VOLUME 16 ISSUE 18

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

Website: www.suntci.com

VOLUME 16 - NO. 18

Tel: (649) 348-6838

Email: sun@suntci.com

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LOCKDOWN LIFTED

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

inevitably see; the support for rapid development and implementation of a wholetesting strategy; fter being under a 24- of-TCI hour curfew for just and the fact that this is an situation over five weeks, residents unpredictable of the Turks and Caicos and that any decisions Islands will experience an made must continuously be ease in restrictions when reviewed appreciating that the lockdown is lifted from there may be times when Monday, May 4th, 2020 and Health’s advice will be to replaced by a curfew from 8 consider a roll back.

Among the major p.m. to 5 a.m. of the phased Premier Hon. planks Sharlene Cartwright- reopening of the country Robinson made the beginning May 4th, Cabinet announcement on Thursday, agreed on the following.

April 30th, after two days of lengthy Cabinet meetings * International travel will arrived at the decision remain closed until (at least) based on an understanding 1st June. I will be establishing of a clear and informed a stakeholder engagement view of the readiness of the group with the hospitality healthcare system in the sector – guided by Health – Turks and Caicos Islands to support and inform the to respond to an uptick in work that will be required to cases that the relaxation start to reopen the islands to in regulations would international tourism;

A

29 additional Royal Marines landed in TCI

A

British Airways flight on Wednesday April 29th brought in Twenty-nine (29) additional Royal Marines who all went

straight into 14 days quarantine.

The Marines join the Team who are already here making a total of 47 military on the Island

along with UK Policing support.

Pictured are the Marines at the Providenciales International Airport.

Continued on page 2

Legal challenge to governor’s new laws

by Hayden Boyce Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

The nine defendants in the ongoing Special Investigation and Prosecution Team (SIPT) trial have, through their attorneys Misick & Stanbrook, headed by Queen’s Counsel Ariel Misick, filed before the Supreme Court a legal challenge to the validity of one of the provisions in the new Emergency Powers (Covid-19) (Court Proceedings) Regulations 2020, (“the Regulations”).

Regulation 4 (6) provides that “The courtroom shall include any place, whether in or outside the Islands, the Judge or Magistrate elects to sit to conduct the business of the court.”

This appears to have been drafted solely with the SIPT trial in

mind, as with the exception of their sovereignty would also appear to be trial judge, Mr. Justice Paul Harrison, engaged by the Governor’s decision who has returned to his native that he can legislate to allow the Jamaica, no other judge or magistrate Turks and Caicos Islands Supreme Court to hear evidence in Kingston, is “outside the Islands”.

Under the Supreme Court Jamaica, without even asking that Ordinance, the jurisdiction of the sovereign state if they have any views Supreme Court is expressed to be about this. “within the islands”.

Aside from the apparent

Whilst the Constitution illegality of the provision, and with provides that the Court of Appeal can the Crown, led by British attorney sit outside of the territorial boundaries Andrew Mitchell, QC, having closed of the Turks and Caicos Islands, there its case, it will obviously only be is no such provision enabling the defence witnesses who could be affected by this radical departure Supreme Court to do so.

However, whilst during the from TCI’s existing laws.

The notion that an accused period of an emergency the Governor has many powers, he is, perhaps might later be informed by a written unsurprisingly, expressly prevented judgment from abroad that his testimony has not been believed by a from amending the Constitution.

Moreover, the principles judge who was not even there to hear of international law and territorial it, strikes some observers as a charade

Ariel Misick. Q.C. that would undermine the confidence of many in whether this trial is a fair process.

Another interesting aspect of the case is that on April 10th, 2020, the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Council circulated to its members for consideration and feedback, a draft proposal for the resumption of judicial operations after April 20th, that had been submitted to them by the new Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Mabel Agyemang.

Continued on page 2

Conserve Energy & Save!

Install energy-efficient compact fluorescent or LED bulbs. They give off less heat and use as much as 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs.

Further information and energy conservation tips are available on our website: www.fortistci.com

www.fortistci.com | 649-946-4313

Page 2

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

LOCKDOWN LIFTED

Continued from page 1

* A night-time curfew will remain customer service plan that allows in place from 8pm – 5am each day, for appropriate social distancing. and this shall continue until 5am on TCIG’s model will be used as the Monday 25th May; basis for guidelines for statutory bodies and businesses, and TCIG will * All businesses will be closed on a lead the way in demonstrating how a Sunday and Sunday will remain a day responsible employer behaves. of lockdown and curfew. Wednesday will revert to a normal working day. • All retail grocery stores are able to open from 11 May; Public * Persons over the age of 65 years are and Environmental Health will to continue to shelter in place; bring together guidance for this industry in advance. Spot checks * Persons with underlying health by Environmental Health will have conditions are very strongly the power to close any business encouraged to shelter in place immediately if protocols are not this includes working from home being met and Police may do the wherever possible; same if they identify social distancing protocols are not being adhered to. * All businesses, unless otherwise exempted, should continue to work • Hardware stores will be permitted and operate from home; to open beginning the week of 4th May once these establishments meet * Schools and educational institutions the protocols established by the will remain closed until 1st June, Public and Environmental Health with the use of virtual learning to Department. These businesses will keep students engaged – this will assist homeowners in DIY projects remain under review; around the home as well as in the preparation of homes for the * Restrictions in respect of domestic hurricane season commencing June travel will continue until 1st June, 1st. with the exception of Salt Cay and Grand Turk which is considered as • Construction and hardware stores one island community, and Middle will be permitted to open from week Caicos and North Caicos as another commencing 11th May. There will be island community.

Government-led engagement with the Construction Sector following * Those who need to return to their the issuance of draft guidelines home islands from Providenciales from the Public and Environment cannot do so yet, but this will Health Department within the next become available once on-island few days. Related supply businesses, testing is established and persons including electrical, plumbing, etc.; can be tested, and quarantined if stores and ancillary businesses are necessary, before their return; expected to begin opening during the week beginning 11th May in * The Cruise Port will remain closed support of the construction industry. until 30th June. This decision will remain under review and will follow • Restaurants that choose to provide advice from the Centers for Disease a takeaway service and ‘takeaways’ Control and the World Health are permitted to open for takeaway Organisation. only commencing May 11th, with careful protocols in place including * Penalties for publication of false strict social distancing.

Public statements will remain as mandated. and Environmental Health will issue guidance in advance and *A duty to provide information will be making unannounced spot to Health Officials will remain as visits.

Public Health and Police mandated. will have the power to close a business immediately if they feel the * Application to Justice of the Peace establishment or surroundings are will remain as mandated. unsafe;

She also stated that a • So long as strict social distancing limited number of key government can be observed, office-based services departments will reopen on May 11, will be permitted to operate with four 2020, to provide critical services to or fewer persons in the office at a the country. This will be done on time. In terms of duty of care to their the basis of a reduced staffing and staff, we expect employers to make

the case to themselves and their staff as to why someone should require a physical presence in the workplace rather than vice-versa. Employers should also follow Government’s lead and look to implement shift work and to ensure that staff work in the smallest groups possible to achieve the recommended physical distance in the workplace and reduce any chance of cross-contamination.

• Self-sustaining fishermen will be permitted to undertake those activities to support and sustain their families through their businesses.

That may start on 4th May;

• a patient in a hospital or facility, except a responsible adult in the case of a child; • residential care establishment; • however, there must be access by video link, audio/phone for attorneys at the detention centre(s), prisons and police cells • Extremely limited visitation can be considered for the following with the appropriate application of social distancing due to the vulnerability of these populations; • a detainee in a detention centre(s), prisons or police cells.

The Premier said Government • Physical distancing protocols is taking a phased approach to reopen will remain in place.

However, certain sectors while monitoring the we now mandate the wearing of impact of these sectors on the spread masks or improvised face coverings of the virus. when engaged in public to avoid “This may require a quick the transfer of droplets while in rollback where necessary. The start conversation, business, or when in date and the allowable activities in close proximity to others. the next phase of the reopening will as always continue to be guided by • Churches should remain virtual, but Health. We should acknowledge the from Sunday 10th May, they may fact that this pandemic will continue have up to ten persons in Church. to impact daily life in the Turks and Those persons should be actively Caicos Islands until the end of this involved in the delivery of the year with a roadmap to an ‘end-state’ service. Social distancing protocols likely to stretch well into 2021. This must be adhered to. presents a clear and compound risk of managing both Covid-19 and the • Attendance at funeral services is hurricane season,” she added also limited to ten persons.

“Accepting that this position and restarting the international • Other social gatherings remain tourist economy do not need to restricted. be mutually exclusive; welcoming back international tourists is a key • Use of beaches and individual milestone on this roadmap. This watersports can resume from 4th paper does not consider the opening May for the purposes of fitness and of borders nor an approach to recreation. Strictly no gathering of resuming the tourist industry, both of over four adults may occur, and any which are the subject of a separate and gathering must consist of only those urgent whole-of-sector engagement. living in one household. No alcohol Our airport and protocols are being should be taken onto or consumed assiduously addressed even ahead of on the beach. the stakeholder engagement. We are cognizant of the fact that this will • As of 4th May individual fitness not and cannot be business as usual. is allowed at any time outside the We are also watching closely, our hours of curfew. This does not source markets. include any form of team sport. You

Caution was adopted when may drive to your place of outdoor considering purely economic exercise, which may include the drivers around the release of beach, should you wish to. curfew restrictions. This may seem counterintuitive, but prematurity • Restriction on visitation continues - the destabilising impact of until 1st June 2020 in the following subsequent waves of outbreaks and cases: the pressure on TCI’s healthcare system – would extend our crossNo person shall visit or be permitted territory recovery time and delay to visit— the critical date when we are able to restart our international tourist • any place of quarantine or isolation economy. This is the ‘next normal’.” station;

Legal challenge to governor’s new laws Continued from page 1

They suggested, “That the judge/Magistrate and a recorder will operate from the court room observing the social distancing protocol”.

The proposals contained nothing like the new regulation 4 (6) which is being challenged by the defendants.

That draft was widely debated, and it is to be applauded that when in due course the Chief Justice issued a new Practice Direction on

April 23rd, it reflected many of the changes suggested by members of the local Bar.

Meanwhile, on April 17th, the Governor Nigel Dakin, had already made the Regulations.

By regulation 4(5) they provided that “Court sittings shall be done remotely in the manner provided the Rules or Orders from the Chief Justice”.

But the Governor made one exception, where presumably the

Chief Justice could not be trusted until June 22nd. to deliver. By regulation 4(6) the The SUN understands that Governor alone decided that a trial on April 23rd, Andrew Mitchell, QC, could be held abroad. submitted to the Court a proposal for

Needless to say, that rather an earlier resumption of the trial, on begs the question: who drafted May 11. He relies upon regulation regulation 4 (6) and how did it come 4(6). to be spliced in to the “emergency” The civil proceedings were legislation? Hopefully that may only filed on Friday, April 24th, so emerge as a result of the legal it is not yet known if the Attorney challenge.

General, who is the named Defendant,

Meantime, Mr. Justice will seek to defend them.

Harrison has adjourned the SIPT trial

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 3

Page 4

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 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.

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 5

LOCAL NEWS

Governor and Premier defend Emergency Powers

Both Governor Nigel Dakin and Premier Sharlene Robinson have defended instituting Emergency Regulations in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“I am firmly of the view that if Cabinet had not made the decisions it did those being: introducing Emergency Regulations and a curfew to enforce a significant degree of social distancing; these Islands would now be experiencing the level of transmission and Covid-19 related deaths as set out in previous ‘reasonable worstcase scenario’ modelling similar to what we see in some countries in the region and around the World,” the Premier said during a national address on April 30th, 2020.

Governor Dakin, who said he wanted to “amplify what the Premier said around the State of Emergency, its genesis and how it’s been operating”, added: “Your elected representatives realised early on – not least drawing on their experience of dealing with the 2017 hurricanes - the extraordinary nature of what we faced and also recognised they had to move rapidly and decisively. The route to do that was through the Governor’s Emergency Powers. I think the results that were achieved – and that we witness today - justified that first decisive act by your

elected representatives.”

He said the TCI is” fortunate” amongst the Overseas Territories that it has a modern Constitution which bounds Emergency Powers within an accountable and democratic framework.

He added: “Two examples of this. The first is the proclamation of Emergency Powers expires after a month and must be renewed. The second, is that any regulations made under Emergency Powers (and the oddity of Emergency Powers is that it is the Executive that creates the law) is that those regulations expire after 21 days if they are not put before the Parliament and must be confirmed by the legislature.”

“It’s that part of the Constitution that I believe gave your elected Government confidence that these powers could be used on your behalf – on the nation’s behalf. Worth saying we have just revisited whether those powers are still required and – at the elected Governments request – we have collectively agreed to extend them to 1 June when we will review again. Our intention is that these powers lapse as soon as is possible.”

The Governor continued: “This ask from the elected government to utilise Emergency Powers on behalf of the people

Premier Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson

Governor Nigel Dakin

- not have these Emergency Powers imposed on them - was particularly important to me because it was obvious from the very onset of this pandemic that this was going to be a slow burn and long term crisis and that it would have very serious impacts on the people of these Islands.

The democratic legitimacy of the government of the day – who are accountable to their electorate – seemed to me to be essential if the public were to be involved as serious partners in this great challenge we face. As a result, since the introduction of Emergency Powers there has been no deviation in the way normal Cabinet and ministerial government has functioned.

There’s been no need to change the way we govern because Cabinet remains the best possible way to make decisions during this time.”

Governor Dakin stressed that “all decisions in Cabinet have been by consensus and all proposals put to Cabinet have come from the elected ministers” talking to their portfolios; adding that Health – under the Honourable Edwin Astwood has clearly been very much in the lead.

He continued: “My chairing of Cabinet has been exactly that – as it has been from my first day – a facilitating role to help the government of the day achieve their lawful objectives.”

9,500 employees applied for government grant from stimulus package under the Stimulus Package.

It is important that we The Ministry of address things said that Finance, Investment and are intended to mislead Trade has received over 9,500 our people. The suggestion employee grant applications, that we should remove the according to Premier 3% to 10% limit off of the Hon. Sharlene Cartwright- Contingency Fund could not be considered, neither did we Robinson.

Robinson made this have $30million unused and announcement during a accessible that could be used national address on Tuesday at the end of the financial year,” she said.

April 28th, 2020.

This stimulus package Robinson added that is described by the Premier there was also a suggestion Robinson as one of the most to increase the Stimulus to generous and best packages $120million, which will in the Caribbean region. essentially wipe out TCI’s

“I want to remind us unencumbered savings in all why the Budget had to one month together with the be passed: in order to give funds needed for monthly effect to the cash grants obligations.

By Todeline Defralien

“I assure the people of the country that these decisions are taken in our country’s best interests as no one knows the length of this pandemic and the true fall-out. While we fund the stimulus package and pay monthly obligations, we must also consider the unknown health costs and the hurricane season on our heel. We believe it best to proceed with caution and to recognise that we are possibly in a marathon and not a sprint and that assistance must be gauged and reviewed over the period of the pandemic,” she explained about the Budget which was passed last

Thursday, 23rd April 2020.

She continued: “The Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade is working with programme developers to automate the process, so that documentation validations will be the major part of the process requiring human input. We have found that there are a number of duplications or erroneous applications, which when purged may take that eligible number down to about 7,500.”

Robinson noted that the Ministry is aiming at having the payments released by Friday, 8 May, 2020.

Page 6

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

FortisTCI - Keeping the Lights on During a Pandemic

As the Coronavirus outbreak that started in China in December 2019 began to take on global proportions at the beginning of 2020, the FortisTCI Crisis Management Team sprang into early action, planning a response to what was a clear and present danger to the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

The team maintains itself in a perpetual state of readiness, with ongoing testing and updates of its procedures. With this focus, a well-established ISO 22301 certified business continuity management system, and with the experience of managing through the disastrous 2017 hurricanes, the team and company executives approached the unprecedented coronavirus challenge with determination.

When the Crisis Management Team met in February, it was with an understanding and urgency that no ordinary planning – indeed, only the best laid plans – would ensure that the company could continue to provide electricity, that vital lifeline to businesses, homes, hospitals, and every essential service in TCI throughout the impending crisis.

Columnist Peggy Noonan expressed her understanding of the importance of electricity, especially at this time, in her March 19th Wall Street Journal article on the developing situation in the United States saying, “There are a million warnings out there on a million serious things. We add one: Everything works—and will continue to work—as long as we have electricity. It’s what keeps the lights on, the oxygen flowing, the information going. Everything is the grid, the grid, the grid.”

Before the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a global

pandemic on March 11, a multifaceted pandemic response plan was being rolled out across FortisTCI’s service territories.

By then several steps had been taken internally to safeguard employee health and safety, including a ban on travel, sharing of ongoing public health information, extra sanitization of work areas and activation of various pandemic response policies and procedures.

President and CEO Eddinton Powell said at the time: “Our goal is to minimize any interruption to our operations, so that we can continue to provide our customers with the reliable electricity they have come to expect from us.”

needs. Each person seeking to access a work site is required to have a basic temperature check and answer questions from a medical practitioner.

Wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment and practicing social distancing are also mandatory requirements established as a part of the company’s revised procedures.

The commitment of FortisTCI security personnel, control room operators, linemen, mechanical and electrical engineers, technicians, materials management, health and safety, facilities management, and vehicle services staff is unwavering.

These employees show up every day and answer the call when needed to keep electricity flowing to those at home.

Operational Changes and

The work of the company’s President and CEO Eddinton Powell Customer Support Information Technology team has and their families connected with been especially critical during this fun activities they can take part in

By March 25, FortisTCI made time, ensuring that the business while at home. a decision to close its customer service can continue to operate remotely centers and established mandatory as efficiently as possible. Their A Message of work from home procedures before work has allowed customer service Thanks and Hope announcing a plan to support teams across the islands to continue customers faced with hardships serving customers, answering calls, In his most recent message to as a result of the pandemic. That and responding to customer queries the team at FortisTCI, President and included suspending disconnections during usual business hours.

CEO Eddinton Powell said, “I want for 30 days, waiving penalties for to thank all our essential and critical 60 days and delaying the 6.8% rate Employee Engagement workers on-site, on-call and on the increase by three months. front line, for the job they doing

Today, FortisTCI continues In fact, FortisTCI employees every day to deliver safe and reliable to operate within the confines of the continue to be engaged, whether electricity to customers. I also want Governor’s emergency powers and serving in their usual work to thank those working from home. by following guidelines set forth by environment as essential personnel I am incredibly proud of the entire the TCI Government and medical or working from home. team. The sacrifices you are making, authorities.

The human resources team leaving your homes, and spending

Approximately 60% of staff has taken the lead on helping additional hours to complete urgent now work from home, and essential employees manage their mental tasks, have not gone unnoticed.” employees who are critical to the and emotional health in what is Mr. Powell added, “Our jobs delivery of electricity across the an unsettling time for some, by are more than just keeping the lights territory continue to show up every partnering with the TCIG Mental on - we keep the oxygen flowing in day to ensure the energy needs of Health Department. The in-house hospitals, the connections in place customers are met at the highest level. social club committee has also for students attending class online, Some employees are sequestered on shifted gears and is finding new and and the grocery stores operating. a rotating basis to meet business innovative ways to keep employees Thank you for all you do.”

Coronavirus social enhancement aid Provo Sailing Academy Urgently requires the services of a highly skilled and certified Sailing Instructor/ stimulus package programme To cushion the economic impact and to establish assistance for vulnerable families and persons most affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic within the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Department of Social Development, Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture and Library Services, would like to unveil its Coronavirus Social Enhancement Aid Stimulus Package Programme.

Under this Coronavirus Social Enhancement Aid Stimulus Package Programme, the Government has implemented a mechanism of a food voucher program that would be provided for short – medium-term support to persons that are vulnerable

and or may become vulnerable as result of this pandemic. This program is expected to last for a period of three (3) months ONLY. To be considered for the Coronavirus Social Enhancement Aid Stimulus Package Programme, vulnerable persons must submit an application form along with all supporting documents referred to on the application form.

To apply, visit the Turks and Caicos Islands Government website on www.gov.tc/dsd Persons who are qualified and are approved for this Coronavirus Social Enhancement Aid Stimulus

Package would be referred on a Social Development distribution list to the various community participating grocery stores who would create a gift voucher/food card in the name of the recipients.

For further information, questions and concerns, please contact the Department through the following channels: Whatsapp: Grand Turk: 649- 242 -0436 Provo: 649-243-0435 Email: socialservices@gov.tc

Coach with experience in worldwide racing and Regatta organization Will be required to have a full working knowledge of how to operate laser picos, lasers and hobie cats, and be heavily involved in general fleet maintenance Will also be required to work with great professionalism and patience to adults and especially children Up to date first aid certification is a must, and working on weekends will be compulsory The successful candidate must also have some marketing skills and demonstrate excellent work ethic Salary is $30,000 p.a Resumes must be provided by May 1, 2020 to nc@lexcotci.com and provosailingacademy@gmail.com Applicants are encouraged to submit their resumes to the Labour Department, if qualified

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 7

LOCAL NEWS

Turks and Caicos Islands 2019 tourist arrivals increase by 9 percent

The Turks and Caicos Islands welcomed a total of 1,598,557 visitor arrivals for 2019, which was a 9 percent increase of arrivals overall when compared to the previous year’s record breaking figures.

These arrivals comprise of 486,739 stop over visitors and 1,111,818 cruise passengers.

The Turks and Caicos Islands recorded an impressive 10 percent increase in arrivals through our international airport and fixed based operations.

The Grand Turk Cruise Center greeted a 9 percent increase in cruise passengers’ year-over-year.

