Weekly News LOCKDOWN UNTIL MAY 4 Volume 34 | No. 16 | April 18-24, 2020
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Airports, schools and businesses to remain closed
The TCI’s nationwide curfew has been extended until May 4 as part of strict measures to prevent Covid-19 from spreading throughout the territory.
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Salvation Army distributes food to vulnerable families 21 PAGE
LAWYERS STRONGLY OPPOSE JUDGE ONLY TRIALS DURING PANDEMIC
TWO TO THREE-YEAR RECOVERY OF HOTEL INDUSTRY PROJECTED
‘WE COULD ERADICATE COVID-19 FROM THE TCI’
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Until the end of the lockdown the full edition of the TC Weekly News will be available online only. Visit our website www.tcweeklynews.com for all the latest news and views from across the TCI.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 18-24, 2020
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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NEWS
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Covid-19 cases rise to 11 BY OLIVIA ROSE THE TCI has now recorded 11 positive Covid-19 cases, while the number of suspected cases has dramatically decreased. These statistics were revealed by the Ministry of Health in a statement issued on Thursday (April 16) at 1am. The latest two confirmed positive cases are currently under hospital care in isolation with contact tracing aggressively continuing, the ministry said. “The number of suspected cases of Covid-19 in the TCI has decreased to a single case,” the statement read. “The decrease is as a result of test results received which confirmed seven suspected cases were negative for Covid-19.” It further explained that the lone suspected case is a TCI resident experiencing relevant symptoms but with no recent travel history or pertinent contact. The individual met the World Health Organisation’s definition for a suspected case of Covid-19 and is currently awaiting test results. As it stands, the TCI has received a total of 82 test results, with 71 confirmed to be negative. Those confirmed not to have Covid-19 and their contacts were removed from quarantine status and asked to continue following proper guidelines from the Ministry of Health. As the suspected cases significantly decrease so has the quarantine numbers. The number of people in
Suspected cases drop to just one quarantine currently stands at 43 from the previously reported 63. This includes the nine active confirmed cases (patients in the TCI that are currently infected), 16 contacts of confirmed cases, 12 indirect contacts of confirmed cases, one suspected case, three relatives/ contacts of suspected case and two TCI residents returning from overseas. “Persons under observation/ quarantine are either not displaying symptoms or have not met the case definition for Covid-19.” The decrease in quarantine and observation numbers is because of test results received, confirming individuals were negative for Covid-19. Given the closure of the TCI’s borders it is likely that new cases were as a result of local transmission. On April 1, the case definition for Covid-19 was amended for the territory. Travel history is no longer needed to fit the criteria. The health ministry said the territory continues to record only one Covid-19 death to date. ‘IMPORTANT GAINS’ On Saturday (April 11), during a national update on the TCI’s pandemic response Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson spoke of strides made locally to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Published by Turks & Caicos News Company Ltd. Cheshire House, Leeward Highway, Providenciales P.O. Box 52, Turks & Caicos Islands, BWI W. Blythe Duncanson - Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Olivia Rose - Senior Reporter Faizool Deo - Sports Editor (At Large) Cord Garrido-Lowe - Graphics Consultant (At Large) Dilletha Lightbourne-Williams - Office Manager Email: (Advertising) tcnews@tciway.tc, (News) tcweeklynews@gmail.com Tel. 649-946-4664 (office), 649-232-3508 (after hours) Website address: www.tcweeklynews.com Follow us on: Facebook: facebook.com/tcweeklynews Twitter: twitter.com/tcweeklynews1
She pointed out that the territory is faring well compared to many other countries and citizens should strive to continue along that path. “Great things are achieved when there is unity and when people work toward one common goal. “In this instance, residents across the TCI have been working together as one unit to keep ourselves safe and we are grateful for the spirit of cooperation. “We appreciate that this is not easy for moving societies to shelter in place and to, on the drop of a dime as it were, change how we live and interact, but we have seen and enjoyed high compliance rates and this is commendable. “I am a firm believer that only good can come from following expert health advice and I encourage us all to continue to do just that.” She called on residents to maintain the practice of social distancing and good hygienic practices in an effort to combat the
disease. “It is so important that we continue to practice social distancing, that we stay at home and that we follow good hygiene tips. “We will get through this together and we will be better for it once we follow health’s advice which we have already begun to realise and benefit from. “We ask that you too continue to take this approach. Together we are strongest and we must remain our brother’s keeper.” She maintained that the public’s health remains a top priority and will be at the core of all decisions made by the Government. Governor Nigel Dakin in a national address on Sunday (April 12) also spoke about the TCI’s success so far. “We are being told by international experts that because the TCI went hard and went early, we are not going to face the
national trauma that others are now facing,” he said. He added that due to the early measures implemented by the Government the territory bought time to boost medical capacity which will in turn save many lives. “The last two and a half weeks have saved us from the very worst ravages that this epidemic could has brought, Dakin continued. “We may not have reached the highest number of infectious cases yet – but we should be getting close. “And we’ve bought ourselves some time to not only dramatically reduce the numbers that might have overwhelmed our hospitals but also some time for those hospitals to increase their capacity to manage a problem that has probably not yet reached its peak. “You couldn’t have done more TCI - now it’s a case of us all holding our nerve and holding the line we’ve all drawn in the sand. “Science tells us cases will increase before they fall away. But we’ve got it and we are much stronger today than we were three weeks ago, and that’s the position the premier, myself, the Cabinet and the country intends to hold.”
Health models predict hundreds of fatalities IF THE territory had done nothing to protect its residents from Covid-19, hundreds of people would have been likely to die. The Ministry of Health has been working on models in collaboration with Public Health England to project how Covid-19 could affect the local population. On Saturday, April 11, during a national update on the TCI’s pandemic response Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson shared some of the statistics. She explained that based on estimates of 80 percent of the population being susceptible, it would mean that 34,363 people could become infected. While a significant number of those would be asymptomatic, 760 severe cases would require hospitalisation and 320 critical cases would require intensive care. Of those there would be 236 deaths. The most significant morbidity and mortality would be in the older age groups, especially people over 75. According to the premier, the model says that the duration of the outbreak would be eight to nine weeks with half of all cases expected to be identified in the first three weeks. “This model reflects what could happen without the aggressive interventions which have been implemented in the TCI, namely, shelter in place, closure of the borders, education on hygiene and protective measures and enforcement
of social distancing. “These measures are working to help us avoid these high figures and reduce the burden on our healthcare system. “We are also using these measures to help protect our most vulnerable groups, those being the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. “Evidence is clear that these individuals are at the greatest risk for poor outcomes including death.” More modelling is being done and will be shared later “to help everyone understand the reasoning behind the strategies being implemented here in the TCI”. The models look at population size and demographics including numbers of people in each age group. Governor Nigel Dakin in a national address on Sunday (April 12) spoke about the TCI’s success so far. “What the models are telling us is that, in the worst case, if we had done nothing back on March 23, and had the virus gripped us like it’s gripped others, we could in the future be facing over 760 severe cases, over 320 critical cases requiring intensive care, and a staggering 236 deaths. “But because of what you did, so long as we continue to do what we have been doing, that is not going to happen.”
April 18-24, 2020
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson announces the extension of lockdown
Lockdown extended until May 4 Airports, schools and businesses to remain closed
BY OLIVIA ROSE THE TCI’s nationwide curfew has been extended until May 4 as part of strict measures to prevent Covid-19 from spreading throughout the territory. On Saturday (April 11), during a national update on the TCI’s pandemic response Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson said an additional 20 days will be added to the lockdown. Airports, schools, non-essential businesses and the cruise port will remain closed during this period, along with other measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Under the lockdown, which has been in place since Thursday, March 26, passenger travel via sea and air routes was banned, while public transportation on roads is restricted. Essential businesses such as pharmacies and supermarkets will now be closed each Wednesday and Sunday until the curfew is lifted. Authorities have also advised the public to stay at home and to only travel outside if absolutely necessary. Anyone found violating the curfew may face prosecution. The premier said the decision was made based on a population analysis which projected how detrimental the disease would be to the TCI if these strict measures were not maintained.
She said: “Cabinet met in a special meeting to discuss TCI’s Covid-19 response and to review the measures currently in place against the modelling completed by the Ministry of Health. “The minister of health together with members of his ministry’s team presented a full analysis of TCI’s state of affairs and offered advice as we approach the end of the 21-day curfew. “Today we determined that it is in the best interest of all to have the curfew extended further.” She said the curfew first imposed on March 27 will be extended to May 4. “Like we did over the Easter weekend, there will be a complete closure of businesses each Wednesday and Sunday each week beginning Sunday, April 18. “Airports will remain closed to regional and international flights until May 4. “Based on Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and following consultation with the cruise industry, the cruise port will remain closed until June 30.” She stressed that this will remain under review and a decision will only be taken on reopening after further consideration of CDC advice and consultation with the cruise sector. “The provision to protect vulnerables under TCIG’s full or
partial responsibility will remain in place until May 4. “Schools will remain closed until May 4,” she added. Governor Nigel Dakin in a national address on Sunday (April 12) explained that lifting curfew restrictions would erode the progress made to curb the spread of the disease. “The key fact is that TCI is still finding new cases and our health
professionals have also identified local transmission. “We are not catching this from those who have been abroad or who are foreigners, we are catching this now from each other, even if we’ve stayed in the Islands. “We also have had no positive case yet that shows a person in TCI is clear from infection.” He stressed that these results suggest there is a reservoir of the
active virus in the TCI. “That means there are people, maybe you, maybe your neighbour, maybe me, that could be infected without them knowing it and are spreading the virus in the community. “Lifting the restrictions now in these circumstances would undo all that’s so far has been achieved. “So bottom line, we are going to extend,” the Governor added.
Customs officers help on lockdown checkpoints SIXTEEN customs officers have been recruited to help police to enforce the lockdown throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands. They join ten officers from the Immigration Department and Department of Environment and Coastal Resources as special constables. The initiative aims to strengthen an already established partnership and help tighten the monitoring of the curfew restrictions set to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus. Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting swore the officers in as special constables on Saturday (April 11), and gave a speech to the new recruits. “The additional staffing is critical at this time to support my police officers as we work around the clock to enforce the curfew given under the Emergency Powers Covid-19 Regulations 2020. “I am a firm believer in partners coming
together to achieve a common goal and the last couple of weeks we have seen this demonstrated. “This is a multi-agency response from all law enforcement agencies to keep the Turks and Caicos Islands communities safe. “I am grateful to everyone involved. A special welcome on board to the special constables – let us all continue to make the TCI proud.” The customs officers are Alton Scott, Brandy Garland, Dacach Capron, Donnell Hall, Glodeeka Moultrie, Erica Carter, Hayanna Williams, Eustace Fulford Junior, Lyle Simmons, MarieBelle Williams, Marylee Wilson, Hazel Prospere, Quita Jennings, Gregston Been, Savanna Missick and Standella Smith. The 16 new special constables will be supporting the curfew checkpoints as well as working with the Royal TCI Police Force’s Marine Branch Unit.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 18-24, 2020
Lawyers Lara Maroof-Misick, Mark Fulford and Oliver Smith oppose trial without jury
Lawyers strongly oppose judge only trials during pandemic BY DELANA ISLES THE SUSPENSION of jury trials is one of the most contentious issues in the TCI, having first been instituted against the will of the people for the corruption trials of former government officials. With just a few days on the job, the new Chief Justice Mabel Agyemang made a case for judge only criminal trials in light of the restrictions brought on by the current Covid-19 pandemic, soliciting the views of the Bar Council and its members. Responses came from a number of local attorneys, among them Oliver Smith, Mark Fulford, Lara Maroof-Misick and Keith James, before the suggestion was abandoned by the chief justice. Smith’s response likened the suggestion to “throwing the baby out with the bathwater”, a view supported by many of his colleagues. “This initiative is misplaced and is more an easy (and some may say, lazy) administrative solution to an obvious problem. It is like throwing out the baby with the bathwater.” Smith offered an alternative that
can be employed. “A suggestion would be that during this Covid-19 period, defendants (and defendants alone) be given the right to waive jury trial in order to have a speedy trial.” He said this would be an election of the defendant who may wish to waive his speedy trial rights and wait for his jury trial or opt for a speedy non-jury trial. “Alternatively, the court in each matter, on a case by case basis, can of its own volition under the Criminal Procedures Ordinance order a non-jury trial. “This would of course be subject to appeal under the CPO,” he added. Smith said that the authority cited by the learned chief justice speaks to an “unreasonable delay”, adding: “Surely, it can be argued that trial delays occasioned by Covid-19, are justified and reasonable given the unique circumstances and the need to put initiatives in place to address it.” Additionally, the case cited by the chief justice cannot be authority for this jurisdiction to automatically suspend jury trials and instead replace them wholly with non-jury trials by the simple stroke of a pen,
the attorney stated. “I equally make no criticism of our supreme court judges and their integrity. I concur with the sentiments of the chief justice. “However, that cannot be the factor to decide whether to suspend jury trials during Covid-19 as the supreme court judges integrity will equally be in play during jury trials.” Attorney Lara Maroof-Misick supported Smith’s submissions, stating: “In my view such an approach would be wholly contrary to the procedures set out in the legislation and indeed to the guidance provided by case law arising from the legislation. “The authorities emphasise the high threshold required to be met before a trial without a jury can be determined as necessary. “Simply because it is more convenient or easier is far from sufficient.” She said the only proper approach would be for applications to be considered for appropriate cases. Following which, a thorough and careful assessment should then be carried out in the usual way taking into account all the relevant
factors. “A very important factor must be the defendant’s views. A blanket approach to all criminal cases would be disproportionate and inconsistent with the legislation,” Maroof-Misick stated. Attorney Keith James held similar views, pointing to the Scottish Bar’s opposition to their own suspension of jury trials in that country; they called it ill-advised and a knee-jerk reaction caused by panic. Attorney Mark Fulford in his rejection of the suggestion, stated that a more measured and systematic approach should be taken instead of the complete suspension of jury trials. “The first position to take is to ascertain if there are any defendants in custody who want to plead, if there are such persons, the court should firstly deal with those matters by video if the defendant so consents. “Secondly, the court should then ascertain if there are any defendants in custody who consent to trial without a jury and table those for the remote/virtual trials; then all summary cases can be dealt with.” He said thereafter, those who
are amenable to waiting for jury trials to resume whether in custody or not can make that request and tentative future trial dates can be set for those matters. “The running thread of my proposals is that any system to be implemented during this crisis has to be by consent and must take into consideration the wishes of the accused who are the persons to be impacted by any erosion of their constitutionally protected rights.” He stated that all over the world it is being proven that imprisoned persons are more at risk to contract Covid-19, as such the courts should avoid rushing to incarcerate offenders. “This virus can be a death sentence in a prison that is already overcrowded and in a country without the necessary facilities and equipment, struggling to address this pandemic.” Fulford was also vocal about the contentious Trial Without A Jury Ordinance (TWAJO) which the Bar Council had opposed. “The TWAJO... was made to jail the former leaders of this country, and nothing done by the Bar stopped that legislation from being enacted.”
April 18-24, 2020
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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Two to three-year recovery of hotel industry projected A TWO year to three-year recovery of the Caribbean hotel industry has been projected by an investment banking expert. George Spence, managing principal at Luxe Capital Americas, shared his insights with a panel put together by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) via YouTube Live last week. The session was the first in a series of online training programmes being put on by CHTA aimed at equipping the industry to cope with its immediate challenges, while preparing for the eventual return of tourists to the world’s leading tropical playground. The first phase of the programme, dubbed ‘CHTA live: The resilience series’, was held on Friday, April 3. It provided historical facts and measured forecasts to assist tourism stakeholders as they develop endurance strategies in response to Covid-19. Representatives from the World Travel and Tourism Council, STR, ADARA and Tourism Analytics shared data and experiences, all pointing to a slow but steady recovery and providing a glimpse into the future. Spence said that 24 to 30 months is projected for the recovery of occupancy for Caribbean hotels, and possibly much longer as seen in the 2008-2009 economic recession, particularly when it comes to debt restructuring. “Because most hotels are collateralised by first mortgage and liens, the issue of how to handle the loan restructure becomes ‘bet the company’ dilemma, sooner or later.
The tourism industry is expected to take several years to recover
“The depth and length of the Covid-19 crisis, the future of airline flights, tour operators and consumer behaviour are still not known.” He warned hoteliers that this is not a situation to improvise. “Remember, your only situation is not just you and the bank, you have to deal with a number of other things (such as) if you close down your hotel and you want to reopen you’re going to have reopening expenses just like you did when you opened it the first time. “You’re going to have to hire employees ahead of time, you’re going to have to get your team back together, you’re going to have to purchase inventory and you will have to conduct maintenance work for months before this to make sure your rooms do not get musty smelling like they do after hurricanes. “You will incur hundreds of thousands of dollars before opening the doors, and you’re also going to have to spend money on sales and marketing,” the investment banker advised.
Armed men kick down door to rob apartment THREE men armed with guns kicked down the door of an apartment on Leeward Highway before stealing cash and electronics. The police press office said officers responded to the incident after receiving a call at 1.16am on Wednesday
(April 15). According the occupant, the men broke into his home and demanded cash before making away on foot. Anyone with information on this matter can call 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-8477.
He recommended that hoteliers prepare a thorough new business plan for restructuring, as this is best for the long-term health and survival of hotels. CHTA CEO and director general Frank Comito, who moderated the first programme, stated that history points to the incredible resiliency of the industry. “We’ve seen this from SARS, tsunamis, hurricanes, zika and
other short-lived major challenges. He added: “While the Covid-19 pandemic is on a scale never before experienced, we are confident that the appetite for travel will return and as consumer confidence builds, and the Caribbean will be poised and ready to welcome visitors back.” The series of programmes continued this week, and will go on for the rest of the month.
Under the tree
This week’s topic looked at a number of labour-related matters and is entitled ‘HR strategies and solutions to support business continuity’. Later, the training focus shifts to ‘CHTA live: A taste of CHIEF’, a series of sessions which will highlight the virtual exchange of best practices, money-saving tools and resources, and Caribbean culinary excellence. The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Education Foundation (CHTAEF) will provide short-course professional development and skills training, allowing participants to sharpen their skills in the online environment. Comito indicated that the triangular series helps to address immediate training needs of the region, while expanding the association’s digital presence. “These sessions offer indispensable toolkits for the Caribbean hospitality industry as we prepare for the post-pandemic recovery,” he added.
By Benneth Williams
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NEWS
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Dominican construction worker shot and killed Friends describe victim as ‘a genuinely good person’ BY OLIVIA ROSE MARTIN Barga, a 44-year old construction worker from the Dominican Republic, was tragically shot and killed in Blue Hills on Monday (April 13). According to police public relations officer Takara Bain, the incident happened on Millennium Highway at about 11am. A second man, aged 55, was also shot during the incident. Both were taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre where Barga was pronounced dead. The 55-year-old is in a stable condition. The Weekly News spoke to several close friends of the victim who suggested that the men were targeted. One friend, who asked to remain
anonymous, said Barga and the other victim had just made a trip to the dump in Blue Hills to offload garbage when they were attacked. According to the friend, he was involved in a local lottery style business and often carried large sums of cash. “I strongly believe he was called out - they would have known he would have money on him.” Another said: “He was a real good person. The first time I met him was about 10 years ago where we all randomly went on a trip to Miami together. “Meeting someone for the first time he insisted on paying for everything. Just a genuinely good person, never knew him to be in any drama. “He always would see me out and
ask about my family and tell me of his plans and what he was doing. “He was building his house in Long Bay and has a small kid too. It’s really sad he’s gone.” A third friend, also asking to remain anonymous, described Barga as an “easy going and kind hearted” person who was full of life. An investigation into the murder is underway by the Serious Crimes Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF). Commissioner of Police Trevor Botting said: “It is under extremely terrible circumstances that we are now investigating a murder on Providenciales. “Condolences to the family of the deceased; my thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved. “These are difficult times for all of us in the Turks and Caicos Islands as we deal with the Covid-19 pandemic but to commit such a heinous act and bring an additional strain on the country’s resources at this time is despicable.” He stressed that while the force
The incident happened on Butterfield Drive, Kew Town on Tuesday
Martin Barga, 44, was a construction worker from the Dominican Republic
is committed to its response to the Covid-19, it is also ready and committed to respond to acts of violence and gun crime. Botting added: “I believe that when we are confronted with tragedies like this in our community,
it is important that we work together to bring justice to the community.” The police commissioner appealed to anyone with information relating to this incident to call 911 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1-800-8477.
Deangelo Germain works as a dental hygienist at Paradise Smiles TCI
Man hit by car while exercising DENTAL hygienist Deangelo Germain suffered serious head injuries when he was struck by a car while out exercising in Kew Town on Tuesday (April 14). The incident happened on Butterfield Drive in Providenciales at about 6.46pm, the police press office
said in a statement on Wednesday. The man in his 20s was taken to Cheshire Hall Medical Centre to be treated for his injuries. Nikira John, public relations manager at TCI Hospital, said: “The patient is currently in stable condition and has been admitted to the
High Dependency Unit for continuous care and monitoring.” Police arrested the driver of the car at the scene and they were taken into custody. Germain, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, works at Paradise Smiles TCI.
