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VOLUME:117 No.90, MARCH 31, 2020
THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: $1
HEALTH: WHY MIDDLE-AGED MEN ARE ALWAYS TIRED
HELPING HAND Turnquest extends benefits package to assist self-employed By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net THE government will expand its unemployment assistance programme to self-employed people outside of the tourism industry, Minister of Finance Peter Turnquest announced yesterday. Speaking in the House of Assembly, the deputy prime minister revealed a number of planned measures to bolster workers who are struggling due to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. He also painted a bleak picture of the future, adding
that because of the “seismic halt” of the country’s tourism sector, the country may end up in a more dire condition if the COVID-19 crisis continues in the mediumterm. Officials had earlier predicted an economic loss of $1 billion by mid-July because of the crisis. He did not say what officials now project the longer-term fall-out to be. The extension of aid to licenced self-employed outside of the tourism sector involves a Ministry of Finance initial budget of $5.9m. SEE PAGE THREE
...BUT BUSINESSES SAY WE’LL NEED A LOT MORE By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE government was yesterday urged to “marry health with economics” to maximise the “phenomenal gesture” of its $60m bid to safeguard up to 10,000 jobs through tax credits and deferrals. Robert Myers, the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s principal, told Tribune Business that the complete lockdown imposed upon many businesses meant they would enjoy little benefit from the initiative unveiled yesterday by Peter Turnquest, deputy prime minister. While acknowledging the government was showing
“a real willingness to help companies and employees stay alive” amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Myers argued that the combination of tax deferrals and credits “doesn’t make sense” unless businesses were allowed to operate at closer to 50-60 percent of their revenue-earning capacity. And he added that the deferral element, which could amount to a maximum of $300,000 for qualifying businesses, still represented a “significant liability” that companies ultimately will have to pay back to the government since it has only been postponed not forgiven. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
PASSING THE BATON PAUL Rolle was sworn in as the newest commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force yesterday, taking over from Anthony Ferguson. Full report - Page 7 Photo: Patrick Hanna/ BIS
SHOPPERS MUST PLAY FUSION NIB PROBLEMS BY CRISIS RULEBOOK ADD TO STAFF WORRIES By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net GROCERY store managers support new shopping restrictions outlined by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, but they fear the public will not adhere to the new rules unless they are strictly enforced. Super Value employees said shoppers were still frequenting grocery stores yesterday, a day after Dr Minnis said families should
designate one shopper per household to reduce crowding in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. On Sunday, Dr Minnis also revealed the government plans to introduce a food shopping schedule where shopping days and times will be designated based on the first letter of a person’s surname. He said details on these measures would be released soon. SEE PAGE TWO
By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net
WHEN Ben Brown went to the National Insurance Board to claim benefits recently, he was surprised and dismayed to learn that his employer, Fusion Superplex, allegedly had not paid the majority of his NIB contributions. It was a “punch in the gut” for the 27-year-old father who was hoping for
his case to be processed quickly so that he could receive financial assistance from NIB. Receiving the benefit was the only way he could possibly see his way through after the company placed him on unpaid leave due to economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Mr Brown said NIB told him assistance would be delayed as they SEE PAGE FIVE
‘NYGARD TRIED TO SHORT-CHANGE US’ By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
PETER Nygard’s “alarming response” to the crisis engulfing his fashion empire was to threaten to transfer its assets to a new company just one day after stepping down as chairman. His plan to save his business from “the self-admitted worst financial crisis in its 52-year history”, and potentially leave creditors out to dry, is
PETER NYGARD detailed in court documents filed by the Nygard Group’s stunned lenders who
successfully petitioned the Canadian courts to place it into receivership. Robert Dean, White Oak Commercial Finance’s executive vice-president, alleged in a March 23, 2020, affidavit that Mr Nygard’s fashion retail and distribution conglomerate had been teetering on the verge of “bankruptcy” since last year without lenders stepping in to provide funds. FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS
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PAGE 2, Tuesday, March 31, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
PINTARD: FOOD SUPPLIES ARE ADEQUATE IN SHORT-TERM By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net AGRICULTURE and Fisheries Minister Michael Pintard said The Bahamas must closely monitor its food supplies during the COVID-19 crisis as major agricultural producers around the world are considering reducing their exports or locking down. However, he stressed in the House of Assembly yesterday
this country’s short-term food supplies are adequate. “Governments are contemplating reducing their export of key agriculture products given domestic demands,” he said. “Vietnam, the third largest rice exporter, has restricted sales in light of concerns over domestic availability. Major producers are now on lockdown and cargo transfers are slowing. We must prepare for what may emerge.” To handle the crisis, Mr Pintard
said his ministry has produced an emergency food production plan to strengthen food and nutrition security. Calling The Bahamas’ food demand bill staggering, he said the 2017 Election Boundary Report is being used to determine the annual food needs of the population if imports become scarce. He said strengthening production systems for existing farmers by providing inputs like seeds
is one of the ways to accelerate food production. Making hydroponic systems and greenhouses available to a range of producers, including young farmers and backyard gardeners, is another way, he said. “Additionally, it is the intention of my ministry to assist farmers… by providing clearing of farmland beginning first in those islands devastated by Hurricane Dorian,” he said. “We have plans to assist 19 in Grand Bahama and 40 on
from page one However, the manager of Super Value at Nassau Street, who asked to be identified as S Cambridge, told The Tribune he did not believe shoppers were following Dr Minnis’ orders, because he still saw people coming in frequently to shop yesterday. “They’ll just have to enforce the law, that’s the only thing they can do,” he said. “Because right now it’s not in place as yet so people are still doing their normal (shopping) routine and trying to come to the stores five, six, seven times a day.” Mr Cambridge said he doubts the current trend will change until the law is “actually enforced,” because some Bahamians refuse to listen. “When I spoke to the (Bahamian COVID-19) hotline they said more stuff was scheduled to be put in place and when they go to the House of Assembly today, they would finalise everything. But now, because it’s not finalised as yet, Bahamians will do what they want to do etc. “So maybe when it is put in place things might change slightly, because some folks will follow the rules out of a fear of being arrested.” Still, Mr Cambridge insisted “other folks” will continue to violate the rules because they have no regard for the law or authorities. “Even now, me driving home in the nighttime, I see multiple cars on the road and the only people who are supposed to be on the road are foodstore workers and essential workers. So I do have my doubts, but I’m hoping the shopping schedule will help since people will have to bring their IDs.” Mr Cambridge said the main problem is the fact a number of shoppers are buying things in small amounts, prompting frequent trips when they run out. “We’ll have people come in the shop for one or two petty items, when they could just buy in bulk and stay home,” he said. “You also have people who get sent to the shop multiple times a day. For example, I had a gentleman who was already in here four times already for the day and I know he gets sent out by the
Abaco at a total cost of some four $479,600. The remaining funds allocated for this initiative will be shared with the other farmers throughout the Bahamas.” To address the possibility of reduced imports, Mr Pintard said his ministry has recommended purchasing 343 hydroponic systems for $343,000; 10,000 backyard gardening kits for $240,000 and a programme to intensify egg production, estimated at $376,217.
SHOPPERS seemed to be keeping their distance at Harbour Bay yesterday. Photos: Terrel W Carey Sr/Tribune Staff
Shoppers must play by crisis rulebook elderly and different families from around the neighbourhood.” Vivian Knowles, the foodstore’s dairy manager, also agreed shoppers aren’t following Dr Minnis’ orders, because he has noticed the same people are coming to the shop over and over again. “Like how yesterday was Sunday, the same set of people back in the foodstore the next day so it’s just repeat shoppers who keep coming back,” he said. “They’re just shopping for that one day and the next day they have to come back.” Mr Knowles said because of the amount of people frequenting the shop everyday, he protects himself by
wearing a mask and being “extra careful”. He added while the shopping schedule may help the situation, it may not be 100 percent effective because some people may not “check for it”. “We have some stubborn people,” he said. “Even though the government might implement it, some people ain’t going to follow through with it because they have developed a bad habit of coming in everyday and picking up what they need for that one day instead of just shopping for that whole week or that month.” Mr Knowles said despite Dr Minnis’ orders for people to stay at home, he has seen family units come
into the store to do their shopping together. “People come with their whole families sometimes. I guess they’re using it as an outing to get out of the house. Instead of just sending one person to the shop to do their shopping, everyone coming out because that’s a way to get out the house. They ain’t taking this thing serious and until we have a serious outbreak, they won’t.” However, The Tribune spoke to shoppers who said they were complying with the order because they understood the significance of it. Gabby Hannah, one customer waiting outside in a line, said she was the
designated shopper in her family. “I’m shopping for me and my three kids,” she said. “I don’t see nothing wrong with the new rules (since it’s for a limited time). . .I don’t feel like it’s too much and in a way it’s a good thing.” Other shoppers inside the foodstore also said they had no problem complying with the rules. Terry Alday, said he agreed with the precautionary measures enforced by the government “100-percent”. “I mean the coronavirus (pandemic) is upon us now and the one designated shopper thing is a great idea to safeguard and keep us safe. I don’t see anything wrong with it. I mean why
not have one person come out all the time and do all the shopping? I’ve been the designated shopper in my family straight through.” Another shopper, Dr Murthy Gali, added he believed the new shopping rules were “excellent and a sensible move.” “They need to understand (Dr) Minnis is the prime minister and he’s also a doctor so he understands the logistics of this problem and people need to really listen to him. Whatever he says is with a medical background and he is emphasising precautionary measures so we should all listen to the instructions coming from the government to be safe.”
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, March 31, 2020, PAGE 3
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
BETHEL URGES LANDLORDS TO BE LENIENT WITH RENT By EARYEL BOWLEG ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
ATTORNEY General Carl Bethel has urged landlords to be lenient with rent collection as “everybody has to take a hit” during the pandemic. While addressing the issue of rent relief in the Senate, Mr Bethel said there “obviously” needs to be some dialogue about the matter during this economic and health crisis. “.....Everybody has to bear and be prepared to bear their fair share of the burden of the fight against this disease and that means landlords should be prepared to take something of a hit and not put old people, mothers, and children out in the road,” Mr Bethel said. “Everybody has to take a hit. “Government is taking a hit. Private sector businesses are taking a hit. Unemployed workers are taking an enormous hit and though we’re trying to give some support, it may well not be enough to both survive and pay the rent.” from page one The Department of Inland Revenue, he said, has 7,000 business owners on record who fall into this category. Recognising that thousands more have been adversely impacted by the aggressive actions taken by the government to curb COVID-19 cases, they too will receive $200 per week for the length of the quarantine period which at present will last until April 8. Previously, the government had only announced help for the self-employed directly connected to the tourism sector. This assistance is in the form of payouts of $200 per week for eight weeks. Mr Turnquest said: “Today, I am pleased to advise that the government will expand this programme to other licensed selfemployed persons who are impacted by the COVID-19 emergency orders. “Given the aggressive actions taken by the government in the interest of public safety, these selfemployed persons, outside of the tourism trade, are also facing the complete loss of income and the challenge of meeting their financial obligations. “They too will receive a benefit payment of $200 per week for the length of the quarantine period which at present will go at least until April 8. “For clarity, I wish to emphasise again that this benefit for self-employed persons outside of the tourism trade will be paid for a period corresponding to the period of the ongoing emergency orders,” the finance minister also said. “NIB will administer this expansion. They will announce the related steps for these persons and applications for this element, which should begin by next Tuesday, April 7. “The Department of Inland Revenue has indicated that there are just over 7,000 self-employed persons across the Bahamas who meet these criteria. The Ministry of Finance is budgeting an initial $5.9m to cover these additional self-employed persons impacted by the current lockdown. “Like many other governments around the world, this administration is compelled to help its citizens through this very tough time. In this first instance, income support is vital to those whose primary sources of income
He did note, however, that persons being evicted within days of the country being placed into a state of emergency may not have been paying rent before the crisis. The Senate also touched on the issue of face masks and how they can possibly help prevent the spread of the disease. Progresive Liberal Party Senator Dr Michael Darville raised concern of some frontline workers not having personal protective equipment even though they come in contact with many people daily. “Local workers are coming into contact with foreign workers without the protective equipment and we need to make sure that is taken under control particularly with the extension of this lock down,” Dr Darville said. “...Small countries like Iceland are seeing excellent results in reduction of transmission of COVID-19 by the use of face masks and we’re
also recommending that the government should look at this to be able to assist those who can’t afford face masks to have access to these masks.” Mr Bethel, pictured, said that he was approached by a group of Bahamians who wanted to go into the business of mass producing face masks locally. “They’re virtually impossible to obtain overseas at this time although we have ample stocks for the medical professions,” Mr Bethel told the Senate. “So, we needed some exemption to have a fabric store to supply them which I would advise to the competent authority that he should grant urgently. . .So I think we will start to see, in short order, face masks produced here in the Bahamas for Bahamians.” In the meantime, the attorney general suggested “self-help” measures such as people making their own masks by using two layers of t-shirts.
