to alleviate any additional worry you might have about your upcoming vacation. Please don’t call us

because our dedicated team will be reaching out to you personally to assist with rescheduling your future plans. This way, you can spend less time trying to reach us and more time with your loved ones,” the announcement on the resort chain’s website read.

Sandals isn’t the only hotel chain affected by the coronavirus.

Great Wolf Lodge, the family-oriented resort brand known for its elaborate indoor water park, announced March 13 it will temporarily close over coronavirus concerns.

It doesn’t look like hotel closures will be stopping any time soon.

In the U.S., half of the hotels could shutter amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to Chip Rogers, president and CEO of the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

“If something doesn’t happen quickly, since occupancy is trending toward zero, you’re going to see thousands of hotels go out of business,” Rogers told USA TODAY. While many will close and reopen at some point in the future, others won’t.

There are about 56,000 hotels across the U.S., and 25,000 of those could close in the next few weeks, at least temporarily, according to Rogers.

Brother kills brother, uncle kills nephew in Jamaica

In the period following the announcement that Jamaica had recorded its first positive test for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), there were no murders across the island in 24 hours, sparking hope that the criminals had gone into hiding.

But since then, the bloodletting has resumed with a vengeance, with at least 16 murders recorded by the police in the past 48 hours.

Following reports of eight murders in the 24-hour period between Sunday morning and Monday morning to start this week, there were eight more murders yesterday.

These included an incident where a man is alleged to have bludgeoned his brother to death, and an uncle is the main suspect in the fatal shooting of

his nephew.

The killings on Sunday included a triple murder on McKenley Crescent in South St Andrew where a state of emergency is in place; one on Barnett Street and another in Flanker, St James; two in White House Westmoreland; and one on Beeston Street in Central Kingston.

Westmoreland and St James are also under states of emergency.

Yesterday, 33-year-old Demar Gordon was fatally shot in the Lime Tree Crescent area of Flanker in what is believed to be a reprisal for the shooting on Sunday, while three people were killed in separate incidents in the St Andrew South Police Division.

There people were also shot in two other incidents in the violence-plagued St

Trinidad defends refusing entry to 35 nationals

Andrew South Police Division yesterday. They have since been hospitalised.

Over in Point Hill, St Catherine, 22-year-old Damoy Christie was fatally shot, allegedly by his uncle, while an unidentified man was killed almost in front of a church on East Queen Street in downtown Kingston.

In Ramble, Hanover, 57-year-old farmer Dalton Shippy was bludgeoned to death with a sledgehammer, allegedly by his brother, who has been taken into custody by the police.

Westmoreland also recorded another murder yesterday, this time at a bar in Savanna-la-Mar. That victim has been identified as Kashwayne Bennett. A 19-year-old bartender was shot in that incident.

The Trinidad and Tobago government Tuesday defended its decision not to re-open its borders to accommodate 35 nationals stranded in Barbados, insisting that the measure is part of an overall effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) here.

“The only way a country has a chance to beat this, to keep the curve down is to take some of the difficult decisions and the measures we have done on the advice of medical experts,” National Security Minister Stuart Young told a news conference here.

“So whenever we shut our borders . . . it is not something that we wanted to do, it is not something we take pleasure in doing, but the reason for it is to protect you, the remaining population in Trinidad and Tobago and every person we allow in now presents a risk potentially,” he said, adding the government had announced last week the intended closure of the borders and that there were still available flights for nationals wanting to return home.

Young told reporters that he had been in discussions with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Attorney General, Dale Marshall on Monday regarding the Trinidad and Tobago nationals, describing the deliberations as “a very CARICOM conversation”.

”I emphasised what our position was and they understood,” he said, adding that Barbados already has in place mandatory self-quarantine or quarantine period of 14 days.

“The Prime Minister of Barbados and the Attorney General pointed out that Barbados has a mandatory quarantine or quarantine by the state of 14 days. That is their attempt to try to protect their population. They understand what is taking place and we went a step further and closed our borders, not because we want to keep any Trinidadian out that is not the reason.

“It is to protect those who are within our borders,” he said, adding that he found it a “little bit disappointing” to be asked by the media here whether or not the government would be footing the hotel bill for the Trinidadians in Barbados.

“That was one of my discussions yesterday with the Prime Minister of Barbados and the Attorney General of Barbados. They said they would do what they can to see our people comfortable, they have to comply with the strictures of the mandatory quarantine in Barbados.

“I am being asked today by the media whether we in Trinidad and Tobago will foot the bill for these people at a hotel in Barbados. The population of Trinidad and Tobago understand what we are faced with. The population of Trinidad and Tobago understands that we did not command or ask anyone to leave Trinidad and Tobago and not make their way back here.”

Young said that everyone “took personal decisions, the people who have gone out weren’t able to make their way back in . . . I feel empathy for them, we honestly do, but the duty of the government, which we are very clear about is to protect those who are here in Trinidad and Tobago and to uphold our decision to close the border”.

Marshall, speaking on the state-owned Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) on Monday night, said that the Trinidad and Tobago nationals arrived in Barbados on Monday and they were immediately treated to special protocols.

“The entire machinery of Government kicked into operation – the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tourism and so on. Essentially it is our responsibility that all Barbadians are safe. This presented some challenges for us in relation to this particular situation.

“Obviously these individuals, having done their travels, intended to go into Trinidad. But the position is that they were not accepting them. We reached out to the government of Trinidad and Tobago during the course of the day to urge that they take their citizens.

But the fact of the matter is that they declined to do so,” Marshall said.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

Bahamas Mourns Atlantis Founder

Sol Kerzner

The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean region are mourning the passing of hospitality giant Sol Kerzner.

Kerner, a native of South Africa, was the founder and CEO of Kerzner International, which first developed the iconic Atlantis Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas.

In a statement, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation said Kerzner “brought an original perspective to developing his hospitality brands, and the launch of The Atlantis brought new attention and a revitalization to The Bahamas, which contributed greatly to the phenomenal growth we have seen as our tourism industry has matured.”

The Atlantis megaresort, a brand that has expanded around the globe, is the largest private employer in The Bahamas, its debut two decades ago was instrumental in the growth of tourism to the country.

“Sol Kerzner was a giant in the hospitality industry and we shall not see his likeness again,” said Bahamas Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar.

“His vision for Atlantis reshaped our skyline here in Nassau and redefined The Bahamas vacation for many millions. He will be sorely missed.”

Mass layoffs in The Bahamas

In unprecedented acts as a result of the global spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), major hotels in The Bahamas have announced closures and the temporary layoffs of thousands of hotel workers.

Atlantis Paradise Island, which has a staff count of more than 7,000, advised workers on Saturday that they will be temporarily laid off for four weeks. It is unclear how many of those workers are being impacted.

Baha Mar on West Bay Street announced in a letter to staff on the same day that the property will close on March 25 at 3 p.m., The Baha Mar resort. until further notice.

Melia Nassau Beach will temporarily laid off for a period of also close on the same date until four weeks. further notice. The Baha Mar and “We understand the Melia layoff exercises impact 6,500 bearing this will have on you during workers, The Nassau Guardian this period and you are assured of understands. our commitment to support you as

A similar announcement we navigate through these uncertain was made by Sandals, which has times.” a property on Cable Beach and Both Melia and Baha Mar another in Exuma. assured their employees that they

All Sandals resorts will be will be paid 40 percent of their closed from March 30 to May 15, salaries during the closure and that 2020, founder and Chairman of their benefits packages will be kept Sandals & Beaches Resorts Gordon up to date.

“Butch” Stewart announced. Beaches Baha Mar President Graeme properties in the region are also Davis suggested in a letter that the closing. resort’s plan to help affected staff is

While Atlantis — the for up to 90 days. nation’s largest private employer — Baha Mar and the would not say exactly how many neighboring Melia property are people will be affected by its closure, under the same ownership. an Atlantis spokesperson said, “The Melia General Manager layoff affects every department. As Daniel Lozano advised in a letter business levels begin to increase, to staff on Saturday that Melia will team members will be called continue to pay insurance premiums back to work. We have no further and will work to ensure that all noncomments.” union, full-time workers receive up

Atlantis’ notice to affected to 40 percent of their base pay as of employees notes: “Due to the March 26. recent announcement by the The hotel also committed government of The Bahamas and to work with representatives of the economic impact of COVID-19, unionized workers with respect to some of our operations have been the benefits available to them. further impacted. As a result of Resorts World Bimini told this, your position will be affected. guests in a statement that its closure Commencing today you will be took effect on Friday.

Missy Lawrence, resort president, said the property will notify on an opening date, when it is clear when guests can be welcomed back.

“Please know that during these times, we remain committed to providing our future guests with a safe, friendly, welcoming environment that’s expected from Resorts World,” the president said.

“We can’t wait until this is all behind us and we can welcome you back to our Bimini Paradise. In the meantime, thank you for your loyalty and understanding.”

Sandals said in its statement that the well-being of its 15,000 team members is important and thus is at the center of its decision to close its resorts.

Jamaica, where the bulk of Sandals and Beaches resorts are located, has 19 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

Barbados has 14 cases and The Bahamas has four cases.

Sandals said it will provide its employees with “two weeks paid vacation, care packages of household staples and supplies and for the duration of our temporary closure, we will maintain partial salaries and retention of established benefits”.

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Costa Cruises extend sailing suspension, others likely to follow

Royal Caribbean Cruises and paid.

Celebrity Cruises have docked their

Carnival Cruise Line is also global fleets until May 11, a month considering an extension on the later than the date the Miami-based suspension of sailing. companiesoriginally gave for operation

“We are aware of the decision suspension. by other cruise lines to extend the

Royal Caribbean cited “global suspension of operations,” the line public health circumstances” as the shared in a statement provided by reason for the suspension extension in spokesperson Vance Gulliksen, noting a statement posted on its official Twitter the line expects to make a decision by account and on its website. the end of the week.