April 18-24, 2020
NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Dominican poachers remanded in virtual court FIVE Dominican captains caught fishing illegally in TCI waters have been charged and are now on remand at the Detention Centre in Providenciales. Captured were Andres Flores, Richard Lopez, Dublin Jimenez, Luis Miguel Pena Jimenez and Luis Jose - all captains. The men appeared before Chief Magistrate Jolyon Hatmin on Saturday (April 11) via virtual court at the Chalk Sound Police Station. They were charged under the Fisheries Ordinance and the Emergency Powers Ordinance. They all entered pleas of guilty to taking marine products without a licence, using an unlicensed vessel for fishing, using a vessel unlicensed for commercial fishing, using breathing apparatus to take marine products and breach of
curfew. They are scheduled to reappear via another remote hearing for sentencing on Friday, April 17. On April 8, five vessels were spotted by police officers on board the Police Airwing, fishing near Bush Cay and White Cay - an area within the Fisheries Limits of the Turks and Caicos Islands. The Marine Branch, assisted by RTCIPF tactical unit, the DECR and Customs Department, was immediately called in to arrest those on board and seize the vessels. Various items of prohibited fishing equipment and a significant quantity of conch were seized. Also on board were 15 crew members, all Dominican nationals. They have since been handed over to the Department of Immigration for repatriation.
Five vessels were spotted fishing near Bush Cay and White Cay
Taxpayers must still provide monthly returns ALTHOUGH the Government has waived several taxes and fees during lockdown, taxpayers must continue to submit their monthly return forms, the Revenue Department said this week. The reminder was issued in a statement discussing the details of the hotel, restaurant and tourism tax waiver that was included in the Government recent economic stimulus package. Under the Emergency Powers (Covid-19) (Economic Relief Measures) Regulations 2020 the Government said there is to be no payment of the accommodation tax on April 21. And payments due on May 21 and June 21 have been referred until June 21. No late penalties will be given if the taxes are paid in full on or before this date. In order to take advantage of the waiver, taxpayers are required to provide the Revenue Department with their completed tax waiver request form. They must also provide proof that a remittance of tax was made during March and proof of the number of employees currently on full pay, terminated or on reduced hours. Tax data submitted will be subject to audit verification by the Revenue Department at a later date, the Wednesday (April 15) statement said. Additionally, taxpayers will be required to provide a detailed written submission by the end of July on how the tax waiver provided was used. “The Revenue Department wishes for you to remain safe during this time and looks forward to your continued cooperation,” it said. Queries can be directed to tcirevenuedepartment@gov.tc or visit gov.tc/revenue
Prohibited fishing equipment and a significant quantity of conch were seized
Three arrested for breaking curfew TWO men and one woman were arrested for breaking curfew early on Saturday morning (April 11). A 25-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man were arrested at 12.43am and a 19-year-old man was later arrested at 1.12am. All three were given bail in the sum of $1,000 each and later released. They are all due to return to Chalk Sound Police Station on Monday, May 25, to be further dealt with. It is a criminal offence under the Emergency Powers Covid-19 Regulations 2020 to break curfew and could lead to a fine or prison sentence.
Vehicles will be confiscated and only released once a $250 towing fee and $25 per day storage fee have been paid. A current driver’s licence, vehicle registration and insurance must also be presented. A 24 hour per day lockdown began on March 27 and has been extended to May 4. Residents can exercise twice a day (5am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm) but are not allowed to use public beaches or drive unnecessarily. Essential services are open throughout the week but supermarkets and petrol stations are closed every Wednesday and Sunday.
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10 OPINIONS NEWS
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Get everyone tested – It’s a matter of survival I KNOW that countries throughout the world have implemented a curfew in order to contain and prevent the spread of Covid-19. Our Government has extended the curfew until May 4. As a result of this extension, businesses will close except those providing essential services. I agree that one of the most important requirements for any nation is the health of its citizens. However, given that essential services providers remain open, residents continue to expose themselves to this virus. We continue to go out and are not practicing social distancing or even wearing masks. In an article in Business Insider, an expert by the name of Professor Hugh Montgomery demonstrated how one person can infect 59,000 people. The expert stated that this is possible if one person transmits the virus to three people and those three people transmit to another three persons, we can end up with 59,000 people being infected after ten cycles of this chain. I believe that the Government should make it mandatory that everyone gets tested. Of course, we will face the issue of illegals as they perhaps will not
BY DREXWELL SEYMOUR
Drexwell Seymour is a certified public accountant and is the managing partner for HLB TCI. His favourite hobby, however, is writing. He has a personal website, www.drexwellseymour. com, where all of his writings are posted. He also has a YouTube channel where you can find inspirational videos. Drexwell has a BA in Accounting and an MBA in Finance.
come for testing, but we need to know the status of our residents otherwise we will continue to extend the curfew. The Cayman Islands ordered 200,000 Covid-19 test kits from a supplier in South Korea. Apparently, that was the minimum requirement in order to fulfil the order. Barbados has reached out to Cayman for 20,000. I believe our country too has to order at least 80,000 kits. According to the 2012 census, the TCI population is 31,458. Of course, the population has grown since then along with illegals. Let’s say that perhaps our population is around 40,000 and to be on the safe side, let’s get two kits for each person - this is how I came up with 80,000.
I believe we should reach out to Cayman to place an order with them. If Cayman cannot accommodate the entire 80,000 then all of the overseas territories and other Caribbean countries should collaborate and place a joint order for testing kits. Once the kits arrive on island, necessary arrangements must be in place so that all residents are tested. Once residents are tested negative, they should remain home so they do not come in contact with anyone. Those that are tested positive will have to be in quarantine and away from others. PEOPLE ARE NOT STAYING HOME Even though we may test everyone, the risk is that people are not staying
home and as result may catch the virus even after they get tested. Therefore, it is important for all of us to stay home. The Covid-19 virus is transferred among people through coughing and sneezing. It is therefore recommended that when residents go out, they stay six foot apart from other individuals. However, staying away six foot apart does not mean that they are free from getting the virus because when an individual coughs or sneezes the viral particles may dissipate in the air. It can remain in the air for a while and then be transmitted to someone. Therefore, it is important that we stay home so we cannot catch this virus. By going out, people increase the chance of getting the virus and if they can get the virus they can impact many others. Essential services should offer online, call in and delivery services. Despite the plea to get everyone tested, individuals can still expose themselves when they go to shop at these essential service providers. Essential services need to offer products to their customers by a phone call, online or delivery. While this may be a challenge for gas stations, it is possible with the pharmacies and grocery stores.
If the essential services provider is unable to facilitate online, then they can have people call in with their debit card. They can prepare the order inside and have it ready for the individuals. They can further offer delivery services or use one of our existing delivery companies to collect and distribute. In this way, we will avoid people getting in contact with so many people at these essential services. Those that continue to go the banks should enrol in online banking. The extension of this curfew was inevitable. However, the curfew will continue to be extended if we continue to go out exposing ourselves to this virus. If we continue to give extensions, we will continue to have other issues such as the inability to pay employees, and the employees’ and employers’ inability to take care of their obligations. Finally, while I support the extension of this curfew, I cannot end this article without saying there is no provision in place for employers outside of the hospitality industry to compensate their staff. Therefore, I think the Government needs to come back to us with additional changes in the stimulus package.
COMMENTARY
Staying safe I WAS born in 1936. I remember growing up during WWII - yes Pearl Harbour, the dropping of the A bombs. The servicemen coming home and the post war demand for everything. Houses, appliances, cars. Then planes and vacations. The Korean and Vietnam wars. TV, the transistor and computers. The massive growth of government and the diminishing value of the dollar and pound. We have seen and experienced much. We have never seen or experienced the frightening elements of this new virus.
Hundreds of thousands of people are dead from the coronavirus. Sad enough, more are doomed. Happily, the TCI has been more or less spared. We have joined others in lockdown. Since no one can legally enter our gates, infected folks are excluded from our shores. Anyone who was previously infected was stuck here until their incubation period played out. What happens when the incubation period runs out for the whole of the TCI? Do we open the door for other nations to enter? Will we test each visitor as they enter through immigration? This problem is not unique to our
Islands. The whole world shares our concerns, our fears. The exception may be China which now claims it knows how to handle the virus. Is this the truth? If they have the virus under control with a minimum of fuss why don’t they share the solution? The whole world is in trouble because of this highly infectious disease which originated in China and it has yet to offer the world a solution. The one basic fact the TCI and the people of the world must recognise is that money, wealth, your business, your residence, your car - none of
BY DAVID TAPFER
David is a retired mobile hydraulic engineer and business executive. He has been married to Middle Caicos native Yvette Robinson Tapfer for 30 years and has lived in Conch Bar, Middle Caicos, since 2002. David formerly served as branch chairman of the PDM from 2008 to 2011
that matters. It’s life that matters and health. Without life and health, all else is not important. This is why every right-thinking person was disappointed in the tremendous investment we made in our lame health system. We have been sending most patients overseas for care since 2010. Now, that option may no longer be available. For these simple obvious reasons, I encourage our Government to keep our gates closed until we are sure
that the visitors coming in will not be infected. Opening up business is not nearly as important as staying healthy. The virus is a smoking gun ready to infect, infect and infect again. I am in the ninth decade of life and will soon celebrate 84 years. As an older individual person, health matters will play out for me as expected. I wish the best for all those I will one day leave behind. May God bless you, and stay safe!
April 18-24, 2020
OPINIONS NEWS 11
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Facing twin perils: Coronavirus and UK colonial oversight PART ONE IN THE Turks and Caicos Islands with the advent of the coronavirus crisis, the British governor has of late been prancing around like Sir Lancelot, pretending to be ‘The Great Virus Defender’. He has even been commended on his conduct and the measures that have been taken. Well now we will see how good he is at prancing around, because [at time of writing] a boatload of Haitian illegal migrants has just landed in the TCI. This common occurrence has highlighted an ongoing shameful display of negligence and gross irresponsibility by the British and their governors sent to govern the TCI for many decades now. The British could not care less about this and said and did absolutely nothing as a previous landing took place in Grand Turk on Governor’s Beach right at the back gate of the governor’s house and a stone’s throw from the Carnival cruise port. As a previous similar landing
BY BEN ROBERTS
Ben is a Turks and Caicos Islander living in Maryland, USA, and published author of ‘Jackals of Samarra’. He is also a founding member of the NGO Turks and Caicos Forum. Ben can be contacted at grandt730@aol.com.
took place in Salt Cay overwhelming the local population, as a previous similar landing took place in Providenciales that saw the fly and scatter illegal arrivals running through the properties of high-end resorts such as Amanyara. As a previous attempted landing by illegal migrants during stormy seas saw their boat broken into pieces and, along with the lifeless bodies of the occupants, washed ashore on the beach strip that once again included Amanyara and the other high-end hotels. As a previous attempted landing saw lifeless bodies strewn in the deep waters and mutilated by sharks off West Caicos. As a previous similar recent landing
in Provo saw private citizens risking life, limb and health apprehending these illegal migrants because law enforcement and border officials were nowhere on the scene to do so. I could go on and on, but these are just a few incidents in what has been a constant parade of such incidents. And in all of them the so-called administrative authority, the UK, has been sickeningly silent and totally unmoved. Now this most recent breach comes at a time with the British and their governor prancing around talking about coronavirus, curfews, Public Health England, and sending a UK military contingent to the TCI. Please note that not long ago news outlets reported the UK was
boosting its military presence to Islas Malvinas (Falklands), along with an added boost in aid to the millions of pounds they already receive. Now, with this most recent breach of our shores, the British and their public relations and hype man, better known as HE Governor, are probably now wishing they were not so noisy and vocal in this coronavirus ‘blindspot.’ Why? Because, as explained to me by a colleague, this illegal landing is Exhibit A for the TCI to drag the UK into an international court of law for
negligence, gross irresponsibility and endangerment of its citizens. In failing to protect the TCI’s borders for centuries, as per the constitution, the UK is now facilitating the unchecked spread of coronavirus among our citizens. With this they cannot get themselves out of this box of their own making and we, the people of the TCI had better not let them. That is if we grasp the level of peril we are in due to this failed colonial administrative oversight. Part two in next week’s newspaper.
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Send letters to tcweeklynews@gmail.com
A cashless society and e-governance IN EVERY crisis, there is an opportunity. With social distancing and selfisolation via 24-hour curfew being the order of the day, imagine with me for a minute a Turks and Caicos Islands where cash is not needed and a majority of government processes can be conducted online. TCIG, statutory bodies and companies are being forced to figure out ways to collect money remotely or to encourage customers to use long available online platforms. In the days and weeks ahead, if done right this can become the new norm once we come out on the other side of this pandemic.
The National Insurance Board has temporarily moved to collecting payments via direct bank deposits online with email contribution confirmation. The National Health Insurance Board has always had an online contribution payment process. Digicel, FortisTCI, Flow and other companies allow you to pay via their app or via online banking. Imagine being able to renew your business licence or driver’s licence by simply filling out a form online and uploading the relevant supporting documents, making payment, then receiving in the mail the original document or
BY JAMELL ROBINSON Jamell has 14 years of public and private sector experience in leadership roles and holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree from McGill and Coventry Universities. He describes himself as an “inspirational, skilled, energetic and action-oriented” member of the community.
being notified when the document is ready for pick up. The form now being used for stimulus package grants is a simple template that can be modified and used across ministries. The benefits of convenience for
the customer and time maximisation are immeasurable. To make this even more feasible, wireless internet should be offered free of charge across the country to all citizens and residents. The bandwidth used should
allow everyone to check their email, conduct online business, and participate in online learning. Anything beyond those basis functions such as streaming Netflix, using YouTube, or any data intensive application can be paid for through an internet service provider. TCIG can either build the system themselves or it can subsidise an existing internet service provider to provide country wide service. The latter can be done as a part of the telephone service contract that is provided annually. If Estonia can do it, so can we! Stay blessed and safe TCI.
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April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Where are we with Covid-19? Dear Editor, The pandemic of Covid-19 has hit the world hard and its adverse impacts are wreaking havoc on the dry and the green. The Turks and Caicos Islands are not exempt from its ravages. We have made a series of moves, first by shutting down the country under the governor’s emergency power and the insistence of social distancing and the restrictions on travel on island and between islands. These are indeed good measures and are for the most part, in keeping with best practices. These are good, but are we doing our level best? I dare say no! Some good advice has been given to the governor as well as the minister for health and for whatever reason, nothing is apparently happening. Let us be very clear, if you are waiting on help and assistance from the British government, my history tells me it ain’t gonna come. Let us look at two important times in our relationship. Remember when Air Florida went belly up and we asked them to divert a British Airways flight that came into Miami to us so that we could maintain scheduled airlift to the
outside world? Their response was no can do. Then there was the time that Art Butterfield was involved in an airline that provided service between BVI, Providenciales and Miami and they were wet leasing a BAE 146. This plane could carry between 80 to 120 passengers, depending on the configuration and get us to Miami in an hour and 35 minutes. It also had a large baggage carrying capacity which suited us as we like to travel on plane like we are going on the Lew 2 to North Caicos. This plane was built by BAE Aerospace, a company in which the British government was a major shareholder and was guaranteed to be first in line to get a number of planes during the production cycle. We asked them to move up our request, by giving us one of the lot assigned to them. Their response was that is not happening. As my friend Devon likes to say: “We have to cut our own cloth.” If we are waiting on Public Health England to procure the testing machines for us in a timely manner, then don’t hold your breath. Then there is the issue with the former Myrtle Rigby Health
Complex. It is adjacent to the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. The morgue is there and the old theatre is there. All that was needed, during this time of emergency, was to dispense with the procurement rules, give three contracts to competent TC Islander contractors and allow Ministry of Infrastructure staff to supervise them as they have capacity during this lockdown. Get the materials from Building Materials at cost and they can replenish their stock free of duty. Off you go in providing a facility to take the overflow from Cheshire Hall Medical Centre, once their additional 30 beds have been brought on line after negotiations with InterHealth Canada as per the agreement. Additional medical staffing could be obtained from Cuba. We have used them before. Cuba trains one doctor for every six members of its population. So, they have excess capacity. Therefore, in this crisis, how long has it been to get a direct response via the UK diplomatic corp? Too damn long! Cayman is selling testing kits that
they have in excess. We are at the bottom of the totem pole as we have no equipment to do the testing with even if they were to smile on us. For them, it is clearly a total waste of time. Let us be very clear. Even though our initial picture seems rosy with only 11 positive persons tested, we are far from out of the woods. We have to realise that our borders are completely open. Before the shutdown, Carnival was bringing into Grand Turk three ships per day with over 7,000 crew and passengers. In Providenciales, there were on the weekends up to 18 planes bringing more than 200 passengers each. Do the math as a brother says. We are highly exposed. This is an airborne virus and is transmitted by persons who show no outward signs that they have it. We have a relatively small resident population. We have to embark on a vigorous testing campaign in combination with contact tracing to
see where we are exactly. To do otherwise, would be like burying our heads in the sand like that Australian bird. This is no time to be complacent and sit on our laurels. Time is of the absolute essence. Mr Minister of Health, you know first-hand every lab technician in Turks and Caicos Islands. Some of them might need a refresher, but it is like riding a bike. Once you have, you never unlearn the process. You might be rusty for the first few minutes, but you will get back into the swing. It is easy to criticise, but it is harder to give good advice. I have done both. It is now up to you Mr Minister to go and do the job that we are handsomely paying you to do. This ‘Kewban’ gone! Royal S Robinson, Shadow Health Minister
We are together but still apart Dear Editor, Most would agree, family values should be treasured. Those of us who are more mature in age can appreciate it even more. It’s described as a thread that easily ties family education and spirituality together. Very early in my marriage, it became evident to me that I needed to learn more about the important role, and transcendence of values for my family in all stages of life cycle. As well as find ways to help my family identify who they are so they can eventually pass on their own values. It is also important to keep in mind that values may change as families travel through the different stages of the family life cycle.
This usually happens as they are confronted with various situations. As a family, we should try to create meaningful rituals that help children live out their values. Whether it’s praying before meals, respecting the Sabbath or reframing from using bad language. We can also find learning moments in every day opportunities - such as watching certain television shows together and discussing what’s being watched. This gives everyone the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings, some of which may not always be favourable to some parents. There is now widespread concern about the amount of time family members are spending staring at
screens, particularly in the home during these trying times. Many people worry that the mobile devices might have a negative impact on health and well-being of that individual or family bonding. It reduces the face to face interactions and makes it harder for parents to get a true assessment of the struggles their children might be going through. In today’s environment, we are more connected then we have ever been before, but yet so disconnected in a sense. Mobile technology in particular has drastically changed the cultural norms and individual behaviours and I truly believe that it decreases family cohesion.
While mobile phones are a great way to stay connected and provide entertainment, experts say they are also having a negative effect on our social skills and manners. Being distracted by your screen during conversations with friends and family is not only disrespectful, but it can put a wedge in your relationships. There are certainly some other drawbacks as well. Here’s a major one: Although it can help widen your knowledge base if the materials are educational, increased screen time is hard on your eyes. In fact, studies have shown more and more young people are wearing glasses to correct their near sightedness.