Similarly, for a consecutive year the Cruise Center also welcomed more ships, hosting 354

compared to 320 ship calls in 2018; this marked an 11 percent increase in ship calls year-overyear.

The Turks and Caicos Islands, has also seen increases in arrivals from its major source markets. The American market maintained its dominant share of total arrivals, accounting for 82% of the destination’s land based arrivals; The United States outbound travel market continued to grow steadily despite concerns about the US economy. Canada followed

by Europe account for 9 and 4 percent of stopover arrival shares respectively.

This year-end report, prepared by the Statistical Officer of the

Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board, presents the industry’s data along with commentary to broaden the industry’s understanding of our collective progress over the past year.

The full 2019 Turks and Caicos Tourism Statistics Report can be accessed by visiting the following link: http://turksandcaicostourism. com/visitor-statistics/.

Any queries or comments can be directed to the Tourist Board’s Statistical Officer Ms. Sharissa Lightbourne at SLightbourne@ turksandcaicostourism.com.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization describes the growth seen this year in the Caribbean tourism industry as

the result of strong demand from the main sources coupled with increased airlift capacity, more diverse accommodation facilities and the sustained recovery following hurricane season 2017.

The craving for new and authentic experiences remains the main driver for demand and spending on leisure travel worldwide, according to the CTO. The Turks and Caicos Islands must continue to put forth new and innovative marketing initiatives which will contribute significantly to sustained growth in the midst of the many threats in the global environment that we are seeing at this time.

Royal Reef Resort North Caicos

Page 8

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

ambergris cay resort

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TCC Says Thank You To All Essential Services Staff “While most of us are at home right now, we know there are

Director of Public Relations at The Turks and Caicos Collection,

so many people on the front lines, essential workers who are

Wayne Garland said, “These are extraordinary and challenging

showing up to work every day to help keep us safe and we say,

times and we want to acknowledge and thank all those people

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

in the emergency and essential services industries who are out there doing amazing work. We have never faced a pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought the world to a standstill,

of this nature before in our islands and we wish to publicly

and the TCI is no exception. Our streets have gone quiet,

acknowledge and profoundly thank our essential service

businesses and schools have closed, as we isolate ourselves

workers. Your professionalism and commitment to serving our

from each other.

communities is incredibly valued and most certainly make all the difference.

“To all those persons on the front lines, Doctors, Nurses, Ambulance drivers, Police Officers, Supermarket employees,

TCC encourages everyone to stay safe, respect and follow the

Waste Collection workers, - essential workers across the

protocols and restrictions and remember:

spectrum, the entire team at TCC says THANK YOU for your service and bravery. We are all grateful for you and to you.”

Alexandra Resort alexandraresort.com +1.800.284.0699 +1.649.946.5807

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MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 9

LOCAL NEWS

13-year-old Jada Johnson launches art design business

Jada Johnson, now 13, was inspired to become an entrepreneur at age 11. Her mother Sanfra Foster says that from when she was about four years old, Jada developed a love for baking and painting.

She noted it was the strangest thing as she did not possess skills in those areas.

Nevertheless, Sanfra said she encouraged Jada to do what she loved to do, and from then, cookbooks and paint sets are all she ever asks for.

Jada is an eigth grade student at Providenciales Primary & Middle School, and there won an art competition in seventh grade using the Pointillism art form.

The school used Jada’s image on reusable bags to raise funds for an end-of- year trip to the Adirondack Mountains.

While the bag sales were unbelievable, the exposure for the artist seemed more phenomenal, and in many ways boosted Jada’s confidence and desire to create new images.

With her school’s blessing, she continued designing bags and became an entrepreneur at age 11, naming her business ‘Uniquely Jada’.

Jada has since produced 24 designs, 12 of which are printed on bags, 3 on drink coasters and 5 on greeting cards.

Her products can be found at boutiques in Grace Bay, and the full array is available at the weekly Fish Fry in Provo.

“I have so many dreams,” Jada said. “I want to become an obstetrician, but I also want to own a hospital. In my hospital, I dream of using art as therapy for my patients, andfinding a way to connect their healing to and through the use of art.

Jada added, “Being successful in school requires commitment and hard work.

I also want to be successful in life and I am excited about my future! I think that girls really rock, and that we can become great if we stay focused and work hard to achieve our dreams. The key for me is believing in myself.”

Jada is an active youth of St. Monica’s Anglican Church, a past pastry winner and participant in the TCHTA’s

Mills Institute Location: 45 Marby Drive Juba Sound, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Mills Institute is seeking Teachers/Teachers’ Aide Report to: Deputy Director Job Goal: The Primary goal is to provide and carry out curriculum instructions related to the school and Ministry of Education.

Requirements: Must have at least One Year Teaching Experience at the Primary Level.

Must be energetic, creative and able to use initiative Must be flexible Be open to ongoing professional development Be a team player Duties and Responsibilities: Plan, organize and execute daily teaching schedule Supervise and teach students Work effectively as a team member Take part in extra-curricula activities Be able to communicate effectively with parents Be punctual and professional Able to use various forms of teaching aids Domestic Worker Assist with cooking, washing and cleaning Salary $6.25 per hour Handy Man Maintain and upkeep school premises Garbage removal Be able to undertake repairs, door installations and other areas as required Submit all applications along with copies of resume to: millsinstitute@gmail.com These positions are for work permit renewals Interested Turks and Caicos Islander applicant are required to submit their application to the Labour Board

Little Chef Program, enjoys activities at the Edward Gartland Youth Centre where an art piece was exhibited and sold in the 2019 show, and a happy student at Provo

Jada and her mum, Sanfra Foster

Performing Arts School.

Follow Uniquely Jada on FaceBook and Instagram or email: uniquelyjada99@gmail. com

GK Food Service

Location: 1125, Leeward Highway, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

Is seeking to employ an ASSISTANT MANAGER Requirements, Duties and Responsibilities: •Must have prior Wholesale/Food Service experience and knowledgeable with Food Service Products •Must have computer experience working with QuickBooks •Must have experience in managing wholesale/food service business •Minimum of 5 years experience working in grocery industry PLEASE EMAIL RESUME TO: GKSUPERMARKETTCI@GMAIL.COM Salary is $750.00 weekly Please Contact: 231-8060 Belongers and PRC holders are preferred Is seeking to employ an ASSISTANT BUTCHER Requirements, Duties and Responsibilities: •Minimum 5 years experience in meat processing •Should have knowledge about meats and cuts •Good customer service skills •Should be able to work on weekends and holidays Salary is $7.00 an hour Please Contact: 231-8060 PLEASE EMAIL RESUME TO: GKSUPERMARKETTCI@GMAIL.COM Both positions are currently held by Work Permit Holders Belongers and PRC holders are encouraged to send a copy of their resume to the Labour Board

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LOCAL NEWS

THE INDEPENDENCE DEBATE: June 1982 - Setting the Record Straight

In the mid-1970’s, the air in number of seats that carried the the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) was government and not the popular vote. charged with the desire for change.

Hon McCartney’s dream from

This was also evident in some the outset was for an independent Caribbean countries which had moved Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI). It was to independence in the 1960’s and unclear if this desire was shared by others which were following suit. those who claimed to be his followers.

There was also the black power He took several steps to bring about movement which was an inspiration this dream. to black people in the region taking Following their victory at the their cue from events in Haiti during polls, he took a delegation to London their move to independence. to meet with officials from the British

There was this strong urge to Government to advance his cause. move away from colonial exploitation, This meeting took place in degradation and domination. The TCI London from November 26 – 27, was no exception.

1979. The delegation included the

The late Hon. J.A.G.S. Hon. Oswald Skippings, Deputy McCartney, fresh from studies in Chief Minister, Mr. Daniel Williams Jamaica, where such changes were (Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the prevalent, returned home to face Chief Minister) and Mr. Fredrick G. similar trends.

Smith, Constitutional Advisor to the

He was fully aware of what was Turks and Caicos Islands Government. transpiring in the region and hence, The focus of these talks was he wanted to see his home country constitutional advancement for the break the shackles of colonialism and TCI. move towards self-determination and The UK delegation was led by self-government.

Mr. Nicholas Ridley, Minister of State

One of Hon McCartney’s first at the Foreign and Commonwealth approaches to initiate change, was Office (FCO). It also included the the formation of the Junkanoo Club Governor from the TCI, H.E. John – a social organization where people C. Strong, along with senior officials could assemble and discuss pertinent of various departments of the UK issues affecting the country.

Government.

He discovered that many The TCI delegation also met residents particularly on Grand Turk, with Lord Carrington at the end of where the colonial forces had a greater the talks. During the talks, the TCI presence, were frustrated and desperate. delegation presented several proposals

The Junkanoo Club provided from their draft constitution. a refuge and brought about a sense of These proposals were primarily awareness and support of the plight of geared towards the transfer of powers the people. The Club organizedseveral held by the sitting Governor to the demonstrations against injustices elected members of the Executive brought to their attention.

Council.

By 1976, this organization Mr. Smith pointed out to the had evolved into a political party, the group that the document was designed Peoples’ Democratic Movement (PDM) mainly for a point of discussion. with Mr. McCartney as leader. Several He also added that it was the other members joined the party. belief by the leaders of the country

General elections were held that the present constitution granted on September 27th, 1976. The Peoples’ the Governor too much power.

National Organization (PNO) now the This could allow him to take Progressive National Party (PNP) was certain actions without having to also formed during this time under the consult local elected leaders. leadership of Hon. Norman Saunders, As a result, there was the need Mr. Nathaniel (Bops) Francis and Mr. for the TCI to move towards internal Daniel Malcolm. self-government to enable the locally

A third political party, the elected leaders greater autonomy over United Independence Party (UIP) the affairs of the country. lead by Mr. Headley Durhamwas also The local leaders were of the formed. view that since they were elected by

All three parties contested the people, they should have the right the 1976 general elections along with to determine what was essential for several independent candidates. It the country. was a closely contested election.

The main arguments as laid

The PDM won five (5) out of out in the constitution draft document the eleven (11) seats, the PNP four (4) were: and the UIP none.

Two independent candidates, • A request for informal Mr. C.W. Maguire of South Caicos and consultations on the Mr. Daniel Williams of Bottle Creek, appointments of the Governor.

North Caicos won those seats. Both • That the Governor should act independent candidates joined forces on the advice of the Executive with the PDM to form the government.

Council except when acting in

There were 2995 registered his constitutional discretion or voters of which 2550 cast ballots,forty in the discharge of his special of which ended up being spoiled. responsibilities.

From the 2510 votes counted, • That the Governor should the PDM polled 883 or 33% of the no longer be able to act in his votes, the PNP 1108 or 44.1% of the discretion in matters of internal votes and the NIP 559 or 22.3% of the security including the police votes. force and the public service

From the results, it can be said • An objection to the Governor’s that the PNP was the favoured party reserve legislative powers since they received the majority of • Objection to the Governor’s votes cast. powers to return bills with

This however did not earn recommended amendments them the government. It was the • Objection to the Governor’s

powers to dispose of land.

Other proposals included the need to change the Office of Chief Minister to that of Premier, the post of Attorney General to become a Ministerial Office, and the establishment of a Minister of Finance, a Cabinet of Ministers to advise the Governor and a Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy whose members would include a Minister as Chairman, the Attorney General, the Chief Medical Officer and not more than three members appointed by the Governor.

Many of these proposals were not accepted at the time by the UK government.

The foregoing draft also supports the thinking that JAGS was ahead of his time. Several of these proposals reflected some of what much later comprised the 2006 Constitution under the leadership of former Premier Michael Misick.

Hon McCartney was ever conscious of the state of economic hardships within the country.

The UN Committee reported that he clearly stated at the outset that there could be no economic progress for the TCI, and none would come about until elected members of government had enough power to push it through.

Therefore, he was adamant about elected members having control over the affairs of the TCI.

He also called on the UK Government to put the necessary infrastructure in place to pave the way for large scale development.

When asked about independence, he clearly responded by saying he was not afraid of it, but he cautioned that politically and economically, the TCI was not ready for it.

Despite JAGS’ clear stance on independence, it would appearfrom the discussions that the UK delegation wanted to push the country towards independence while at the same time warningthem of its implications.

This is evident from the response of Mr. Ridley who noted that regarding economic development, he understood the need to put in some infrastructure, but added that the TCI could also see a reduction in UK aid during the current year and in subsequent years if it went independent.

Mr. Ridley also advised the TCI delegation that once the TCI gainsindependence, they could approach other potential donors for assistance.

Mr. Ridley’s advice tended to also suggest that the UK government was foreseeing that any move towards independence would be an outright failure.

The UK knew fully well that the current political and economic state of the TCI did not put them in a strong bargaining position to negotiate loans for any form of development projects.

Furthermore, Mr. Ridley informed the delegation that owing to the policies in force governing UK public expenditure, the Territory would almost certainly suffer a reduction in assistance if it did not agree to move to

By Dr. Carlton Mills independence.

He further added that the UK could put forward an independence package with a firm commitment to make money available for infrastructure if the TCI would move to independence.

The UK he noted, was of the view that the Territory could move to independence within nine months after the next general elections which was due by the end of 1980.

He suggested June 1982 as a possible date.

Such a display by the UK officials could have been one of retaliation.

They were at odds with McCartney since the Junkanoo Club incident in 1975. Any failure on the part of independence, could be a means of getting even as this would have reflected badly on McCartney’s part.

On their return from the UK, Hon McCartney at the Legislative Council meeting that was held in December 1979, passed a resolution by which it accepted the proposed timetable for independence by mid-1982 together with a special aid package. The members of the Opposition walked out of the Council in protest.

THE PNP’S POSITION

On February 1st, 1980, the PNP at the invitation of the UK Government, sent a delegation comprising Hon N.B. Saunders (Leader of the Opposition), Hon Nathaniel (Bops) Francis and Hon Daniel Malcolm (elected members of the Opposition) along with Mr. J. Shearer, a businessman and Mr. Ariel Misick (local attorney at the time, now QC) to represent the Opposition at these meetings.

Also, in attendance was H.E. Governor John C. Strong from the TCI, along with officials from the UK Government.

Following this meeting, Mr. Nicholas Ridley, Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office noted that the Opposition Members indicated that they were not in favour of independence until the TCI was in a position to have a secure Continued on page 11

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS Continued from page 10 currency, a strong economy and public confidence in the local administration to enforce law and order and to combat international drug smuggling.

However, the members made it known that they accepted independence as the islands’ ultimate destiny, but their draw back was that this could be eroded if done hastily.

In one sense, the PNP seemed to suggest that they did not have confidence in the ability of the PDM Administration to take the country into independence.

On May 3rd, 1980, Chief Minister McCartney left the territory along with a delegation which included the Deputy Chief Minister and the Minister of Public Works, Utilities and Labour, for talks with officials of the US Government in Washington, DC.

Following the talks, on May 9th, the Chief Minister and a US real estate developer, Mr. James Joyce who had submitted a development proposal to the TCI Government for a major tourism related development on West Caicos and South Caicos, left in Mr. Joyce’s private plane to view his development in New Jersey when their plane crashed killing all on board.

Many believed that the independence dream died along with the Chief Minister. Those projects appeared to have been his initiative to advance the economic state of the TCI and support his economic position for independence.

Following the Hon. McCartney’s death, the Governor explained that the constitution indicated that once the Chief

Minister’s position becomes vacant, so does all other ministerial positions.

Subsequently, he was not in a position to appoint a new Chief Minister until a by-election takes place.

This also meant that nofurther business was transacted in the Executive Council as this was null and void.

In a subsequent broadcast on May 16th, 1980, the Governor announced that the names of two candidates (Mr. Oswald Skippings of PDM and Mr. Norman Saunders of PNP) had been put forward for a vote for Chief Minister.

This ended in a tie (5 – 5). This tie came about because one Mr. Walter Cox, PDM member for Providenciales, crossed the floor and joined the PNP.

A by-election for Hon McCartney’s seat was held on June 12th, 1980. Mr. Herbert Been of the PDM won this seat. He was appointed Minister of Health, Education and Social Welfare (the same portfolio Skippings held when McCartney was Chief Minister).

At the next meeting of the Legislative Council, Mr.Oswald Skippings was voted as the next Chief Minister.

PDM’S ALTERING POSITION ON INDEPENDENCE

Following the appointment of the New Chief Minister, the PDM altered their position from that of the former Chief Minister on independence.

It was noted by the UN Committee (1980) that on the question

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (TCICC) EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT THE TCICC Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons for the following full-time positions at the TCICC for the Fall Semester commencing Monday, August 24, 2020.

1. Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM): • 3 Positions: o Culinary Arts o Food & Beverage o Hospitality Management 2. Faculty of Natural and Applied Science (NAS): • 1 Position: o Nurse Educator Lecturers are required to teach across different academic levels from the G.C.E. Advanced level, Caribbean Advanced Proficiency and up to the Associate and Bachelor Degree levels. Multi-disciplinary candidates are particularly encouraged to apply for these positions.

The ideal candidate must have knowledge and skills obtained through collegiate preparation resulting in a Master’s degree (Doctorate preferred) which must include eighteen (18) graduate semester hours in the area being applied for, from an accredited and recognized institution plus a Teaching Diploma or Postgraduate Diploma and no less than three years post qualification teaching experience. A Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of a second class honors or other postgraduate qualifications, teaching certificate/Diploma and experience in teaching at Tertiary level may be considered.

Nurse Educator TCICC needs a Nurse Educator who will help prepare the next generation of nurses in classroom settings. The ideal person should beable to provide guidance and mentoring to nursing students, showing them how to deliver the best healthcare possible. He/she will combine clinical abilities with responsibilities related to: • Designing curricula, courses and programs of study that reflect contemporary healthcare trends, • Creating healthcare environment in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings that will facilitate student learning and the achievement of desired cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes.

• Teaching classroom and clinical courses • Advising and guiding students • Using a variety of strategies to asses and evaluate student learning in classroom, laboratory and clinical settings, • Documenting the outcomes of the educational process.

• Advising students • Engaging in scholarly work • Participating in professional associations • Contributing to the academic community through leadership roles • Engaging in peer review

of future political status of the TCI, on the question of independence and the PDM stated that they were not had in effect rejected the independence requesting independence but seeking package which incorporated the timemore local autonomy through the table for independence by mid-1982. introduction of specific constitutional The Governor also reiterated amendments so that the TCI could to the delegation that the position of manage its own economy and decide the PNP remained the same. on the best investments for the country.

On Sunday, November 2nd,

Furthermore, the resolution 1980, members of the delegation met that was passed in the Legislative with Hon Skippings. Hon Skippings Council in December 1979 while noted that the party’s constitution was Hon McCartney was Chief Minister drawn up by the late Hon. McCartney together with the aid package was later and published in The Voice (a local dissolved. newspaper) in April 1980.

At a meeting of the Legislative He further declared that a few Council on September 10th, 1980, amendments were made, the main one the new Chief Minister, Hon Oswald being the rejection of the aid package Skippings introduced a new resolution tied to independence by mid-1982. whereby the Government rejected the He further noted that the party timetable for independence and the considered that it would be ‘political special aid package. suicide” to contest the elections

This second resolution was on a pro-independence platform approved by the Legislative Council, particularly since the people of the TCI read in part: had made it resoundingly clear from

…. ‘’That this honourable political campaign meetings that they House resolves forthwith to seek did not want independence. internal self-government by Over the years, the PNP has constitutional means and move to been blamed for the failure of the TCI independence on a date signified moving towards independence. by the people, expressed through a The PDM won elections in referendum held for the purpose...’’

1988, 1995, 1999 and 2016. During

This new turn of events these administrations, no attempt has suggests that the current Chief Minister been made to advance McCartney’s either had a change of heart once he dream of an independent Turks and was tasked with the leadership position Caicos Islands despite the country or in all honesty, he never supported being in a very strong economic JAGS’dream of independence. position.

This altering of position by the I do hope that this paper, PDM was also noticed by the Governor based on the reports by the UN who during meetings with UN mission in September 1980 and July Delegation, expressed the view that 1981, has provided more insights into since the visit of the last UN Delegation what really transpired and has set the 1980, the PDM had altered its position records straight.

• Maintaining clinical competence • Writing grant proposals The ideal person will: • Have excellent communication skills • Be creative, and have a solid clinical background • Be flexible and possess excellent critical thinking skills.

• Have a substantive knowledge base in his/her area of instruction and the skills to convey that knowledge in a variety of ways to student nurses.

• Have a strong knowledge base in theories of teaching, learning and evaluation • Be able to design curricula and programs that reflect sound educational principles • Be able to assess learner needs • Be innovative; and enjoy teaching.

• Adapt curriculum and teaching methods in response to innovations in nursing science and ongoing changes in the practice environment.

• Have advisement and counseling skills, research and other scholarly skills, and an ability to collaborate with other disciplines to plan and deliver a sound educational program.

At a minimum, the ideal person should have a graduate-level degree, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Nursing Education; and should be a Registered Nurse (RN) with advanced clinical training in a healthcare specialty.

Salary is in the scale Level I: US$27,399.90 - $39,102.30 per annum.

Level II: US$40,210.00 - $43,488.40 per annum.

Entry point will depend on qualifications and experience. In the case of staff recruited from overseas, appointment is on contractual terms for an initial period of two years.

A gratuity is payable at the end of satisfactory contractual service at the rate of 10% of salary drawn during the period of service. A housing allowance is payable at existing rates.