Turnquest extends benefits package to help self-employed have been eviscerated by the economic fall-out of COVID-19.” Self-employed people seeking this benefit must ensure they meet certain requirements. These include a valid business licence issued by the Department of Inland Revenue and no additional employees. A sole proprietor with employees can apply for the government’s Small Business Continuity Loan programme. The self-employed person must also provide a copy of their National Insurance Board card or other government ID with their NIB number. They must not be in full time employment and thus eligible for other NIB employment benefits and they must be able to demonstrate active income from their related business in either January or February 2020. This could for example be in the form of a copy of a bank statement showing business related inflow for the month. This provision is to ensure that only persons with active businesses obtain consideration. They must also either be registered as self-employed with NIB or become registered at application for this benefit. Mr Turnquest further announced assistance for Family Island administrators. With airports closed, movement restricted, and income streams being disrupted, Mr Turnquest said many Family Island communities are feeling isolated and afraid. The Ministry of Finance is therefore allocating $1.8m to support the Family Islands specifically to be used for any COVID-19 related expenditure. The new allocation is in keeping with the government’s
Since 1892 Bahamians have been protecting the environment with the passage of the Sea Gardens Protection Act, which prohibited dredging or removal of coral, sea fans or other organisms from the seabed.
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commitment to reprioritise existing resources and to provide the necessary support to keep communities safe. “The allocations for the different islands range from $10,000 to $325,000. The average allocation is approximately $76,000,” he said. “Strict financial management protocols have been put in place to administer the use of these funds. Under no circumstances are the COVID-19 Emergency Order Budgetary Allocations allowed to be utilised for the normal, routine Family Island local and central government expenditures. “This allocation will enable them to procure any COVID-19 related items,
PETER Turnquest yesterday in line with the Ministry of Health’s guidance and protocols, to manage this pandemic at the community level. Unused amounts at the end of the COVID-19 emergency period are to be returned to the Treasury Department.” In terms of the projected harm to the economy, Mr Turnquest said: “Our original economic estimates for
the fall-out from COVID19 projected $1bn in losses in our worst-case scenario. “Unfortunately, because of the complete shutdown of the tourism industry, the financial impact on the economy may end up being much more dire than this scenario if the threat of COVID-19 persists over the medium-term. There is no doubt about it, there are going to be very challenging days ahead for all of us. “Based on the changing dynamics, we are working to revise our fiscal forecasts and to do so as quickly and as comprehensively as possible. This is an ongoing process. Our initial assessment was based on a four-month outlook to the end of the fiscal year. We are reviewing these
projections in light of new realities as well as the new tax credit and tax deferral programme. “We continue to work on longer term assessments, taking us into the new fiscal year and beyond. As is our practice, we will provide an update to the Bahamian people on what this new and evolving situation will mean for our fiscal outlook, with the full understanding that our priority remains first to ensure all necessary resources are made available to support the physical health and welfare of Bahamians and second, to do as much as we can to retain employment, and cushion the unprecedented economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
PAGE 4, Tuesday, March 31, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Senior Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net MORE than a dozen staff at the Elizabeth Estates Clinic have been told to self-quarantine as a precautionary measure after they were exposed to a person with COVID-19, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Delon Brennen said yesterday. Fourteen people at the clinic were asked to self-isolate even though protocols were in place and followed, he said. It is not clear which confirmed case went to the clinic and when. The news comes as the number of people in quarantine exploded to 278 on Monday, up from 120 on Sunday. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases remained at 14 up to press time. Health Minister Dr Duane Sands reiterated in the House of Assembly that officials believe the country is at the beginning of a surge in novel coronavirus cases. He spoke before the House of Assembly and the
14 clinic workers told to self-isolate
Senate debated and passed a resolution to extend Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ curfew and emergency orders to April 8. Dr Sands said officials are performing statistical analysis to model when the COVID-19 outbreak will peak and how many people are likely to be infected and die. He said the government began procuring personal protection equipment many weeks ago so the country now has an adequate supply of PPE, including “N95 masks, regular surgical masks, visors, hazmat suits, gloves, etc.”
He added: “We have just confirmed an order for another half-a-million N95 masks, we will get another half-a-million confirmed later on this week. We have in stock enough personal protection equipment for all of the people on the frontline.” He said beds have also been identified, as a sevenbed, negative pressure special modular facility outside Princess Margaret Hospital was expected to be completed yesterday to join resources at clinics, Doctors Hospital facilities and Family Island sites. Recommendations on
masks have been evolving throughout the COVID-19 crisis, with experts increasingly saying masks can be a beneficial protection in the fight against the virus. Dr Sands, however, said the small supply of masks in the country meant only people on the frontline should acquire them. “These masks protect people on the frontline and if we do not protect them they will not be around to protect you so we cannot recommend because these are in short supply all around the world that these should be used for the ordinary person,” he
said. “However, what is clear is that any protection, even if they do not provide a whole lot of protection, is not a bad idea. So even if you make a homemade covering for your nose and mouth, so the answer to the question is while we cannot support the average person anywhere in the world using an N95 mask, certainly we are not going to discourage the use of any type of protection.” Dr Sands sought to contextualise the highly contagious COVID-19, noting while more than 35,000 people have died because of the virus — which
emerged in December 2019 in Wuhan, China — worldwide 119,000 people have died of influenza this year, 411,000 have died of HIV and 612,000 have died of alcohol related issues. However officials have stressed the need to take precautions against COVID19 because it is a new virus and there is no vaccine or known treatment for the disease. The quick spread of the disease can place a strain on healthcare systems due to a deluge of patients and scarce equipment needed to treat those with severe respiratory issues which develop as a result.
HOT WEATHER UNLIKEY TO HALT SPREAD OF DISEASE By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
JASMINE Frazer and, right, Kendrick Rolle
Living with disabilities By FARRAH JOHNSON fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
BAHAMIANS living with disabilities said the COVID-19 crisis has created unique challenges for the community, which places them at a higher risk of contracting the contagious disease. Persons with disabilities told The Tribune the pandemic has given them anxiety since many of them are dependent on other people to assist them in their daily routines. Kendrick Rolle, president of the Bahamas Alliance for the Blind and Visually Impaired, said the government has not addressed the issues facing the disabled community directly while handling this crisis. “None of the press releases, or updates mention persons with disabilities specifically,” he said. “They did point out diabetics, persons with hypertension and people with compromised immune systems as high-risk, but they did not mention persons with disabilities on the whole.” Mr Rolle said this factor creates a serious challenge for “persons like himself” who cannot see. “Especially for blind persons, we are unable to gauge our social distancing,” he explained. “We basically use our hands to help us move around, so we are constantly touching various surfaces. “Also, they mentioned seniors
having (special) store hours, but what about persons with disabilities? Should we go and fight those long lines in the crowd for our shopping? “And for those who are blind like myself, I don’t usually use cash so I go and take my card to the ATM. So that means I would have to be accommodated by someone. All of these things we are overlooking.” Mr Rolle said that no provisions were made for caretakers who have to go and assist persons with disabilities during the national curfew. He thinks the government should issue “specialised identification cards” for persons with disabilities and their caretakers. “Let’s say someone is having a situation after 9 o’clock at night and they need to call on a family friend or caretaker to come out and help them. That’s going to be difficult, because there is a curfew in place and these things were not mentioned in the order. So all these things affect the community of persons who are blind or visually impaired.” Jasmine Frazer, a wheelchair user with heart problems, added that she cannot “afford to run the risk” of contracting the novel coronavirus. She told this newspaper she has some “anxieties” over the pandemic because her condition places her at an extremely high-risk.
“I’m a wheelchair user and so this already in itself presents some level of difficulty, because I have to be transported wherever I’m going,” she said. “The key thing is trying to stay indoors unless I have an emergency and trying to ensure that I stock up on my medication, because apart from being a wheelchair user, I have congestive heart failure.” Ms Frazer added that she faces these issues along with the “the same difficulties of everyday life” that others experience. “My son is 15 and he’s also asthmatic, so we both need to stay indoors as much as possible,” she said. “My worry for the most part — not only being a person with a disability — but when you have kids your concern is always the children first and making sure that they are okay and not miserable having to be indoors all the time.” Still, Ms Frazer said she is taking all of the necessary precautions to deter her and her child’s chances of contracting the potentially deadly disease. Ms Frazer wants the public to be more aware of the specific issues this pandemic creates for the disabled community. “The key thing for a person with a disability is they need to have medication, especially if it is somebody that is confined to a wheelchair.
“Like I said, I’m a wheelchair user but I’m not confined so I’m able to be transported where I need to go. But there are persons that actually cannot leave the house. How do we accommodate those persons in terms of getting whatever grocery items or medical care and assistance that they need? “I’m about to finish my education degree at the University of the Bahamas so that’s another complication that presents itself,” she said. “Not only am I dealing with my disability, but I also attend school so I have to go online and attend my classes and do my homework and then you have the anxiety of what ifs.” Still, Ms Frazer said her number one concern was officials being mindful of the deaf and hard of hearing community when disseminating information pertaining to the virus. “Sometimes we have a person signing and sometimes we don’t (at press conferences),” she said. “We’re also not aware that some persons that are hard of hearing do not understand sign language, so closed captioning becomes a necessity. “We have to make sure that we cover all of the bases that pertain to the deaf and hard of hearing community, wheelchair users, amputees and the blind and visually impaired.”
