VOLUME 16 ISSUE 15

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

Website: www.suntci.com

VOLUME 16 - NO. 15

Email: sun@suntci.com

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Fax: (649) 941-3281

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‘CORONAVIRUSH!’

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

S

cores of panic shoppers seemingly forgot about social distancing as a safeguard against contracting the deadly coronavirus, as they pushed, shoved and in some cases fought, to enter supermarkets for preEaster shopping on Wednesday, April 8th, 2020.

The hooliganism was strikingly evident outside Smart supermarket in Downtown Providenciales, where security personnel were overwhelmed by the throng of shoppers whose frantic behaviour combined with a babble of different languages, created a shocking scene of pure pandemonium.

Police were eventually summoned to restore order, but up to the time of this report it could not be confirmed if anyone was charged.

Critical medical supplies coming for Turk and Caicos Islands

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

By Todeline Defralien

After receiving backlash about the stimulus package delivered to the general public on Thursday March 26th, 2020, Premier Hon. Sharlene CartwrightRobinson has responded saying that its one of the best in the region.

During a session in the House of Assembly on Tuesday April 7th, Robinson stated that this stimulus package is one of the most generous packages in the Caribbean region.

“We use to throw around a Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson. phrase in this country for so many different things and we use to Speaker as the Minister of Finance say it’s a matter of life and death. it is absolutely not easy to even The truth is, Mr. Speaker, this be a part of making a decision to unpresented period that we’re in is close down our economy by closing truly a matter of life and death. Mr. down the borders,” she said.

A large quantity of critical medical supplies to assist in fighting the coronavirus will very soon be in the Turks and Caicos Islands, His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin told The SUN in an exclusive interview.

These include: • 960 tests (10 kits of 96) have already been dispatched by courier and are arriving imminently (Sunday or before).

And in terms of PPE • •

7,080 Face Shields 4,000 surgical masks

Stimulus package one of the best in the region, says Premier Robinson

His Excellency Governor Nigel Dakin

• • • • •

12,000 gloves 2,000 hoods 2,000 N95 masks 6,700 Tyvek Overalls 2,300 surgical gowns Continued on page 2

Continued on page 2

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

‘CORONAVIRUSH’

Continued from page 1

The behaviour raised WHO case definition for a suspected of on-island transmission. In other concerns that the close contact case of COVID-19.Samples have words, a small number of these among those shoppers could lead been collected and sent for testing, individuals had no travel history to the spread of the coronavirus. and we are currently awaiting and so they have been exposed on the Island. In a measured way we

On April1st, 2020 the results. want to yet further put distance case definition for COVID-19 was amended for TCI; meaning that a In his national address on Tuesday, between our population at the travel history is no longer needed to April 7th, Governor Nigel Dakin places our population most come fit the criteria. Given the closure of announced that all supermarkets into contact with strangers, or the TCI borders it is likely that new will be closed from 12 noon on indeed friends. At present the most case would be as a result of local Thursday, April 9th, on Good Friday likely places this happens are the transmission. and on Easter Sunday, but that they businesses that are open.”

He added: “The second As at April 8th, 2020, the total will be open on the Saturday after confirmed positive cases remains Good Friday and on Easter Monday. reason is that, while many have at eight (8).One confirmed However, prior to his announcement, been able to have considerable positive case has passed away since and even after, there were time at home with family, this has confirmation and another case widespread reports that the entire not been true for our front line has since left the country. proper country would be shutdown over services. Police and immigration officers have not only been working infection prevention and control the Easter weekend. extremely long hours securing the measures were utilized during this This gave rise to the panic. lockdown and curfew, but have entire process.

The number of suspected had the extra challenge of dealing cases of covid-19in the TCI has The Governor explained with the interception of sloops subsequent repatriations. remains at five (5). The total that the reason for the Good Friday and five suspected cases are persons and Easter Sunday closures was Others have had long hours in experiencing relevant symptoms mainly to give overworked police other essential services where we have reduced staffing to the but no relevant travel history or officers a rest. pertinent contact. Two suspected “We do this for two reasons. We bare minimum. Utilizing this have eight confirmed cases on the Easter holiday period gives us the cases are under hospital care.

All five persons had met the Islands and we now have evidence opportunity to let these people

take a breath and seriously reduce the traffic on the road – people won’t have the opportunity to visit a business because there will be no business to visit – and that will allow our front line services some space to refresh. There will of course be no let-up in policing, just matters will be more manageable for those on duty and our Marine Branch will remain - as it always is – primed and deployed.”

The Governor stressed that over this Easter period, people may still exercise in the morning and evening, within the set times, and if you hold a specific exemption – such as needing to care for someone that needs care - you may attend to their needs, but you must have an exemption.

“There will also be some businesses that will still function and they are obvious, medical facilities including doctor’s offices; hotels where guests are in residence; ferry services for emergency cases; commercial aviation, airports and security service businesses,” he stated.

Critical medical supplies coming for Turk and Caicos Islands Continued from page 1

• •

4,300 Shoe Covers 2,300 Disposable Fluid Gowns

true of the first large batch of PPE that along with other Caribbean that includes (of the above total): Overseas territories, on-line Testing 12,000x gloves, 880x face shields, Facilities have been paid for by the

“It’s a large order and it 2,000x hoods, 2,300x surgical gowns. UK and ordered from Thermofisher’s will arrive in batches via courier,” The second and third batch, with Caribbean distributor in Panama Governor Dakin said. “The 960 Tests the balance, will be shipped week and will arrive here as soon as they have already left the UK and should commencing 13 April.” leave the production line. be with us on Sunday. The same is The Governor added “ We await a date. The

sourcing of these, globally, has been fraught. Health remains a devolved issue for the Island and the Ministry of Health is leading on TCI’s procurement so this should be seen as the UK contribution,” he added.

Stimulus package one of the best in the region, says Premier Robinson Continued from page 1

“Yes we are in a very good financial position and I think what we’ve done in this country even as politicians and people who chose to be nitpickers teach our people how to be totally ungrateful when people around this region and this world continue to see how blessed Turks and Caicos is. Some of the countries we look at, this stimulus package Mr. Speaker is one of the most generous packages in the region. Some of the countries we’re trying to borrow from give there people $200. Even with what we are giving Mr. Speaker, we are running a deficit of $73million and we still Mr. Speaker did not take and give the rich to sustain this package, we took from our surplus our savings to give this package.”

Robinson admitted that this package will benefit expatriates but

is will most importantly benefit ambitious Turks and Caicos Islanders.

“What we’re giving in terms of rate, yes expatriates will benefit from but likewise ambitious Turks and Caicos Islanders, is to be able to get money to pay the doctors, the nurses, the police and the teachers because what people seem to forget is that the country still has to run at a bill of about $20million a month.

So you sit down there and you tell me I should give $2,000 as appose to $1,200 and tell me how far your savings of $100,000 will go. Even to pay the same people we are relying on that we call essential services,” she explained.

Robinson further stated that persons should stop playing politics at this time.

“Let’s tell the people the

truth because $100million is a big (Akierra Missick) and I will say my deal to the man on the street, but MP today she is my MP because she those of us who are obligated to read has been the first from the other and understand and tell our people side to say we had reach across the better, we need to in this time. aisle and no thank you today to Stop playing politics; this is serious the Leader of the Opposition (Hon. business because if this goes another Washington Misick) who decide as three months, God help Turks and a senior Minister of Finance, to not Caicos and we are in a positon even reach back across and say here because of his grace and mercy to are my ideas.”

The Premier said this is be able to do what we are doing now. But see how fast your almost not about her or the Leader of the $200million in saving will go when Opposition; this is about the people you still got to find $20million to of this country.

“This is not about me and pay bills including civil servants who still have to be employed, including this is not about the Leader of the Opposition, this is about the people the delivery of critical services.”

She continued: “See how fast of this country and we got to grow that money will go so yes let’s sit up and we got to be mature because down and say we shoulda, woulda this time truly is a matter of life and and coulda and thank you Hon. death,” she ended.

Member for Leeward and Long Bay

TAMIL LANGUAGE TRANSLATOR REQUIRED URGENTLY Translator skills needed as soon as possible translation work (Tamil / English) to be performed by phoneso as to help protect the legal rights of detained individuals.

To start immediately. Contact Tim Prudhoe of the law firm Prudhoe Caribbean via email on tim@prudhoecaribbean.com

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 3

Page 4

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

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.

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://provo-

myacct.smartgridcis.net to view water bills, make payments, view water usages and update account details.

Customers can continue to make payments via our payment vendors:•

CIBC First Caribbean, Scotia Bank and RBC Caribbean

•

Graceway IGA stores during their hours of operation.

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

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 5

LOCAL NEWS

‘We will recover from this’, says Premier Robinson

Premier Hon. Sharlene Robinson says she has confident that the Turks and Caicos Islands will recover from the economic downturn that will stem from the coronavirus pandemic.

While laying the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the Financial Year 2020-21in the House of Assembly, she stated: “Mr. Speaker, these measures are geared towards flattening the curve, and avoiding our people from becoming seriously ill. These measures have however, come at a significant economic and social costs, to the islands, but in the end, I believe we will all agree, that it was better to be safe, than sorry. I have no doubt that we will recover from this because we are a resilient people but we cannot afford for our small fragile population to be adversely impacted.”

The Premier, who is also Minister of Finance, added: “Our fiscal strategy is aimed at injecting cash into the economy in a quick and targeted way, to ensure that spending activities continue. As such, Mr. Speaker, we have announced an economic stimulus package for individuals and small businesses in the form of cash grants-$25.5m.

We have announced other measures geared towards lessening the impact

of the contraction of the economy and other measures to ensure that we are ready to greet our guests, as soon as the global market is open for travel-$19.5m. Mr. Speaker, we have allocated $35.2m in Capital Expenditure plan to continue to circulate cash in the economy. This Mr. Speaker, is in addition to the over $30m in capital projects that are committed and ongoing.”

She said the budget is being laid at a time when our borders are closed, and the borders of most of our source markets are closed and are in turmoil.

“This budget is being laid at a time when there is a need for increased public health spending which is reflected in these estimates.

This budget is being laid when the entire country is under 21 days’ curfew as a measure to protect our people against the corona virus.

Mr. Speaker, in our local economy, the tourism and transport sector employs more than 13,000 persons annually, whether directly or indirectly and contributed more than US$357 million of the country’s GDP in 2019,” she continued.

She noted that over the last decade, Turks and Caicos Islands has undergone significant austerity measures, which included,

paying off our debt and creating fiscal space, to be able to respond to economic shocks.

However, she said, this is one of our biggest challenge as the world is now facing similar challenges, adding that this COVID-19 has the potential of taking a huge economic and social toll on the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“Tthis budget is being laid in this Honourable House at a time when all of our economic indicators are worsening. A contraction in Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson. the local economy is inevitable.

Instead of experiencing growth of the COVID-19 pandemic. But as forecasted earlier this year we Mr Speaker I am certain of several are now facing a situation of things that remain unchanged and significant decline in GDP, increase for which I am a firm believer that in unemployment and increase this Government will continue to in poverty. The unknown at this do what it can for its people and will time is the depth and length of the continue to lead strong in times of economic fallout; as a government, crisis for and on behalf of its people. the way we manage the crisis will I am certain that this Government determine the level of impact it has will continue to deliver and fund the on you, our people,” the Premier change needed to realise the vision stated. as we crafted it for our country. I

She said the Government am certain that God is still on His has to “act now and be decisive” to Throne and that He is in the midst contain the virus and to reduce the granting his mercy, grace, peace economic impact from the global and favour; and I am certain that fall-out. this too shall pass and as a resilient

“Mr Speaker, I lay this people, I know we will be better for Budget amidst great uncertainty it, once we do not waste the lessons in our country, our region and our and ignore the opportunities of this world largely due to the challenges crisis,” she added.

The top ten or areas of spending in the budget Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinso presented the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the Financial Year 2020-21.

These are the top ten areas of spending: 1.$84.7m or 25.1 percent of total expenditure for the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services; $81.1m of recurrent expenses and 3.6million in Capital Exposure. This is inclusive of the $33m allocation to the NHIP. 2.$53.9m or 16 percent for the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment; That is $20.4million for recurrent expenses, $25million for

the Stimulus Package and 7.6million for Capital expenses.

3.$47.3million or 14 percent of total expenditure for the Ministry of Education, Youth and Library and Social Services. $39.2million of recurrent expenses and $8.1 million in Capital Expenditure.

4.$31.8million or 9.4 percent of total expenditure for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. That is $26.1million for recurrent expenses and extraordinary costs for the ongoing corruption trials $2.6m and 3.1million for capital expenses.

5.$26.7million or 7.8 percent of the total budget for the Ministry of

Infrastructure, Housing, Planning and Development.

That is $18.4million for recurrent expenses and $8.2million for capital expenses.

8. $15.1million or 4.5 percent - can be announced for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Utilities and Transportation.

Approximately $2.3m, of the allocation is for the Capital Expenditure.

6. $13.8million or 4.1 percent for the Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services. 9. There will be a $7.6million or 2.2 With recurrent budget allocation of percent of the total budget for the $10.4million. Extraordinary Costs Judiciary Administration; Allocation for the repatriation and detention for the SIPT legal aid programme is expenses $2.4million and Capital $3.3 million.

Expenditure is $900, 000.

10. Finally, there will be $7.3million 7.$11.7million or 3.5 percent or 2.2 percent of the total budget for for the Ministry of Tourism and the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Environment. With recurrent budget Recurrent expenses will account for allocation of $10.9million. Capital $6.9 m. Capital Expenditure for the expenditure is $850,000.

AGC is $400k

Provo Water Company remains true to its mission of providing “Water For Life”

We want you to know about the actions Provo Water Company is taking to help its customers that are most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

As you know, we have suspended disconnections and this will carry through for the next 60 days. Additionally, the Company will: •Suspend late payment fees for 60 days •Help set up deferred payment plans for the most affected customers on a case by case basis •Continue to provide relief to eligible elderly and invalid persons

We believe that water conservation must be a priority for everyone and as such we urge customers to practice water

conservation techniques to help keep water costs down. For our part, we will actively monitor consumption to identify and alert customers of exceptionally high flows that appear as a leak or lost water.

Water is an essential service.

Along with the bulk supplier Turks and Caicos Water Company, our priority is to ensure that a safe supply of high quality, potable water is at your tap when you need it.

CoVid-19 is an airborne spread disease and the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) state that it is extremely unlikely to be spread through potable water systems. Provo Water’s potable

water supply is made by the process of desalination, and there is no human contact or exposure throughout this process reducing any risk even further. Click on these links from the US EPA and CDC for further information.

We have prepared a FAQ that provides responses to questions we have been frequently asked recently.

We hope this might be helpful in answering your questions. If we have not addressed your question, please contact our Customer Service team for assistance.

By Robert Hall

We are in this together.

Managing Director of Provo Water Company remains Provo Water Company a committed partner to the community we serve. Although team is available to assist you by there may be tough days ahead, we telephone 649-946-5202 or email will remain true to our mission of customerservice@provowater.tc. providing ‘Water for Life.’

We are available Monday to Friday

Our Customer Service 8:30am to 4:00pm.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

225 illegal Haitians repatriated

Some 285 illegal Haitians who came to the Turks and Caicos Islands on sloops last week, have been repatriated, according to Minister of Immigration Hon. Vaden Delroy Williams.

During the early morning of Sunday, April 5th, 2020, a vessel with forty-four (44) illegal migrants (thirty-eight (38) males and six (6) females) was intercepted by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force through the detection of the Coastal Radar. They have been taken into detention and processed by Immigration and Medical personnel and declared fit to travel.

Those who were caught on Sunday joined the 181 Haitians who were held at the Detention Centers following interception by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force Marine Branch and the Immigration Department Enforcement Unit from the various landings.

All detainees were screened and cleared for repatriation as no one was displaying or complaining of any CONVID-19 symptoms as was confirmed by our Medical Team.

Hon. Vaden Williams, Minister of Immigration, Citizenship, Labour and Employment Services stated: “It’s my aim to have all of our illegal detainees repatriated today. This is an expensive task but one that must be taken in order to protect the lives of our people. Soon you will hear of measures being put into place to protect these islands and its people. Measures such as but not limited to:- time limits on work permits; the closing down of

Some of the Haitians being returned home first time work permits; enforcement operations and rids crafted to rid these island of illegal migrants.”

He added: “The time has come when we must ask if certain Consuls are welcome here! I have had enough of this illegal problem and vessels landings and I am sure the people as well. So note if anyone found with illegal immigrants whether at their residence, personal vehicles or place of work, shall be persecuted to the fullest extent of the law and those who are on work permits or other permits, recommendations shall be made for these status to be revoked.”

Hon. Williams further stated: “I ask you the people to remain calm and report any suspicious movement to 911. My Officers are out there and doing a great job and I say thanks to all of them. I ask our people to support them where you can, as we work together to clean our country

and keep our people safe and healthy”.

In addition, the Border Control Detention Centre is the main holding facility and currently is also holding twenty-eight (28) Sri Lankan Nationals and one (1) Indian National, awaiting repatriation which has been delayed due to COVID- 19 worldwide travel restrictions.

The continued illegal vessel landings and repatriation has again costs the Turks and Caicos Islands Government in excess of US$2.5 million from the Immigration Department alone during the last Financial Year 2019/2020. This does not take into consideration the human and other agencies costs aligned with illegal migration.

The Enforcement agencies of the Turks and Caicos Islands are again asking anyone with information concerning planned and landed

Minister of Immigration Hon. Vaden Delroy Williams arrival of other vessels, poachers and any suspicious movements of persons to contact the Police anonymously on 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477. Tips can be submitted anonymously in English, French or Spanish on either www.crimestoppers.tc or on Facebook as a fan of Crime Stoppers Turks & Caicos. Crime Stoppers tips are received in the USA.

The public is also reminded that it is an offence to harbour illegal persons and that persons found guilty engaging in such activities are liable to a fine of US$20,000 or a term of imprisonment of four years, or both in accordance with the Immigration Ordinance 2018 or any law. The public is also reminded that assisting illegal entry is a criminal offence and persons found engaging in such activities will receive the full extent of the law.

EXPENDITURE BREAKDOWN

Staff Costs at approximately $104.7m, is 39.3 percent of Recurrent Revenue. Pensions and Gratuities are forecast at $7.3m.

Over 160 new positions have been created. Collectively, we are adding, 68 new positions for border protection and security.

Another 58 positions have been added to the educational transformational programme. A trade school is being established.

Eleven (11) new positions are being created for the Ministry of Home Affairs, Transportation and Communication.

Transfers to the NHIP and the Hospital charges will account for $55.8 million or 21 percent of the Recurrent Revenue.

Whilst also, providing: $5.2m is allocated for Travel and Subsistence expense.

•Utility and communication allocation of $6.8m or 2.6 percent of recurrent expenditure.

• Training expense across ministries, is now allocated at $1.1m.

Education, Youth and Library and Social Services. $39.2m of recurrent expenses and $8.1 m in Capital Expenditure.

• Maintenance allocation is $10.1m.

• The Contingency Fund is now at $6.3m.

• Professional and Consultancy is forecast at $6.7m.

• Grants and contributions at $33.5m are being allocated for payments to Regional Institutions and airline subsidies and welfare grants for the economic stimulus package.

The top ten or areas of spending in the budget are: 1. $84.7m or 25.1 percent of total expenditure for the Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services; $81.1m of recurrent expenses and 3.6m in Cap. Exp. This is inclusive of the $33.0m allocation to the NHIP.

• Allocation for Rental of Assets is $5.2m.

• Subvention allocations (Excluding NHIB) is $19.4m is 7.0 percent of recurrent revenue.

2. $53.9m or 16.0 percent for the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment; That is $20.4m for recurrent expenses, $25.0m for the Stimulus Package and 7.6m for Capital expenses.

o The Gaming Commission -$2.0m and the Sports Commission -$ 2.2m

3. $47.3m or 14.0 percent of total expenditure for the Ministry of

4. $31.8m or 9.4 percent of total expenditure for the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force. That is $26.1m for recurrent expenses and extraordinary costs for the ongoing corruption trials $2.6m and 3.1m for Capital expenses.

5. $26.7m or 7.8 percent of the total budget for the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing, Planning and Development. That is $18.4m for recurrent expenses and $8.2m for Capital expenses.

Transportation.

Approximately $2.3m, of the allocation is for the Capital Expenditure.

9.There will be a $7.6m or 2.2 percent of the total budget for the Judiciary Administration; Allocation for the SIPT legal aid programme is $3.3 m.

10. Finally, there will be $7.3m or 2.2 percent of the total budget for the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Recurrent expenses will account for $6.9 m. Capital Expenditure for the AGC is $400k Within the proposed budget there will also be:

6. $13.8m or 4.1 percent for the • $17.1m for pensions and gratuities, Ministry of Immigration, Citizenship, Catastrophic Risk Insurance Labour and Employment Services. Contingency fund and Debt With recurrent budget allocation of Servicing. $10.4m. Extraordinary Costs for the repatriation and detention expenses • $8.6m for the Governor’s Office $2.4m and Capital Expenditure is $900k.

