Employers could face charges for forcing workers to take COVID vaccine
In a story out of Jamaica, carefully being watched my many in the region, as the debate continues over the decision by some employers to demand that employees take the COVID-19 vaccine in order to keep their jobs, a local attorney is warning that criminal action could be taken against the heads of these entities.
According to attorney-at-law Michael Williams, people who are forced to take the vaccine by their employers should report the matter to the police.
“If an officer or manager of a company causes an 'innocent agent' to administer a medical procedure to someone who has not consented, the manager or officer would be committing an assault, especially if after its administration the person has an adverse reaction,” Williams told the Jamaica Observer.
He argued that no criminal action could be taken against the person who administered the vaccine as an “innocent agent” without knowing that the employee was unwilling to take the jab and was only doing so under threat. But Williams said the employer should be charged under the Offences Against the Person Act and face prosecution.
“If you can't stick it [the charge] because you cannot find that section in the legislation, it would stick at common law,” argued Williams.
The attorney said the worker could also carry a civil suit against the employer for trespass to the person, and seek financial compensation.
“It has long been established that if you administer medical treatment to someone who refuses same… you are guilty of an assault. But it goes deeper than just an assault, it is a breach of people's constitutional rights. The inviolability of the person is at stake here,” added Williams.
He also pointed to Jamaica's labour laws as he argued that to demand that employees take the vaccine or resign would be considered a technical firing.
Williams said he has a client whose employer has told her that if she does not take the COVID-19 vaccine she would be reassigned to a post that carries a lower salary.
“Administratively, the employer could reassign her but what he cannot do is punish her and that would be punishment in law. Anything that affects a worker's pecuniary interest [and] that causes a worker to get less pay because they have refused to take the vaccine would constitute forcing the worker,” declared Williams.
The issue of “jab or no job” has been hotly debated since last week when the Observer first reported that a Corporate Area-based firm had given its employees 14 days to take the COVID-19 vaccination or submit their resignations.
The company subsequently withdraw the memo and in a release said that it was committed to the well-being of all its team members and their families and strongly encouraged the team members to take the vaccine, in an effort to safeguard themselves and their families from the varying levels of damage that can be caused by COVID-19 across all age groups.
“Team members who, for medical reasons, cannot be vaccinated, can provide written exemption reports from their doctors,” the company said.
The company also declared that no one would be asked to resign if they fail to receive the vaccine.
Source-Jamaica Observer
Bank of England to consider digital money plan
The Bank of England and the Treasury have announced they are setting up a taskforce to explore the possibility of a central bank digital currency.
The aim is to look at the risks and opportunities involved in creating a new kind of digital money.
Issued by the Bank for use by households and businesses, it would exist alongside cash and bank deposits, rather than replacing them.
No decision has been taken on whether to have such a currency in the UK.
However, the government and the Bank want to "engage widely with stakeholders" on the benefits and practicalities of doing so.
The taskforce will be jointly led by the Bank's deputy governor for financial stability, Sir Jon Cunliffe, and the Treasury's director general of financial services, Katharine Braddick.
The Bank has previously said it is interested in a central bank digital currency (CBDC) because "this is a period of significant change in money and payments".
The use of cash in financial transactions has been steadily declining in recent years, while debit card payments have been on the rise. Use of credit cards and direct debits have also been increasing.
The Bank also sees having its own digital currency as a way of "avoiding the risks of new forms of private money creation", including crypto-currencies such as Bitcoin.
"If a CBDC were to be introduced, it would be denominated in pounds sterling, just like banknotes, so £10 of CBDC would always be worth the same as a £10 note," the Bank said.
"CBDC is sometimes thought of as equivalent to a digital banknote, although in some respects it may have as much in common with a bank deposit.
"Any CBDC would be introduced alongside - rather than replacing - cash and bank deposits."
Most of the world's central banks are looking into the possibility of creating such a currency, but the only one already in existence is China's digital yuan, which is currently undergoing public testing.
Among the objectives of the UK taskforce is monitoring international developments, "to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global innovation".
The Bank also announced the creation of a CDBC engagement forum and a technology forum, as well as a CBDC unit within the Bank itself, overseen by Sir Jon.
No timetable was announced for the taskforce's operations.
Source-
British PM to meet football officials over European Super League
The Prime Minister of Great Britain, Boris Johnson is meeting officials from football governing bodies the FA and the Premier League, as well as fans' representatives, later to discuss the proposed European Super League.
Boris Johnson described the new league, which includes six leading English clubs, as "ludicrous".
The 12 founding members of the league faced a fierce backlash after unveiling proposals for a breakaway tournament.
One of these, Real Madrid, insisted they were doing it to "save football".
Club president Florentino Perez said the decision to create the new league was in part taken because "young people are no longer interested" in the game.