“We know this is disappointing,”

Travelers who have upcoming the statement said, referencing the cruises booked on Carnival are coronavirus pandemic. “Extending our encouraged to check the cruise line’s fleet suspension is an incredibly difficult website for updates. decision to make. However it’s a decision

More than a week after it made with the best interest of our guests, announced it would suspend operations, crew and staff at heart.” cruise lines are still scrambling to get

Celebrity Cruises followed suit Royal Caribbean Cruise passengers off ships – often in the nearest Tuesday “given the gravity of the public Voyager of the Seas will sail again in June emergency situation for the global port that will allow them to do so. health crisis confronting the world,” the while Alaska, Canada and New England pandemic of COVID-19 and the further As of Tuesday morning, cruise line announced on Twitter. sailings are scheduled for July 1. introduction of containment measures approximately 7.1%, or about 20 of trade

“We have decided to extend Royal Caribbean offered — such as port closures and restrictions organization Cruise Lines International the suspension of our global cruise passengers booked on affected cancelled on the movement of people — which Association’s 277 member ships were still operations through May 11th, and cruises a full refund or 125% future cruise do not actually allow us to operate, at sea and in the process of wrapping up suspend our Alaska sailings through July credit to use by Dec. 31, 2021. Passengers Costa Cruises has decided to extend the current voyages.

1st,” Celebrity Cruises said in a statement. who have been cancelled twice will voluntary suspension of its cruises until A new report Tuesday shows Canada New England, Celebrity receive two 125% future credits.

April 30, 2020,” the Italian cruise line said at least 77 people on board Holland Millennium and Celebrity Solstice will Celebrity Cruises said that all in a statement provided by spokesperson America’s MS Zaandam cruise ship, also be suspended through July. including 30 passengers and 47 crew booked passengers will get a 125% future Buck Banks.

When Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise credit, which they can use until All Costa cruises that are still members, have reported “flu-like” Cruises announced their original Dec. 31. Booked passengers can also underway are continuing in the process symptoms to the ship’s medical center. suspension on March 13, the companies “request a lower value full refund” by the of ending their voyages and disembarking Flu symptoms and coronavirus said they expected to return to service on same date. passengers. Costa Cruises North America symptoms are similar, so the cruise line April 11.

On Monday, Costa Cruises extended is working to let travel agents in North “out of an abundance of caution” told

The new return to service date their suspension on operations, too, America and customers know that due passengers to stay in their staterooms on is now set for May 12 for most cruises. though only until April 30. to the changes, all will receive a future Sunday.

Due to port closures, Royal Caribbean’s “Due to the protracted cruise credit voucher for 150% of the fare

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WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

NEWS

U.S. Senate passes $2 trillion bill for ‘strange and evil’ coronavirus crisis

The U.S. Senate on Wednesday unanimously backed a $2 trillion bill aimed at helping unemployed workers and industries hurt by the coronavirus epidemic, as well as providing billions of dollars to buy urgently needed medical equipment.

After bitter negotiations, the deeply divided Senate came together and passed the bill by a 96-0 vote, which sent the massive stimulus package to the House of Representatives for a vote on Friday.

President Donald Trump, whose top aides helped negotiate the bipartisan measure, promised to sign it into law as soon as it reaches his desk. “I will sign it immediately,” Trump told reporters on Wednesday.

The rescue package - which would be the biggest ever passed by Congress - includes a $500 billion fund to help hard-hit industries and a comparable amount for direct payments of up to $3,000 apiece to millions of U.S. families.

The legislation will also provide $350 billion for small-business loans, $250 billion for expanded unemployment aid and at least $100 billion for hospitals and related health systems.

Senate leaders noted the historic nature of the challenge posed by the

coronavirus, which the Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called “a strange and evil disease.”

The package is intended to flood the economy with cash in a bid to stem the impact of an intensifying epidemic that has killed more than 900 people in the United States and infected at least 60,000.

Only two other nations, China and Italy, have more coronavirus cases and the World Health Organization has warned the United States looks set to become the epicenter of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Top aides to Trump and senior senators from both parties announced that they had agreed on the unprecedented stimulus bill in the early hours of Wednesday after five days of talks.

But it was delayed by criticism from both the right and left on Wednesday, pushing the final vote on passage almost another full day.

Several Republican senators had insisted the bill needed to be changed to ensure that laid-off workers would not be paid more in unemployment benefits than they earned on the job. However, an amendment that would have changed the unemployment provision failed just before the Senate approved the measure.

The U.S. Capitol Building as seen ahead of a vote on the coronavirus (COVID-19) relief bill on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 25, 2020.

There had been criticism of the bill from the most progressive wing of the Democratic-led House. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called it “a historic corporate giveaway” on Twitter.

HOUSE VOICE VOTE ON FRIDAY

However, House leaders hoped the bill would pass by voice vote on Friday, without representatives having to return to Washington. Bringing more than 400 lawmakers from as far away as Hawaii and Alaska would be difficult because a few are in self-quarantine and

Prince Charles tests positive but ‘remains in good health’

The Prince of Wales has tested positive for coronavirus, Clarence House has announced.

Prince Charles, 71, is displaying mild symptoms “but otherwise remains in good health”, a spokesman said, adding that the Duchess of Cornwall, 72, has been tested but does not have the virus.

Charles and Camilla are now self-isolating at Balmoral.

Buckingham Palace said the Queen last saw her son, the heir to the throne, on 12 March, but was “in good health”.

The palace added that the Duke of Edinburgh was not present at that meeting, and that the Queen was now “following all the appropriate advice with regard to her welfare”.

A Clarence House statement read: “In accordance with government and medical advice, the prince and the duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland.

“The tests were carried out by the NHS in Aberdeenshire, where they met the criteria required for testing.

“It is not possible to ascertain from whom the prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks.

The duke and duchess arrived in Scotland on Sunday.

Charles had been displaying mild symptoms over the weekend and was tested by the NHS in Aberdeenshire on Monday.

The results came through on Tuesday night, showing he was positive.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are isolating at Birkhall, their residence on the Balmoral estate.

Charles is still working, is up and about and in good spirits.

The 71-year-old heir to the throne last saw the Queen briefly on the 12 March. Three days earlier, mother and son had more protracted contact during the Commonwealth Day Service.

It is important to reemphasise the Queen is in good health. She moved to Windsor last week, with the Duke of Edinburgh who came from his usual residence at Sandringham in Norfolk.

Given their age, 93 and 98 respectively, there will be particular care taken that they are not jeopardised by this virus.

Prince Charles and Camilla will be following governmental advice and isolating separately. It’s not a huge house but certainly big enough to isolate yourself within it.

They’ve got a small staff with them - and it’s expected Charles will now be in Scotland for a couple of weeks recovering from the symptoms.

The prince’s last public engagement was on 12 March - the same day he last saw the Queen when he attended a dinner in aid of the Australian bushfire relief and recovery effort.

However, Charles has also been working from home over the last few days, and has held a number of private meetings with Highgrove and Duchy of Cornwall individuals, all of whom have been made aware.

A number of household staff at Birkhall - the prince’s residence on the Balmoral estate are now self-isolating at their own homes.

A palace source said the prince has spoken to both the Queen and his sons - the Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex - and is in good spirits.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he had been informed about the prince’s positive test result on Tuesday morning and he wished him “a speedy recovery”.

several states have issued stay-at-home orders.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo had criticized the bill, saying the $3.8 billion allocated to his state would not cover tax revenue it will lose from reduced economic activity. New York accounts for roughly half of all U.S. coronavirus cases.

The stimulus package follows two others that became law earlier this month. The money at stake amounts to nearly half of the $4.7 trillion the U.S. government spends annually.

US indicts Venezuela’s Maduro on narco terrorism charges

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a news conference at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela, March 12, 2020.

WASHINGTON - The U.S. government on Thursday indicted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and other top Venezuelan officials on charges of “narco-terrorism,” the latest escalation of the Trump administration’s pressure campaign against the socialist leader.

The State Department offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Maduro, who has been in power since 2013.

Attorney General William Barr announced the charges against Maduro, who already faces U.S. sanctions and has been the target of a U.S. effort aimed at pushing him from power.

Venezuela’s information ministry did not immediately reply to an email seeking comment.

Barr accused Maduro and his associates of conspiring with a dissident faction of the leftist Colombian guerrilla group FARC “to flood the United States with cocaine.”

“While the Venezuelan people suffer, this cabal...lines their pockets,” Barr said of Maduro and the more than a dozen others who were indicted. They include Venezuela’s defense minister and the chief justice of the country’s supreme court.

The indictment, a rare U.S. action against a sitting foreign head of state, marks a serious escalation against Maduro by Washington at a time when some U.S. officials have privately said President Donald Trump is increasingly frustrated with the results of his Venezuela policy.

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WORLD NEWS US man dies after taking drug he thought stopped virus

An Arizona man has died and his wife is in a critical condition after both ingested chloroquine phosphate in an apparent effort to stave off Covid-19.

President Donald Trump has touted the medication form of chloroquine as a possible treatment for the virus.

But the toxic ingredient taken by the Phoenix couple was a chemical commonly used to clean fish tanks. Shortly after ingestion, the couple fell ill, said Arizona-based hospital system Banner Health.

The couple were both in their 60s.

The woman told NBC News she had seen a televised briefing in which Mr Trump discussed the potential benefits of chloroquine as a treatment Covid-19.

The drug has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis but is unproven for use against the novel coronavirus.

“We saw his press conference. It was on a lot, actually,” she said. “Trump kept saying it was basically pretty much a cure. We were afraid of getting sick,” she told NBC.

There are at least 46,548 confirmed cases of the virus throughout the US, with at least 592 deaths.

The couple had used chloroquine previously as a treatment for their koi fish and still had some remaining in their home. This additive is formulated differently than the drug used to treat malaria.

They mixed a small amount of the substance with liquid to drink. Within 20 minutes, both fell ill.

“I started vomiting,” she said. “My husband started developing respiratory problems.”

Her husband could not be revived in hospital and she remains in critical care.

“Banner Health experts emphasise that chloroquine, a malaria medication, should not be ingested to treat or prevent [Covid-19],” the health group said in a statement. “Given the uncertainty around Covid-19, we understand that people are trying to find new ways to prevent or treat this virus, but self-medicating is not the way to do so.”

Last week, Mr Trump trumpeted the drug as a potential treatment, writing on Twitter that it had “a real chance to be one of the biggest game changers in the history of medicine,” when taken with the antibiotic azithromycin.

“We’re going to be able to make that drug available almost immediately,” he said last week at a White House coronavirus press briefing. “And that’s where the FDA has been so great. They’ve gone through the approval process - it’s been approved.”