This trend has prompted optical health experts to determine if the use of electronic devices such as computers, tablets and smart phones is leading to a deterioration in sight that is reaching epidemic proportions. We are in quite a predicament with finding that balance between technology and embracing family values. We need to find ways to return to our traditional and cultural attitudes. Why not use this downtime to reflect and rekindle those moments, as time is of the essence and we are now living in a technological world? Ed Forbes, Grand Turk
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 13
‘We could eradicate Covid-19 from the TCI’ IT IS “quite possible and in fact probable” that Covid-19 could be eradicated from the Turks and Caicos Islands, according to a local doctor. Dr Sam Slattery of Grace Bay Medical spoke about the importance of sticking to the rules of the territory’s lockdown in a recent video posted on the practice’s Facebook page. “We’re a small community of 30,000 to 36,000 people. We currently have very few cases of Covid-19 and it looks like the last week has gone well,” he said. The lockdown began on March 27 and has been extended to May 4. Residents can exercise twice a day but are not allowed to use public beaches or drive unnecessarily. Essential services are open throughout the week but supermarkets and petrol stations are closed every Wednesday and Sunday. “Our goal in the Turks and Caicos is different from those in larger countries who are attempting to ‘flatten the curve’,” Dr Slattery explained. “Here in the Turks and Caicos if we actually practise social isolation and
Dr Sam Slattery of Grace Bay Medical speaks about the importance of sticking to lockdown rules
distancing, and all the other practises that we’ve all been talking about for the last two weeks, it is quite possible and in fact probable that we will be able to actually eradicate the virus from our community. “This is a big deal, because what it means is that as a community, if we get it right, if we follow the rules, if we all play our part,
we can actually go back to life as normal in terms of our local existence.” This means returning to work for nontourism industry workers, shops and restaurants reopening, and public beaches and waterways being made available for local use. “A different issue would be how to get
our visitors to return safely and protect ourselves, but that’s for the future and I’m sure the Government are working on it,” Dr Slattery added. “I just want to reiterate, it’s really, really, really important that we all play our part, that we all stay at home, that we all remain isolated and that we all follow good hygiene practice.” The three-minute post, which has gained nearly 2,000 views since April 9, follows on from an hour-long video posted on April 6 in which Dr Slattery spoke about Covid-19 in detail. About 4,000 people watched that video and it went on to gather hundreds of likes and comments. Dr Slattery, a 29-year veteran and TCI Belonger, is the owner and founder of Inter Island Medical Services and Grace Bay Medical Intergrative Health Centre. His initial training was at St Thomas’s Hospital in London, part of London University. Dr Slattery was the first doctor to introduce ultrasound to the TCI over 25 years ago. (By Rebecca Bird)
‘Don’t lose faith’, says governor THE TCI is at its most vulnerable point in terms of the threat of new Covid-19 infections so it is important that no one lets their guard down, Governor Nigel Dakin said this week. During a national address on Sunday (April 12), the governor spoke about the territory’s tremendous success so far and the importance of maintaining faith and vigilance. He said it has been four weeks since the first confirmed case and in large populations it seems to take about eight weeks before the spread of the virus starts to fall. “But in smaller populations with aggressive social distancing, the belief is that with these sorts of measures, rigorously imposed, the spread might start to fall in around week’s five to six. “But the key point, the inflection point, the moment when we might reasonably expect a significant increase in cases, comes around this time - week four to five.” Dakin added that means that if the
TCI follows the normal trends, the next two weeks are when the population is particularly vulnerable. “Science suggests, as far as science presently can, that we are starting to approach the point when we should expect more cases - perhaps far more cases - to test positive than we have been used to. “We say that now so you are prepared, you don’t lose faith in what we are all doing (it would be far worse if we were not) and also you don’t let your guard down. “We may have flattened the curve, but there is still a curve and we are still climbing it.” He said the good news is that experts have told him that the number of positive cases at this point are relatively small and also, compared to many, well controlled. “…and the actions we have all been taking have helped turn around a situation from one that could have entirely overwhelmed us, into something our health professionals now have a fighting chance of tackling - not through cure but through care. “ Dakin said going forward people must
not fall foul to the urge to “panic or kneejerk”, adding there are three things that allow people to stay steady. “The first is you. The overwhelming majority of you have been magnificent. We are the envy of many, including my own home country the UK, in how much we’ve come together and embraced this. “There are very few in the region, either, that can match our solidarity on this not because it’s been forced but because it’s been embraced.” The governor offered his personal thanks to every political leader, religious leader, community and secular leader and role models of all different types. “…in all your different forms and across many different age ranges, who have stood up and lent your moral support to this national effort”. He continued: “Second, we continue to be in front of the problem. We are going to maintain that. “Where you see other countries in the
region bringing in over the top draconian measures, or using over-the-top rhetoric, it’s because they initially went late and soft. “We don’t need to copy them. We absolutely don’t want this to feel like punishment, it needs your active buy in and support.” He said that thirdly what the TCI has that others don’t in the region, and few do globally, is a well-regulated system of seeking exemption. “That has dramatically reduced the numbers able to move and when they are moving limiting it to particular times. “My thanks again to the amazing response we had from those essential services who worked so positively with us to keep the numbers they needed to the lowest possible number.” The said that only five percent or so of the population has an exemption which “isn’t a free pass but very tightly controlled”.
14 NEWS
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
The man with a ‘humorous, kind and giving spirit’ A tribute to Dudley Lightbourne BY JACK LIGHTBOURNE THE LAST several weeks, as many of you can imagine, have been extremely difficult for myself and my entire family. We lost our brother, a father, a son and so many different things to so many different people. This after watching him fight for two weeks as he sat in a hospital room all alone unable to hear a single voice from a loved one due to restrictions on visitation of Covid-19 patients. It was a complete shocker to us all, especially how quickly this all took place and ended for Dudley. Usually, we think of major news stories such as this pandemic in the context of other nations, or rather some sensationalised theatrical story on TV. Well this time it was real, and that story came directly to our doorsteps, hitting us at home. Covid-19 came to our front door and caused my big brother Dudley his life, and while we may not be able to make sense of this all, I can definitely attempt to use our pain to help others in some capacity. THE STIGMA No matter who you are, your race, class, financial standing or position in life, this virus does not discriminate and it attacks the vulnerable rapidly. It comes with a filthy stigma, often assuming blame on its victims, as if they did something negligent to invite it into their bodies. If your suspected of or confirmed to have Covid-19, your contact from the outside world has ended and not a single soul is allowed to interact with you as usual. Medical professionals are barely recognisable to patients, as they are fully gowned with protective gear during care. Doctors, nurses, friends and family may even share in some of the discrimination, and you’re left feeling all alone to yourself. If you die, the discrimination continues, and you are buried without a proper funeral service as so many of us are accustomed to. Whether this practice is done out of an abundance of caution
Dudley Lightbourne died in hospital on April 4 after contracting Covid-19
or due to lack of knowledge, the fact remains that nearly no one is willing to take the risk of exposing themselves to you. This alone can add to one’s overall health and psyche, knowing that love ones cannot visit to check on them while under care. WHO WAS DUDLEY LEROY LIGHTBOURNE? More than anything else, Dudley was best known by love ones as a devoted father, one who would drop everything for his children. He loved his children with all of his heart, and would give up his last to make them happy. Dudley was also known for his humorous, kind and giving spirit. He would always make himself
available to family, friends and even strangers whenever a favour was needed. Dudley was also a protector to his family, friends and love ones. He was one you could count on to defend you no matter the circumstances. After completing high school, Dudley immediately joined the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, where he served for several years as a police officer. His experience would later come in handy as he worked in security services, VIP services and as an entrepreneur. Dudley enjoyed a quiet, peaceful life, devoting most of his adulthood to family and love ones.
Some of his favourite activities included boating, fishing, animals, cooking and spending time with those he loved the most. Dudley will truly be irreplaceable in so many of our lives. THIS PHASE OF LIFE While so much is unknown about this virus (even at the highest levels), one thing we do know for sure is that common sense still proves to play a pivotal role in being our best protector, teacher and guide. My advice would be as follows: -Protect yourself and those you love by following safety guidelines given by those in authority. -Assume that you and everyone you come into contact with are
infected with the virus. -Go above and beyond standard advice. Example, instead of the six feet distance rule, take 12 feet or avoid complete contact when possible. -Don’t need human contact to contract virus, it lives on surfaces and can be traced by your feet, clothing etc. -Fact check everything you read about this virus and don’t be fooled by popular posts. -Build up your immune system by eating clean and healthy foods, preparing your body’s natural defences in the unfortunate event that you get this virus. -Develop a post Covid-19 recovery strategy. We enjoy some of the most
April 18-24, 2020
delicious dishes here in the TCI, but equally they are some of the unhealthiest for human consumption. In order to be stronger, we must eat better and cut out the processed foods, especially meat products such as pigtails, high glucose foods etc. OUR FUTURE The world as we know it may never
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
be the same, and our economic and social liberties may well take a much longer time than anticipated to recover and return to normal. Since we depend on tourism, international flights and the global economic market for growth, it may take many weeks, if not months for physical and financial traffic to begin flowing into our economic and physical structures again. Anticipate worst case
scenario. HOPE No matter how this story ends, remember that we are a nation of faithful people, a nation of spiritual believers and a people who trust in our father God who knows all things, even when we know very little. Let us place our trust in the Lord and allow him to guide our
steps with wisdom, knowledge and perseverance. Let us be our brother’s keeper more than we’ve ever been before and let selfishness be a part of our distant history, not our future. Things are all happening for reasons. I believe that this phase of life has been set aside for the world to heal and for mankind to plan accordingly, both are needed. Some will take heed and some
NEWS 15
won’t. Thank you for everyone who reached out with love and concern during this most challenging period. Thanks to the medical professionals who assisted Dudley, and all those who continue to lift us up in prayer. Thank you very much. Rest in peace my big brother. We love you so much!
16 NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 18-24, 2020
CJ’s trial without jury suggestion rejected BY DELANA ISLES THE ATTORNEY General, the Director of Public Prosecutions and President of the Bar Council are not in favour of the suspension of juries in criminal matters during the Covid-19
pandemic. Their statement was in response to a suggestion from newly sworn in chief justice, Madam Mabel Agyemang, who last week solicited the views of members of the TCI judiciary. The joint response was co-signed by Rhondalee Braithwaite-Knowles, Queen’s Counsel Eugene Otuonye and Oreika Selver-Gardiner, respectively. In the face of a national curfew imposed in the Islands on March 26, the acting chief justice at the time Shiraz Azziz issued Practice Direction No. 2 of 2020 (Covid-19 Practice Directions) on March 25, suspending nearly all matters before the courts and encouraging the use of video and teleconferencing means to continue certain matters. However, he had reserved certain matters for in person appearances, subject to social distancing advice from public health officials. Shortly after her appointment on April 1, Madam Justice Agyemang suggested a new approach to ensure the continuation of delivery of justice to accused persons. Citing the provision for non-jury trials contained in section 57 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinance, the chief justice pointed to the health implications of jurors, inadequate infrastructure and prisoners’ right to a fair and timely hearing to substantiate her suggestions. She noted that in Providenciales where the bulk of criminal trials by jury have commenced, there is little room to ensure social distancing due to inadequate accommodations. “Our courts lack the infrastructure to hold jury trials without endangering the lives of jurors and court staff who must work with them, and risking in-country transmission. “It is clear that the only court equipped in Providenciales to carry out its duties of conducting a jury trial may be the SIPT courthouse. “Even so, it will be done at some peril to the jury which will have to sit together and deliberate over evidence led.” She added that the court cannot risk infections arising from the jury’s performance of its duty. “It is evident then that until the Covid-19 crisis is declared to be over, and people can move about without fear of contracting a fatal disease, the court cannot conduct jury trials.”
Chief Justice, Madam Mabel Agyemang
The chief justice noted that enshrined in the Constitution of Turks and Caicos Islands is a right to a fair hearing. “The said provision prescribes the fair hearing of persons accused of crime, before an independent and impartial tribunal. “Among the things included in this provision is the right to be heard within a reasonable time.” She added that it is settled law that criminal prosecution time commences when charges are laid; and while some accused persons held on indictable offences are out on bail, many of them are held in custody awaiting trial. “The concern at this time is that due to the volatile nature of this scourge, the end may be in sight or it may not be. “In these uncertain times, the judiciary must rise to the task to provide some normalcy by enabling trials to continue in
order that we may not be found wanting, accused of breaching fair hearing provisions of the constitution even during Covid-19 times.” She further expressed confidence in the integrity and professionalism of judges of the TCI Supreme Court to be able to conduct fair trials without juries. OFFICIAL RESPONSE “It is essential that the judiciary is able to function and normal due process and access to justice is maintained even as we deal with the pandemic,” the response from the AG, DPP and Bar Council president read. They stated that continuing access to speedy justice, to the extent that the state of emergency would permit, is an important right of those who are brought before the court and that the pandemic should not grind the wheel of justice to a halt.
“It is in this context that the new chief justice has put forward proposals, firstly, to deploy to the largest extent, the use of audio video technology to continue the business of the court and secondly, in doing so, to avoid unduly exposing persons to the risk of exposure to the Covid-19 virus. “In considering the legal framework, the Hon. chief justice quickly noted that the current provisions in the TCI, unlike in other overseas territories and commonwealth jurisdictions, only permit the making of rules and the issue of practice directions in so far as provision is not expressly made by the Supreme Court Ordinance, the Civil Procedure Ordinance or the Criminal Procedure Ordinance.” They noted that it was in light of this that the views of key stakeholders were solicited by the chief justice. By Friday, April 10, having had preliminary feedback from stakeholders showing support in principle for the majority of the proposals to reopen the courts, but not in favour of the option of a blanket suspension of jury trials in criminal matters, the chief justice confirmed that she would press ahead with giving effect to those protocols, save for the blanket approach to criminal trials, the tripartite statement read. This means that ongoing trials would continue to be adjourned and new criminal trials would be considered on a case by case basis within the terms of the existing statutory regime, while the situation as a whole would be kept under review. The statement clarified that the protocols proposed by the chief justice seek to secure enabling legislation through the use of emergency powers regulations. This is so that rules and practice directions can be made to facilitate the continuation of court proceedings in the TCI through the filing, service and disposition, of matters which are not presently available under the existing law; and apply to all civil (including commercial), criminal, and family proceedings before the courts. “The hon. attorney general, the director of public prosecutions and the Bar Council support the hon. chief justice in establishing protocols to ensure that the important principles of the rule of law and access to justice are maintained in the Turks and Caicos Islands even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic with maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice and the independence of the judiciary at the core of such decisions. “We appreciate and commend the proactive and consultative approach taken by the hon. chief justice in putting these protocols in place.”
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 18-24, 2020
Lockdown litter picking for Earth Day
For more information visit the Ministry of Health website www.gov.tc/moh/coronavirus, email covid19@gov.tc If you or someone you know has symptoms or signs of COVID-19 call the hotline numbers 232-9444 or 333-0911.
RESIDENTS are being asked to use their daily exercise time wisely during lockdown and collect litter around their communites. The request from the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources (DECR) comes as Earth Day, celebrated each year on April 22, approaches. The DECR traditionally celebrates Greening TCI Month from April 22 to May 23, kicking off with Earth Day and ending with International Turtle Day. The month is used to celebrate the TCI’s natural environment, and bring awareness to threats facing it and the global threats and actions being taken to heal the planet. However, the Covid-19 pandemic and local curfew have presented challenges in celebrating the event this year. Despite that, the DECR has seen it as an opportunity to bring a community together in action, for the greater good. In a press release on Tuesday (April 14) the department said: “As we are working hard, together to ensure that the virus is contained through social distancing and the prescribed lockdown, there is also no longer an opportunity to intentionally litter. “The opportunity now is that we can use this time to clean up our Islands and set a new baseline for the health of the Islands as a whole.” The DECR encourages households who are using the prescribed exercise hours each day (5am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm, daily) to grab some garbage for the globe. “Carry a garbage bag along on walks, picking up litter wherever possible. This way we are maintaining the Islands’ health, as well as our own.” To avoid coming into contact with bacteria or the virus, residents should use gloves while collecting litter and wash their hands thoroughly on their return home. The DECR listed several benefits to collecting rubbish including protecting wildlife, reducing Government and business costs for litter picking, and stopping drains from being clogged. “Litter collects water, which becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and organic waste not properly disposed of can cause algal blooms in water reducing the amount of available oxygen for fish and other aquatic creatures,” the press release said. Litter picking shows respect for others and the environment, it will help lower crime through being a well-maintained neighbourhood, and help wellbeing.
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 19
THE SALT CAY NOTE
Eggs and oranges The Salt Cay cooperative and life in the new normal IT WAS one of the more unusual emails I have received in the past few weeks, written by a Salt Cay resident. “Hi Titus, it is a long story, but we ended up with a lot of eggs and a lot of oranges. If you can use some, I can drop them off on your porch during walk break. Let me know. Thanks...” And so, without much fuss or ceremony, a delivery of oranges and eggs found its way to my abode later that afternoon. The next morning, as I returned from the allotted 45-minute walk with the dogs, a bunch of bananas and mangos graced the table on my porch. No note, or email for that matter, to prepare me for this little blessing. Just some delicious bananas and mangos neatly arranged as if for a still life painting. A telephone call later in the day revealed the identity of the kind mystery supplier of the fruit- the captain of the Salt Cay Ferry. These days we read a lot about random acts of kindness from around the world. People shopping for the elderly, playing music for their neighbours or simply checking on one another. All of this is heartening, especially in times of stress, sadness and hardship. And yet, as new an experience this may be in many parts of the world, especially large cities, where millions of people were too self-absorbed and fixated on the daily grind to appreciate those around them, this spirit of helping out in and around your local community, is nothing new on Salt Cay.
BY TITUS DE BOER
Titus was born in Hamburg and has lived in the Turks and Caicos Islands since 1989. He works as a general business consultant and has been based in Salt Cay since 2016.
When I first moved to the island, I learned very quickly that ‘making do’ meant everyone looking out for each other and- a lot of barter! Your neighbour, who happens to be a fisherman, will supply you with fish. He in turn gets some bread from you. A five-gallon water bottle is traded for banana bread, and so on. It’s how Salt Cay and its residents make do. It’s how they survive, especially when trips to the shops of Grand Turk are rare as is the case at the moment. So, it comes as no surprise that you’ll meet 80-year-old Ms Netty clutching a loaf of freshly baked bread “to carry to John, make sure he’s okay”. In many ways, the Salt Cay population has perfected life in a well-functioning cooperative, although no one here would ever call it that, let alone boast about it. It’s just how it is. The new normal. We live in a time of daily briefings and updates. Some watch and/or listen to the premier or the governor, some read the daily Ministry of Health updates, watch Dr Slattery’s updates on Facebook. While on the international scene we have our choices
Without much fuss or ceremony a delivery of oranges and eggs found its way to Titus’ abode
between the Downing Street briefings, the New York governor’s daily press conferences, as well as the regular outpourings of the current occupant of the White House- the list goes on. During a recent press conference of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Dr Anthony Fauci (director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) was asked by a reporter when things would go “back to normal”. Fauci’s answer was as honest
as it was interesting. “We are never going back to normal,” said the good doctor, “in fact we are never going back, just forward- to a “new normal”. In a public health context, he then explained that it was very likely that we would all continue to practice social distancing, in some form, for quite a while, most likely not go back to shaking hands and take personal hygiene more seriously than ever before. But perhaps the new normal will also offer humanity a
chance. A chance to examine how we treat one another, indeed a chance to examine what our priorities ought to be, how we work in the future, what and how we consume- and how we view our environment. Perhaps the new normal will force people to lead simpler, yet happier lives. Time will tell and if the key to a happy life is simplicity, then certainly on Salt Cay, one need not look further. The new normal is here - and it has been for quite a while.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 18-24, 2020
THE WRITING NOOK Creatively accessing your words through knowledge, vision and wisdom
Editing your first draft
CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve written your first draft. Go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back. You may have chosen to step away from your masterpiece for a day, one week, a month or even an entire year before you begin the editing process and that is totally fine. Distancing yourself from your work will give you a fresh set of eyes once you return to edit. Remember once you’ve done your first set of editing, feel free to have beta editors and eventually a professional editor also review your work. This week I will share tips on selfediting your writing and the steps related to connecting with your work on a whole new level.
BY TATIANA HANDFIELD
Tatiana Handfield is a trained English language and literature high school teacher, an author and a poet who enjoys teaching and nurturing young people to embrace and enhance their creative abilities. Handfield has penned two book series and a magazine: Merilla City (a children’s adventure story), the TCI Word Search Puzzle Book and the Let’s Create TCI Youth Magazine. She was recently shortlisted for the London Book Fair Trailblazers Award 2020. As the owner and creative director of local independent publishers Cyril and Dorsie Publishing, she hopes to gather and share the stories of the TCI with the world.
