TTMA IN THE NEWS
Government looking at starting back business soon
The Minster of Trade, Commerce and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon has expressed that the government is intently studying ways in which businesses in the country can restart their operations. In a release by the T&T Manufacturers Association (TTMA), it noted: “The Minister highlighted that while the government was actively looking at allowing all businesses to operate soon, the priority at this time is the preservation of life of the country’s citizens.” It continued: “The Minister also indicated that the government is focused on MSMEs during this difficult time and is in discussion with parties to offer the best possible solutions to these businesses.” Read more here
NEWS
Experts baffled with new covid19 infections
Medical experts are trying to understand an aspect of the epidemiology of the coronavirus, as three of the latest confirmed cases tested positive long after the 14-day incubation period, and none of the three had any symptoms. Three of the four patients to test positive were among 68 cruise ship passengers who were put in isolation at a facility at Balandra on March 18 after their return to TT. They had all previously tested negative for the virus and were being readied to be sent home. Read more here
Home at last for Balandra 19
More than a month after they left Trinidad and Tobago to board the Costa Favolosa cruise, 19 persons who have spent much of it in quarantine at Camp Balandra were finally allowed to go home. Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram confirmed their discharge from the facility during the Ministry of Health press conference which updated the country's COVID-19 situation. "Those 19 persons would have gone through two incubation cycles almost while they were at Balandra. They would have been tested very early on in their stay, having a first negative then, and they actually received their first (second) negative after being swabbed on Thursday. So they had two negative tests, meeting actually the criteria for discharge even for positive patients," said Dr Parasram. Read more here
POLITICS
Activist accused of impersonating TT embassy officials in Margarita
National Security Minister Stuart Young has accused human rights activist Yesenia Gonzalez of attempting to stir confusion and mischief among TT nationals stranded in Margarita. Speaking at a media briefing at the Ministry of Health on Sunday, Young said he received information from the TT Embassy in Venezuela that Gonzalez and her family were calling stranded nationals in Margarita claiming to be officials from TT organising a repatriation flight back to TT for a group of holidaymakers. Read more here
Prime Minister's Easter message
I am happy today to extend Easter Greetings to the Christian community from the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, including my own family, and myself. Easter is not just a holiday but a significant spiritual experience, a season of joy and celebration in the lives of the members of the Christian faith, the world over. During this time, families and friends join together in celebration of their belief in the grace and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as the Son of God and the saviour of the world. Easter is seen as a celebration of life over death which was achieved through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, the Gospel tells us, laid down his life so that all mankind might live free from sin. Read more here
BUSINESS
Caribbean’s response to COVID-19
As the Caribbean continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic gripping the world at the moment, many governments of the region have announced various measures to mitigate risks associated with the virus. Read more here
REGIONAL
Double BPO blow - Second positive COVID-19 case triggers shutdown of Portmore call centre as ministry steps in
The second positive COVID-19 case at a Portmore call centre and the ordering of staff to self-quarantine have triggered more concern that business process outsourcing (BPO) companies – characterised by high-density office arrangements – may be incubators for the spread of the new coronavirus. Yesterday’s confirmation of a 21-year-old comes less than two days after a 19-year-old employee of Alorica tested positive. Jamaica now has 72 cases. Health officials have traced and conducted tests on 60 persons related to that facility, which has a total workforce of about 600. Read more here
Works on COVID-19 hospital progressing
CONSTRUCTION of the country’s first COVID-19 hospital is moving a pace. Works began last Monday on the former Ocean View Hotel, located on the Rupert Craig Highway, Liliendaal. The building is being converted to a COVID-19 facility for the incubation, isolation, quarantine and medical attention for persons diagnosed with, or suspected to have the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Read more here
INTERNATIONAL
Beijing faces a diplomatic crisis after reports of mistreatment of Africans in China causes outrage
Beijing is facing a diplomatic crisis in Africa after reports of alleged coronavirus-related discrimination against African nationals in China sparked widespread anger across the continent. African students and expatriates in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou were last week subject to forced coronavirus testing and arbitrary 14-day self-quarantine, regardless of recent travel history, amid heightened fears of imported infections. Large numbers of African nationals were also left homeless, after being evicted by landlords and rejected by hotels in the city. Having reportedly contained the virus within China, concerns have grown in recent weeks over a so-called second wave, brought into the country by overseas travelers. Read more here
Coronavirus: UK enters fourth week of lockdown ahead of review
he UK is facing its fourth week in lockdown, with the government set to review by Thursday whether social distancing measures can be changed. Ministers are required by law to assess whether the rules are working, based on expert advice, after three weeks of telling Britons to stay at home. It comes as an NHS boss has warned staff are facing a "hand-to-mouth" supply of protective gowns. Meanwhile, the PM has thanked NHS staff after being discharged from hospital. The mother of a nurse who Boris Johnson specifically praised said she was "exceptionally proud" of her daughter. Wales' health minister said last week that the coronavirus lockdown would remain for "several more weeks at the very least". Read more here
13th April 2020