• $2.9m for the House of Assembly 7. $11.7m or 3.5 percent for • $3.3m for the Office of the Premier, the Ministry of Tourism and Local Government and Community Environment.

With recurrent Affairs budget allocation of $10.9m. Capital expenditure is $850k.

• $2.7m for the Deputy Governor’s Office 8. $15.1m or 4.5 percent - can be • $1.6m for the Director of Public announced for the Ministry of Prosecutions Home Affairs, Public Utilities and

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 7

LOCAL NEWS

Dudley Lightbourne is first death from coronavirus in Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands has recorded its first death from coronavirus when Dudley Lightbourne, who was under clinical management and isolation at Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, passed away shortly before midnight on Saturday, April 4th, 2020.

A joint press statement from TCI Hospital and government said the patient was admitted to the facility on March 21st in critical condition and had been receiving aggressive respiratory care.

He was the second person in the Turks and Caicos Islands diagnosed with COVID-19.

Prior to hospital admission he had travelled to the United States and later developed fever and respiratory symptoms.

Due to patient confidentiality

no further details can be released, the statement said, but the family of the deceased has been formally notified.

Meantime, a government statement on Sunday morning said two additional persons suspected of having COVID-19 were admitted to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre over the past 48 hours.

On Friday, April 3rd, a male resident in his 30’s presented with severe acute respiratory infection and had no recent travel history.

On Saturday, April 4th 2020, a female resident in her 20’s also presented with severe acute respiratory infection and met the case definition of suspected COVID-19.

She had recently travelled to the United Kingdom.

Both persons were transported to the emergency

department via ambulance and are currently receiving supportive clinical care. The public health team was notified and samples were collected for overseas testing.

Due to patient confidentiality no further details can be provided, the statement said.

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

On April 1st, the case definition for COVID-19 was amended for Turks and Caicos Islands, therefore a travel history is no longer needed to fit the criteria.

Given the closure of the TCI borders it is likely that new cases would be as a result of local

Dudley Lightbourne transmission, the Ministry of Health said.

Hefty fees for drivers breaking curfew curfew ends are required to provide language or aids or incites any an updated driver’s licence, vehicle other person to assault, obstruct, hinder or resist a Police Officer in

Persons who are breaking registration and insurance.

The Royal Turks and Caicos the execution of his duty under this curfew in the Turks and Caicos Islands can now look forward to a Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) regulation, commits an Offence.

Meantime, in a national enforced the curfew given under the hefty fee.

The Royal Turks and Caicos Turks and Caicos Islands Emergency address on April 1st, Governor Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) Powers (COVID-19) Regulations Dakin stated: “You are allowed to announced on Tuesday April 7th 2020 which controls the movement go to the supermarket, bank, gas that all vehicles confiscated will and assembly of residents to control station or water provider. Think carefully, this is not an opportunity be released at the end of curfew the spread of COVID-19. twenty-four-hour for multiple trips. Keep coming pending $250 Towing Fee and $25 The curfew was imposed and approved back to what we need to achieve (per day) Storage Fee.

In a Facebook post it by His Excellency, Governor Nigel a dramatic reduction of movement and interaction on the islands. This stated: “As the RTCIPF continue Dakin. to work to keep you safe, to date, During the curfew, officers are is not a family outing. One person we have confiscated 23 vehicles placed at strategic locations in in the car, one person per family between Providenciales and Grand communities across the country at the supermarket or outlet. If Turk. 20 vehicles were taken on and vehicles are being stopped by you really can’t achieve this - we Providenciales, while two cars officers and drivers/passengers are are all different - you will need a really good reason to provide a and a motorcycle were taken on being questioned.

Grand Turk. Want to know the fees Individuals who violate the Police Officer who will use their associated with having your vehicle curfew are subject to questioning, judgment.” added: “The confiscated for breaking curfew? an arrest or have their vehicle He Well, it is quite hefty.” confiscated. Any person who supermarkets are by far the place

All persons who are seeking assaults, obstructs, hinders or resists where the largest congregation to retrieve their vehicles after the or uses any threatening or abusive of people will now be (and

By Todeline Defralien

TCI Hospital employees test negative for COVID-19

Test results were while on island but became negative for hospital symptomatic shortly after employees who were in contact returning home. were no with a temporary worker There who later tested positive for confirmed cases of COVID-19 COVID-19 upon his return to in the Turks and Caicos the USA, according to a press Islands or the primary U.S. statement from the Turks and state from which the affected male had travelled on the day Caicos Islands Hospital.

The ‘confirmed the worker came to TCI. “The process of overseas COVID-19 case with TCI Travel history’ was contact-tracing, clinical originally cited in a press screening and quarantine release issued on 23rd March measures were immediately 2020. The temporary worker, enforced in collaboration with a 35-year-old American the Public Health Team out male, visited the country on of an abundance of caution March 8th – 13th 2020 to after information about facilitate mandatory training the overseas diagnosis was with a group of employees at received,” the statement said.

Cheshire Hall Medical Centre.

“The Turks and Caicos The male was asymptomatic Islands Hospital is pleased

that all staff connected to the case have tested negative for COVID-19. The satisfactory outcome is attributed to the stringent and elevated infection, prevention and control (IPC) measures implemented across the health care facility and the keen commitment of staff to IPC precautions. The health, safety and wellbeing of our employees are paramount to our values. The Ministry of Health – Public Health Team and Public Health England are also applauded for the collaborative and aggressive contact tracing, guidance and efforts made to expedite the processing of samples, where possible. “

congratulations to them on how strict they are on numbers inside the store and distancing) so help them and help others by seriously reducing the footfall. If you are stopped by a police officer on the way to the supermarket or vendor except to have your details taken including your address. You will need to be on the road between your home and the supermarket, bank, gas station or water vendor or vice versa. Retain the receipt from the supermarket, water vendor or gas station and keep it at home as proof you did indeed visit the outlet ion that day at around that time. The police have to use their judgement and will. Don’t expect to be able to say you are going to get ‘Gas’ when you have anything other than close to an empty tank.

I say this for the 1% who we know will not follow any guidelines and will just be permanently selfish looking to stretch the rules to suit themselves.”

Woman arrested after hosting house party during curfew

A woman was arrested on Tuesday, April 7th, 2020 following reports of breaking curfew and hosting a house party.

Officers on patrol were dispatched to Robinson Street in Five Cays, Providenciales around 9:30 p.m., where they met a small gathering with loud music. The homeowner/ host of the party was arrested and taken to the Chalk Sound Police Station.

She was released on bail on Wednesday, April 8th, 2020

Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said, “This gathering has potential to risk the health of those persons attending and others who are in contact with them and is unacceptable. Other such behaviour is likely to result in Arrest and Charges. Stay at home and save lives, stay at home and protect your communities.”

If you have information on anyone breaking curfew you are asked to call 911.

The public is reminded that breaking curfew is a criminal offence and is subject to a fine or time in prison.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Report from Friday April 3rd Cabinet meeting

His Excellency the Governor, Nigel Dakin, chaired the 11th meeting of the Cabinet on Friday, April 3rd, 2020 by videoconference.

Ewing, Tendra Musgrove(TCHTA Rep.) and Permanent Secretary Tourism (Ex-officio) as members of the Tourist Board for a period of one year from 9 April 2020.

All members were present.

At this meeting Cabinet:

•Approved the appointment of Director DECR (Chair), Clay Arthur, Tomlinson Skippings and Henry Handfield as members of the Turks and Caicos Islands Fisheries Advisory Committee for a period of three years from 9 April 2020.

•Discussed and approved, subject to minor changes, the Draft Revenue and Expenditure Estimates 2020-21 encompassing the challenges presented by the Coronavirus pandemic and for it to be submitted to the House •Approved a planning Assembly for approval. application (SC 803) submitted by the Public Works Department, •Was informed on measures TCIG, for the rebuilding of taken thus far by the TCI and the Iris Stubbs Primary School, UK governments to address and Block 20305 Parcels 8 and mitigate against any escalation 25, Cockburn Harbour, South of Coronavirus (Covid-19).

Caicos.

•Was updated on the arrival of two sloops during the night of 1-2 April, ongoing work being carried out and discussed potential short and longer term actions for both TCI and UK governments going forwards.

•Approved a release and settlement agreement to Dataworx for the period December 2017 to January 2020 and an agreement for Dataworx to be contracted for the maintenance of the Turks and Caicos Islander Status system •Approved the Statutory Bodies and database for the period Revenue and Expenditure 2012 to 2020.

Estimates 2020-2021 and granted approval for the tabling •Confirmed approval on 31st of these at the next sitting of March of the recommendations the House of Assembly. of the Procurement Board on the award of the following •Approved the appointment of contracts: Mr Derry Handfield (Chair), Mr Charlie Garland (Vice chair), I. PN Mr Lewis W Parker, Mr Kevin 005475, Replacement Furniture E Harvey, Director of Planning for Departments (amended) (TR (Ex-officio), Director DECR (Ex- 19/93) officio), Director of Disaster II. PN (DDME) (Ex-officio) as members 005523, Farm Equipment (TR of the Physical Planning Board 19/96) and Mr Reginald Charles as III. Secretary to the Board for a TCIPA-0007, SSP, Aviation & period of six months from 9th Security Equipment – VHF AM April to 30 September.

Equipment and Accessories, Air Traffic Control •Approved the appointment of IV. PN Mr Andre Malcolm Snr (Chair), 005517, Basketball Courts in all Thomas Duncan, William H Islands (TR 19/99) William, Clyde Ewing, Max a.

Lot 2 – Raymond Gardiner E Garland as members of the High School Physical Planning Appeals b.

Lot 3 – Felix Morley Tribunal and Leonardo Glasgow Community Centre as Secretary to the Tribunal for c.

Lot 4 – Phase 1 Basketball a period of one year from 9th Court, Wheeland April to 30 September. d.

Lot 5 – South Caicos Sporting Facility •Approved the appointment of V. PN Adelphine Pitter (Chairman), 005525 Library (TR 19/20) John Hilton-Deputy (Chair), VI. PN Ethlyn Gibbs, Charmaine Clarke, 005300, TR 19/83, Warehouse Osbourne Delancy, Maisha Shelving and Equipment for

Turks and Caicos Sun

Suite#5, Airport Plaza Customs – Shelving Providenciales VII. PN Turks and Caicos Islands 005312, TR 19/81, Security Tel: (649) 348-6838 Dogs and Accommodation for Fax: (649) 941-3281 Customs Email: sun@suntci.com VIII. PN Read us online at 005430, TR 19/94, Improvement www.suntci.com to Fish Fry Site IX. PN Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: 005485, TR 19/72, Furniture Hayden Boyce and Equipment for Ministry of Graphic designer HASH Information Technology a. Health Disaster and Production Manager: b. Veterinary Equipment Kelano Howell X. PN 005486, Todeline Defralien TR 19/47, Refurbishment Reporter of Ministry Infrastructure National Stadium The Turks and Caicos SUN XI. PN 005487, is a subsidiary TR 19/26, Development of Nonof The SUN Media Group Ltd. Communicable Registers-and Sports Development Project - We are committed to excellence in journalism, educating and informing Sports Development our readers, serving and satisfying a. LOT 3: Football our advertisers and assisting in the b. LOT 4: Track and Field overall development of the XII. PN Turks and Caicos Islands.

005533, TR 19/41, Lighthouse and businesses to mitigate XIII. PN the effects of the economic 005255, TR 19/52, Homes for downturn on individuals and Domestic Violence - Grand Turk businesses in the Islands.

XIV. PN 005483, TR 19/44, DECR and •Confirmed the approval Tourism Facilities - Beaches of the Emergency Powers Vendor Market; Club Med (COVID-19) (Financial Vendor Market Services) Regulations 2020.

XV. PN 005509, TR 19/40, Rehabilitation of •Confirmed the approval of Wharf - South Caicos the Customs (COVID-19) XVI. PN (Duty Exemption) Order 005516, TR 19/100, DECR 2020 and the Emergency Building – Furniture Powers (COVID-19)(Waiver XVII. PN of Customs Processing Fee) 005520, TR 19/74, Leeward Regulations 2020 Palms Green Park XVIII. PN •Confirmed the approval 005521, TR 19/45, Farmer’s of the additional funding Market in the 2nd Supplementary XIX. PN Appropriation (2019/2020) 005524, TR 19/101, Chalk for various capital projects Sound Green Park approved in the House of XX. Assembly on 24 February.

TCIAA 0004/01, TR 19/62, New Control Tower and Firehall for •Confirmed the approval Providenciales Airport of the Financial Services (Variation of Time for Licence •Confirmed the approval of the Fees) Regulations 2020 to Emergency Powers (COVID-19) extend the date for payment (National Health Insurance) of licence fees until the Regulations 2020 providing COVID-19 pandemic. temporary measures in place for the referral of urgent patients • Confirmed the approval only for medical treatment of a rental lease agreement overseas and overseas outpatient for premises to be used for referrals. the purpose of carrying out Quarantine Operation •Confirmed the approval of the for persons affected by Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Covid-19/ Coronavirus on (Economic Relief Measures) Providenciales.

Regulations 2020 providing financial relief to individuals

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

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Dear TCC Team, Easter is about so much more than bunnies, egg hunts, and chocolate galore. The reason behind the season is the celebration of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. There are many ways to focus on the resurrection story of Easter, including streaming church services, reading Easter books with your children, watching Easter movies with your family, and off course, observing Easter quietly in prayer.

This Easter and Passover season, you may find yourself in need of prayers now more than ever, given all that is happening in the world. We are living in truly unprecedented times. The global coronavirus pandemic is affecting all our families, our businesses, our communities, and our way of life.

We have proven that we are stronger together, that we are great colleagues, and that we show corporate spirit when times are tough and as we all know, that is when it really counts. TCC takes this opportunity to let you our team know that this is noticed and its truly appreciated.

“We are in uncharted territory,” Wayne Garland, Director of Public Relations wrote. “Much is unknown, and I know how unsettling and uncertain this feels. Like many of you, there have been times over the past weeks where it has felt overwhelming. “I see the struggle, the looks of uncertainty, in our local community, and around the world, the empty streets and restaurants, and I wonder when our social fabric will be restored, but faith assured, this too shall pass.”

We are urging you all to adhere to the laws of the country and the critical guidelines issued by the Government, particularly,

Alexandra Resort alexandraresort.com +1.800.284.0699 +1.649.946.5807

the EMERGENCY POWERS (COVID 19) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2020, and all other recent amendments, 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.

This moment reminds us that we’re all connected like never before.

We’re called upon to be our best selves, with patience, understanding and compassion and to be our brother’s keeper.

With all that’s happening in our islands and the world, it is important not to forget though, this particular time of year when we honour a change in season, life, rebirth and the beauty and meaning of this special holiday time called Easter and Passover. It is a period of happiness and regeneration, a time of promise and love.

“Easter reminds us that one’s strength doesn’t lie in his body, but it lies in his faith and in his determination.”

During this Blessed Easter holiday, let us remain focussed on the fact that every day is a gift for the living. Today’s gift is the gift of life.

TCC Management wishes all of you and your families a happy safe and healthy Easter!

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Government working with Private Sector and NGOs to provide humanitarian support to those most affected

The Government in partnership with private sector groups to develop a program to provide humanitarian support to persons most affected by the impact of the pandemic COVID19 and the outfall of the downturn in our Tourism led economy.

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the most urgent health, economic, and social crises the world has faced. The Caribbean is also staggering in the wake of COVID-19, which has already negatively affected the tourism and service sectors across the region, adversely impacting the mainly small and open economies such as the Turks and Caicos Islands.

In an effort to halt the spread of the virus, the TCI Government, like many other Governments throughout the World had to resolve to drastic measures and close down its borders and implement stringent measures of curfew orders. As a result of these measures, and the slowdown of the economy, it is anticipated that many individuals will inevitably become vulnerable.

A Government press

release said it is recognized that a multi-sectoral response is needed to meet immediate health emergency care and response needs, while ensuring that a social safety net is created to support people whose income may drastically reduce during this crisis, and to protect the rights of the most vulnerable citizens.

The Hon. Karen Malcolm, Minister with responsibility for the Department of Social Development and its mandate to assist those in need and ensuring the protection of the weak and vulnerable is actively engaged and has chaired several meetings with multi-sectoral working groups comprising of public and private sector groups such as members of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA), Red Cross, and Salvation Army to develop strategies and leverage existing resources that could be harnessed in support as humanitarian aid to those most vulnerable in our society as a result of this pandemic.

The Minister Hon. Karen Malcom stated, “During these times, with the many challenges our country

is facing, our vulnerable populations still remain at the forefront of our priorities. We are taking an active role in ensuring that families do not go hungry and are able to feed their children. I applauded the goodwill and kind gesture of support we have received thus far from the private sector, NGO and PPS and wish to encourage other private sector business that wish to join us in this humanitarian effort to reach out to us at HumanitarianEffortsCOVID19@gov.tc and make your pledge. The public private partnership is seeking to provide assistance to help alleviate some of the worries and stress associated.”

The Committee is working with Churches, District Commissioners, Community leaders and private sector groups to update and expand the existing list of persons that would be in need of humanitarian support.

Given the peculiarities of this pandemic and the need to maintain social distancing, it is not advisable to establish standard soup kitchen, as such plans are afoot to establish an

Hon. Karen Malcolm

efficient front door delivery system to all registered persons. Over the coming days, in addition to the current list being compiled of existing and persons who are known to become vulnerable, the Department of Social Services will publish contact details (email address and telephone numbers) and invite persons who are in need of social assistance to register with the Department of Social Services.

The TCIG is taking a whole of country collaborative approach in combating the consequences of this pandemic.

Karl Shand Jr. signs soccer scholarship with Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers in United States

By Todeline Defralien

Karl Shand Jr, on Wednesday March 25th signed his scholarship offer to attend Kentucky Wesleyan College where he is expected to play ‘Forward’ on the men’s soccer team.

The son of RTC First Edition co-host, Cheryl-Ann Forman and Lester Forman was a former student at British West Indies Collegiate in Providenciales, Shand left home in 2017 to chase his dream of becoming a collegiate athlete.

This dream has come true after a spectacular senior year at Somerset High School in Kentucky. Shand scored five (5) goals and dished out eight (8) assists this season for the Briar Jumpers. Karl was named to the 2020 Commonwealth Journal All-County High School Boys Soccer Team.

Commenting on his achievement, Shand thanked God and his family for making sacrifices and agreeing to let him leave home at age 15 to chase his dream.

He said, “I just want to thank God and my family for making the sacrifice of letting me leave home when I was 15 years old to chase my dream.

I know it wasn’t easy for my mom or me, but it had paid off.

It was always my dream to play college soccer and some days it was harder than others to believe I was going to turn that dream into a reality.”

“I would also like to thank my coaches and players that have developed me along the years into the soccer player that I am today; I couldn’t have done it without you all. I’m blessed to say that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Kentucky Wesleyan College. Go

Panthers.”.

Shand will pursue a law degree in college with a concentration on Entertainment and/or Sports law.

Karl Shand comes from a family of athletes with his uncles Gavin Glinton (team captain) and Duane Glinton who both played for the TCI National Men’s Soccer Team a few years ago. Karl also came through the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association grassroots and youth program and was a part of TCIFA’s Center of Excellence program

The Kentucky Wesleyan College competes at the NCAA Division II level. Known as the Panthers, Kentucky Wesleyan is a founding member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC), a conference comprised of institutions in Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, and West Virginia.

Karl Shand Jr. signing offer.

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

British boots on the ground Approximately 20 British soldiers and security arrived in the Turks and Caicos Islands on Sunday, April 5th, to assist with the fight against coronavirus, illegal immigration and crime.

The “Security Assistance Team” is, according to Governor Nigel Dakin, a multi-disciplinary, multi-department effort that draws heavily on 3 Commando Brigade. Commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel.

It has a skill set that includes doctor, medical planners, logisticians, military police and security planners, the governor said.

“The team brings with them our military’s experience of supporting the UK’s National Health Service during this period – which has been extraordinarily important to the UK response - and therefore brings welcome relevant experience onto the Islands,” he stated. of this important response to our “TCI is the first Overseas Territory needs. I am grateful to those involved to receive such a team and this in making this a reality especially is a reflection of the number of His Excellency the Governor Nigel overlapping challenges we face here, Dakin and UK Overseas Territory from both COVID19 and from illegal Minister, Baroness Sugg”. migration. The skill set that the Governor Dakin said the Royal Marines bring with them, to team will follow the advice of the both land and maritime operations, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nadia and the military’s links to the UK’s Astwood and also the letter of the health response, makes this team a Emergency Regulations. particularly welcome member of the “They will be quarantined wider national security team and for 14 days, but during that time medical effort.” they will be able to connect remotely Premier Robinson commenting on to a full range of stakeholders in TCI the UK Team’s arrival says, “As the so they can build understanding first Overseas Territory to receive and context as they wait. The public assistance as such, TCI is appreciative will see them out and about in two

Publication of the Turks and Caicos Islands 2020/2021 Register of Electors

Supervisor of Elections Lister Dudley Lewis has commenced the publication of the 2020/2021 Register of Electors in accordance with the Elections Ordinance, Revised Edition 2018, allowing Turks and Caicos Islanders the opportunity to view the Register of Electors from Tuesday March 31, 2020.