DESPITE international reports suggesting the coronavirus is less likely to thrive in warmer, tropical climates, a local medical expert has warned hot temperatures will not stop the highly infectious disease from spreading. This, according to Dr Nikkiah Forbes, director of the HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme at the Ministry of Health, is why health officials must continue their efforts to combat the further spread of COVID-19. Asked recently about speculation the virus cannot thrive in hot climates, Dr Forbes said: “That had been postulated, that the virus was more fit (and) the capsule could be tougher in cold weather so it could hang around longer and infect people. “But, I’m sad to say that the virus can survive in warm and hot weather too in human conditions and so I would caution that we must continue our preparations because hot or warm weather won’t protect us unfortunately.” Last week, the Washington Post reported research on how the coronavirus behaves in different temperatures and humidity’s effect on it is only beginning, so there is no conclusive, peer-reviewed data on the subject. “Multiple early studies provide evidence of statistical ties between temperature and humidity ranges and the geographic regions where this virus has thrived,” the Post reported. “While none of these studies has been peer-reviewed, they all point to the same general possibility: The pandemic could ease in parts of North America and Europe during the summer months, although it could then come roaring back in the fall.” The Post also reported: “A new study uploaded to the research site SSRN over the weekend finds that 90 percent of the coronavirus transmissions so far have occurred within a specific temperature (37 to 63 degrees) and absolute humidity range. For areas outside this zone, the virus is still spreading, but more slowly, according to the study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.” However, the researchers have warned “that even in warm, humid regions, governments need to implement measures to slow the spread of the virus, since warm weather could inhibit but not eliminate the spread of the virus.” The article continues: “In these areas, ‘the general public should not take it as evidence that they can go around with their daily life and not take any precautions,’ said study co-author Qasim Bukhari of the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT. Globally, there are over 700,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Cases in the United States account for the majority, with 145,443.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, March 31, 2020, PAGE 5
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net SHAKARA Rolle, a Bahamian woman who is now stuck in the United States amid the COVID19 crisis, is counting down the days when she can return home to her family. After living in Kaminokawa, Japan for almost a year, Ms Rolle said she was looking forward to being home and reuniting with her friends and relatives while on break. However, her long anticipated plan to return home did not go as she expected. She left Japan on March 24 en route to the United States. Once she arrived at a Florida airport on March 25, she found out Bahamasair had suspended its operations so she could not fly into Grand Bahama as planned. She told The Tribune: “I was supposed to leave on March 31, but the last day of school was March 23 so I left (Japan) on the 24th and as soon as I landed in the airport in Florida. . . I was greeted with a message from Bahamasair, saying they had suspended all operations. “So, I stayed at a hotel not too far from the airport to see what was what and find out information and I found nothing. I was already exhausted. I had like three flights, I didn’t even eat for a whole day. “And Florida was pretty much on lockdown.” She spent the next day trying to book a flight with another airline, to no avail. Last Friday, the government announced it had closed the country’s airports to all incoming commercial flights. Ms Rolle is now staying with friends in Texas.
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Shakara’s stuck in US on her journey from Japan However, she is unsure how long she can remain there. “Two nights before, my friends from Texas invited me to stay here with him and his wife. That was the only option for me to take because I couldn’t stay in a hotel stranded by myself,” she told The Tribune. She said she wished the government had given earlier notice about the border closure to help Bahamians abroad better prepare. In an effort to combat the spread of the COVID-19 threat, the government imposed several prevention measures in the country last week, including a daily 24-hour
curfew and the closure of airports and seaports to visitors. Incoming commercial flights were banned as of Friday, meaning even Bahamians heading home could not enter the country. While noting the situation as “unfortunate” for those Bahamians who are unable to return home amid this health crisis, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said it was “essential” for officials to close the country’s borders to prevent the further spread of the highly infectious disease. “It’s unfortunate, it’s unfortunate that there are Bahamians who are
presently outside and because our borders are closed, they cannot return,” he said in the House of Assembly yesterday. “However, Mr Speaker, decisions are made in the best interests of the country and that every country has done similar things, most I should say… and in fact in the Caribbean, they fall in a similar situation where citizens may be caught outside. “However, for those who are caught outside, I would advise that they follow the recommendations and directives given by the various governments whatever territorial borders they are in.”
Fusion NIB problems add to staff worries
from page one
would need to verify certain elements, including past contributions before he could receive any money. Similarly, another employee said he resigned from the entertainment centre about two months ago and was told by NIB at the time that 75 percent of his contributions, taken from his salary, had never been paid. “They told me I could not get my monies,” he said. This situation, according to another worker Gloria Greene, has left her immediate future uncertain. The names of both workers have been changed out of fear of retribution. “This country is in a total lockdown for one and we’re not sure we’re even going to get the NIB funds that we’re owed because two weeks ago, NIB was not
paid up,” she claimed. “So we’re not even sure if we’re going to get some type of relief from even NIB.” None of the workers were told when they could receive money from NIB, they claimed. Similar stories have been circulating since Fusion placed its 350 employees on unpaid leave nearly two weeks ago. Then last week, another layer of bad news came when executives said they were facing a payroll deficiency and would be unable to satisfy salaries for this pay period. However, workers were assured they would be paid outstanding salaries as soon as possible. Yesterday, Fusion’s CEO Carlos Foulkes said the company’s NIB contributions have been delayed, citing paperwork issues, admitting the company was on a payment plan with
NIB. He said this arrangement should be no reason for employees to be prevented from getting benefits from NIB. He said: “We do have a delay in payments to NIB and as a result of that we have been put on a payment plan with NIB, something that was negotiated between the leadership of NIB and Showcase Entertainment Ltd, which is the parent company for Fusion Superplex. “We have had no issues with the payments stopping persons from getting their benefits. We have recognised that there has been a delay in payments and as a result NIB has said ‘do this, do this, do this and pay this amount a month,’ we’ve been doing that. “But that is unlikely to be the reason persons are being turned away from NIB. If they are being
turned away from NIB, I am not saying that they aren’t, because what we told employees is if you have any difficulties with any claims come to the HR department and get some assistance. We deal with those issues on a case-bycase basis. “The fact that Showcase Entertainment is delayed in its contributions is not any reason why NIB would turn away somebody seeking benefits because that has nothing to do with the employee. It’s a condition between NIB and our parent company.” Mr Foulkes said to his knowledge, the issue has come down to NIB’s processing of C-10 forms. From Fusion’s end, the forms are being submitted on time, he insisted. However the CEO said there had been errors on the forms from time to time. “The biggest issue is the
processing of the C-10, which essentially is the documentation that we submitted on a daily basis, which says this is how many people we employ, this is how much we have deducted, this is what we have to pay into the NIB fund. “Once we put that in, the employees’ files are updated as soon as NIB can get to it. Their internal operations are beyond us but we do know that there has been some delay in the updating of the C-10.” Additionally he said delays may have come as a result of some workers filling out certain benefit forms with the wrong employee name or being challenged by internet capability now that the process is webbased. Others had expected to receive NIB assistance but had not met the requirement of having contributed into the fund for 52
AS the novel coronavirus continues to spread, Bahamas Striping Group of Companies has pitched in to assist government with its response by supplying an assortment of protective gear. “We felt compelled to act. We are all being impacted by this global medical crisis which has claimed the lives of more than (30,000) people and affected citizens in over 200 countries and territories around the world, according to WHO data,” said BSGC’s president, Atario Mitchell. “It was important for us to supply our frontline health care workers with sufficient protective gear. They need it if they are to effectively manage coronavirus patients and not endanger their own lives while they work to detect, contain and treat this pandemic.” He added: “Government cannot do this alone. It needs as much corporate support as possible to help shore up critical supplies given the global demand for personal protective equipment. We must safeguard medical professionals during this state of emergency.” BSGC will donate 10,000 surgical face masks, 8,000 medical gloves, 5,000 KN95 protective masks, 2,000 protective face shields and 200 protective suits to the public health care system. The supplies were ordered last Friday and the shipment is expected to arrive in the country during the second week of April. “As patriotic Bahamians, we recognise that we are all living under the threat of this global pandemic. COVID-19 has no doubt unleashed an unprecedented challenge that governments and medical systems in first world nations are stretched beyond capacity and the death toll continues to rise. We could not sit idly by,” said Dr Allen Albury, BSGC’s managing director in a letter to Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
BSGC’s Atario Mitchell
PAGE 6, Tuesday, March 31, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
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The cost of the coronavirus battle A BILLION dollars by July. That’s the size of the projected loss to the Bahamian economy according to the man who holds the purse strings, Finance Minister Peter Turnquest. And just as there are two stages to the battle we find ourselves in – first the fight to save lives, then the fight to save the economy – so there are two stages to the economic challenge ahead. First, there is the difficulty of a sudden spike in people out of work – and the need to keep food in their stomachs and a roof over their head. No one here is to blame for this sudden financial crash, and no one needs to feel ashamed at having to turn for help. In less than three months since the first case at the end of December in China, the world has been turned upside down – and few could have been prepared for that, least of all those who already were struggling to make ends meet. So the first stage is to keep people going until the economy can be rebooted. The second step will be measures to reinvigorate the economy itself. We’re not there yet – but we should know it is on the horizon once we extinguish any trace of the virus in our country. Beyond the quarantine is when we can start that battle, and if people don’t know already the importance of obeying that quarantine, then they should know the amount of money in their pocket depends on doing so. Let us be clear, though – that billion dollar blow won’t magically go away come August. The International Development Bank has forecast that the overall figure for losses is likely to be $3bn. That loss until July is just the beginning. The measures being put in place by the government can help cushion that blow, but they can’t stop it. We must be aware of the magnitude of the affect on our economy – and be prepared for what it will take to recover. A billion? That’s just the start. Businesses have been making their own plans for continuity during this time – some weathering it better than others, but those in the tourist market suddenly finding themselves with zero income. There is assistance to help there, and, as of yesterday, an announcement of help for the self-employed outside the tourism industry. That makes sense – because we are so interconnected as a society that many self-employed might be making their money from customers who themselves work in the tourist trade. Family Islands, too, are to get extra help, and there is every sign that the government is revising the areas that need help as they encounter them. We must not be mistaken, though – some businesses will not be able to weather this storm, and unemployment will be a spectre that will haunt us for
a long time. We applaud the businesses doing all they can to help their staff through until they reopen – but some will not be able to cope with two or more months with no significant income. As Mr Turnquest said yesterday, “The financial impact on the economy may end up being much more dire than this scenario if the threat of COVID-19 persists over the medium term.” We need to beat this, as soon as we can, so that we can start to rebuild. Here’s where we can rely on our strengths. We have a vocal and enthusiastic business community. The government would do well to listen to them as we navigate through this unprecedented period. Already, as can be seen in our business section today, a number of voices are speaking up about ways in which businesses can be helped to safeguard jobs. Put simply, the more jobs that can be saved through this period, the better positioned the business community will be to rebound. Jobs aren’t merely numbers, jobs are people who are trained and ready to fill their role to the maximum, with no delay for training or becoming accustomed to a role. A number of companies have questions about the support on offer – and it is fair to point out that this has happened so quickly that some of the details are still being worked out – though there are certainly concerns to be raised about those businesses who played fair and paid their licence fees only to find that the announcement of a delay on the deadline on those benefits those who hadn’t. For the businesses that are trying to do the right thing at this time, they need support and encouragement just as much as the businesses that have been quick to offload staff. There may be creative ways to come up with solutions for that, and lending an ear to the business community can perhaps provide some of those solutions. Equally, businesses themselves have to play a full part in getting past this phase of quarantine so that we can start to open the country back up again. That doesn’t just mean borders, that means getting back to work for our own internal economy. That means landscaping companies. That means restaurants. That means lawyers, dentists, banks, car companies, and a thousand more businesses that cater to Bahamians, not just to visitors. Businesses must understand we have to get past this phase of community spread before we go full throttle on getting back to as close to normal as we can. The future will not have easy decisions. We depend too on good decisions being made in other countries from which our visitors will come. But if we get there first, it puts us in a position to be ready to make those decisions.