READ YOUR WRITING IN A NEW FORMAT If you typed it, print it out. Alternatively, convert your Word document to PDF format or change your text to a different font, colour and size. These techniques will help you see your content from an ‘outsider’s’ perspective and give you a more critical eye. TAKE A BREAK Let your writing rest for a few hours or overnight. Putting a literal distance between you and your work also creates an emotional distance. When you return to it, you’re more likely to spot awkward phrases and obvious mistakes. READ IT OUT LOUD To discover the rhythm of your writing, read it out loud. The best writing sounds smooth, so if you find yourself stammering through poorly worded sentences, you know it needs improving. REMOVE UNCERTAIN LANGUAGE Good communication sounds authoritative, so avoid wishy-washy sentences. If you use phrases like ‘seems to be’ or ‘could be a reason for’ you sound indecisive and it weakens your message. AVOID REPETITIVE PHRASES Try not to rely on certain words or phrases to make your point; readers will notice when you repeat yourself. Aim for variety. Use a word frequency counter
to find repetitive words and scan a thesaurus to find alternatives. ELIMINATE FILLER WORDS Use your word processor’s find functionality to search for ‘there’, ‘here’, and ‘it’ to find redundant words and phrases. For example: It’s fun to edit your own writing. The sentence formation weakens the writing with unnecessary words that lack focus. This is more effective: Editing your own writing is fun. REMOVE WEAK ‘TO BE’ VERBS Using versions of the verb ‘to be’ can weaken the words that follow. Replace ‘am’, ‘is’, ‘are’, ‘was’, ‘were’, ‘been’, and ‘being’ with stronger alternatives. For example: Weak sentence: They were not enjoying the editing process. Strong sentence: They hated the editing process. Stronger sentence: The editing process repulsed them. REMOVE WEAK ADJECTIVES Weak adjectives also spoil your
writing. When describing nouns and pronouns, use more powerful adjectives and avoid the words ‘really’ or ‘very’. Weak sentence: He was really scared of snakes. Strong sentence: He was terrified of snakes. Stronger sentence: Snakes terrified him. USE GRAMMARLY TO FIND MISTAKES The Grammarly proofreading tool looks at spelling and grammar mistakes and checks more than 250 advanced rules to find mistakes such as double negatives, run-on sentences, and dangling modifiers. After you’ve used Grammarly a few times, you’ll start to see common weaknesses in your writing. SEPARATE YOUR EDITING TASKS If the thought of editing your own work terrifies you, break down the tasks into a series of manageable steps. In the first read-through, check your ideas flow logically. In the next read-through, look at sentence structure, and so on. Source: www.constant-content. com
Utility companies give fee breaks during lockdown LATE payment fees and disconnections are being waived for those struggling with their power and water bills during lockdown and beyond. Provo Water Company and FortisTCI have offered the breaks to help those customers that are most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In an email to his customers on April 8, Provo Water Company’s managing director Robert Hall said disconnections and late payment fees would be suspended for 60 days. He also promised to help set up deferred payment plans for the most affected customers on a case by case basis and continue to provide relief to eligible elderly and invalid persons. “We believe that water conservation must be a priority for everyone and as such we urge customers to practice water conservation techniques to help keep water costs down. “For our part, we will actively monitor consumption to identify and alert customers of exceptionally high flows that appear as a leak or lost water. “Water is an essential service. Along with the bulk supplier Turks and Caicos Water Company, our priority is to ensure that a safe supply of high quality, potable water is at your tap when you need it.” The World Health Organisation (WHO), the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Centres for Disease Control (CDC) have said that it is extremely unlikely that Covid-19 can be spread through potable water systems. Provo Water Company’s potable water supply is made by the process of desalination. There is no human contact or exposure throughout this process, reducing any risk even further. “We are in this together. Provo Water Company remains a committed partner to the
community we serve,” Hall said. The company’s customer service team is available on 9465202 or at customerservice@ provowater.tc from Monday to Friday between 8.30am to 4pm. A week prior on March 27, FortisTCI announced in a press release it would be implementing measures to assist customers in alleviating hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic. These included delaying the 6.8 percent rate increase for 90 days, suspending disconnections for 30 days and suspending late fee charges for 60 days. It also promised to sssist those most impacted with extended payment plans on a case-by-case basis and help qualifying customers referred by the Department of Social Development. FortisTCI president and CEO Eddinton Powell said: “These initiatives will assist our customers in these unprecedented and uncertain times. “We are all in this together and FortisTCI is a long-term strategic partner to people of the Turks and Caicos Islands. “These measures will help our customers as they focus on the growing pandemic and economic threats in the weeks ahead.” He explained that FortisTCI’s parent company Fortis Inc was instrumental in helping to achieve this outcome. He added: “Electricity is an absolutely essential service. Our most urgent and primary responsibility to the nation presently is to keep the lights on.” The company is encouraging customers to practice energy conservation at home as much as possible at this time to help manage electricity costs. The company’s customer service team is available on 9464313 or at customerservice@ fortistci.com
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
NEWS 21
Food items donated by Beaches Turks and Caicos were distributed to needy families around the Islands this week
Salvation Army distributes food to vulnerable families BY DELANA ISLES THE TCI arm of the Salvation Army is doing its part to assist vulnerable families in the Turks and Caicos Islands affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Since Tuesday (April 14), volunteers of the Christian organisation have been out and about in communities in Providenciales distributing food hampers to the vulnerable. Todd Foss, president of the local organisation, said the early distributions were donations of perishable items given by Beaches Turks and Caicos. “The Salvation Army international sent us guidelines that they are using in 140 other countries for the safe distribution of food during the pandemic. “We followed those guidelines, and the Governor’s Office and the police force were
kind enough to assist us with a police escort during distribution,” Foss said. On Tuesday, they delivered hampers to 32 families (98 people) on Providenciales. These were people the organisation would usually provide with assistance throughout the year. Foss said on Thursday they conducted more distributions to those on the social welfare list of vulnerable people, and on Friday they will be heading to Middle Caicos to offer aid and food hampers to vulnerable residents there. “The Salvation Army TCI has a special group of seniors in Middle Caicos that throughout the year we provide transportation… we take them to the banks, their doctor appointments and so forth, so tomorrow (Friday) we are going to be taking the food baskets over to the seniors in Middle Caicos to ensure that they are
doing good, have some nourishments, say hello and to let them know that we haven’t forgotten about them.” Foss said they are trying to spread the resources as far as they can and help as many different people as they possibly can, all doing so in a safe manner. He said Automotive Arts and Grace Bay Painting Supplies have donated professional personal protection gear to the salvation army volunteers for which they are much appreciative. Building Solutions Do It Centre has also donated cases of water for distribution to the needy. People interested in supporting the work of the Salvation Army TCI can make contact with Captain Derrick Miller on 431-6802. Foss, who is also the president of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, indicated that it has an initiative called the
Staples Mission, aimed towards providing relief to families. “This is being organised whereby the purchasing directors of hotels and resorts are working on putting together food baskets.” The intention is for these directors to use their bulk purchasing power to order through the local grocery stores and international vendors. “What we will be doing is we will be putting these food hampers together that are designed to feed a family of four for two to three weeks. “Then TCHTA members can purchase these baskets for their employees, or private individuals can donate funds to purchase the baskets to then be donated to non-profit organisations like the Salvation Army, the Youth Centre, the Children’s Homes and Food For Thought for distribution through those organisations.”
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
WORD GAME Turks & Caicos Islands - GUESS WHO? Can you guess the name of the following Islands using the emoji clues? The Turks and Caicos Islands is made up of 40 islands and cays. At the moment only 8 of these islands and cays are inhabited! 1)Grand Turk 2)Parrot Cay 3)South Caicos 4)Middle Caicos 5)Providenciales 6)North Caicos 7)Salt Cay 8)Pine Cay ANSWER:
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April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Lemongrass
GARDENING
BY DENIS BELANGER - NATURE SPLENDOR
Denis is a passionate landscape architect who enjoys the creative process and his clients’ joy when projects come to life. Contact Denis at Nature Splendor for your landscaping, installation or garden maintenance needs. For more information call 332-3381 or email denis@naturesplendor.net or visit the Facebook page Nature Splendor.
A NATIVE of India, lemongrass can grow to between three and six feet high. There are two kinds of lemongrass: East Indian and West Indian but there is little difference between them in terms of culinary use and growing. It’s a very nondescript plant, looking much like a very tall patch of grass that doesn’t often produce flowers. At the base of each group of leaves there is a fat stalk, similar to a spring onion bulb. The overall plant is made up a big cluster of these individual stalks. The bulb or bottom part of each stalk is used for cooking purposes, but the rest of the leaves can be used as well. Teas are usually brewed with the leaves. Not only is the tea very zesty in flavour, it can also help settle upset stomachs and ease a cough. The oils in lemongrass have a number of homeopathic health uses, though most home-growers do not extract the essential oils from their plants. It’s mostly used as a flavouring. You can start a new lemongrass plant from fresh stalks as long as they are still firm and green, you should be able to get them to root. Snip off an inch or two from the end of the leaves, and put the base end in a glass of water. Leave somewhere sunny, and you should start to see roots sprouting from the bottom of the stalk in about a week or two. Once your stalk has roots at
least an inch long, you can either plant it in a container or take it right out into the garden. Keep your lemongrass plants at least three feet apart, and allow for a height of three feet (though you can trim it lower than that). When you dig the holes for the plants, mix in some compost or well-aged manure to help enrich the soil. The soil shouldn’t be too thick though, the water still has to drain to keep your plants healthy. Lemongrass will need a lot of nitrogen, so you should fertilise at least monthly with either a standard or high-nitrogen formula. Water your plant regularly and don’t let it completely dry out, especially when the weather is very hot. Once your plant gets to three feet or so in height, you may want to keep the tops of the leaves cut down even more than what you are taking for an actual harvest. This can help keep the size of the plant down. Lemongrass doesn’t grow branches so no other pruning is necessary. The lemon-scented oils in lemongrass are frequently used to make natural insect repellent, so you really won’t have much to worry about when it comes to those kinds of pests. Cats have also been known to have a fondness for lemongrass and may chew on your plants if given the chance. Lemongrass has a strong flavour of lemon citrus and it can be brewed in tea as well as used as a herb for seasoning. The most common dishes that use lemongrass are Asian cuisine, but whether you use it to add flavour to meat or fish, or just to brew tea, remember that it can be quite strong, it doesn’t take much.
The bulb or bottom part of each stalk is used for cooking purposes
LEMON GRASS ICED TEA INGREDIENTS • 4 cups water • 2 cups roughly chopped lemongrass stalks • 1/4 cup sugar • Fresh mint leaves • Lemongrass stalks for garnish (optional)
METHOD • Bring the water to a boil over high heat in a medium saucepan. Add the lemongrass and mint, boil rapidly for five minutes. • Reduce the heat to low and simmer the tea for an additional five minutes. Strain the stalks from the liquid. Stir in the sugar until dissolved. • Serve warm, or chill in the refrigerator and pour over ice.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 18-24, 2020
Entertainment
The 25-minute video generated more than 28 million views worldwide in its first 24 hours, and as of Wednesday evening had amassed more than 36 million views.
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Senior Reporter
We're looking for a qualified multimedia reporter who has strong news gathering and writing skills, as well as the ability and enthusiasm to help keep the country's leading newspaper ahead of the pack. The position is available for immediate start and the successful candidate will be joining a small, dedicated team covering a wide range of news and features across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Local knowledge is preferred but not essential. The successful applicant should have had experience with community, court and parliamentary reporting. They will also be expected to take photographs and videos, and use social media. The salary for this position will be dependent on experience. Write or email the publisher at
Duncanson.Publications@gmail.com No phone calls please
Bocelli’s ‘Music for Hope’ Easter concert breaks YouTube record ANDREA Bocelli has a new achievement to add to his illustrious career. The Grammy-nominated Italian tenor’s latest concert has broken YouTube’s record for the biggest audience for a classical livestream in history. The solo performance, which streamed live Easter Sunday exclusively via YouTube from the Duomo in Milan, Italy, reached over 2.8 million peak concurrent viewers, according to the global digital video platform. The 25-minute video generated more than 28 million views worldwide in its first 24 hours, and as of Wednesday evening had amassed more than 36 million views. With accompaniment by the organist, Emanuele Vianelli, Bocelli sang Bach/Gounod’s setting of “Ave Maria” and Franck’s “Panis Angelicus.” He ended the performance with a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” YouTube counted more than 1 million viewers being queued up in the waiting room before the stream went live. The performance reached the No. 1 spot on YouTube’s trending charts in multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., Italy, Canada, Spain and throughout Latin America, including Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Colombia.
“I am moved and delighted to have received such an overwhelming reaction that has gone beyond our highest expectations,” Bocelli said in a statement. “It was an immeasurable honor and privilege to lend my voice to the prayers of millions of people, gathered in a single embrace — a small, great miracle of which the whole world was the protagonist and which confirms my optimism about the future of our planet.” YouTube said Bocelli’s “Music For Hope — Live From Duomo di Milano” is one of the biggest musical livestream performances of all time on the platform. Others include Brazilian musical duo Jorge & Mateus’ “Live Na Garagem” four-hour livestream on April 4, which drew over 3 million peak concurrent viewers, and the first weekend of 2019 Coachella — which was YouTube’s biggest music live-stream ever with about 82.9 million live views over three days and featuring multiple artists. “YouTube is honored to have played a role in making sure the world could to come together, as one music family, to see, hear and listen to Andrea Bocelli’s performance on such a historic day in time,” former Def Jam Recordings chief Lyor Cohen, who is now YouTube’s global head of music, said in a statement. (NYDailynews)
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION Regulating with Honesty, Integrity and Transparency
NOTICE FRIENDS AND FAMILY SHARE GROUP It has come to the attention of the Financial Services Commission that the Friends and Family Share Group is offering, via membership and a contribution of $500, significant financial returns to the public through the pooling of the funds of contributors. Please Take Notice that neither the Friends and Family Share Group nor any programme it operates is licensed, regulated or supervised by the Commission. By way of this notice, the Commission is requesting that appropriate representatives of the Friends and Family Share Group meet with the Commission to assist the Commission in fully understanding the operations of the Group and its regulatory requirements, if any. The Group’s representatives are to contact the Commission by 20 April 2020 via the following email addresses: nstreete@tcifsc.tc or ccoalbrooke@ tcifsc.tc The public is advised to exercise caution and to carefully assess financial and other associated risks when pooling and/or investing funds as part of any arrangement. It is recommended that professional advice be sought before entering these arrangements. The public and members of the Friends and Family Group are urged to consider this advisory and be guided accordingly Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Women join forces to spread hope TWELVE women joined forces from their own homes in the TCI to spread the message of unity against the Covid-19 pandemic. They each held up a uniquely designed sign and took a photo of themselves, which was later placed in a grid to form a message. It read: “You are not alone. We are together while apart. #stayinside #stopthespread #tcistrong” The photo, which was posted on social media, has gained traction and is being shared throughout the TCI. Tess Charles, who features in the picture, said the aim was “to bring some beauty, love and encouragement” to the TCI. The idea came about thanks to Renelle Smith and it was brought to life by Tarina Parker. Parker told the Weekly News that she chose ladies for the project that she thought were well-rounded individuals. “We are a group of entrepreneurs, medical professionals, lawyers, architects, accountants and law enforcement officials,” she said. “We had the capability to reach most audiences across the TCI to get the message across, make some kind of difference, give hope and express our gratitude to those on the front line.” A message Parker posted along with the picture said: “You are not alone. We are all in this together. Protecting each other while spending some time apart. “We’re so grateful to those who have to risk their lives by going out every day to keep us safe - we stay home for you; for our country.” This photo was posted on social media and is being shared throughout the TCI
April 18-24, 2020
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Focus on COVID-19
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The coronavirus is particularly unkind to those who are obese AMERICA’S obesity epidemic appears to be making the coronavirus outbreak more dangerous — and potentially more deadly — in the United States, new research suggests. For younger and middle-aged adults in particular, carrying excess weight may significantly boost the likelihood of becoming severely ill with COVID-19. The evidence for this comes from thousands of COVID-19 patients who sought treatment in emergency departments in New York, and it’s prompting alarm among doctors and other health experts. In the U.S., 42.4% of adults have obesity, which means their body-mass index, or BMI, is 30 or more. In one of two new studies released this week, COVID-19 patients who were younger than 60 and had a BMI between 30 and 34 were twice as likely as their nonobese peers to be admitted to the hospital for acute care instead of being sent home from the ER. They were also 1.8 times more likely to require critical care in a hospital’s intensive care unit. More severe obesity posed an even greater risk to COVID-19 patients in this under-60 age group. When these patients had a BMI of 35 or higher, they were 2.2 times more likely than their non-obese peers to need standard hospital care and 3.6 times more likely to end up in the ICU. “Obesity appears to be a previously unrecognized risk factor for hospital admission and need for critical care,” wrote the authors of the study published this month in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. But that only applies to relatively younger patients; among those ages 65 and older, there was no link between obesity status and hospital care. The authors, from New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine, suggested that the country’s high prevalence of obesity might be nudging rates of severe illness and death higher in the U.S. than in South Korea, China and Italy, where obesity rates are lower. The results also give doctors a new way to predict which COVID-19 patients who are not yet senior citizens run a higher risk of hospitalization and critical illness. “Unfortunately, obesity in people <60 years is a newly identified epidemiologic risk factor,” wrote the researchers, who included 3,615 patients in their study. In a second report, a different team of NYU doctors and researchers examined the factors that appeared to predispose 4,103 COVID-19 patients of all ages to hospitalization. That study was posted Saturday to the website MedRxiv, a forum for sharing work that has not yet been peer-reviewed and published in a medical
A patient with respiratory problems is wheeled into a hospital. New research suggests that COVID-19 patients who are obese fare worse.
journal. Consistent with virtually all research on the coronavirus, this study found that being older than 75 was the most potent predictor of hospitalization for COVID-19, followed by being between the ages of 65 and 75. The third-best predictor was having a BMI over 40, a condition doctors call “severe obesity.” When all other factors were held equal, COVID-19 patients with severe obesity were more than six times more likely to be hospitalized than were patients who were not obese. Even a history of heart failure was less likely to land a COVID-19 patient in the hospital, the researchers found. Almost 10% of U.S. adults have a BMI of 40 or more. To make matters worse, the authors of the study found that elevated levels of inflammation upon hospital admission was one of the four top signs that a patient’s condition would become critical. Because stored fat is a powerful driver of inflammation, that measure tends to be higher in people with obesity. “We find particularly strong associations of older age, obesity, heart failure and chronic kidney disease with hospitalization
risk, with much less influence of race, smoking status, chronic pulmonary disease and other forms of heart disease,” the researchers wrote. Obesity is linked to higher rates of many disorders affecting the respiratory system, including obstructive sleep apnea and asthma. So people carrying extra weight may be more susceptible to infections that affect the lungs. But there’s also good reason to expect that people with obesity might suffer more from a respiratory infection, said William Dietz, an obesity researcher at George Washington University . Since they typically carry more fat around their midsections, people with obesity tend to have reduced lung volume to begin with. For the same reason, they need to expend more effort with each breath, Dietz said. That is a particular burden when an infection compromises the lungs’ ability to take in oxygen for transport to the blood. And when patients are immobile and lying flat on their backs, as is often the case in a hospital bed, excess weight in the midsection is a force that works against even the power of mechanical ventilation, he said. For that reason, patients with obesity who are mechanically ventilated are often
laid on their stomachs, a practice that has been widely observed in ICUs caring for COVID-19 patients. “This is not reassuring for the United States,” said Dietz of the new findings. Vulnerability to lung infections is further compounded by many of the social factors that are also linked to obesity, said Steven Gortmaker of Harvard’s Chan School of Public Health. African Americans, lowwage workers, those in poverty and people with poor access to healthcare have higher rates of both obesity and of respiratory illnesses, he said. That these groups appear to be disproportionately affected by COVID-19 is probably not a coincidence, Gortmaker added. Nor is the new coronavirus the first novel pathogen to afflict those with obesity, he added. A 2011 study found that half of California adults who were hospitalized with the H1N1 “swine flu” virus in 2009 and 2010 had obesity, and those with extreme obesity were more likely to die. The finding prompted researchers to recommend that adults with obesity be given priority for vaccines and for antiviral medications that could treat the infection. (LATimes)
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Paul McCartney is an animal rights activist. One Direction was created back in 2010, but did not release their first single until September 2011.
One Direction might be reuniting for their 10-year anniversary IT’S been about four years since the vocalists in One Direction officially went their separate ways and embarked on solo careers, and since then they have all been very busy scoring hit singles and pushing albums toward the top of charts all around the world. Now, a special anniversary is coming up for the five-member group, and it seems something might already be in the
works in terms of a celebration. During an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden on April 13, former One Direction singer Liam Payne let slip that he and his fellow bandmates have been having some conversations that fans would find intriguing. “I’m not allowed to say too much obviously, because I’d be giving it away,” Payne started, adding that he
and at least a few other One Direction singers have “been speaking a lot more at the moment” in regards to honouring the forthcoming anniversary. That’s fairly vague, but it shows that not only are the members speaking to one another, they’re already discussing the important milestone they’re about to hit (whether they come together again or not).
McCartney urges China to ban ‘medieval’ wet markets amid coronavirus PAUL McCartney won’t let it be. The Beatle ripped the age-old tradition of selling live animals in “wet markets” in China during an interview Tuesday. “It wouldn’t be so bad if this was the only thing it seems like you can blame on those wet markets,” McCartney, 77, said on “The Howard Stern Show” Tuesday. “It seems like, you know, SARS and Avian flu, and all sorts of other stuff that’s afflicted us. And so, I don’t know. I really hope that this will mean that the Chinese government — like you say, they’ve got power, it’s not like they’re powerless — let’s hope that they will say, ‘OK,
guys, we really got to get super hygienic around here, you know?’ And all those kind of things. Let’s face it, come on. It’s a little bit medieval eating bats.” Banning the markets, he added, wouldn’t just help the rest of the world, but China itself. “They don’t need all the people dying,” he said. “They just need to clean up their act. … If this doesn’t [lead to it], I don’t know what will, you know, them cleaning up their act and getting it right, and having hygienic practices in those places.” The activist admitted he’s hardly a fan of such practices anyway, given his concern for animal rights.
Alex Trebek autobiography set for July release Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff in 2008.
‘Fresh Prince’ star doesn’t remember ‘the next 10 days’ after alleged COVID 19 symptoms “THE Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star DJ Jazzy Jeff shared an alarming experience he went through after developing symptoms often associated with coronavirus. The entertainer told former co-star Will Smith that he couldn’t get tested for COVID-19 once he began feeling ill after coming home from a recent trip. “Got in the bed, don’t remember the next 10 days,”
Jeff, whose real name is Jeffrey Allen Townes, said during a recent appearance on Smith’s Snapchat series, “Will From Home.” “(I had) a temperature that reached about 103, the chills,” he continued. “I lost smell. I lost sense of taste.” The DJ, 55, says he was tested for the flu, and later was told he had pneumonia in both lungs after getting a chest X-ray.
ONE year after Alex Trebek’s bombshell revelation that he was suffering from Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, the longtime “Jeopardy!” host is set to release a memoir. “The Answer Is . . . Reflections of My Life” is slated to drop July 21, the day before the game show icon turns 80, according to a Simon & Schuster press release. “I want people to know a little more about the person they have been cheering on for the past year,” reads an excerpt written by Trebek. The book promises to be filled with anecdotes and never-beforeseen photos. Trebek has been inundated by get-well wishes and cards from innumerable “Jeopardy!” fans since announcing his diagnosis in March 2019. (NYDailynews)
Alex Trebek’s autobiography “The Answer Is . . . Reflections on My Life,” is slated for a July 21 release.