Applications with copies of qualifications (including official transcripts), two character references, a police record and a recent testimonial from current place of employment should be sent to the: PRESIDENT, TCI COMMUNITY COLLEGE, P.O. BOX 236, LIGHTHOUSE ROAD,

GRAND TURK, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FAX 649 946 1661 TELE 649 946 1163 EMAIL president@tcicc.edu.tc copy: dean@tcicc.edu.tc

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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LOCAL NEWS

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 • Grand Turk - National Company Services (NCS), Cees Building, Church Folly 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 |

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

Why young people have a bright future within the PNP

In March 2020, Hon. Washington Misick, Leader of the Progressive National Party, and the Leader of the Loyal Opposition, turned 70 years old, putting him on track to be the second oldest Premier/ Chief Minister in the history of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

If successful, it will be Hon. Misick’s second time leading the country, and this time he will bring with him over 30 years of political experience.

Despite this, there are those who see Hon. Misick’s age as a bad thing, with a caller to a popular talk show claiming that Hon. Misick is too old to run the country.

And seeking to give the impression that “experienced leadership” is fighting against “youth leadership”, someone recently posted on social media that:

“The concept of youth leadership in every aspect of society is under attack. For far to (sic) long, we have been told to wait our turn, No! I say it is time we take a stand and say our time is now!!.”

While bold, this statement is false and misleading on many levels.

First, in the truest sense of the term, “youth leadership” refers to teens gaining “…the skills and knowledge necessary to lead civic engagement, education reform and community organizing activities”.

There have certainly been no attacks by the community or the political establishment on teens in this area, and I am encouraging teens to be civic minded and to take on youth leadership roles, even as we seek to find some sense of normalcy during this pandemic.

Second, when the author of the post referred to “youth”, he most likely meant “young adults” – i.e. persons in their 20’s and 30’s – as for the most part, these persons would

By E. Jay Saunders

Deputy Leader, Progressive National Party

have completed their education, have started working, and are now seeking to take on leadership roles; but even so, the author stating that their leadership aspirations are under attack, and that for far too long they have been told to wait their turn, is also false.

The truth is, the Turks & Caicos Islands has a rich history of young people in leadership positions, even at the highest level.

For example, since elected Government was instituted in 1976 (i.e. over 40 years ago), the Turks & Caicos Islands has had 10 different leaders, and if we look at their ages when they first took office, we’ll see that Hon. J. A. G. S. McCartney was 31, Hon. Oswald Skippings 26, Hon. Norman B. Saunders 37, Hon. Nathaniel (Bops) Francis 73, Hon. Washington Misick 41, Hon. Derek Taylor 44, Hon. Michael Misick 37, Hon. Galmo “Gilley” Williams 43, Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing 44, and the Hon. Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson 45.

That’s an average age of 42, with one leader being in his 20’s, three in their 30’s, five in their 40’s, and one in his 70’s. All but one leader (90% of them) was 45 or under when they took office, with 40% of them being under 40.

When it comes to putting young people into positions of power, you won’t get much better than the Turks & Caicos Islands.

We have a history of elevating young people into positions of leadership, and it’s not because they were young, but because our leaders have proven to be competent, talented, focused, and most importantly, they cared about the people that they were seeking to represent, regardless of their age.

So young people, if you’re interested in taking on positions of leadership, particularly in public life, go for it, history is on your side – after all, our second Chief Minister was only 26 when he assumed office, and our 3 most popular leaders were all in their 30’s when they assumed office.

However, when you do, don’t let others convince you that what you have to contribute now will somehow cease to exist when you reach your 40’s.

The burning desire that you have now to take on leadership responsibilities is not there because you’re young, but because you want to make a difference.

This desire will not burn out when you get older.

Remember, youth is nothing

but a stage that we all pass through in our life’s journey.

The important leadership traits, especially those for public service – i.e. trustworthiness, a sense of duty, service above self, forward thinking, competency, and dependability – are refined over time.

If you have those traits now, you’ll get better at them as you get older, because you’ll have experience to go with them.

In closing, I would like to remind everyone that the PNP is a big tent party - a party that welcomes everyone.

Our current slate of candidates includes a person at 70, persons in their 60’s, one in his 50’s, some in their 40’s, and persons in their 30’s – that’s experience covering five decades.

We have a bright future, with over 25% of our candidates for the upcoming General Election being under the age of 40, and 60% of us being under the age of 50.

That’s a great mix of youth and experience. So if you’re ready to take on a leadership role, I encourage you to join the PNP.

May God continue to bless us, and may he continue to keep us safe during these trying times.

Concern for closure of business

At the start of the 24 hour curfew, it was understood by the general population that strict measures needed to be in place which would mitigate the extensive spread of the COVID-19 in the Turks and Caicos islands. These measures included the closure of several businesses considered nonessential.

Although from the onset we had issues with the process in which the businesses were selected which would remain open, we accepted the decision of the Governor “as in the best interest of the country”. Weeks have passed, and many local businesses have remained closed. Businesses that employ Turks and Caicos Islands residents and provided stability to our economy.

To us, the list of local businesses not allowed to operate

need to be reviewed by the currently being done at the banks government, bearing in mind the and IGA. Restaurants can be allowed perceived biasness displayed during to provide take out services. With the initial list. It has been more than these measures businesses would five (5) weeks since the lockdown have had the opportunity to bring and the time has come for the in some level of income as well as government to make preparations provide some form of employment to create protocols for more local for their staff, especially in times businesses to operate during this like these.

I urge the government pandemic.

Additionally, once you to consider the position and the dig deep into the details of the hardship that these businesses government’s stimulus package, will find themselves in at the end you would discover that it is mostly of this pandemic. I ask that they geared towards the hospitality sector give some sort of leniency to these with very little relief or assistance businesses in allowing them to to local private enterprises. operate, of course responsibly so

If the government want to that some financial burden can be seriously help the local businesses, alleviated from both the employer they would quickly go back to the and employees. drawing board and design a plan As I concluded, let me say where businesses can operate on we are all in this together, therefore reduce hours with minimum staff there must be a level playing field on shift time, similarly to what is for all.

By Arlington “Chuck” Musgrove

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

LOCAL NEWS

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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Some business ideas in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Rise up and work the mind and hands

As a result of the impact of COVID 19, many of us are fretting about the future having no idea what to do. Therefore, I want to share some ideas with you. Of course there are many other ideas that are not covered in this article. Before you proceed with any of these ideas, ensure that you do your research, enroll in some online classes and whatever you do, let it be something that you are passionate about.

Gardening Consultant

Many people now have their own backyard gardens but may not have the time to maintain it or even add new plants to it. Some people may have time but still need help in knowing what to do. This is an opportunity to be a consultant or a maintenance person to maintain other people gardens.

Plant Nursery

Some people may not want to have their own garden. This is an opportunity for others to develop plant nurseries throughout the Turks and Caicos. This can become a business and so you can sell plants, fruits and vegetables to the public.

Poultry farm

Except for the vegetarians, everyone else has at least one meat as part of their diet. In the Turks and Caicos, all of our meat is imported and it is duty free. This is a great opportunity for us to develop poultry farms to service the needs of the people in the country. In order for this to be successful, I am recommending that Government increased the duty on meat so that it will be feasible for locals to compete effectively.

Outsourcing – Public and Private Sector

Some of your jobs may have been displaced. Offer yourself as an outsourcer for any company not just in your country but anywhere in the world.

I think this is also a great opportunity for the Government to outsource some of their work to individuals as there is a constant complaint about backlogs and projects not getting done on time. Perhaps this is a great opportunity for Government

to assist residents with employment opportunities.

Grocery Store One of the basic needs is food and a grocery store supplies the food.

Perhaps some of us can collaborate and establish some grocery stores throughout the Turks and Caicos.

Delivery of Groceries

Grocery stores can partner with delivery companies and offer delivery of groceries to persons. Even if the grocery stores do not offer this, persons can set up delivery companies to pick up and deliver groceries to their clients.

Fishing

Many stores continue to import seafood and many restaurants continue to offer imported sea food on their menu. I am not sure of the reason for his. Perhaps let this be an opportunity to pursue and encourage the Govt. to increase duty on imported seafood and allow others to provide seafood to supply the local market.

Transportation services

Some car rental companies will be impacted by this virus. Use some of your fleet and offer a well-developed transportation service so we can get rid of these illegal jitneys on the streets.

Some of you may have to sell your vehicle due to your financial condition. Don’t be embarrassed about using transportation to get back and forth to work and the store. You will find some people offering private services for pick up.

Offshore finance I know there is a push to expand the offshore finance. I believe this should be continued and a lot of money needs to be invested in marketing. BVI is a prime example of success and will not be significantly impacted like TCI as BVI main contributor to its GDP is offshore finance representing more than 50 % of the Government revenues.

Strategic center of excellence Given our strategic location next to the Florida, we can promote the Turks and

Caicos as a place whereby international companies can set up their locations here as centers of excellence. However, we have to eliminate the red tape and bureaucracy in doing business in Turks and Caicos.

Consultancy services

Now is the time where individuals and companies will need consultancy services. If you feel you have something to offer, then pursue it. Make sure advice individuals and companies up front your fees and that consultancy is not free. It is your time.

Entertainment Services

By Drexwell Seymour

There is very little entertainment services and this is something a group of us can consider coming together.

Building a game room, a bowling alley, a movie theater. Locate it in a nice area where it is appealing to all residents.

people to retire in Turks and Caicos.

However, they cannot work or own business in TCI. They can live and come at their own leisure. This is a great opportunity to spin of the construction industry due to building of homes and condos.

Technology

Virtual Services

With the advancement of technology there are countless opportunities and one area you can focused on is coding. Thanks to Jay Saddler for introducing this to me.

The good news is that you can provide services to individuals globally while living locally. For more information on coding, check out https://code.org/ and https://www.codeacademy. com

You may not have a background in computer science or technology but you can teach yourself computer programming and take advantage of the millions of jobs that are available in this field. There are opportunities with coding background as a front end developer, web developer, word press developer, and digital marketer

During the lockdown, families and friends were able to connect virtually. This is a great opportunity for musicians, photographers and videographer to provide services virtually for a price. It would be great if you have access to a data base and market your services beyond TCI. Even if you don’t have a database, promote yourself internationally. Tourists that want to come can still be here virtually.

Delivery and Pickup of homemade food products.

Many of you have been cooking, baking and tying all sorts of things at home while being lockdown.

Why don’t you make this business and provide delivery and pick up of your homemade food products? Once things return to normal, some people will still not have time to cook home so here is an opportunity.

Retirement We should promote and encourage

Marketing

I know many of us do not see or appreciate the value of marketing.

Now is the time to market your ideas and utilize a marketing company to assist.

Conclusion

There are many classes available online free of charge.

Embrace the opportunity and acquire the knowledge so that you can rise up and become what you were destined to be. I know one of the challenges we will have is access to financing to start some of these business ideas. I personally believe if you can develop an excellent business plan on your project, your project will be accepted for financing. If not, then a group of us need to pool our resources together and transform the business sectors in TCI.

Economic Strangle

It is said that the main drivers of an economy are small businesses.

When they are formed and grow, you add more quickly to a country’s GDP.

With the extended lockdown in place due to COVID-19, what you have is the choking especially of the local economy. The result is money’s only moving one way out of the hands of many to the essential industries such as Supermarkets, Utilities, Telephone and Internet Service providers, Land Lords etc.

We have reached a critical point where after four plus weeks of curfew measures many have exhausted their reserves and are hoping they will qualify for the stimulus package.

Others simply need an opportunity to make money. It’s important that the Governor and Premier announce the plans for a phased approach to the reopening of the local economy, especially before the stimulus money is issued.

This will give the funds a chance to circulate through the local economy a couple times before it leaves.

Here’s a simple explanation as to why this is essential. Several years ago, when I first entered the Disaster Management field, we had a project headed by Dr. Jacob Opedayi, the lead Professor of Geographic Information Services at the University of the West Indies Trinidad Campus.

He told me of a story about

his gardener taking exception to him mowing his own grass. The gardener told him point blank that we send you to UWI to make the big money so you can afford to hire me to cut your grass and we both keep employed!!

How many producers in society right now cannot effectively shift money making gears because they have to do all the cooking, cleaning, and care giving that they previously paid someone to do? How are those caregivers going to make it, if they too continue to be unemployed?

How are small businesses and local restaurants going to bounce back if their main customers don’t have money? We are at a significant crossroads in this

By Jamell Robinson PNP At Large Candidate crisis and the decisions soon to be announced may determine who’s able to survive in this country in the very near future.

Stay blessed and safe TCI,

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LOCAL NEWS

Background to early constitutional advancement in the Turks and Caicos Islands

In May 1973, at the request of the then State Council, Lord Oxford, the Earl of Oxford and Asquith, was appointed Constitutional Commissioner for the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI).

His role according to the United Nations Report (1974), was “to examine the various paths of constitutional evolution opened to the Territory, taking account of the people and the realities of the local situation.”

This visit took place from October 27th – December 11th, 1973. The Report was published in October 1974.

The Report found that the 1969 State Council System model was not suitable for the islands.

Lord Oxford also noted that this model did not give enough powers to members of the State Council.

This gave rise to members of the State Council making a formal request for constitutional change. He also noted that a group of people in the TCI was of the view that the Governor had excessive powers and that this should be curtailed, particularly the power to act contrary to the advice of the Council. Additionally, it was also argued that certain decisions including those related to the public service should be subjected to consultation.

Furthermore, he recommended that the Governor should keep the Executive Council informed of any matters that might involve the economic or financial interests of the Territory or the enactment of laws.

He also recommended that in relation to the power of the Governor acting contrary to the advice of the Executive Council, quoting from the Constitution of the Cayman Island, that “The Governor shall act in accordance with the advice given him by the Council unless he considers it inexpedient in the interest of public order, public faith or good government to do so.’’

He also made these additional recommendations:

to endeavour to ascertain whether their implementation would result in a constitutional framework in line with what the people of the TCI wanted.

It is also believed that this visit was paid for by Hon. Norman Saunders and Hon. A.V. Butterfield who were also believed to have been the forces behind this request.

During his visit, Mr. Herbert made the following observations.

for the territory.

This constitution ushered in Ministerial Government and came into effect on August 30th, 1976. It was established by the Turks and Caicos (Constitution) Order, 1976.

Despite these representations, it must also be noted that the late, Rt. Hon. J.A.G.S. McCartney also through his movement The Junkanoo Club, played a vital role in these • The objective of the developments. constitutional reform should

This group was not a part be the creation of a of the government of the day but constitution which would made their desire for constitutional fit the patterns of the changing advancement loud and clear. times and would not become Several demonstrations outdated in the near future. took place which involved members • The people of the TCI should of the group including their stand play an active part in the with the Nurses in Grand Turk effective and their protest outside of the machinery of government.

Governor’s Office at Waterloo • The new constitution should demanding constitutional change. also include a section dealing

As you may have with the fundamental rights of determined from the foregoing, the people. Ministerial system the argument or the groundwork of government should be for Ministerial Government did introduced. not commence in 1975/76.

• There should be a clear

The late Hon. Paul Higgs, delimitation of the powers of Hon. Gustavus Lightbourne, Hon the Governor William Mills and several others, • A maximum term of four years since the proposed constitution for the Legislative Assembly in 1959 (which came into effect should be set. in 1962), agitated for ministerial • He also favoured the reduction government and political parties of the voting age to 18 years to be included as a part of the and the avoidance of the framework of that document. concept ‘belonging” when

It is believed that they considering qualifications for wanted to adopt certain of these elected members. features from the constitution of Jamaica since the TCI was being

The United Nations report administered by Jamaica at the also noted that a resolution was time. unanimously adopted by the State Unfortunately, the Council on November 7th, 1973 British Government felt that the which the preamble stated that TCI was not yet ready for such the people of the Territory (TCI) developments. demanded a greater say in and On November 5th, 1965, a responsibility for their own affairs; constitutional amendment came that to achieve these objectives, a into effect by virtue of which (a) ministerial system was essential and the Governor of The Bahamas that the formation of committees also became Governor of the TCI under the present constitution was (b) appeals from the court in the necessary to provide experience in TCI would now be heard in the the work of projected ministers.

Bahamas and not in Jamaica as was

The State Council also called previously the case. for a constitutional conference to In June 1969, a new • Members of the Legislative be held in the TCI not later than constitution was introduced Assembly be elected for a four- March 1975. ushering in the State Council year term of office.

They also requested that model. There was an amendment • The number of elected the Governor establish four in April 1973 as the Bahamas was members be increased from committees to deal with the proceeding towards independence.

9 to 10 and of nominated following subjects: This amendment allowed members from 2 or 3 to 4. for the TCI to have their own • The Speaker of The Legislative • Administration and Education Governor located in Grand Turk as Assembly be elected by its • Social welfare the appointment of the Governor members.

• Public works and Developments of the Bahamas as Governor of the • The voting age be lowered from • Revenue and Resources TCI was terminated.

21 years to 19 years.

There are some in the

The British Government’s TCI who still believe that the In response to these Foreign and Commonwealth Office constitutional arrangements for recommendations, members (FCO), also appointed Mr. Patrick the TCI has its birth during the of the State Council invited Mr. Duff to engage with the TCI in formation of the one in 1976.

William Herbert, Barrister of the respect to constitutional changes.

This article tries to show Supreme Court of the Associated Following these discussions, that many of our forefathers States, to make a critical analysis the British Government, towards were engaged in constitutional of Lord Oxford’s proposals for the end of 1975, agreed to the final advancement since the mid-1950’s constitutional advancement and proposals for a new constitution with several amendments taking

By Dr. Carlton Mills

place over the years.

There is still talk in the TCI about the question of ‘belonging’ when considering qualifications for elected membership as was proposed by Mr. William Herbert in his report.

We have seen this play out in one instance where an individual had been appointed to the Legislative Council as the Governor’s Appointed member.

Questions have also been raised about the birth places of certain elected members to the House of Assembly.

Mr. Herbert seemed to have had the foresight of such a development almost fifty years ago when he made such a suggestion.

It can also be observed that the debate for the advancement of the 1976 constitution was not the responsibility of a single individual but rather, efforts exerted by a number of individuals and groups alike with a common goal – the ability of the TCI to determine their own destiny.

The key issue here is to ensure that we look back and acknowledge all the key players in the development and advancement of our constitution.

These changes were not overnight. They took years of planning, determination, commitment and dedication by individuals and groups.

These changes speak volumes to the desires, principles and morals of a people with a strong will power and outlook for the future of these islands.

It is also believed that if we are to continue the path of constitutional advancement, a more concerted effort of togetherness is the recipe for ongoing change in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Kanye West officially now a billionaire: Forbes

Rapper Kanye West is now a billionaire thanks largely to the basketball shoes bearing his name that he developed with Adidas, Forbes magazine said Friday.

The rough figure of the wealth of Kim Kardashian’s hubby is $1.3 billion, the magazine said in announcing the musician is now on its list of people worth at least $1 billion.

The 42-year-old, Chicago-born rapper’s Yeezy footwear often sells for more than $200 a pair in the United States and elsewhere.

West was associated with Nike for years but broke away in 2013, lending his name to Adidas as

they launched their first shoe together in 2015.

Forbes said that for years West has been pressing the magazine to be listed as one of its mega-rich but that it declined, for lack of proof.

The magazine said tongue in cheek that for years it had applied what it called the Trump rule to West: “take whatever the future president insisted he was worth, divide by three, and start honing from there.”

Much of the rest of West’s wealth comes from real Rapper Kanye West estate he owns, the magazine American rapper to make the said.

Forbes list after Jay-Z, who made

West is the second the cut last year.

Whitney Houston biopic in the works

A feature film about Houston story has not yet been Whitney Houston’s life is in told,” Davis said in a statement. the works from the screenwriter He said Anthony McCarten’s of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The script will finally reveal the biopic is being shepherded by “whole Whitney whose vocal the Whitney Houston Estate, genius deeply affected the world music producer Clive Davis while she fiercely battled the and Primary Wave Music, the demons that were to be her Whitney Houston performs at the 37th undoing.” partners said Wednesday.

Annual American Music Awards in Los Houston sold over 200

“I Wanna Dance with Angeles. records worldwide Somebody” will follow Houston million from obscurity to pop stardom during her 25-year career and be working closely with the and promises to be “frank about won six Grammys, 16 Billboard people who knew Houston best. announcement the price that super-stardom Music Awards and two Emmys The also said that Stella Meghie is exacted,” according to the before her death in 2012.

McCarten, who has in “advanced talks” to direct. announcement.

“From all my personal gotten Oscar nominations for Meghie most recently directed and professional experience with his scripts for “The Theory of “The Photograph” with Issa Rae Whitney from her late teenage Everything,” “The Darkest Hour” and LaKeith Stanfield.

The project does not years to her tragic premature and “The Two Popes,” said in a have a studio or distribution yet. death, I know the full Whitney statement that he’s grateful to

Beyonce at the world premiere of “The Lion King” in Los Angeles.

Beyoncé identifies groups receiving $6M in coronavirus aid

Beyoncé is focusing her coronavirus relief efforts on organizations that are helping communities of color that have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

The superstar announced on Thursday that her BEYGood charity will partner with Twitter’s Jack Dorsey’s Start Small campaign to provide $6 million in relief funds a variety of groups working to provide basic necessities in cities like Detroit, Houston, New York and New Orleans.

“Communities of color are suffering by epic proportions due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” a statement on the singer’s website said. “Communities that were already lacking funds for education, health and housing are now faced with alarming infection rates and fatalities.”

Part of the money will go to support efforts by the University of California, Los Angeles and the National Alliance of Mental Illness to provide mental wellness services in hard-hit cities. Money is also going to organizations like No Kid Hungry, Bread of Life, World Central Kitchen and more.

Oscars suspend movie theater rule due to coronavirus

Movies that skip the big screen will be allowed to contend for Oscars this year, the Academy said Tuesday in a significant rule change forced by the coronavirus pandemic.

Traditionally the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences requires at least a seven-day run in Los Angeles theaters for movies to be eligible for Hollywood’s biggest prize.