Give the new commissioner time IT WAS on October 30, 2017, that Anthony Ferguson became the seventh Commissioner of Police in The Bahamas. Now, a little less than two and a half years later, he is moving on. He departs amid ongoing uncertainty about the tenure of a number of senior police officers who were packed off on enforced holiday only to return to find themselves shunted off to different tasks. He also departs with a number of questions unanswered about cases where police may have exceeded their authority or beaten suspects. In fact, it’s almost a year since he suggested that when it came to suspending officers who have carried out unlawful killings, it wasn’t his job. Commissioner Ferguson wasn’t an outspoken figure, such as his predecessor, Ellison Greenslade, but nor does two and a half years seem like a long enough time to truly make a mark and overhaul the force to his own requirements. His successor, Paul Rolle, now has that task. The new commissioner
has been an officer since 1983, and has a string of qualifications behind him to go with his years in uniform. Will he be given the time he needs? One would hope at least that he won’t find himself in the position of Commodore Tellis Bethel of the RBDF, shunted off on leave, with whatever amount of holiday time he has accrued. He has a tough task ahead of him. The stalled economy will only make crime worse, and resources will be at a premium. The very least he deserves is time. We sincerely hope that National Security Minister Marvin Dames won’t be hinting at the need to pick out a successor any time soon. One other note – take a look at the photograph of the ceremony to mark his ascension to the post on Page 7. At the risk of being overly critical, at a time when the leaders of the country are preaching about social distancing, why is everyone crowded together in the photograph? Lead by example, please. Starting now.
All in this together EDITOR, The Tribune STEPHEN Hawking, the late 74-year-old Cambridge professor, said: “The world is facing huge environmental and technological challenges and needs to unite and work together to protect the humanity. We face awesome environmental challenges: “Climate change, food production, over population, and epidemic disease. He said we are at the most dangerous time in humanity’s development.” “Stephen Hawking IQ 160”. Some 30 years ago I was booked on a Chalks airline flight from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau. The weather was terrible, with lots of thunder and rain so there were several delays with the probability of an outright cancellation. The plane, a 28-seater, was half booked, but as we waited everyone, except six of us, decided to cancel. Among us were a German couple that appeared to be slightly tipsy and seemed not to be worried about the weather. Throughout the entire waiting process they were joking and having a good time. Eventually the decision was made to proceed with the flight. Once on board the plane, just after taking off the captain cautioned us to stay in our seats because we were in for a rough ride. The exuberant couple were still in a party mood and were not paying attention to the announcements. That was until we felt the first of what was to be severe turbulence throughout the entire flight. Then they started to sober up and realize this was not an ordinary every day flight. Once fully sober the lady started sobbing uncontrollably for several minutes. And after a while they both started to pray loudly not caring who was listening. Throughout the entire flight the captain and cabin attendant was telling us to remain seated and stay calm informing us that everything was under control. I would be lying if I told you I was not scared
LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net because even though I was a frequent flyer on Chalks this was the worst weather I had ever flown in. The flight was not more than an hour but because of the weather it seemed like forever. Once we landed in Nassau and cleared customs the couple had calmed down, but were in a somber mood. The gentleman asked me if there were any Catholic Churches nearby, .I assured him that finding one would be no problem. Before saying our goodbyes they told me how afraid they were and that the flight had impacted their lives dramatically. Last week after several public addresses on the seriousness of Covid-19 and telling us not to panic the Prime Minister after putting several restrictions in place imposed a curfew closing the country down from 9:00pm until 5:00am. The Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands has been on radio/talk shows almost every day reminding us about the seriousness of this virus. Most of us understood and are paying attention to what is being said. But just like the German couple on flight Chalks some of us were oblivious to what was going on around us and did not pay attention to the announcements. Going to beaches, parading the streets, partying and doing our own thing. Now Dr Minnis has taken the curfew to the limit. A 24-hour shut down. Like the couple on flight Chalks we now realize that we are in for a turbulent flight and are beginning to see the seriousness of our dilemma. After remembering the couple on flight Chalks I can appreciate the reasoning for the bars being closed during the curfew. Most Bahamians enjoy a glass of wine or a cold Kalik at times but now is not the time for carousing. Because
while most of us hold our alcohol well sometimes after a few sips we tend to allow our inhibitions to drop. Which could result in us being careless and not maintaining the proper hygienic procedural measures recommended to help combat the Coronavirus disease. Putting everyone’s lives at risk. Today thirty years later I’m reminded of my friends how once landed the first thing they asked me was “is there a Catholic Church nearby? “ That is the way it always is. Dramatic experiences cause us to remember the very thing we’ve been ignoring all of our lives. The church and Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. At this very moment the entire world is in pandemic mode, but the CAPTAIN, not Dr Minnis; not Donald Trump is saying stay calm and to use this time of technology to fellowship with each other and to spend quality time with Him. He wants to remind us to ride out the storm because this time of social distancing and isolation will not last forever. For we were not created to be alone or in confinement. but for community and harmony. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:28 Eventually....when this perilous time is ended and the purge is over. After we’ve had the most dramatic experience of our lives, we will be given a fresh start, a new lease on life. Until then we have all that we need. Prayer, Family, the Bible and technology. We are not alone. We are all in this together and love will see us through. This too shall pass. ANTHONY PRATT Victoria Boulevard East Street South March 30, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, March 31, 2020, PAGE 7
Rolle takes over as chief of police as Ferguson bows out By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT ts-cartwright @tribunemedia.net
AFTER a brief handover ceremony at Police Headquarters yesterday, Paul Rolle was sworn in as the newest commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Commissioner Rolle vowed to discharge his constitutional duties without fear, favour or influence. He noted public concern about the “minority of officers” who abuse their power, saying he and his leadership team will continue to investigate such complaints, taking firm and fair action where needed. The ceremony, which had a handful of guests due to the country’s 24-hour curfew and social distancing policies, was attended by Governor General CA Smith, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, Minister of National Security Marvin Dames and the wives of the outgoing and incoming commissioners. Dr Minnis promised to have a more elaborate ceremony and reception when the country relaxes the restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “We shall discharge our duties with courage, integrity and loyalty, being ever mindful of the changing environment with willingness to embrace just criticism and need for change,” Commissioner Rolle said of the force. “We solicit the continued support of the public, partnership and cooperation, as we seek to fulfill our mandate to keep all safe. The police cannot do this alone. We must all accept responsibility to cooperate with the police. In the words of Sir Robert Field, ‘The police are the public and the public are the police.’ “I am immensely conscious of public concern over the manner in which a minority of officers abuse their authority or perform their duties in an unprofessional way. I will, along with my senior executive leadership team, continue to monitor complaints and will take fair, firm and decisive actions where there are grounds to take disciplinary actions against any officer or member of the force. None of us are above the law and we must all be accountable for our actions.” The new commissioner promised to fight the illegal gun and drug trades, as well as white collar crimes. “Your Excellency we
remain concerned for the proliferation of illegal firearms and the high level of gun crimes in our communities,” Commissioner Rolle said. “We have also taken note of the stubborn illicit drug trade which has existed in many different forms over the years. It is fueling much of the gun violence through criminal gangs and criminal enterprises which have taken the lives of far too many of our young men. The police will continue to serve and foster productive partnerships, nationally, regionally and internationally. Such partnerships are fundamental to our success, but citizens and residents must take responsibility for this carnage and work towards stopping it. “Financial crimes such as fraud and embezzlement and identity theft, have been a pivotal issue in the global arena for decades. While authorities are constantly looking for ways to track down and prevent financial crimes, criminals are always developing innovative tactics in order to stay ahead. This continues to be of grave concern to law enforcement. We are equally concerned about laundering the proceeds of crime.” For his part, Dr Minnis thanked outgoing Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson for his time leading the force. “Commissioner Ferguson, a grateful nation thanks you for your leadership and stewardship of the Royal Bahamas Police Force,” Dr Minnis said. “We wish you well in your retirement and I offer you my gratitude and best wishes. “Incoming Commissioner Rolle knows the force well, having served in a number of capacities including leadership within the CDU, the Police Training Academy and the Anti-Corruption Unit. “Your great task is to continue the work of reducing crime in our country, including through the use of policing measures and technologies that will help to prevent crime.” Dr Minnis noted the new commissioner takes over at a pivotal time in the country’s history. “You assume command during a national emergency that will require great leadership, sensitivity and unity of purpose and command,” Dr Minnis said. “The country is looking to you and to the good men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force to help enforce our laws and the temporary emergency measures that will help us to combat the COVID-19
REPORTS NAME MAN FOUND DEAD IN HOUSE By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE man discovered dead at a residence in South Bahamia area on Saturday is believed to be 40-year-old Ishmael Roberts. According to reports, a woman returning home to Santa Maria Drive
discovered the body of a man known to her hanging from the ceiling and contacted police. Supt Brian Rolle said police are investigating the matter to determine to circumstances surrounding the man’s death. He said police are not confirming the victim’s identity pending notification of next of kin.