The Supervisor also take this opportunity to inform voters that parts of the Register in accordance with Section 21 (3) of the Ordinance will not be published until after the Adjudicator’s appointed by the Governor submit their report on appeals file.

The parts of the Register that will not be published are as follows: 1. Electoral District 04 - Middle and North Caicos 2. Electoral District 07 - Cheshire Hall and Richmond Hill, Providenciales 3. Electoral District 09 - Five Cays, Providenciales

The Supervisor also take this opportunity to advised Electors that due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Emergency Regulations instituted in the Islands, the Register of Electors will not be placed at different locations across the Islands at this time however, it will be available for viewing on Government website www.gov. tc. The Register will also be sent via email to interested parties. The Supervisor can be contacted via email dllewis@gov.tc for a copy of the Register.

weeks-time,” he added.

“Separately, the public will recall we announced that we were recruiting the new Commanding Officer of the TCI Regiment.

Applications have been received. The appointment will take place during this period so our Commanding Officer can build valuable bridges with 3 Commando Brigade which will pay dividends long in the future. The team while here can also help advise us on the setting up of our own Regiment that will have a very strong Maritime role, for very obvious reasons.”

Noting that serious crime was an issue in the Turks and

Premier, Governor & Security Officers Caicos Islands before this period of lockdown, the Governor stated: “Looking to the future we do not imagine for one moment that we will not face similar challenges in the near future. The lockdown and curfew period has though offered a welcome respite from this menace.

The team therefore includes two UK Home Office Advisors who can work with the TCI Police Executive. The public might recall that just before the lockdown the Premier and myself announced a jointly funded TCIG and UK uplift – for the next year - to our Police’s hard-edged Tactical Unit.

This will double its size. Despite the pandemic that work progresses, recruitment is taking place”

Temporary provisions for tax payments

Commercial fishing allowed with restrictions

In light of the Covid-19 24-hour curfew, the Revenue Department within the Ministry of Finance hereby notifies the general public that despite provisions made for the waiver and delayed payment of the Hotel & Tourism Tax, no such provision has been made for the following Taxes:

Commercial fishing vessels are allowed to do fishing activities subject to the following restrictions, imposed by the TCI Government: a.

As per Regulation 7D (1) of the Emergency Powers Regulations, as amended, for the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread of the virus, all establishments, institutions, businesses, offices, stores and organizations shall suspend operations to the general public except for … agriculture and fisheries businesses from 05:00 am to 6:00 pm;

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Vehicle Hire Stamp Duty Insurance Premium Sales Tax Domestic Financial Services Sales Tax Communications Tax Dormant Accounts Receipts

As such, the Revenue Department will be issuing Remittance Forms as requested through our Email: tcirevenuedepartment@gov.tc for payments on or before the deadlines prescribed in the relevant Ordinances.

This is further facilitated by the provisions made by the Accountant General to receive ‘Online Payments’ via transfers through CIBC First Caribbean Int Bank, Scotiabank and Royal Bank of Canada. The notice is attached for review.

Taxpayers must obtain and complete their remittances from the Revenue Department trough the Email address provided before proceeding to payment.

Customers are reminded to be safe during this time.

i.As such, a fisheries business would require the following three legal obligations to be operational on the water: a) Registered commercial fishing vessel; b) Valid commercial fishing license (for captain and crew) and; c) Valid commercial fishing business license; ii.This categorically excludes any operation only holding a sports fishing business license; iii.Permitted vessels are to leave the dock from 05:00am and are to return to the dock no later than 6:00pm the same day; iv.Fishing will not, under any circumstances, be permitted within the National Parks, or Reserves (both the National Parks and Fisheries Protection Ordinances still apply).

Only commercial fishing operations (as stipulated above) that have applied, and have received exemption from the Governor’s Office, will be permitted to operate accordingly. The DECR will be utilizing its list of registered commercial operations, and list of approved, exempted commercial fishing operations, to ensure comprehensive adherence to the law.

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APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Turks and Caicos Tourist Board partners with popular drama Series ‘The Bay’

Turks and Caicos Islands will be in the limelight in upcoming episodes of the Daytime Emmy winning digital drama series The Bay. The Turks & Caicos Tourist Board partnered with LANY Entertainment to coordinate and host the filming in the islands which will serve as the backdrop of a pivotal plot point in the new season.

“The destination will benefit tremendously from the exposure of this feature as we take the Turks and Caicos Islands into the homes of The Bay’s viewers. While this will promote our idyllic destination to potential

visitors, we will be simultaneously promoting Turks and Caicos as a premier filming destination for television and movie networks. We extend our profound thanks to our partners Wymara Resort and Villas and Ocean Club Resorts for co-sponsoring this project”, said Pamela Ewing, Director of Tourism.

The popular web series will feature two episodes filmed in the Turks and Caicos Islands when it returns for its fourth season this summer. The filming took place in October 2018 and the Tourist Board used the opportunity to showcase the unmatched beauty of North Caicos and Providenciales.

The Bay follows the affluent yet dysfunctional Bay City residents who face a series of dilemmas including forbidden love and never-ending scandals. The highly anticipated episodes will establish Turks and Caicos Islands as the birthplace of main character Pete Garrett when he visits the islands in search of answers regarding his and his twin brother’s mysterious birth.

The producers of The Bay have expressed interest in returning to the Turks and Caicos Islands to shoot.

The Bay is available for streaming on Amazon’s Prime Pamela Ewing, Director of Tourism Video.

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

6 April 2020 6 April 2020

NOTICE FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHARE GROUP NOTICE

AND FAMILY SHARE GROUP It has come to FRIENDS the attention of the Financial Services Commission that the Friends and Family Share Group is offering, via It has come to the attention of the Financial Services Commission that the Friends and membership and a contribution of $500, signi�icant �inancial Family Share Group is offering, via membership and a contribution of $500, significant returns to the public fundsPlease of financial returns to the publicthrough through the the poolingpooling of the fundsofof the contributors. contributors.

Take Notice Friends andit Take NoticePlease that neither the Friends and that Family neither Share Groupthe nor any programme or supervised by the Commission.

Familyoperates Shareis licensed, Groupregulated nor any programme it operates is licensed, regulated or supervised by the Commission.

By way of this notice, the Commission is requesting that appropriate representatives of the Friends and Family Share Group meet with the Commission to assist the Commission in By way of this the notice, is requirements, requesting fully understanding operationsthe of theCommission Group and its regulatory if any.that The Group’s representatives are to contact the Commission by 20Family April 2020Share via the Group following appropriate representatives of the Friends and email addresses: nstreete@tcifsc.tc or ccoalbrooke@tcifsc.tc

meet with the Commission to assist the Commission in fully understanding the tooperations the Group and its The public is advised exercise caution of and to carefully assess financial and regulatory other associated requirements, if any.

Group’s contact risks when pooling and/orThe investing funds asrepresentatives part of any arrangement.are It isto recommended that professional advice soughtApril before entering the Commission by be20 2020these viaarrangements. the following email addresses: nstreete@tcifsc.tc or ccoalbrooke@tcifsc.tc The public and members of the Friends and Family Group are urged to consider this advisory and be guided accordingly

The public is advised to exercise caution and to carefully assess �inancial and other associated risks when pooling and/or investing Caicos funds Turks as and part of Islands any arrangement. It is recommended that Financial Services Commission professional advice be sought before entering these arrangements.

The public and members of the Friends and Family Group are urged to consider this advisory and be guided accordingly Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission P.O. Box 140 • Caribbean Place • Leeward Highway • Providenciales • Turks and Caicos Islands

P.O. Box 140 • Caribbean Place •Tel: Leeward Providenciales (649) 946 Highway – 5314/941 –• 8311 • Fax: (649) 941•–Turks 3569 and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946 – 5314/941 – 8311 • Fax: (649) 941 – 3569 P.O. Box 79 •P.O. Waterloo • Waterloo Road Road • Grand Turk • Turks Islands Box 79 •Plaza Waterloo Plaza • Waterloo • Grand Turk • Turksand and Caicos Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946 – 2791/946 – 2550 • Fax: (649)946 946 ––1714 Tel: (649) 946 – 2791/946 – 2550 • Fax: (649) 1714 Website: www.tcifsc.tcEmail: fsc@tcifsc.tc Website: www.tcifsc.tcEmail: fsc@tcifsc.tc

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

27 March 2020

NOTICE FINANCIAL SERVICES OPERATIONS DURING THE MANDATORY LOCKDOWN PERIOD The Commission’s in-office operations will be suspended effective 3:00pm on Friday, 27 March2020, in response to the lockdown announced by the Premier, Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, on 25 March 2020.

During the lockdown period, the Commission’s staff will work from home to continue to provide service to you, our valued clients. The Commission will be available to clients via telephone, electronic mail and video conferencing, and will continue its regulatory/supervisory mandate of monitoring and proactively responding to developments in the financial services sector during the lockdown period.

During the lockdown period, the Commission can be contacted and/or regulatory and registry submission/applications be made via the following electronic mail addresses: • Corporate Registry: Registry@tcifsc.tc • Bank and Trust Department: BD@tcifsc.tc • Insurance Department: ins-applications@tcifsc.tc • AML Supervision Department: aml_supervision@tcifsc.tc • All other queries: fsc@tcifsc.tc The Commission will continue to communicate with you via electronic mail and through our website: www.tcifsc .tc P.O. Box 140 • Caribbean Place • Leeward Highway • Providenciales • Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946 – 5314/941 – 8311 • Fax: (649) 941 – 3569 P.O. Box 79 • Waterloo Plaza • Waterloo Road • Grand Turk • Turks and Caicos Islands Tel: (649) 946 – 2791/946 – 2550 • Fax: (649) 946 – 1714 Website: www.tcifsc.tcEmail: fsc@tcifsc.tc

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

Let’s find a glimmer of light even in times of Darkness tourism is our lifeline, finding a glimmer of light in these times of darkness is hard to swallow.

Like so many of us, having

As I sit here in my living so much time on our hands now, room, not knowing which way to I have learned a lesson from all turn, I felt compelled to share my of this. There is a lot of good in thoughts on this pandemic that sharing with each other what will forever change our lives as we we’re experiencing as a result of know it. our difficulties and doing what we

I never thought for one can to help.

No one likes getting sick, moment in my life that it would all happen so suddenly, or like losing loved ones, dreams dashed this! No warning, very little time or being let go, because small to prepare and the bark is as businesses can no longer sustain them on payroll. But we have to powerful as the bite.

For the first time in history, deal with these adversities the best our tiny little islands in the Turks we can when they happen, as our and Caicos would close borders past generations did in their life to the world. In a country where time.

By Ed Forbes A concerned citizen of Grand Turk

Tragic events are part of the essential, unchanging, unpredictability of life.

“Everybody suffers at one time or the other”.

I know we would love to be able to change the trajectory of this pandemic quickly and turn back the clock; to return to when we were all doing so well or when we could all physically socialize with each other. But that’s not the case for now.

You will find that from time to time, life gives and takes; it takes and gives. We have to find the strength deep down within us and hold on to see what good it will give, as I believe it will be a new norm.

We are a nation that has been resilient from the beginning of our discovery. We went from toiling the soil to raking and shoveling salt for survival, to becoming the vacation destination of choice for the entire world.

Therefore, rise up my friends!

There is still hope.

In the past few years, we have been pleading for crime reduction, closing of late night bars to respect our religious upbringing and more time to spend with our families. The time has come!

As we press forward in these tragic and uncertain days ahead, let’s make the best of it, as this too shall pass.

Stimulus: The Forgotten Industry

Some people believe that the stimulus initiative that is being proposed by the Government in response to the Covid-19 pandemic is suspect, to say the least. For some it is suspect because it addresses only certain industries and the people in those industries in the country to the neglect of others, and the many people in those others.

I am especially concerned that one industry for which no provision is made in the stimulus scheme is the fishing industry. I am particularly concerned for the wellbeing of the people who work in the fishing industry because it is already experiencing government imposed shocks that have curtailed the activity in the industry, to the detriment of the many households that depend on it for sustenance.

Sometime ago, I believe about

two years or so, the government instituted a policy that constricted the length of the crawfish season by extending the period of its opening from August 1 to August 15.

The measure translated into a shortening of the season by two weeks. To make matters worse, the government again this year implemented another constricting measure by closing the season at the end of February rather that the traditional closure at the end of March, accounting for another four weeks that were taken from the livelihood of these hard working men.

In light of the hardship that these measures levied upon the already struggling fishermen, one would have thought that prime consideration would have been given to this industry for stimulus because of the adverse economic impact that

has been legislated against it.

It seems as if the fishing industry is truly a forgotten industry at this very crucial time.

I can remember when South Caicos was referred to as the ‘bread basket’ of the Turks and Caicos Islands, because of fishing, men came from every corner of the Turks and Caicos Islands to earn a living here.

Many homes and businesses were started in Middle Caicos and North Caicos and in Providenciales from the income generated from the once bustling fishing industry. People from these Islands, Middle, North and Providenciales were able to send their children to college as a result of the income they derived from fishing in South Caicos. This was long before there was tourism and the spin-off of the hospitality industry.

If we forget from whence

Wealth mindset

ByRev. Dr. John Malcolm we came, we will get lost on the way to where we are going. I call on the Premier, a South Caicos woman, and say to her, do not forget the ‘bridge’ that carried us safely when we had nothing else. The fishermen are very vulnerable at this time and are in need of an intervention to alleviate their plight.

In every crisis there is an generally, and persons whose income https://youtu.be/ehCVLRHOxBY) is as servants injecting $900,000-$1.8 opportunity. This is a belief I’ve long is not directly impacted by COVID-19, follows: held dating back to 11 years ago in the but what’s needed is a mindset shift aftermath of Hurricane Ike. which can certainly take place in the 1. Pay yourself first i.e. save 10% of

At that time, I was the Director/ next 21 days of self-isolation. your income for future investments Counterpart of the Department of Over a week ago, the TCI (5% at a minimum to start); Disaster Management and Emergencies, Banking Association announced having been overlooked in favour of a that banks will be offering mortgage 2. Invest in ventures you have more experienced Disaster Manager, payment relief and other terms. Some knowledge in or entrust your my friend, the late Horatio Tuitt of banks are offering up to six months investments with persons that have Montserrat. of deferred mortgage payments. Note knowledge or a track record in the

By Jamell Robinson

In that crisis, I seized the that before agreeing to any deferrals, investment you’re entering; opportunity to demonstrate my be clear - if the interest will have to be Million Dollars and TCIG matching competence for the job I sought paid on the back end, at all, or in the 3. Reinvest the profits from your the funds? Sounds like the basis for a by doing every task exceptionally, following 12 months when mortgage initial investment. If these principals credit union to me. resulting in commendation and payments resume. are followed, over time you would In times of crisis our minds recommendation from General George Here is the opportunity. If we have positioned yourself to have your are at its sharpest. With this 21-day Jones of the Bermuda Regiment. I have say that the average mortgage payment money, making money for you. lock down in full effect, all we have no doubt that that performance in the is at least $1,500, over a 3-6 month

Here’s another wrinkle, what if on our hands is time. We must utilize most troubling of time secured my first period, an individual can save between you found 9 other likeminded persons that time to come out of this situation Directorship just over a year later. $4,500-$9,000 which is a great jump and you decided to pool your savings? better then we went in. Be it as small

I now turn to our present-day start to creating a personal invest fund. That would be $45,000-$90,000 as creating personally savings for crisis and lock down. While the global Given that it’s hard to adjust available to invest in a short period of investments or as big as standing up pandemic of COVID-19 has placed one’s lifestyle to be able to save time. a credit union, in every crisis is an many of us squarely in survival mode, approximately 10% of your income to We do assues already, why not opportunity. It’s just up to us to seize it for others among us, it presents an set aside for investment, this would be do it with an end game of investment when it presents itself! opportunity to prosper in the long run a great jumpstart to the process. Three at the end of 12 months? What if the Stay home and safe TCI during these uncertain times. principals that I recently learnt about Civil Service Association, used the * Jamell Robinson is a PNP At

The folks I specifically refer wealth generation from the book titled same premise and launched a CSA Large candidate for the next to are essential workers, civil servants “The Richest Man in Babylon” (See link: Investment fund with say 200 civil general elections

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APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

A review of the TCIG COVID 19 Stimulus Package: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly and the Missing Elements

While in curfew, I everyone and all businesses are contemplated whether to write about impacted. How will the employees my review of the Government’s of the other sector get paid especially COVID 19 stimulus package. if their businesses are temporarily

The moment you say closed? something differently, you are At least the hospitality attacked and seen as being as negative workers are going to get 1200 but and an opponent of the Government. what about other employees in the However, it is incumbent upon me other sectors. Furthermore, there are to objectively analyze the proposed some hoteliers who are paying their package and clearly communicate staff a percentage of their income the good, the bad, the ugly and already. the missing elements to those who More than likely, they are do not have the capacity or time in a position to do so given the to dissect it for themselves. It is for excellent revenue they experienced that reason, I cannot be quiet and in November to Mid-March. However, will not be quiet but I will behave other businesses are not in a position responsibly. at all to pay their employees so some

Let me first congratulate employees in other sectors will not the Government on developing get anything at all. a stimulus package as a result of This stimulus package is not this COVID 19 virus. The package comprehensive at all. There should does have some good elements be some sort of compensation for particularly for the hospitality all persons impacted by this virus industry. However, the package is not not just the Hospitality Industry. comprehensive nor is it a stimulus According to the National Skills package. It is a relief package for the Audit, the labour force is 23,027. hospitality industry. Hopefully when This plan caters to 10,000 workers, the Government reviews the package 1261 self employed and 2000 MSMEs again, they will consider and address Furthermore, given the uncertainty, the issues as outlined in this article. the compensation should not be one off.

The Good

Will there be something in place to ensure that duty

Some of the good things exemption on COVID basket and about this package is that Fortis will building materials are passed onto defer the 6.8% increase for three the consumers? I know one retailer months. Fortis along with Flow and listed a change in price already but Provo Water Company will waive what about others. If consumer will the penalty fees for late payments. not ultimately benefit, then it does

Workers in the hospitality not make any sense for TCIG to sector will get a one off payment implement it. of $1200. These are for employees and self-employed who were laid The Ugly off, seized operations or terminated since March 16th.

The Government has agreed

The hotel, restaurant tax for for the hoteliers and restaurants to March will be waived thus providing retain the taxes they would have some cash flow for this industry. to pay for the month of March. It

The Banks will defer is estimated to be $4million and if mortgage payments from 3 to 6 that is the case, then they should months thus giving some persons a have also agreed for the hoteliers to cushion if they begin to experience use some of those funds to pay their cash flow issues. employees and the 1200 that the

The water bill in Grand Turk Government is using to pay hotelier will be written off. workers could have been used to pay

There are grants available to workers in other sectors.

MSME Sector ranging from $2000 to Ironically the Government $5000. is deferring the payments for

Duty exemption on COVID accommodation taxes for May and 19 basket of goods.

June. This is very misleading and

Deferral of business licences will not create any impact as tourism for three months for certain will be virtually dead in May and categories primarily the hospitality June and even perhaps for the rest of sector. the year, God forbid.

The expedition of The Government is insisting Government capital projects to that we do not evict tenants and if help boast injection of cash in the legislation is required, it may to do economy. so. However, the stimulus package does not take the obligations of The Bad landlord into consideration. What plans are in place for those landlords

While it is true that the whose only source of income is hospitality industry is impacted rental income? directly and as result the Deferring the loan payment Government sought it fit for the is not ideal as it will cause you to main beneficiaries of this package to get into more debt. While the banks be the workers in the industry and will defer payments for a period of the developers and owners of hotels 3 to 6 months, interest is still being and villas who will get a $5million accrued and will be capitalized to increase in concessions. your loan and thus your loan will

The truth is there are other be higher and repaid over a longer businesses that are not directly in period. the hospitality industry but are I think that Governments also impacted significantly. In fact throughout the Caribbean should

have collaborated and petitioned the banks to reduce the interest rate (for those persons who had a fixed rate agreement) so your payment can be lower and thus you can reduce your rent with the tenant. Obviously if you had a variable rate, you should experience a decrease in your payment therefore please pay your mortgage if you can. Embrace the lower rate.

The 9million water is not any loss in revenue. However, it is an opportunity loss in cash collection.