But picture houses in America’s second city have been closed since mid-March, with no date set for them to reopen.

“Until further notice, and for the 93rd Awards year only, films that had a previously planned theatrical release but are initially made available on a commercial streaming... platform may qualify,” the Academy said in a statement.

Debate has raged in recent years over Oscar contenders produced by streaming giants such as Netflix, including last year’s “The Irishman” and 2018’s “Roma.”

Until now, the films have been shown at theaters for brief windows before moving online, in order to remain eligible.

The Academy, seen as the apex body of the Hollywood film industry, insisted that its commitment to viewing “the magic of movies” at a theater is “unchanged and unwavering.”

“Nonetheless, the historically tragic COVID-19 pandemic necessitates this temporary exception to our awards eligibility rules,” added President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson.

Once theaters reopen, the Academy will set a date from which the rule change will no longer apply, and standard theatrical qualifying requirements will return.

But films released at theaters in major cities outside Los Angeles will also become eligible.

Under other new rules agreed by governors in a Tuesday Zoom video call meeting, sound mixing and sound editing Oscars will be merged.

Allowances will be made for scrapped film festivals that serve as qualifying events for movies in certain categories.

With the pandemic threatening to wreak havoc on Hollywood’s award season, industry bodies have been scrambling to

adapt to the closure of theaters and postponement of major titles.

Last month the Golden Globes became the first to relax entry rules, allowing films that had planned “a bona fide theatrical release” to compete even if the release was later scrapped.

Other major award shows contacted by AFP at the time said it was too early to decide on changes.

Major US movie theaters say they do not plan on reopening until the summer, despite Georgia authorizing cinemas to resume screenings on Monday, and Texas planning to follow suit.

The 93rd Oscars will still take place on February 28, 2021 as planned, the Academy said.

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HEALTHY

LOCAL NEWS

LIFESTYLE

Mysterious blood clots are COVID-19’s latest lethal surprise

After he had spent nearly three weeks in an intensive care unit being treated for COVID-19, Broadway and TV actor Nick Cordero’s doctors were forced to amputate his right leg.

The 41-year-old’s blood flow had been impeded by a clot: yet another dangerous complication of the disease that has been bubbling up in frontline reports from China, Europe and the United States.

To be sure, so-called “thrombotic events” occur for a variety of reasons among intensive care patients, but the rates among COVID-19 patients are far higher than would be otherwise expected.

“I have had 40-year-olds in my ICU who have clots in their fingers that look like they’ll lose the finger, but there’s no other reason to lose the finger than the virus,” Shari Brosnahan, a critical care doctor at NYU Langone told AFP.

One of these patients is suffering from a lack of blood flow to both feet and both hands, and she predicts an amputation may be necessary, or the blood vessels may get so damaged that an extremity could drop off by itself.

Blood clots aren’t just dangerous for our limbs, but can make their way to the lungs, heart or brain, where they may cause lethal pulmonary embolisms, heart attacks, and strokes.

A recent paper from the Netherlands in the journal Thrombosis Research found that 31 percent of 184 patients suffered thrombotic complications, a

figure that the researchers called “remarkably high” -- even if extreme consequences like amputation are rare.

- Why is it happening? -

Behnood Bikdeli, a doctor at New York–Presbyterian Hospital, assembled an international consortium of experts to study the issue. Their findings were published in the Journal of The American College of Cardiology.

The experts found the risks were so great that COVID-19 patients “may need to receive blood thinners, preventively, prophylactically,” even before imaging tests are ordered, said Bikdeli.

What exactly is causing it?

The reasons aren’t fully understood, but he offered several possible explanations.

People with severe forms of COVID-19 often have underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease -- which are themselves linked to higher rates of clotting.

Next, being in intensive care makes a person likelier to develop a clot because they are staying still for so long. That’s why for example people are encouraged to stretch and move around on long haul flights.

It’s also now clear the COVID-19 illness is associated with an abnormal immune reaction called “cytokine storm” -- and some research has indicated this too is linked to higher rates of clotting.

There could also be something about the virus itself

A medical team turns over a patient with COVID-19 in an intensive care unit in Stamford, Connecticut. that is causing coagulation, which helps solve a slightly older one. has some precedent in other viral Cecilia Mirant-Borde, an illnesses. intensive care doctor at a military

A paper in the journal The veterans hospital in Manhattan, told Lancet last week showed that the AFP that lungs filled with microclots virus can infect the inner cell layer helped explain why ventilators work of organs and of blood vessels, called poorly for patients with low blood the endothelium. This, in theory, oxygen. could interfere with the clotting Earlier in the pandemic doctors were process. treating these patients according to protocols developed for acute - Microclots respiratory distress syndrome, sometimes known as “wet lung.”

According to Brosnahan, But in some cases, “it’s not while thinners like Heparin are because the lungs are occupied effective in some patients, they don’t with water” -- rather, it’s that the work for all patients because the microclotting is blocking circulation clots are at times too small. and blood is leaving the lungs with

“There are too many less oxygen than it should. microclots,” she said. “We’re not It has just been a little under sure exactly where they are.” five months since the virus emerged

Autopsies have in fact shown in Wuhan, China, and researchers some people’s lungs filled with are learning more about its impact hundreds of microclots. every day.

The arrival of a new mystery however

Groups sow doubt about COVID vaccine before one even exists

A coronavirus vaccine is still months or years away, but groups that peddle misinformation about immunizations are already taking aim, potentially eroding confidence in what could be humanity’s best chance to defeat the virus.

In recent weeks, vaccine opponents have made several unsubstantiated claims, including allegations that vaccine trials will be dangerously rushed or that Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious diseases expert, is blocking cures to enrich vaccine makers.

They’ve also falsely claimed that Microsoft founder Bill Gates wants to use a vaccine to inject microchips into people — or to cull 15% of the world’s population.

Vaccine opponents in the U.S. have been around for a long time. Their claims range from relatively modest safety concerns about specific vaccines or the risk of side effects to conspiracy theories that border on the bizarre.

The movement is receiving renewed attention, especially as it aligns itself with groups loudly

protesting restrictions on daily life aimed at controlling the spread of the virus. Health professionals say vaccine misinformation could have lethal consequences if it leads people to opt for bogus cures instead.

“Only a coronavirus vaccine can truly protect us from future outbreaks,” said Dr. Scott Ratzan, a physician and medical misinformation expert at the City University of New York and Columbia University. “But what if the effort succeeds and large numbers of people decide not to vaccinate themselves or their children?”

While vaccines for diseases such as polio, smallpox and measles have benefited millions, some skeptics reject the science, citing a distrust of modern medicine and government. Others say mandatory vaccine requirements violate their religious freedom.

Rita Palma, the leader of the anti-vaccine group in Long Island called My Kids, My Choice, is among those who say their families won’t get the coronavirus vaccine.

“Many of us are anxiety

stricken at the thought of being forced to get a vaccine,” Palma said. “I will never choose to have a COVID-19 vaccine. I don’t want the government forcing it on my community or my family.”

From the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, vaccine skeptics have tailored several longstanding claims about vaccine safety to fit the current outbreak. When the first U.S. case was announced in January, some alleged the coronavirus was manufactured and that patents for it could be found online.

Thousands of deaths later, vaccine opponents are endorsing unapproved treatments, secondguessing medical experts and pushing fears about mandatory vaccinations. They’ve also latched onto protests against stay-at-home orders in the U.S.

“The coronavirus has created this perfect storm of misinformation,” remarked David A. Broniatowski, an associate professor at George Washington University’s school of engineering and applied science

A patient receives a shot in the first-stage safety study clinical trial of a potential vaccine for COVID-19. who has published several studies on vaccine misinformation.

Last week, an anti-vaccine activist was arrested in Idaho after repeatedly refusing police orders to leave a playground closed because of the pandemic. The woman, who was there with other families, is affiliated with two groups that protested at the Idaho Statehouse against stay-athome orders.

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CARIBBEAN CARIBBEAN NEWS NEWS

NEWS NEWS

Cayman gears up for phased reopening amid encouraging test results

A phased reopening of medical officer, said phase one of the Cayman’s domestic economy is new broader testing strategy involved expected to begin Monday after sampling healthcare workers and encouraging results from hundreds residents in care homes. The Sister of screening tests for COVID-19 this Islands are already onto phase two, week. which involves testing frontline

Public health officials workers in other professions. announced 200 negative test results On Little Cayman, more than and no new cases of the virus at the 100 people have already been tested, daily press briefing Wednesday. which is the bulk of the population The announcement of the tiny island. The samples are continues a heartening trend of taken in Little Cayman and flown to results. As it stands, Premier Alden Grand Cayman for processing.

McLaughlin said, restrictions would There have been 73 positive begin to be eased Monday. coronavirus cases in total so far –

The first phase will 72 on Grand Cayman and one on involve the reopening of some Cayman Brac. A total of 1,535 tests money-transfer operations and an have been done to date. expansion of the businesses that There are currently around will be able to deliver goods and 200 people in government isolation services, potentially including pool facilities on Grand Cayman. Lee said maintenance. some of these had been required to

Phase two will follow two stay quarantined for much longer weeks later, and could include the than expected because they were still reopening of construction sites testing positive for the virus beyond – assuming the positive trend in the expected 14-day period. test results continues. That phase Other patients have been will likely be accompanied by a required to remain in home isolation mandatory order that masks must be for longer. worn in public, the premier said.

“There are some people who More negative tests have been there for a long while. It

The latest batch of test results is a question of not knowing enough included a mix of ‘screening tests’ about the disease,” said Lee. of frontline healthcare workers, as “We don’t know if they are well as patients who have reported infectious, but because viral particles symptoms. can be detected in the samples we

The tests are being carried are testing, we are being cautious.” out at both the Cayman Islands Economic recovery plan Hospital lab and a new lab at CTMH At Wednesday’s briefing, Doctors Hospital. the premier rounded on critics of

Dr. John Lee, Cayman’s chief his government’s response to the

unfolding economic crisis.

Responding to accusations on a radio talk show that government had no plan for business recovery, he produced a document titled ‘Cayman Islands Economic Assessment and Stimulus Plan’, which he said Cabinet had been working on for some weeks.

“A lot of real hard work has been done by the Economics and Statistics Office and others to provide Cabinet and caucus with very strong recommendations about the way forward,” he said.

He added that government had very clear ideas on how to proceed, which it would be considering in detail. Finance Minister Roy McTaggart will be part of the press briefing panel next week to address some of those questions.

McLaughlin acknowledged that some of the analysis from the ESO was quite bleak in terms of GDP loss and “unemployment which we have never seen before”.

While the key imperative remains suppression of the virus, he said government would be announcing more policies to deal with the “stark reality” of the new economic conditions.

“We are going to have to do a lot ourselves, with the borders remaining closed for quite some time, to keep money in people’s pockets, food on people’s tables and businesses open, while depending principally on the domestic market,” the premier said.

Caribbean hotels advised to replace buffet dinners with secluded suppers

Caribbean hotels may have to scrap conveniences such as buffets and drinks stations and reduce the sitting capacity of à la carte restaurants in order to attract post-COVID-19 guests, suggest two hospitality experts.

Instead, they will have to find creative ways to attend to customers, like serving dinner in secluded areas on the beach, say Emile Gourieux and Rico Louw, senior managers at STR, a Tennessee, USA-based firm that tracks supply and demand data for multiple market sectors, including the global hotel industry.

“We may never return to travel as normal, as we understood it before. Things like buffet breakfast may never be seen again. So there’s a lot of things that we need to rethink,” says Gourieux, STR’s hotel sector business development executive in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. “At least at the very beginning of recovery when people are coming back, people are going to be very leery about close contact. So, the hotels that succeed and thrive are going to be the ones that find a way to

address that anxiety. So more in-room dining option for families, a lot of all-inclusives have different dining options where you have the buffet, that’s going to be tough. Even ala carte, they’re going to have to cut capacity by half to allow that [social]distancing. So where hotels can add value in comfort and confidence that’s going to be a plus. Offering a special dinner on a beach where you secluded and comfortable, that’s going to be a plus.”

“A buffet may be totally out of the question in terms of moving forward, [so will] minibars,” adds Louw, the senior account manager and client liaison at STR.

Gourieux and Louw are guests on the latest episode of a podcast series produced by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), entitled, COVID-19: The Unwanted Visitor, where they address what the Caribbean hospitality sector could look like in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis which has brought tourism to a virtual standstill.

The podcast is available

Buffet food on several platforms, including Anchor and Spotify, as well on the CTO’s Facebook page.

Both senior managers emphasise the enormity of the challenge ahead for the region’s hospitality sector, which recorded occupancy of under six per cent during the week of 12 April, and a fall in revenue of over 80 per cent.

They say it’s difficult to predict when arrivals will return to pre-pandemic levels, noting that based on several factors, including airlift, it could be up to three years before parity is achieved.

Premier Alden McLaughlin holds up the government’s Economic Assessment and Stimulus Plan at Wednesday’s press briefing.

He said government had a dedicated team of people looking at the economic situation, which he described as “grave”. They were considering longer term how to help the tourism industry, which he said was in the “doldrums”.

“We have to keep thinking about what we can do to make sure these people and those businesses can survive until they can reopen and return to some semblance of what used to be,” McLaughlin said.

He added, “Much of it hinges on the containment and management of the virus in other countries on which Cayman depends for business.”

Expert says COVID-19 will impact remittances to Caribbean

A senior official of WorldRemit, the London-based digital money transfer company, says overall remittances to the Caribbean will be severely impacted this year as a result of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Daniel Canning, the managing director for the Americas, including the Caribbean, at the London-based FinTech company, said while it is too early to understand the full impact of COVID-19 on remittance flows to the Caribbean, “we expect that overall remittances will be impacted in 2020”.

Canning, who is based at WorldRemit’s office in Denver, Colorado, gave no figures but told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that his company is “seeing an increase in new customers and sending patterns from the digital channel, as customers opt for the convenience and safety of sending money directly from their computer or smartphone”.

WorldRemit currently services Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Puerto Rico, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Canning said WorldRemit’s advice to Caribbean customers is to “consider sending and receiving money digitally for a safer experience.

“In the global economic downturn that we are beginning to experience, offering superior value and competitive pricing to consumers is critical for money transfer companies like WorldRemit,” he said.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

Hundreds of yachts are crowding the waters around the US Virgin Islands as other Caribbean islands close their ports

The US Virgin Islands are one is charging $5 a bag, and it’s helping of the few territories in the Caribbean him pay his bills. currently not turning away boaters.

The Hamptons, Sedona, and As a result, yachts have been flocking Jackson Hole are also adapting to an influx of visitors to their ports in record numbers.

The situation in the US

The New York Times’ Emily Virgin Islands is similar to the one in Palmer reported that as many as many parts of mainland America.

600 boats have been seen in the

Popular vacation spots across territory’s waters at a time, nearly the country are dealing with an 400 more than is typical for this time influx of people, the sheer numbers of year. of which are creating a strain on

Many mariners interviewed local resources. Business Insider

by Palmer were vacationing in the previously reported that city dwellers Caribbean when the pandemic struck who flocked to the Hamptons have and were turned away from the ports caused rental prices to soar. Local of other countries. The US Virgin grocery stores have reported food Islands, which are an American The U.S Virgin Islands have a population of just over 100,000. shortages. territory and have a population of 51 confirmed cases of the virus waste in a disposal.

As The Times reported, boats In Sedona, Arizona, out-ofjust over 100,00, consists of four by mid-April. On March 13, Gov. islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. Albert Bryan Jr. declared a state of parked near the Virgin Islands towners are crowding campgrounds John, and Water Island. The islands’ emergency for the islands. He issued National Park, in particular, are and hiking trails, prompting the government can’t completely close a stay-at-home mandate on March dealing with an overflow of trash as mayor to ask tourists to “stay garbage collection in the park has away.” Meanwhile, on the island of the ports or airports because doing 23.

Because of these restrictions, ceased. The park has allowed select Nantucket, officials are worried about so would stop food and medical mariners have to stay on their boats residents to help with the collection people fleeing big cities and taking imports from making their way in.

The islands are also not and are only allowed on to the of garbage as well as grocery delivery. shelter in their second homes on Nate Fletcher, owner of Blue the island during the pandemic. The adequately equipped to handle a islands to pick up essential supplies. massive coronavirus outbreak. The The island of St. John does not have Line Yacht Charters, told the Times island, which has been described as a territory has been dealing with the a pump-out station, so boaters have he is using his boat to collect trash medical desert, has only 14 hospital coronavirus since March and had to travel out to sea to get rid of their twice a week from mariners at sea. He beds.

NY attorney general to fight for Caribbean immigrants in lower court New York Attorney General Letitia James says that she will lead a coalition of three states and New York City in asking the US District Court for the Southern District of New York to halt implementation of the Trump Administration’s New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Public Charge Rule against Caribbean and other immigrants.

According to James, this decision was taken after the Supreme Court ruled on Friday not to act in the matter itself but urged the plaintiffs to take it back to the lower court.

Last week, James and the coalition filed a motion with the US Supreme Court, the country’s highest court, asking the court to revisit the question of interim relief on public charge “in light of the new and devastating effects that the rule has had on the nation’s public health and economy as the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread across New York and the rest of the nation”.

Said James: “The Supreme Court’s order allows us to continue the fight to halt the Public Charge Rule during the current public health crisis, and gives us the opportunity to make our case in a federal court in New York.”

“We will soon file an emergency motion in the Southern District of New York, because our country cannot afford to wait. The Public Charge Rule threatens the public’s health, our economy, and all New Yorkers — citizens and non-citizens alike.

“Every person who doesn’t get the health coverage they need today risks infecting another person with the [novel] coronavirus tomorrow,” James continued.

She said the Public Charge Rule drives Caribbean and other immigrants and their families away from accessing health and nutritional benefits, to which they are entitled, by threatening applicants’ eligibility for green cards and visa renewals.

In January, the US Supreme Court issued an order that was denied by the lower courts, allowing the rule to take effect while legal challenges to the rule are pending in the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and through a possible petition to the Supreme Court.

Last week, James led a coalition in asking the Supreme Court to take emergency measures to temporarily halt its earlier order on the Public Charge Rule until the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

Barbados continues to hold strongest passport in the Caribbean

Barbados continues to hold the strongest passport in the Caribbean.

The second quarter of the Henley Passport Index shows that Barbados has the 23rd strongest passport in the world, above all other Caribbean passports.

St Kitts and Nevis moved up one place from the first quarter report to number 26 with The Bahamas right behind at 27, Antigua and Barbuda at number 29 and Trinidad and Tobago tied at 30 with Costa Rica.

The Henley Passport Index is the original and most authoritative ranking of all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. The index includes 199 passports and 227 travel destinations.

The ranking is based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which maintains the world’s largest and most accurate database of travel information, and is enhanced by the Henley and Partners Research Department.

The index’s scoring system was developed to give users a nuanced, practical, and reliable overview of their passport’s power.

Each passport is scored on the total number of destinations that the holder can access visafree.

In its analysis of the index, Henley says that with global travel almost at a standstill, the latest results of the Henley Passport Index offer disturbing insight into the havoc the COVID-19 pandemic is indiscriminately wreaking.

“Japan’s passport continues to hold the top spot on the Henley Passport Index as we enter the second quarter of 2020, but the reality is that current stringent travel restrictions mean that most non-essential travel for Japanese nationals is heavily curtailed. This is true for almost every country of course, as more travel bans are implemented daily, and ever-more stringent coronavirus lockdown regulations are imposed by governments worldwide,” the report says.

“With 3.5 billion people, nearly half the global population, presently living in voluntary or mandatory confinement, the latest results from the index — which is based on exclusive data from the International

Barbados Passport Air Transport Association (IATA) — raise challenging questions about what travel freedom and global mobility really mean, both currently and in a deeply uncertain postpandemic future.”

Five of the Caribbean islands on the Index are in the Citizenship-by-Investment programme.

Dr Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley and Partners said they believe that in the post–COVID-19 environment, investment migration will take on a dramatically enhanced importance for both individual investors and sovereign states.

“Acquiring alternative residence or citizenship will act as a hedge against the significant macro-economic volatility that is predicted, creating even more sovereign and societal value across the world.”

This is how the Caribbean islands ranked on the Henley Passport Index 23: Barbados 26: St Kitts and Nevis 27: The Bahamas 30: Trinidad and Tobago 32: St Vincent and the Grenadines 33: St Lucia 35: Grenada 38: Dominica 56: Belize 60: Guyana 61: Jamaica 66: Suriname 78: Dominican Republic 79: Cuba 84: Haiti

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CARIBBEAN NEWS U.S commits US$1.7M to Guyana, other Caribbean countries in COVID-19 fight

Long-term drought still of concern to several Caribbean countries

The United States Government has committed an additional $1.7 million (USD) to The Barbados-based mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak in Caribbean Climate Outlook Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean.

Forum (CariCOF) says long The United States, via USAID, is providing term drought is of immediate life-saving support by coordinating with the concern in several Caribbean Government of Guyana, international humanitarian countries and is evolving partners, and other stakeholders to identify priority in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, areas for investment.

Barbados, Belize, Suriname,

“The United States Government is Trinidad, and the Windward committed to assisting the people of Guyana to Islands, except Grenada. combat the spread of COVID-19 to prevent illness In its latest edition of and deaths associated with the dreaded pandemic the Caribbean Climate Outlook and ultimately improve the quality of life and the Newsletter, CariCOF said that economic outcomes of this wonderful country and as at the start of this month, This 2014 file photo shows vehicles loading up with water at a private well in south St its people,” remarked Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch. “moderate or worse drought has Elizabeth, Jamaica, amid seasonal drought conditions.