The FDA soon clarified that chloroquine had not been approved, saying there are currently no therapeutics or drugs approved by the body to “treat, cure or prevent Covid-19”.

On Sunday, Dr Anthony Fauci - the nation’s top infectious disease expert - said on CBS News that the president had heard about the two drugs from anecdotal reports.

“I… have said I’m not disagreeing with the fact anecdotally they might work, but my job is to prove definitively from a scientific standpoint that they do work,” he said.

Mr Fauci, who serves on the White House coronavirus task force, is widely seen as the face of the US response.

Last week, Nigerian health officials also issued a warning regarding the drug’s misuse after hospitals in Lagos, the nation’s capital, began reporting patients suspected of chloroquine poisoning.

At least three people are believed to be hospitalised and reports have spread of high demand of chloroquine leading to pharmacy shortages, partially fuelled by Mr Trump’s comments.

The World Health Organisation “has NOT approved the use of chloroquine for #Covid19 management,” the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control said in a statement on Friday.

“Please DO NOT engage in selfmedication. This will cause harm and can lead to death.”

Global economy will suffer for years to come, says OECD

The world will take years to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has warned.

José Angel Gurría, OECD secretary general, said the economic shock was already bigger than the financial crisis.

He told the BBC it was “wishful thinking” to believe that countries would bounce back quickly.

The OECD has called on governments to rip up spending rules to ensure speedy testing and treatment of the virus.

Mr Gurría said a recent warning that a serious outbreak could halve global growth to 1.5% already looked too optimistic.

While the number of job losses and company failures remains uncertain, Mr Gurría said countries would be dealing with the economic fallout “for years to come”.

He said many of the world’s biggest economies would fall into recession in the coming months defined as two consecutive quarters of economic decline.

“Even if you don’t get a worldwide recession, you’re going to get either no growth or negative growth in many of the economies of the world, including some of the larger ones, and therefore you’re going to get not only low growth this year, but also it’s going to take longer to pick up in the in the

future,” he added.

Big shock

Mr Gurría said the economic uncertainty created by the virus outbreak meant economies were already suffering a bigger shock than during the September 11 terror attacks or the 2008 financial crisis.

He said: “And the reason is that we don’t know how much it’s going to take to fix the unemployment because we don’t know how many people are going to end up unemployed. We also don’t know how much it’s going to take to fix the hundreds of thousands of small and medium enterprises who are already suffering.”

Governments around the world have taken unprecedented steps to support workers and businesses during the outbreak.

Policymakers in the UK have pledged to pay the wages of employees unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Gurría called on governments to rip up borrowing rules and “throw everything we got at it” to deal with the crisis.

However, he warned that bigger deficits and larger debt piles would also weigh on heavily indebted countries for years to come.

No quick recovery

Mr Gurría said that just weeks ago, policymakers from the G20 club of rich nations believed the recovery would take a ‘V’

José Angel Gurría, OECD secretary general. shape - with a short, sharp drop in economic activity followed swiftly by a rebound in growth.

“It was already then mostly wishful thinking,” he said.

“I do not agree with the idea of a ‘V’ shaped phenomenon ...

Right now we know it’s not going to be a ‘V’. It’s going to be more in the best of cases like a ‘U’ with a long trench in the bottom before it gets to the recovery period. We can avoid it looking like an ‘L’, if we take the right decisions today.”

The OECD is calling for a four-pronged plan to deal with the outbreak, including free virus testing, better equipment for doctors and nurses, cash transfers to workers including the self-employed and tax payment holidays for businesses.

Mr Gurría compared the level of ambition to the Marshall Plan - which helped to pay for the reconstruction of Europe after the Second World War.

Coronavirus prompts a run on guns in US

Gun sales have exploded in the United States in the last two weeks as the coronavirus outbreak worsens, with people stocking up on weapons and ammunition out of fear the pandemic might lead to social unrest.

“We have had about an 800 per cent increase in sales,” said David Stone, owner of Dong’s Guns, Ammo and Reloading in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “I’m still not out of any caliber but I’m getting close to running out.”

Stone told AFP that the Finished AR-15 rifle barrels are stacked on shelves at Delta Team Tactical in Orem, Utah. overall majority of customers rushing to stock up on firearms and Teasdale, whose store is open seven time finding ammo.

“A shotgun seemed like a ammunition are first-time buyers days a week.

Like Stone, she said most of prudent firearm for self-defense in grabbing anything available.

“It’s fear over coronavirus,” her customers are first-time buyers case COVID-19 virus got people all he said. “I don’t understand it myself who undergo background checks riled up and crazy,” he said.

McCormick, and, if need be, are given a quick Jordan and I think it’s unreasonable.”

Several other store owners course on how to handle their marketing director of Delta Team Tactical, based in Utah, said his across the United States said they purchase.

“We have men, women, company, which mostly makes ARhave also seen a surge in sales as middle-aged, older, 15 kits, is working non-stop to meet people fear social order will unravel young, if the health and economic crisis everybody buying guns,” she said. demand.

“Last week was pretty much “And all ethnic backgrounds — black, caused by the virus escalates. when things got crazy,” McCormick,

Tiffany Teasdale, owner of Asian, Indian, Hispanic.”

She said one customer who whose products are sold online and Lynnwood Gun, located in the state of Washington, one of the states came into the store recently decided in stores, told AFP. “It’s like gasoline hardest hit by the virus, said she has it was time to arm himself after he got poured on a fire.”

He said fears over gun seen a massive uptick in sales with witnessed two women fighting over customers lining up an hour before the last case of bottled water at a shops being shut down across the country as more and more states store. the store opens.

“We have customers impose lockdowns have driven sales,

“We used to have on what we would call busy days, 20 to 25 who are also scared because law along with concerns by advocates firearms being sold,” said Teasdale, enforcement is being told to not who worry that the right to bear who has hired a bouncer to keep respond as much because they are so arms— as laid out in the second everyone in check. “Today, we are short-staffed,” she added. “So a lot amendment of the US constitution of people are scared that someone — could be threatened. seeing upwards of 150.”

“A lot of people want to

She said shotguns were in is going to break into their home... shortage across the country, along to steal cash, their toilet paper, their protect themselves,” he said. “If people are out of work for a while with ammunition for them as well bottled water, their food.”

Utah resident Nick Silverri and they start looting, they want as ammunition for handguns.

“A lot of people are buying told the local CBS station that he to have the ability to protect shotguns, handguns, AR-15 (semi- recently purchased a shotgun for themselves, their assets and their automatic rifles), everything,” said protection, but was having a hard family.”

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WORLD NEWS

British priest catches fire waiting for God’s answer

A British vicar got more than he expected from his first attempt at an online sermon when he leaned too close to a candle on a cross and his sweater caught fire.

Stephen Beach of St Budeaux Parish Church in Plymouth, southwest England, was getting his congregation to reflect on the experience of waiting in the final section of a sermon delivered from his home last week.

“It’s a great thing to pause in the presence of God and to ask the question: Lord God, what are you saying to us?,” Beach said, warming to the theme.

“And then, of course, to wait for an answer. I’ve just been pausing between these...” he continues before realising his left shoulder has moved too close to the flame.

“Oh dear, I just caught on fire”, he exclaimed, batting and

blowing out the flame. “Oh my word.”

Video sermons are part of the Plymouth church’s response to the coronavirus crisis, trying to encourage people to keep faith and sustain their normal outlook on life, the vicar told Reuters in a message.

“My family love it, and the youngest grandchildren want to know when Granddad is going to set himself on fire again,” Beach added.

Several places of worship around the world have adopted online prayers and services in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

In a television message watched by more than 27 million people on Monday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered Britons to stay at home, told nearly all shops to close Vicar Stephen Beach of St Budeaux parish and banned social gatherings church reacts as his sweater catches fire while including weddings and baptisms. delivering a video sermon.

Honeymoon nightmare: Ukrainian stranded at Moscow airport as virus rules kick in

Anton Scherbyna has been living in the security zone of a Moscow airport for nearly a week since returning from a honeymoon with his Russian wife only to fall foul of Russia’s new ban on foreigners entering due to the coronavirus emergency.

The Ukrainian national, who works in Moscow as a teacher, now sleeps on a row of seats, eats airline food and uses Vnukovo airport’s lavatory facilities to wash and stay clean.

“The conditions are probably better than in a Russian prison, but worse than normal living conditions,” Scherbyna, 31, told Reuters via Skype from the security zone.

Scherbyna is one of dozens of foreign nationals stranded at Moscow’s airports after Russian authorities barred foreigners from entering until May 1 in an effort to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

Russia has so far reported 658 confirmed coronavirus cases and canceled many flights to and from the country. One person who tested positive for coronavirus has died.

Sporting a goatee beard and a blue sweater, Scherbyna could fly back to his native Ukraine via Minsk or Istanbul, but said the remaining tickets were exorbitantly-priced and that it made no sense for him to fly

A Ukrainian citizen Anton Scherbyna poses for a selfie at the Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow. there because he lives in Moscow.

With their honeymoon in Montenegro now a fast-fading memory, Scherbyna’s wife has gone back to their Moscow home but is not allowed to visit him in the airport’s security zone.

“I’ve started to think about ways to make money remotely,” Scherbyna said. “If I have to stay here longer, I will have to do this because we will be in a difficult financial situation like many others here.”

Scherbyna said airport employees had distributed blankets to those stranded but that little else was being done to resolve the situation.

“If this is all being done

against the virus, then you have a chance of catching it here in conditions in which there are lots of people flying out and new people finding themselves in my situation everyday.”

Several hundred citizens of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have in recent days also been stranded at Moscow’s four airports after their flights were canceled, but many managed to fly out later on charter flights.

Vnukovo Airport told Reuters it would not comment on the presence of passengers in its security zone, referring questions to the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Foreign Ministry.

Florida man jailed twice in 2 days for impersonating cop

A Florida man is back in jail for impersonating a law enforcement officer just days after he was arrested for the exact same charge, sheriff’s officials said.

LeRoy Stotelmyer, 60, was arrested March 11 after investigators got a tip from a toll bridge attendant who showed them video of the man flashing a law enforcement badge twice on March 11 to avoid paying a $2 toll, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

On-duty officers are

allowed to cross free of charge, officials said.

A toll booth attendant told investigators that Stotelmyer flashed the silver badge at him, and he in turn showed the man an article about his arrest for impersonating an officer. He said Stotelmyer then put away the badge and paid the toll.