threat. I wish you well in your new command. You have my full support and that of the government of The Bahamas.” Commissioner Rolle joined the RBPF in May 1983, his first assignment being the Southern Police Station. He previously was officer-in-charge of the Central Detective Unit. He was promoted to chief superintendent in 2014, and remained at CDU until 2016. During his tenure as officer-in-charge of CDU, he was instrumental in leading the successful conclusion of many serious
PAUL Rolle is sworn in as the newest commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Photo: Patrick Hanna/ BIS criminal investigations and placing in excess of 2,400 cases before the Supreme Courts. In 2017, he was promoted to assistant commissioner and assigned the portfolio for anti- corruption. He was tasked with setting up and establishing the newly designated AntiCorruption Unit. The new police chief commended the officers, reservists and civilians he is privileged to lead. He also praised his predecessor. “Commissioner Anthony Ferguson, you are my contemporary and confidant. We came through the
ranks together – corporal, sergeant, inspector, ASP and then you pulled out and left me but I wouldn’t let you go far and I eventually served as your unexpected protégé in your cabinet. You have given me guidance and advice over the years. As you say farewell to this noble organisation today, I say a huge thank you publicly. May God bless you and keep you as you move on in your new endeavours.” The outgoing commissioner said he felt it was just like yesterday when he became police chief. “I truly
believe it is not the length of your service, but your legacy and the impact you made that counts,” Commissioner Ferguson said just before the handover. He thanked Dr Minnis and Mr Dames for their support during his tenure. He boasted of the transformation of the Police College, the reduction in the murder rate and the renovation of police stations which all came under his tenure. The outgoing commissioner joined the RBPF in 1980. Editorial View - Page 6
PAGE 8, Tuesday, March 31, 2020
THE TRIBUNE
Keeping the faithful connected as churches fall silent CHURCHES all around the world are embracing the digital age like never before in the face of the global pandemic caused by the Covid-19 virus. Church leaders are faced with finding new ways to reach their members as the pews are not filled for the first time in recent history. The clerics may not be able to make an impact in person at a time like this, but they are finding that even more people are hearing their word. The social media platforms are abuzz with inspirational messages, Biblical references and heartfelt words of comfort during a time when people face fear and uncertainty, and are going into introspection while they are on lockdown in their homes. For Reverend Antonio Beckford, broadcasting his sermon live on Facebook each Sunday is nothing new. New Light Ministries has been doing so for more than a year. But what the lockdown has done is to significantly increase the amount of views online for the church. What is new, is that Rev Beckford’s weekly Bible study group has now gone online with the use of Zoom for video conferencing. “We were live streaming a lot on Facebook last year,” he told me. “It wasn’t anything new but Covid-19 pushed us to use the internet more. Take for instance, our Bible study has gone online and that is something new. It was excellent; we got good reviews from our members. They could see one another, there was still fellowship and inspiration and it was recorded so people could hear it later.” “At a time when people feel so distant, so disconnected, we feel that being online will allow us to stay connected, to still have something personal to hold on to. Last week, we had a reach of 1,200, with over 400 new comments to our New Light Ministries Facebook page. This situation has made us more creative. I like the idea of it because it gives us a new market of people to reach for the Lord. After we return to normalcy, we will keep it up and encourage members to continue to have video
REV ANTONIO BECKFORD, pastor of New Light Ministries with his wife, Nataki and sons Antonio Jr and Adon groups and keep in contact on a weekly basis.” Even in the midst of a crisis that has affected every aspect of our life, there’s a silver lining to focus on, Rev Beckford says. “What could have been meant for bad has turned out for good,” he said. “It is God in the technological era. We haven’t even stepped into it in depth as yet, but we will grow into it.” He told me of a church with thousands of members in America which was stagnant in terms of growth – just maintaining membership numbers. Since the call for an end to gatherings until the all clear is given, the church has seen their membership grow significantly through its website and social media pages. That success is largely based on its promotion by the members themselves. Rev Beckford noted that churches have contact with their membership once or
twice a week. It gives them the impetus to stay spiritually strong. With churches now having to embrace technology like never before, clerical leaders also realise it’s time to empower their members to take the church to new frontiers. “We need to have a more empowered laity,” Rev Beckford believes. “They have the ability to be more hands-on than the Clergy. It’s a new thing we we are looking at… stepping into this deep water. But, this is how the early church started… it was successful because it’s laity went out and spread the Good Word.” A young Antonio was just 16 when he started preaching in earnest. During his childhood and school days, his friends nicknamed him “Rev”. He told me he “always felt the call” to preach. He grew up in the Kemp Road area with his mother,
Paulamae and his brother and sister. There, he spent much time with his grandfather, the late Bishop Ephraim Alexander Beckford. He was the pastor of the Church of God, Cooper’s Terrace. When Antonio was a little boy, he would ride in the bus with his grandfather to pick up church members. It was a special time of bonding for him. Even if he did not realise it then, in hindsight, Antonio could see that his grandfather was preparing him for a spiritual path. When he was about nine years-old, his grandfather fell ill and was hospitalised. Even at that young age, his grandfather had the confidence that he could ride with the bus driver and show him where every church member lived, and he sent him to lead the way. That simple act translated into something bigger and today, people who knew Bishop Beckford and witness his grandson preach, tell him they see his ancestor in him, even in his personality. His grandfather was the only father he knew and Antonio remained at his church until it was time for college. He had aspirations to go to school to learn agricultural science, because he loved growing things. The door of opportunity did not open there. What was offered to him, however, would pave the way for his life path and purpose. The late Rev Earl Francis had a connection with American Baptist College, and he chose several young people to be awarded a scholarship for seminary school, Antonio being among them. Antonio left for American Baptist College in Tennassee in the fall of 1990. It was a partial scholarship offering, so during summer breaks he came home and worked diligently cleaning offices to make
enough money to pay the balance of his tuition. By his junior year, he got a job on campus as a night librarian. That worked out well for him, because he was able to receive a stipend while having all the study books he needed at his disposal, as well as the quiet time to study. Several prominent pastors passed through the halls of American Baptist College during his time, including Bishop Chadwick James, Rev Leonard Clarke, Rev Garvin Ellis, Rev Hervis Bain III, and Rev Trajean Jadorette. There were also several young women studying, some who became pastors’ wives and pastors themselves. Overall, there was a strong Caribbean representation at the school. One of his schoolmates invited him to their church one Sunday morning and he never stopped going. He was involved in Sunday school and he even had opportunities to preach. The church was 14th Avenue Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and Rev Dr Frank S. Gordon was the pastor. Rev Gordon became a mentor and father figure to Antonio and the pair built a solid relationship. When Antonio graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and Social Science, Rev Gordon offered him a parttime job at his church. But Antonio felt a calling to return home. He did so
BISHOP Ephrain A Beckford, late pastor of Cooper’s Terrace Chirch of God
and came under the tutelage of Rev Ivan Butler of Kemp Road Union Baptist Church. He spent a few years there before serving for a year at Mt Carey Union Baptist Church. He moved on to became the pastor of Mount Moriah Baptist Church. There, he led a robust community outreach and oversaw renovations and upgrades of the church building. Eventually, Rev Beckford felt the call to start his own church. He and his wife Nataki, along with ten church members, started New Light Ministries. They rented half of the ballroom at the Casuarinas Hotel, West Bay Street on Sundays. A month later, they were in a plaza on Harold Road, where they rented a space for just under two years before they acquired a property in Faith Gardens in southern New Providence in 2005. Church services were held in a tent until their multi-purpose building was complete in 2006. The church grew from strength to strength and in 2016, a new sanctuary was complete and dedicated. The success of the church, he said, is measured by the success of his membership. “New Light is 16-years this year and we have been growing from strength to strength,” he said. He and his wife are the proud parents of two boys, Antonio Jr and Adon, and continue to lead a growing ministry. “Children I have christened are now at the age where some of them are serving in ministry in some capacity. Some who were teenager when they joined are now taking part in the church in substantial ways. The continuity throughout the years is what counts. We lost some members through death, and others have picked up the baton and run with it. Another plus is that we have seen people come in who were not church friendly and rough around the edges spiritually and now, they are able to hold their own. If the majority of the church can do that, then we can say ‘Thank God for New Light’ that we were able to touch lives and shape destinies.” “Corona has become an epidemic, but it is also an evangelistic tool,” he said. “There are lessons in this. People are saying, ‘I may have all the money I need… a job, status and a car. All of this, and I still can’t do what I want to do.’ In the midst of it, God is showing you to catch yourself… there is much more to this and at the end of the day, God rules. Take comfort in these uncertain times. Relax yourself and know that there are some things you can do and some things you can’t. Leave it in the hands of the Lord.”
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, March 31, 2020, PAGE 9
THIS VIRUS RESPECTS NO-ONE, WHOEVER YOU ARE IN RECENT weeks, people in Britain have become so accustomed to watching the regular briefings about the virus crisis by Boris Johnson, flanked by the Chief Medical Officer for England and the government’s main adviser Professor Chris Whitty, that they probably found it hard to believe these two could themselves become infected with COVID-19. So it was a surprise to many that Mr Johnson announced a few days ago he had tested positive.
He is, therefore, now holed up on his own for 14 days in the spacious flat at No 11 Downing Street next door to No 10, the famous office and residence of British prime ministers. He is reported to be continuing to work by using video conferencing and he remains in charge of the government. Meanwhile, Professor Whitty declared he was showing symptoms of the virus and would be self-isolating at home. In addition, the Health Minister, Matt Hancock with whom both were in regular
The
Peter Young column IN WRITING further about the coronavirus crisis - now being called the greatest ever threat to the world in peacetime - I offer comment this week on the latest developments in Europe, including Britain, and here at home as well. The crisis affecting so many countries has become nothing short of a human catastrophe and the most serious global health challenge of our times. Its effects have also had a horrifying impact on the world economy and have disrupted modern society on an unimaginable scale. As of yesterday, there have been more than 700,000 infections worldwide and some 20,000 deaths in Europe, with Italy recording 10,000 fatalities – the most anywhere in the world – and Spain some 6,000. In the UK, there have been more than 1,000 deaths with 17,000 people testing positive for the virus. In a letter over the weekend to 30 million households, Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned the situation will become worse before improving and stressed the importance of social distancing, a message that has been repeated so often that even those who are still asking what all the fuss is about should take heed of by now. The UK government has produced what appears to be a generous financial bailout and support package designed to help keep afloat as many floundering businesses as possible and also to assist the self-employed. The new Chancellor of the Exchequer (Minister of Finance) spoke in inspiring fashion in defining the crisis as a ‘generation-defining
moment’ that had to be met with a collective national response. The government is also opening new hospitals, extending coronavirus testing to National Health Service staff and increasing supply of equipment like ventilators, surgical masks and gloves and hand sanitisers. Meanwhile, the situation worsens by the day in the US. Ever the accused villain of the piece, President Trump has been criticised for his government’s slow and inadequate response, particularly the lack of testing that meant the spread of the virus could not be tracked properly. But, as well as extending the emergency measures until April 30, he has signed the $2.2 trillion stimulus bill which will surely be a lifeline to the domestic economy after more than three million Americans applied for unemployment benefit last week, the largest number in US history. To my mind, much of the criticism of both the US and UK governments ignores the fact that a silent and invisible virus on this scale - and without any real prior warning - was bound to challenge even the most well-funded and equipped health system. Despite the situation probably becoming worse in the immediate future, the UK may not be that far off a peak of positive cases while the US may end up with the worst outbreak in the industrialised world – ‘Trump tops the world’ was the headline, but how grotesquely inappropriate and insensitive was Hilary Clinton’s reported tweet that ‘he did promise America First’. In The Bahamas, with 14
WHAT’S YOUR SECRET BOB? I HAVE NO IDEA TO LIGHTEN the gloom and despair a bit, a happier tale to relate is the 112th birthday of the oldest man in the world. Having written last week about the 103rd birthday of Britain’s national treasure, the famous singer Vera Lynn, I cannot resist drawing attention to the story of Englishman, Bob Weighton, a former teacher who celebrated his birthday on March 29 – and he did so this year as the oldest man in the world following the death in February of the Japanese previous holder of that distinction. Living in his own flat in the town of Alton in Hampshire in the south of England and supported by family and friends, this now 112-yearold great-grandfather remains in relatively good health and pursues his hobbies of reading and making model windmills. As someone over 110, he is called a super-centenarian and he has received ten traditional birthday cards from The Queen, but he now says he does not want to give her the trouble of sending him any more greetings! Mr Weighton says he is surprised to have lived so long and cannot account for his great age for he never planned it and has no secret to his longevity. He has remarked that
the ‘world’s in a bit of a mess’ over coronavirus and this worries him because ‘nobody knows what is going to happen’. Coincidentally, Britain’s oldest woman, Joan Hocguard, of Poole in Dorset also in the south of England, not only shares a birthday with him but also reached the same milestone of 112-years-old on March 29. So, the pair are the joint-oldest people in Britain and have wished each other a happy birthday. According to UK press reports, there has been talk of the importance of kindness during the course of their long lives and that the joy of family and friends has been ‘at the heart of everything’. Such longevity combined with good health is a remarkable achievement, and it seems that both of them have been well looked after and provided for in their declining years. But, perhaps it also reflects well on Britain, indirectly, as a nation in which, generally, the old, frail and vulnerable are not left to feel abandoned because, if families are unable or unwilling to protect them, society is equipped to provide a safety net and step in to do what is required – in the name of human kindness.
contact - has tested positive and the trio are now being accused of failing to practise what they have been preaching about social distancing. Earlier, of course, Prince Charles also tested positive and it was announced at the weekend that Spanish Princess Maria Teresa had died of complications from coronavirus at the age of 86. There are reports Prince Charles is coming to the end of his selfisolation at The Queen’s royal residence of Balmoral in Scotland.