Through this assistance, USAID will support:

– Infection prevention and control in health- developed across The Bahamas, wet season, The Bahamas, said there are relatively strong care facilities.

Cayman Islands, much of Cayman, Cuba, and Guianas indications that the three – Communications to help educate people Cuba, westernmost Jamaica, are likely to see wetter than month period may be wetter on steps they can take to prevent and respond to the Martinique, St Lucia, St Vincent usual conditions. Other islands than usual across Belize, the spread of the virus, through country-specific media and the Grenadines, and south- and Belize may remain drier Greater Antilles and the campaigns. western Trinidad. than usual and continue to Leeward Islands.

– Surveillance and rapid response with case- It said short-term face reduced water availability “The heavier rains finding and event-based surveillance for COVID-19. drought, until the end of May, is due to persisting long-term should keep temperatures

USAID also helps countries train and support evolving in west-central Belize drought,” CariCOF said for the moderate and hopefully bring rapid-response teams to investigate cases and conduct and is possible in northernmost period May to July this year. drought relief to many affected contact tracing.

Bahamas, northern Belize, “Nonetheless, an areas. At the same time, the

Previously in Guyana, the United States Suriname, and Tobago. increasing frequency of wet potential for flooding and flash Government has contributed substantially to

According to CariCOF, spells is forecast to increase floods will be very high across improving the healthcare services, systems and for the first three months of flooding potential throughout the region and especially in the infrastructure with an emphasis on HIV/AIDS, this year, despite very wet the region.

The first half of aforementioned areas.

Malaria, Cervical Cancer and Zika infections. conditions, long-term drought the Caribbean heat season is “By contrast, in

Support through USAID and Centers for persisted in many areas in forecast to likely be at least as Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Disease Control (CDC) resulted in Guyana being the first country in the region to attain the 1st pillar the Caribbean and short-term hot as usual, with heat stress Trinidad and Tobago, and in the goal to achieve epidemic control of HIV; by drought developed in the peaking during heat waves the Windward Islands, the diagnosing at least 90% of those persons estimated to north-west and south-east of in Belize and the islands,” it second half of the Caribbean be living with HIV. the Caribbean. warned. heat season may be among

Because an infectious-disease threat It said temperatures were In its brief climate the warmest in recent times, anywhere can become a threat everywhere, the comfortably cool. outlook for the period August especially if drought were to United States calls on other donors to contribute to “Entering the Caribbean to October this year, CariCOF continue,” CariCOF added. the global effort to combat COVID-19.

Borrowing not an option for Caribbean countries

Prime Ministers, Premiers, Finance Ministers, Financial Secretaries, and other high-level government representatives from 15 Caribbean countries held a virtual meeting with ECLAC, heads of Caribbean regional organizations and representatives of other UN agencies in the subregion to discuss the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their economies, already besieged by both climatic and economic shocks, including heavy heavy indebtedness and high exposure to natural disasters.

The videoconference was presided over by Alicia Bárcena, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), who connected with Heads of State and senior financial decision-makers from ECLAC’s Member Countries and Associate Members in the Caribbean area: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sint Maarten, Trinidad and Tobago and United States Virgin Islands.

The meeting was also attended by United Nations’ resident coordinators in the subregion, representatives from other UN System entities such including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United

Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) as well as regional intergovernmental organizations including the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility Segregated Portfolio Company (CCRIF SPC) and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).

Alicia Bárcena was accompanied by the Director of ECLAC’s Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean in Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), Diane Quarless, who moderated the dialogue, and other ECLAC experts from that office, including the Director of the Economic Development Division, Daniel Titelman from the Commission’s Headquarters in Santiago, Chile.

At the event, Alicia Bárcena stressed that Caribbean countries must increase their fiscal space and need more favorable financing conditions, notwithstanding their income per capita income levels, in order to face the pandemic’s effects. “Considered as middle or high income countries, Caribbean countries face a lack of access to liquidity on concessional terms”, Bárcena pointed out. “This is why policy proposals to support economic recovery with a people-

centered approach are urgently needed”, she added.

Among the Prime Ministers and Premiers attending were the Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Corporate Governance of Antigua and Barbuda; the Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, Investment, Planning, Resilience, Sustainable Development, Telecommunications and Broadcasting of Dominica; the Honourable K. Peter Turnquest, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the Bahamas; the Honourable Andrew A. Fahie, Premier and Minister of Finance ECLAC’s Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena. of the British Virgin Islands; and levels of debt. We don’t have the the Honourable Easton Taylor capacity for printing money and Farrell, Premier and Minister for our policy instruments are very Foreign Affairs, Finance, Economic limited. What is required at this Development, Trade, Tourism and point is some level of support from Culture of Montserrat. international financial institutions,

All of them expressed such as the International Monetary concern at the highly vulnerable Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. economic situation that the ECLAC can help us advocate and countries of the sub-region were raise its voice for us.” currently facing and urged ECLAC’s Describing innovative ways support of their advocacy in by which concessional financial engagement with the international assistance might be extended to community for better access to Caribbean economies, he proposed grants and concessional financing, that consideration be given to given their inability to service having credit extended to countries debt payments in the current which have already invested in circumstances. green technology. This he suggested

Prime Minister Gaston could be applied through debt relief.

Browne stated: “The economic He informed the meeting that burden for our countries has been Antigua and Barbuda was already unsustainable because of the high exploring this option.

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CARIBBEAN NEWS

‘Unprecedented’ $2 billion economy recovery plan for Barbados

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister on Wednesday unveiled an “unprecedented” $2 billion economic plan over the next two years to prop up the economy.

According to a report in Barbados Today, the Prime Minister said a $400 million stimulus package for businesses to keep staff on the payroll had never before been seen in Barbados and was designed to “fill the holes in spending in the economy”.

She announced an economic plan would also focus on a public and private capital works programme (PPP), increasing the island’s self-sufficiency, the creation of a Barbados Tourism Fund and $210 million would be spent on families affected by the shutdown.

Mottley said: “Our economy was sticking to the course. [It] provided us with the reserves, provided us with the room, provided us with the credit and enough standing now regionally and internationally for us to launch this most comprehensive integrated programme that the country has ever seen, largely because we have never had this kind of crisis facing us.

“We’ve focused the programme on supporting those who have lost their jobs in the shutdown and to keep those as far as possible who have jobs into their jobs. The economic

plan has five parts… and the effect of them is to fill the hole in spending in this economy to the tune of near $2 billion over two years.

“This is the biggest package of spending initiatives ever rolled out over a two-year period on a supplemental basis from what we would otherwise have as our core activities.”

Mottley said it was hoped that businesses would be inclined to keep their staff.

“This is largely new and which I will announce tonight is a series of measures that will inject $215 million one way and a $200 million fund being mobilized on condition that we hold on to as much staff and jobs as possible,” she noted.

Mottley said the private sector was expected to contribute $800 million in investment due to the start of six major projects in the next two years.

Among those expected to resume “in the next week or two” are the $400 million Sam Lord’s Castle project, the Crane and $25 million in improvements to the Apes Hill Golf Course.

Government also touted the $60 million expansion of Sandals at Dover, the $200 million Sagicor Retirement Villages Project as well as the $400 million Hyatt Zero to begin shortly.

But Mottley said the COVID-19 pandemic was projected to cost Government over $400 million in tax revenue.

She said: “We estimate that over the next 12 months, and we have had to revise upwards the numbers that we spoke about three, four weeks ago in Parliament, that we will lose now in the vicinity of $450 million in Government’s tax revenues as a result of the economy being fully, partially shut, or only slowly opening.

“There will be less income tax collected, less corporation tax, less Value Added Tax (VAT), less excise tax, less duties, less fuel and air transport levies. We have spent or committed over $75 million in health related expenditures over the course of the last few weeks on different items.”

The Prime Minister revealed that $40 million had been spent on isolation and quarantine treatment centres, and buying much-needed equipment for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and polyclinics around the island.

She said that the difference in public revenues and expenditures in this country could worsen by a cumulative $700 million.

But the PM gave the assurance that the island’s foreign reserves were enough to see the island through the crisis.

Premier says Bermuda may start slowly rolling back restrictions next week

Premier David Burt says the territory could “start a very slow rolling back” of coronavirus restrictions next week, as officials beefed-up the capacity to test for the virus.

Speaking late Monday during a press briefing, he said the cabinet would meet on Tuesday to consider the next steps after the latest round of shelter-in-place restrictions ends on Saturday.

“We will not return to life as we knew it before COVID-19 for the foreseeable future. The reopening of the airport, closed to regular flights since March 20, would also be discussed at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, he said.

Meanwhile, Bob Richards, who was finance minister during the One Bermuda Alliance administration between 2012 and 2017, said pay cuts for civil servants should be on the table as the government deals with the huge financial impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

According to Richards, the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) government was likely to face a revenue shortfall in the region of US$200 million this fiscal year as projected tax income failed to materialize from the battered economy. The national debt stood at BMD$2.67 billion before the crisis began.

For his part, Curtis Dickinson, the current Finance Minister, has identified capital spending, hiring freezes,

training, and supplies as areas in which he can cut spending.

But Glenn Jones, the interim chief executive at the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA), said a return to prepandemic conditions would be an uphill struggle.

“The cuts are deep. They had to be. There is no tolerance for business as usual at the BTA when our stakeholders have shuttered their businesses, laid off staff, and struggle to plan for a future that is entirely uncertain,” said Jones in a letter to industry members.

He added that BTA’s income had been “severely injured” by the loss of tourism fees caused by the COVID-19 crisis and had to cut about a third of its budget.

BTA figures for March suggested a 70 percent drop in air visitors for the month and highlighted that 60 cruise ship visits have so far been canceled.

The BTA earlier said that tourism spending had plummeted by more than BMD$58 million after air arrival and cruise visitor estimates were combined.

The Premier has admitted that a “more aggressive” approach could have been taken to secure COVID-19 testing equipment and it was one of the lessons learned from the response to a coronavirus outbreak at the Westmeath seniors’ care home, where a staff member had COVID-19 diagnosed on April 10.

Premier David Burt.

“In a crisis, there are always decisions that have to be made, and in Bermuda, we are in the less than opportune position of being a small, isolated country, that does not manufacture our own equipment and we are left to the mercy of international supply chains. The lesson, I think, is learned is that we could have been more aggressive. I think what this has shown, in this particular instance, is, yes, we could have been more aggressive. Yes, given the fact that … an order of 10,000 swabs was placed and the first set did arrive in the country on (April 15), we could have actually gotten to the rest home sooner,” the premier said.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

“Just before COVID-19 struck, our reserves had reached $1.55 billion, the highest level at that time recorded on a like-for-like basis for a while. Today, as a result of the low– interest borrowing from our partner, the Inter-American Development Bank, our reserves today as I speak to you are just over $1.7billion. It is more than enough reserve cover,” Mottley said.

She also announced that Government was “in the middle of an IMF mission this week” and was “moving along in a manner which is satisfactory to us and to them”.

BVI Premier tells grounded businesses,‘This is hard but your turn will come soon enough’

As the British Virgin Islands enters its first phase of internal reopening following weeks of a daily 24-hour lockdown, Premier Andrew Fahie is urging business owners who have not yet received approval to operate to be patient and understanding.

In a late-evening address to the nation on Sunday, April 26, the Premier said every business will eventually get their opportunity.

But until that time comes, they are reminded not to take any chances, despite any temptation.

“Do not go down that road. Your turn will come soon enough – and it will be sooner once we are all working together and abiding with the rules,” the Premier stated. “Let us not be too hasty to push the envelope with COVID-19. This is a phased reopening. We have to start with some businesses and then expand in a systematic way, over time, based on the progress that we make and based on how the international situation evolves. For some whose businesses are not yet cleared for opening, I know it must be difficult.”

“I look forward to a successful first phase of the reopening of business, and the timely graduation to Phase Two in the not-too-distant future,” he continued.

Wearing a protective mask outdoors mandatory In the meantime, the Premier is imploring residents to be vigilant and adapt to what he termed as the ‘new regular’.

And while noting the daily 6 am and 1 pm window that is now being allowed so residents can leave home to access food, banks and other pre-approved essential services, Premier Fahie said residents must remember that the territory, is ‘not out of the woods yet’.

“That is why we are proceeding in a cautious manner — reopening in phases. We must remain vigilant. We must strictly uphold the guidelines and the protocols that have been laid out for us. These rules were not decided upon by guess. They are informed by scientific data [and] research conducted by qualified professionals and approved by the relevant international bodies,” he stated.

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NEWS

Leading Democrat Pelosi endorses Joe Biden for US president

Joe Biden won the endorsement for US president Monday of Nancy Pelosi, who hailed him as a “voice of reason” capable of leading America out of the coronavirus crisis.

Pelosi was the last leading Democrat to endorse formally Biden’s run for the White House against Republican Donald Trump in November.

“Today I am proud to endorse Joe Biden for president of the United States because he will be an extraordinary

president,” the speaker of the out of the race and endorsed House of Representatives said Biden as has Obama.

In her statement, Pelosi in the pre-recorded message.

Biden, who served as lauded the former senator from vice president under former Delaware as a man of “empathy, president Barack Obama, grace and courage” and “a had already emerged as the leader with the humility to seek Democrats’ presumptive expertise in science and the nominee after decisive primary confidence to act on it.”

“As we face coronavirus victories in a string of primaries before the COVID-19 pandemic Joe Biden has been a voice of shut down much of the country. reason and resilience with a His main rivals, clear path to lead us out of this including Vermont Senator crisis,” she said.

Bernie Sanders, have dropped Joe Biden

Pence flouts US hospital’s mask policy during visit

US Vice President Mike Pence did not wear a face mask during a Tuesday visit to the Mayo Clinic, violating the prestigious medical center’s policy despite his team being warned in advance.

Video showed Pence visiting staff and a patient in a crowded hospital room without wearing a mask.

The Minnesota-based center’s policy states: “Part of our protocol for ensuring your safety is to require all patients, visitors

and staff to wear a face covering or mask while at Mayo Clinic to guard against transmission of COVID-19.”

The clinic said in a statement that it had “shared the masking policy with the VP’s office.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its advice to recommend that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where it is difficult to maintain adequate physical distance at all times, such as in grocery stores and

Venezuela appoints alleged drug trafficker El Aissami as oil minister

Venezuelan vice president Tareck El Aissami attends a session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russia June 6, 2019.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro appointed his economy vice president, Tareck El Aissami, who has been indicted in the United States on drug trafficking charges, as oil minister, amid acute fuel shortages across the country.

Maduro named Asdrubal Chavez, cousin of the late President Hugo Chavez, as interim president of state oil firm PDVSA, according to the appointments published in the government’s official gazette.

Venezuela’s 1.3 million-barrel-per-day refining network has all but collapsed after years of under-investment. U.S. sanctions aimed at ousting Maduro have strangled fuel imports, prompting Venezuelans to either wait hours outside gas stations or turn to the pricey black market.

Venezuelans reported paying above $2 per liter ($7.57 per gallon) for gasoline last week, one of the world’s highest rates and a dramatic reversal for an OPEC nation that long boasted of having the world’s cheapest fuel.

El Aissami replaces Manuel Quevedo, a national guard general who had no industry experience when he took on the dual role of PDVSA president and oil minister in 2017. His appointment marks a blow to an era of military control at PDVSA, a period that has coincided with a dramatic drop in output from over 2 million barrels per day in 2017 to around 700,000 today.

pharmacies.

This is because a very high proportion of people infected with the coronavirus are believed to be asymptomatic and because recent research has shown that it may in certain circumstances be possible to infect others through normal speaking and breathing.

Pence, President Donald Trump, and other senior White House officials have pointedly ignored the advice, leading to speculation it is a coordinated

US Vice President Mike Pence decision to downplay the severity of the crisis.

Afghan peace process risks collapse as violence flares

Two months after the US and the Taliban signed a deal Washington heralded as the way to end Afghanistan’s war, violence is spiralling out of control and experts say a fragile peace process risks collapse.

Dozens of Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters have been dying almost daily with civilian casualties rising across the country as both sides ramp up operations.

The insurgents have been emboldened by a deal that gave them many concessions in exchange for few commitments, fuelling their surge of attacks in recent weeks, analysts say.

The timing could hardly be worse, as Afghanistan also grapples with a coronavirus epidemic.

The peace “process isn’t dead yet, but it is on life support”, said Ashley Jackson, a researcher at the Overseas Development Institute.

“It’s anyone’s guess how much time we have before it does begin to irrevocably fall apart.”

An Afghan official said that on average, the Taliban have launched 55 attacks each day since the deal signing in Doha on February 29, while a UN agency reported that Afghan forces are causing more child deaths than the insurgents -- mainly from air strikes and

shelling.

Analysts say the bloodshed was predictable -- or inevitable -given the wording of the deal and the sweeping concessions the US granted its foe of more than 18 years.

Titled the “Agreement for Bringing Peace to Afghanistan”, the accord promises a full withdrawal of US and foreign forces without the Taliban committing to a ceasefire or even any reduction in violence.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants American troops home quickly, and the Taliban realise that as long as they don’t hit American or foreign troops, there are few consequences for continued attacks.

The insurgents see the agreement as “an endof-occupation deal”, said Bill Roggio, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank.

“The US wants out of Afghanistan and it has ceded to all the Taliban demands.”

Nishank Motwani, a Kabul-based strategy and security expert, said the Doha agreement had emboldened and legitimised the Taliban, who think they have won the war so have little incentive to stop fighting.

“The Taliban

fundamentally believe that victory is theirs,” Motwani said.

- Withdrawal timeline The deal means that in return for vague Taliban security commitments and a loose pledge they won’t let Al-Qaeda and other jihadists threaten the US or its allies, the American military and all foreign forces will quit Afghanistan by July 2021 -- a process already under way.

The agreement also detailed several commitments from President Ashraf Ghani -- including a very lopsided prisoner swap -- even though US and Taliban negotiators systematically sidelined his government.

The prisoner exchange would see Ghani release 5,000 Taliban prisoners, including many hardened fighters likely to return to the battlefield.

In exchange, the Taliban would release 1,000 Afghan security forces.

The swap was supposed to be concluded by March 10, paving the way for peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

A Taliban source said the insurgents had no intention of slowing violence until the prisoners are released, and reiterated there will be no talks unless that happened.

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WORLD NEWS

Argentina imposes toughest travel ban in the Americas, sparking outcry

Argentina on Monday banned all commercial flight ticket sales until September, one of the toughest coronavirus travel bans in the world, prompting an industry outcry that the new measure will put too much strain on airlines and airports.

While the country’s borders have been closed since March, the new decree goes further by banning until Sept. 1 the sale and purchase of commercial flights to, from or within Argentina. The decree, signed by the National Civil Aviation Administration, said it was “understood to be reasonable” to implement the restrictions, without elaborating.

Many countries in South America, including Ecuador, Peru and Colombia, have banned all commercial flights for the time being, but none have extended their timeline as far out as Argentina. The United States, Brazil and Canada have imposed restrictions, but not outright bans.

“The problem was that airlines were selling tickets without having authorization to travel to Argentine soil,” a spokesman for

Aerolineas Argentinas’ passenger planes are seen parked on the runway of the Jorge Newbery airport, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues, in Buenos Aires, Argentina April 21, 2020.

President Alberto Fernandez said. domestically, and SkyAirlines and

The ban would put a strain JETSmart, which fly internationally. on LATAM Airlines Group , which Argentina has been a has a significant domestic operation difficult market for carriers in recent in Argentina, and has been seeking years, with Norwegian Air Shuttle help from multiple governments. and an affiliate of Avianca Holdings Argentina’s largest carrier, Aerolineas AVT_p.CN shutting down shortArgentinas, is state-owned and could lived domestic operations before the survive as long as the government is coronavirus crisis hit. willing to subsidize it.

The ban would also affect INDUSTRY UNHAPPY smaller ultra low-cost carriers that have grown rapidly in Argentina Argentina’s decision with the support of former President prompted industry groups including Mauricio Macri, such as FlyBondi ALTA, which lobbies on behalf of

17 police officers killed by coronavirus in Peru

Seventeen police officers in Peru have died after contracting novel coronavirus while enforcing the nation’s pandemic lockdown, officials and state media said.

Authorities admitted earlier this week that at least 1,300 officers had been infected by COVID-19.

On Saturday new interior minister Gaston Rodriguez, who was sworn in a day earlier after the sudden resignation of his predecessor when the infections tally emerged, said: “We have 17 deceased police officers nationwide, 11 of them in Lima.”

The high number is linked to “the exposure that police officers have when intervening with people who violate the measures issued to contain the spread of the coronavirus,” state news agency Andina said Saturday.

Peru has been on lockdown since March 16.

Rodriguez said his department had allocated 50 million soles ($15 million) “for the purchase of protection elements such as masks and gloves” for Peru’s police.

He added that roughly 220,000 COVID-19 tests for the force were due to arrive by the first week of May.

“We have an obligation to take care of them,” said Rodriguez. “The police must be well equipped.”

Latin American airlines, to warn that the decree represented “imminent and substantial risk” to thousands of jobs in Argentina.

“The resolution ... was not shared or agreed with the industry and, furthermore, runs counter to the efforts of all the actors in the sector,” the groups said in the statement.

The presidential spokesman, however, said the decision resulted from a “consensus between the government and the airline sector.”

The Sept. 1 timeframe was arranged with the airlines, the spokesman said. In the interim, the focus of the government would be on bringing back Argentines who were abroad in an “orderly” and “sanitary” manner, he added.

Argentina has been under a national lockdown since March 20.

The government, over the weekend, extended the quarantine until May 10, but said it had been successful in slowing the rate at which new cases double.

The country has 3,892 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 192 deaths.