Revenue was already recognized and now will be written off as a bad debt expense. Perhaps TCIG should list the names, the amounts and time frame for these outstanding water bills like what was done when the tax was written off in the hospitality industry. I am quite sure that this old bill would have been written off eventually anyway whether there was a crisis or not.

The concessions on building materials during this period may not be effective during this time as people will be very careful on spending money on construction materials due to the uncertainty.

Furthermore, there will be an abundance of apartments on the market available because the shortterm rental has ceased operations.

Most businesses should have had the funds set aside by now to pay business licence between April 1st and April 30 to avoid any penalties.

However, given the crisis, some businesses will have to prioritize what to pay and so I understand the rationale for the deferred payment.

If we are going to defer for hospitality sector, we should defer for all businesses as everyone is impacted especially after the shutdown of the country. However, we have to be careful about this one as well because it is possible your financial position may be worsened after three months and you may not have money to pay the license fees in three months.

The truth is we are bailing out the hoteliers while the average Joes and the small businesses are sinking. The average Joes and the small businesses do not have money to pay their staff because no income is coming in. While, the Grant is better than nothing but it will only be able to cover your rent or one employee.

The Missing One of the missing elements in this package, is the opportunity to explore other sectors. The peak in tourism season is normally from November to April and therefore unless a miracle takes place, we will not feel a significant impact of tourism for the rest of 2020.

Americans are already encouraging their own not to travel outside the USA after the crisis is over because USA also needs to recover.

Therefore, I think there should be a package to stimulate and promote the diversification of our economy. We can do this by offering grants for people and businesses to explore new areas unrelated to

By Drexwell Seymour

tourism such as Agriculture and IT based initiatives.

Commercial crown land leases can be very expensive and perhaps this is an opportunity for a 50% reduction in land leases so that the lessees can afford the payment and then commence their projects.

While I applaud the Government in the shutdown, there is nothing in the stimulus package to assist businesses and others during the shutdown other than the grant of 2000 to 5000. There is too much assumption that businesses can work remotely or relocate staff in other areas. There needs to be a forum whereby all businesses can document pertinent information such as number of employees and loss of income as a result of this crisis.

The current procurement process allows Tenderers not based in TCI to bid on Government projects.

Now is the time I believe to remove this from the procurement process and only allow local tenderers to bid.

There should also be something in place to limit the number of projects one company can get in a year so other companies can benefit.

Sooner or later, many businesses will have to lay off staff and some of these businesses will not be in a liquidity position to pay severance pay or even the next pay period salary. There should be some proposed legislation on unemployment benefits because unemployment is inevitable.

Conclusion

The world has not seen anything like this and so this is a first for Governments throughout the world. I know that it is a challenge to develop a plan that most people can benefit but it is possible. As implied in my introductory paragraph, the plan in itself is a good start for the hospitality sector but given the state we are in and the fact that there is uncertainty on how long this crisis will take place, now is the time to encourage and stimulate innovation and creativity and to ensure that plans are in place for other sectors other than hospitality.

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LOCAL NEWS LIFE STYLE

103-year-old Italian says ‘courage, faith’ helped beat virus

103-year-old Ada Zanusso, poses with a nurse at the old people’s home “Maria Grazia” in Lessona, northern Italy, after recovering from Covid-19 infection.

To recover from the coronavirus, as she did, Ada Zanusso recommends courage and faith, the same qualities that have served her well in her nearly 104 years.

Italy, along with neighboring France, has Europe’s largest population of what has been dubbed the “super old” — people who are at least 100. As the nation with the world’s highest number of COVID-19 deaths, Italy is looking to its super-old survivors for inspiration.

“I’m well, I’m well,” Zanusso said Tuesday during a video call with The Associated Press from the Maria Grazia Residence for the elderly in Lessona, a town in the northern region of Piedmont. “I watch TV, read the newspapers.”

Zanusso wore a protective mask, as did her family doctor of 35 years beside her, Carla Furno Marchese, who also donned eyewear and a gown that covered her head.

Asked about her illness, Zanusso is modest: “I had some fever.”

Her doctor said Zanusso was in bed for a week.

“We hydrated her because she wasn’t eating, and then we thought she wasn’t going to make it because she was always drowsy and not reacting,” Furno Marchese said.

“One day she opened her eyes again and resumed doing what she used to before,” Furno Marchese said. The doctor recalled when Zanusso was able to sit up, then managed to get out of bed.

What helped her get through the illness?

“Courage and strength, faith,” Zanusso said. It worked for her, so she advises others who fall ill to also “give yourself courage, have faith.”

COVID-19 can cause mild or moderate symptoms, and most of those who are infected recover. But the elderly and those with existing health problems can be at high risk for more serious illness.

The virus has killed nearly 18,000 people in Italy and over 88,000 worldwide. The World Health Organization says 95% of those who have died in Europe were over 60 years old.

Under Italy’s five-week-long lockdown, which is aimed at containing the spread of infections that have overwhelmed hospitals, visitors aren’t allowed at homes for the elderly.

Her doctor asked Zanusso what she would like to do when “they open the doors.”

“I’d like to take a lovely walk,” she replied.

And your three great-grandchildren? “Watch them play together.”

Deaths, hospitalizations and new infections are leveling off in Italy, and Premier Giuseppe Conte is expected to announce in the coming days how long the lockdown will remain in place, with expectations that some restrictions could be eased.

For now, Zanusso is isolated from other residents as she awaits a follow-up swab test to confirm she is negative for the virus.

She grew up in Treviso, in the northeastern Veneto region, where she worked for many years in the textile industry. Zanusso, who turns 104 on Aug. 16, had four children — three of whom are living — and has four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Outcry over racial data grows as virus slams black Americans

As the coronavirus tightens its grip across the country, it is cutting a particularly devastating swath through an already vulnerable population — black Americans.

Democratic lawmakers and community leaders in cities hard-hit by the pandemic have been sounding the alarm over what they see as a disturbing trend of the virus killing African Americans at a higher rate, along with a lack of overall information about the race of victims as the nation’s death toll mounts.

Among the cities where black residents have been hard-hit: New York, Detroit, New Orleans, Chicago and Milwaukee.

“Everywhere we look, the coronavirus is devastating our communities,” said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP.

Of the victims whose demographic data was publicly shared by officials — nearly 3,300 of the nation’s 13,000 deaths thus far — about 42% were black, according to an Associated Press analysis. African Americans account for roughly 21% of the total population in the areas covered by the analysis.

The AP’s analysis is one of the first attempts to examine the racial disparities of COVID-19 cases and deaths nationwide.

It involved examining more than 4,450 deaths and 52,000 COVID-19 cases from across the country, relying on the handful of state and local governments that have released victims’ race.

A history of systemic racism and inequity in access to health care and economic opportunity has made many African Americans far more vulnerable to the virus.

Black adults suffer from higher rates of obesity, diabetes and asthma, which make them more susceptible, and also are more likely to be uninsured. They also often report that medical professionals take their ailments less seriously when they seek treatment.

“The rate at which black people are dying, compared to whites, is really just astounding,” said Courtney Cogburn, an associate professor at the Columbia University School of Social Work. “There are patterns at this intersection of race and socioeconomic status that make it very clear this is just not a story about poverty.”

President Donald Trump and the government’s top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, acknowledged the higher death rate among African Americans during Tuesday’s White House briefing.

The president called it a “tremendous challenge,” and suggested that federal health officials could release national racial and ethnic COVID-19 data within days.

Erica Harris, right, and her daughter Jordan, wear their protective masks as they walk back home after getting a lunch and homework from the child’s school on Chicago’s Southside in Chicago.

For its analysis, the AP made requests of COVID-19 racial breakdowns in states, cities and counties nationwide, ultimately gathering data from eight states, six major U.S. cities, including New York City and the District of Columbia, and six of Florida’s largest counties.

The data collected ranges from New York to Illinois to Alabama to San Diego, and covers an area that represents 82 million Americans, nearly 43% of whom are nonwhite. Other minority groups’ cases and deaths are fairly in line with their demographics, although those among Hispanic individuals in some hot spots are still high.

The data came mostly from large, racially diverse cities and states, but even in states where nonwhite populations are large, the impact of COVID-19 was outsized, particularly on the black community. The effect was so large that even if the 1,200 death cases that the AP excluded from its analysis because they were recorded as “race unknown” turned out to be white patients, blacks still would be overrepresented in the share of cases — and even more so in the share of deaths.

For instance, Louisiana tracked demographic data in 512 deaths and found 70% of victims were black, despite African Americans comprising just 32% of the state’s population. In Michigan, more than half of the deaths where race data was collected were black residents; the state’s population is 14% black.

Illinois’ population is 17% Hispanic and 14% black yet, as of Monday, 63% of its caseload of more than 9,000 COVID cases with racial data recorded were nonwhite residents, and at least 40% of the state’s 307 victims were black.

ZIP code data in New York City released last week showed that black, brown and immigrant communities are disproportionately represented among the diagnosed virus cases and deaths. On Wednesday, the city’s Department of Health released racial data showing 27.5% of the victims whose race

is known are black, although blacks are only about 22% of the population.

“It’s sick. It’s troubling.

It’s wrong,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said, “and we are going to fight back with everything we’ve got.”

The scattered release of data comes as the Centers for Disease Protection and Control is under increasing pressure to be more transparent about the toll of the virus on communities of color.

The agency has not publicly reported racial or ethnic demographic data for COVID-19 tests performed across the country, though its own standardized form required for reporting COVID-19 tests and cases includes a section for indicating the race or ethnicity of those tested. On Wednesday, the CDC did release racial data for March hospitalizations in 14 states that showed a third of patients were black.

Of the entities that released racial data to the AP, much of it remained sorely lacking. Overall, more than a third of the caseload records did not include race and, in some places, such as Virginia and parts of Florida, that number was more than a half.

Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, told the AP it would be “indefensible” if the federal government was concealing any testing and treatment data. The committee, along with hundreds of medical professionals, sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar on Monday urging him to ensure his agency will “collect, monitor, and disseminate racial data” for the coronavirus.

African Americans and members of some ethnicities share an additional vulnerability: They are overrepresented among workers like nurse aides, grocery store clerks, emergency dispatchers and public transportation employees who cannot telecommute. That forces them out into the general public at a time when others are under strict stay-at-home orders.

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APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

LIFE STYLE

Record 16.8 million have sought US jobless aid since virus

With a startling 6.6 million people seeking jobless benefits last week, the United States has reached a grim landmark: More than one in 10 workers have lost their jobs in just the past three weeks to the coronavirus outbreak.

The figures collectively constitute the largest and fastest string of job losses in records dating to 1948. They paint a bleak picture of a job market that is quickly unraveling as businesses have shut down across the country. More than 20 million American may lose jobs this month.

The viral outbreak is believed to have erased nearly one-third of the economy’s output in the current quarter. Forty-eight states have closed non-essential businesses.

Restaurants, hotels, department stores and countless small businesses have laid off millions as they struggle to pay bills at a time when their revenue has vanished.

All told, in the past three weeks, 16.8 million Americans have filed for unemployment aid.

The surge of jobless claims has overwhelmed state unemployment offices around the country. And still more job cuts are expected. The unemployment rate could hit 15% when the April employment report is released in early May.

A nation of normally freespending shoppers and travelers is mainly hunkered down at home, bringing entire gears of the economy to a near-halt. Non-grocery retail business plunged 97% in the last week of March compared with a year earlier, according to Morgan Stanley.

The number of airline passengers screened by the Transportation Security Administration has plunged 95% from with a year ago. U.S. hotel revenue has tumbled 80%.

The government-mandated business shutdowns that are meant to defeat the virus have never brought the U.S. to such a sudden and violent standstill. For that reason, economists are struggling to assess the duration and severity of the damage.

“We’re just throwing out our

textbooks,” said Beth Ann Bovino, chief U.S. economist at S&P Global Ratings.

The Penn Wharton Budget Model, created at the University of Pennsylvania’s business school, projects that the U.S. economy will shrink at an astonishing 30% annual rate in the April-June quarter — even including the government’s new $2.2 trillion relief measure, the largest federal aid package in history by far. An economic contraction of that scale would be the largest quarterly plunge since World War II. A key aspect of the rescue package is a $350 billion small business loan program that is intended to forestall layoffs. Small companies can borrow enough to cover payroll and other costs for eight weeks.

And the loans will be forgiven if small businesses keep or rehire their staffs. The Treasury Department has begun to roll out the loans to mixed results. Many small businesses have had trouble accessing loan applications, and many economists say the $350 billion is insufficient.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has said he will seek an additional $250 billion for the program from Congress.

The rescue package also added $600 a week in unemployment benefits, on top of what recipients receive from their states. This will enable many lower-income workers to manage their expenses and even increase their purchasing power and support the economy. It also makes many more people eligible for jobless aid, including the selfemployed, contractors, and so-called “gig economy” workers such as Uber and Lyft drivers.

But many of these people have been expressing frustration and bewilderment about the process for seeking benefits as a flood of applications has overwhelmed many state offices.

Margaret Heath Carignan said she called the unemployment office in Maine, where she lives, 291 times on the day that people with the last names A through H were eligible to call.

She never connected to anyone.

Visitors to the Department of Labor are turned away at the door by personnel due to closures over coronavirus concerns in New York.

Carignan, 57, was laid off -- temporarily, she hopes -- from her position as a certified medical assistant at an orthopedic practice in Portland, Maine, a job she had held for 20 years. The office furloughed her and others because they’re unable to see many patients. She hopes to return once the coronavirus is contained.

“It’s hard to feel like you can’t help people,” she said.

Even with non-essential businesses largely closed and health authorities imploring people to stay at home, some Americans who have lost jobs continue to look for work. Normally, to qualify for unemployment benefits, people who are laid off must activity look for a new job. But unlike in previous recessions, that expectation has become nearly impossible. Many states as a result are waiving or loosening the requirement to look for work.

In Tennessee, people on unemployment can satisfy the jobsearch mandate by creating and maintaining a re-employment plan.

But many appear to be unaware. And at least some of the jobless say they’re still receiving notifications from the state saying they must actively seek work.

Shamira Chism was laid off from her job as a line cook at a Nashville restaurant three weeks ago. To prove she is looking for work, she said, she must do an online job search twice a week and save the

search. There are a few job postings at grocery stories and big distribution centers like Amazon but nothing in her field, she said.

Few states have managed yet to distribute to recipients the extra $600 a week in unemployment aid that the federal package provided.

Tennessee is working to upgrade its computer system so it can do so.

Chism, 31, is able to pay her bills right now only with the help of her parents. Tennessee unemployment benefits are $275 per week.

For other unemployed workers, the viral shutdowns have made it nearly impossible to do the kind of networking that is normally a crucial part of a job hunt.

Ryan LaRe of Salt Lake City has been looking for work since mid-February. At first, things seemed normal: He applied, got some interviews and moved through the process. He has worked as a fundraiser for non-profit groups, a field that is in turmoil as donations have dried up.

Now, nearly every employer he has looked into has imposed a hiring freeze. He’s expanded to call center and administrative assistant positions. Still no luck.

“It makes mundane tasks feel monumental when I don’t know where my money is going to be in a month,” said LaRe, 24. “The aspect of staying at home is hard enough, and not feeling productive is going to be what gets to me.”

Lockdowns mean millions of women can’t reach birth control

The callers were in tears. One by one, women in homes across rural Zimbabwe had a pleading question: When would family planning services return?

Lockdowns imposed to curb the coronavirus’ spread have put millions of women in Africa, Asia and elsewhere out of reach of birth control and other sexual and reproductive health needs. Confined to their homes with their husbands and others, they face unwanted pregnancies and little idea of when they can reach the outside world again.

In these uncertain times, women “have to lock down their uterus,” Abebe Shibru, Zimbabwe country director for Marie Stopes International, told The Associated Press. “But there is no way in a rural

area.”

Eighteen countries in Africa have imposed national lockdowns, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All but essential workers or those seeking food or health care must stay home for weeks, maybe longer. Rwanda, the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to impose a lockdown, has extended it for two weeks, a possible sign of things to come.

Even where family planning remains available, providers say many women fear venturing out and being beaten by security forces and accused of defying the new restrictions.

Meanwhile, outreach services, the key to reaching rural women, have largely stopped to avoid drawing crowds and the risk of workers spreading the virus

from one community to another.

The International Planned Parenthood Federation, or IPPF, in a new report Thursday says more than one in five member clinics around the world have closed because of the pandemic and related restrictions.

More than 5,000 mobile clinics across 64 countries have closed. Most are in South Asia and Africa, but Latin America and Europe have seen hundreds of closures as well.

From Pakistan to Germany to Colombia, IPPF members say they have scaled down HIV testing and gender-based violence response work and face shortages of contraceptives.

“They have needs that cannot wait,” IPPF director-general Alvaro Bermejo said of women in a statement, pleading for help from national

A woman holds a packet of contraceptive pills, in Harare, Thursday, April 9, 2020. governments to help provide personal protective equipment to allow for intimate care.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild to moderate symptoms such as fever and cough.

But for some, especially older adults and the infirm, it can cause pneumonia and death.

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

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LOCAL NEWS

Beaches Resort Villages & Spa donates ca B

eaches Resort Villages & Spa donated care packages to all 1,800+ Team Members during closure, due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Team members received a number of essential items that will help them during their time of

need.

Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman said, “The best companies in the world are the ones that take care of the team members.

We want to ensure that during this challenge, our resort team members do not go home empty-

handed. In addition to retaining benefits, fully paid vacation and portion of their salaries, our resort team members will also receive a care package (much like this one).

This is a tough time but we’re in it together. Thank you Team, Sandals will be back better than ever.”

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

LOCAL NEWS

are packages to all 1,800+ Team Members

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HOW TO PAY YOUR FORTISTCI BILL

Dear Valued Customer, As the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold, FortisTCI wants you to know that we are here for you.

We are following our robust business continuity plans, and our employees are working around the clock to keep the lights on.

For those working to keep their bills as current as possible, we are offering more ways to pay while our customer service centers are closed.

My Online Account

The online customer web portal is accessible 24 hours a day and allows you to monitor your daily consumption, view your account balance, and pay your bill using a credit or debit card.

To register, log onto www.fortistci.com, select the ‘My Online Account’ tab, and click ‘register now’. You will need your meter number and account number.

Pay Online Using a Local Bank

If you bank with FirstCaribbean, ScotiaBank, or RBC, you can pay your bill online using their online bill payment option. You must register through your bank and should speak with a bank representative for more information. Payments are posted within 48 hours.

Payment by Cash or Check

Customers who cannot pay online using a credit card, debit card, or their bank account, can pay their bills by check or cash at the following authorized payment agent locations: • Provo – Any Graceway Supermarket location • North & Middle Caicos – At BETCO (Bernie Handfield), Bottle Creek • South Caicos – At Seaview Market, Stubbs Road

Payment options for Grand Turk and Salt Cay customers will be announced shortly.

Customers are reminded to adhere to all curfew stipulations as outlined by the government and should only access the above essential service locations at times prescribed in the law. If utilizing an authorized pay agent to make a bill payment, have your bill on hand at the time of payment.

Questions? Email or Call for Account Updates

If you have questions or need account information, you can email us at customerservice@fortistci.com, or call 649-946-4313. Our customer service representatives are available Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Sincerely, FortisTCI 2017 Winner

Allied Member of the Year

BCMS 681102

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

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

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APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

ENTERTAINMENT

Gaga raises $35M for virus fight, curates all-star TV event

Lady Gaga and advocacy this historical, unprecedented organization Global Citizen cultural movement. And three, have raised $35 million to we want to celebrate and fight the coronavirus and will encourage the power of the launch a TV special featuring human spirit,” she said.

Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder The multi-hour TV and Billie Eilish to combat the special, which will also stream growing virus. live on YouTube, Apple, Gaga said on Monday Facebook, Instagram, Twitter R. Kelly appears during a hearing at the Leighton Criminal that the money was raised in and more platforms, will include Courthouse in Chicago. seven days and will benefit The appearances by Elton John, World Health Organization. The David Beckham, John Legend, pop star and Global Citizen Eddie Vedder, Kerry Washington, also announced “One World: Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Lizzo, Together At Home,” a televised J Balvin, Andrea Bocelli and event aimed at fighting the Maluma. Idris Elba and his wife, coronavirus. It will air April 18 Sabrina Elba, who both tested

A federal judge in New York on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Eastern simultaneously posted for coronavirus, will also denied R&B singer R. Kelly’s request for release on ABC, NBC, CBS, iHeartMedia take part in the special.

Gaga said the money from jail in Chicago because he was concerned and Bell Media networks.

“I would like to reiterate raised will help buy muchhe could contract the coronavirus while behind our deep gratitude to the medical needed protective gear for bars.