Sheriff Rick Staly said Stotelmyer was arrested March 9 on charges of impersonating an officer and shoplifting. On March 11 he was charged with felony

violation of pre-trial release and impersonating an officer. He was being held without bond.

“This guy clearly has not learned his lesson and has no respect for the law,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Two days after his release and he is already up to his old tricks. We know already that he thinks he can get out of shoplifting and paying tolls with his fake badge.”

Jail records didn’t list a lawyer for Stotelmyer.

Elite hackers target WHO as coronavirus cyberattacks spike

Traffic passes the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO) during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Washington, D.C., U.S. March 22, 2020.

Elite hackers tried to break into the World Health Organization earlier this month, sources told Reuters, part of what a senior agency official said was a more than two-fold increase in cyberattacks.

WHO Chief Information Security Officer Flavio Aggio said the identity of the hackers was unclear and the effort was unsuccessful. But he warned that hacking attempts against the agency and its partners have soared as they battle to contain the coronavirus, which has killed more than 15,000 worldwide.

The attempted break-in at the WHO was first flagged to Reuters by Alexander Urbelis, a cybersecurity expert and attorney with the New York-based Blackstone Law Group, which tracks suspicious internet domain registration activity.

Urbelis said he picked up on the activity around March 13, when a group of hackers he’d been following activated a malicious site mimicking the WHO’s internal email system.

“I realized quite quickly that this was a live attack on the World Health Organization in the midst of a pandemic,” he said.

Urbelis said he didn’t know who was responsible, but two other sources briefed on the matter said they suspected an advanced group of hackers known as DarkHotel, which has been conducting cyber-espionage operations since at least 2007.

Messages sent to email addresses maintained by the hackers went unreturned.

When asked by Reuters about the incident, the WHO’s Aggio confirmed that the site spotted

by Urbelis had been used in an attempt to steal passwords from multiple agency staffers.

“There has been a big increase in targeting of the WHO and other cybersecurity incidents,” Aggio said in a telephone interview. “There are no hard numbers, but such compromise attempts against us and the use of (WHO) impersonations to target others have more than doubled.”

The WHO published an alert last month - available here here - warning that hackers are posing as the agency to steal money and sensitive information from the public.

And government officials in the United States, Britain and elsewhere have issued cybersecurity warnings about the dangers of a newly remote workforce as people disperse to their homes to work and study because of the coronavirus pandemic. .

Cybersecurity firms including Romania’s Bitdefender and Moscow-based Kaspersky said they have traced many of DarkHotel’s operations to East Asia - an area that has been particularly affected by the coronavirus. Specific targets have included government employees and business executives in places such as China, North Korea, Japan, and the United States.

Costin Raiu, head of global research and analysis at Kaspersky, could not confirm that DarkHotel was responsible for the WHO attack but said the same malicious web infrastructure had also been used to target other healthcare and humanitarian organizations in recent weeks.

“At times like this, any information about cures or tests or vaccines relating to coronavirus would be priceless and the priority of any intelligence organization of an affected country,” he said.

Officials and cybersecurity experts have warned that hackers of all stripes are seeking to capitalize on international concern over the spread of the coronavirus.

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WORLD NEWS

Last survivor of transatlantic slave trade discovered

The transatlantic slave trade of her children and two other sons left might seem like something from a behind in Africa. distant and barbaric era - but a historian And in the US she had been has found evidence its last survivor was powerless to stop two daughters being alive in living memory. taken from her, sold to another owner

Hannah Durkin, at Newcastle and never seen again.

University, had previously identified the Matilda, Grace, and Sallie tried last surviving slave captured in Africa in to escape the plantation soon after they the 19th Century and brought to United arrived but they were recaptured.

States as a woman called Redoshi Smith, The abolition of slavery, in 1865, who died in 1937. brought emancipation but Matilda’s

But she has now discovered that family still worked the land, trapped in another former slave, Matilda McCrear, poverty as share-croppers. It seems Grace had lived three years later. did not ever learn much English.

Matilda died in Selma, Alabama, “But Matilda’s story is in January 1940, at the age 83 - and her particularly remarkable because she rebellious life story was the last living resisted what was expected of a black link with slaves abducted from Africa. woman in the US South in the years after Her 83-year-old grandson, Johnny Crear, emancipation,” Dr Durkin says. had no idea about his grandmother’s “She didn’t get married. historic story.

“Instead, she had a decades In the 1960s, he had witnessed long common-law marriage with a white violence against civil rights marchers German-born man, with whom she had in Selma, where protesters had been 14 children.” addressed by Dr Martin Luther King.

It also seems likely that her

On discovering his grandmother partner was Jewish, says Dr Durkin. had been enslaved, he told BBC News: “I The couple’s relationship was had a lot of mixed emotions. “astonishing” for its era, she says, crossing

“I thought if she hadn’t boundaries of race, class, religion and undergone what had happened, I social expectation. wouldn’t be here.

And Matilda changed her “But that was followed by anger.” surname from Creagh, the slave owner’s,

Matilda had been captured by to McCrear. slave traders in West Africa at the age She was remarkably strong of two, arriving in Alabama in 1860 on willed, Dr Durkin says. board one of the last transatlantic slave “Even though she left West ships.

Africa when she was a toddler, she

With her mother Grace, and appears throughout her life to have worn sister Sallie, Matilda had been bought her hair in a traditional Yoruba style, a by a wealthy plantation owner called style presumably taught to her by her Memorable Creagh. mother,” says Dr Durkin, whose research

Dr Durkin says there must have is published in the journal, Slavery and been a dreadful sense of separation, loss Abolition. and disorientation for these families.

She also carried the facial Matilda’s mother had lost the father markings from a traditional rite in Africa.

Mexican man dies in ICE custody; 10th since October

A 42-year-old Mexican man died in a South Texas hospital while being held pending his deportation, immigration authorities said Monday.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement identified the man as Ramiro Hernandez Ibarra and said he died Saturday after being hospitalized Thursday.

ICE said Hernandez’s preliminary cause of death was complications related to septic shock but did not provide further details.

Hernandez is the 10th person to die in ICE custody since October, the start of the governmental fiscal year. Eight people died in the previous fiscal year.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, immigration advocates have criticized the medical care ICE provides to people it detains and called on ICE to release some of its more than 37,000 detainees. About 47% of those people are being held on non-criminal violations of immigration law, according to the agency’s most recent statistics.

The agency has placed sick detainees under observation and others in quarantine at several of its jails, including about 60 people confined to a dorm in the Pine Prairie facility in rural Louisiana, according to a lawyer who has spoken to detainees there.

ICE says Hernandez had repeatedly crossed the U.S.-Mexico border and voluntarily returned to Mexico eight times. He was most recently taken into ICE’s custody in December after he was arrested and jailed for domestic violence at the Hidalgo County Jail.

In her 70s, Matilda set out on another journey, travelling for 15 miles on dirt roads to a county courthouse to make a claim for compensation for her enslavement.

By then, she was one of a small number of surviving slaves from Africa who seem to have made contact with each other.

There was a settlement near Mobile, Alabama, of descendants of slaves from the same ship as Matilda, where the West African language of Yoruba was spoken.

In the Deep South in the 1930s, this bid for compensation, brought by Matilda McCrear lived until 1940 - the last survivor a poor, black, female, former slave, had of the transatlantic slave trade. little chance of a sympathetic hearing and her claim was dismissed. was brought to this continent as a slave,

But such a provocative idea, we’ve had to fight for freedom,” he says. reparation for slavery, attracted local He grew up in an era of racial segregation press attention and the interviews helped - and his parents put a huge emphasis on to fill in some details of her life. education as the way to escape poverty

When she died, with the still and the “key to changing the world”. raw history of slavery remaining a But the lack of knowledge about difficult and dangerous topic, there were his grandmother reflects how much of no obituaries - and no recognition. the history of slavery still lies below the

“There was a lot of stigma surface. attached to having been a slave,” Dr “It doesn’t surprise me that she Durkin says. was so rebellious,” Mr Crear says.

“The shame was placed on the In the civil rights protests, they people who were enslaved, rather than were singing songs with roots in the the slavers.” years of slavery, he says, tapping into

“I was born in the same house the same “continuous struggle and where she died,” said her grandson, Mr fight” and pursuing the same the goals Crear. of “real freedom and equality” as his

And although his family knew independent-minded grandmother.

Matilda was originally from Africa, “It’s refreshing to know she had nothing much was spoken about her life. the kind of spirit that’s uplifting,” he

“This fills in a lot of the holes says. that we have about her,” he says of Dr But it is still sobering to think Durkin’s research. how the glamour of 1940s Hollywood

But the cruelty Matilda faced is overlapped so directly with the lives of no surprise to him. women and children brought in chains

“From the day the first African from Africa.

Don’t forget sex workers in virus fight, Dominican Republic lawmaker says

SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS flights and ships, as well as closing lawmakers on Wednesday approved CASAS, Mexico - The Dominican schools and entertainment venues, a 25-day state of emergency to deal with the crisis.

Republic’s sex workers, especially as of Thursday.

The island of palm trees An estimated 100,000 transgender women, must be included in the nation’s coronavirus and beaches attracts about 6 million women are sex workers on the relief efforts, given the impact on visitors a year that help drive its island, according to local advocates.

“If today they have to stop working their livelihoods under tourism economy.

“I’m very worried for the for 25 days, what are they going to restrictions, a top lawmaker said on (sex worker) population. Most of live on?” Montero said. “They work Thursday.

Sex workers on the them are in public places, so they’re today to be able to eat tomorrow.”

An estimated one in five Caribbean island are uniquely more at risk,” Montero said. vulnerable to contracting Government authorities is a transgender women who will coronavirus as well because their “need to give them some kind of have an even more challenging work depends upon close physical food aid so that they’ll at least time during the unfolding crisis interactions with clients, Jacqueline have something to eat,” she told because they struggle with abuse Montero, a congresswoman with the the Foundation following a news and discrimination, she said.

“It’s harder for them. Even opposition Modern Revolutionary conference the previous day with during the day they are almost not Party told the Thomson Reuters local reporters.

The virus has spread on the streets, in the parks. They are Foundation.

Adult prostitution is legal quickly across Latin America and only out at night,” she said.