New York doctor who treated COVID-19 patients kills herself

A New York emergency doctor who treated coronavirus patients has killed herself, with family, police and physicians linking her death to trauma faced by health care workers battling the outbreak.

Lorna Breen, 49, died on Sunday from self-inflicted injuries in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she had been staying with her family, police said in a statement.

Breen ran the emergency department of New YorkPresbyterian Allen Hospital in Manhattan, a facility that has seen a huge influx of COVID-19 patients.

While it is not clear why she took her own life, her family, police and doctors suggested stress caused by the outbreak had contributed to her death.

“She tried to do her job and it killed her,” her father Philip Breen told The New York Times.

He said she had no history of mental illness and had contracted coronavirus herself

before returning to work and then being sent home.

“Frontline healthcare professionals and first responders are not immune to the mental or physical effects of the current pandemic,” said Charlottesville police chief RaShall Brackney.

The president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, of which Breen was a member, said her death was a tragic reminder of the suffering that many health care workers are going through.

“The impossibility of the situation in many of our hospitals leaves us deeply wounded.

“I can only imagine for Dr Breen it was more than she could bear -- not out of weakness, but out of the strength of her compassion,” William Jaquis said in a statement on the group’s website.

The hospital where she worked described her as “a hero who brought the highest ideals

Dr. Lorna Breen died on Sunday from self-inflicted injuries

of medicine to the challenging front lines of the emergency department.”

More than 17,300 people have died from COVID-19 across New York state, the epicenter of America’s outbreak.

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MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 29

WORLD NEWS

North Korea’s Kim ‘alive and well’: Seoul

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is “alive and well”, a top security adviser to the South’s President Moon Jaein said, downplaying rumours over Kim’s health following his absence from a key anniversary.

Conjecture over Kim has grown since his conspicuous noshow at April 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather Kim Il Sung, the North’s founder -- the most important day in the country’s political calendar.

“Our government position is firm,” said Moon’s special adviser on national security Moon Chung-in, in an interview with CNN on Sunday.

“Kim Jong Un is alive and well.”

The adviser said that Kim had been staying in Wonsan -- a resort town in the country’s east -- since April 13, adding: “No suspicious movements have so far been detected.”

Kim has not made a public appearance since presiding over a Workers’ Party politburo meeting on April 11, and the following day state media reported on him inspecting fighter jets at an air defence unit.

His absence unleashed a series of unconfirmed media reports over his condition, which officials in Seoul previously poured cold water on.

“We have nothing to confirm and no special movement has been detected inside North Korea as of now,” the South’s presidential office said in a statement last week.

South Korea’s unification minister Kim Yeonchul reiterated Monday that remained the case, adding the “confident” conclusion was drawn from “a complex process of intelligence gathering and assessment”.

The comments came two years after Kim and Moon’s first summit in the Demilitarized

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo

North Korean leader Kim Jong Zone that divides the peninsula.

Seoul marked this anniversary with a ceremony at the South’s northernmost train station, seeking to highlight its commitment to a cross-border railway project.

But inter-Korean relations are largely frozen with talks between Washington and Pyongyang at a standstill, and there was no indication of any commemoration in the North.

- ‘Grave danger’ Daily NK, an online media outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, has reported Kim was undergoing treatment after a cardiovascular procedure earlier this month.

Citing an unidentified source inside the country, it said Kim, who is in his mid-30s, had needed urgent treatment due to heavy smoking, obesity and fatigue.

Soon afterwards, CNN reported that Washington was “monitoring intelligence” that Kim was in “grave danger” after undergoing surgery, quoting what it said was an anonymous US official.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected reports that Kim was ailing but declined to state when he was last in touch with him.

On Monday, the official

New York Governor Cuomo to extend stay-at-home order in some parts of state

Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported that Kim had sent a message of thanks to workers on the giant Wonsan Kalma coastal tourism project.

It was the latest in a series of reports in recent days of statements issued or actions taken in Kim’s name, although none has carried any picture of him.

Satellite images reviewed by 38North, a US-based think tank, showed a train probably belonging to Kim at a station in Wonsan last week.

It cautioned that the train’s presence did not “indicate anything about his health” but did “lend weight” to reports he was staying on the country’s eastern coast.

Reporting from inside the isolated North is notoriously difficult, especially regarding anything to do with its leadership, which is among its most closely guarded secrets.

Andrei Lankov, director of Korea Risk Group, said all reports should be “taken with a grain of salt”, but noted Kim’s disappearance was unusual.

“So for some reason, he is not really capable to act publicly,” Lankov told AFP.

Previous absences from the public eye on Kim’s part have prompted speculation about his health.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Monday his stay-at-home order will likely be extended beyond May 15 in many parts of the state, but that restrictions could be relaxed in some regions if they have sufficient hospital capacity and meet other criteria.

Cuomo also told a daily briefing that New York has now tested 7,500 people for antibodies against COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and that 14.9 percent tested positive, indicating they were infected and survived.

The infection rate was up from 13.9 percent when the initial results from 3,000 people were disclosed last week.

Cuomo said the larger sample added to his belief that the fatality rate from COVID-19, calculated by dividing the number of deaths by the infection rate implied by the antibody testing, may be lower than some experts had feared.

“The death rate is much, much lower because it changes the denominator,” Cuomo said.

Cuomo said that hospitalizations were about the same on Sunday as the day before and that an additional 337 New Yorkers died in the last 24 hours due to COVID-19, down from 367 a day earlier and the lowest daily death toll since March 30.

The governor said the state would tap an emergency fund to give $25 million to help depleted food banks and launched an initiative to purchase dairy and food products from farmers who would otherwise throw them away due to weak demand.

While parts of New York still seeing high levels of infections and hospitalizations will likely need to remain closed beyond May 15, the current deadline for his stay-at-home orders, other regions could look at reopening, Cuomo said.

New Zealand volcano disaster victims to sue cruise ship firm

Survivors of last year’s New Zealand volcano eruption are planning to sue cruise ship company Royal Caribbean for failing to warn of the risks involved in touring the area, lawyers said Monday.

There were 47 people, mainly Australian tourists, on White Island when it erupted on December 9 last year, killing 21 people.

Many were carried off with horrific injuries, including extensive external and internal burns from the explosion that sent steam, ash and gases hurtling from the caldera.

Lawyer Rita Yousef, from Sydney-based Stacks Goudkamp, said the firm was preparing to launch legal action against Royal Caribbean on behalf of survivors and families of the victims, many of whom were passengers on the cruise liner

Ovation of the Seas.

Yousef said at least one Australian family and an unconfirmed number of others will sue for alleged negligence, breach of contract and violations of Australian consumer law.

New Zealand authorities on November 18 raised the Volcanic Alert Level for White Island from Level 1 to Level 2 -- the highest level before an explosion.

Yousef said there was “no indication at all that Royal Caribbean was paying attention to” the increased risk of the volcano erupting before a group of passengers joined a day-tour of the island.

The cruise company had billed the trip to White Island as “an unforgettable guided tour of New Zealand’s most active volcano”.

“At the very least they should’ve informed their tour participants of the risk and let them decide if they wanted to take the risk,” Yousef said.

“We can go one step further and ask why were they even running these tours when there was such high risk? Why were they not cancelled?”

New Zealand has a “nofault” public indemnity scheme that compensates both its citizens and tourists involved in accidents.

However, Yousef said the Australians caught up in the disaster had ongoing costs and losses that would likely far exceed those payments.

“We’ve got people who are having to deal with absolutely profound and unimaginable disability, the kinds of burns that

a lot of medical professionals have never seen in their lives,” she said.

Relatives have been grappling with “watching loved ones suffering in excruciating pain, and having to come to terms with -- if they survive -- what kind of quality of life they will have, will they ever be able to get back any sort of normality”.

Yousef said it was hoped the legal action would also hold Royal Caribbean to account for its alleged failings.

New Zealand’s government has launched an investigation into whether anyone was at fault in the tragedy but the probe is not expected to conclude before the end of this year.

Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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TURKS & CAICOS SUN

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

WORLD NEWS

WHO chief says pandemic ‘far from over’, worried about children

The coronavirus pandemic is “far from over” and is still disrupting normal health services, especially life-saving immunisation for children in the poorest countries, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.

The U.N. agency is concerned about rising numbers of cases and deaths in Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and some Asian countries, even as the numbers flatten or decline in some wealthier nations.

“We have a long road ahead of us and a lot of work to do,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual news conference in Geneva, adding that a second wave of infections could be prevented with the right actions.

The novel coronavirus, which emerged late last year in the central Chinese city of Wuhan, has

alrady infected 2.97 million and claimed 205,948 lives, according to the latest Reuters tally.

Tedros expressed concern that the health of children was being threatened by the impact of the coronavirus emergency on vaccination programmes for other diseases.

“Children may be at relatively low risk from severe disease and death from COVID-19 the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus - but can be at high risk from other diseases that can be prevented with vaccines,” said Tedros.

Some 13 million people have been affected worldwide by delays in regular immunisations against diseases including polio, measles, cholera, yellow fever and meningitis, he said.

Shortages of vaccines against

Canada’s reopening won’t depend on immunity: Trudeau

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday that Canada’s approach to reopening its economy from the coronavirus shutdown would be “cautious” and not depend on the development of widespread immunity in the population.

“I don’t think there are any of the plans that hinge on certain people or individuals being immune or having immunity to COVID-19,” he said at a daily news briefing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned Saturday that there was no proof that people who survive infection by COVID-19 gain immunity to the disease.

It cautioned against the idea, being entertained by some countries, of issuing “immunity passports” to such people as one step toward reopening economies.

Trudeau said immunity is “something we need to have clearer answers to. Until we have those clearer answers, we need to err on the side of more caution.”

For now, he added, the emphasis would be on continuing to urge social distancing measures and providing more personal protective equipment.

Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, was even more definitive.

“The idea of sort of generating natural immunity is actually not something that... I think should be undertaken,” she said.

“We would, you know, really be extremely cautious of that kind of approach,” Tam added.

Authorities in Quebec had last week raised the possibility of gradually building collective immunity -- or herd immunity -- for people in the province.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. other diseases are being reported in 21 countries as a result of border restrictions and disruptions to travel caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Tedros said, citing the GAVI global vaccine alliance.

“The number of malaria cases in sub-Saharan Africa could double,” he said, referring to the potential

impact of COVID-19 on regular malaria services. “That doesn’t have to happen, we are working with countries to support them.”

WHO’s top emergencies expert Dr. Mike Ryan, asked about some U.S. states lifting restrictions despite a lack of contact-tracing and the government’s handling of the crisis, said the United States seemed to have a “very clearly laidout”, science-based federal plan for fighting its coronavirus epidemic.

“The federal government and the system of governors are working together to move America and its people through this very difficult situation,” Ryan said.

But the federal system linking 50 states made the situation “complex”, he added.

Ryan also repeated an earlier WHO warning against easing restrictions too soon.

Back at work, British PM warns against easing virus lockdown

Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday made his first public appearance since being hospitalised with coronavirus three weeks ago, saying Britain was beginning to “turn the tide” on the outbreak but rejecting calls to ease a nationwide lockdown.

In a statement in Downing Street marking his return to work, looking thinner and with his trademark blond hair a little more unruly than usual, Johnson apologised for being away “for much longer than I would have liked”.

He thanked the British people for heeding more than a month of stay-at-home orders, saying their action had helped ensure the state-run National Health Service (NHS) had not become overwhelmed.

“That is how and why we are now beginning to turn the tide,” Johnson said, echoing his promise on March 19 that Britain could turn the tide on the outbreak in three months if people followed social distancing rules.

But more than 20,000 people have already died in Britain, not including deaths in care homes and in the wider community, making it one of the worst hit countries in the global pandemic.

Britain recorded 360 more deaths on Monday, its lowest daily toll since last month, and Johnson acknowledged growing demands for the lockdown to be lifted to reduce the economic impact, but insisted now was not the time.

“I refuse to throw away all the effort and the sacrifice of the British people and to risk a second major outbreak, a huge loss of life and the overwhelming

of the NHS,” he said.

- ‘Refining’ lockdown measures Johnson, 55, became the most high-profile world leader to contract COVID-19 one month ago.

He spent a week in hospital, including three nights in intensive care, admitting in a video message after he was discharged that things “could have gone either way”.

After a fortnight recovering at his countryside retreat of Chequers, he returned to Downing Street on Sunday night.

On Monday morning he chaired the daily government coronavirus meeting, “and will now be resuming full duties”, his spokesman said.

In Johnson’s absence, the government has faced increasing criticism over its response to the outbreak.

Healthcare professionals still complain about a lack of protective masks and gowns, while a target to test 100,000 people a day by the end of April looks hard to reach.

Most importantly, even as debate continues about whether Britain was too slow in ordering shops to shut and telling people to stay at home, Johnson must decide by May 7 whether to renew the measures.

After dire predictions from the Bank of England that Britain could face its worst recession in centuries, a senior Conservative MP, Graham Brady, said the economy must start moving again.

“If there is a question over whether something is necessary or not, I think we should err on the side of

Prime Minister Boris Johnson. openness and trying to make sure that more people can get on with their lives and more people can get on with getting back to their jobs,” he told BBC radio on Sunday night.

- ‘A new normal’ But Johnson said this would only happen when the outbreak was under control, infection rates had fallen and issues of testing and equipment were resolved.

Even then, he said it would be a phased return in what Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab -- who deputised for Johnson during his absence -- has called a “new normal”.

The government could “begin gradually to refine the economic and social restrictions, and one by one to fire up the engines” of the economy, Johnson said.

He declined to give further detail but promised to be more transparent about the process and to work with opposition parties.

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

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WORLD NEWS

Torment in Ecuador as virus dead piled up in bathrooms

Front line medics in one of Latin America’s coronavirus epicenters are lifting the lid on the daily horrors they face in an Ecuadoran city whose health system has collapsed.

In one hospital in Guayaquil overwhelmed

by COVID-19 patients, staff have had to pile up bodies in bathrooms because the morgues are full, health workers say.

In another, a medic told AFP that doctors have been forced to wrap up and store corpses to be able to reuse the beds they died on.

Ecuador has recorded close to 23,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 600 deaths, with Guayaquil by far its worst affected city. But the real toll is thought to be far higher.

A 35-year-old nurse at the first hospital who spoke on condition of anonymity said that the trauma of what he saw had affected him professionally and personally.

When the health emergency broke out in March, every nurse went from caring for 15 patients to 30 in the space of just 24 hours, he added.

“So many people arrived that... they were practically dying in our hands,” said the nurse.

Patients were discharged or referred to other facilities “to free up all these beds” for coronavirus patients, he told AFP. “They took out anesthesia machines from operating rooms to replace them with ventilators.

“People are alone, sad, the treatment wreaks havoc

Health ministry personnel test a woman for the novel coronavirus in northern Guayaquil, Ecuador, on April 19, 2020 on the gastrointestinal tract, some defecate; they feel bad and think they will always feel that way, and they see that the person next to them starts to suffocate and scream that they need oxygen.”

It isn’t just hospitals that have been overwhelmed, but morgues too.

“The morgue staff wouldn’t take any more, so many times we had to wrap up bodies and store them in the bathrooms,” the nurse said.

Only when the bodies were “stacked up six or seven high did they come to collect them.”

A 26-year-old colleague, also a nurse, confirmed the chaotic scenes.

“There were many dead in the bathrooms, many lying on the floors, many dead in armchairs,” she told AFP.

catastrophic knock-on effects.

In the first half of April, the province of Guayas, whose capital is Guayaquil, recorded 6,700 deaths, more than three times the monthly average.

The disparity suggests that the real COVID-19 death toll is far greater than the official nationwide tally of fewer than 600.

President Lenin Moreno has acknowledged that Ecuador’s official coronavirus tallies “are short” of the true figures.

A 28-year-old doctor at a second Guayaquil hospital, who also insisted on anonymity, conjured a similarly grim picture of health services in crisis.

“Bodies were in the corridors of the emergency ward because the morgue was full,” the medic told AFP, describing “20 to 25 corpses” - ‘Sanitary disaster’ waiting to be taken away.

“It was up to us to Guayaquil’s health collect and wrap the corpse and system has collapsed under store it so we could disinfect the pressure of the coronavirus, the bed for the next patient,” and it seems to be having he added.

Jordan eases coronavirus curfew and reopens more businesses

Jordan on Monday eased restrictions on movement aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus and allowed more businesses to reopen to help jump-start the cash-strapped economy, officials said.

Residents of the capital can now drive their private vehicles as of Wednesday between 0800 and 1800 in the first such move since a nationwide curfew nearly 40 days ago that ordered the country’s population of 10 million to stay at home.

Public transport and taxi services would also now resume with passenger restrictions and compulsory wearing of face masks and gloves, government spokesman Amjad Adailah.

The relaxation in curbs on movement in the capital follows a similar move last week in southern Jordan, including the Red Sea port city of Aqaba.

The government imposed the curfew shortly after the monarch enacted an

emergency law that paralyzed daily life, and ordered shops and firms to close, leaving many daily wage earners struggling without pay.

Minister of Trade and Industry Tariq Hammouri said barbershops, beauty parlors, dryclean and cosmetics shops could now open in the latest string of small businesses from garments to flower shops and furniture outlets that can resume normal work.

“We hope to ease all restrictive measures with the passing of days as the (virus) threat recedes,” Hammouri said.

The government of Prime Minister Omar al Razzaz won praise for quick moves that were some of the world’s strictest measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, but the economic impact has deepened, with growing criticism by business lobbies.

It has carried out over 60,000 tests and detected 449 cases, many of whom have

recovered. There have been seven deaths.

“Our duty now is to revive our economy and our health and we are able to do that,” Health Minister Saad Jaber said.

Government offices however will remain shut until after the fasting month of Ramadan which is expected to end around May 23 and also schools and universities.

The country’s airports and border crossing with its neighbours Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Israel are still closed to passenger traffic.

The economy has been battered with the tourism sector, a main source of foreign currency especially hard hit due to global travel disruptions.

The latest relaxation allow construction firms and many firms beyond pharmaceuticals, fertilisers and the agriculture sector that have kept operating but with lower staffing levels.

Peru prison riot over coronavirus fears leaves nine dead

Inmates of Lima’s Castro Castro prison protested following a deadly riot amid growing fears over the spread of the coronavirus.

Nine inmates were killed and scores of guards wounded when rioting broke out at a prison in Lima after two inmates died from COVID-19, authorities in Peru said Tuesday.

The riot broke out Monday at the city’s Castro Castro prison. By nightfall, authorities said the situation had been brought under control, giving an initial toll of three dead before gradually revising the figure upwards to nine.

Aside from the nine killed, 60 prison guards, five police officers and two inmates were wounded in the unrest, the National Penitentiary Institute (INPE) said in a statement.

The death toll from COVID-19 in the Peru’s overcrowded prison system has risen to 15, following the deaths of two inmates over the weekend, while more than 600 inmates are infected.

The riot at Castro Castro was the latest in a spate of prison unrest linked to growing fears among inmates over the spread of the virus.

On Tuesday, inmates at Lurigancho -- the country’s largest prison located north of Lima -staged a two-hour protest demanding protection against COVID-19.

“We’re dying. Don’t let us die infected.

We need medicine,” read a banner held up by some of the prisoners.

The protest ended when the Lurigancho warden signed an agreement with the prisoners concerning their medical attention, a prison systems spokesperson told AFP.

A relative of one of the inmates outside the prison pleased for an early release.

“They are condemned to a prison sentence, but not to death here. Please, we are asking for mercy for them,” the woman, who identified herself by her first name, Vilma, told AFP. The notoriously overcrowded Lurigancho was built to house 2,500 prisoners but is currently believed to have more than 10,000.

- Gunshot wounds Many of the fatalities in the Castro Castro riot were apparently shot after police were called in to help guards quell the unrest.

The riot’s objective, according to the authorities, was to “facilitate a mass breakout.”

Police said the bodies of the victims were taken to the city’s central morgue for examination.

The riot began after two inmates who contracted the novel coronavirus died on Sunday, INPE chief Gerson Villar said.

President Martin Vizcarra earlier announced that he would pardon 3,000 prisoners deemed most vulnerable to the coronavirus and the rioters were clamoring to be included in the scheme, Villar said.

The inmates burned mattresses and hung signs demanding their release, fearing that they could contract the disease.

Anguished relatives gathered outside Castro Castro on Tuesday demanding news of their incarcerated loved ones.

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MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

WORLD NEWS Venezuelan oil price falls below $10, lowest level in 20 years

Biden predicts Trump will try to postpone US election

The price of Venezuelan oil has fallen to

Presumptive Democratic below $10 a barrel -- its lowest level in more than presidential nominee Joe two decades, the government said on Friday.

Biden has predicted that US

The oil ministry said the price between President Donald Trump will Monday and Friday was 70.62 Chinese yuan -try to postpone the country’s $9.90 a barrel -- a level that has not been seen November election in an since 1998 when it was $9.28. attempt to win.

Since 2017, the government of President

“Mark my words, I think Nicolas Maduro has announced its oil prices he is gonna try to kick back the in yuan rather than dollars in protest over US election somehow, come up sanctions. with some rationale why it can’t

The weekly price -- last year averaging be held,” Biden said during an $56.70 and at $61.41 in 2018 -- has fallen through online fundraiser Thursday. the floor since the coronavirus pandemic began.

The 77-year-old former

Oil prices have been sliding since vice president said it is “the only 2014 and exacerbating the country’s ongoing way he thinks he can possibly economic crisis that has pushed almost five win.” million Venezuelans to leave the country,

Six months before US according to UN figures. voters head to the polls, Trump’s

Venezuela is almost entirely dependent mind is already in election mode. on its oil revenues, which account for around 96

But with a pandemic percent of its income. raging and job losses climbing

“It is an extremely extreme situation,” to 26.4 million on Thursday, oil expert Francisco Monaldi said this week Trump’s path to victory may be in a meeting with the country’s Foreign Press harder than he anticipated.