April 18-24, 2020
Entertainment
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How Drake harnessed TikTok to slide to number one HOW is Drake coping with life in lockdown? Fighting boredom by dropping dance moves, if the video for his new single, Toosie Slide, is anything to go by. Beyond showing the rapper taking isolation seriously, donning a face mask and gloves while staying home like so many of us (admittedly from his astronomically large Toronto pad) it also introduces the track’s namesake dance routine. “It goes right foot up, left foot slide / Left foot up, right foot slide,” he sings, while demonstrating the moves in his lobby. Seemingly harmless fun - but for Maddy Raven of digital music marketing agency Burstimo, it doubles as a “fantastic” social media marketing ploy. Drake’s simple, easily-copied choreography is perfect for the new wave of video-based social media platforms, in particular Tik Tok. The Chinese-owned social media app, in which users create 15-second clips, usually set to music, was second only to WhatsApp in global downloads last year. With a billion users of its international version, it’s increasingly established itself as a way for unknown artists to score a breakout hit - from Lil Nas X’s Old Town Road, to Doja Cat’s Say So and Arizona Zervas’s Roxanne in the same way that featuring in a television advert could supercharge an artist’s sales in the pre-internet era. “TikTok’s an entirely new way of engaging, not only with your direct fanbase but anyone who wants to dance or show their creativity in short-form video,” says Sammy Andrews, CEO of Deviate Digital, an advisory agency to the entertainment industry. Drake himself alluded to this in December’s single, War, chastising rappers who “spend too much time on [Instagram] captions, not enough time on action.” Shortly after he took his own advice, messaging internet-famous dancer Toosie a beat with some lyrics, and asking for help creating a routine. Four months on, the song
Drake’s new song has triggered a dance challenge on social media.
has topped Billboard charts. ‘DON’T YOU WANT TO DANCE WITH ME?’ The star is no stranger to viral dance recognition. His awkward moves in the video for 2015’s Hotline Bling spawned endless memes, while the track In My Feelings inadvertently sparked the ‘Kiki challenge’ of summer 2018. The Toosie slide, however, is noticeably more transparent about its ambitions. Raven believes this is a dance partnership
of self-interest, capitalising on Drake’s dance pop-culture heritage, and taking new music directly to his young fanbase. The majority of TikTok’s users are aged between 16-24, firmly Gen Z - an audience with fragmented consumption habits, who rank Drake as one of their generation’s most influential musicians. Dance is also central to the platform’s success - with routines like The Get Down, Renegade and Cannibal all going viral since parent company ByteDance absorbed lip-syncing app Musical.ly, (plus its huge
database), in 2017. Add to this TikTok’s unique layout, which prioritises content discovery over subscriber clout, using an algorithm that learns from viewing preferences and therefore rewards retention rather than simply pushing popular content - and it’s a stage that even a megastar like Drake, now 33, can’t ignore. “This is a new frontier for music discovery and music interaction,” says Andrews. “Unlike many other apps people are actively seeking music to engage with, in ways that most have not on other platforms”.
Paris Jackson to portray Jesus in upcoming film
Paris Jackson will play Jesus Christ in the upcoming independent film “Habit.”
THE King of Pop’s daughter is set to play the son of God. Paris Jackson, the lone daughter of iconic entertainer Michael Jackson, will portray Jesus Christ in an upcoming independent movie, noted Screen Daily. “Habit,” which is reportedly in postproduction, will star the 22-year-old actress as a party girl with a Jesus fixation who becomes enmeshed in a violent drug deal and is forced to masquerade as a nun to survive. “Paris Jackson was a delight to have on the set and terrific in the movie,” boasted film producer Cassian Elwes, the older brother of actor Cary Elwes, in a Tuesday tweet. Jackson appeared in the 2018 comedy “Gringo,” which featured Joel Edgerton, Charlize Theron and “Westworld” star
Thandie Newton. She also has wrapped up filming on the yet-to-be-released “The Space Between.” “Habit” also stars former Disney child star and current erotic film director Bella Thorne and Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale, according to IMDb. The movie marks the directorial debut of actress Janell Shirtcliff, who appeared in the 2012 film “Dirty Old Town” with Paul Sevigny. Jackson is the daughter of Debbie Rowe and younger sister of Michael Jackson Jr., nicknamed Prince. She also has a younger half-brother, Prince Michael Jackson II, better known as Blanket. Paris was only 11 years old when her father died from cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles home in 2009. (NYDailynews)
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Regional News Premier targets total eradication of coronavirus in Cayman PREMIER Alden McLaughlin said Tuesday he believes it is possible to completely eradicate the coronavirus from the Cayman Islands. He said government was ahead of the curve and was pursuing such “aggressive” suppression measures because he believed it was possible to create a “virus-free” island. He acknowledged there had been a drop in the standard of living because of the restrictions and that businesses and the economy would suffer. He accepted that no country in the world had completely eradicated the virus. But for Cayman, he said, it was possible. If the island can get to a point where it has no new cases for 14 days, he believes the restrictions can start to be relaxed. “It is absolutely achievable to eliminate the disease here,” he said. “We have the capacity to test every single person here and some more. That is why we believe eliminating the disease within Cayman, with our borders remaining closed (is possible).” He said it would require collective determination and will to do so.
“The advice we have had is that if we can get to a point where there are no positive results for 14 days, we can start to look at easing some of the restrictions on a phased basis.” That is unlikely to include the reopening of schools across the island. The premier said he believed that would not happen until the next academic year in September. 40 TESTED IN GEORGE TOWN COMPLEX Around 40 people from a George Town apartment complex have been tested for COVID-19 amid fears of an outbreak after a patient failed to isolate. Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Lee said public health teams had now swabbed everyone in the 26unit complex. He said further contact tracing was taking place on the residents’ wider connections. It follows an announcement Monday that a patient who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and was supposed to be in isolation at their apartment had failed to stay home. That person has been put into a secure government
South Sound boardwalk was busy with joggers and walkers Monday evening. Police and health officials say they are not concerned about people exercising so long as they maintain social distancing and keep to the allowed hours.
isolation unit. Lee said there were no new results Tuesday because the lab technicians, who had been working non-stop, needed to be given a break. In total, Cayman has had 54 positive cases and 526 negative cases, with six people fully recovered and six clinically recovered. Patients are only declared fully recovered after they record a negative ‘clearance’ test. Lee said more would move into the ‘recovered’ group once further testing was done. There are 16 people currently symptomatic, including five who have been admitted to hospital, with one on a ventilator. All those were said to be stable.
Trinidad man jailed for threatening to kill PM on social media A MAN who threatened to kill Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has been sent to jail. Nicholas Huggins, 23 of Point Fortin, admitted to a magistrate that he used a phone to send a message of an obscene and menacing character. In responding to a social media post on April 4, Huggins threatened to kill the Prime Minister and used obscenities
toward him. Huggins was arrested on April 8 and charged by Sergeant Ali, under Section 106 of the Summary Offences Act. Huggins yesterday appeared before the Point Fortin Magistrate Alicia Chankar where he entered a guilty plea to the charge. He was sentenced to 30 days hard labour. (Trinidad Express)
Nicholas Huggins admitted to a magistrate that he used a phone to send a message of an obscene and menacing character.
Lee said Cayman was still in a situation where it had “clusters of cases”, rather than widespread community transmission. “That is where we hope to stay,” he said. “That is why we are putting these immense efforts into the suppression of COVID-19, so we don’t move to sustained community transmission… That’s where the number of people getting sick and the number of people dying starts to rise.” McLaughlin said there was no thought of putting people who tested positive into mandatory state-run isolation facilities. He said to do so would risk people hiding symptoms and not volunteering for tests unless
they were “gravely ill”. There have been very few people with coronavirus who have not complied with mandatory isolation and Governor Martyn Roper said he believed the balance was currently right. Evacuation flights a work in progress Roper said work was continuing to organise evacuation flights for work-permit holders who had lost their jobs. He said he was confident that flights to Miami, Canada and Nicaragua would be arranged. A flight to Jamaica is proving more challenging. Another British Airways flight is being organised from London. Any prospect for Cayman’s Indian community to get home is not workable for the time being, Roper added. He said Indian airports were closed for the next three weeks and nothing could be arranged. Easter weekend busy for police Police Commissioner Derek Byrne said 84 people had been warned for prosecution over the Easter weekend – meaning they will be charged for breaching curfew and will appear in court at a later date. He said Easter Sunday was the worst day to date for violations of the hard curfew, with 50 people caught in breach. Cayman is currently operating under a fluctuating soft and hard curfew to contain the spread of the virus. The hard curfew, from 7pm to 5am and all day Sunday, means only essential workers can leave their homes. Beaches are off-limits for everyone until Friday at least. Byrne said he was not concerned that this could potentially force people who are out legitimately exercising into a smaller number of public areas, such as the South Sound boardwalk, which has become crowded with joggers and walkers in the evenings.
April 18-24, 2020
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Regional News New models predict over 350 deaths in Bermuda BERMUDA could suffer more than 350 Covid-19 deaths — even if people stick to strict shelter-in-place and quarantine rules. David Burt, the Premier, said last week that public health experts had predicted a worst-case scenario where more than 700 people in Bermuda could die if strict rules to curb the spread were not followed. The Ministry of Health later told The Royal Gazette it estimated that healthcare demand could be “reduced by up to two thirds and deaths by half”, if governmentimposed measures were adhered to. A ministry spokeswoman said the island’s public health modelling for the Covid-19 pandemic was guided by Public Health England and Imperial College London. She said: “Generally, they are estimating an 80 per cent infection attack rate without mitigation strategies, with a significant proportion of subclinical infections — that is, asymptomatic infections and mild disease. “They are secondly estimating a 50 per cent clinical attack rate, that is symptomatic persons. Of these, eight
The Premier emphasised that the “worst-case scenario” would see Bermuda suffering 700-plus deaths.
per cent may require hospitalisation”. The spokeswoman added: “Preliminary modelling shows that with the mitigation strategies
Bermuda has implemented such as case isolation, household quarantine of family members and socialdistancing, healthcare demand can
be reduced by up to two thirds and deaths by half.” The figures suggest that without the measures imposed by the Government, about 50,400 people on the island would be infected. About 25,200 would have symptoms and need clinical care and about 2,016 of those would have to be admitted to hospital. The Royal Gazette asked the health ministry for further details on what reducing healthcare demand by up to two thirds might look like in terms of the numbers of people estimated to become infected, hospitalised and in need of a ventilator. The ministry did not respond by press time.
Mr Burt told a press conference last night that modelling information would be released once it was seen by the Progressive Labour Party caucus and the Opposition and after “some tweaks” from the Cabinet. The Premier emphasised that the 700-plus death rate was the “worstcase scenario”. He added: “We will share those numbers of what we consider bettercase scenarios if we are doing the things of which the country must do.” Cheryl Peek-Ball, the Chief Medical Officer, said on Monday that the Bermuda Hospitals Board was best able to give figures on the number of ventilators available and the predicted requirement for them. Dr Peek-Ball said: “That is a hospital question. I do know that they have been very, very meticulous estimating the need, anticipating the need and acquiring additional equipment but I would prefer that you put that to them to give you precise numbers.” The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital has 20 ventilators and said last month that it had ordered eight more because of the Covid-19 outbreak. A BHB spokeswoman said that the eight extra machines had still to arrive. She added: “Although since we spoke of the order of eight, due to global shortages, supply chain issues have meant BHB has tried different orders and requests through different suppliers and connections. At this point in time, potentially 12 could arrive this month, although another six more on order have been delayed until June.
Thousands infected with COVID 19 in the Dominican Republic WITH some residents unwilling to adhere to social distancing and isolation the COVID 19 cases in neighbouring Dominican Republic continue to rise. As of Tuesday, the Spanish speaking nation had a whopping 3,286 positive cases with 183 confirm deaths. According to information from the local press, some 143 patients remain in intensive care due to complications of the respiratory disease. The numbers look grim, since from Monday to Tuesday,
DR, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, had seen 119 new infections and six deaths. Systems are in place, but some Dominicans are not taking the disease seriously. Since March 20, when the nationwide curfew started, more than 35,000 people have been detained for breaking curfew. Due to the size of DR, it is difficult to have a constant Police presence at all locations, so people scatter when the police arrive, only to reorganise once they leave.
Police detained over 1400 persons nationwide on Saturday last for breaking curfew.
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April 18-24, 2020
Regional News Jamaica’s COVID-19 cases jump from 73 to 105 THE Jamaican government on Tuesday announced a one-week lockdown of St Catherine, saying the strict measure was triggered by a big spike in the number of positive COVID-19 cases from 73 to 105. The Alorica call centre in Portmore, St Catherine, was named as the site of Jamaica’s largest number of COVID-19 cases since the island saw its first case in early March, with a total of 33 of its employees testing positive for the deadly virus. The 31 new positive tests were announced by Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton at Jamaica House yesterday, followed by the announcement of the lockdown by Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Two positive tests related to the call centre, Alorica Interventions, were previously disclosed. The facility, which has since been closed, has a staff of 787. Holness advised that the restriction imposed on residents of St Catherine could go on for 14 days. “This measure is a start, and we are starting with St Catherine,” he said. The prime minister further announced that the police and health authorities have been instructed to launch an investigation into the circumstances under which the outbreak at the call centre occurred and to pursue charges where appropriate. According to Dr Tufton, 258 workers have been sampled, and the 33 positive tests are from a total of 65 which have been done among the staff so far.
Jamaican PM Andrew Holness advised that the restriction imposed on residents of St Catherine could go on for 14 days.
The majority of those who tested positive at the call centre are female, and the cases are from St Catherine and Kingston and St Andrew. There are now 32 imported cases of the deadly virus, 34 are contacts of confirmed cases and six are local transmissions. “The ministry is also working diligently to identify each of their contacts for testing, while investigations continue to identify other positive exposed persons,” Dr Tufton said. “The challenges in St Catherine
we expect to continue for some time to come, and we intend to mobilise [all the resources] in order to contain what is an unfortunate situation, but one that we have to confront and deal with,” said the health minister. Prime Minister Holness stressed that while some business process outsourcing (BPO) operations have been following the guidelines, some have not. “Aside from the individual responsibility, there is a corporate responsibility and a Government
responsibility, where persons who are entrusted with resources and management over others are required to exercise a higher level of diligence. It was always expected that there would be a spike. Now [we have] 32 additional cases when in the past the highest number we have had at any one testing would have been six. That tells you that we are now entering into a new phase. Maybe it is that we should be scared, maybe that is the only way behaviour is going to change,” he stated. Under the lockdown, all residents in the parish must wear a mask in public at all times, and bear government-issued photo identification when in the public space. “During lockdown everyone is expected to stay in their premises,” Holness emphasised, using the now popular phrase among Jamaicans: “Tan a yuh yard.” Residents of the parish are restricted to set days and hours to go about purchasing their essentials. Individuals 65 years and older, pregnant women, and the disabled will be allowed to get their essentials of food and medication between the hours of 8:00 am and 10:00 am on Wednesdays and Saturdays. All other residents are allowed to get their essentials during specific periods, on those two days, according to surnames. People whose surnames start with the letters A to M will be allowed to leave home to purchase essentials between 10:00 am and 1:30 pm, while surnames N to Z are allowed to leave home for essentials from
1:30 pm to 5:00pm. All persons must carry identification and are advised to limit trips to one person per household. “We expect you to pursue only the essentials. So I would advise that you go to the nearest point and return home immediately,” he cautioned. Furthermore people with any type of flu-like or respiratory illness are being ordered not to leave home or go to work, and employers have a lawful duty to report any employee with such symptoms who turn up for work, and send them home, Holness advised. “The objective of the lockdown is to slow, as much as possible, the spread of the virus. Of the 300 addresses [of the call centre workers] that we have already mapped, we are seeing where they cluster mainly in St Catherine and parts of Kingston and St Andrew. For Kingston and St Andrew we are doing further work. Once we can fully identify the clusters, then other actions will be taken. For St Catherine we know already that there is a massive cluster,” the prime minster explained. He said the police will be manning entry and exit points to St Catherine and will be armed with forehead thermometers. Members of the essential services will only be allowed out of the parish if their temperature is normal, the are wearing a mask, have identification and do not have any flu-like symptoms. Temperatures will also be checked upon re-entry to the parish. Meanwhile, the daily curfew of 9:00 pm to 5:00 am for the rest of the island remains in place. (Jamaica Observer)
‘Government is not responding to struggling Bahamians’ PLP leader Philip Davis has criticised Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ recent national address for not responding to the urgent needs of struggling Bahamians with no food and or money. This week, Dr Minnis announced the suspension of the alphabetical shopping schedule and the appointment of a food security task force to ensure those in need receive adequate food. In a statement sent Monday night, Mr Davis acknowledged these key points of the address but argued that the urgent needs of many Bahamians were not being taken care of. The opposition leader said that shortly before the prime minister’s address, he received a call from a single mother down on her luck. He said: “She is desperate. She has no food and the landlord is threatening eviction. She is hurting now and the
address provided no hope but more agony and despair.” Mr Davis said the announced task force “appeared to be a longer term strategy to deal with the broader issues of food security and increased local food production capacity.” He further questioned the prime minister’s statement that progress was being made in the COVID-19 fight. “(Monday night) we heard the prime minister boast that we are making progress in the fight against COVID-19 but how does he measure that when at the same time he announced that the number of cases is rising? “Where is the light at the end of the tunnel? The prime minister presumably has in his possession the metrics to give some kind of forecast as to when he sees the picture improving. None of that was evident in his speech (Monday), except the
PLP leader Philip Davis argued that the urgent needs of many Bahamians were not being taken care of.
bare assertion that things are getting better. Where is the evidence of that?”
Mr Davis also brought up concerns about the immediate needs of the unemployed, the poor, the
elderly and the disabled. The prime minister had “nothing encouraging to say” to newly unemployed persons who have applied to the National Insurance Board (NIB) for employment insurance benefits, said the opposition leader. He noted the PLP’s representatives in Parliament urged in their contributions that bureaucratic norms be done away with in this crisis. “It is regrettable that the government did not see its way to have employers continue to pay the salaries of the displaced workers and for the government to reimburse employers on receipt of rebillable invoices. This option is quicker, more efficient and would spare NIB the administrative overload that is at the root of the payment delays. The government is advised to reconsider this option,” he said. (Tribune242)
April 18-24, 2020
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Regional News PAHO warns Caribbean to prepare for full COVID blast THE Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) director and the World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director for the Americas, Dr Carissa Etienne, says they neither anticipated nor were they prepared for the magnitude of the current COVID-19 pandemic. She is also warning the region to prepare for a full blast within the next few weeks. She made the comment during a virtual press briefing on Tuesday on PAHO’s response to the pandemic and the evolving situation of the virus in the Americas. Eitienne admitted that the rate and magnitude of the transmission surprised PAHO although it began looking at it late last year. She said in November 2019 the organisation felt it was time to review pandemic planning and called up emergency personnel to ‘dig up’ pandemic plans. In the first week of December 2019, those plans were presented to an advisory group and PAHO’s executive management. “Our instruction was to go and work with every member state to revise their plans and to begin to plan,” Etienne said. Noting it was difficult to predict the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic, she added, “This pandemic has really surpassed all of the others we have had in terms of its magnitude. I was also surprised by our inability to provide for the resources in terms of PPE’s (personal protective equipment), masks
and tests. And the almost market failure concerning those required resources.” At the press briefing, which was streamed live from PAHO’s headquarters in Washington, Etienne said COVID-19 was yet to hit with full force in the region, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean and PAHO expected it would intensify in the next few weeks. “The rise in hospitalisations and deaths we see in countries highlights how quickly the situation could change,” she said. “We must act with urgency before the storm hits most of our countries, to protect ourselves, families and communities.” She stressed the cost of any inaction at this time could not be greater and immediate action was required to address both structured and long-term needs. “In the short term, there is a dire need to expand ICU capacity in the region,” Etienne said. Regarding long-term planning, Etienne said countries needed to guarantee that drugs and vaccines that are being developed would be accessible to all in the region, especially in the most vulnerable communities. Etienne said focusing on social distancing remained countries’ best bet to reducing transmission and slowing the spread of the virus. “It prevents hospitals from being overwhelmed by too many sick people at the same time and it
Bahamas COVID cases rise to 53 The Ministry of Health in the Bahamas announced on Wednesday that there are four additional confirmed cases of COVID-19. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 53. There have been seven confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Grand Bahama, 44 in New Providence, one in Cat Cay, and one on the island of Bimini. The death toll remains at eight. The newly confirmed cases are as follows: • Case #50 is a 38-year-old woman of New Providence with no history of travel. She has been hospitalised. • Case #51 is a 48-year-old woman of New Providence with no history of travel. She is
in home isolation. • Case #52 is a 33-year-old woman of New Providence with no history of travel. She is hospitalised. • Case #53 is a 38-year-old woman of New Providence with no history of travel. She is in home isolation. Health officials continue to follow the condition of the other current COVID-19 positive cases. Members of the public are once again reminded to follow the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Order announced by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to reduce the spread of the virus, including physical distancing. (Tribune242)
PAHO director Dr Carissa Etienne, says they neither anticipated nor were they prepared for the magnitude of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
also keeps doctors and nurses from having to make a terrible choice about which patients receive care and which patients do not,” she said. “It is also a way to buy time for
new treatments, medicines and vaccines that will allow us to fight COVID-19 and recover from it.” She added, “There is no one size fits all approach. It’s impossible
to apply the same measures from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego; however, countries need to keep that in mind. They need to ensure that many of our countries in the region who have already implemented communitywide social distancing, that they are allowing health services to operate within the capacity. This is encouraging but it must be sustained over a period of time for it to be effective.” Etienne said economic activity could only return in full swing when people feel safe and confident that their governments are doing all they can to protect them and their loved ones. “I urge the leadership in our region to earn this confidence by being rigorous, evidence-driven and transparent in the fight against this pandemic. Only by implementing the interventions required for each setting guided by science and solidarity, can we slow down and ultimately break the spread of COVID-19 in our region. And then together within and across the countries, we can safely get back on our feet,” she said. (Trinidad Guardian)
Jamaica Government bows to Trump, US deportees to arrive in weeks WITHIN “a week or two”, the Jamaican Government will have to accept dozens of deportees from the United States (US). Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang made the disclosure on Monday, days after US President Donald Trump signed an order that imposes visa sanctions on countries that refuse to accept the deportation of their citizens, even amid the global new coronavirus pandemic. US coronavirus infections are close to 590,000 and deaths have topped 23,000. Jamaica closed its airspace to incoming passengers – initially at midnight on March 21 before being extended two days later – as part of measures imposed by the Holness administration to contain the spread of COVID-19 locally Chang said that a batch of deportees was scheduled to arrive in the island earlier this month. However, he said the deportation was delayed after “discussions” with US authorities. “We have been able to delay the entrance of a number of deportees, but we will have to accept them at some point. In fact, I expect that we will have to accept them within
Jamaica had accepted deportees from the UK earlier this year.