He is said to be in good spirits but there are concerns about the last time he was in contact with his mother, which apparently was as recently as March 13 - and, reportedly, infection from him cannot be ruled out. So this virus respects no-one, whoever they might be, and everyone is vulnerable. It is now well known that social distancing remains the key in order to guard against its spread. From what I have heard, most people who have tested positive are all too ready
to self-isolate for the incubation period of the virus if that serves to prevent them passing it on to others. But still, it seems, the government is having difficulty in persuading people that it is even better to stay away from other people in a bid to avoid contracting it in the first place. That would have been all but impossible for the Prime Minister who has paid the price accordingly. But his approval rating is currently high and many will wish him well while he awaits a full return to his duties.
Are we doing enough to prevent economy being left in ruins? cases of COVID-19 confirmed as of yesterday, the Government’s emergency measures announced on March 17 seem to have been effective in limiting any real spread, though it can only be speculated whether there would have been more cases without such draconian measures. No one can know this for sure, but people instinctively accept that such tough action is for the common good because health and the preservation of life must be any government’s top priority - as one British government minister put it, you cannot put a price on people’s lives. Now, the 24/7 curfew has been extended by eight days. Surely, few would disagree with this despite the personal inconvenience to so many and the inevitable continuing serious effects on the local economy when businesses are forced to remain closed. It is interesting that, after initially criticising the Prime Minister, the PLP changed tack and supported him when just about the whole country seemed to think Dr Minnis’ emergency measures were correct and timely. Not to have done so could have been ruinous politically. The economic consequences of an extended lockdown are incalculable. But it looks almost certain that without some sort of financial support from the government such a lockdown could destroy the local economy. So, in light of the stark reality, the
PETER Turnquest yesterday. question is, even if everyone survived the current crisis, how would they fare in the longer term if the economy was in ruins. Since the main driver of the nation’s wealth is tourism - and we have no control over when visitors from the US, Canada and Europe are likely to return - the only thing left is the remaining parts of the economy which are needed to sustain us, not in some distant future but right now. The Minister of Finance is quoted as saying that
Photo: Yontalay Bowe/BIS after the first case of Covid19 about two weeks ago the government announced several relief measures for workers in the tourism industry who have been most affected by the crisis. But so many others are hurting as well and they have to be able to put food on the table. Finance Minister Peter Turnquest announced a series of new measures offering some assistance yesterday but I fear it does not go nearly
far enough. Many countries have accepted they must throw huge sums at the problem - to keep families safe and fed, to keep businesses afloat through the crisis - not just to start up again when the pandemic fades away. Is it not possible, for example, to be more selective in determining the list of essential services as long as assurances can be given about observing social distancing, and should this not be under constant review during the lockdown period? Moreover, could not the government be more flexible in allowing businesses to open on a restricted and rotating basis, as suggested by my fellow columnist, Diane Phillips, in this newspaper last week? The whole world order in finance is changing before our eyes. Now is not the time to be overly concerned about pressure on the nation’s foreign currency reserves even though it is important to maintain suitable levels of reserves in order to maintain parity between the Bahamian and US dollar. For this is a national emergency requiring immediate action. Long-term considerations about the economy and worrying about matters like the credit agencies’ ratings should surely be put aside in the short-term in order to concentrate on measures to enable the economy simply to survive – even if that means taxes will have to be increased in the longer term.
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WUHAN IS BACK IN BUSINESS
UN ADOPTS 4 RESOLUTIONS BY EMAIL Associated Press
THE UN Security Council unanimously adopted four resolutions yesterday, with its 15 members voting by email for the first time because of the coronavirus pandemic. Members voted to keep troops in Sudan’s restive Darfur region until the end of May and maintain the UN political mission in Somalia until June 30. They extended the mandate of the U.N. panel of experts monitoring sanctions against North Korea until April 30, 2021, and they stressed the importance of supporting the U.N.’s far-flung peacekeeping operations. The U.N.’s most powerful body has been meeting by video because of COVID19, which has hit New York City, where the U.N. has its headquarters, exceedingly hard. The last council meeting in the headquarters complex was on March 12, when a resolution was adopted extending the mandate of the U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan and welcoming “encouraging developments” toward peace.
WUHAN, China Associated Press
THE city at the centre of China’s virus outbreak was reopening for business yesterday after authorities lifted more of the controls that locked downs tens of millions of people for two months. “I want to revenge shop,” declared an excited customer at one of Wuhan’s major shopping streets. Customers were still scarce. Those who ventured out were greeted by shop employees who wore masks and carried signs that told them to “keep a safe distance.” A teacher from the eastern city of Nanjing was visiting her family in Wuhan when most access to the city of 11 million was suspended Jan. 23 to stem the coronavirus spread. “I’m so excited, I want to cry,” said the woman, who would give only the English name Kat, at the Chuhe Hanjie pedestrian mall. “After two months trapped at home, I want to jump,” she added, jumping up and down excitedly. While governments worldwide tighten travel and other controls, the ruling Communist Party has rolled back curbs on Wuhan and other areas as it tries to revive the world’s second-largest economy after declaring victory over the outbreak.
TOP: a re-opened retail street in Wuhan; above: workers in Iraq carry a coffin to a new cemetery for the people who died from Covid-19; left: A female undertaker wearing a mask in northern Spain; right: An elderly man at a church in Caracas, Venezuela.
New York floored by ‘staggering’ death toll MOSCOW NEW YORK Associated Press NEW York’s governor issued an urgent appeal for medical volunteers yesterday amid a “staggering” number of deaths from the coronavirus, as he and health officials warned that the crisis unfolding in New York City is just a preview of what other communities across the US could soon face. “Please come help us in New York now,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said as the state’s death toll climbed by more than 250 in a single day to a total of more than 1,200 victims, most of them in the city. He said an additional 1 million health care workers are needed to tackle the crisis. “We’ve lost over 1,000
New Yorkers,” Cuomo said. “To me, we’re beyond staggering already. We’ve reached staggering.” Even before the governor’s appeal, close to 80,000 former nurses, doctors and other professionals in New York were stepping up to volunteer, and a Navy hospital ship, also sent to the city after 9/11, had arrived with 1,000 beds to relieve pressure on overwhelmed hospitals. The spike in deaths in New York was another sign of the long fight ahead against the global pandemic, which was filling Spain’s intensive care beds and shutting millions of Americans inside even as the crisis in China, where the outbreak began in December, kept easing. More than 235 million
people — about two of every three Americans — live in the 33 states where governors have declared statewide orders or recommendations to stay home. In California, officials put out a similar call for medical volunteers as coronavirus hospitalizations doubled over the last four days and the number of patients in intensive care tripled. “Challenging times are ahead for the next 30 days, and this is a very vital 30 days,” President Donald Trump told reporters. “The more we dedicate ourselves today, the more quickly we will emerge on the other side of the crisis.” The U.S. reported more than 160,000 infections and over 3,000 deaths, with New York City the nation’s worst hot spot, and New Orleans,
Detroit and other cities also seeing alarming clusters. “Anyone who says this situation is a New York City-only situation is in a state of denial,” Cuomo said. “You see this virus move across the state. You see this virus move across the nation. There is no American who is immune to this virus.” Some hospitals are now parking refrigerated trailers outside their doors to collect the dead. At two Brooklyn hospitals, videos posted by bystanders and a medical employee showed workers in masks and gowns loading bodies onto trailers from gurneys on the sidewalk. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the US government’s top infectious-disease expert, similarly warned that
smaller cities are likely about to see cases “take off” the way they have in New York City. “What we’ve learned from painful experience with this outbreak is that it goes along almost on a straight line, then a little acceleration, acceleration, then it goes way up,” he said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” • Planned Parenthood joined other abortion providers in suing Texas over moving to ban abortions during the coronavirus outbreak, including one clinic owner saying Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s weekend order has already resulted in more than 150 cancelled appointments. The federal lawsuit filed in Austin, Texas, is among the most high-profile challenges to a government response to the coronavirus pandemic. Abortion providers accused Republican leaders in Texas of exploiting the pandemic for politics after Abbott on Sunday halted nonessential surgeries in order to free up medical supplies to fight COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
GOES INTO LOCKDOWN MOSCOW Associated Press
MOSCOW woke yesterday to a lockdown obliging most of its 13 million residents to stay home, and many other regions of the vast country quickly followed suit to stem the spread of the new coronavirus. A stern-looking President Vladimir Putin warned his envoys in Russia’s farflung regions that they will be personally responsible for the availability of beds, ventilators and other key equipment. “We have managed to win time and slow down an explosive spread of the disease in the previous weeks, and we need to use that time reserve to the full,” Putin said. Russia so far has been relatively spared by the outbreak, with 1,836 confirmed cases and nine deaths, but the number of people testing positive has risen quickly in recent days.
TRUMP ADMIN: GUN SHOPS ‘ESSENTIAL’ Associated Press
THE Trump administration has ruled that gun shops are considered “essential” businesses that should remain open as other businesses are closed to try to stop the spread of coronavirus. Gun control groups are balking, calling it a policy that puts profits over public health after intense lobbying by the firearms industry. In the past several weeks, various states and municipalities have offered different interpretations of whether gun stores should be allowed to remain open as Americans stay at home to avoid spreading the virus. In Los Angeles, for example, County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has twice ordered gun shops in his territory to close, leading to legal challenges from gun rights advocates. After days of lobbying by the National Rifle Association, the National Shooting Sports Foundation and other gun groups, the Department of Homeland Security this
past weekend issued an advisory declaring that firearms dealers should be considered essential services — just like grocery stores, pharmacies and hospitals — and allowed to remain open. The agency said its ruling was not a mandate but merely guidance for cities, towns and states as they weigh how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Still, gun control groups called it a move to put profits over public health. The Brady group on Monday filed a Freedom of Information request with DHS seeking emails and documents that explain how the agency reached its decision to issue the advisory and to determine if it consulted with any public health experts. “The gun lobby is not willing to stand for a few days or a few weeks of less profit in order to protect public health, and it’s outrageous and definitely not required by the Second Amendment,” said Jonathan Lowy, chief counsel for Brady.
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Runners and walkers, ‘quit running in groups’ By JOHN ZENOR AP Sports Writer HENRY Ton was looking for a way to help himself and neighbours stay fit and active after his gym closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The 46-year-old software engineer in suburban Phoenix organised a small running group he jokingly calls his “Social Distance Distance Running Club.” Runners across the country are still hitting the pavement and the trails, singly and in small groups. It’s a way to get in their workouts, reduce the sense of isolation and work off some stress with gyms closed amid the coronavirus. “Everybody’s probably like me, just sitting around in my house eating all day,” Ton quipped. “This is a way to get out, get some fresh air, sweat a little.” For some, running also provides a social outlet in a time when officials are encouraging social distancing and limiting the size of gatherings to 10 or fewer. Many have given up that aspect of it too, yielding to the safety of solo runs. Elite distance runner Kaitlin Gregg Goodman is among those urging people to run alone. Goodman posted on Twitter: “QUIT RUNNING IN GROUPS.” For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. Sports cardiologist Benjamin Levine said continuing to run has physical and psychological benefits. But he also suggests those running with others should likely double the recommended six feet of social distancing because of the increase in the amount of air they’re breathing in and out. “I think it’s preserving both your physical and your mental health,” said Levine, who is a professor of medicine at UT Southwestern and Texas Health Presbyterian in Dallas.