Association.

“Venezuela would normally need prices of more than $30 to make it attractive to continue drilling and pay royalties,” he said.

“What we are experiencing is a kind of

More than 200 doctors Armageddon.” from Cuba are due to arrive

Venezuela’s oil production has fallen to in South Africa to help fight around a quarter of its 2008 level. coronavirus.

Maduro’s government blames that on US

The medics left on a sanctions, including against state oil company plane that first carried a donation PDVSA, but many analysts say the regime has of South African medical failed to invest in or maintain infrastructure. supplies to the Caribbean island,

Although the South American country its embassy in Pretoria said. has the largest oil reserves in the world, the

They are among 1,200 sector is a victim of corruption and lack of healthcare workers sent to battle investment, according to analysts and the Covid-19 in 22 countries that Venezuelan opposition. have requested help from the

Between 2004 and 2015, the country communist state. earned $750 billion from its oil exports, the

South Africa is to price of which peaked in 2011 and 2012 with an begin easing strict lockdown annual barrel average of $101.06 and $103.42 restrictions next month. respectively.

More than 1.5 million

But now, the government is running the people will be allowed to return printing press to make up for the budget deficit to work, some schools will -- and fueling runaway inflation. reopen, deliveries of hot food

Despite a national lockdown because of will be permitted and cigarettes the coronavirus, protests have bubbled up across will be back on sale. the country as people experience shortages of

But the sale of alcohol food and medical necessities. and public gatherings will still

Officials said several dozen people had be banned. demonstrated in Upata, a town of about 100,000

The country, which inhabitants, while seven people were injured at one point was following Wednesday during protests -- that turned to the UK’s infection curve, has looting -- in the eastern state of Sucre. stunned observers in the way At least 10 people have died from COVID-19 it has slowed the spread of the in Venezuela, with just over 300 infections, virus, says the BBC’s Andrew according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University.

Harding from Johannesburg.

It has recorded 4,361 cases of coronavirus, including 86 deaths.

Biden, highlighting Trump’s recent threat to veto emergency funding for the US Post Office, claimed it was an example of the president’s intention to “do all he can to make it very hard for people to vote.”

While mail-in voting and absentee ballots remain methods many say could help limit voters spreading coronavirus, Trump maintains they create the potential for fraud.

Meanwhile, dozens of US states have postponed their primary races, which will officially determine who will be the presidential nominee.

The 73-year-old Trump has been criticized for turning his daily White House coronavirus briefings into campaign events -- rallying his base and taking

Joe Biden swipes at his detractors such as Biden, who is sheltering at home.

“We have a sleepy guy in a basement of a house that the press is giving a free pass to, who doesn’t want to do debates because of COVID,” Trump said during the Thursday briefing.

Cuban doctors go to South Africa

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The Cuban doctors are to be deployed to different provinces in South Africa

for its medical diplomacy, though it has not been without controversy.

The US government under President Donald Trump has urged countries not to accept Cuban medical missions, accusing the country of exploiting its medics Special relationship allegations Havana denies.

Cuba, with 1,337

The Cuban doctors - recorded cases of Covid-19 arriving in Johannesburg late and 51 deaths, has the world’s on Sunday night - are to be highest ratio of doctors to deployed to different provinces population and began preparing

by South Africa’s Department for the virus early. of Health, Cuba’s ambassador According to the Reuters Rodolfo Benítez Verson has said. news agency, it is renowned

The two countries for its focus on prevention and have close ties as Cuba was community-orientated primary instrumental in the fight against health care to fight epidemics. white-minority rule in South In South Africa, Africa, which did not end until thousands of community 1994 when anti-apartheid leader health workers have been Nelson Mandela was elected screening millions of people for president. coronavirus.

Cuba is well known Professor Salim Abdool

Karimwe, who is leading South Africa’s scientific response to outbreak, says they have been targeting “the most socially vulnerable communities, where this likely was most likely to spread”.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned of overconfidence as lockdown measures ease, saying infections are likely to reach their peak in August.

Meanwhile, it is reported that the country is seeking international funding to help fund a 500bn rand ($26bn; £21bn) rescue package to cushion coronavirus’s economic impact.

The government is to give new welfare grants to help South Africa’s poorest families, as millions of people have lost their incomes, and aid organisations warn of growing signs of desperation.

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

TURKS & CAICOS SUN

Page 33

LIFE STYLE WORLD NEWS Covid, Corona and Lockdown: the newborns named after a pandemic

Manju Bauri rests with her newborn baby boy ‘Lockdown’ in their temporary home in northeast India.

First there was Corona Kumar, then Covid Marie: parents have taken to naming newborns after the coronavirus, apparently unperturbed by the prospect of their children being forever associated with a deadly pandemic.

When Colline Tabesa gave birth to a healthy baby girl in the central Philippine city of Bacolod on April 13, she and the father John Tupas decided to mark the occasion with a show of gratitude.

“This COVID-19 has caused great suffering around the world,” said 23-year-old Tupas, expressing relief after the uneventful delivery.

“I wanted her name to remind us that COVID did not only bring us suffering. Despite all of this, a blessing came to us,” he added.

And so, Covid Marie it was.

Weeks earlier, two mothers in southeastern India had had similar ideas, apparently encouraged by a doctor in the hospital where their babies were delivered.

One was called Corona Kumar and the other Corona Kumari.

“I told them this would help create awareness about the disease and remove the stigma around it,” said S.F. Basha, the doctor.

“To my surprise, they agreed.”

Not to be outdone, a migrant-worker couple in India’s northeast stranded thousands of kilometres from their home in the desert state of Rajasthan decided to name their child Lockdown.

“We named him Lockdown remembering all the problems we had to face during this tough time,” local media reports quoted the father Sanjay Bauri as saying.

As virus shutters churches, tiny US chapel open for prayer

With the biggest health crisis in the world forcing many places of worship to shut their doors, Shauna Riggs sought spiritual comfort on Sunday inside “The Smallest Church in America.”

The tiny chapel -- 9 by 18 feet (2.7 by 5.4 meters) and featuring just 12 seats -- is a tourist attraction along the state of Georgia’s coastal scenic byway.

But during the health and economic disasters brought on by the deadly coronavirus, it has become a shelter from the Shauna Swain Riggs writes her prayers inside the ‘Smallest Church In America’ in Townsend, Georgia storm.

The Ten Commandments said as he prepared for his

“Literally the week I are framed on one wall. A online broadcast Sunday. “We moved here, the coronavirus hit. bulletin board featuring prayers miss each other.”

I needed a safe space and this is is mounted on another, and But the Smallest Church it,” Riggs told AFP after writing a donation box is outside the in America was hosting the prayers on paper on the pulpit. unlocked front door. faithful -one or two or three at

“Since there’s not a

Southern live oaks, the a time. church available right now for By early afternoon, me to actually go to, I come same trees that give the closest city, Savannah, its haunted feel, about two dozen visitors had here,” the 38-year-old higher stand guard outside the chapel, dropped by, including a trio of education worker said. which opened in 1949. cyclists who took their helmets

“I don’t leave until I feel off as they ducked inside. relaxed and calm. The reason - ‘Silver linings’ Georgia’s Governor

Isabella De La Houssaye, I came was just to talk to God Brian Kemp has implemented a 56-year-old with stage-four and tell him how thankful I am some of the most aggressive lung cancer, recently completed during these hard times, and economic revival measures of a 3,000-mile ride from California keep my faith up.” any US state, allowing churches to raise awareness of the disease.

Like most businesses and some businesses to re-open With coronavirus and organizations in the United hammering some communities States, churches have been beginning last Friday.

But the vast majority of that she and her husband and forced into lockdown mode.

Georgia’s churches, including all friend rode through, De La

Pastors are conducting of Savannah’s houses of worship, Houssaye said she hoped people services and Bible studies remained shuttered Sunday. could find “silver linings” from online, cutting out the essential

Pastor Bill Fowler of the the crisis that would help them personal interaction of religious Community Bible Church, near become stronger. services.

“The prayer that I

The small church is Savannah, said between 650 and 700 attend his church twice a day wanted to offer today was of pastorless, and people often on most Sundays, making social gratitude, gratitude that we’re step inside to snap pictures of distancing virtually impossible. alive, that it’s a beautiful day, the interior: white cinderblock

“We’re going to stream that we passed this remarkably walls, wooden roof beams, and for the forseeable future, to a sweet church surrounded by a panel of stained glass featuring point where it’s safe,” Fowler God’s work in nature,” she said. an image of Jesus Christ.

`Infecting our dreams’: Pandemic sabotages sleep worldwide

For millions of people around the world dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, sleep brings no relief.

The horrors of COVID-19, and the surreal and frightening ways it has upended daily life, are infecting dreams and exposing feelings of fear, loss, isolation and grief that transcend culture, language and national boundaries.

Everyone from a college teacher in Pakistan to a mall cashier in Canada to an Episcopalian priest in Florida is confronting the same daytime demon. Each is waking up in a sweat in the dead of night.

Experts say humanity has rarely experienced “collective dreaming” on such a broad scale in recorded history — and certainly never while also being able to share those nightmares in real time.

“It’s that alarming feeling of when you wake up and think, ‘Thank heavens I woke up,’” said Holly Smith, an elementary school librarian in Detroit. “Once it hits your dreams, you think, ‘Great, now I can’t even escape there.’”

The psychological toll is

staggering, particularly for health care workers whose dreams show similarities to those of combat veterans and 9/11 responders, said Deirdre Barrett, a Harvard University professor who is surveying COVID dreamers worldwide.

She has collected 6,000 dream samples from about 2,400 people.

So many people are sharing accounts of dreams online that there’s a Twitter account dedicated to gathering them in a virtual library under the handle “I Dream of COVID.”

“As far as I know, no one has dream samples from the flu pandemic of 1918 — and that would probably be the most comparable thing,” said Barrett, who has studied the dreams of 9/11 survivors and British prisoners of war in World War II. “Now we just all have our smartphones by our bed, so you can just reach over and speak it or type it down. Recording our dreams has never been easier.”

The dreams are also exposing what is bothering us the most about the pandemic. The themes seem universal.

Dreams of a safe place suddenly overtaken by the virus speak to contagion’s terrifying invisibility, says Cathy Caruth, a professor at Cornell University who has studied trauma for 30 years.

Pandemic dreams, she says, are reminiscent of the experience of Hiroshima survivors, who worried about invisible radiation exposure, and also of some nightmares described by Vietnam veterans.

“They seem to be in part about things that are hard to grasp, what it means that anybody can be a threat and you can be a threat to everybody,” Caruth said.

Episcopalian priest Mary Alice Mathison dreamed 500 people showed up for a funeral in her church and wouldn’t go home. Other dreams underscore that no one knows how the pandemic will end. In those, the dreamer wakes with a start before learning how it turned out.

Ashley Trevino is still trying to process one terrifying dream. The 24-year-old barista is out of work due to the pandemic and was spooked when officials announced the first COVID-19 death in her central Texas

county.

A few days later, she dreamed she and her girlfriend were in line to enter a dark, metal warehouse where they’d be injected with the new coronavirus by government workers wearing Hazmat suits. Fluorescent lights in the parking lot cast an eerie glow as she watched her partner get the shot and gasp for breath. Then she got the shot, too.

“I watched her kind of collapse against the wall and while I was trying to fight the effects of it and not pass out myself, I was like ...

‘Is she dead now?’”

Trevino woke up whimpering.

She immediately felt an impulse to share her nightmare with someone — anyone — and tweeted it to the world from her bed.

In Pakistan’s Punjab province, a college literature teacher described dreaming she was one of only 100 people left on the planet who didn’t have COVID-19. The infected population had gained political control and was chasing the uninfected “so the world would become the same for everyone,” said Roha Rafiq, 28.

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Goldman predicts 36% drop in iPhone shipment, says time to sell Apple shares

Goldman Sachs said on Friday it expects iPhone shipment to drop 36% during the current quarter due to coronavirus-related lockdowns around the world and downgraded Apple Inc stock to “sell”.

Apple shares fell 1.6% to $282.13 on Friday morning, bucking a 1.5% rise for the benchmark S&P 500.

The Goldman analysts also lowered their price target for the stock by 7% to $233 in its report forecasting the drop in iPhone demand for the quarter ending in June, Apple’s fiscal third quarter.

The brokerage noted that average selling prices for consumer devices are likely to decline during a recession and remain weak well beyond the point when units recover.

“We do not assume that this downturn results in Apple losing users from its installed base. We simply assume that existing users

Apple iPhone 11’s are pictured inside of the Apple Store on Fifth Ave in the Manhattan borough of New York, New York, U.S., September 20, 2019. will keep devices longer and choose significant drop in iPhone sales, but less expensive Apple options when 36% seemed “extreme.” they do buy a new device,” Goldman “I view some of that as Sachs analysts said in a note. deferred demand...I think some of

Peter Tuz, president of that will come back in succeeding Chase Investment Counsel in quarters,” Tuz said.

Charlottesville, Virginia, which A Goldman “sell” rating is holds Apple shares, said he expects a relatively rare. Of the stocks in the

Oil rebounds above $14 after massive sell-off

US oil prices rebounded above $14 a barrel Wednesday, a day after a sell-off sparked by a major fund selling its short-term holdings of the commodity amid virustriggered storage concerns.

West Texas Intermediate, the US benchmark, for June delivery jumped 14.5 percent to $14.13 a barrel in Asian morning trade.

It had plunged by more than 21 percent at one point Tuesday after the United States Oil Fund -- a major US exchange-traded fund (ETF) -- started selling its short-term contracts of the commodity.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, was trading 3.27 percent higher at $21.13 a barrel.

Traders “are bargain hunting after a couple of days

indices, of massive sell-offs”, OANDA Other the Bloomberg senior market analyst Jeffrey including Commodity Index, took similar Halley told AFP. ANZ Bank said in a note that steps.

Oil prices have fallen the market was hit by volatility Tuesday “as ETFs and index to historic lows this month, funds moved contract positions with WTI crashing deep amid renewed concerns of below zero for the first time as negative prices” in short-term governments worldwide shut down businesses and air travel holdings.

The Oil Fund had sold grinds to a halt due to the virus. its contracts due to expire in An agreement by top crudeJune to move into longer-dated producing nations to cut holdings amid fears about output by 10 million barrels a storage space running out in day from May 1 has done little to calm the market. the short term.

The production cuts

Following the US ETF’s move, Standard & Poor’s also “will probably take weeks told clients to sell their stakes to show up in the physical in the June contracts and move market, hence we are still stuck with the inventories issues them into July, ANZ said.

S&P operates the GSCI that will continue to curb any commodity index, which is semblance of bullish appetite”, tracked by pension funds and said AxiCorp global market strategist Stephen Innes. other big investors.

Facebook to notify users who have engaged with harmful COVID-19 posts

Facebook Inc said on Thursday it would start notifying users who had engaged with false posts about COVID-19 which could cause physical harm, such as drinking bleach to cure the virus, and connect them to accurate information.

The social media giant, which also owns photo-sharing network Instagram and messaging app WhatsApp, said it has been battling to control large volumes of misinformation such as posts that say physical distancing will not curb the disease.

Facebook has taken an uncharacteristically aggressive stance on false coronavirus posts, with Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg saying hoaxes about

the virus pose more of a threat to users than political falsehoods, which it generally permits.

The pandemic has killed more than 136,000 people globally and infected more than 2 million, while many countries are enforcing strict lockdowns to prevent further spread.

Facebook said it has taken down hundreds of thousands of false posts that could be harmful and in March displayed warnings on another 40 million dubious claims related to the virus, without removing them.

“We will also soon begin showing messages in News Feed to people who previously engaged with harmful misinformation related to COVID-19 that we’ve

since removed, connecting them with accurate information,” Zuckerberg said in a post.

The new alert is a concession to critics who have long called for Facebook to “correct the record” by telling users about posts it later removes or labels as false. The company previously resisted those proposals, arguing that drawing attention to dubious claims can inadvertently fuel their spread.

The notifications, which will start appearing in the coming weeks, will direct people to a World Health Organization list of common myths about the virus and encourage them to “help friends and family avoid false information,” Facebook said.

investment bank’s global equity coverage universe, 15% have sell ratings, compared with 46% “buy” and 39% “hold.”

Of the 40 analysts covering Apple shares, 30 have “buy” or “strong buy” ratings, seven have “hold” ratings, and three have “sell”, according to Refinitiv.

Earlier this week, Apple released a smaller iPhone priced at $399, lowering the starting price for the company’s smartphone line to broaden its appeal among budgetconscious customers.

Goldman said it does not expect the company to launch the upcoming iPhone models until early November, as limited global travel could impede Apple’s final engineering and production process.

Since the S&P 500 hit an alltime high on Feb. 19, Apple shares are down about 13% against a 16% decline for the overall index.

Verizon snaps up Zoom rival BlueJeans for less than $500 million

A man stands next to the logo of Verizon at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 26, 2019.

Verizon Communications Inc on Thursday agreed to buy BlueJeans Network Inc, a rival of Zoom Video Communications Inc, for less than $500 million as it looks to tap into the new-found popularity of video-conferencing apps.

Shelter-in-place orders to contain the spread of the new coronavirus have pushed companies to adopt news ways of doing business, leading to a surge in demand for videoconferencing apps such as Zoom, Cisco’s Webex and Microsoft’s Teams.

BlueJeans has about 15,000 enterprise clients and counts Facebook Inc and Standard Chartered among its major customers.

BlueJeans co-founder and Executive Chairman Krish Ramakrishnan said the deal was negotiated during the last three months mainly using the company’s video-conferencing tool.

“This is the new norm,” he said, referring to how the deal was clinched in a virtual setup that also included the use of e-signatures.

The company is already a partner of Verizon, with the meeting app being offered to customers under the telecom company’s unified communications and collaboration services.

“Verizon got a good deal, but BlueJeans had been trying to sell itself for months,” Piper Sandler analyst James Fish said.

The deal comes at a time when rival Zoom has seen its popularity surge, with its daily active users soaring to 200 million from about 10 million before the pandemic started to spread.

Zoom has a market valuation of $42 billion.

Ramakrishnan said BlueJeans was not able to bolster its sales and marketing in the past as it needed more capital.

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Samsung Electronics profit slips on virus, more falls forecast The world’s biggest smartphone maker, Samsung Electronics, said Wednesday that net profits in the first quarter were only slightly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic but warned of further falls to come as demand is “significantly” hit by the disease.

reported on Wednesday that net profits fell slightly in the first quarter as the coronavirus pandemic dampened consumer demand, but warned of further falls to come.

Net profits in the January-toMarch period were 4.88 trillion won ($4 billion), down 3.1 percent from a year earlier, the company said in a statement.

The January-March performance was “partially due to effects of COVID-19”, Samsung said in a statement.

And it said it expects weaker results in the next three months, adding that “uncertainties driven

by COVID-19 will persist” into the second half.

The firm is the flagship subsidiary of the giant Samsung Group, by far the largest of the family-controlled conglomerates known as “chaebols” that dominate

business in the world’s 12th-largest economy.

The figures come as the coronavirus pandemic wreaks havoc across the world economy -- earlier this month Samsung had operations suspended at 11 overseas assembly lines -- with expectations rife of a looming global recession.

In the second quarter, it warned: “Overall earnings are likely to decline from the previous quarter because COVID-19 will significantly impact demand for several of its core products.”

Memory demand “is expected to remain robust for servers and PCs as more people work from home”, it said.

But “sales and profits of set products business, including smartphones and TVs, are expected to decline significantly as COVID-19 affects demand and leads to store and plant closures globally”.

Woody Oh, a researcher at Strategy Analytics, said the firstquarter results showed only “a slight impact” from the virus outbreak, which emerged in China and spread to the US, Europe and India -- Samsung’s key markets.

U.S. senator says Apple, Google need to show contact tracing will not violate privacy

Smartphone software makers Alphabet’s Google and Apple will have to convince the public that any contact tracing technology to track who has been exposed to the new coronavirus will not lead to a violation of their privacy, Senator Richard Blumenthal said on Wednesday.

“Apple and Google have a lot of work to do to convince a rightfully skeptical public that they are fully serious about the privacy and security of their contact tracing efforts,” he said in a statement.

A critical factor in re-opening economies shuttered by the coronavirus pandemic is the ability to identify who has come into contact with carriers so that public health officials can control a resurgence of the COVID-19 disease caused by the virus.

This contact tracing effort got a boost recently when Google and Apple said they were collaborating on technology to help identify people who have crossed paths with a contagious person and alert them.

“I urgently want to know how Apple and Google will assure that consumers’ privacy interests are strongly balanced with the legitimate needs of public health officials during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Blumenthal, who has been outspoken about privacy issues raised by the powerful tech companies.

“A public health crisis cannot be a pretense to pave over our privacy laws or legitimize tech companies’ intrusive data collection about American’s personal lives,” he said.

Apple and Google had no comment on Blumenthal’s remarks but pointed to a joint release which said that “privacy, transparency, and consent are of utmost importance.”

The companies said they started developing the technology in March to streamline technical differences between Apple’s iPhones and Google’s Android that had stymied the interoperation of some existing contact tracing apps.

“But the real impact will show in the second quarter,” he said, adding almost all companies will report their worst results in AprilJune as the effects of the pandemic become clear.

Samsung Electronics shares closed down 0.2 percent in Seoul at 50,000 won.

- Forecast to grow Samsung had pinned its hopes for 2020 on a rollout of its new 5G and premium smartphones including its latest folding Galaxy Z flip phone.