“The defendant is currently in custody community. My heart is very health workers, improve lab because of the risks that he will flee or attempt achy and warm for those who capacities and further research to obstruct, threaten or intimidate prospective are ER doctors as well as nurses and development into possible witnesses,” U.S. District Judge Ann Donnelly of who are sleeping in cars to make drugs and vaccines to treat the Brooklyn wrote in her denial. “The defendant sure they don’t infect their new coronavirus. The singer has not explained how those risks have changed.” families or their patients. What said she plans to raise more

The 53-year-old Kelly has been in you are doing is putting yourself money and explained that the custody in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in harm’s way to help the world TV special is not a fundraiser: in downtown Chicago since he was indicted on and we all salute you,” Gaga “Put your wallets away ... and sit federal child pornography, obstruction of justice said during a news conference back and enjoy the show you all Monday. deserve.” and racketeering charges.

“What’s very important Stephen Colbert, Jimmy

Three staff members at the federal lockup have tested positive for the virus, but is three things happening for Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel will no inmates have been reported with infections. all of us. That we celebrate host “One World: Together Cases have been reported at Cook County Jail in and we highlight the singular At Home,” which will also Chicago and other jails and prisons around the kind global community that highlight those affected by the country. Kelly’s attorneys filed a motion in late is arising right now. Two, we virus and celebrate health care March arguing that people in such facilities are want to highlight the gravity of workers on the front lines. at particular risk of contracting the virus.

Federal prosecutors in Brooklyn said the Chicago lockup and other federal facilities have taken steps to prevent the virus from spreading.

Further, they wrote that a “generalized risk” that an inmate could contract the virus doesn’t justify their release.

Kelly has denied ever abusing anyone From finding ways to than other communities,” said and has pleaded not guilty to all the charges help others cope to sheltering Scott Mills, BET president. “BET against him. He faces several dozen counts of in place to canceling events, is using all of our resources – our state and federal sexual misconduct charges in here’s a look at some of the ways capital, our media platforms, Illinois, Minnesota and New York, from sexual the entertainment industry is our relationships with the assault to heading a racketeering scheme aimed reacting to the spread of the creative community, sponsors, at supplying Kelly with girls. coronavirus, which most people businesses and charitable

Judge: R Kelly must remain locked up amid coronavirus crisis

Lady Gaga at the 2019 Daily Front Row’s Fashion Los Angeles Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Others taking part in the TV special include Green Day’s Billy Joe Armstrong, Lang Lang, Kacey Musgraves, Alanis Morissette, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Shah Rukh Khan, Keith Urban, Burna Boy and Eilish’s producer-brother, Finneas.

BET plans all-star coronavirus special; Broadway stays dark

recover from but can cause severe illness in the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions.

organizations to support our community in this time of crisis.”

Celebrity guests will give up-to-date information and drive viewers to needed resources TV NETWORK BET PLANS during this unprecedented STARRY SHOW time, and in partnership with United Way, proceeds are being DJ Khaled at the 62nd annual Grammy

DJ Khaled, Charlie donated to African American Awards in Los Angeles Wilson, Chance the Rapper, Kirk communities severely impacted continues to be the health Franklin, Fantasia and Melvin by COVID-19. and well-being of Broadway Crispell III are slated to perform theatergoers and the thousands in a special BET show that will BROADWAY EXTENDS of people who work in the assist people of color in dealing ITS SHUTDOWN theater industry every day, with the coronavirus. including actors, musicians,

The “Saving Our Selves: Broadway producers have stagehands, ushers and many A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort” extended the suspension of all other dedicated professionals.” broadcast special will air April shows on the Great White Way, said Charlotte St. Martin, 22 at 8 p.m. EDT. saying musical and plays will president of the Broadway

The special will be stay shuttered through June 7 in League. hosted by singer and actress accordance with latest medical Already some shows Kelly Rowland, TV personality guidance. scheduled to open this spring Terrence J and actress Regina Broadway abruptly closed on have abandoned plans of ever Hall. The special will give up- March 12 and announced returning, including “Hangmen” to-date information and drive plans to reopen the week of and a revival of Edward Albee’s viewers to needed resources.

April 13. But that timetable “Who’s Afraid of Virginia

“Every day, there was increasingly looking too Woolf?” Others — like revivals are new reports of how this optimistic as the city saw an of “Caroline, or Change” and pandemic is killing African alarming surge in deaths.

“Birthday Candles” — have been Americans at much higher rates “Our top priority moved to the fall.

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HEALTHY

LIFESTYLE

Doctors embrace drug touted by Trump for COVID-19, without hard evidence it works

The decades-old drug that President Donald Trump has persistently promoted as a potential weapon against COVID-19 has within a matter of weeks become a standard of care in areas of the United States hit hard by the pandemic — though doctors prescribing it have no idea whether it works.

Doctors and pharmacists from more than half a dozen large healthcare systems in New York, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Ohio, Washington and California told Reuters they are routinely using hydroxychloroquine on patients hospitalized with COVID-19. At the same time, several said they have seen no evidence that the drug, used for years to treat malaria and autoimmune disorders, has any effect on the virus.

Use of hydroxychloroquine has soared as the United States has quickly become the epicenter of the pandemic. More than 355,000 people in the United States have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, and more than 10,000 have died.

The federal government estimates that as many as 240,000 people in the country may die from the disease before the outbreak is over.

Facing those numbers, and in the absence of any known effective treatments, doctors on the frontlines said they began using hydroxychloroquine and the related chloroquine on patients who are

deteriorating based on a few small they receive therapy. These factors, studies suggesting a possible benefit. doctors said, have made it difficult Some said they had come under for them to determine whether the pressure from patients to use the drugs are making a difference. “I therapies widely touted by Trump have seen hundreds of patients with and other supporters. severe COVID and most of these

“I may take it,” Trump people are on hydroxychloroquine,” said on Saturday, referring to Dr Mangala Narasimhan, regional hydroxychloroquine, though he has director of critical care at Northwell twice tested negative for coronavirus, Health, a 23-hospital system in according to the White House. New York, said in an email. “In my “We’re just hearing really positive opinion, although it is very early, I stories, and we’re continuing to do not see a dramatic improvement collect the data.” from the hydroxychloroquine in

Potential side effects of these patients.” Dr Daniel McQuillen, hydroxychloroquine include vision an infectious disease specialist at loss and heart problems. But doctors Lahey Hospital & Medical Center interviewed by Reuters say they are in Burlington, Massachusetts, comfortable prescribing the drug said he has prescribed a course of for a short course of several days hydroxychloroquine for about 30 for coronavirus patients because COVID-19 patients so far because the risks are relatively low and the drug has shown “a little bit of the therapies are inexpensive and antiviral activity.” But he has not generally available. seen “marked improvement for

However, protocols directing patients.” how these drugs should be used “Anecdotally, it may have vary from one hospital to another, had limited effect in patients with including when to introduce them milder disease,” McQuillen said. and whether to combine them The therapy “has had no effect in with other drugs. In addition, some limiting or slowing progression of studies showing promise involve our patients that have been at or patients who took the therapies for near ICU level when they arrived.” mild or early-stage illness. Many of those people are likely to recover ‘SEE WHAT STICKS’ from the virus on their own.

`Patients admitted to the The experience of David Lat, hospital in the United States are a legal recruiter and commentator generally much sicker than the mildly who founded the blog Above the ill cases cited in such studies when Law, reflects the mixture of hope

A woman holds a hydroxychloroquine prescription in Seattle, Washington, U.S. March 31, 2020. and uncertainty surrounding the drugs now being pursued as possible coronavirus treatments.

Since early March, the 44-year-old New Yorker has chronicled his near-fatal infection with coronavirus in social media posts followed by thousands of people. Lat’s case has resonated with a U.S. audience that has begun to recognize the risk that coronavirus poses not only to elderly patients with serious medical conditions, but also to generally healthy younger adults.

After more than a week of worsening symptoms, Lat was admitted to NYU Langone Medical Center on March 16 and later placed on a ventilator. On March 28, he shared on Facebook that his doctors had taken him off of the ventilator and had moved him out of intensive care after his condition improved dramatically.

Somalis turn to Dr Hyena to fight depression, mental illness

The growls from the caged hyena reverberate through the room as Mohamed Sheikh Yakub slumps silently in a chair nearby, hoping the animal will frighten away the evil spirits he says have troubled him since his divorce.

The traditional treatment rooted in the belief that hyenas can devour the ‘jinns’ or spirits widely blamed in the region for depression and mental illness - takes place in a sweltering shack in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu.

The Horn of Africa nation, which has suffered decades of civil war, only has three trained psychiatrists, the World Health Organization says.

In the absence of conventional therapies, many people are turning to traditional healers including Yakub’s exorcist a spry 70-year-old called Aden Igaal who goes by the name of Dr. Hyena.

Medics at the capital’s Turkish-funded Erdogan Hospital say there is no scientific basis for the treatment. “I don’t think it can help,” said neurosurgeon Dr. Nur Abdullahi Karshe.

Psychiatric nurse Abdirahman Ali Awale, known as ‘Dr.

Mohamed Sheikh Yakub, a patient suffering with mental illness, sits inside the treatment room where a hyena believed to exorcise evil spirits that cause mental illness is secured in a cage.

Habeeb’, says he always encourages after giving up on other avenues. people to get clinical rather than “I took her to every hospital in traditional treatment. “I am trying Mogadishu but wasted my money. I to educate them to not go to the was hopeless,” Ahmed tells Reuters. hyenas,” he said.

She says the treatment worked.

But patients at Dr. Hyena’s “Thank God, she is OK.” shack and their families say they In the past, other healers have little choice given the shortage often locked patients into rooms of alternatives. with unrestrained animals, Dr.

Fatuma Ahmed says she took Hyena says. His use of a cage means her 13-year-old daughter to Dr Hyena there haven’t been any injuries since

he started his practice four years ago, he tells Reuters.

Patients have red thread tied around their little fingers to stop the spirits from slipping away temporarily before the hyena can deal with them properly, he says.

He got into the business after his sister was treated by traditional healer. “This inspired me to look for a hyena to heal the people.”

He found a hyena pup for sale for $1,200, nicknamed it Ali and set up shop, charging people $10 a session - still pricey in a city where a soldier receives $100 per month.

Back in the treatment shack, the hyena swings its head around and snuffles against the cage’s narrow bars. But Mohamed Sheikh Yakub shows no sign of improvement and remains listless and withdrawn.

Dr Hyena stops the session after few minutes, saying his animal has not managed to detect any sprits.

Some conditions are not caused by jinns, he says. But Yakub should come back three more times, just to make sure.

Yakub’s brother, who was with him throughout the treatment, occasionally holding him up to the cage, leads him outside.

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CARIBBEAN WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWSNEWS CARIBBEAN

NEWS NEWS

Cayman Islands Premier says immigration status will not be issue during crisis

Prosecutions for immigration offences will not be carried out for the duration of the coronavirus crisis in the Cayman Islands, Premier Alden McLaughlin said during a Saturday press briefing.

“We’ve taken the approach that, although this is going to require legislation, we can do that retroactively,” he said.

“There will be no attempt to enforce or to prosecute or do anything to people with respect to their immigration status during this crisis.”

While the Customs and Border Control extensions and visa counters are closed until further notice, McLaughlin explained that foreign workers would not be punished if their work permits expire during the crisis. To address

the issue, government will need to organise a sitting of the Legislative Assembly that complies with public health guidelines.

“We are trying to figure out how we can actually have a meeting of the Legislative Assembly virtually or with requisite social distancing measures in place,” McLaughlin said.

“We certainly cannot have all of the members in the Legislative Assembly because the seats are just too close. Opportunities to brush against people are just too great.

So, we’re trying to figure out, as is the UK, how we can have a virtual meeting of the Legislative Assembly.”

Such a meeting would look at the Immigration Law, as well as pensions and vehicle registrations.

McLaughlin described vehicle registration renewals as

another “troublesome issue” at the moment. While certain renewal and registration needs may be carried out online, registrations cannot currently be extended online for vehicles in need of inspection.

“We’re looking at what we can do with that as well,” McLaughlin said. “Otherwise, a lot of people are going to be driving around without properly licensed vehicles because they simply do not have the ability to actually have them inspected. So, we are looking at that as well.”

The premier explained that Cayman Islands, Premier Alden McLaughlin while Cabinet has been able to act curfew and all of the measures we are on certain issues under the Public taking there because we already have Health Law and the Police Law, the Public Health Law and Police additional legislation is needed to Law, which allows Cabinet to make address the full range of community regulations,” he said. needs.

“But to amend legislation

“We are able to deal with the requires a meeting of the House.”

CDB makes US$140 million available to counter the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters

The Board of Directors could be even more profound. of the Caribbean Development “The extent of decline Bank (CDB) met this week of gross domestic product and approved up to US$140 will depend on the duration million to be used by the Bank’s of the pandemic and the Borrowing Member Countries effectiveness of the policy to tackle the fallout of the responses by the countries. Our COVID-19 pandemic and other goal is to ensure our Borrowing shocks to their economy.

Member Countries get access

“The economic and to appropriate financing during social shock of the COVID-19 the COVID-19 pandemic and to pandemic will likely be severe be their partner in the post-crisis in most Caribbean countries. recovery,” said Dr. Smith.

There is the additional concern CDB has responded to its that the situation could be Borrowing Member Countries’ exacerbated in the near future need for assistance during this given our Region’s vulnerability crisis by increasing the limit on to natural disasters, and with its policy-based loans. These the hurricane season less than loans are designed to respond two months away. We, at CDB, to exogenous shocks and to stand ready to assist Caribbean support economic growth and countries to alleviate these poverty reduction through shocks,” said CDB President Dr. policy reforms. Since the first Warren Smith. policy-based loan in 2006, CDB

Taking into account the has provided some US$875 high degree of uncertainty, it is million for such loans. expected that at least 1-2% could CDB is often the main be shaved off previous estimates partner that a number of the of global growth as a result of Borrowing Member Countries COVID-19. For the Caribbean rely on for financing, technical Region, as a whole, the impact assistance and policy advice

RFA Argus

The flat-deck casualty receiving ship RFA Argus has set sail for the Caribbean to support the British Overseas Territories during the upcoming hurricane season and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Argus is a converted container ship fitted CDB President Dr. Warren Smith. with an aviation deck and a 70-bed hospital during crises. facility. As she is an armed fleet auxiliary she

“The US$140 million is not formally classified as a hospital ship, but allocation is the first of a she has extensive medical capabilities, including package of assistance that CDB ICU beds and medical imaging equipment. She is developing to assist our has previous experience with infectious disease Borrowing Member Countries response, as she was deployed to Sierra Leone in to cope with COVID-19. Our 2014 to provide aid during an ebola outbreak. financing and technical

RFA Argus’ current deployment to the assistance, during this period, Caribbean had been scheduled for the hurricane will be directed mainly towards season, but she will now be able to play a part the most vulnerable within our in ensuring the UK government can support its societies and give the highest overseas territories during the pandemic. priority to strengthening social

“The Armed Forces are taking decisive safety nets,” stressed CDB and coordinated action both at home and President Dr. Smith. overseas to respond to the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary have worked hard to ensure that RFA Argus is ready for the hurricane season in the Caribbean and now also able to support the UK’s Overseas Territories the failure to date of the Court during the pandemic,” said Minister of State of Appeal to give a decision for Defence Jeremy Quinn. “The deployment of should be treated as if it were a this ship is just one way the UK Government is dismissal of his appeal. supporting communities at home and overseas

It was on this basis, that as together we face the biggest public health he believed the CCJ should emergency in a generation.” give him permission to appeal

On board RFA Argus are Royal Marines, Justice Worrell’s order. In effect, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Royal Navy sailors and he was seeking to bypass the aviators from 815 Naval Air Squadron, 845 Naval Court of Appeal and take his Air Squadron and 1700 Naval Air Squadron. A case straight to the CCJ from medical team could later join Argus in the the High Court.

Caribbean to support the UK Government’s contribution to responding to Covid-19.

CCJ will rule only after Court of Appeal

The Caribbean Court of against Ms Knox, who passed Justice (CCJ) on Tuesday ruled away and is now represented by that it can only hear appeals her son, Mr Knox. from judgments delivered by The order, made in the the Court of Appeal.

High Court by Worrell J, was to

The Court’s judgment seize dividends from Kingsland was handed down in the case Estates Limited that were of Knox v Deane and others – a payable to the mother’s estate. dispute that has a long history Knox appealed to the Court of in the courts of Barbados.

Appeal, but that court reserved

The CCJ, says that in its decision in 2016 and to date this latest round of litigation, has not given its judgment. a judge had made an order Knox took the view that

Royal Navy Medical Ship Sails for Caribbean for COVID-19 Response

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

United States deports Haitians despite coronavirus fears

Vybz Kartel

Vybz Kartel loses appeal

Popular dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel, on Friday lost an appeal against his murder conviction.

After a near two-year wait, the Court of Appeal handed down a judgment affirming the murder conviction of the popular entertainer.

The court also upheld the convictions and sentences for dancehall artiste Shawn Storm and two other men, Kahira Jones and Andre St John.

The appeal was heard by President of the Court of Appeal Dennis Morrison as well as Frank Williams and Patrick Brooks.

In April 2014, Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer; Shawn Storm, given name Shawn Campbell; Jones and St John were convicted for the August 2011 killing of Clive “Lizard” Williams at a house in Havendale, St Andrew.

They were all sentenced to life in prison by since retired High Court judge, Justice Lennox Campbell.

The judge said Kartel would be eligible for parole after serving 35 years. His co-convicts were also given mandatory life sentences and have been ordered to each serve 25 years before becoming eligible for parole.

Trinidad extends order to stay at home Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley on Monday announced that his administration has decided to extended the “Stay at Home” order for an additional 15 days as it works to limit the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Prime Minister of Trinidad and

At a media Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley. briefing on Monday, Rowley said that the order, which was scheduled to expire on April 15, will now be extended until April 30.

The Prime Minister said this was done as the country could be “in a worse situation than we were on the first of the 15 days that we started out with for stay home”.

Rowley put the public on notice, stating that sanctions to ensure compliance with this order will be intensified.

He stressed this is what is required to flatten the curve of the virus. He also announced that effective immediately, all people venturing into public spaces including groceries and pharmacies are advised to wear masks to cover their noses and mouths and the Ministry of Health will be distributing masks shortly.

The opening hours for essential services have also been adjusted and they will take effect on April 7.

The United States, the new epicenter of the global coronavirus pandemic, deported 61 Haitian migrants on Tuesday despite fears of further spreading the deadly disease in the poorest country in the Americas.

Some U.S. lawmakers, immigration advocates and Haitian human rights activists said it was irresponsible for the United States to continue deportations to Haiti, which is ill-equipped to contain any outbreak of disease due to inadequate sanitation infrastructure and healthcare services.

The densely populated country last month closed its borders after detecting its first two cases of the novel coronavirus, which causes the respiratory illness COVID-19, a tally that has since risen to 25 compared to more than 380,000 in the United States.

None of the deportees on Tuesday had any symptoms before boarding the flight, although they had not been tested for the virus and could be asymptomatic, Haiti’s foreign minister, Claude Joseph, told a virtual news conference.

Three migrants whom the United States deported on a March 26 flight to Guatemala and who arrived without virus symptoms have since been hospitalized after testing positive.

The Haitian deportees would be placed in quarantine on arrival, Joseph said. Critics

People wait to get water from a communal tap, during an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Port-au-Prince, Haiti April 2, 2020. question how effective this is, with multiple local media reports of those quarantined escaping.

“If this leads to more cases, Haiti isn’t prepared to respond and our whole region remains at risk,” wrote Representative Andy Levin, a Democrat, on Twitter.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Haiti Foreign Ministry spokesman Israel Jacky Cantave told Reuters the ministry had negotiated with U.S. officials for the flight not to include any migrants with a criminal record. The country is trying to decongest its prisons that are particularly vulnerable to an outbreak of disease.

As such it received fewer deportees than originally proposed, Cantave said.

Guatemala has also asked the United States to limit its deportations to the country

to 25 persons per plane because of concerns over the spread of the coronavirus.

Haiti’s government has closed schools and most industrial parks in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus.

But with most Haitians working in the informal economy and living hand-to-mouth, it is struggling to get them to stay at home.

Already last year, rights organizations were warning of a looming food crisis due to the economic impact of political unrest, racing inflation and a bad harvest.

Authorities have started distributing packages of food staples such as bread and rice to particularly vulnerable households. They are also distributing public handwashing stations and disinfecting public squares in some neighborhoods like the wealthy Petionville suburb of Port-au-Prince.

Shootout with police in Nassau after murder

Detectives are looking for a gunman who fatally shot a man before he got into a shootout with a policeman Tuesday afternoon.

Superintendent Shanta Knowles said the murder victim is “known to police”.

The man, whose identity has been withheld pending notification of next-of-kin, was standing on Hampton Street shortly before 1 p.m. when the killer arrived in a black Japanese car.

Knowles said that a man brandishing a “high-powered weapon” emerged from the car and shot the other man, fatally wounding him.

As the gunman was getting back into the car, a police officer who heard the shots came into the street, Knowles said.