WALKERS and runners take advantage of the 1-mile Parham Bridges walking track yesterday in Jackson, Miss. Runners across the country are still hitting the pavement and the trails, staying fit and working off some stress amid the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Rogelio V Solis) “I think it’s critical. But that’s not just psychological. That’s biological. I think exercise is one of the few things we can do that has a very, very clear and manifest positive mental health benefit.” But Levine, the director of the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, said people need to observe guidelines. “It’s not the time to be running hand in hand,” he said. In Montgomery, Alabama, Marsha Trotter and members of her running group still gather four mornings a week for runs. They split up into smaller groups for different workouts, as usual, but are more conscious of keeping their distance. They spread out for post-run photos to post on their Facebook page instead of standing side by side. “It’s a normalcy,” said Trotter, a 45-year-old registered nurse. “Obviously people are not going to come out if they’re running a fever or have a cough or feel sick. That’s normal all year round
anyway. But I think runners are crazy enough anyway so that nothing really scares them, so they’re going to come out and run and then go home.” Runners keep lacing up and heading out even while most races are cancelled or postponed, including the Boston Marathon. Gail Nestor, a 52-year-old from Johns Creek, Georgia, had qualified for Boston, which has been postponed until September 14. Nestor has kept logging about 75 miles a week, first enjoying the social aspect and “running just for running’s sake.” She said it helps her cope and she has more time these days, too. “We joke about how we’re helping our immune system,” Nestor said. “We’re like, We need a support group, Runners Without Races.” The rapidly changing dynamics of this pandemic have changed the running habits of Nestor, who has finished Boston twice among her 19 marathons. Nestor originally was still running with one
or two other people, though they tried their best to stay at least 6 feet away from one another at all times. She noted Wednesday that she’s now running on her own to protect herself from the virus as much as possible. Like Nestor, other runners have opted to mostly go solo. Aidan Walsh, founder of Racefaster in New Jersey, advises his runners to run alone these days. The 39-year-old former Fairleigh Dickinson runner said many are logging more miles with their social and perhaps professional lives restricted to varying degrees. “I would venture to say they’re doing more than they ever did simply because they have less going on in their lives and also there’s really nothing else to do,” said Walsh, who started the retail stores and serves as a running coach and race director. “They can’t go to work, they can’t go to the gym. They can’t go swimming.” But people can run — even in virtual races. For those Harry Potter enthusiasts, there’s this: A virtual running group that’s “changing the muggle world — one mile at a time.” The Potterhead Running Club is the brainchild of Brian Biggs, a big Harry Potter fan who caught the running bug six years ago. He started the club with participants completing a distance that’s chosen along with an individualised theme. They can walk, bike, swim and lift weights to complete their goals. “Everyone is welcome in our community, and every skill level can do a virtual run. Because you don’t have to actually run,” said Biggs, an reserve officer in the US Air Force. He is currently assigned as an emergency preparedness officer for the state of Vermont and lives in Connecticut. “You can walk, you can bike, you can swim. You can sashay or meander. We like to say, ‘It’s your race, your pace at your place.’” So far, the Harry Potter group has logged more than 12 million miles and earned more than $2,200,000 for non-profit charities around the world.
Athletic trainers step up: App aids overworked hospitals By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer ATHLETIC trainers across the country are changing their routines and joining the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The National Athletic Trainers Association has partnered with the Go4Ellis platform on an app aimed at helping trainers assist understaffed hospitals. The app was intended to give health care providers a database to look for help nationwide. More than 950 athletic trainers have signed up over the last week. Christina Eyers generally oversees about 40 trainers in her role as a director of athletic training in Detroit’s Henry Ford Health System. Most of them are assisting medical staffs in and around Detroit, recently cited as a potential trouble spot in the pandemic. “My staff has been very eager,” Eyers said. They do not provide critical medical care. Instead, Eyers said her organisation’s trainers have been screening patients, which typically means checking for symptoms and taking their temperatures. Some have helped in shipping prescriptions. The assistance has come in handy. “With the surge of patients we’re seeing, we’re taking an all-handson-deck approach,” said Robert Albers, a senior sports medicine physician at Detroit’s Henry Ford Hospital who often works with trainers. “I don’t think it matters what avenue you’re normally in. You have to be ready to help out and step
IN this image provided by Northwestern University Athletics, Northwestern senior associate athletic director for health, safety and performance Tory Lindley addresses the Wildcats’ football team after NCAA college football practice in Kenosha, Wis. Lindley is the president of the National Athletic Trainers Association, which has put together an app to help athletic trainers assist understaffed hospitals and health care systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. (AP) up. I really admire everything our athletic trainers have done.’’ Tory Lindley, president of the NATA, said athletic trainers are accustomed to working with urgency amid chaotic environments. Eyers added they are calm under pressure from their experience dealing with athletes who suffer sudden acute injuries. “With the skill set that athletic trainers have, the types of needs that our communities have now and the types of needs that hospital systems and pop-up clinics have, the athletic trainer skill set is perfectly suited for,” said Lindley, who also is
Northwestern University’s senior associate athletic director for health, safety and performance. Athletic trainers are health care professionals who are licenced or otherwise regulated to work with athletes and physically active people to prevent, diagnose and treat injuries and other emergency, acute and chronic medical conditions. They’re different from personal trainers, who focus primarily on fitness. Eyers noted that athletic trainers are licenced health care providers in their individual states and have received national certification as well. Not all athletic
trainers work with athletes. Others work in a variety of different fields that include public safety, the performing arts, rehabilitation centres, corporations and the military. Lindley said about half his organisation’s members work in an athletics environment. “That’s also the portion of our membership which find themselves separated from their patient population right now,” Lindley said. “So some are looking for things and opportunities like this, where the skill sets match up,” Lindley added. Albers said athletic trainers helping out in the
Detroit area have taken swabs at drive-through testing centres and have transported patients in and out of hospitals and assisted with screenings. Many trainers haven’t stopped working with their athletes. But they must find different ways to do it. “A lot of our college and university athletic trainers are working remotely with their athletes who went back home to make sure they’re doing the proper exercises or that they are understanding what they need to be doing right now while they wait for that follow-up appointment,” Eyers said.
NEW CYCLE: US RIDERS FACE ANOTHER YEAR OF TRAINING FOR TOKYO By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer THE decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics until next year because of the coronavirus pandemichas left American cyclists with an abundance of mixed feelings. Relief that a move had been finally made. Disappointment that a lifetime ambition will be delayed. Frustration that months and even years of planning have been thrown in the blender. And still more uncertainty over when the Summer Games will take place, what the qualification criteria will look like and even if they will still be on the US team. “As tough as the news is to hear when obviously the planning that goes into the four-year cycle of it all, and obviously now we’re only a few months out and on the homestretch of that path, it does stink to hear,” BMX rider and Olympic silver medallist Alise Willoughby said. “But at the same time, the plan doesn’t necessarily change. “I know there are some athletes that might not be in the same position,” Willoughby continued, “whether it’s physically or financially — hanging on another year could be difficult for some, and the qualifying processes are basically suspended and some have been finished. It’s a mess of uncertainty for a lot of people.” Not just cyclists, of course, but for swimmers and gymnasts and a myriad other athletes for whom the Olympics is the once-everyfour-year pinnacle of their sport. But those who ride bikes for a living are somewhat unique in that their schedules are often honed to the day, hour and minute. They adhere to strict diets, meticulously plan training rides, build strength at certain points of the season only to shift their workouts to those that build endurance. The idea is to peak for a handful of races each year, whether that’s the Tour de France for a men’s road cyclist or the world championships for a track cyclist. It’s nearly impossible to maintain that finely tuned level of fitness beyond a few weeks, much less an entire year, which is when the Olympics are expected to finally begin. “It’s still an unknown. We don’t know how long this is going to last, what races will still be in play, what races are cancelled,” said Chloe Dygert, a gold medal-favourite in the women’s team pursuit on the track and the time trial on the road. “The goal is still the Olympics, so even if we just take this year and focus on this year, and training for next year, that’s what we are going to do. I’m still training. Just kind of winter training, a little block work.” Off-season training, in other words — even if it’s an “off-season” that nobody has ever experienced. Riders like Post and Dygert are fortunate, though. Both have won world championship and Olympic medals, and they have accomplished enough that they have big-time sponsors behind them. They have the ability to spend the next few weeks and months on training without having to worry about landing their next pay checks. But many other cyclists have part- and even fulltime jobs off the bike. For them there are the very real fears of furloughs and layoffs that are affecting Americans in all walks of life.
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Tuesday, March 31, 2020, PAGE 13
Mercedes F1 team helps to develop breathing aid By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer FORMULA One team Mercedes has helped to develop a breathing aid that could keep coronavirus patients out of intensive care and ease some pressure on Britain’s strained health service. As part of a combined effort involving seven Britain-based teams, Mercedes worked with engineers at the University College London and clinicians at University College London Hospital to adapt and improve a device that bridges the gap between an oxygen mask and the need for full ventilation. The device, known as continuous positive airway pressure, has been used extensively in hospitals in Italy and China to deliver oxygen to the lungs of coronavirus patients during the pandemic. UCL said the adapted devices have been recommended for use in Britain and that 100 of them are being sent to its hospital for clinical trials. There is the potential for quick roll-out by Mercedes to hospitals across the country. Tim Baker, a professor from UCL’s department of mechanical engineering, said clinicians called on the “capability of Formula One” to reduce a process “that could take years down to a matter of days,” with the adapted device taking less than 100 hours to develop from an initial meeting. “We have been proud to put our resources at the service of UCL,” said Andy Cowell, managing director of Mercedes, “to deliver the CPAP project to the highest standards and in the fastest possible time frame.” The technology arms of six other teams — Red Bull,
Haas, McLaren, Renault, Williams and Racing Point — has contributed to the developing of the medical devices in the fight against the virus, as part of what F1 has labelled “Project Pitlane.” McLaren, for example, told The Associated Press it has been focused on component manufacturing for ventilators, and is “additionally deploying planning, project management and purchasing teams to procure all parts to help ramp-up production.” F1 said the teams will continue to pool their resources and “support in other areas requiring rapid, innovative technology responses to the unique challenges posed” by the pandemic. The CPAP machines work by pushing a mix of oxygen and air into the mouth and nose at a continuous rate, helping to increase the amount of oxygen entering the lungs. They are used routinely by Britain’s National Health Service but are in short supply currently. There have been almost 20,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Britain, with more than 1,200 deaths. For most people, the new virus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death. The F1 season has yet to start, with the first eight races of the schedule having been postponed or cancelled. It means there will be no racing until the middle of June at the earliest. Mercedes is the leading team in F1, with defending champion Lewis Hamilton as its top driver.