“While a contraction of the global smartphone market is expected as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, demand for 5G smartphones is forecast to grow,” DJ Koh, president of Samsung’s mobile division told the firm’s shareholder meeting last month.

Global smartphone sales dropped 14 percent year-on-year in February, according to the latest data from market researcher Counterpoint Research, although Samsung’s sales remained stable as it has limited exposure to the heavily

hit Chinese market.

A report by market researcher TrendForce this month showed Samsung’s chip business may take a hit in the second half from shipment disruptions caused by virus lockdowns.

“Some of Samsung’s backend server DRAM packaging operations are based in Luzon, the Philippines. Therefore, the continued quarantine of Luzon may affect the shipment schedule of Samsung’s server DRAM modules,” it said.

Overall, the Taiwan-based market researcher said it expects the rebound of memory chip prices to be “flattened” as the coronavirus pandemic dampens demand from the latter half of the year.

Adding to Samsung Electronics’ challenges, its vice chairman and de facto leader Lee Jae-yong is currently being re-tried over a sprawling corruption scandal that could see him return to prison.

He is not being held in custody during the proceedings, but a guilty verdict could deprive the firm of its top decision-maker.

Apple just announced one of its biggest regional expansions for the App Store ever

Apple says that Apple •Asia-Pacific: Bhutan Music will now be available in •Europe: Croatia, Iceland, 52 new countries, and other and North Macedonia services including App Store, •Latin America and the Arcade, Podcasts, and iCloud Caribbean: the Bahamas, will hit 20 more countries.

Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat,

These are the countries St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the and regions that are getting Grenadines, Suriname, Turks access to services for the first and Caicos, and Uruguay time, according to Apple: •Middle East: Kuwait, Qatar,

The App Store, Apple and Yemen Arcade, Apple Music, Apple •Oceania: Solomon Islands Podcasts, and iCloud are now available in the following Users in the countries countries and regions: that are getting Apple Music for the first time will be offered a •Africa: Cameroon, Côte six-month free trial option. Also, d’Ivoire, Democratic Apple will extend its efforts to Republic of the Congo, curate locally relevant playlists Gabon, Libya, Morocco, to these countries with titles like Rwanda, and Zambia Africa Now, Afrobeats Hits, and •Asia-Pacific: Maldives and Ghana Bounce.

Myanmar

That brings the total •Europe: Bosnia and count for the App Store to 175 Herzegovina, Georgia, and Music to 167 out of the Kosovo, Montenegro, and 193 United Nations-recognized Serbia countries in the world. If you •Middle East: Afghanistan want to see the full count, Apple (excluding Apple Music) and has a support page that lists Iraq which “Apple Media Services” •Oceania: Nauru (excluding are available in which countries.

Apple Music), Tonga, and Apple made the Vanuatu announcement to the press Apple Music is also via its newsroom website and expanding to the following to developers via its developer countries and regions: support portal. Apple maintains •Africa: Algeria, Angola, a page of resources for developers Benin, Chad, Liberia, dedicated to localization efforts, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, and from what we’ve heard from Mauritania, Mozambique, developers, the company often Namibia, Republic of the makes an effort to prioritize Congo, Senegal, Seychelles, promoting apps that are widely Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and localized because of the global Tunisia reach of Apple’s platforms and

The iPhone 11 services.

And since we’re on the topic of developers, here’s a side note that also just happened: Apple yesterday sent invitations to members of its developer community inviting them to an online session dedicated to implementing accessibility features in apps. The invite reads:

At Apple, we believe that technology is most powerful when it empowers everyone. Join us for an online event to learn how you can take advantage of the award-winning accessibility features that come standard on Apple devices. You’ll be able to ask questions during and after the sessions, and sign up for individual consultations.

The session will take place on Thursday and precedes the company’s developer conference—at which it normally offers many sessions like this—in June. The developer conference will be online-only due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Buddy Hield mentioned in trade talks

Bahamian Chavano “Buddy” Hield could be traded again and a number of teams are showing interest.

Ever since he was relegated to the bench, the Sacramento Kings have been winning at a more efficient rate and Hield has proved his worth, putting up almost identical numbers in less time. Prior to the stoppage of play due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was more efficient as the Kings’ first option off the bench than he was as a starter.

In 20 games off the bench this season, Hield has been averaging 19.4 points in 26.6 minutes per game as opposed to 20 points in 34.4 minutes per game as a starter. He has also been shooting better from the field – 46.5 percent to 41.6 percent – and has been more deadly from distance, shooting 47.6 percent from downtown compared to 36 percent when he was a starter. For the season, he is averaging 19.8 points in 32 minutes per game, shooting 42.9 percent from the floor and 39.5 percent from three-point land. He is second in the league in made threepointers at 244, averaging 3.8 per game, and was on pace to surpass the franchise record of 278 he had a year ago before the stoppage of play.

For now, he is just working out at home on a regular basis and trying to stay active and sharp just in case the season resumes. The Kings are just three and a half games out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

There’s no doubt that Hield is worthy of being in the starting line-up, and the 6’4” two-guard of the Kings proved that every day he was on the court. It’s no secret that he prefers to be in the starting lineup, and if Head Coach Luke Walton continues to bring him off the bench, he’ll likely aggressively pursue a trade. According to reports, he is unhappy with his role in coming off the bench and has spoken out about the state of the team publicly before.

The Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers and Detroit Pistons are just some of the teams listed as possible suitors for the 27-year-old Bahamian who is having another progressive season.

He is durable, missing just two games in four seasons, and is near 20 points per game for the second year in a row. Hield is one of the best shooters in the league, averaging near 40 percent from distance for the fourth year in a row, and he won the

Archer finds his World Cup medal at last

England’s Jofra Archer

England’s Jofra Archer said Sunday he’d finally found his World Cup winner’s medal after “going mad” looking for the prized possession following a house move.

The 25-year-old Sussex fast bowler published a photograph of the medal on a bed with the caption: “Randomly searching the guest bedroom and boom.”

Archer, when previously asked about the whereabouts of his medal, told BBC Radio on Saturday: “I had it hanging off a portrait someone did for me and sent to me, I had my medal hanging on that.

“I moved flat and the picture is on the new wall but there’s no medal. I turned the house upside down for about a week but I still haven’t managed to find it.

“I know it should be in the

house so I will keep eyes out for it but I’ve gone mad looking for it already.”

Last year saw the Barbados-born Archer establish himself on the global stage as he helped England win their first men’s 50-over global title, with his 20 wickets at 23.05 the most taken by any member of the champions’ squad during the tournament.

Archer, who only made his international debut in 2019, was also given the daunting responsibility of bowling the Super Over in the final at Lord’s.

But he held his nerve brilliantly as England edged out New Zealand in a thrilling finish decided on boundary countback when the teams’ scores were level after both regulation play and cricket’s answer to ‘extra time’.

league’s three-point title during the NBA All-Star Weekend this year.

According to NBA Bleacher Report, the Pistons are one of the more aggressive teams trying to acquire Hield, particularly because of cap space and their need to acquire a legitimate star to go along with Blake Griffin and Derrick Rose. Hield inked a four-year contract extension worth $86 million with the Kings last fall that could reach up to $106 million with incentives – certainly numbers conducive for a player in the starting line-up and playing huge minutes.

Bogdan Bogdanovic, of Serbia, who replaced Hield in the Kings’ starting line-up, is a restricted free agent at the end of the year. He averages just 14.5 points per game.

Hield is one of the rising young stars in the league. He is one of the league’s most feared shooters, particularly in late-game situations, and a legitimate offensive threat. With a speedy point guard like De’Aaron Fox breaking down defenses and finding Hield in space, a number of high percentage shots and numerous offensive opportunities could be created.

In Fox and Hield, the Kings could have one of the more dynamic and offensive productive backcourts

Buddy Hield in the league for years. However, Hield’s contract takes up a lot of cap space when one considers that the Kings will have to pay young stars Fox and Marvin Bagley III in the not too distant future. Fox will be a free agent in 2021, and Bagley will hit the free agent market a year later.

At this point, it appears that Hield would be more useful and beneficial to teams looking to shore up their shooting for a possible deep playoff run, should the season resume in the face of COVID-19.

Hence, the Sixers and Lakers could be ideal landing spots for the Bahamian sharp shooter.

Gayle slams ‘worse than coronavirus’ Sarwan after Tallawahs exit Chris Gayle said Ramnaresh Sarwan was “worse than the coronavirus” as he blamed his “evil” former West Indies team-mate for his exit from the Jamaica Tallawahs team in the Caribbean Premier League.

The 40-year-old Gayle was released by Twenty20 franchise the Tallawahs last week and the big-hitting opener held assistant coach Sarwan responsible during a remarkable 15-minute video posted on his YouTube channel.

“Right now Sarwan, you are worse than the coronavirus right now,” said Gayle.

“You are a snake, you are so vindictive still immature, still stabbing people in the back.

“What transpired with the Tallawahs, you had a big part to play,” said Gayle, the all-time leading run-scorer in Twenty20 internationals.

“You know, Sarwan, you’re not the most loved person in the Caribbean ... You’re so vindictive. You’re still immature, still stabbing people in the back.”

Chris Gayle Veteran lefthander Gayle, who has since joined the St Lucia Zouks for this year’s edition of the CPL starting in August, led the Tallahwahs to the title in 2013 and 2016.

Then, after a spell with the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, the Jamaican rejoined the franchise last year.

Although Gayle scored 116 in his second game back, he managed only 243 runs in 10 innings as the Tallawahs finished bottom of the table.

Gayle spent much of his Test career in the same West Indies side as fellow batsman Sarwan, 39, who retired from international duty in 2016.

The self-styled ‘Universe Boss’, Gayle, who has not played for the West Indies since last year’s World Cup, accused Sarwan of wanting to take complete control of the Tallawahs.

“You are no good.

You are despicable,” said Gayle of the Guyanese.

“You want the franchise, have it. There’s no Gayle.

You run the show.”

In what was the second of three videos detailing his departure from the Tallawahs, Gayle -- West Indies’ all-time leading run scorer in oneday internationals -- said the roots of his strained relationship with Sarwan dated back to their time playing age-group cricket together.

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NBA sets guidelines and timeline for reopening facilities

The National Basketball Association announced on Monday it is modifying guidance on player training, which could allow team facilities to open as early as May 8 in U.S. states easing stay-at-home orders put in place to fight the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The opening of facilities would be the first step towards restarting the league, which has been shuttered since March 11 after a Utah Jazz player tested positive for the coronavirus.

“The purpose of these changes is to allow for safe and controlled environments for players to train in states that allow them to do so, and to create a process for identifying safe training options for players located in other states,” the NBA said in a statement.

The changes would allow teams to make facilities available to players for workouts or injury

An NBA logo is seen on the facade of its flagship store at the Wangfujing shopping street in Beijing, China October 8, 2019. one time and no coaches can treatment on a voluntary basis.

For teams based in states participate.

Group activity remains or cities where government restrictions remain in place, the prohibited, including practices NBA will work with them to find or scrimmages.

Players are also alternative arrangement.

As part of the guidelines prohibited from using non-team no more than four players will facilities such as public health be permitted at a facility at any clubs, fitness centers or gyms.

Lakers returned $4.6 mil to coronavirus relief fund: report “The Lakers qualified

The Los Angeles Lakers have returned about $4.6 for and received a loan million obtained from a US under the Payroll Protection government program meant Program,” ESPN reported the to help small businesses Lakers said in a statement.

“Once we found out recover from the coronavirus pandemic shutdown, ESPN the funds from the program had been depleted, we repaid reported Monday.

The NBA club, valued the loan so that financial

by Forbes magazine at $4.4 support would be directed billion, told the sports to those most in need. The television network in a Lakers remain completely statement they returned the committed to supporting money after learning the $349 both our employees and our billion in the Small Business community.”

The Lakers, who Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program had been typically have $434 million in exhausted within two weeks, annual revenue according to with hundreds of thousands Forbes, would have access to of small businesses unable to loans from the NBA’s line of credit of more than $1 billion. get access.

The program was part of a $2.2 trillion federal initiative aimed at helping small businesses cover employee salaries, rents and other expenses while being forced to shut their doors to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

There were complaints after many business with huge financing were able to obtain money while others struggling to survive were shut out.

The Lakers boast multiple billionaires among their ownership group and $150 million in annual local television revenue, the NBA’s richest such contract.

Mavericks owner Cuban will push for fan-less NBA return Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban wants to see the NBA season resume even without spectators, but only with precautions against the coronavirus are in place to safeguard “players and important personnel”.

Cuban, who spoke Sunday night on CNN, says there is no timetable for the league to return after going on hiatus March 12 when Utah’s Rudy Gobert tested positive for the virus.

NBA clubs reportedly will open team facilities for individual workouts starting Friday in states and cities where government leaders have eased stay-at-home rules to allow for such moves. By the start of May, that could be an option for up

Belichick: Pats not drafting quarterback ‘wasn’t by design’

to 10 NBA franchises, based on announced plans.

Some players from franchises in states where the lockdown remains in force had asked team officials about Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban the possibility of going to Georgia, one of the first states get the guys practicing and to announce a relaxation, and getting ready for games -- but working out in gyms there, a we’re not there yet,” Cuban said.

“There will be protocols move team general managers we can have confidence in. did not favor.

NBA commissioner We’re not going to do anything Adam Silver says it will be May until it’s absolutely, positively before the league moves forward safe.”

Among the ideas for with any plan regarding a possible restart to the campaign, finishing the season has been which ended with about a the notion of gathering teams in month remaining in the regular one city and playing games in an season ahead of the scheduled empty arena while sequestering two-month playoff run. players, perhaps for months,

“The minute it’s safe, away from families to avoid we want to try to get back and spreading the coronavirus.

New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick speaks at a press conference ahead of Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., January 31, 2019.

New England coach Bill Belichick said not taking a quarterback in the Patriots’ first post-Tom Brady draft “wasn’t by design.”

The Patriots selected 10 players in the 2020 NFL Draft, but no quarterbacks to compete for the starting job that was held for two decades by the six-time Super Bowl champion. Brady, 42, signed with Tampa Bay last month.

“The bottom line is that we’re evaluating that position along with all the other ones,” Belichick told reporters Saturday night. “If we feel like we find the right situation, we’ll certainly draft them. We’ve drafted them in multiple years, multiple points in the draft.

Didn’t work out last three days. That wasn’t by design. It could have, but it didn’t.”

Belichick expressed confidence moving forward with second-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham, a fourth-round draft pick from Auburn in 2019, and 34-year-old veteran Brian Hoyer.

“I like both those players,” Belichick said. “We’ve had Brian a couple times. I think he certainly gives us a very solid level of play.

We have a lot of confidence in him.

“And Jarrett had a good year last year.

He improved a lot. We’ll see where that takes him. Yeah, I have confidence in both players.”

Stidham, 23, appeared in three games as a rookie and completed 2 of 4 passes for 14 yards with one interception.

The Patriots brought back Hoyer last month with a one-year deal. He previously played for New England from 2009-11 and 2017-18.

In 69 games (38 starts) with seven teams, Hoyer has completed 59.1 percent of his passes for 10,274 yards with 52 touchdowns and 34 interceptions.

The Pats added some depth Sunday by signing undrafted Michigan State signal-caller Brian Lewerke, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.

Lewerke, 23, passed for 3,079 yards with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 13 games for the Spartans as a 2019 senior. He finished his career ranked first in school history in total offense with 9,548 yards, including 8,293 passing and 1,255 rushing. Lewerke was the MVP of the 2017 Holiday Bowl and the 2019 Pinstripe Bowl.

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Next year’s Olympics will be cancelled if pandemic not over: Games chief

The postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics will have to be cancelled if the coronavirus pandemic isn’t brought under control by next year, the organising committee’s president warned, ruling out further delays.

The comments, in an interview with a Japanese sports daily published Tuesday, come as medical experts doubted whether the pandemic can be sufficiently contained by next year to hold an event drawing participants and spectators from around the world.

The pandemic has already forced a year-long delay of the Games, which are now scheduled to open on July 23, 2021.

But Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori was categorical when asked by the Nikkan Sports daily whether the Games could be delayed until 2022 if the pandemic remains a threat next year, replying: “No.”

“In that case, it’s cancelled,” Mori said.

Mori noted the Games had been cancelled previously only during wartime, and compared the battle against coronavirus to “fighting an invisible enemy”.

If the virus is successfully contained, “we’ll hold the Olympics in peace next summer”, he added.

“Mankind is betting on it.”

Masa Takaya, a Tokyo 2020 spokesman, declined to comment on a possible cancellation of the Games and told reporters that Mori’s remarks were based on “the chairman’s own thoughts”.

But the comments will add to growing questions about the postponement, decided last month after heavy pressure on the organisers and the International Olympic Committee from athletes and sports federations.

On Tuesday, the head of Japan Medical Association warned it would be “exceedingly difficult” to hold the Games next year if a vaccine has not been found.

“I would not say that they should not be held, but it would be exceedingly difficult,” Yoshitake Yokokura told reporters.

- ‘Very pessimistic’ And last week a Japanese medical expert who has criticised the country’s response to the coronavirus warned that he was “very pessimistic” that the postponed Olympics can be held in 2021.

“To be honest with you I don’t think the Olympics is likely

Smash hit Jordan documentary fills TV void for NBA fans

A new Michael Jordan television documentary has become a smash hit for NBA fans whose hope of watching the playoffs these days was scuttled by the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Last Dance” details the career of the NBA legend who led the Chicago Bulls to six titles in the 1990s, with editions three and four of the 10-part saga telecast on Sunday.

It was the top ESPN telecast in the advertiser-prized 18-to-34 demographic since the shut down of sport due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In all, 6.1 million people watched the opening episodes in the United States, making the documentary Twitter’s top trending topic and ESPN’s most watched original program since the network began producing such shows 16 years ago. An average of 5.9 million viewers watched the latest episodes aired in the US on Sunday.

“The Last Dance” mixes previously unaired behind-thescenes footage taken by a special camera crew with the Bulls during their 1997-98 NBA championship run with the retelling of Jordan’s amazing story from his youthful days to Chicago’s amazing dynasty run of six 1990s NBA titles.

The project was set to be broadcast in June when the NBA Finals were scheduled, but when sports programs were wiped out due to the global virus pandemic, ESPN advanced the release date.

The Jordan documentary’s

Michael Jordan blockbuster success looks likely to spark similar projects.

Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar who died in a January helicopter crash, had a personal camera crew follow him around during his final NBA season, ESPN reported last week, hinting that behind-the-scenes footage could become part of a Bryant documentary.

Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, scored 60 points in his final NBA game in 2016, which capped the worst season in Lakers history at 1765.

Dwyane Wade, a member of the 2008 US Olympic “Redeem Team” that won Beijing gold after a 2004 bronze at Athens, says he is already executive producing a documentary about that collection of NBA talent.

to be held next year,” said Kentaro Iwata, a professor of infectious diseases at Kobe University.

“Japan might be able to control this disease by next summer, I wish we could, but I don’t think that would happen everywhere on Earth, so in this regard I’m very pessimistic about holding the Olympic Games next summer,” he said.

But Tokyo 2020 spokesman Takaya countered that even medical experts said it was too early to make a judgement on such a possibility.

Japanese officials and the IOC have said the Games will be a chance to celebrate victory over the virus, with some suggestions that the pandemic fight could even be incorporated into the opening ceremony.

Postponing the Games is an enormous logistical and financial challenge, with the final pricetag for the delay still unclear.

In the interview, Mori said organisers were considering holding joint opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympics and the Paralympics in an effort to cut costs.

Under the plan, the Paralympics would join the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23, and the Olympic closing ceremony

Tokyo 2020 chief Yoshiro Mori. would be integrated into the Paralympics closing event in September.

But Mori admitted that Tokyo organisers had not yet obtained the consent of the IOC and their Paralympic counterparts.

“It’s going to be a considerable cut in costs and a big message of victory against the global crisis, but it’s not easy,” Mori said.

Organisers have said the question of who will shoulder the additional costs is yet to be resolved, though Mori said the IOC should pay a share.

“We should make a decision after both sides examine and fully understand them,” he added.

Beckenbauer corruption trial ends without verdict

German football great Franz Beckenbauer’s trial on corruption charges linked to the 2006 World Cup has ended without a verdict after previously being put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The five-year-long trial, held in Switzerland, of 74-year-old Beckenbauer and three other men was suspended because of the health crisis and the statute of limitations has now expired.

Beckenbauer, who headed the organising committee for the 2006 World Cup, had denied the allegations.

FIFA said on Tuesday it was disappointed that the trial would not proceed.

“FIFA is deeply disappointed that the trial related to the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 will not take place because it has now become time barred,” world football’s governing body said in a statement.

“The fact that the case has now ended without a result of any kind is very worrying, not only for football but also for the administration of justice in Switzerland.”

FIFA said it hoped the “truth” around the payment of 10 million Swiss francs at the centre of the accusations would come to light one day.

“For FIFA this case is certainly not over as we cannot and will not accept that a CHF 10 million payment is made from FIFA

German football great Franz Beckenbauer accounts without a proper reason.”

Beckenbauer was a World Cup winner as a player in 1974 and coach when West Germany won in 1990.

In Switzerland, criminal proceedings concerning a fraud allegation must take place within 15 years. Because Beckenbauer’s case dates back to an incident in 2005, courts no longer have jurisdiction over the case.

Beckenbauer was accused of making payments to former FIFA executive Mohamed bin Hammam in 2005.

Beckenbauer has denied he paid money to anyone “to buy votes” to help Germany win the right to host the 2006 finals.

Germany beat the pre-vote favourites South Africa 12-11 in the ballot.

MAY 1ST, 2020 – MAY 8TH, 2020

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