She added, “The gunman confronted the officer and there was an exchange of gunshots.

The man was able to get back into the vehicle and they were able to make good their escape.”

The officer was not

Mortuary services personnel remove the body of a male found shot to death on Hampton Street off Mount Royal Avenue yesterday. injured during the exchange of gunfire. However, Knowles was unable to say whether the gunman was hurt.

A short time later, police found the getaway car abandoned at Carib Road.

Knowles could not say whether the car had been reported stolen, or if police had identified a suspect.

She appealed to anyone with information to call the Central Detective Unit at 5029991/2 or Crime Stoppers at

328-8477.

A witness told The Nassau Guardian that the murder “was like a movie”.

The 60-year-old man, who asked to remain anonymous, said he was taking a shortcut through Hampton Street when the killers’ Toyota Passo pulled in front of his van.

The witness said that a man armed with an AK-47 assault rifle and two others, armed with 9mm pistols, got of the car and opened fire on the man.

The witness recalled, “He was on the ground and they just continued lighting him up.”

Afraid for his life, the witness said he abandoned his van.

“I ran for my life. I jumped over a fence and upon going over the fence I landed on my shoulder…and messed up my leg and hand,” he said.

The man said the gunman shot through the windshield of his van, striking the area “where my head was”.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

Barbados among countries accusing US of blocking or taking medical equipment to fight the coronavirus

The US has been accused of commandeering shipments of masks, ventilators, and other essential medical equipment destined for other countries, as the market for coronavirus supplies becomes increasingly fraught.

Government officials are questioning methods used by the White House to acquire supplies, said to include diverting a shipment of masks intended for German police, and outbidding the original buyers on a large shipment of protective gear bound for France.

The Trump administration has pushed back hard against the reports, describing them in a statement to Politico as “completely false.”

Barbados Minister of Health and Wellness, Lieutenant Col Jeffrey Bostic said in a press conference on Sunday: “They [the ventilators] were seized in the United States. Paid for, but seized, so we are trying to see exactly what is going to transpire there.”

“But I remind you that ventilators are one of the most indemand items in the world today

saying by Politico.

But on Monday, April 6, the Trump administration changed its mind, announcing that it would allow 3M to continue exporting its US-made respirators to Canada as well as Latin America, the Guardian reported.

CEO of 3M Mike Roman, said in a written statement: “I want to thank President Trump and the administration for their leadership and collaboration. These imports will supplement the 35 million N95 respirators we currently produce per month in the United States.”

After state governors realized that they couldn’t rely on the national Pallets of surgical gowns are unloaded from an international cargo plane in Miami, Florida, on stockpile, they started to turn on March 31, 2020. each other. and Barbados is merely wrestling Justin Trudeau said last week, it On April 4, New York with the other 203 countries and would be a “mistake” for the US to governor Andrew Cuomo said that territories around the world seeking limit exports of medical supplies to it was like “being on eBay with 50 to secure as many of these pieces of Canada. other states.” equipment as possible.”

“These are things that Cuomo, whose state is

As of April 6, Barbados has Americans rely on and it would be a battling the nation’s worst outbreak 56 confirmed cases of coronavirus mistake to create blockages or reduce said: “I can’t find any more and recorded its first death over the the amount of back-and-forth trade equipment. It’s not a question of weekend, according to The New York of essential goods and services, money. We need the federal help Times. including medical goods, across and we need the federal help now.”

Canadian Prime Minister our border,” Trudeau was quoted as

Virus test chemical running low at CARPHA

CARPHA deputy director and infectious disease specialist Dr Lisa Indar.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is actively searching for suppliers of a key ingredient to the COVID-19 testing process amidst a global shortage, the Trinidad Guardian has reported.

The chemical reagent is crucial to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing process. But high demand for the chemical as countries around the world ramp up testing to battle COVID-19 has led to a shortage.

“The CMML (CARPHA’s Medical Microbiology Laboratory) has been impacted by global shortages of reagents. However, our current reagent capacity is we have enough media to take us through the next three weeks,” CARPHA deputy director and infectious disease specialist Dr Lisa Indar was quoted by the paper as saying in a virtual press conference on Wednesday.

The Guardian said CARPHA placed preorders for the reagents in January before there were any cases of the virus in the Caribbean.

“It’s just the time it’s taking to get to us because of the shortage,” Dr Indar told reporters.

“Sandals State Of Mind” Brings Caribbean Into Your Home

With travel plans on hold and guests unable to travel for their vacations, Sandals Resorts is helping bring a taste of the Caribbean to households across the world.

The new social-led campaign, #SandalsStateOfMind and #BeachesStateOfMind, aims to bring all aspects of an allinclusive vacation to guests through a series of short videos across social media.

From favorite cocktail recipes to tips on how couples can spice up their romance in quarantine, from learning how to make a Sandals-style bubble bath at home to using Caribbean-inspired recipes to create your own five-star dinner, to a Sandals play list and more, Sandals’ hope is to transport readers into a #SandalsStateofMind from the safety of their homes.

For those with little ones, the #BeachesStateofMind campaign provides great at-home activities for kids, including towel monkey making tutorial, at-home picnics, mocktail recipes, fruit

Sandals Resorts sushi tutorials and more.

Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Sandals Resorts founder and chairman, said on his Instagram, “While you’re focused on staying safe at home, we’re here to help you find ways to indulge in some relaxation and romance at home.”

In addition, Sandals is looking to host a series of virtual events for Sandals Reunion Week, which normally takes place in April. Every year, Sandals Select members (loyalty

guests) are invited to come together at Sandals Resorts throughout the Caribbean to celebrate their continued loyalty and the friendships they have made with other guests.

One is held at Sandals Resorts and one at Beaches Resorts each year. This week includes games and activities that can all be done via the members own social media account, including things like Bingo, scavenger hunts, crafts and more.

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WORLD

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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WORLD NEWS

NEWS

16.8Million Americans thrown out of work as economic toll rises

NEW YORK — The coronavirus outbreak has thrown at least 16.8 million Americans onto the unemployment rolls in just three weeks, underscoring the terrifying speed with which the crisis has brought world economies to a near standstill.

Meanwhile, world leaders and health officials are fervently warning that hardwon gains in the fight against the scourge must not be jeopardized by relaxing social distancing during the Easter holiday.

A spike in deaths in Britain and New York and surges of reported new infections in Japan and in India’s congested cities make it clear the battle is far from over.

Numbers released by the U.S. government on Thursday showed that 6.6 million workers applied for unemployment benefits last week, on top of more than 10 million in the two weeks before that. That means more than 1 in 10 American workers have been forced out of a job since the crisis took hold.

The real numbers

could be even higher because the surge of jobless claims has overwhelmed state unemployment offices around the country, and some people have been unable to get through by telephone or website. And still more job cuts are expected.

The U.S. unemployment rate could hit 15% — a number last seen at the tail end of the Depression — when the figures for April come out.

The aid organization Oxfam International warned of a looming spike in global poverty, estimating that around half a billion people worldwide could be pushed into poverty if wealthier nations do not take urgent action.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top American infectiousdiseases expert, said the epidemic will demand permanent changes in people’s behavior until a vaccine is developed. He said people should be constantly washing their hands and those who are sick should not go to school or work.

“Don’t anybody ever shake hands again,” he said.

“I mean, it sounds crazy, but that’s the way it’s really got to be until we get to a point where we know the population is protected.”

He also shot down hopes that warmer spring weather would bring an end to the crisis.

“One should not assume that we are going to be rescued by a change in the weather,” he said. “You must assume that the virus will continue to do its thing.”

The U.S. has by far the most confirmed infections with over 430,000, three times the number of the next three countries combined. New York state on Wednesday recorded its highest one-day increase in deaths, 779, for an overall death toll of almost 6,300.

New York has more than 40% of the U.S. death total of around 15,000.

“We are flattening the curve because we are rigorous about social distancing,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “But it’s not a time to be complacent.”

CDC issues new guidance for essential workers exposed to coronavirus

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday issued new guidelines aimed at getting workers who have been exposed to the coronavirus in critical fields back to work faster.

Under the old guidance, workers were told to stay at home for 14 days if they were exposed to someone who had tested positive for coronavirus.

The new guidelines will allow critical workers who have been exposed go back to work as long as they are asymptomatic and follow conditions like taking their temperature before going to work, wearing a face mask at all times and practicing social distancing at work as much as possible.

The new guidance is intended to allow health care workers, food supply workers, and others in critical industries to go back to work sooner, as long as they do not have symptoms.

“One of the most important things we can do is keep our critical workforce working,” CDC Director Robert Redfield said while unveiling the new guidelines during a White House news briefing.

The guidelines also call on employers to take steps like sending workers home immediately if they are sick and to try to increase air exchange in the workplace.

Amid the focus on critical workers, Senate Democrats are also calling for a “Heroes Fund” to increase pay for those who are needed to remain at work to keep society running, up to $25,000.

Sanders drops 2020 bid, leaving Biden as likely nominee

Sen. Bernie Sanders ended his presidential bid on Wednesday, making Joe Biden the presumptive Democratic nominee to challenge President Donald Trump in a general election campaign that will be waged against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sanders initially exceeded sky-high expectations about his ability to recreate the magic of his 2016 presidential bid, and even overcame a heart attack last October.

But he couldn’t convert unwavering support from progressives into a viable path to the nomination, with “electability” fears fueled by questions about whether his democratic socialist ideology would be palatable to general election voters.

“The path toward victory is virtually impossible,” Sanders told supporters Wednesday. “If I believed we had a feasible path to the nomination I would certainly continue the campaign, but it’s just not there.”

He called Biden a “very decent man” but didn’t offer an explicit endorsement of the former vice president. Sanders said his name would remain on the ballot in states that have not yet held primaries so he can gain more delegates and “exert significant influence” on the Democratic platform.

Biden, who is backed by much of the party’s establishment, told supporters at a virtual fundraiser that he had a “short conversation”

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., as he announces he is ending his presidential campaign Wednesday, April 8, 2020, in Burlington, Vt. with Sanders on Wednesday.

“He didn’t just run a political campaign. He created a movement,” Biden said. “That’s a good thing for our nation and our future. His campaign has ended, but I know his leadership will continue.”

Trump sought to foment the tension among Democrats by tweeting Wednesday that the party stacked the race against Sanders.

The president said the senator’s supporters “should come to the Republican Party.”

Sanders began his latest White House bid facing questions about whether he could win back the supporters who chose him four years ago as an insurgent alternative to Hillary Clinton. Despite winning 22 states in 2016, there were

no guarantees he’d be a major presidential contender this cycle.

But Sanders used strong polling and solid fundraising — collected almost entirely from small donations made online — to quiet early doubters. Like the first time, he attracted widespread support from young voters and made new inroads within the Hispanic community, even as his appeal with African Americans remained weak.

Sanders amassed the most votes in Iowa and New Hampshire, which opened primary voting, and cruised to an easy victory in Nevada — seemingly leaving him well positioned to sprint to the Democratic nomination while a deeply crowded and divided field of alternatives sunk around him.

But Biden won a crucial endorsement from influential South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn and a subsequent, larger-than-expected victory in South Carolina, which propelled him into Super Tuesday, when he won 10 of 14 states.

In a matter of days, Biden’s former Democratic rivals lined up to endorse him. His campaign had appeared on the brink of collapse after New Hampshire but found new life as the rest of the party’s more moderate establishment coalesced around him as an alternative to Sanders.

Things only got worse the following week when Sanders lost Michigan, where he had campaigned hard and upset Clinton in 2016.

He was also beaten in Missouri, Mississippi and Idaho the same night, and the results were so decisive that Sanders headed to Vermont without speaking to the media.

The coronavirus outbreak essentially froze the campaign, preventing Sanders from holding the large rallies that had become his trademark and shifting the primary calendar. It became increasingly unclear where he could notch a victory that would help him regain ground against Biden.

But Sanders made clear that while he is exiting the campaign, he will still be a force.

“Please stay in this fight with me,” he told his backers. “The struggle continues.”

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WORLD NEWS

U.S. deports 400 migrant children under new coronavirus rules

U.S. immigration officials country illegally could spread the have rapidly deported nearly 400 coronavirus to border agents, other migrant children intercepted at the migrants and the U.S. public, a U.S.-Mexico border in the past two concern that he said justified quickly weeks under new rules billed as turning them around without seeking to limit the spread of the standard legal processes. novel coronavirus in the United

The current treatment of States, according to government minors “happens to coincide with data seen by Reuters. a long-term goal of the Trump

President Donald Trump’s administration” of quickly removing administration implemented new all migrants apprehended at the border rules on March 21 that border, said Anthony Enriquez, who scrapped decades-long practices directs a program for unaccompanied under laws meant to protect children children at Catholic Charities from human trafficking and offer A migrant child disembarks a U.S. Border Patrol bus at the processing center and shelter in Community Services in New York. them a chance to seek asylum in a Deming, New Mexico, U.S. May 27, 2019 Overall, the number of migrants U.S. immigration court. Under the from March 27 to April 2. It was Services (HHS). encountered at the border new rules, U.S. officials can quickly not clear whether the remainder dramatically after the Children traveling with fell remove people without standard of the children intercepted at the adults other than parents or legal implementation of the new border immigration proceedings. border were pushed back to Mexico guardians would also be classified as rules - with just 300 people currently

Overall, U.S. border officials or returned to their home countries “unaccompanied” and put into HHS in CBP custody, down from nearly have expelled nearly 7,000 migrants during the preceding week. care, even if the adults they were 1,400 on March 27, according to the to Mexico since the new procedures U.S. Customs and Border traveling with were family members. data seen by Reuters. took effect, according to the data and Protection As more children have been (CBP) declined to Under the new rules, however, they a Mexican government official, who comment. The agency in the past has are now called “single minors” and denied entry at the border, the spoke on condition of anonymity. said that all people caught crossing can be sent back to Mexico, according number of unaccompanied minors Of those, 377 were minors, the data illegally, including minors, could to a CBP official. in federal custody has fallen, too. showed.

The HHS office charged with be subjected to the new restrictions, Trump has made cracking

The overall number of 7,000 which aim to cut the time migrants down on immigration a central goal caring for unaccompanied minors was first published by ProPublica, arrested at the border are held in U.S. of his administration and, before in the United States said there were but the figure for children deported custody. the global health crisis, the White roughly 2,800 children in custody has not previously been reported.

Before the pandemic of House had criticized the process for on Monday, down from 3,100 five

Around 120 of the minors, COVID-19, the potentially lethal handling unaccompanied minors as days earlier. who arrived at the U.S.-Mexico respiratory disease caused by the a “loophole” that allows the release As of April 2, five children border without a parent or legal novel coronavirus, unaccompanied of migrant children into the United in HHS care had tested positive for guardian, were quickly sent on minors caught at the border were States.

COVID-19 out of 23 who had been planes back to Guatemala, Honduras placed in shelters run by the U.S. Trump said last month that tested overall. and El Salvador, according to data Department of Health and Human foreigners attempting to enter the

Canadian province of Ontario angry over ‘unacceptable’ U.S. move to block face masks

Ontario, the mostpopulous province in Canada, complained on Monday the United States had blocked the export of more than 3 million face masks it bought to fight the coronavirus outbreak, while Ottawa said it was pressuring Washington to release the gear.

The province bought two orders of almost 4 million medical masks from manufacturer 3M Co’s (MMM.N) plant in South Dakota, and one batch of nearly 3 million was halted, Premier Doug Ford told reporters.

Speaking to Global News, he called the incident “absolutely unacceptable.”

Ford, a populist conservative, said that after the Ontario and Canadian governments complained, he had been assured 500,000 of the masks would soon be released.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order last week to stop personal protective equipment from being exported, and Ford said it was “absolutely critical” that Canada be exempted.

Ford said he would be calling U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to press home the

A man wears a mask while walking along Don Mills Road as the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases continue to grow in Toronto, Ontario, Canada April 6, 2020. “we are working intensely with point.

Ontario, which has the United States to ensure the second-highest number of that all the masks that have coronavirus cases among the been bought can be exported 10 provinces, would run out of to Canada.”

Allies of the United personal protective equipment States have complained about in a week, Ford added. About what they call its “Wild 14 million people live in West” tactics in outbidding or Ontario, representing over a blocking shipments to buyers third of Canada’s population. who have already signed deals

U.S. Secretary of for medical equipment.

State Mike Pompeo spoke to death Canadian Foreign Minister Canada’s toll from COVID-19, the Francois-Philippe Champagne respiratory disease caused by on Monday and “reiterated the novel coronavirus, had the U.S. desire” to work with Canada to ensure the viability climbed to 340 by 5 p.m. (2100 of international supply GMT) on Monday, from 258 chains for medical supplies on Sunday, according to a tally and personnel, a Pompeo of provincial announcements compiled by the Canadian spokeswoman said.

Broadcasting Corp.

The Canadian Deputy number of cases rose to 16,568 Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters that from 14,426.

Trump says he had ‘very friendly’ call with political rival Biden

President Donald Trump said he had a “very friendly” conversation with Joe Biden on Monday after the Democratic presidential front-runner called to discuss the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Trump said their conversation lasted about 15 minutes.

“We had a really wonderful, warm conversation,” Trump said during his news briefing on the outbreak. “He gave me his point of view, and I fully understood that, and we just had a very friendly conversation.”

Biden, who is seeking his party’s nomination to face Trump in the Nov. 3 election, “shared several suggestions for actions the Administration can take now to address the ongoing coronavirus pandemic,” Biden’s deputy campaign manager, Kate Bedingfield, said in a statement about the unusual direct talks between the White House rivals.

She added it was “a good call.”

Biden has been delivering near-daily criticism of the president’s handling of the coronavirus crisis in interviews and campaign appearances.

The former vice president has said Trump should act with more urgency to marshal federal resources to help state governors respond to the highly contagious respiratory disease, including using presidential authority to boost domestic manufacturing of medical equipment in short supply. ` The nationwide death toll from the virus reached 10,674 and the number of known U.S. infections surpassed 360,000 on Monday even as the governors of New York and New Jersey pointed to tentative signs that the coronavirus outbreak was starting to plateau.

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WORLD NEWS

Ex-Vatican treasurer Pell leaves Australian jail after sex offences acquittal

Australia’s highest court on Tuesday acquitted former Vatican treasurer George Pell of sexually assaulting two teenaged choirboys in the 1990s, allowing the 78-year-old cardinal to walk free from jail.

The High Court ordered Pell’s convictions be quashed and verdicts of acquittal be entered in their place, ending the most high profile case of alleged historical sex abuse to rock the Roman Catholic Church.

The seven judges of the High Court agreed unanimously that the jury in the cardinal’s trial “ought to have entertained a doubt” as to his guilt. Pell, who has maintained his innocence throughout the lengthy court process, cannot be retried on the charges.

“I hold no ill will toward my accuser, I do not want my acquittal to add to the hurt and bitterness so many feel; there is certainly hurt and bitterness enough,” Pell said in a statement shortly before he was driven away from the maximum security Barwon Prison near Melbourne.

The Vatican had no immediate comment on a verdict that comes in the middle of Holy Week, the period leading up to Easter which is the most important day in the Christian calendar.

Pope Francis, who appointed Pell to overhaul the Vatican’s vast finances in 2014, said previously

he would comment only after all avenues of appeal had been exhausted.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) said it was “dismayed and heartbroken” by the outcome.

“This is a disappointing ruling that only exacerbates the mistrust survivors feel,” SNAP Australia said in a statement.

Pell, a polarising figure in Australia for his conservative views, remained a cardinal but lost his treasurer role last year when he became the highest ranked Catholic official worldwide to be jailed for child sex offences.

Pell was serving a six-year sentence on one charge of sexual penetration of a child under 16 and four charges of an indecent act with a child under 16, which the plaintiff said took place when Pell was archbishop of the city of Melbourne.

Pell’s first trial ended in a hung jury, before the jury in a second trial unanimously found him guilty in 2018. Pell did not take the stand at either trial.

A lower appeal court had upheld Pell’s conviction, but the High Court found it had failed to consider evidence that should have raised doubt that he was guilty.

The High Court cited precedent from an unrelated case that “there is a significant possibility

that an innocent person has been convicted because the evidence did not establish guilt to the requisite standard of proof.”

Pell’s accuser, one of two boys the archbishop was alleged to have assaulted, had said the offences took place shortly after Sunday masses, in the priests’ sacristy and corridor of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne, while Pell was robed.