He told a Spanish TV show: "Audiences are decreasing and rights are decreasing and something had to be done. We are all ruined. Television has to change so we can adapt."
The 14 Premier League clubs not participating in the new venture are also due to discuss their response later.
One of these, Everton, has released a statement criticising the "preposterous arrogance" of the clubs involved.
"The backlash is understandable and deserved," the club said.
"We urge them all to consider what they wish their legacy to be."
The proposed tournament would see teams play one another in midweek games in an attempt to have more matches between the big-name clubs.
But fans and pundits have expressed fury at what they say would be an unfair competition that would lock many teams out of top European football.
The proposed league, which has been described as a football "closed shop" by a government minister, has united MPs from every party against it.
The plans revealed on Sunday that the 12 founding football clubs would be permanent members and never face relegation.
Critics say the new league could supplant the existing Champions League and disrupt the current football "pyramid" that sees teams rise or fall on merit.
Writing in the Sun, the prime minister said he was "horrified" at the implications for clubs across the country.
In a direct message to fans, he said: "It is your game - and you can rest assured that I'm going to do everything I can to give this ludicrous plan a straight red."
Former England captain Alan Shearer told BBC Breakfast the six English clubs should be expelled from the Premier League, which they have said they aim to remain in while also playing in the European Super League.
"It's not right what they are doing, it's not competitive, it's a closed shop - you can't have a competition where no one else is allowed in," he said.
"You can hear, feel and see the anger from almost everyone in football."
Chairman of the Commons' Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee Julian Knight, said restricting work visas for footballers who play in the proposed ESL could be one way the government could pull levers to stop the league going ahead.
Source-BBC
President Biden urges Senate to act quickly on gun reform
President Joe Biden, referencing the surge of mass shootings and gun violence in the country, said he is urging Congress to work on gun reform.
The president referenced Thursday night's shooting, where a 19-year-old killed eight people at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis.
"Yet again families had to wait to hear word about the fate of their loved ones," Biden said in a statement. "What a cruel wait and fate that has become too normal and happens every day somewhere in our nation."
Along with flags being ordered at half-staff at the White House, marking the third time during his presidency.
When asked by reporters if he will place gun reform over his push for infrastructure, President Biden said "I'm not gonna to give up till it's done."
The Democratic-controlled House recently passed two gun-control bills that now head to the Senate, with President Biden urging senators, Republican and Democrat, "to step up and act."
I strongly, strongly urge my Republican friends in the Congress who even refused to bring up the House passed bill to bring it up now," he added. "This has to end. It's a national embarrassment."
A new poll out of Quinnipiac found that 89 percent of Americans support mandating background checks for all gun buyers. Among Republicans, the number is similarly high at 84 percent.
Source-ABC
DMX's "Ruff Ryders' Anthem," "Party Up (In Here)" and "X Gon' Give It to Ya" return to Billboard charts
After several of late rapper DMX's albums reappeared on the Billboard 200 after news of his passing broke, three of his songs have now returned to another chart -- the Hot 100.
The Grammy-winner's "Ruff Ryders' Anthem," which he recorded in 1998, blasted up to the 16th spot this week, making it the song's best showing on the chart to date. Its previous high was number 94, of which it obtained in February 1999.
Not only that, "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" is now the late rapper's highest-charting single, officially besting his previous record-holder, where he joined the The Lox on "Money, Power & Respect" that also included vocals from Lil Kim. The song peaked in 17th.
In addition, "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" was also experienced an incredible surge in streams, up 477 percent -- 16.6 million times -- since his death was announced April 9.
X's other singles reappearing on the Hot 100 are "Party Up (Up in Here)" at number 40 and "X Gon' Give It to Ya" at 46.
Both songs experienced a surge in streams as well, up 402 and 486 percent, respectively.
DMX, real name Earl Simmons, last appeared on the Hot 100 in 2004 when he teamed with Yung Wun for "Tear It Up," which peaked at 76.
His last solo effort to make it onto the chart was "Where The Hood At" in October 2003.
X died April 9 after suffering a heart attack at age 50. He spent a week on life support at White Plains Hospital in New York and never recovered according to our sources at ABC.
In other DMX News, according to a report from TMZ on Friday (April 16), a public memorial for DMX, who died on April 9 after reportedly suffering an overdose that resulted in a heart attack on April 2, will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Sat., April 24.
Extensive details regarding the service are unclear and according to the outlet, X's manager, Steve Rifkind, says logistics are still be sorted out as it pertains to the quantity of attendees and ticketing, which will likely be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Additionally, DMX's family and close friends will memorialize the veteran rapper in a private funeral service that will take place at an undisclosed church on Sun., April 25.
Lionel Richie releases deluxe 25th anniversary digital reissue of his 1996 album, Louder than Words
An expanded digital reissue of Lionel Richie's 1996 studio album Louder than Words has just been released in honor of the record's 25th anniversary.