a week or two,” Chang told The Gleaner this week. He could not give the precise number of deportees expected, but disclosed that the US “usually sends us between 50 and 60 every two months or so”. “We would definitely want to keep it within that number so that
we can manage them, and once they come in, we will have to quarantine them.” Trump’s new order was issued last Friday in a memorandum to the secretary of state and the secretary of homeland security. It will remain in place until December 31. (Jamaica Gleaner)
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World News
April 18-24, 2020
Coronavirus: Trump unveils plan to reopen states in phases AS Covid-19 continues to spread across the US, President Donald Trump has given governors guidance on reopening state economies in the coming months. The guidelines for “Opening up America Again” outline three phases in which states can gradually ease their lockdowns. Mr Trump promised governors they would be handling the process themselves, with help from the federal government. The US has 654,301 confirmed cases and 32,186 deaths due to the virus. Mr Trump has suggested some states could reopen this month. WHAT DID TRUMP SAY AT THE BRIEFING? In his daily briefing on Thursday, President Trump declared “the next front in our war - opening up America again”. “America wants to be open and Americans want to be open,” he said. “A national shutdown is not a sustainable long-term solution.” He said that a prolonged lockdown risked inflicting a serious toll on public health. He warned of a “sharp rise” in drug abuse, alcohol abuse, heart disease, and other “physical and mental” problems. Mr Trump told reporters that healthy citizens would be able to return to work “as conditions allow”. He said Americans would continue to be called upon to maintain social distancing measures and to stay home if they are unwell. He said that reopening the US
New York City has recorded more than 11,000 deaths in the pandemic.
economy would be done “one careful step at a time” but he called on state governors to move “very, very quickly, depending on what they want to do”. Shortly afterwards, leading Democrat Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, called the new guidelines “vague and inconsistent”. She said the document did “nothing to make up for the president’s failure to listen to the scientists and produce and distribute national rapid testing”. WHAT IS IN THE PLAN? The administration’s 18-page guidance document details three phases to reopen state economies, with each phase lasting, at minimum, 14 days. They include some recommendations across all three
phases including good personal hygiene and employers developing policies to ensure social distancing, testing and contact tracing. Phase one includes much of the current lockdown measures such as avoiding non-essential travel and not gathering in groups. But it says large venues such as restaurants, places of worship and sports venues “can operate under strict physical distancing protocols”. If there is no evidence of a resurgence of the coronavirus, phase two allows non-essential travel to resume. The guidance says schools can reopen and bars can operate “with diminished standing-room occupancy”. Under phase three, states which are still seeing a downward trend of symptoms and cases can allow “public interactions” with physical
distancing and the unrestricted staffing of worksites. Visits to care homes and hospitals can resume and bars can increase their standing room capacity. Some regions could begin returning to normal after a monthlong evaluation period, at the earliest, according to the document. In places where there are more infections or where rates begin to rise, it could take longer. The co-ordinator of the White House coronavirus task force, Dr Deborah Birx, told Thursday’s briefing that as states worked through the three phases, they could allow for more and more employees to return to work in increments. Phase three would be the “new normal”, she said, and would still include suggestions that vulnerable people should avoid crowded spaces. WHAT HAS TRUMP TOLD GOVERNORS? The president has argued with governors in recent days about the timing of easing restrictions and reopening businesses - but he has now conceded that his powers are limited to issuing guidelines. During Thursday’s call, Mr Trump told governors: “You’re going to call your own shots.” “You’re going to be running it, we’re going to be helping you,” he added. On Wednesday, White House coronavirus task force leader VicePresident Mike Pence said 24% of the counties in the US have had no reported coronavirus cases. He
added that half of US states have fewer than 2,500 cases. The Trump administration had previously pencilled in 1 May as a possible date to reopen the nation, and on Wednesday Mr Trump said some states may be able to reopen earlier than that. However, some health experts and state governors have cautioned against reopening the economy too soon. On Tuesday, Dr Anthony Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, told AP news 1 May was “a bit overly optimistic” for many areas of the country, as a strong testing and tracing system would be needed before social distancing measures were lifted. WHAT HAVE US GOVERNORS SAID? New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Thursday that his state would remain under stay-at-home orders until 15 May. Officials in the state, which is the epicentre of the outbreak in the US, say the situation is showing signs of stabilising this week, though there are still hundreds of deaths daily. The governors of Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky have announced they will work together to reopen the region. “We recognise that our economies are all reliant on each other, and we must work together to safely reopen them so hardworking people can get back to work and businesses can get back on their feet,” they said in a statement on Thursday.
Coronavirus: Japan declares nationwide state of emergency A NATIONWIDE state of emergency has been declared in Japan due to the country’s worsening coronavirus outbreak. The move allows regional governments to urge people to stay inside, but without punitive measures or legal force. The state of emergency will remain in force until 6 May. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had previously declared a month-long state of emergency in seven regions. Speaking at a special meeting of medical experts, Mr Abe said: “Areas where a state of emergency should be carried out will be expanded from the seven prefectures to all prefectures.” As the number of infections in Japan has increased, criticism of Mr Abe’s response has grown louder. One poll shows 75% of people think the prime minister took too long to declare a state of emergency
in Tokyo. After a recent spike in cases in the capital Tokyo, experts warned that the city’s emergency medical facilities could collapse under the pressure. Officials in Tokyo have also urged people to work from home. After the initial state of emergency came into force on 8 April, a number of other regional governors called for the measures to be extended to their areas, saying that cases were growing and their medical facilities were overwhelmed. Japan’s two emergency medical associations also issued a joint statement warning that they were “already sensing the collapse of the emergency medical system”. And the mayor of Osaka appealed for people to donate their raincoats, so they could be used as personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers whom he said were being forced to fashion PPE out of
As cases have risen in Japan, criticism of the government’s response has grown louder.
rubbish bags. Despite recording its first case more than three months ago, Japan is still only testing a tiny percentage of the population, the BBC’s Tokyo correspondent Rupert WingfieldHayes reports. Unlike South Korea - which has brought its outbreak largely under control through a programme of
large-scale testing - the Japanese government said that carrying out widespread testing was a “waste of resources”. The health ministry fears that hospitals could be overwhelmed by people who test positive, but only have mild symptoms. Testing is also governed by local health centres, not on the national
government level - and some of these local centres are not equipped to carry out testing on a major scale. Hokkaido became the first region in Japan to declare a state of emergency due to the coronavirus in late February, and lifted the state of emergency on 19 March. However, it was re-imposed this week because of a second wave of infections. (BBC)
April 18-24, 2020
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World News
Pregnant nurse dies of Covid-19 but baby survives after emergency C-section THE baby of a pregnant nurse who died of Covid-19 is doing “very well” after being delivered via emergency cesarean section, a spokeswoman for the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) told CNN on Thursday. Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, who worked at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital, northwest of London, was admitted to the hospital on April 7 after testing positive for the virus two days earlier. The 28-year-old died on Sunday, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust confirmed in a statement on Wednesday. She had worked for the hospital system for five years. At least 27 NHS workers have now died from coronavirus, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Thursday in an interview with the BBC.More than 13,700 people
have died of coronavirus in the UK and more than 100,000 have tested positive, according to the UK government. David Carter, CEO of Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, confirmed Agyapong’s death “with great sadness.” “Mary worked here for five years and was a highly valued and loved member of our team, a fantastic nurse and a great example of what we stand for in this Trust,” Carter said in a statement on Wednesday. “She tested positive for Covid-19 after being tested on 5th of April and was admitted to the hospital on the 7th April. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Mary’s family and friends at this sad time. We ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this time,” he added. More than £117,000 (about
$146,000) has been donated to a GoFundMe page, which was set up to support Agyapong’s husband and baby, just 24 hours after the page was published with an original goal of raising £2,000 (about $2,500). Agyapong -- also known as Mary Mo -- was a “blessing to everyone she came across and her love, care and sincerity will be irreplaceable,” a statement on the fundraising website reads. Catherine Clewes, who donated, said “I couldn’t have wished for a better mentor in my sign-off placement. You helped shape the nurse I have become.” Describing the nurse as “such a lovely person,” another contributor wrote “it broke our heart when we got the news,” adding “thank you Mary for your smile, your strength.” (CNN)
Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong was admitted to the hospital on last week after testing positive for the virus.
Airline passengers undergo Covid-19 blood tests before boarding PERHAPS a sign of what the future holds for air travelers, Dubaibased airline Emirates has begun carrying out Covid-19 blood tests on passengers at the airport prior to flights. According to a statement released by the airline, the first rapid Covid-19 blood tests took place on Wednesday at Dubai International Airport, with passengers on a flight to Tunisia all reportedly tested before departure. The tests were conducted by the Dubai Health Authority at the Group Check-in area of Terminal 3 and results were available within 10 minutes. Emirates claims to be the world’s first airline to conduct such tests. “We are working on plans to scale up testing capabilities in the future and extend it to other flights,” said Adel Al Redha, Emirates Chief Operating Officer, in the statement. “This will enable us to conduct on-site tests and provide immediate confirmation for Emirates passengers traveling to countries that require COVID-19 test certificates.” The airline has not stated whether any passengers would be refused boarding based on the results of the test. CNN Travel has reached out to Emirates for more info. Serology (blood) tests aren’t meant to diagnose active coronavirus
Dubai Health Authority staff conduct rapid Covid-19 blood tests prior a flight from Dubai to Tunisia.
infections. Rather, they check for proteins in the immune system, known as antibodies, through a blood sample. Their presence means
a person was exposed to the virus and developed antibodies against it. According to the US Food and Drug Administration, in the early
days of an infection when the body’s immune response is still building, antibodies may not be detected. Still, the tests will likely be viewed
as a step in the right direction by air travelers, as the world grapples with the question of when and how to safely ease travel bans. Etihad Airways, also in the UAE, announced it’s set to trial new selfservice kiosks at its hub airport in Abu Dhabi in late April to help identify travelers with medical conditions, potentially including the early stages of Covid-19. The technology is designed to monitor the temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate of a passenger. Airlines around the world have grounded the majority of their fleets due to the coronavirus pandemic, with international air travel slowing to a near standstill as countries close their borders or instill stringent quarantine measures. The International Air Transport Association’s latest analysis shows that the Covid-19 crisis will see airline passenger revenues drop by $314 billion in 2020, a 55% decline compared to 2019. Many of the commercial planes still taking off are repatriation flights, organized in coordination with governments to aid citizens stranded abroad. According to the latest figures, the US State Department has coordinated the repatriation of 62,985 Americans from 106 countries since January 29, 2020. (CNN)
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April 18-24, 2020
Coronavirus: UK lockdown extended for ‘at least three weeks’ LOCKDOWN restrictions in the UK will continue for “at least” another three weeks as it tackles the coronavirus outbreak, Dominic Raab has said. The foreign secretary told the daily No 10 briefing that a review had concluded relaxing the measures now would risk harming public health and the economy. “We still don’t have the infection rate down as far as we need to,” he said. It comes as the UK recorded another 861 coronavirus deaths in hospital, taking the total to 13,729. Strict limits on daily life - such as requiring people to stay at home, shutting many businesses and preventing gatherings of more than two people - were introduced on 23 March, as the government tried to limit the spread of coronavirus. Ministers are required by law to assess whether the rules are working, based on expert advice, every three weeks. Mr Raab, deputising for Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he recovers from the illness, said: “There is light at the end of the tunnel but we are now at both a delicate and a dangerous stage in this pandemic.
“If we rush to relax the measures that we have in place we would risk wasting all the sacrifices and all the progress that has been made. “That would risk a quick return to another lockdown with all the threat to life that a second peak to the virus would bring and all the economic damage that a second lockdown would carry.” Mr Raab said the review concluded that the measures were working, but there was evidence the infection was spreading in hospitals and care homes. He said five conditions needed to be met before the lockdown was eased: § Making sure the NHS could cope § A “sustained and consistent” fall in the daily death rate § Reliable data showing the rate of infection was decreasing to “manageable levels” § Ensuring the supply of tests and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) could meet future demand § Being confident any adjustments would not risk a second peak He said he could not provide a definitive timeline, but said the prime minister’s warning at the outset of
Dominic Raab said that a review had concluded that relaxing the measures now would risk harming public health and the economy.
the epidemic that it would take about three months to come through the peak still applied. “We know it is rough going. Every time I come to this lectern and read out the grim toll, I walk away and think of their sons and daughters going through this right now, their brothers, sisters, grandchildren, all those left behind,” Mr Raab said. “It makes this government focus even harder on what we must do and I know together, united, we must keep up this national effort.” The announcement in the UK comes after a meeting of the emergency Cobra committee, involving the first ministers of
Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. In Scotland, a further 80 people have died in hospitals. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the lockdown should continue because “we are not confident enough that the virus has been suppressed sufficiently”. Wales recorded another 32 deaths, with First Minister Mark Drakeford saying it was “still too early to change course”. Northern Ireland saw its highest daily toll, with a further 18 deaths in hospitals, and England recorded another 740 deaths. The tallies for individual nations can differ from the UK-wide total,
because they are calculated on a different timeframe. Following reports that black, Asian and minority ethnic people were critically ill in disproportionately high numbers, Downing Street said the NHS and Public Health England would carry out a review into whether some ethnicities were particularly at risk from the virus. Prof Chris Whitty, the UK’s chief medical adviser, said it was “absolutely critical” to determine which groups were most at risk, but said the evidence on ethnicity was “less clear” at the moment than other factors, such as age, sex and underlying illnesses.
Police find 17 bodies at New Jersey nursing home after anonymous tip NEW Jersey police found 17 bodies in one of the state’s largest nursing homes after an anonymous tip said a body was being stored in a shed. A total of 68 people associated with the Andover Subacute and Rehabilitation centres have recently died, with 26 having testing positive for Covid-19. Police did not find the body in the shed, but said the facility’s tiny morgue was “overwhelmed”. New Jersey has over 71,000 cases and 3,100 deaths due to the coronavirus. Over the weekend, the nursing home had requested 25 body bags from authorities. On Monday, police received the anonymous tip about a body being kept in a shed. Instead, they found the 17 bodies kept in a morgue built to house four. “They were just overwhelmed by the amount of people who were expiring,” Andover police chief Eric Danielson told the New York Times. It is unclear whether any of the 17 deaths were due to the coronavirus. Seventy-six patients have tested
Paramedics load a patient into an ambulance.
positive for Covid-19 along with 41 staff members between the two buildings, according to the Times .
Thirteen bodies were moved to a refrigerated truck at a neighbouring hospital, while the remaining four
were to be sent to a funeral home. The nursing home owner has since obtained a refrigerated truck
for bodies, local media reported. The home’s two buildings have nearly 700 beds in all. An Andover employee told the New Jersey Herald, which first reported the story, that in the second building, 65 residents had died since 31 March. Family members have expressed concerns to the Herald, saying they received little information before their loved ones died. The facility has not issued a statement nor commented to US media. According to New Jersey’s health commissioner, 10% of 60,000 people in care facilities across the state have Covid-19. The state’s health department has sent thousands of additional supplies to the nursing homes to help combat the virus. On 4 April, the department also ordered nursing homes to inform staff, other patients and families within 24 hours if anyone in the facility tested positive for Covid-19. (BBC)
April 18-24, 2020
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World News
Prince Harry and Meghan quietly delivered meals to Los Angeles residents in need PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle have kept a low profile since leaving their senior royal roles and relocating to Los Angeles. They’ve kept so quiet that they managed to sneak out and deliver meals to L.A. residents in need during the Covid-19 pandemic. The couple volunteered through Project Angel Food, a Los Angeles nonprofit that prepares and delivers medically tailored meals to chronically ill people. Donning N95 masks and gloves, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex dropped off a week’s worth of perishable meals and three weeks’ worth of shelf-stable foods to 20 of the charity’s clients last week, Project Angel Food CEO Richard
Ayoub told CNN. The charity’s client base, mostly people too sick to leave their homes to purchase food, has quickly swelled during the coronavirus pandemic, and the volume of calls -- up to 70 per day -- for help has overwhelmed drivers tasked with delivery, he said. That’s where Harry and Meghan came in. Ayoub said the pair volunteered twice, including on Easter Sunday, to drop off food (while maintaining social distancing, of course). One of the nonprofit’s clients told Ayoub they didn’t realize who had delivered their food until the pair had left. “They were dressed so casually
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle volunteered through Project Angel Food, a Los Angeles nonprofit that prepares and delivers medically tailored meals to chronically ill people.
-- that’s not how you expect to see them,” Ayoub said. “You don’t expect to see them at your door.” Project Angel Food is one of the first charities the couple has
supported since officially giving up royal duties on March 31. They announced this month the launch of their new charity, Archewell, since the two can no longer use the Sussex
Royal brand. Ayoub said he doesn’t know if or when Harry and Meghan will be back, but they’re welcome to return whenever they like. (CNN)
North Korean defector becomes first to win South Korea parliamentary seat THAE Yong-ho has become the first ever North Korean defector to win a constituency seat in South Korea. Mr Thae was once North Korea’s deputy ambassador to the UK, but defected in 2016 with his family, becoming the highest-ranking North Korean official to ever do so. He was running as the opposition United Future Party’s main candidate in the affluent district of Gangnam of Seoul. He won by 58.4% and was seen crying after his victory was announced. He said ahead of his victory that he hoped his running would send a message to the elite in North Korea about what could happen if they turned their back on the regime. “I want to tell them that there is a new way for their future,” he said. South Korea held its parliamentary elections on Wednesday which saw a record turnout of 66.2%, despite
voting taking place in the middle of a virus outbreak. The party of President Moon Jaein - the Democratic Party - won a resounding victory , taking 163 seats in the 300-seat National Assembly. Mr Thae defected to the South in August 2016, saying he had become increasingly aware of the “gruesome realities” of life in North Korea. Speaking to a South Korean parliamentary committee, he said North Koreans were living in conditions amounting to slavery. After his defection North Korea called him “human scum”. The North’s state media said the envoy had been accused of leaking secrets, embezzlement and child rape. About 1,000 people defect from North Korea each year, fleeing a repressive state that has faced numerous accusations of human rights abuses. (BBC)
He was running as the opposition United Future Party’s main candidate in Gangnam.
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April 18-24, 2020
Science & Technology Hydroxychloroquine does not clear coronavirus, but can alleviate symptoms, study says
A STUDY of COVID-19 patients in China who received hydroxychloroquine showed the anti-malarial drug did not clear the patients of the virus. “The overall 28-day negative conversion rate was not different between [standard-of-care] plus [hydroxychloroquine and standardof-care] group (Kaplan-Meier estimates 85.4% versus 81.3%, P=0.341),” researchers wrote in the study. “Negative conversion rate at day 4, 7, 10, 14 or 21 was also similar between the two groups. No different 28-day symptoms alleviation rate was observed between the two groups.” The research consisted of 150 patients who were hospitalised with COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. It has not yet been peer-reviewed and was published earlier this month on the medXiv repository. Despite not clearing the patients of the virus, the researchers noted the drug, touted by President Trump as a
There were some side effects in the group who took the drug, but most were mild.