The High Court judges pointed to unchallenged evidence Cardinal George Pell attends a news from church officials at Pell’s trial conference at the Vatican, June 29, 2017. that he typically spent time talking to congregants on the church the accuser, said her client would steps after mass, he was always make a statement on Wednesday. accompanied by a priest while robed, Previous hearings of the case and the sacristy was usually a hive of have seen crowded courtrooms as activity after mass. media and supporters for both sides jostled for a place. But Tuesday’s “FURIOUS” AND decision was delivered to a largely “HEARTBROKEN” empty courtroom in Brisbane because of national restrictions on The second alleged victim in the case travel and public gatherings amid died in 2014 of a drug overdose. His the coronavirus pandemic. father, who is pursuing a civil case The Australian Catholic against Pell, said through his lawyer Bishops Conference said the acquittal Lisa Flynn that he was “in shock” would be welcomed by many and and “furious” that a conviction “devastating for others.” by a unanimous jury had been “The result today does not overturned. change the Church’s unwavering

“Our client says he is commitment to child safety and to heartbroken for [his son’s friend] a just and compassionate response who stuck his neck out by coming to survivors and victims of child forward to tell his story,” Flynn of sexual abuse,” said Archbishop Shine Lawyers said.

Mark Coleridge, president of the

Vivian Waller, a lawyer for conference.”

Waiter, there’s a fly in my waffle: Belgian researchers try out insect butter

‘Why I didn’t report it’: Saudi women use social media to recount harassment

Belgian waffles may sustainable because (insects) use be about to become more less land (than cattle), they are environmentally friendly. more efficient at converting feed

Scientists at Ghent ... and they also use less water to University in Belgium are produce butter,” Tzompa Sosa experimenting with larva fat to said as she held out a freshly replace butter in waffles, cakes baked insect butter cake. and cookies, saying using grease According to the from insects is more sustainable researchers, consumers notice no than dairy produce. difference when a quarter of the

Clad in white aprons, the milk butter in a cake is replaced researchers soak Black soldier fly with larva fat. However, they larvae in a bowl of water, put it report an unusual taste when in a blender to create a smooth it gets to fifty-fifty and say they greyish dollop and then use a would not want to buy the cake. kitchen centrifuge to separate Insect food has high out insect butter. levels of protein, vitamins, fiber

“There are several and minerals and scientists positive things about using elsewhere in Europe are looking insect ingredients,” said Daylan at it as a more environmentally Tzompa Sosa, who oversees the friendly and cheap alternative to other types of animal products. research.

“They are more

Hundreds of women in Saudi Arabia are taking to social media to share their experiences of sexual harassment in a rare exploration of a taboo topic in the ultra-conservative kingdom.

Using the hashtag “Why_I_didn’t_report_it”, women and some men are recounting abuse endured at home or in public which they did not report to authorities fearing shame - or blame.

Saudi Arabia has outlawed domestic violence and sexual harassment in sweeping reforms recently that ended decades of gender segregation in restaurants and a ban on women driving.

But women who report incidents have faced smear campaigns on social media and been blamed for being harassed, rights groups say.

“My friends were punished when they reported (their abuse) and experienced more harm,” wrote one Saudi Twitter user who called herself Bella.

“I chose silence,” she said.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last year allowed adult women to travel and get a passport without permission, further eroding a heavily-criticized male guardianship system.

Under the regulations women can still face arrest if they

disobey their guardian, often a husband or father.

One woman on Twitter who uses the online name Udor said she was arrested after her father beat her, kicked her out of the house and reported her to the police for disobedience.

A Saudi government body tasked with tackling domestic violence used the hashtag to urge those who had suffered abuse to get in touch privately.

Some women said they were afraid to speak up, especially in cases when their abuser was a family member.

“I reported it and the police came to convince me to drop the charges while my abuser sat with them,” wrote a Twitter user by the name of Catolina.

Saudi women can struggle to access social services without the presence of a male guardian, according to Human Rights Watch, and some who have sought refuge in shelters still require permission from a male relative to leave the shelter.

High profile cases such as that of 18-year-old Rahaf Mohammed al-Qanun who fled to Canada in 2019 to escape what she said was an abusive family have rallied opposition to the kingdom’s male guardianship system.

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WORLD NEWS

Mideastern burial traditions clash with fears of contagion

Mohammed al-Dulfi’s 67-year-old father died on March 21 after a brief struggle against the new coronavirus, but it would take nine days for his body to find a final resting place in the Shiite holy city of Najaf in southern Iraq.

On two occasions, the family rejected remote burial plots proposed by the government outside Baghdad for him and seven other coronavirus victims, al-Dulfi said. A fight broke out between the families and the Health Ministry’s team. His father’s corpse waited in a hospital morgue for days.

“We were suffering immensely, knowing my father was deceased but we could not bury him,” said the 26-year-old.

Across the Middle East and parts of South Asia, bereaved families have faced traumatic restrictions on burying their dead amid the pandemic. Religion and customs that require speedy burials in the largely Muslim region have clashed with fears of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, and governmentmandated lockdowns.

As the regional death toll surpasses 4,500, ancient rituals — bodies solemnly washed by relatives, wrapped in white shrouds and buried as quickly as possible with large crowds of mourners in attendance — are being disrupted by the growing outbreak.

In Egypt, where funerals were once an affair bringing dozens of families together in prayer, strict

Iraqi health ministry workers pray by a coffin of a person who died from coronavirus at a new cemetery for the people who died from Covid-19 outside the town of Najaf, Iraq. limits have put a cap on attendees.

With faces covered in masks, they now bid farewell to loved ones interred in bags stamped “Danger!”

Religious customs are also being upended in Iran, Pakistan and majority-Jewish Israel, where swift burials and large crowds of mourners are also a tradition.

The World Health Organization says in guidelines similar to those issued during the Ebola epidemic that handling of the dead should be minimal and that trained medical teams should perform burials, according to Adham Rashad Ismail, the agency’s head of mission in Iraq.

In the Middle East, this often means religious rites must be modified or canceled.

In Iran, Health Ministry guidelines starkly show how concerned the Islamic Republic remains about

Who is Dominic Raab, Britain’s standby leader?

British foreign minister Dominic Raab is designated to take over leadership of the country if Prime Minister Boris Johnson, currently ill in hospital with persistent symptoms of the coronavirus, is unable to fulfil his role.

Johnson is still leading the government, according to his ministers, but Raab stood in for him at Monday’s meeting of the COVID-19 response committee.

- Raab, 46, ran against Johnson to become leader of the Conservative Party and prime minister in 2019. During that campaign he criticised Johnson’s “bluff and bluster” over Britain’s exit from the European Union.

Raab was eliminated midway through the contest and then endorsed Johnson.

- He was appointed as foreign minister in Johnson’s first cabinet after the prime minister took office in July 2019.

Raab is a hardline eurosceptic, who has long campaigned for Britain to leave the EU.

- The son of a Czech-born Jewish refugee who fled the Nazis in 1938, Raab was brought up in the southern English region of Buckinghamshire and studied law at Oxford University before becoming a lawyer working on project finance, international litigation and competition law.

- Before entering parliament in 2010 Raab also worked for Britain’s diplomatic service including a posting in The Hague working on bringing war criminals to justice.

He also advised the government on the ArabIsraeli conflict and counter-terrorism.

the virus, even from the dead. The country has the highest death toll in the region with over 3,700 deaths among over 60,500 confirmed cases.

Once disinfected, the corpse is wrapped in a plastic bag, then carried to a grave site with pallbearers wearing protective gear. The body is interred in a grave sprinkled with lime and buried in concrete. Iran’s state TV recently showed images of clerics wearing special protective suits while performing Islamic burial rituals for victims.

“We want to make sure that our fellow countrymen are not buried without bathing and being wrapped in shrouds,” said a volunteer at one of these televised funerals describing widely-observed practices.

In Egypt, no one is allowed to attend the washing rite except health workers, and those present must wear protective gear and keep at

a one-meter distance from the body, according to an internal document obtained by The Associated Press.

The funeral of Attiyat Ibrahim, the country’s first coronavirus victim, was held amid tight security. Only family members were allowed to come to the service in the Nile Delta province of Daqahlia, said Ramadan Mohammed, a village driver.

“There was no funeral prayer call,” Mohammed said. “Police were everywhere, watching and urging people not to stay in groups.”

Further east, in Pakistan, families are allowed to take the bodies to graveyards in their villages but not inside their homes, which is a tradition in the South Asian country.

In Iraq, where over 60 people have died from the virus, some bodies waited several weeks for interment as government epidemic protocols sparked public vitriol.

Baghdad and other provinces initially identified remote burial plots on the peripheries of cities.

But families argued that burying their loved ones in such sites was undignified; most Iraqis inter their dead in cemeteries near holy shrines where they can return to pay homage.

Some families spurned the government’s rules entirely. In one instance, relatives snatched two corpses from an unwitting medical team near Baghdad ahead of burial and sped off, according to a police report on March 28. The bodies were later recovered.

No more hugs and kisses: Pandemic cuts physical contact

To the lengthy, sorrowful list of losses from the pandemic, add these: hugs unexchanged, visits unmade, hands unheld.

Just when many feel they need it the most, the comfort of physical closeness is being denied.

Dr. Loren Olson, 77, a psychiatrist in Urbandale, Iowa, misses the hugs and kisses from friends who gathered for potlucks and dominoes and movies, before they all holed up only to emerge for grocery runs. He thinks of the clients whose final appointments are approaching, the ones he’ll never get to send off with a handshake despite months of wrenching therapy together.

The embraces he would have gotten on visits to his daughters and grandchildren are deferred, and no one quite knows how long.

“I didn’t know how important that was to me until now that I don’t have it,” Olson says of those lost touches.

Then there is the thing in the back of his mind — how those who contract the virus have often been robbed of final moments with the people they

This March 2020 photo provided by Graciela Tiscareño-Sato of Castro Valley, Calif., shows her with her husband and children, foreground, singing to her mother-in-law for her 79th birthday at a safe distance due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. love because hospitals desperate to stop the spread have had to isolate patients and bar visitors.

Olson and his husband have talked about how they would want to die in one another’s arms. Conjuring it any other way seems too painful.

“To think that people are dying without that,” Olson says, “is tragic.”

Terrorist attacks, natural disasters and mass shootings have been followed by survivors clutched in the arms of loved ones — people collectively gathering to mourn, hands of neighbors grasped in prayer. But the pandemic has rewritten the

script of tragedy. Final goodbyes may come by phone or not at all, travel to familiar places and faces is nixed, and people already living isolated lives are more cut off than ever.

One of those friends Olson has been physically cut off from is Ryan Weidner, a 41-yearold financial planner, who now gives “air high-fives” to his assistant and “air hugs” to his teenage children. His 63-yearold father was diagnosed with COVID-19 and, though Weidner is certain he’ll recover, his underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a concern.

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BUSINESS &

WORLD NEWS

TECHNOLOGY

Hackers target video conference calls during pandemic

Ceri Weber had just begun to defend her dissertation when the chaos began: Echoes and voices interrupted her. Someone parroted her words. Then Britney Spears music came on, and someone told Weber to shut up. Someone threatened to rape her.

Hackers had targeted the meeting on the video conference platform Zoom while Weber was completing the final step of her doctoral degree at Duke University.

The harassment lasted 10 minutes — the result of an increasingly common form of cyber attack known as “Zoom bombing.”

As tens of millions of people turn to video conferencing to stay connected during the coronavirus pandemic, many have reported uninvited guests who make threats, interject racist, anti-gay or anti-Semitic messages, or show pornographic images. The attacks have drawn the attention of the FBI and other law enforcement agencies.

“It seemed like someone was just being silly,” but then the intrusions “started to get more serious and threatening,” Weber recalled. “I was really in the zone and kept presenting.” She said she was more concerned about others in the chat who could have been scared.

She was interrupted despite having selected “mute all” in the settings for the meeting she conducted from her home in Durham, North Carolina.

A Massachusetts high school reported that someone interrupted

so that teachers are by default the only ones who can share content.

Despite the update, Nevada’s Clark County School District, which includes all public schools in Las Vegas, and the New York City Department of Education, which is responsible for the largest school district in the U.S., have told teachers to stop using Zoom.

Zoom-bombing was always a threat given how the video conferencing app was configured — geared more toward user-friendliness than privacy, said Justin Brookman, director of privacy and technology policy at Consumer Reports.

Laura Everett in Boston delivers a sermon for Boston’s First Baptist Church.

When shelter-at-home a virtual class on Zoom, yelled threats and abuse. mandates suddenly converted Zoom profanity and revealed the teacher’s Zoom has referred to trolls as into a lifeline for tens of millions of home address. Another school in “party crashers,” which some critics families, it became a juicy target for that state reported a person who have taken as a sign the company is mischief, he said. accessed a meeting and showed downplaying the attacks.

For years, “the usability swastika tattoos, according to the In a statement issued last issues outweighed the potential FBI. week, the company said it takes security issues because society was

The agency’s field office in the security of meetings seriously less reliant on them. Obviously, that Boston recommended that users and encourages users to report any has changed dramatically over the of video-teleconference platforms incidents directly to Zoom. The last month,” Brookman added. prioritize their security by ensuring company suggested that people Some Zoom-bombers have that hosts have sole control over hosting large, public meetings been able to randomly guess meeting screen-sharing features and meeting confirm that they are the only ones IDs and crash conferences not invitations. who can share their screen and use configured to keep out interlopers,

In New York, Attorney features like mute controls. he said.

General Letitia James sent a letter “For those hosting private In other cases, inexperienced to Zoom with questions about how meetings, password protections are users have exposed meeting IDs users’ privacy and security are being on by default, and we recommend online, including U.K. Prime protected. In a separate later, Sen. that users keep those protections Minister Boris Johnson, who tweeted Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut on to prevent uninvited users from a screenshot of a Zoom Cabinet sought information about how the joining,” the company said. Zoom meeting that showed the ID and company handles users’ personal recently updated the default screen- everyone’s screen name. data and guards against security sharing settings for education users

U.S. projects oil output to fall nearly two million bpd, driven by free market

U.S. oil companies are expected to reduce oil output temporarily by nearly 2 million barrels per day as lower crude prices force companies to cut back operations, the U.S. Energy Department said on Tuesday.

“The private sector and the free market are driving those cuts,” the department said regarding projections in a U.S. Energy Information Administration, or EIA, report.

The United States, the world’s top oil and natural gas producer, pumped a record more than 12 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2019, according to the EIA.

But global prices for crude have dropped as oil demand has plummeted roughly 30%, or about 30 million bpd, as the coronavirus pandemic slams economies. At the same time, Saudi Arabia and Russia have been flooding markets with extra supply.

The EIA’s short-term energy outlook www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo released on Tuesday projected that U.S. oil output will slowly fall through the first quarter of 2021 to just shy of 11 million bpd, or about 1.8 million barrels less than the peak of late last year.

Saudi Arabia, Russia and allied oil producers will discuss stabilizing global oil markets on Thursday, but will agree to deep cuts to their output only if the United States joins with curbs to help prop up prices that have been hammered by the coronavirus crisis.

Scammers try selling world’s tallest statue as pandemic boosts India’s cyber crime

Police in India lodged a case this week against an unknown online fraudster who tried selling the world’s largest statue for $4 billion, claiming the proceeds would be used to help the Gujarat state government fund its fight against the coronavirus.

While the plot to sell the ‘Statue of Unity”, a monument that is nearly twice the height of New York’s Statue of Liberty, is among the most brazen cases, General view of the “Statue of Unity” portraying Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the police say cybercrimes have founding fathers of India, during its inauguration in Kevadia, in the western state of surged since the health scare Gujarat, India, October 31, 2018. gripped the country.

“We have received Corporation of India, an

With scams ranging from over 8,300 complaints from umbrella organisation for retail free mobile recharges, to offers individuals across India and NRIs payments. of free Netflix subscriptions, who have donated thousands of Police have registered federal home ministry officials dollars into fake accounts,” said cases against fake offers that say there has been 86% percent a senior home ministry official, Reliance Industries (RELI.NS) rise in cyber crime in the past adding the retrieval process is a telecom arm Jio and streaming four weeks. complex task. service Netflix Inc were offering

Police and internal “We have already discounted services at a time security officials said scammers blocked all handles with when over 1.3 billion people have created fake versions of permutations and combinations were forced to live indoors for 21 the flagship ‘PM CARES Fund’ of the ‘PM Cares Fund’ that days to prevent the spread of the payments interface that look were illegitimate and we are coronavirus. deceptively similar to the being watchful and ensuring Officials at Netflix and original and many Indians and that the handles for donations Jio declined to comment on the Non-Residents Indians (NRIs) get verified,” said Dilip Asbe, fraud conducted under their have fallen prey.

CEO of National Payments company’s name.

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APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

WORLD NEWS BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY

Coronavirus: Scientists brand 5G claims ‘complete rubbish’

Conspiracy theories claiming 5G technology helps transmit coronavirus have been condemned by the scientific community.

Videos have been shared on social media showing mobile phone masts on fire in Birmingham and Merseyside - along with the claims.

The posts have been shared on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram - including by verified accounts with hundreds of thousands of followers.

But scientists say the idea of a connection between Covid-19 and 5G is “complete rubbish” and Masts caught fire in Birmingham and Merseyside, prompting investigations. biologically impossible. transmitted through the use There have been lots of studies on

The conspiracy theories have of 5G technology. this.” been branded “the worst kind of

Both these notions are The radio waves involved fake news” by NHS England Medical “complete rubbish,” says Dr Simon in 5G and other mobile phone Director Stephen Powis.

Clarke, associate professor in cellular technology sit on the low frequency microbiology at the University of end of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Conspiracy theory Reading.

Less powerful than visible light, they

“The idea that 5G lowers are not strong enough to damage

Many of those sharing the your immune system doesn’t stand cells - unlike radiation at the higher post are pushing a conspiracy theory up to scrutiny,” Dr Clarke says. frequency end of the spectrum falsely claiming that 5G - which is “Your immune system can be dipped which includes the sun’s rays and used in mobile phone networks and by all sorts of thing - by being tired medical x-rays. relies on signals carried by radio one day, or not having a good diet.

It would also be impossible waves - is somehow responsible for Those fluctuations aren’t huge but for 5G to transmit the virus, Adam coronavirus. can make you more susceptible to Finn, professor of paediatrics at the These theories appear to have first catching viruses.”

University of Bristol, adds. emerged via Facebook posts in late While very strong radio waves can “The present epidemic is January, around the same time the cause heating, 5G is nowhere near caused by a virus that is passed first cases were recorded in the US. strong enough to heat people up from one infected person to another.

They appear to fall broadly in to two enough to have any meaningful We know this is true. We even camps: effect. have the virus growing in our lab, •One claims 5G can suppress “Radio waves can disrupt obtained from a person with the the immune system, thus your physiology as they heat you illness. Viruses and electromagnetic making people more up, meaning your immune system waves that make mobile phones susceptible to catching the can’t function. But [the energy and internet connections work are virus. levels from] 5G radio waves are tiny different things. As different as chalk •The other suggests the virus and they are nowhere near strong and cheese,” he says. can somehow be enough to affect the immune system.

It’s also important to

Coronavirus: Who needs masks or other protective gear?

Facemasks, gloves and other protective gear can help stop the spread of coronavirus - but only in the right circumstances.

Some people are also making homemade masks and Americans are now being advised to use them in public but are they safe?

•sick and showing symptoms •caring for people suspected to have the coronavirus Masks are not recommended for the general public because: • they can be contaminated by other people’s coughs and sneezes or when putting Why doesn’t everyone them on or removing them wear a mask?

•frequent hand-washing and social distancing are

The World Health more effective Organization (WHO) has •they might offer a false looked at the latest evidence, sense of security including whether the virus Coronavirus is spread can be projected further than by droplets that can spray into previously thought. the air when those infected talk,

It wanted to re-examine cough and sneeze. These can whether the general public enter the body through the eyes, might benefit from wearing nose and mouth, either directly masks. or after touching a contaminated

Its experts decided that object. it remains the case that medical Do homemade face masks should be reserved for masks work? healthcare workers, not the Americans are now advised general public. to use clean cloth or fabric to

Only two groups of cover their faces whilst in public. people should wear protective Officials say medical masks are masks, those who are: in short supply and should be

left for healthcare workers.

Only the sick, or those caring for patients of coronavirus, had previously been told to wear masks. But US officials hope the new rules could stop people without symptoms unknowingly spreading coronavirus.

However, reusable cloth masks are also not recommended and may even increase the chance of infection, say European advisers.

They say there is a high chance virus particles could go through cloth. Problems with moisture could also mean the cloth retains the virus, they warn.

The UK is not advising most people to wear either medical or homemade masks.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is following medical and scientific advice on their use.

England’s deputy chief medical officer Prof Jonathan Van Tam says he does not believe that healthy people wearing them in the UK would reduce the spread of the disease. “What matters now is social distancing,” he says.

note another major flaw with the conspiracy theories - coronavirus is spreading in UK cities where 5G has yet to be deployed, and in countries like Iran that have yet to roll out the technology.

There were plenty of scare stories about 5G circulating before the coronavirus outbreak which Reality Check has already looked into, such as this piece: Does 5G pose health risks?

Earlier this year, a longrunning study from the watchdog the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) rebutted these claims, saying there was no evidence that mobile networks cause cancer or other illnesses.

But if anything, the misinformation seems to have escalated.