Up to 12% of female sex in the Dominican Republic, and the the Caribbean, where records show country is known as a hot spot for at least 1,000 cases reported across workers on the island are also HIV+, making them particularly the region. sex tourism.

But in an effort to slow At least 21 infections and vulnerable to health complications the spread of the coronavirus, the one death have been reported in the if infected with the coronavirus, she government suspended commercial Dominican Republic, where Senate added.

North Carolina police: Suspects chain, try to drag away ATM

Authorities in North Carolina are searching for at least two suspects who were captured chaining an ATM to a stolen pickup truck and attempting to drag it away, according to officials.

Chapel Hill police officers responded to a Bank of America branch near the University of North Carolina early Sunday where they found the fallen ATM damaged, town officials said in a statement. Police

said it didn’t appear any money was taken.

At least one suspect could be seen in security images wearing a mask and carrying a crowbar, WNCNTV reported.

The white work truck was was stolen from a construction site nearby, Chapel Hill officials said in the statement. The truck was marked with the words NYC, LLC Underground Construction, police said.

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BUSINESS &

TECHNOLOGY Bill Gates says he is stepping down from Microsoft board

Bill Gates speaks in Washington

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates said Friday he is stepping down from the company’s board to focus on philanthropy.

Gates was Microsoft’s CEO until 2000 and since then has gradually scaled back his involvement in the company he started with Paul Allen in 1975.

He transitioned out of a day-to-day role in Microsoft in 2008 and served as chairman of the board until 2014.

The billionaire announced Friday that he’s leaving the Microsoft board entirely as well as his seat on the board of Berkshire Hathaway, the conglomerate headed by fellow billionaire Warren Buffett.

Gates said he plans to dedicate more time to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He will also remain a technology adviser to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and other company leaders.

France fines Apple $1.2 billion for anti-competitive acts

A worker cleans the Apple Store on the Champs-Elysees avenue in Paris

French regulators fined “disheartening,” Apple defended Apple 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 its operations in a statement billion) for striking deals to saying its “investment and keep prices high, in the biggest- innovation supports over ever such sanction by France’s 240,000 jobs across the country.”

Competition Authority.

Apple added that: “It

The agency said Apple relates to practices from over a and top re-sellers agreed to decade ago and discards thirty align prices with Apple’s own years of legal precedent that all pricing for its iPads and some companies in France rely on with other products. The deals did not an order that will cause chaos for concern iPhones. companies across all industries.”

Calling the fine Two “premium” French

How to clean the bundle of germs that is your phone

Pedestrian uses her phone while wearing a face mask in Herald Square, Thursday, March 12, 2020, in New York

You’re washing your hands its phones, says to do that “gently.” countless times a day to try to ward off AT&T has further recommended the coronavirus. wringing out disinfectant wipes before

You should also wash that using them on a phone. extension of your hand and breeding You can also use soft cloths ground for germs — your phone. to clean the phone, like a microfiber Tests done by scientists show that the cleaning cloth or the cloths used to virus can live for two to three days on clean camera lenses or your glasses. plastic and stainless steel. The Centers Google says you can dip the cloth for Disease Control and Prevention in soap and water, as long as you’re recommends cleaning all “high-touch” careful not to get moisture in the surfaces daily, including phones, phone. AT&T says paper towels keyboards and tablet computers. work, too. You can spray them with

But cleaning your phone disinfectant. Again, don’t spray the improperly can damage it. You want phone itself. to avoid getting moisture inside it or Samsung, the world’s biggest scratching the surface. Don’t spray phone manufacturer, says it’s offering a cleaners directly on the phone, don’t free phone-sanitizing service involving dunk it in cleaning solutions, don’t UV light inside U.S. Samsung stores spray it with compressed-air devices and service centers. It will expand to used to clean keyboards and avoid other countries in the next few weeks. rubbing it with abrasive materials.

The phone-cleaning step is

Instead, start by turning off one of many measures public-health the phone and unplugging all cables. authorities are recommending to try to Your phone shouldn’t be charging as slow the spread of the virus, which has you clean. infected 137,000 people worldwide.

You can use Clorox wipes or More than 5,000 have died. Most wipes with 70% alcohol, which you can patients have only mild or moderate get at the drugstore, to wipe down your symptoms, but the elderly and people phone. Apple, which has cautioned with existing health conditions are against using household cleaners on particularly vulnerable.

Apple re-sellers, Tech Data and Ingram Micro, were also fined a total of 139 million euros ($155 million). The competition authority said Apple and the resellers agreed not to compete.

“Apple abusively exploited” distributors’ dependence on the tech giant, the authority wrote, and “prevented competition among different Apple distribution channels.”

And that, in turn, hurt consumers.

SpaceX puts 60 satellites into orbit despite engine failure

A Falcon 9 SpaceX rocket with a payload of approximately 60 satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink broadband network lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

SpaceX launched 60 more of its internet satellites into orbit Wednesday despite an engine failure shortly after liftoff on a recycled rocket flying a record five times.

SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk said one of the nine main engines shut down prematurely during liftoff, a rare occurrence. But the satellites still made it to the proper orbit, increasing the Starlink constellation to about 360.

“Shows value of having 9 engines!

Thorough investigation needed before next mission,” Musk tweeted.

It’s same type of rocket — a Falcon 9 — that SpaceX will use to launch NASA astronauts as early as May. Sunday’s launch attempt for these latest Starlinks was halted at the last second because of a bad engine reading.

“Last launch aborted due to slightly high power. Possibly, but not obviously, related to today,” Musk said.

This particular first-stage booster won’t be flying again. Instead of landing upright on a floating offshore platform, the booster missed and slammed into the Atlantic.

SpaceX had better luck with its

recycled nose cone, recovering it from the sea.

This is the sixth batch of Starlinks that SpaceX has launched in under a year. Each compact, flat-panel satellite weighs just 575 pounds (260 kilograms).

Musk envisions thousands of Starlinks providing affordable, broadband internet service to virtually every corner of the globe — a concern for astronomers.

Astronomers fear the night will be ruined by constellations of these relatively low-orbiting satellites. SpaceX is experimenting with dark paint and, sometime soon, satellite sunshades, sort of like patio umbrellas.

A Starlink covered with dark paint rocketed into orbit in January. SpaceX officials said Wednesday there was a notable reduction in reflectivity.

The London-based OneWeb, meanwhile, plans to launch another batch of its own internet-service satellites from Kazakhstan on Saturday.

This latest batch of 34 satellites will bring OneWeb’s higher orbiting constellation to 74.

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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY WORLD NEWS

Wall Street surges on expectation of $2 trillion rescue package

Wall Street snapped back from three-year lows on Tuesday, and the Dow surged over 8%, after U.S. lawmakers said they were close to a deal for an economic rescue package, injecting a shot of optimism into markets reeling from the biggest selloff since the financial crisis.

All three main U.S. stock indexes rebounded strongly from Monday’s brutal selloff as the coronavirus outbreak forced entire nations to shut down.

Senior Democrats and Republicans said on Tuesday they were close to a deal on a $2 trillion stimulus bill, aimed at providing financial aid to Americans out of work and help for distressed industries.

The expected legislative measure adds to aggressive action announced by the Federal Reserve in recent days, including the purchase of corporate bonds and announcing that it will make direct loans to companies.

King Lip, chief investment strategist at Baker Avenue Asset Management in San Francisco, said expectations on the stimulus bill were driving optimism on Wall Street, but he said his firm was still waiting to buy back into the market.

“With all of this stimulus, we just need a catalyst to spark the fire,” Lip said. “That spark will be a peaking of the cases, and when it starts to come down, I think that’s when everything gets lit up.”

Investors were also pleased after President Donald Trump said on Monday that he was considering how to restart parts of business life when a 15-day shutdown ends next week, even as the highly contagious virus spreads rapidly and poorly equipped hospitals struggle with a

Late night talk show host Conan O’Brien at the WarnerMedia Upfront in New York.

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York, U.S., March 20, 2020. wave of deadly cases.

A separate proposal in the U.S. House of Representatives to grant airlines and contractors a $40 billion bailout lifted the S&P 1500 airlines index .SPCOMAIR by 15%.

The severity of the spread of COVID-19 and the expectations of aggressive stimulus measures have whipsawed financial markets and ended an 11-year bull market.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which erased over three years of gains in one month, was on track for its second best day since 2008. With Tuesday’s rally, the S&P 500 remained down about $8 trillion from its Feb. 19 record high.

Powering the Dow’s gains was Boeing Co (BA.N), which jumped 14% after Chief Executive Dave Calhoun said the planemaker expected the 737 MAX jet to return to service by mid-year. Its shares have lost nearly two-thirds of their value so far in 2020.

Data on Monday showed U.S. business activity hit a record low in March, bolstering expert views that the economy was already in a recession.

Apple brings PC-like trackpad to iPad tablets

This photo provided by Apple shows the new iPad Pro with augmented reality capabilities.

Apple’s new iPad brings PC-like trackpad capabilities for the first time, as the company seeks to make its tablet even more like a laptop computer.

Apple says the trackpad will offer more precision than fingers in selecting text and switching between apps.

Older iPads will also be able to get trackpad capabilities with a free software update, but some will require keyboards from third parties. For the iPad Pro, Apple is releasing a “magic keyboard” with a trackpad in May starting at $299. The tablet itself starts at $799, while an Apple Pencil stylus costs another $129, bringing the combined cost closer to that of a Mac laptop.

Apple also announced a new MacBook Air computer with a starting price of about $1,000, down $100.

The new iPad Pro and MacBook Air will be available in stores starting next week, though Apple’s own retail stores in most of the world remain closed because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Apple made no mention of new iPhones in Wednesday’s announcements. There’s been speculation that Apple is due to refresh its older models as lower-cost alternatives to the newer iPhone 11s.

Traders remained uncertain about when a peak in the number of new COVID-19 cases might be reached.

“We don’t know how long it’s going to take to peak. We don’t know how to treat it. We don’t have a vaccine. So all of those uncertainties are causing a myriad of aftershocks,” said Nancy Perez, senior portfolio manager at Boston Private Wealth in Miami.

At 2:11 p.m. the Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI was up 8.24% at 20,123.56 points, while the S&P 500 .SPX gained 6.81% to 2,389.73. The Nasdaq Composite .IXIC added 5.97% to 7,270.03.

