My headline today is not a typographical error. As suggested below, it is still uncertain whether the government’s policy of Siq, that is separate, isolate and quarantine is a sound enough response to our Covid-19 crisis. We just don’t know yet. Sic transit gloria mundi is the full classic incantation …
Read More »Carnival didn’t bring Covid-19! T&T borders stay closed until 30 April—along with bars, churches and doubles vendors
National Security Minister Stuart Young confirmed today that Trinidad and Tobago’s borders as well as bars, clubs, theatres, betting houses, churches and dining-in areas at restaurants will remain closed until 30 April 2020. Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh made the amendment to the Public Health [2019 Novel Coronavirus] Regulations yesterday. The …
Read More »Nakhid: One day, we will despise our sheepish silence during Covid-19 crisis
‘I have never understood Nakhid and I still don’t, but a truth teller if ever there was one, no sycophant eat ah food mentality like so many of our commentators” — Mt D’or resident and Santos legend, Big Red, in his critique of Wired868 article, ‘Fire next time’. ‘If people …
Read More »Five-a-side! Gov’t reduces public groups but no relief from price-gouging taxi drivers
The Trinidad and Tobago government will amend its public health ordinance today to reduce congregations from 10 to five. National Security Minister Stuart Young made the announcement at this morning’s virtual press conference. The adjustment will be signed off by Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh today. “Persons shall not without reasonable …
Read More »Dear Editor: Not all misinformation is politically motivated
“A time of crisis is not the time to paint the spread of misinformation as political. Concern about the spread of misinformation, though, is valid. This is more so during a time of crisis, such as the current Covid-19 pandemic, as it can seriously undermine efforts to contain the threat. …
Read More »Daly Bread: Lingering credibility questions; gov’t ‘trying to control media narrative’
When is an exemption to closed borders not an exemption after the borders are closed? I will return to this riddle, but let me first note that the limited testing for Covid-19 has been expanded in obvious response to queries about its previous deficiencies. There was room to acknowledge that the …
Read More »Journalists in danger of contact spread, Young drops Alleyne hint as T&T’s Covid-19 cases climb to 60
“[The threat of] contact spread is real and amongst you all,” said National Security Minister Stuart Young, in response to a question about flamboyant Crime Watch host Ian Alleyne. Yesterday, Alleyne shared two emotional videos—one filmed by an unidentified person and the other by his young son—which claimed that he …
Read More »Young slams media, ‘washes hands’ of Trinbagonians stranded abroad; Dr Hinds offers ‘community spread’ info
Minister of National Security Stuart Young continued his criticism of the media today at a press conference to update the public on the country’s battle with Covid-19, as he suggested local journalists were being irresponsible by interviewing citizens stranded abroad who are desperate to return home. The government shut the …
Read More »Live Wire chronicles: School prefect Deyalsingh, cheery Colm and storytelling PM hold court
“We are trying to walk a tightrope between fighting off a virus that can kill us,” said Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, “and trying to protect an economy that could collapse and a country that could go into bankruptcy if things go pear-shaped.” In retrospect, maybe this is not the …
Read More »Daly: Credibility in a crisis; why are health-related questions ‘unpatriotic’ and ‘mischievous’?
In our post-colonial society, we have never solved the problem of what checks and balances ought to be placed on the exercise of the constitutional power of the political bosses, namely the Executive, which we elect to govern us at periodic intervals, usually every five years. It is a long …
Read More »‘Pray from home!’ Gov’t promises action as Rev Cuffie calls out worshippers for ‘healing’
National Security Minister Stuart Young vowed that the government will take action on churches who refuse to act responsibly. Young’s warning came after Reverend Winston Cuffie advised followers to refuse to be ‘dominated by fear’ and attend a Miracle Ministries service last night in Chase Village, Chaguanas—dedicated to ‘the impartation …
Read More »Bars, clubs closed temporarily; Govt defends limited patient info and testing process
The Trinidad and Tobago Government has enacted a special Public Health Ordinance for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), which carries the penalty of a six month imprisonment for anyone who operates a bar, club or provides seated dining amenities for customers. The law comes into force on 21 March 2020 …
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