“game-changer,” did alleviate some symptoms. “The administration of [hydroxychloroquine] did not result in a higher negative conversion rate but more alleviation of clinical symptoms than [standard-of-care] alone in patients hospitalised with
COVID-19 without receiving antiviral treatment, possibly through anti-inflammatory effects,” researchers added. The doctors also observed a “normalisation of C-reactive protein and blood lymphocyte count” within the 28day period.
The study was conducted at 16 treatment centers in China through Feb. 11 to 29, 2020 and 75 patients received the drug and 75 received standard-of-care. There were some side effects in the group of 75 who took the drug, first used for malaria nearly 70 years ago, but most were mild, the most common being diarrhea, at 10 percent of patients. The Food and Drug Administration recently announced an emergency use authorisation to try several drugs, including hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, in an effort to combat COVID-19, despite a lack of clear evidence of their effectiveness. A study in Brazil testing chloroquine in COVID-19 patients had to be stopped earlier this week after patients who took high doses of the drug developed dangerous heart rhythm problems. Last month, the University of Washington and New York University announced an eight-week
study that aims to determine whether hydroxychloroquine can prevent COVID-19. A study published in March by French researchers suggested that COVID-19 patients could be treated with antimalarial medication and antibiotics in the battle against the novel coronavirus. New York State recently started coronavirus drug trials in an attempt to control the pandemic’s impact on the state, according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who announced the state had acquired 70,000 doses of hydroxychloroquine, 10,000 doses of zithromax and 750,000 doses of chloroquine. Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are antimalarial drugs. No drug should be taken without a doctor’s prescription. As of Tuesday morning, more than 2 million coronavirus cases have been diagnosed worldwide, including more than 609,000 in the U.S., the most impacted country on the planet. (Foxnews)
Harvard researchers say social distancing may be needed into 2022 HOPEFULLY you’re comfortable wherever you’re sheltering in place, because a new study out of Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health says periods of social distancing may be necessary into 2022 to curb the spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Sociologists have suggested that some social distancing methods, like avoiding hugs and handshakes, could persist beyond the end of the pandemic, but the paper published Tuesday in the journal Science notes that even after the spread of the virus appears to wane, “a resurgence in contagion could be possible as late as 2024.” “The total incidence of COVID-19 illness over the next five years will depend critically upon whether or not it enters into regular circulation after the initial pandemic wave, which in turn depends primarily upon the duration of immunity that SARS-CoV-2 infection imparts,” the researchers, led by Harvard research fellow Stephen Kissler, write in summary. The peer-reviewed study focused in large part on the question of how long immunity from exposure to the new coronavirus or cross-
immunity from other coronaviruses might protect against infection. (It should be noted that this is not the same as the immunity that could come from a vaccine, which is still in development.) It ran computermodeled scenarios using data from what we know so far about SARSCoV-2, combined with data on two related coronaviruses thought to be the second most frequent cause of the common cold (behind rhinoviruses). If immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is similar to that of the milder coronaviruses included in the study, it may last for less than a year, leading to annual outbreaks akin to what we see with cold and flu season. In another scenario, immunity may last closer to two years, raising the possibility of biennial outbreaks with smaller flareups in the intervening years. Harvard’s computer models showed SARS-CoV-2 could produce a substantial outbreak at any time of year, with an outbreak that starts in the autumn or early winter being more serious than one that establishes itself in the late winter or spring. Similar pandemics have waned when temperatures rise in the summer, only to see infection rates increase again in the autumn, a pattern seen
Certain cultural norms will most likely change.
with the 1918 flu pandemic. The models also showed that places with more defined seasons like New York could see steeper summertime reductions in infection than warmer climes like Florida, but this is followed by a steeper peak in infections when winter returns. In essence, colder places could see more drastic seasonal pendulum swings in infection. In one scenario, immunity to the new coronavirus lasting about two years combined with cross-immunity from less serious coronaviruses could nearly eliminate SARS-CoV-2 before a resurgence in 2024. So far the US and most other nations have responded to the
pandemic with an initial round of lockdowns and social distancing that are just beginning to ease in China and parts of Europe, but the researchers warn that one round of isolation may not be enough. “One-time social distancing efforts may push the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic peak into the (northern) autumn,” they write. “Intermittent distancing may be required into 2022 unless critical care capacity is increased substantially or a treatment or vaccine becomes available.” The researchers acknowledge that their analysis comes with a number of limitations. The computer models used don’t take into account a number of factors, like the impact
of reopening schools, differences in geography and how the virus affects various age groups, not to mention our incomplete and evolving understanding of the virus itself. “The authors are aware that prolonged distancing, even if intermittent, is likely to have profoundly negative economic, social and educational consequences,” they write. “We do not take a position on the advisability of these scenarios given the economic burden that sustained distancing may impose, but we note the potentially catastrophic burden on the health care system that is predicted if distancing is poorly effective and/or not sustained for long enough.” (CNET)
April 18-24, 2020
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology UK Biobank: DNA to unlock coronavirus secrets A VAST store of DNA is being used to study why the severity of symptoms for coronavirus varies so much. UK Biobank - which contains samples from 500,000 volunteers, as well as detailed information about their health - is now adding Covid-19 data. It is hoped genetic differences could explain why some people with no underlying health conditions can develop severe illness. More than 15,000 scientists from around the world have access to UK Biobank. Prof Rory Collins, principal investigator of the project, said it would be “a goldmine for researchers”. “We could go very quickly into getting some very, very important discoveries,” he said. HOW DO COVID-19 SYMPTOMS DIFFER? Some people with coronavirus have no symptoms - and scientists are trying to establish what proportion this is. Others have a mild to moderate disease. But about one in five people has a much more severe illness and an estimated 0.5-1% die.
HOW CAN UK BIOBANK HELP? UK Biobank has blood, urine and saliva samples from 500,000 volunteers whose health has been tracked over the past decade And it has already helped to answer questions about how diseases such as cancer, stroke and dementia develop. Now, information about positive coronavirus tests, as well as hospital and GP data, will be added. Prof Collins said: “We’re looking at the data in UK Biobank to understand the differences between those individuals. “What are the differences in their genetics? Are there differences in the genes related to their immune response? Are there differences in their underlying health? “So it is a uniquely rich set of data - and I think we will transform our understanding of the disease.” FOR WHAT WILL SCIENTISTS BE LOOKING? Researchers will be scouring the entire genome, searching for tiny variations in DNA. One area of particular interest is
the ACE2 gene, which helps make a receptor that allows the virus to enter and infect cells in airways. WHAT ABOUT HEALTHY PEOPLE WHO BECOME VERY ILL? In addition to the UK Biobank study, a team led by Prof Jean-Laurent Casanova, from the Rockefeller University, in New York, is planning to study people under 50 with no underlying medical conditions who are taken into intensive care units. He told BBC News: “We are recruiting these patients worldwide, almost in every country. “We have sequencing hubs distributed all over the world. “They collect samples, they sequence the genomes of these patients,and then together we analyse them.” Past research has shown some diseases, including flu and herpes, can make people with genetic variations - or inborn errors of immunity, as Prof Casanova calls them - especially ill. “There are surprising inborn errors of immunity that render human beings specifically vulnerable to one microbe,” he said.
Small genetic differences could explain why some people become very ill.
“And this inborn error of immunity can be silent, latent, for decades, until infection by that particular microbe. “What our programme does is to essentially test whether this idea also applies to Covid.” WHO ELSE IS LOOKING AT CORONAVIRUS GENETICS? Prof Andrea Ganna, from the University of Helsinki, in Finland, is leading a major effort to pull together genetic information on coronavirus patients from around the world. “There are long-standing studies, involving hundreds of thousands of people, and other smaller ones collecting data on patients who test positive,” he said. “It’s such a huge diversity and there are a lot of countries involved
and we will try to centralise it.” In Iceland, for example, Decode Genetics has sequenced the genomes of about half the population. It is now carrying out mass testing for coronavirus. And every time someone tests positive, it then sequences the DNA of the virus to see how it changes as it spreads. Chief executive Dr Kari Stefansson said: “There is the possibility that the diversity in people’s response to the virus is rooted in the sequence diversity of the virus itself - that we may have many strains of the virus in our community and some of them are more aggressive than others. “The other possibility is that this may be rooted in genetic diversity in a patient. Or it may be a combination of both.” (BBC)
Zoo may have to feed some animals to other animals FACED with disrupted supply chains and steep revenue declines due to the coronavirus pandemic, one zoo is considering a drastic measure: turning some of its residents into food. The longer that the coronavirus lockdowns continue and the the more dire financial situations become, the more realistic it is that Neumünster Zoo in northern Germany will have to consider its absolute, last resort plan: slaughtering some of its zoo animals to feed others. The Neumünster Zoo, home to more than 700 animals and more than 100 species, has drafted an emergency plan listing which animals would be euthanized to cut costs, and in what order, zoo director Verena Kaspari told German news agency Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA). Though it’s unclear which animals would be slaughtered first, a polar bear named Vitus -- which stands nearly 12 feet tall -- would be the last animal to go. “If -- and this is really the worst, worst case of all -- if I no longer have any money to buy feed, or if it should
Flashback: A baby female sea lion “Jogi” lies next to its mother “Eike” in the zoo in Neumünster, Germany, on July 11, 2014.
happen that my feed supplier is no longer able to supply due to new restrictions, then I would slaughter animals to feed other animals,” Kaspari told the news agency. Kaspari said she would rather euthanize the zoo’s animals than have them starve.
GERMAN ZOOS IN CRISIS Now that the Neumünster Zoo is no longer generating revenue from visitors due to the national shutdown enacted on March 15, the zoo is currently operating solely through donations, Kaspari told DPA.
The German government has started rolling out an economic rescue package worth up to €750 billion ($825 billion) -- among the largest relief packages launched anywhere in the world. The package includes measures to spur lending to businesses, take
stakes in companies and support furloughed workers, though it’s unclear whether zoos are receiving funds. “We’re an association and don’t get any city money, and all the state money we’ve applied for so far hasn’t arrived yet,” Kaspari told DPA. The Association of Zoological Gardens (VdZ), a Berlin-based zoo association with members in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Spain, has asked Chancellor Angela Merkel for €100 million in emergency aid. VdZ represents 56 zoos in Germany, including Neumünster Zoo. The association said in a letter to the country’s government that many of the animals in its member zoos are endangered species and a part of international conservation breeding programs. “A possible loss of this valuable animal population would be a bitter setback for our struggle to conserve biodiversity and would therefore amount to a catastrophe,” VdZ President Jörg Junhold said in a statement.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 18-24, 2020
Science & Technology
Deadly olive tree disease across Europe ‘could cost billions’ RESEARCHERS say the economic costs of a deadly pathogen affecting olive trees in Europe could run to over €20 billion. They’ve modelled the future worst impacts of the Xylella fastidiosa pathogen which has killed swathes of trees in Italy. Spread by insects, the bacterium now poses a potential threat to olive plantations in Spain and Greece. The disease could increase the costs of olive oil for consumers. Researchers say the economic costs of a deadly pathogen affecting olive trees in Europe could run to over €20 billion. They’ve modelled the future worst impacts of the Xylella fastidiosa pathogen which has killed swathes of trees in Italy. Spread by insects, the bacterium now poses a potential threat to olive plantations in Spain and Greece. The disease could increase the costs of olive oil for consumers. Xylella is considered to be one of the most dangerous pathogens for plants anywhere in the world. At present there is no cure for the infection. It can infect cherry, almond and plum trees as well as olives. It has become closely associated with olives after a strain was discovered in trees in Puglia in Italy in 2013. The organism is transmitted by sap-sucking insects such as spittlebugs. The infection limits the tree’s ability to move water and nutrients and over time it withers and dies. In Italy, the consequences of the spread of the disease have been
The impact of infection with Xylella - the trees on the right have not yet been exposed to the bacterium.
devastating, with an estimated 60% decline in crop yields since the first discovery in 2013. “The damage to the olives also causes a depreciation of the value of the land, and to the touristic attractiveness of this region,” said Dr Maria Saponari, from the CNR Institute for Sustainable Plant
Protection in Italy. “It’s had a severe impact on the local economy and jobs connected with agriculture.” As well as in Italy, the Xylella bacterium has now been found in Spain, France and Portugal. Tackling it at present involves removing infected trees and trying
to clamp down on the movement of plant material and the insects that spread the disease. But if these measures fail, what will be the financial impact of the infection? In this new study, researchers modelled different scenarios including what would happen if all
growing ceased due to tree death. They also compared this worst case with a scenario where replanting with resistant varieties occurred. The team made projections for Italy, Spain and Greece, which between them account for 95% of CONTINUED
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Measles resurgence fear amid coronavirus MEASLES outbreaks may occur as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, officials say, because some vaccination programmes are having to be delayed. Unicef says 117 million children in 37 countries may not get immunised on time. There have been several large outbreaks in countries across Europe where MMR vaccine uptake has been low. The UK has already lost its measlesfree status, because of rising cases of the potentially deadly infection. The disease, which causes coughing, rashes and fever, can be prevented by two doses of the mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine, available free to all young children in the UK. Here, 95% of five-year-olds have had the first jab - the World Health Organization (WHO) target - but
Unicef says 117 million children in 37 countries may not get immunised on time.
only 87.4% have had the second. And as measles is highly infectious, even small declines in uptake can have an impact.
The WHO says countries with no active outbreak of measles can temporarily pause their immunisation campaigns if necessary.
And 24 countries, including several already dealing with large measles outbreaks, have decided to delay because of the coronavirus pandemic: • Bangladesh • Brazil • Bolivia • Cambodia • Chad • Chile • Colombia • Djibouti • the Dominican Republic • the Democratic Republic of Congo • Ethiopia • Honduras • Kazakhstan • Kyrgyzstan • Lebanon • Maldives • Mexico • Nepal • Nigeria • Paraguay • Somalia • South Sudan • Ukraine • Uzbekistan But Unicef says even more may face disruptions. “If the difficult choice to pause vaccination is made due to the spread of coronavirus, we urge leaders to intensify efforts to track unvaccinated children so that the most vulnerable populations can be provided with measles vaccines as soon as it becomes possible to do so,” it said
Spokeswoman Joanna Rea added: “Disruptions to routine vaccine services will increase the risk of children contracting deadly diseases, compound the current pressures on the national health services and risks a second pandemic of infectious diseases.” The UK continues to offer children MMR as part of its routine immunisation schedule. Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisations at Public Health England, said: “The national immunisation programme is highly successful in preventing serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases, such as pneumonia, meningitis, whooping cough, diphtheria and measles. “During this time, it is important to maintain the best possible vaccine uptake to prevent a resurgence of these infections.” (BBC)
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
Science & Technology
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C-section babies may be at higher risk of obesity and diabetes as adults, study suggests BEING born by cesarean section may have long-term health consequences, increasing your risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes as an adult, a study of more than 30,000 US women suggests. The research, published Monday in the journal JAMA Network Open, found that those women born by cesarean delivery were 11% more likely to be obese as adults and had a 46% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than women born by vaginal delivery. “Women should not be concerned about delivering by c-section when
needed. However, this does add to the evidence that there could be harmful effects of choosing c-section as a routine,” said Andrew Shennan, professor of obstetrics at Kings College London, who was not involved in the research. While other studies have linked cesarean delivery and an increased risk of childhood obesity, this was the first research to track health outcomes much later in life, with the participants born between 1946 and 1964. It’s also the first time a study has linked type 2 diabetes with cesarean delivery, the authors said.
Globally, about one in five babies are born by cesarean section.
More than 1.2 million cesarean deliveries are performed yearly in the United States, the study said, making it the most common inpatient surgical procedure and accounting for nearly one-third of births. Globally, about one in five babies are born by cesarean section. Sometimes C-sections are
Deadly olive tree disease across ... European olive oil production. In Spain, if the infection expanded and the majority of trees became infected and died, the costs could run to €17 billion over the next 50 years. A similar scenario in Italy would amount to over five billion, while in Greece, the losses would be under two billion. If the rate of infection is slowed down, or resistant varieties are planted instead, then these costs would be significantly reduced. However, the authors believe, whatever happens, there will likely be a knock-on impact on consumers. “The expected effect could be that there would be a shortage of supply,” said lead author Kevin Schneider from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. “And I would expect that if prices go up, consumers will be worse off.” The authors say that while their analysis looks at economics, there
are also potentially large touristic and cultural losses caused by the bacterium that can’t be ignored. “You really hear devastating stories of infected orchards that were inherited over generations,” said Dr Schneider. “It’s the same orchard that their grandparents were once working on. So how do you put an economic number on the loss of something like this. The cultural heritage value would be far larger than we could compute.” There are a growing number of scientific initiatives to try and take the fight to the bacterium, including using insect repelling clays, vegetative barriers and genetic analysis to determine why some plants are more susceptible to the infection than others. Ultimately, the researchers believe that beating the pathogen will require trees that are resistant to the disease. “Seeking resistant cultivars or immune species is one of the most
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promising, and environmentally sustainable, long-term control strategies to which the European scientific community is devoting relevant research efforts,” said Dr Saponari, “Sustainable strategies to reduce the population of the insects is the other pillar for the control of the vectorborne disease, in this regard, mechanical intervention to remove weeds in spring is one of the most efficacious applications to reduce the populations of the insect, indeed several other strategies are also being studied to implement the control of the insects,” she added. While two varieties of olive tree have been found to have some resistance, the authors are calling for research in this area to be significantly boosted. The study has been published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). (BBC)
medically necessary, meaning either the life of the mother or her baby would be endangered by a vaginal birth. But several studies have found surgical births are being performed for low-risk pregnancies, too. MICROBIOME Study author Jorge Chavarro, an associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, said the biological underpinnings of how delivery by cesarean may impact a child’s health were still very poorly understood. However, the study said there was “growing evidence” that pointed toward differences in the baby’s gut bacteria or microbiome. Babies born via c-section have a less diverse gut microbiota than those born vaginally--those babies get microbes from their mother during birth. C-section babies get more microbes from the environment and have fewer microbes shown to be protective against obesity, the study said. However, the study noted that research has only shown that these differences in gut bacteria are known to persist in children up to seven years of age. “We know these differences are observable in infants and very young children but whether these differences persist throughout life or are able to reprogram how individuals metabolize food is unknown,” Chavarro said. The study used information from the US-based Nurses Health Study II, which enrolled 116,671 female nurses ages 24 to 44 years in 1989. In 2001, 39,904 mothers of the participants in the study completed
a questionnaire regarding their pregnancy and their now growndaughters’ infancy. “I don’t think there is a strong reason to believe this relation would be different in men. However, there were no men in our study so we reported exactly what we found,” said Chavarro. “We do have a parallel cohort of men, but unfortunately we do not have information on mode of delivery in that study,” he added. The researchers said the link was independent of other factors such as the age or body mass index (BMI)of the participants’ mothers or whether they were breastfed, “suggesting that these associations are consistent with a true biological association of birth by cesarean delivery,” the study said. The authors said their study had the largest sample size and longest period of followup of all studies examining the link between cesarean delivery with type 2 diabetes to date, Still, they said the findings should be “interpreted with caution” given that it is the first time that an association has been reported. They said more research was needed. “The biggest limitation of our data, by far, is the fact that we did not have access to labor and delivery records of our study participants and therefore we do not know what the exact indication for cesarean was, nor the timing of cesarean delivery in relation to onset of labor which could have clarified some important questions,” Chavarro said. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in adults and occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not use insulin properly. (CNN)
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April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
PGA Tour plans to resume in June with tournaments behind closed doors THE PGA Tour has announced plans to resume in June with the first four tournaments played behind closed doors. The Tour has been suspended since 12 March because of the global coronavirus pandemic that has halted all golf. The Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas is scheduled to be the first tournament back on 11-14 June. “Our hope is to play a role – responsibly – in the world’s return to enjoying the things we love,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan. The golfing calendar has been severely disrupted because of the Covid-19 outbreak, with The Open Championship cancelled and the three other men’s majors rescheduled. The RBC Heritage is due to be the second tournament back from 1821 June - the original dates for the US Open, which has been moved to September. The Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands is next from
25-28 June, followed by the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit GC from 2-5 July. The Memorial Tournament, originally scheduled for 4-7 June, will now take place from 16-19 July, which is when the 149th Open Championship was due to be held at Royal St George’s in Kent. The PGA Tour statement added: “At this time, the Tour plans to resume play with the first four events closed to the general public but will continue to monitor the situation and follow the recommendations of local and state authorities in order to determine the most appropriate onsite access in each market. “As such, the Tour will continually review available Covid19-related protocols that could be implemented at PGA Tour events to ensure the health and well-being for all involved.” In what could be a confusing summer and autumn, the PGA Tour will end its 2019-20 season and start the next one, with two of this year’s
The PGA Tour was suspended after day one of the Players Championship on 12 March because of the coronavirus pandemic.
men’s majors still to be played. The reorganised calendar will see the WGC-FedEx St Jude Invitational take place at the end of July, a week before the first men’s major of the year, the PGA Championship (6-9 August). The final two weeks in August will see the start of the three events that make up the FedEx Cup Playoffs, with the season-ending Tour Championship taking place from 4-7 September. The 2020-21 season starts the following week, but the US Open slots in from 17-20 September with the biennial Ryder Cup between the US and Europe the following week as originally scheduled, and the delayed Masters slated for 12-15 November. Despite the announcement, Monahan insists the tournaments
will only go ahead if it is deemed safe to do so by the authorities. “Today’s announcement is another positive step for our fans and players as we look toward the future,” he said. “But as we’ve stressed on
several occasions, we will resume competition only when – working closely with our tournaments, partners and communities – it is considered safe to do so under the guidance of the leading public health authorities.” (BBC)
Los Angeles Rams center Brian Allen is on the road to recovery.