The big banks index .SPXBK jumped about 9%, tracking an increase in U.S. government bond yields.

Advancing issues outnumbered declining ones on the NYSE by a 7.55-to-1 ratio; on Nasdaq, a 5.04-to-1 ratio favored advancers.

The S&P 500 posted no new 52-week highs and four new lows; the Nasdaq Composite recorded four new highs and 74 new lows.

Conan O’Brien to return to air, with an iPhone from home

With iPhones and Skype, Conan O’Brien is going back on the air.

The late-night host said he will resume putting out new episodes of TBS’ “Conan” on March 30. His staff will remain at home, and the show will be cobbled together with O’Brien on an iPhone and guests via Skype.

“This will not be pretty, but feel free to laugh at our attempt,” said O’Brien on Twitter.

The late-night shows have all shut down production due to the coronavirus pandemic to avoid congregating live audiences and large TV crews. Some hosts have pumped out web videos.

Jimmy Fallon has produced 10-minute “At Home” shows for NBC’s “Tonight.” In one episode, he did a video chat with Lin-Manuel Miranda. Jimmy Kimmel and David Spade have given monologues from their homes. On Monday, Stephen Colbert delivered a 10-minute monologue from his bathtub in a segment that was added to an episode that was otherwise a rerun of CBS’s “The Late Show.”

O’Brien, though, is the first to try to remotely mount a full broadcast from home.

“The quality of my work will not go down because technically that’s not possible,” O’Brien joked in a statement.

For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the virus.

Marini Naturals: The haircare business that reaches 12 countries

They say that when a woman gets a new hairstyle it means that there is something big going on in her life.

For Michelle Ntalami back in 2013, the big thing was sadly that her father was gravely ill with cancer.

And when his chemotherapy treatment made him lose all his hair, she decided to shave hers off in solidarity.

Michelle, now 35, also vowed that she would start to “live more healthily and naturally” to try to reduce her own future risk of being diagnosed with the condition.

So, as her afro hair grew back, she decided that she would stop using the chemical treatments that most women in Kenya’s capital Nairobi use to straighten their hair.

Instead, she would only buy naturally-made haircare products for natural afro hair.

Unfortunately these weren’t available to buy in Kenya at the time, so Michelle started to order them from the US and Europe.

As this was very expensive, she started to make her own shampoos, conditioners, and other products, in her bathroom, using ingredients such as avocado, egg, rosemary water, and aloe vera.

“When I gave them to friends to test, they just loved them,” she says. “I realised that

selling natural hair products could become a viable business.”

Today her Nairobi-based company - Marini Naturals - sells 50,000 bottles and tubs a month across 12 countries, 10 in Africa, plus Turkey and France.

While Michelle says that her parents taught her the importance of “working hard and following your dreams”, they were also able to give her an upbringing far more comfortable than most Kenyans enjoy.

Her father, who passed away in 2014, was a businessman, and the boss of Kenya’s financial regulator, the Capital Markets Authority. Meanwhile, her mother worked for the United Nations.

“My parents were always very driven in terms of career and education,” she says.

After school, Michelle got a degree in design and communications from the University of Nairobi, and then spent time in Italy where she got a master’s in interior design from the Florence Design Academy in Italy.

Returning to Kenya, she first worked for an IT company.

She then joined the pan-African advertising agency Sanad Africa.

However, she had long wanted to set up her own business, and while at Sanad she launched her own branding agency, called Brandvine Group. She ran this

Michelle Ntalami and her father Edward together with her best friend Niyati Patel, who would become her cofounder at Marini.

“I always wanted to start my own company, because I love to build something up from scratch,” says Michelle.

Launching Marini in 2015, Michelle says she soon realised that she faced “a heck of a job” to convince Kenyan women to give up their chemical hair straighteners, and instead embrace their natural curls.

She says that she was fighting against the accepted wisdom. “Most cosmetic scientists claimed that the African market wasn’t ready for natural hair products, as most African women were still convinced that their natural hair couldn’t be beautiful,” she says.

Page 42

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Premier Contracting Services is seeking suitably qualified applicants to fill the following positions: Electric Lift Truck Maintenance Engineer As the Lift truck Maintenance Engineer, you will be responsible to provide proactive support to all battery/hydraulic operated lift trucks and cleaning machines. You will be required to ensure all systems are functioning and repair as necessary. Complete planned and reactive maintenance to ensure safety and reliability of equipment 24/7. Provide detailed reports for all works completed and ongoing to operations manager. Excellent communication skills are a requirement. Those with vocational college electrician’s diploma will only be considered.

Experience in the following areas is required for this position; •Diagnose malfunctioning systems, apparatus, and components of all battery- operated equipment, using test equipment and hand tools, to l locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.

•Inspect all electrical systems and hydraulic and mechanical components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair.

•Advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous.

•Test electrical systems and continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures, using testing devices to ensure compatibility, reliability, efficiency and safety of system.

•Working knowledge of complex battery powered electrical systems and electronic controls with ability to diagnose and resolve issues.

•Repair and maintain multiple hydraulic and mechanical components.

•Experience with welding and fabrication a must •Working knowledge of electronic kitchen equipment.

•Ensure inventory of parts is kept up to date.

Salary $18,000 US to $23,000 US per annum dependant on experience. Staff accommodation option is available. If staff accommodation is not accepted no compensation will be provided.

A bonus of up to 10% is achievable dependant on manager’s review Deadline for submission of application is April7th, 2020 Please submit applications with references and relative experience to: Ms. Edith Cox Suite 200 ‘Graceway IGA Main Office Complex Leeward Highway or by emailing to maintenance@khcapital.com Please Note: This Position is currently held by a Work Permit holder.

Interested Belongers must submit their application to the Immigration Board

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

South Bank Marina Ltd, is seeking suitably qualified candidates to fill the following position at its location in Long Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

MARINA DEVELOPMENT MANAGER This is a senior position, as the successful applicant will oversee all areas of the marina aspect of Caicos Marina and Shipyard.

This includes seeing to the redevelopment and rebranding of the current marina facilities including but not limited to buildings, IT infrastructure, docks and general seaside activities. As the Marina Development Manager the successful candidate will be required to produce a Standard Operation Procedure and other procedural and staff training manuals for the marina, implement and provide leadership and motivation required and develop to maintain a culture of excellence in customer service, people development and the assortment and presentation of services at the marina.

Required Specifications and Qualifications •Must be a certified Marina Manager •Over 10 years of Marina Management experience at a senior level •Demonstrated achievement in marina operations based on internationally recognized schemes with proven success •Must have the ability to identify, develop and implement business strategies and report to Directors on operational and financial performance •Broad Experience in creation of budgets and business plans and a good understanding of financial information, financial statements and supporting financial documents •PADI certification ideal •First Aid Certificate required •Knowledge and experience in dealing with hazardous and dangerous substances •Able to work long hours, including holidays and weekends if required Salary for this position will be in the range of $80k to $95k per annum depending on experience

South Bank Marina Ltd. Marina Operations Manager The Successful applicant will be responsible for general day to day management of the marina and boatyard. This will include, implementation of policies and procedures as directed by senior management.

Applicant is required to have at least eight years’ experience in working at marinas and or shipyards at a managerial level.

Experience in the handling of hazardous and dangerous substances is required and applicant must be certified in First Aid. Applicant must be trained in marina operations and have excellent oral and written communication skills.

Duties will include: •Implementation of comprehensive maintenance programs •Design and implement a marina operations system •Fuel inventory management and ordering •Manage all social media platforms, and all other aspects of sales and marketing •Supervision of administrative and other marina staff •Liaising with shipyard customers, and collection of outstanding debts •Management of daily boat inventory •Setup and management of chandlery •Broad experience in the creation of budgets and business plans and a good understanding of financial information •Able to work long hours, including holidays and weekends if required Salary for this position will be in the range of $50k to 60k per annum based on qualification and experience This is for a renewal. Turks and Caicos Islanders need apply.

Please submit CV to info@caicosmarina.com no later than March 30, 2020 or contact us at 946-5600 if you require further information.

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 43

Devon Seymour

New Tech Construction

Acharo Harvey`

Ian Patrick

OSPREY BEACH HOTEL

Location: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Labourer Duties: Perform tasks involving physical labour and cleaning at work sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types and a variety of other equipment and instruments Must be able to work three days a week Salary is $250.00 weekly Please Contact: 342-9188 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: Blue Hills, Millennium Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Mason Duties: Duties: Layering building materials such as bricks, concrete, tiles and other construction materials To work 6 days a week Salary is $10.00 per hour Please Contact: 343-9313 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Island Is seeking a Domestic Worker Duties: To do general cleaning, washing, cooking, ironing and other duties To work 5 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 347-9990 This position is new Interested Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Location: #6 Lower Bight Road, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Labourer Duties: Perform tasks involving physical labor and cleaning at work sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types and a variety of other equipment and instruments To work 6 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Please Contact: 244-1899 This positon is new Interested Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

WAITRESS WANTED In Grand Turk Duties: Take orders and serve food and beverages, check with customers to ensure that they are enjoying their meals and take action to correct any problems Salary $6.50 per hour To work 6 days per week Please Contact: 946-2666 This position is currently being held by a work permit holder Interested Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

AJ’S AUTO PARTS & ACCESSORIES

Maclean Robinson

CARLTON PRINCE SMITH

Location: 38B Leeside Avenue, Long Bay, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Worker Must be able to do general household cleaning, honest and hardworking To work 5 days per week Salary $6.25 per week Please Contact: 241-6277 This position is currently held by a Work Permit Holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to apply directly and submit a copy of their application to the Labour Board

HELPER WANTED In Grand Turk Duties: Must be able to do general cleaning and assist the owner where needed Salary $6.25 per hour To work 5 days per week Please Contact: 348-3299 This position is new Interested Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

Kirkley Parker

GISLAINE PHILIPPS FORTUNATE

Location: Back Salina, Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Labourer Duties: Perform tasks involving physical labor and cleaning at work sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types and a variety of other equipment and instruments Must be able to work 5 days a week Salary $6.50 per hour Please Contact: 246-2661 This position is new Interested Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board #195201

In South Caicos Is seeking a Labourer Duties include cleaning and maintaining a private home and the surrounding property Must work 6 days per week Salary: $ 6.25 per hour Please contact 331-1809 This position is currently held by a work permit holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

For All you advertising needs contact TCISUN at 348-6838 Or email – sun@suntci.com

#195212

LODIE N. BROOKS In South Caicos Is seeking a Labourer To assist with construction work Must work 6 days per week Salary: $ 6.25 per hour Please contact 241-4356 This position is currently held by a work permit holder Interested Turks and Caicos Islanders are encouraged to send a copy of their application to the Labour Board

#195204

Antonia Florian Mendez

#195207

Location: South Caicos, Located: OJ plaza Unit #7, Industrial Turks & Caicos Islands Park, Providenciales, Is seeking a Domestic Worker Turks & Caicos Islands Duties include all Is seeking to hire a Parts Technician housekeeping related duties •With over five years or more, experience such as washing, ironing, in knowing Japanese car parts cleaning, mopping etc •Mechanical experience is a must Must be able to Must be able to work 6 days a week work 6 days a week Salary is based on Experience Salary is $6.25 per hour This position is new Please Contact: 241-6079 Belonger or PRC holder only need This positon is new apply, contact 649-941-5962 or email Interest Turks & Caicos resumes to ajsautoparts@express.tc.