Trade body Mobile UK has said false rumours and theories linking 5G and coronavirus were “concerning,” while the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has reiterated there is “absolutely no credible evidence for the link”.

Viruses invade human or animal cells and use them to reproduce, which is what causes infection. Viruses cannot live very long outside a living thing, so they have to find a way in - usually via droplets of liquid from coughs or sneezes.

Genome sequencing of this coronavirus suggests it jumped from animals to humans - and then began to pass from human to human.

WhatsApp tightens limits on message forwarding to counter coronavirus misinformation

WhatsApp is trying to stem the rapid spread of coronavirus misinformation by placing new limits on the number of times a forwarded message can be shared simultaneously.

A message received by a person on the Facebook (FB)-owned platform that has already been forwarded five times can now only be passed on to one chat at a time.

The new limits are WhatsApp’s strictest yet.

The chat app has been gradually tightening the restrictions on its forwarding function, where a user can easily choose multiple groups or people to receive the message. Two years ago, a user could pass on a forwarded message to 250 groups at once, with each group capable of hosting hundreds of users.

By last year, the company had reduced that limit to five groups at a time. Now it’s one, although a user could theoretically still forward the same message to individuals or groups one by one.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in the amount of forwarding which users have told us can feel overwhelming and can contribute to the spread of misinformation,” WhatsApp said in a blog post. “We believe it’s important to slow the spread of these messages down to keep WhatsApp a place for personal conversation.”

APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

WORLD NEWS

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APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

WORLD

SPORTS ‘There may be no more tennis this year’, says Wimbledon chief Lewis

Tennis may not return until 2021 after the coronavirus pandemic caused the cancellation of the entire grasscourt season and most of the claycourt campaign, All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) chief executive Richard Lewis said on Thursday.

The outbreak has played havoc with the global sporting calendar and the Wimbledon championships were cancelled by the AELTC on Wednesday for the first time since the second World War.

Lewis, who is set to step down in July, said he hoped the situation will stabilise in the coming months to allow the hardcourt season to get underway before the U.S. Open begins on Aug. 24.

“The optimist in me – and I’m often not optimistic – still hopes that the American hardcourt season will take place,” Lewis said.

“One hopes that things have settled down a bit and those big 1,000-point tournaments — Montreal, Toronto, Cincinnati — can happen in the lead-up to the U.S. Open.

We all know that’s probably tenuous at the moment.

“I don’t think it’s unrealistic to say that there may be no more tennis this year. But let’s hope that the U.S. Open and Roland Garros can take place.”

The French Open, originally due to be played from May 24-June 7, was postponed and controversially rescheduled by the French tennis federation for Sept. 20-Oct. 4 — a week after the U.S. Open concludes.

Top players, including eight-times champion Roger Federer and seven-times winner Serena Williams, expressed their disappointment at not being able to play at Wimbledon this year.

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At least I can be Wimbledon champion for two years, says Halep

Simon Halep is trying to look on the bright side regarding the suspension of the tennis season due to the coronavirus pandemic, which means at least she will be referred to as reigning Wimbledon champion for two years.

The Romanian former world number produced a flawless performance to beat Serena Williams in last year’s final but this week’s cancellation of the grasscourt Grand Slam means she will not get to defend her title this summer.

Halep, 28, is currently back in her native Romania where she has been locked down at home for 22 days, only popping out briefly to jog around the grounds of her residence.

Asked about the Wimbledon cancellation, announced on Wednesday, Halep told Eurosport’s Tennis Legends vodcast: “I take it positively, because I am now the defending champion for two years. So, I have to live with that for one more year so that’s a good thing again.

“I am excited that I will be able to play the first match on (the) Tuesday I think on Centre Court. So, I really want to make this experience. It’s going to be great for sure.”

The WTA Tour and ATP Tour have been shut down

Simona Halep (ROU) poses with her trophy after defeating Serena Williams (USA) in the women’s singles final on day 12 at the All England Lawn and Croquet Club. until the middle of July, at least, but Halep is geared up for a longer suspension of the season, possibly the whole year.

“I know that the worst scenario in my head is that this year is going to be canceled and, yeah, I’m sure we’re going to overcome this period if we listen and stay home safely,” she said.

“For the moment, I think it’s going to be longer than July. We hope for the U.S. Open (scheduled for Aug. 31 to Sept, 13) but it’s not sure because New York is struggling now.”

LOTS OF SLEEP

After so many years jetsetting around the globe, Halep

said the enforced time off from the Tour had been welcome in some respects, even if the circumstances were dreadful.

“It’s the longest period that I haven’t touched a racket.

Not the ball, the racket — since Dubai,” she said. “And I want to keep it that way for one more month.

“I just kept it very safe because I am a little bit scared about it. And I just want to stay chilled. I wake up at around 10 or 11. It’s very good to have a lot of sleep.

“No alarm clock, no schedule, so I just wake up. I have a late breakfast and then I do some running here in the complex. Because we are allowed to do it, it’s a private residence.

“In the house I work on my core and my other exercises.

So, every day I am working and I feel fit yes.”

Halep said that while she missed her job, it was right that sport had faded into the background at a time of global crisis.

“It’s just a world problem and I just want to say that it’s safer that everything got canceled. It’s not a small problem, it’s a huge problem.

And we just have to listen to what they say, to stay home and being very safe,” she said.

“Tennis is not everything in my life.”

All-decade team: Brady, Rodgers headline Team of 2010s You can now download all free assets in one place. This includes Watermark, Keyframe, Screener, XML, and Shotlist.

Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers are the quarterbacks for the 2010s All-Decade Team announced by the NFL and Pro Football Hall of Fame on Monday.

Brady was one of eight unanimous selections — Drew Brees was left off the list — along with retired Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas, Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller, Washington Redskins running back Adrian Peterson and the Baltimore Ravens duo of kicker Justin Tucker and recently retired offensive guard Marshal Yanda.

Brady, 42, was also on the All-Decade Team of the 2000s.

The 55-member team is the result of votes

cast by the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 48-member selection committee. Only players who received at least one selection to a Pro Bowl, Associated Press All-Pro team or Pro Football Writers of America all-conference team during the 2010-19 seasons were eligible.

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll was named one of the all-decade team’s coaches — Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who was also on the 2000s all-decade team, is the other.

Carroll posted a 100-59-1 record from 2010-2019.

“Is he the defensive coordinator, and I’m the head coach?”

Carroll quipped when informed of the selection along with Belichick, who was hired to replace Carroll in New England after the Patriots went 8-8 in 1999.

S e a h a w k s quarterback Russell Wilson was also left off the list.

However, the Legion of Boom secondary of the

Seahawks was represented by safety Earl Thomas and cornerback Richard Sherman.

Linebacker Bobby Wagner and running back Marshawn Lynch also are part of the team of the 2010s.

OG Logan Mankins OG Zack Martin OG Marshal Yanda* C Alex Mack C Maurkice Pouncey

2010s ALL-DECADE TEAM ROSTER

DE Calais Campbell DE Cameron Jordan DE Julius Peppers DE J.J. Watt* DT Geno Atkins DT Fletcher Cox DT Aaron Donald* DT Ndamukong Suh LB Chandler Jones LB Luke Kuechly LB Khalil Mack LB Von Miller* LB Bobby Wagner LB Patrick Willis CB Patrick Peterson CB Darrelle Revis CB Richard Sherman S Eric Berry S Earl Thomas S Eric Weddle DB Chris Harris Jr. DB Tyrann Mathieu

unanimous selection OFFENSE QB Tom Brady* QB Aaron Rodgers RB Frank Gore RB Marshawn Lynch RB LeSean McCoy RB Adrian Peterson* WR Antonio Brown WR Larry Fitzgerald WR Calvin Johnson WR Julio Jones FLEX Darren Sproles TE Rob Gronkowski TE Travis Kelce OT Jason Peters OT Tyron Smith OT Joe Staley OT Joe Thomas* OG Jahri Evans

DEFENSE

SPECIALISTS

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speaks at a press conference ahead of Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., January 31, 2019.

P Johnny Hekker P Shane Lechler K Stephen Gostkowski K Justin Tucker* PR Tyreek Hill PR Darren Sproles KR Devin Hester KR Cordarrelle Patterson COACHES Bill Belichick Pete Carroll

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APRIL 10TH, 2020 – APRIL 17TH, 2020

WORLD SPORTS

No decision on resuming play before May, says NBA Commissioner Silver

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said on Monday there will be no decision on ending the league’s coronavirus shutdown until May at the earliest.

Silver, speaking on the NBA’s Twitter account as part of the league’s new NBATogether initiative, said, “in a perfect world” the league would finish the regular season in some form and move onto the playoffs but that it was too early to make projections.

The NBA was the first major North American professional league to shut down over the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected 1.27 million people globally and left over 70,000 dead, according to a Reuters tally.

“Essentially, what I’ve told my folks over the last week is that we just should just accept that, at least for the month of April, we won’t be in a position to make any decisions,” Silver said.

“And I don’t think that necessarily means on May 1 we will be.”

In mid-March, with five weeks remaining in the 82-game schedule, the NBA suspended its season until further notice after a player tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Since then a number of other NBA players have tested positive, including former league Most Valuable Player Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets.

The playoffs were originally scheduled to begin on April 18 and conclude in June and while Silver said the league had been working towards a variety of scenarios to restart the season there were just so many unknowns at this point.

“When we initially shut down we were calling it a hiatus or a pause, there was a notion of 30 days because there wasn’t any of the widespread view at that point that our country would in essence be entirely shut down over the next several weeks,” said Silver.

“The fact is now sitting here today I know less, in a way, than I did then.”

Silver said the league was in “listening mode” and discussed with players and teams scenarios for restarting the season, including playing at practice facilities with no fans or moving games to a single city.

But he added that in recent weeks the NBA had gone from discussing scenarios regarding

NBA commissioner Adam Silver during a pre match press conference. possible start-up dates to a more dialled-back approach while waiting to see what happens with the fight against the pandemic “Initially, for the first week, two weeks, we were looking at more specific scenarios,” Silver said. “If we start this date, what would it mean for the regular season?

When would the playoffs begin?

When would they conclude?

“And, again, what I’ve learned over the last few weeks is that we just have too little information to make those sort of projections.”

NFL could move 2024 Super Bowl due to Mardi Gras

The NFL is considering moving the 2024 Super Bowl out of New Orleans due to potential conflicts with Mardis Gras that emerged with the pending expansion to a 17game season.

New Orleans, which was awarded Super Bowl LVIII during a meeting in 2018, would not lose the game entirely, but rather have it pushed back a year or two. No decision has been made.

The game is scheduled for Feb. 4, but that date was set with a 16-game NFL schedule. If a week were to be added to the schedule, the game would be played on Feb. 11 — presenting a conflict with Mardi Gras beginning on Feb. 13.

“The New Orleans Host Committee, led by the New Orleans Saints and Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, has remained in close communication with league officials about the change to a 17-game regular season, as it relates to the city hosting Super Bowl LVIII in 2024,” Saints vice president of communications Greg Bensel said in a statement on Friday.

“During the bid process

General view of Super Bowl LIV logo on the field prior to the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium in 2018, it was contemplated and discussed of the possibility of an extended schedule based on a new CBA. The Bid Committee, the New Orleans Saints and NFL worked together to build in contingencies if a potential conflict with Mardi Gras should affect the Super Bowl date. ` “Mutually agreed upon terms during the bid process granted assurances that the NFL and Host Committee would explore all options for still hosting the game in 2024, or, agreeing to host the Super Bowl in a future year when the citywide calendar permits.”

The 17-game schedule, per terms of the new collective

bargaining agreement, will be installed as the norm sometime between 2021 and 2023.

The NFL has yet to award the 2025 Super Bowl.

The other upcoming host cities are Tampa, Fla. (2020 season), Inglewood, Calif. (2021) and Glendale, Ariz (2022).

New Orleans has hosted the big game 10 times, trailing only Miami (11) for the most in Super Bowl history. The city most recently hosted Super Bowl XLVII following the 2012 season, when the Baltimore Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers after a mid-game power outage at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

Former Fox executives indicted in U.S. FIFA corruption probe

A FIFA flag flies in front of its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland March 13, 2019

U.S. prosecutors on Monday accused two former 21st Century Fox Inc executives of paying millions of dollars in bribes to secure lucrative media and marketing rights to soccer matches, the latest charges in a long-running investigation of corruption surrounding FIFA, soccer’s world governing body.

The former Fox executives, Hernan Lopez and Carlos Martinez, were indicted in Brooklyn federal court on wire fraud and money laundering charges along with Gerard Romy, former co-chief executive of Spanish media company Imagina Media Audiovisual SL, and Full Play Group SA, an Uruguayan sports marketing company.

“It’s shocking that the government would bring such a thin case,” said Matthew Umhofer, a lawyer for Lopez.

Steven McCool, a lawyer for Martinez, said the charges against his client were “nothing more than stale fiction.”

“Our client looks forward to vigorously defending itself against all of the charges at trial,” said Carlos Ortiz, a lawyer for Full Play.

A lawyer for Romy declined to comment.

The U.S. investigation into corruption in the world of soccer became public in 2015 with the announcement of criminal charges against a slew of officials and others.

Prosecutors said for the first time in Monday’s indictment that FIFA officials took bribes in connection with choosing Qatar and Russia to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, respectively. Those allegations do not involve any of the newly charged defendants.

According to the indictment, Lopez, 49, served as chief executive officer of a Latin American Fox subsidiary, while Martinez, 51, served as its president. They worked with Full Play to bribe officials at CONMEBOL, the South American soccer federation, in exchange for rights to events including the Copa Libertadores club tournament, prosecutors said.

Romy, 65, took part in a scheme to bribe officials of the Caribbean Football Union and Central American Football Union to secure rights to World Cup qualifying matches, prosecutors said.

The alleged conduct occurred before Walt Disney Co acquired most of 21st Century Fox Inc in 2019.

More than 40 people and entities have been charged in the case since 2015 and 26 people have pleaded guilty.

Former CONMEBOL head Juan Angel Napout, of Paraguay, and former Brazilian soccer chief Jose Maria Marin were convicted after a trial in 2017 and sentenced to prison.

Marin, 87, was granted early release last month because of the health risk posed to elderly inmates by the coronavirus pandemic. Napout, 61, is also seeking early release.

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WORLD SPORTS With Wimbledon lost, Federer and Williams running out of Grand Slam opportunities The cancellation of Wimbledon this week has not only fanned the possibility of a total tennis wipeout for the rest of the season but may also have put an end to the Grand Slam title chase for both Roger Federer and Serena Williams.

Wimbledon was scrapped for the first time since World War Two on Wednesday due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the suspension of professional tennis extended to July 13.

The entire claycourt and grasscourt seasons have been cancelled, with the four-month shutdown wreaking havoc on the finances of the lower-tier players.

Tennis Australia head Craig Tiley has said it would be tough for the sport to return before 2021 while All England Lawn Tennis Club CEO Richard Lewis agreed that it was not unrealistic to believe tennis might be done for the year.

While 38-year-old Federer is well insulated from the shutdown’s

financial fallout it could well impact his hopes of adding to his record haul of 20 Grand Slam titles.

The last of Federer’s Slams came at the 2018 Australian Open and the closest he came to adding to his tally was last year’s Wimbledon final.

Federer’s last match was in the Australian Open semi-finals before he underwent keyhole surgery on his knee in February. His next chance at a Grand Slam would be the U.S. Open, scheduled in New York from Aug. 31 to Sept. 14.

The French Open, an event he has skipped in the past, has been rearranged from May to September — a week after Flushing Meadows.

Australian Todd Woodbridge, a nine-times Wimbledon doubles champion and singles semi-finalist, was unsure what was in store for Federer if the season is lost.

“The question that Roger will have to ask himself is how motivated is he to come back for another year?” Woodbridge told Australian

Associated Press this week.

“Or has this actually helped him? But the less match play that you get in this period at that age, it’s so much harder to come back and recover once you start again.

“It has stopped the potential ... of Federer winning one or two more.

It becomes very highly unlikely for him.”

While Federer has said he will still be around for Wimbledon next year Williams has been tightlipped on her future.

The American, who turns 39 in September, lost in last year’s Wimbledon final and remains one Grand Slam short of tying Margaret Court’s record 24 major titles.

She has reached four Grand Slam finals since giving birth to daughter Olympia in 2017 but failed to win any of them.

Martina Navratilova, winner of 18 Grand Slam singles titles, says the situation is not ideal for anyone but for players like Williams and Federer the clock is ticking.

Brady says he joined Bucs to see ‘how great I can be’

Tom Brady’s surprising decision to leave the New England Patriots last month for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was rooted in a need to seek out new challenges, the 42-year-old quarterback wrote in an essay on Monday.

Brady spent 20 seasons with the Patriots, winning an NFL record six Super Bowls to become arguably the best to ever play the position.

But despite that success, he said he wanted to “do things that have never been done in my sport”.

“Changes and challenges are part of life,” Brady wrote in a heartfelt, 2,600-word piece in the Players’ Tribune.

“They’re part of athletes’ lives. They’re supposed to happen. They need to happen sometimes.”

The Northern California native reflected on how he thought he may not even get drafted to the NFL in 2000 before being

selected in the sixth round by the Patriots.

The change of coast was disorienting to then 22-year-old but he made his presence count and endeared himself to the passionate Patriots fan base that showered him with cheers of “Tomm-eeee! Tomm-eeee!” from the stands in Foxborough.

“Gillette Stadium holds around 70,000 people, and I’ve never not played in a sold-out stadium during my career as a Patriot. How fortunate am I?”

He also praised Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his family, the coaches and the organization, putting to rest rumors that bad blood between the parties is what led to the split.

He said he was motivated to deliver for his new team packed with young talent.

“They’ve welcomed me as one of their own. They want to listen to what I have to say,” he said.

New England Patriots’ Tom Brady in action

“I’m excited to be embraced fully for what I can bring to the Bucs. In turn I’m ready to embrace fully a team that is confident in what I do — and what I bring — and is willing to go on this ride with me.”

Brady said his body feels great and that he is already in mid-season form.

“Physically, I’m as capable of doing my job as I’ve ever been. Now I want to see what more I can do,” he said.

“I want to see how great I can be.”

Roger Federer speaks during a media briefing at Cape Town International Airport ahead of his exhibition tennis match against Rafael Nadal, in Cape Town, South Africa, February 5, 2020.

“The youngsters are missing a chance to improve and match up against higher-ranked players,” she said. “The middle players are kind of stuck, and the older players like Serena Williams and Roger Federer, time is not their friend.

“So they lost basically this year this opportunity.”

Antonio Brown reportedly charged in alleged assault of driver

A Broward County (Fla.) court document obtained by ESPN revealed that Brown is charged with felony burglary conveyance, misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal mischief charges.

Brown allegedly was involved in a dispute with a moving-truck driver outside his Hollywood, Fla., home on Jan. 21. The driver was attempting to deliver Brown’s household items from California, per the criminal complaint.

The NFL likely will review the charges against Brown, who is also being investigated by the league over a lawsuit filed by a former trainer that alleges the wide receiver sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.

Brown, 31, played in just one game during the 2019 season, getting cut by both the then-Oakland Raiders and the New England Patriots.

A four-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Brown has recorded 841 receptions for 11,263 yards with 75 touchdowns in 131 career games with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2010-18) and the Patriots (2019).

Bulls open search for top executive

Chicago Bulls president basketball operations John Paxson and chief operating officer Michael and general manager Gar Forman Reinsdorf appears to be responding could remain in place, though to a growing chorus of fans and the future of Forman is far less critics and will hire a new executive certain, Wojnarowski reported. The to oversee basketball operations. timeline for a decision would put a

The successful candidate new executive in place before the will have full authority over current NBA season resumes. basketball decisions, ESPN’s Adrian Paxson was named general Wojnarowksi reported on Friday, manager of the Bulls in 2003 and detailing two known candidates are moved to a vice president’s role in Toronto Raptors general manager 2009 when Forman was hired.

Bobby Webster and Denver Nuggets The Bulls plan to talk to GM Arturas Karnisovas. multiple candidates for the new

Executive vice president of front-office role, ESPN reported.

Almost one year ago, place in the conference standings, Paxson preached patience and said tied their 2018-19 win total with 22. the franchise would not tear down They are 22-43.

The Chicago Tribune the structure of its current rebuild reported a new management to make a splash in free agency.

There have been numerous structure would not include any clashes between coach Jim Boylen order to retain Boylen, to whom and players over his approach, and Paxson and Forman have been the Bulls have missed the playoffs committed, as head coach.

Boylen, the 23rd coach in in three of the past four seasons.

With the current season on hiatus, franchise history, replaced Fred Chicago is eight games behind the Hoiberg in 2018. Hoiberg took over Orlando Magic for the No. 8 seed in for Tom Thibodeau, who as at the the Eastern Conference. helm from 2010-2015

The Bulls, currently in 11th

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