TABLE TENNIS WORLD TEAM TITLES POSTPONED AGAIN AMID PANDEMIC BUSAN, South Korea (AP) — The table tennis world team championships have been postponed again after the sport’s governing body suspended all planned events involving international travel until June 30 amid the coronavirus pandemic. The world team championships in Busan, South Korea, had already been delayed from May 22-29 to June 21-28. The ITTF met on the weekend and released a statement saying it would meet again this week to propose new dates. It is also freezing rankings lists as of this month and will consider adjustments to qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which have been postponed to next year.
IN this Friday, March 27, 2020 photo provided by UCLH, University College London Hospital, a view of a CPAP device at UCL Hospital in London. Formula One team Mercedes has helped to develop a breathing aid that could keep coroanavirus patients out of intensive care and ease some pressure on Britain’s strained health service. Mercedes worked with engineers at the University College London and clinicians at University College London Hospital in a combined effort involving seven Britain-based teams to adapt and improve a device that bridges the gap between an oxygen mask and the need for full ventilation. (UCLH via AP)
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Olympics rescheduled
AP INTERVIEW: THIRTY-THREE SPORTS VOTE UNANIMOUSLY ON OLYMPIC CALENDAR
TOKYO GAMES ALL SET FOR JULY 23 TO AUGUST 8, 2021 By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net
W
e now have a new proposed date for the games of the XXXII Olympiad. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, The Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Government of Japan decided on July 23 to August 8, 2021, for the Tokyo Games. A new date has also been set for the Paralympic Games, August 24 to September 5, 2021. Stakeholders listed three main reasons behind last week’s postponement and deciding on the new date. “To protect the health of the athletes and everyone involved, and to support the containment of the COVID-19 virus; To safeguard the interests of the athletes and of Olympic sport; The global international sports calendar.” “With this announcement, I am confident that, working together with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Japanese Government and all our stakeholders, we can master this unprecedented challenge,” IOC President Thomas Bach said. “Humankind currently finds itself in a dark tunnel. These Olympic Games
Tokyo 2020 can be a light at the end of this tunnel.” This marks the first time the Olympics have been postponed because of a global pandemic. Previous editions in 1916, 1940 and 1944 were cancelled due to World Wars I and II. World Athletics was the first international sporting body to call for the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Games and also led the charge, giving voice to support of the new dates. “We support the new 2021 dates for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games announced today by the Japanese organisers and the IOC. This gives our athletes the time they need to get back into training and competition,” the organisation said in a press release. “Everyone needs to be flexible and compromise and to that end we are now working with the organisers of the World Athletics Championships in Oregon on new dates in 2022 for our World Athletics Championships. We are also in discussions with the Commonwealth Games Federation and the European Championships. We would like to thank our Oregon 21 Organising Committee, their stakeholders and our partners for their collaboration and willingness to explore all options.” The new dates are exactly one year after those originally planned for 2020 (Olympic Games - July 24 to August 9, 2020 and Paralympic Games: August 25
By ANDREW DAMPF AP Sports Writer
TOKYO 2020 Organising Committee CEO Toshiro Muto attends a news conference yesterday after a Tokyo 2020 Executive Board Meeting in Tokyo. Tokyo Olympic President Yoshiro Mori said yesterday he expects to talk with IOC President Thomas Bach this week about potential dates and other details for the rescheduled games next year. Both Mori and Muto said the the cost of rescheduling will be “massive” - local reports suggest several billion dollars - with most of the expenses borne by Japanese taxpayers. (Issei Kato/Pool Photo via AP) to September 6, 2020). The IOC said the postponement and new date was also aimed at limiting any disruption to the remainder of the international sports calendar. Said Tokyo Olympic President Yoshiro Mori: “A certain amount of time is required for the selection and qualification of athletes and for their training and preparation, and the consensus was that staging the rescheduled Games during the summer vacation in Japan would be preferable. In terms of transport, arranging volunteers and the provision of tickets for those in Japan and overseas, as well as allowing for the COVID-19 situation, we think that it
would be better to reschedule the Games to one year later than planned, in the summer of 2021. “Notwithstanding the postponement of the Olympic and Paralympic Games for the first time in history, and various other issues that have already been highlighted, the event schedule is the cornerstone of future preparations, and I am convinced that taking this decision promptly will help speed up future preparations,” he said. All Bahamian Olympic qualifiers thus far have come from athletics, including Steven Gardiner, Wilson, Shaunae MillerUibo, Tynia Gaither, Pedrya Seymour, and Samson Colebrooke.
Gardiner said: “As athletes, we just have to continue working and staying healthy for next year.” Wilson added: “Whenever anything opens up, it can be a high school, college meet, I’m just excited to get back out and start competing again because I have been competing well this year.” It has previously been confirmed that all athletes already qualified and quota places already assigned for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will remain unchanged. This is a result of the fact that these Olympic Games Tokyo, in agreement with Japan, will remain the Games of the XXXII Olympiad.
Charlton on Olympic dates: ‘I was a little disappointed at first when I got the news’ By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net WITH the 2020 Olympic Games postponed and a new date now set for around the same time in 2021, Devynne Charlton said it works better for her in terms of getting a chance to qualify to compete for the Bahamas in the women’s 100 metres hurdles for the first time. Charlton, who had qualified for the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but was forced to shut down her season because of an injury, said changing the games from July 24 to August 9, 2020 to July 23 to August 8, 2021 is a blessing in disguise for her. “I was a little disappointed at first when I got the news because I was training so hard and I wanted to see how I would do this year,” Charlton said. “But I think it’s a blessing in disguise since I had such an off year last year and I wanted to get back into it. I think pushing it back one year would give me more time to prepare.” Since graduating and completing her eligibility at Purdue University, Charlton moved to Lexington, Kentucky, last year to train with her former coach Rolando ‘Lonnie’ Greene when he took over as the new head coach at the University of Kentucky. However, as a result of the spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic that has forced the closure of schools and their facilities, including the University of Kentucky, Charlton was able to move to Atlanta, Georgia, to stay with a friend to continue her training. “I’m pretty optimistic going forward,” said Charlton after she completed a workout yesterday in a private gym in Atlanta.
“I think it worked out better Games in Lima, Peru with 10th for me. It wasn’t too much of place overall in the 200m hurdles. a transition because I am still Charlton, 24, has not yet qualiable to get pretty much every- fied for the 2020 Olympics. She thing done that I needed to. So it has posted a lifetime best of 12.74 wasn’t too much of a disruption.” seconds and would have needed While there are some concerns to run at least 12.84 to join about how widespread the coro- national record holder Pedrya navirus is, Charlton said she’s Seymour, who had already staying in the suburbs of Atlanta attained the standard. and they have not been forced The good news, according to into a lockdown situation yet, but Bahamas Olympic Committee they are still practicPresident Romell ing all of the safety ‘Fish’ Knowles, is measures. that having a date “I go to train and I set for the Olympics go back home,” she bodes well for the stated. athletes to properly “The only other prepare themselves time I go out is if I for the Games, espeneed to purchase cially for those like things that I need. Charlton, who were I also practice the on the borderline of safety precautions, qualifying. washing my hands “It’s fantastic and following all of news because the the directives.” athletes can begin Since missing planning their the 2016 Olympics, training regime,” Charlton returned Knowles said. in 2017 to compete “From an adminisCHARLTON at the 2017 World trative point of view, Championships in we now have an idea London, England, where she got of when the games are set, so we to the semi-finals of the women’s can complete all of the timelines 100m hurdles. It was her second to start resuming for Tokyo.” trip to the sports’ biggest indiWith just athletes from track vidual competition, having made and field qualified so far for her debut in 2015 in Beijing, Team Bahamas, Knowles said China, only to compete in the the BOC is hoping that the new preliminaries. date will allow for more athletes In 2018, she contested her first in the other disciplines like judo, global final in the 60m hurdles swimming and boxing, to attain with an eighth place finish at the their respective standards. World Indoor Championships in “Our ambition to have more Birmingham, United Kingdom. athletes from the different fedShe finished the year with a fifth erations compete at the Olympic place in the 100m hurdles final at Games is always at the forefront the NACAC Championships in of what we do in the Olympic Toronto, Canada. Committee,” Knowles said. Last year, the former national “That thrust will continue record holder represented the as we try to find ways for the country at the Pan American smaller sports associations and
federations to take advantage of every opportunity to put their athletes in the best position to qualify for the games.” Knowles said they also want to encourage the core sporting bodies to ensure that their athletes continue to stay on the cutting edge in the use of whatever facilities they have access to so that they can be in the best position to be ready to train when the curfews here at home and in the United States of America are lifted. “We are on the cuff of having a competitor qualify for judo and we are waiting on the new date for the qualification for boxing, so we will keep the momentum up and keep the athletes enthused when those qualifying dates are announced so that they can be able to represent the country,” he stated. With these being unchartered waters where the games have never been delayed from one year to the next, Knowles said it’s going to take a consolidated effort within their fraternity and the local Olympic movement because they will have to deal with a worldwide economic depression. “We want to thank the Tokyo Organising Committee for taking the steps to delay the games because we feel that it’s in the best interest of all concerned,” he said. “But with a new date in place, we can all focus on ensuring that we are ready when the games are held in 2021.” Charlton, who has also produced personal best times of 11.31 seconds in the 100m and 23.76 in the 200, is hoping that she can also assist the Bahamas in regaining its position as one of the powerhouses at the games by running a leg on the women’s 4 x 100m relay team.
ROME (AP) — Despite some early differences of opinion, the 33 sports that make up the Summer Olympic programme voted unanimously yesterday to delay the Tokyo Games by a full year. Moments later, local organisers and the International Olympic Committee made it official. “We were the last to express our view. We’re the ones who have problems with the calendar to deal with,” said Francesco Ricci Bitti, president of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF). “Two minutes after the end of our call, the press release was issued,” Ricci Bitti told The Associated Press in an interview. IOC President Thomas Bach held three conference calls before giving the goahead to make official the July 23 to August 8 dates for 2021. First, Bach consulted with the local organisers in Tokyo. Then he talked with the IOC’s executive board. The ASOIF — which represents the international track and field, swimming and gymnastics federations as well as every other Summer Games sport — came last. “We knew last night. … Today the vote was unanimous by the 33 federations,” Ricci Bitti said by phone from Switzerland. “Everyone was convinced that this was the best solution.”
‘WE WANTED TO HAVE MORE ROOM FOR THE ATHLETES TO QUALIFY’ TOKYO (AP) — Tokyo Olympic President Yoshiro Mori said a spring Olympics was considered but holding the games later gives more space to complete the many qualifying events that have been postponed by the virus outbreak. “We wanted to have more room for the athletes to qualify,” Mori said. After holding out for weeks, local organisers and the IOC last week postponed the Tokyo Games under pressure from athletes, national Olympic bodies and sports federations. It’s the first postponement in Olympic history, though there were several cancellations during wartime. The new Olympic dates would conflict with the scheduled world championships in track and swimming, but those events are now expected to also be pushed back. “The IOC has had close discussions with the relevant international federations,” organising committee CEO Toshiro Muto said. “I believe the IFs have accepted the games being held in the summer.” Muto said the decision was made yesterday and the IOC said it was supported by all the international sports federations and was based on three main considerations: to protect the health of athletes, to safeguard the interests of the athletes and Olympic sport, and the international sports calendar. Both Mori and Muto have said the cost of rescheduling the Olympics will be “massive” — local reports estimate billions of dollars — with most of the expenses borne by Japanese taxpayers.