Islander applicants must send Interested Turks & Caicos Islander a copy of their resume to the applicants must send a copy of their Labour Board resume to the Labour Board #975649

Varldysha Collection

Superior Painting

Location: Complex Center Unite #2, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking a Domestic Worker Duties: include all housekeeping related duties such as, cleaning, mopping etc Must be able to work 6 days a week Salary is $6.25 per hour Duties: To clean and upkeep This position is new Please Contact: 345-8326 Interested Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board #195202

Location: Complex Center Unit #1, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands Is seeking one Painter Duties: Prepare paint surfaces, mix, match, and apply paints and other finishes to various surfaces To work 6 days a week Salary is $9.00 an hour Please Contact: 247-0801 This position is new Interested Turks & Caicos Islander applicants must send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

#195203

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Page 44

FUN & GAMES

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 45

LOCAL SPORTS TCIFA Offices Closed

Due to public health concerns related to COVID-19, the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association offices are currently closed. Be sure to follow prevention tips provided by the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health, and what to do if you are sick.

The Ministry of Health, Turks and Caicos Islands reported its first case of COVID-19 on Sunday March 22nd.

The situation is being aggressively investigated by the Ministry’s Public Health team with assistance from regional and international partners in order to identify all information regarding the person’s possible contacts, in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Important Reminder:

Please follow precautionary/ hygienic practices to minimize the spread of all respiratory illnesses, and a variety of many others. o Frequently clean hands using soap and water or use an alcoholbased hand rub if your hands are not visibly dirty; o When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue. Throw tissue away immediately and wash hands; o Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough; o Persons experiencing cough and

fever should remain at home; o Persons should practice social distancing-keeping 3-6 feet from one another. This step helps to reduce social interaction between people which can prevent the spread of disease. o If you have fever, cough and experience difficulty breathing, seek medical care immediately by contacting the hotlines and share previous travel history with your health care provider. o DO NOT go to health care settings without first notifying your health care provider or calling the hotline numbers if you are experiencing cough, fever and shortness of breath.

o Be mindful of the most vulnerable in the community. These persons include: the elderly, those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory illness, diabetes and cancer.

We all have a duty to protect them through practicing social distancing and proper hygiene.

Please know that the health and safety of all those associated with the TCIFA, and our community at large is our highest priority. We will remain vigilant in our efforts to keep you updated, and help prevent the spread of illnesses.

Thank you for entrusting your children with us.

TCCF’s Statement on Corona Virus (COVID-19)

With the confirmation of TCI’s first case of Corona virus(COVID-19), and the guidelines for public gatherings given in the Government’s Press Conference of March 20 th, 2020, the Turks and Caicos Cycling Federation is increasingly concerned for the safety of our cyclists, volunteers, police officers and spectators. We are therefore taking the following steps: •The 2nd Annual Century Race scheduled for the 4th

of April 2020 and the 2 nd Annual Long Bay Express Classic scheduled for the 26 th of April 2020 will be cancelled.

•All group rides will be cancelled including our Saturday Kids Rides

You will be updated on the status of the other upcoming events as time goes on.

We commit to complying with the guidelines

set by the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, and we urge everyone of you to do the same. Please take the necessary steps as laid out by the Ministry of Health to keep yourself and those around you safe and healthy. This is no longer just a global Pandemic, but now a local issue. We must all do our part to keep the spread of this virus to a minimum.

Shanwell Gardiner TCCF President

Page 46

WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

SPORTS

Brady to Tampa only tip of NFL’s changing landscape

Upheaval is everywhere in the NFL. It won’t likely end soon.

A free agency frenzy that has seen steady player movement — yes, players beyond Tom Brady have changed addresses — has been the focal point.

With little to nothing else going on in sports, the NFL has grabbed headlines with business deals between players and teams.

Those transactions have changed the league landscape. But so have many other moves involving the draft, offseason programs and perhaps the upcoming season itself as the new coronavirus pandemic affects every aspect of our lives.

Here’s a look at all of those elements in America’s most popular and lucrative sport.

FREE AGENCY

Awkwardness might be the keyword. The NFL barred players from visiting teams courting them and banned club personnel from traveling to meet with the free agents — both wise and necessary moves.

Physicals on which contract agreements are reliant could only be performed locally or by doctors mutually agreed upon between franchises and players. Signed contracts must be registered with the league before anything becomes official and players can get paid on their new deals.

That led to dozens of leaks of deals without teams being able to confirm them when the NFL business year began last Wednesday.

Through all that, million-dollar pacts emerged everywhere — some of them still unannounced by teams.

Brady leaving New England has been the mind-blowing move, naturally.

Suddenly, a franchise that hasn’t seen the postseason in a dozen years has some cachet. And the most dominant team of the past two decades, with Brady leading the Patriots to six championships in nine Super Bowl trips, has lost its essence.

And the other relocations through free agency and trades will require some studying up by fans. The most impactful moves so far, and with several big names still on the market, seem to be: —All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins dealt to Arizona by Houston.

—QBs Teddy Bridgewater to Carolina and Philip Rivers to Indianapolis as free agents.

—Standout cornerback Darius Slay leaving Detroit for Philadelphia, which released star safety and leader Malcolm Jenkins, who returned to New Orleans.

—WR Stefon Diggs dealt by the Vikings to the Bills, who haven’t had such an accomplished receiver in years.

—Todd Gurley, merely the league’s best running back from 2015-17 but

Panthers release Newton, save $19 million

Cam Newton, released by the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday, declared himself “free and hungry.”

The move saved the Panthers $19.1 million in salary-cap space.

Newton, who turns 31 in May, is coming off of Lisfranc surgery and had a shoulder operation prior to the 2019 season. He received permission from the Panthers to seek a trade, and the team earlier signaled it was moving on with multiple moves at the quarterback position and what read like a farewell from ownership.

“Cam is one of the all-time greats in Panthers history,” owner David Tepper said in a statement. “If you ask any of our fans of their most memorable moments, I’m willing to bet that most of them would include Cam — electrifying plays, giving away footballs after touchdowns, fun celebrations and big wins. His competitiveness and drive are rare.

Off the field, you can’t measure Cam’s contributions. He has touched the lives of youth throughout the Carolinas and in Atlanta. He’s unique and I wish him all the best.”

Newton replied on Instagram, using a highly embellished font next to a photo of himself doing weight training, “im FREE and HUNGRY!! noPITYparty justWORK! #shineTHRUtheSHADE #notFORlikesJUSTforLIFE 10VE”

The No. 1 pick in the 2011 draft, Newton was NFL MVP in 2015 when the Panthers lost in the Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos. He was a three-time Pro Bowl pick.

Combined with Newton, the Panthers have cleared around $40 million in cap space with the retirement of Luke Kuechly and releasing tight end Greg Olsen and defensive tackle

Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton walks off the field late in the fourth quarter during the NFL’s Super Bowl 50 football game against the Denver Broncos in Santa Clara, California February 7, 2016.

Dontari Poe, per Spotrac.

Several teams have uncertain situations at quarterback one week into free agency. The New England Patriots signed Brian Hoyer after Tom Brady bolted for Tampa Bay, and the Los Angeles Chargers haven’t made a move since losing Philip Rivers to the Indianapolis Colts.

Newton and former Buccaneers No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston are among the options available for teams looking to upgrade at the position.

Newton was entering the final year of his contract. He had a salary cap figure of $21.1 million in 2020, including a base salary of $18.6 million. He signed a five-year, $103.8 million contract extension in 2015 that took effect with the 2016 season.

The Panthers signed free agent Teddy Bridgewater as the likely starter in 2020. Bridgewater was the backup to Drew Brees last season in New Orleans and went 5-0 as the Saints’ starter when Brees was injured.

now with knee issues, cut by the Rams and landing in Atlanta.

—Calais Campbell, one of the best edge rushers around, dealt by Jacksonville to Baltimore.

THE DRAFT

With the huge extravaganza the draft has become scrapped, the NFL soon will announce its altered format.

Look for something resembling a studio TV show with much of the information (and misinformation) flow fans are accustomed to. There’s even chatter about prospective picks being asked to allow camera crews in their homes for reactions to being selected.

By far the biggest effect of the pandemic on the draft is the elimination of pro days at various schools. While some see those as outings manufactured and managed by the collegians and their representatives, many NFL teams find significant value in them.

As for Las Vegas, it will get another draft, perhaps the 2022 selections that are unspoken for right now. Next year will be in Cleveland, 2023 in Kansas City.

OFFSEASON PROGRAMS

Losing OTAs and minicamps in the spring would seem minor — most everything about the machinations of sports right now can feel that way — but

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady they are important to teams in several ways.

If a new coaching staff is in place, those get-togethers are when players begin grasping new playbooks and philosophies and strategies. Not to mention getting to know the coaches they’ll be working under. And new teammates.

Team chemistry begins to build during those sessions. Fitness can be gauged. So can dedication and perseverance.

Out-of-shape players will be the norm this summer, and getting them back into football fitness will present a real challenge.

Alone, world champion Coleman trains through the uncertainty

Nearly 400 miles away from his coach, world 100 meters champion Christian Coleman trains for an Olympics that may never take place in 2020.