LA Rams center Allen is the first known active NFL player to test positive for COVID 19
The 27-year-old cannot participate in any competition until a hearing has taken place.
Daniel Wanjiru: Former London Marathon winner provisionally suspended KENYAN Daniel Wanjiru, winner of the 2017 London Marathon, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit. On Tuesday, the AIU website
confirmed that a charge has been issued for “use of a prohibited substance/method”. The 27-year-old cannot participate in any competition until a hearing
has taken place. Wanjiru also won the 2016 Amsterdam Marathon and has finished eighth and 11th in the past two years in London. (BBC)
BRIAN Allen, a center for the Los Angeles Rams, tested positive for the coronavirus, a team spokesman told CNN on Wednesday. The Rams posted on Twitter that Allen is “feeling good, he’s healthy and he’s on the road to recovery.” Allen, who is 24 years old, is the first active NFL player to publicly disclose his positive test for Covid-19. The news was first reported by Jay Glazer of FOX Sports, who spoke to Allen. Glazer said Allen told him that he tested positive for the virus three weeks ago and then again early last week. According to Glazer, Allen
said he lost his sense of smell and taste, and was even unable to smell ammonia smelling salts. He also had flu-like symptoms. Glazer says that Allen is now symptom-free. Last month, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton was the first NFL figure to publicly acknowledge a positive coronavirus test. He since has been cleared. Allen, who was selected by the Rams in the fourth round (111th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft, has played two seasons in the NFL. He’s started 22 regular season games in his career, including nine games in 2019. He played college football at Michigan State. (CNN)
April 18-24, 2020
Sports Interational
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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‘UK Athletics would take hefty blow if Anniversary Games not at London Stadium’ THE new head of UK Athletics (UKA) said the organisation’s finances would take “a hefty blow” if the coronavirus crisis meant it could not stage July’s Anniversary Games at London Stadium. Chief executive Joanna Coates told BBC Sport she is “not prepared to walk away” from talks aimed at resolving a dispute with West Ham United over the venue. The governing body reconfigures the stadium each summer to stage its flagship event. But West Ham may still be using the stadium in July if the suspended football season resumes. The Premier League club are principal tenants and enjoy primary use of a venue owned by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). “We still want to continue conversations to see whether or not it is possible that we can all have our events,” said Coates, just three weeks into her new role. “The Premier League haven’t said when their season may restart, so while there’s a hope… we don’t want to walk away. “It’s been reported a lot of the conversations are between ourselves and West Ham. They’re not actually, they’re between ourselves and... the LLDC because we contract with them. “So if government is saying that we can have mass gatherings, we still really want to hold that. It is very important for us, it’s important for athletes.
Joanna Coates took over as chief executive of UK Athletics in February after Chris Clark stood down as chairman.
“If we don’t have the Anniversary Games in July that is not good because that’s a big income generator for us. “We do understand that the Premier League are controlling fixtures so there’s a lot of parties at work here, and we understand that West Ham want to play their remaining fixtures. But we are still having conversations in the background that we want the Anniversary Games to go ahead.” Coates will start furloughing a quarter of her office staff this week as UKA looks to cut costs, but says there is no immediate threat of bankruptcy. “From a cash position, we’re in a very strong position at the moment,” she said. “So I don’t think that’s right for us to go to (funding agency) UK Sport and start asking for additional
funding.” Having made her name while in charge of England Netball, Coates has been tasked with leading UKA’s recovery after a sustained period of crisis and controversy. Last year Richard Bowker left his role as chair following a vote of no-confidence and Zara HydePeters, after being appointed chief executive, did not take up the role following safeguarding allegations about her husband. Great Britain won just five medals at the World Championships - the lowest since 2005. “I think this is a sport that is completely out of shape,” said Coates. “It’s fractured, but it’s fixable. “It’s about reuniting the sport, it’s about connecting the sport of all
levels. I think this is about showing strong leadership to bring all that together. “Anybody who thinks there isn’t a huge amount of change that’s needed here is just not well-informed at all.” Last month, UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) criticised UKA for not releasing the outcome of its 2015 review into how it handled its relationship with Mo Farah’s disgraced former coach Alberto Salazar, despite “repeated” requests. “We haven’t handed that over yet,” said Coates. “That’s not because we don’t want to hand it over, but there are elements of confidentiality in that report that means we cannot. “There is a process we have to follow to ensure we have the correct levels of confidentiality upheld. “And at the moment, we don’t have clarity that we can hand that document over. I really want to make it clear this isn’t that we don’t want to. “But we have been criticised so many times for not following the process. And it’s tripped us up, endlessly. I think that this time we are following process.” Coates said she was “pretty confident” the review would be handed to Ukad within the next 10 days. Last month UKA published an independent report which found the governing body took “reasonable” decisions on Salazar, but said its implementation “could have been better”.
Salazar was appointed as a consultant to UKA’s endurance programme in 2013 after he masterminded Farah’s 5,000m and 10,000m gold medals at the London 2012 Olympics. Salazar was banned from the sport for four years in October 2019 after being found guilty of doping violations following an investigation by the US Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) and a two-year court battle. There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Farah, who has never been accused of breaking antidoping rules. “We have been investigated, we’ve been reviewed, we’ve been audited like not many other sports have, and all I can do is take the recommendations, and looking forward, make sure there are processes in place where we do not make those mistakes again,” said Coates. “I hope we can drive this organisation forward now and move it into the future. But always remember that something like this happened. “We need to challenge the behaviour throughout the entire sport and create a very different culture. “I would never have taken this role if I thought this was a disaster and there was no way for this sport to go. “When I started at netball I knew that was an untapped gem that could be taken somewhere else. Athletics is not starting from a low base with the role models that we have.” (BBC)
Anthony Joshua wants Tyson Fury bout next and says fight ‘has to happen’ ANTHONY Joshua has urged Tyson Fury to “come and fight me” and says staging a unification bout between the pair as their next contest would be “amazing”. Joshua, 30, holds three of the four world heavyweight titles, with fellow Briton Fury in possession of the other. No fighter has ever held all four at heavyweight but both men have contracts in place to face other opponents next. “Logically, to prove yourself as number one, I have to fight Tyson Fury. He has to fight Anthony Joshua,” said Joshua. “If you really want to say you’re number one, come fight me. Let’s get it on. I’ve got the rest of the belts so it only makes sense,” Joshua told Sky Sports. “I’m the unified heavyweight champion of the world, he’s the WBC champion. What will it prove, me
Anthony Joshua holds three of the four major world heavyweight titles, while Tyson Fury has the other.
and him fighting? There will be one dominant figure in the heavyweight division that will have all of the belts and become undisputed.” Joshua is due to defend his IBF,
WBA and WBO world titles against Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev next but their proposed 20 June contest was postponed. Fury - who won the WBC title
from Deontay Wilder in February was set to face the American again in July but as a result of the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic, organisers are now pointing to
October as the earliest time the fight can take place. Earlier this week Wilder revealed he has undergone surgery on an injury to his left bicep. The 34-year-old said he was like “a zombie” in the ring during his stoppage defeat in February and added he does not yet recognise Fury as champion given they are set to meet in a third bout. Any fight between Joshua and Fury would be the biggest contest ever between two Britons at any weight. Changes to their schedules in light of the coronavirus outbreak have led to speculation Joshua could now side step Pulev and that Fury might do the same with Wilder. Fury’s US promoter Bob Arum has, however, underlined the fact both Pulev and Widler have contracts in place, so such moves could only be made with all parties in agreement.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 18-24, 2020
Top high school player Jalen Green enters NBA/G League pathway California high school star Jalen Green, the No. 1 prospect in the 2020 ESPN 100, is making the leap to a reshaped NBA professional pathway programme -- a G League initiative that will pay elite prospects $500,000-plus and provide a oneyear development program outside of the minor league’s traditional team structure, sources told ESPN. Green -- a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft -- announced Thursday that he is bypassing college to become the professional pathway’s first participant, a decision that likely clears the way for more commitments from elite prospects. His decision to join the NBA and G League’s development program for the 2020-21 season has broad implications for the future of the NCAA and NBA landscapes. NBA commissioner Adam Silver and G League president Shareef AbdurRahim have worked to eliminate two massive hurdles to convincing players uninterested in college basketball to pass on the lucrative National Basketball League of Australia by providing a massive salary increase and a structure that doesn’t include playing full time in the G League. Once top 2020 draft prospects LaMelo Ball and RJ Hampton chose to play professionally in Australia this year, Silver became more determined in pushing Abdur-Rahim to explore a financial and basketball structure that enticed top American prospects. Green represents a massive breakthrough for the NBA’s long-standing goal of gaining access to top prospects who want an alternative to the NCAA. “That’s a real program that the NBL has,” Abdur-Rahim told ESPN. “It’s appealing. We have kids leaving the United States --
The combo guard is the potential number one prospect for the 2021 NBA draft.
Texas and California and Georgia -- to go around the world to play, and our NBA community has to travel there to scout them. That’s counterintuitive. The NBA is the best development system in the world, and those players shouldn’t have to go somewhere else to develop for a year. They should be in our development system.” The NBA’s talks remain stalled with the National Basketball Players Association on an agreement to end the one-and-done draft model, leaving this revamped pro pathway program as a bridge to what is believed will be the eventual elimination of the rule requiring American players to wait a year after high school graduation before entering the draft. Green is committing to become part of a yearlong developmental program with G League oversight
that will include professional coaching, top prospects and veteran players who will combine training and exhibition competitions against the likes of G League teams, foreign national teams and NBA academies throughout the world, sources said. The season could include 10 to 12 games against G League teams that wouldn’t count in standings, sources said. The primary objective will be assimilation and growth into the NBA on several levels -- from playing to the teaching of life skills. The salary bonus structure in Green’s contract, for example, is expected to include financial incentives for games played, completing community events and attending life skills programs coordinated by the G League’s oversight of the program, sources said. The NBA’s plan is to stock
this team with veteran pro players who would be willing to balance mentorship of Green and other prospects with the personal opportunities that might emerge because of the intense NBA scouting exposure that will come with these teams. Former NBA Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell is expected to be considered as one of the candidates to lead the team, sources said. Abdur-Rahim and G League executive Rod Strickland have spent over a year communicating with families of top prospects about changes that would be needed in the NBA’s original plan to deliver a viable alternative to college basketball and other global professional leagues. Abdur-Rahim reported back to Silver on the factors that he believed needed altering for the program to become viable. First, the $125,000 salary lagged significantly behind mid-six-figure offers in Australia. Also, those advising players had a trepidation about top high schoolers losing draft value by getting overmatched on G League rosters against older, more mature players, as well as the mentally and physically taxing minor league lifestyle. The idea of getting dropped into remote G League cities as a teenager concerned families too. “When you look around the world at the market that’s been created, where we started at $125,000 wasn’t enough -- certainly not in itself,” Abdur-Rahim told ESPN. “There was also uncertainty about where I would be playing [in the G League]. There was uncertainty about whether an affiliated team would be incentivized to develop me. All of that made the program in its original form tougher. You can’t isolate any of that. For a top kid with options, that was a tough sell.”
Another prospect in discussion to join the G League professional pathway is McDonald’s All American Isaiah Todd, the No. 13 player in the 2020 ESPN 100. He decommitted from Michigan this week. Other uncommitted prospects, including Makur Maker, Karim Mane and Kai Sotto, could be candidates to join Green in the program, sources said. With the NBA season shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic and the league losing significant money by the day, the timing of the financial investment in the program is an even more dramatic decision. With the uncertainty surrounding college sports environments for the coming year in a pandemic, the professional pathway program could represent a controlled environment that more ensures development and care for the NBA’s most prized resource: its young talent. Without the restrictions of NCAA amateurism rules, players are free to hire agents, profit from likenesses and pursue marketing deals from sneaker companies worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Hampton signed a shoe deal with Chinese sneaker company Li-Ning as part of an endorsement deal he signed after committing to the Australian NBL. Green is expected to be in line for a seven-figure shoe deal this year, sources said. He could have been the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft if he was eligible, and he already has a significant social media footprint and following. A native of Fresno, California, Green won gold medals with USA Basketball at the FIBA U17 and U19 World Championship in 2018 and 2019. Auburn, Memphis, Oregon, Florida State, USC and Fresno State were some of the college programs vying for Green’s commitment. (ESPN)
Premier League clubs to discuss a possible 30 June deadline to the season PREMIER League clubs will discuss the option of putting a 30 June deadline on the 2019-20 season at a meeting on Friday. Not all clubs have been involved in informal discussions at this stage but, with a hoped-for May resumption to the season unlikely, club owners are looking at how to avoid potentially difficult contractual situations. Numerous players’ present deals expire on 30 June, notably Chelsea midfielder Willian and Tottenham
defender Jan Vertonghen. In addition, Liverpool are due to change shirt manufacturers from New Balance to Nike, while Watford and Newcastle are also changing kit suppliers. World governing body Fifa is aware of the problem and is looking at alternatives, like rolling contract extensions, with the season currently suspended indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, legally, players cannot
be forced to sign them, raising the possibility of clubs losing key parts of their squad before the campaign has been concluded. It has led to an increasing body of opinion that, no matter what the state of the Premier League at that point, 30 June should be the final day. Such a move would also bring more clarity to the 2020-21 season, which BBC Sport has been told by numerous sources is more important than the current one.
Premier League clubs will meet to discuss what should happen to the remainder of this campaign at a meeting on Friday.
April 18-24, 2020
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Indian Premier League: 2020 tournament suspended until further notice THE 2020 Indian Premier League has been suspended “until further notice”, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced. The Twenty20 competition, originally due to start on 29 March, was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. On Tuesday, India’s lockdown was extended until 3 May. “The health and safety of the nation and everyone involved in our great sport remains our top priority,” the BCCI said. Under the lockdown rules in India, only essential businesses, such as groceries and pharmacies, are allowed to remain open. In a statement on Thursday, the BCCI said all parties involved had agreed that the tournament “will only commence when it is safe and appropriate to do so”. No date has been suggested for when it could be held. Eleven England players were due to take part in this year’s IPL, including World Cup winners Ben Stokes, Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler. Stokes’ contract with Rajasthan Royals was worth about £1.4m, while Morgan, Buttler and Sam Curran were handed contracts worth approximately £500,000. The other players who will miss
Mumbai Indians won the 2019 IPL title with victory over Chennai Super Kings.
out are Chris Jordan, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Jason Roy, Tom Banton, Tom Curran and Harry Gurney. Jofra Archer pulled out of his contract with Rajasthan because of
injury, while Chris Woakes cancelled his deal with Delhi Capitals to focus on England’s international summer. All 12 editions of the IPL - a lucrative annual event which began
in 2008 - have taken place at some point between the beginning of March and the start of June. The 2009 tournament was moved to South Africa because of security
concerns, while the 2014 competition was partly held in the United Arab Emirates when the dates of the event again clashed with general elections in India. (BBC)
World Rugby launches £80m relief fund amid coronavirus pandemic WORLD Rugby has created a $100m (£80m) relief fund to help relieve the financial pressure on the global game from the coronavirus pandemic. Scottish Rugby announced a series of pay cuts, in addition to furloughing about 75% of its staff, earlier this week. The Rugby Football Union has said it expects to miss out on £50m of revenue, while Rugby Australia is another union to take drastic costcutting measures. “We are taking unprecedented action as a sport united to support global rugby, its unions, competitions and players,” said World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont. The global governing body is also exploring options for rearranging the international rugby calendar in the short term in preparation for sport restarting.
World Rugby’s contingencies include the possibilities that crosshemisphere travel may not be permitted, which would impact on the northern hemisphere’s autumn series, and that no international rugby at all may be feasible until 2021. “We are rapidly moving towards a viable calendar solution and, while compromises are being made, the outcome will be in the best interests of the whole game,” added Beaumont. For the Six Nations unions and Australia, Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand in the southern hemisphere, World Rugby said a financial package would “potentially involve a combination of advances and loans”. “World Rugby is also committed to supporting emerging nations and regional associations where
required,” it added in a statement. An RFU spokesperson said: “We welcome all support from UK government and international federations to help sustain the game across England and the rest of the world.” A Scottish Rugby spokesperson said: “We are aware of the relief fund and will consider access to it as one of the options being investigated as part of our ongoing financial planning, as we navigate through the current Covid-19 crisis.” Beaumont is being challenged by World Rugby vice-chairman Agustin Pichot as he runs for re-election to his post next month. Pichot is calling for a “global realignment” in the game’s governing structure, “moving on from the time where those benefits were for just a few”. (BBC)
World Rugby is making contingencies in case cross-hemisphere travel is not possible for international teams until 2021.
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Sports National
April 18-24, 2020
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
TCI overseas based athletes battle lockdown AS TCI athletes at home continue to deal with the lockdown due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, so too do many of our athletes who are based overseas. Many have been restricted from regular training, while all, barring Marco Fenelus who has started his football season in Taiwan behind closed doors, are without competitions. In this edition, we take a look at a few US based sports personalities. LUIS TURBYFIELD Talented national rugby player, Luis Turbyfield, who is the only TCI athlete to have played for the national men’s football team in Curacao and the men’s national rugby team at home over the same weekend, is currently captain of his university rugby team. The graduate student, who is getting his Master’s degree in Business at Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland is not allowing the lockdown to stop his training. “It’s pretty hard to stay motivated as an individual when you are used to practising with teammates, but as a serious athlete you have to adapt to the changing situations, much as you would during a game. “I have taken up cycling for my cardio, yoga for mindset and the TCI rugby club have a great guy in Alyx Williams, the new rugby development officer, whom I follow on our club group chat for workout routines. “I sure miss the games though, we were only two weeks into our collegiate rugby sevens season, I had also been drafted to play for the Old Glory Select Side, a team that feeds up to the Washington DC professional MLR team Old Glory when all games were cancelled. “I’m missing my home and family very much and look forward to being with them all again as soon as possible so I urge all the people of the Turks and Caicos to listen to the government, stay home wherever possible and stay safe.” ASHLEY BROOKS Former college basketball player and now semi-pro American football player Ashley Brooks, who graduated last May, is dealing with a suspended season. “I’m currently working at Fidelity Investments. However, I am still playing semi-pro football for the Dallas Vikings. Everything is pretty much shutdown, only necessary places are open, restaurants are doing strictly take out. The season is suspended indefinitely until everyone gets the all clear. As far as studies, I do plan to go back to school and through this programme I just found I may be able to continue playing football in the UK. So we’ll see how that goes.”
Ashley Brooks’s American football season is suspended indefinitely.
Luis Turbyfield has taken up cycling for cardio and yoga for his mindset.
Grace Mann is itching to get back into the water.
GRACE MANN National sailor Grace Mann, who is dealing with online schooling at Jacksonville University, is in Virginia. “In terms of what’s been
happening: all of our college sailing nationals and competitions for the spring were cancelled, all classes have been moved online and students were incentivized to move off campus but it wasn’t a
requirement if you couldn’t. “The lake I train at is an hour away; I am still working out and doing some cardio though. It’s been pretty tough mentally, a lot of stuff happened really fast and I miss a
lot of my friends from school, as far as events go I don’t really have anything planned until early August, just trying to keep myself and my family safe during this time is my priority.”
April 18-24, 2020
Sports National
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
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Fenelus starts new season with goal and assist for new team NATIONAL footballer Marco Fenelus had a dream start to his new season in the Taiwan Premier Football League after he scored a goal and made an assist for new team Tainan FC over the weekend. The opening 4-2 win against home team Minchuan FC was an excellent start according to the forward who joined the side this year. Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, that game, as all games in the first round, was played without fans. Fenelus, a senior member of the TCI national team, scored from a free kick in the first half and assist a goal from a corner header in the second period. Despite the team being new, Fenelus was able to adjust. “We play with a high intensity, high press and quick counter football. The team has many new players, good players, and this was our first game, and we hope to continue like this.” Fenelus, who was on lockdown for several weeks as Taiwan faced the Coronavirus Pandemic, said he was elated to play the sport he loves once again. It feels good to be honest. With everything that’s been going on around the world, to be able to keep playing is a blessing.” The 28-year-old, who is a superstar in the League, having led the Tatang Football Club to three consecutive titles (20172019), said that he is ready to make a mark for his new team. My main goal is to win the title with the new team, obviously it’s a new challenge and I’d be proud if I can do that.” Fenelus who has also dominated the scoring title in his time in Taiwan said he would also look to regain his most goal trophy this year. Despite the Coronavirus pandemic, the season would continue as per norm. As last year, eight teams will play 21 games each (will play each other three times) before a winner is decided. Fenelus will again lace his boots this Sunday when Tainan host last year’s runners up Taipower FC.
Marco Fenelus had a good start to his season opener.
The TCI forward (left, back row) with his new team Tainan FC.
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TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
April 18-24, 2020