“It’s different and it is tough because I am not with my training group,” Coleman told Reuters in a telephone interview.

A volunteer coach at the University of Kentucky in Lexington where his coach Tim Hall is the sprint coach, Coleman works out alone in Atlanta these days, residing with his parents while school is closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’m having to hop the fence at a high school around the corner” to use a closed track, the world indoor 60m record holder said.

Even essential weightlifting sessions do not come easy.

“Most gyms around here are closed,” Coleman said, “so you have to know somebody who knows somebody who owns a gym and is able to let me in.”

Workout plans are provided by his coach but Coleman said he misses the in-person contact.

“It starts to weigh on you mentally because you are not sure if you are doing the right things,” he said of the absence of a coach and training partners to push him.

“It’s kind of nerve wracking because I am trying to prepare the best way I can and also stay safe.”

He is not alone.

“Everybody I have talked to has been extremely affected by these drastic times in some way,” Coleman said.

“Tracks are closed. They are having to go to a park and run on the

Christian Coleman of the U.S. before the race. grass. They are not able to be around their coaches and training groups. And that’s just track athletes. What about the swimmers who can’t find a pool that is open and wrestlers when people should not be in contact.

“This is bigger than sports,” he said of the virus that has killed more than 15,000 globally.

PRESSURE

While pressure grows to cancel this year’s Olympics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said it will take up to four weeks before making a decision.

Canada on Sunday became the first nation to withdraw from the 2020 Games because of the coronavirus and Australia told its athletes to prepare for Games next year. World Athletics has said an Olympics starting in July would not be feasible and other organizations are also pushing for a delay.

MARCH 27TH, 2020 – APRIL3TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 47

WORLD SPORTS Fury-Wilder rematch to be pushed back due to coronavirus

Deontay Wilder v Tyson Fury - WBC Heavyweight Title - The Grand Garden Arena at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, United States - February 22, 2020 Tyson Fury consoles Deontay Wilder after winning the fight.

The anticipated third bout between heavyweights Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will be pushed back from July 18 due to the coronavirus pandemic and possibly rearranged for October, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum told ESPN on Tuesday.

Britain’s Fury stopped American Wilder in the seventh round of their Feb. 22 rematch in Las Vegas to capture the WBC title and remain undefeated from 31 fights, after battling Wilder to a draw in their first encounter in 2018.

Wilder called for a rematch but with Las Vegas casinos shut and travel from Europe to the U.S. suspended in an effort to slow the spread of the virus, Arum said there is no way the fight can go forward as scheduled at the MGM Grand.

“Clearly not,” Arum, Fury’s co-promoter with Frank Warren, told ESPN when asked about the bout being held on July 18.

“We don’t even know if the MGM will even be open by then.

“You could not guarantee the fighters that the event would take place on that date. We couldn’t convince them or ourselves,” Arum said.

“Where were they going to train for it? It just made no sense. You just have to take a step back.

How are you going to sell tickets? It’s absolutely ridiculous to say the fight is on when the Brits can’t even get there.”

In their first two fights, a large contingent of vocal British fans packed the arenas to support Fury, known as the “Gypsy King”.

“So everybody has to take a step back.

Boxing is not isolated. It’s part of what’s happening in the world,” Arum said.

“So possibly the fight will be in early October.”

2020 Tokyo Olympics officially postponed due to coronavirus outbreak

For thousands of athletes “A lot can happen in one around the world, it would have year,” said Toshiro Muto, CEO of the once been considered a nightmare Tokyo 2020 organizing committee. scenario.

“So we have to think about what we

And on Tuesday, it became have to do.” official.

The decision to move the

In an unprecedented and multi-billion dollar event will have unavoidable move, the International widespread political, legal, logistical Olympic Committee and Japanese and financial ramifications, both government agreed to postpone the locally in Japan and around the 2020 Summer Olympics “to a date world. beyond 2020 but not later than It also figures to cause summer 2021” due to the ongoing headaches and heartaches across coronavirus pandemic. the international sports community

It is the first time in modern — for federations and leagues that Olympic history that a global health must now adapt their schedules, issue has disrupted the Games. and for the 11,000 athletes who had

“The leaders agreed that spent years training to compete this the Olympic Games in Tokyo could summer. stand as a beacon of hope to the Despite its complexities, world during these troubled times,” this path became increasingly the IOC and Tokyo 2020 organizing inevitable in recent weeks, as the committee said in a joint statement. novel coronavirus, also known as “And that the Olympic flame could COVID-19, continued to spread. The become the light at the end of the disease, which was first identified in tunnel in which the world finds Wuhan, China in December, has itself at present.” now infected people in more than

Organizers said the 160 countries across six continents, Olympic flame will stay in Japan shuttering entire cities and leaving during the delay, and the Games thousands dead. will also continue to officially be In the process, it has also called “Tokyo 2020,” even as they wreaked havoc on the Olympic move to 2021. qualifying model, forcing several

Japanese Prime Minister international sports federations Shinzo Abe and IOC president and national Olympic committees Thomas Bach formally agreed to the to postpone or cancel key events. decision Tuesday, amid intensifying Some athletes and coaches were pressure and public pleas for clarity stranded in foreign countries due from athletes and governing bodies to travel restrictions. Training alike. regimens were disrupted. The Greek Their announcement leg of the Olympic torch relay was came less than 24 hours after long- held without fans, then canceled. standing IOC member Dick Pound Yet despite those first told USA TODAY Sports that disruptions, and the rapid spread of the Games would not begin as the coronavirus, IOC officials and scheduled on July 24. representatives from the Tokyo 2020

While the Olympics have organizing committee maintained previously been canceled during for months that the Olympics periods of war, and complicated would not be affected. Bach urged by boycotts, this is the first time athletes to continue training as they have ever been suspended. It usual, even as questions about the is not immediately clear whether Games continued to swirl. the Games will be moved to the That determined approach summer of 2021 or the spring, when changed as the opening ceremony Japan’s famous cherry blossoms are drew closer and global health in bloom. concerns about holding the event

People walk past a poster that reads ‘I want you to stay home’, by artist TvBoy amid a lockdown in Barcelona, Spain, Tuesday, March 24, 2020. lingered.

Athletes helped fuel the process by speaking out publicly, or pressuring their sport’s governing body or national Olympic committee to take a stand. In the United States, for example, leaders from swimming, track and field and gymnastics all urged the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee to publicly call for postponement, which it later did.

The move to postpone the Games figures to have dramatic financial implications for several stakeholders, including the IOC – whose budget relies in large part on income from broadcast partners – and Japan, which has already spent more than $28 billion to host these Games, according to the Associated Press.

One Japanese securities firm estimated earlier this month that a cancellation or postponement of the Olympics would reduce the country’s annual growth domestic product growth by 1.4% in 2020.

The IOC has paid insurance premiums north of $12 million in both 2016 and 2018 to protect against the possible disruption of the Olympics, but Bach did not provide a figure for this year’s premium when asked by reporters earlier this month. The IOC had nearly $2 billion in reserve as of its most recent annual report, which was released last summer.

U.S. Soccer working to rebuild reputation with women’s team

U.S. Soccer hopes that resolving an ongoing pay equity lawsuit with its women’s national team will be a first step in a “long process” to rebuild its reputation, the body’s president and CEO told reporters on Tuesday.

President Cindy Parlow Cone took over from Carlos Cordeiro less than two weeks ago after he resigned having taken responsibility for language used in a court filing that prompted public outcry, an on-field protest by players and rebukes from commercial sponsors.

The women’s team sued the national federation for gender discrimination just over a year ago in a lawsuit that included complaints about wages and working conditions.

The federation’s court filing said men’s national team players had a greater level of responsibility than the women and that their job “requires a higher level of skill based on speed and strength.”

Parlow Cone, who played in the 1999 World Cup-winning team, said a lot of damage had been done.

“The comments and the language in the last filing I think not only hurt our relationship with our women’s national team, but hurt women and girls in general,” she said.

“They were personally hurtful to me. I think we have a lot of work in that area to do.”

Parlow Cone, who previously

served as the federation’s vice president, said she had not seen the filing before it went out and that she hoped a resolution could be reached between the players and the organisation.

Will Wilson, who was named CEO and secretary general for the federation on Monday, said the wording in the filing was shocking and very disappointing.

Wilson, a former executive vice president at the Wasserman sports agency, has been tasked with growing U.S. Soccer’s commercial business and boosting participation.

“From my perspective I have the benefit of being the new guy on the block, if you will, as we go forward,” he

said.

A trial date has been set for May 5 after talks between the governing body and the women’s team broke down.

Molly Levinson, a spokeswoman for the U.S. women’s national team players responded in a written statement: “The solution is clear, simple, and unequivocal: Equal.

Pay.”

Both Wilson and Parlow Cone praised the International Olympic Committee’s decision to postpone the Tokyo Games amid the coronavirus pandemic that has upended major sporting events across the globe.

76ers/Devils owner changes mind, won’t cut salaries

A day after announcing a pay cut for employees, the owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils changed his mind Tuesday under public pressure.

Billionaire Josh Harris issued a press release, announcing the reversal.

On Monday, Harris’ company, Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, had notified employees that they would be hit with temporary pay cuts starting April 15.

The reductions of up to 20 percent,

aimed at at-will employees making more than $50,000, were to run through June 30 in an effort to recoup lost revenue in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced the pause of every major sports league in the United States.

Harris’ statement Tuesday read, “Our commitment has been to do our best to keep all of our employees working through this very difficult situation. As part of an effort to do that we asked salaried employees to take a temporary 20 percent pay cut while

preserving everyone’s full benefits — and keeping our 1500 hourly workers paid throughout the regular season.

“After listening to our staff and players, it’s clear that was the wrong decision. We have reversed it and will be paying these employees their full salaries. This is an extraordinary time in our world - unlike any most of us have ever lived through before - and ordinary business decisions are not enough to meet the moment. To our staff and fans, I apologize for getting this wrong.”

The New York Times reported Monday that contracted employees, such as the coaching staff and front office personnel, had been asked to participate in the cuts, but they could not be forced to do so.

The NBA reportedly will pay all players through April 1, but the fate of paychecks due April 15, which would have been the final day of the regular season, is uncertain. The league is on hiatus until at least mid-April, but it is unlikely to restart that soon.

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