Originally released on April 16, 1996, Louder than Words was Richie's fourth solo studio effort, and his first full-length album since 1986's Dancing on the Ceiling. The album peaked at #28 on the Billboard 200, and yielded one top-40 single, "Don't Wanna Lose You," which Lionel co-wrote with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
The bonus tracks featured on the expanded reissue include rare Spanish and Italian versions of "Still In Love," the radio edit of "Don't Wanna Lose You," and the non-album tunes "What Do They Know" and "Now You're Gone." All of these tracks have just been made available for streaming for the first time.
Louder than Words is one of a series of deluxe expanded Richie reissues that will be released digitally this year. Next up, on May 4, will be Lionel's 2004 album Just for You, followed on June 25 by his 1998 release Time.
In addition, Richie's 2008 live album, Symphonica in Rosso, will be released digitally in North America for the first time on May 21. The album captured a performance that Lionel gave at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, Netherlands, backed by his band and an orchestra.
Here's the full track list of Louder than Words deluxe reissue:
"Piece of Love"
"Still In Love"
"I Wanna Take You Down"
"Can't Get Over You"
"Change"
"Nothing Else Matters" -- featuring Toots Thielemans
"Ordinary Girl"
"Say I Do"
"Paradise"
"Don't Wanna Lose You"
"Lovers at First Sight"
"Climbing"
"What Do They Know"*
"Now You're Gone"*
"Don't Wanna Lose You" (Radio Version)*
"Still In Love" (Italian/English Version)*
"Still In Love" (Italian Version)*
"Still In Love" (Spanish Version)*
* = bonus tracks.
Minister of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services visits SNAP Center
April is observed as Autism Month, the Deputy Premier, Minister of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services, Hon. E Jay Saunders, accompanied by Deputy Permanent Secretary Mrs. Tamera Howell-Robinson made an official visit to the Special Needs Association of Providenciales Center (SNAP Center) on 8th April, 2021. This visit allowed the team to view and observe the program and services offered.
The SNAP Center provides intellectual and life skills opportunities for children and young persons with special needs, inclusive but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Speech/Language Disorder, Learning Disorder and Down Syndrome, Ages 4 -21.
The SNAP Center is staffed with trained teachers, operating under an adequate ratio student to teacher population, imparting life skills programs, sign language and outdoor programs, all within a friendly learning environment.
In commenting on the visit, the Director, Ms. Betty-Ann Been stated that, "Our goal at the SNAP Center is to provide intellectual and life skills opportunities for the students with multiple disabilities; thus enabling them to function as productive citizens where possible. Each student is evaluated. This is followed by diagnostic reports and treatment plans to help parents and teachers as a guide to the development of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) inclusive of life skills. Once this plan is completed and implemented it is reviewed quarterly using the combination of various international standard programs."
During the visit, officials had the opportunity to view the various international programs applied, based on the student aptitude. Prior to departure from the SNAP Centre, Minister of Health, Honourable E. Jay Saunders stated, "This Government and in particular my Ministry will ensure that every action is taken to guarantee that our vulnerable children and young people have equal opportunities to succeed by providing the right educational support and health care. I am very proud of the stellar work being done by the staff of the SNAP Center. The students are in good hands".
While pledging a personal donation of $2,000 to be used for life skills training, Hon. Saunders further shared that his desire is to "be a champion for those most vulnerable".
Guyana's health minister urges developed countries to supply C'bean with COVID-19 vaccines
Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony, has called upon developed countries to make an interim supply of vaccines available to the Caribbean region.
Anthony made the plea while speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), at a special meeting convened by the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council.
Dr Anthony lamented, “Caricom remains deeply concerned” about the inequitable access and unbalanced distribution of COVID-19 vaccines globally.”
The health minister said that access to vaccines is particularly important for small developing states since these countries continue to experience the devastating health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He added that lockdown measures, supply chain disruptions, sharp declines in remittances, and a general decrease in travel, trade, and other economic activities that the region depends on, have all been disrupted by the pandemic.
According to recent reports from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), there will be uneven growth in the real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) across the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region. The Real GDP measures a country's total economic output, adjusted for price changes. Importantly, the IMF noted that the tourism-dependent countries have been adversely affected due to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
Against this backdrop of the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on Caribbean states, the minister reiterated the Caribbean's call for global and equitable access to vaccines stating that this will lessen the impact of the pandemic, protect citizens, and bolster the economy.
Guyana's health minister urges developed countries to supply C'bean with COVID-19 vaccines
World Bank concerned about COVID's economic impact in Caribbean
World Bank Group President David Malpass said the bank is concerned about the impact the economic crisis caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic will have on developing nations in the Caribbean.
“Gross domestic product (GDP) for Latin America declined sharply in 2020. It will recover some, I expect — at least numerically — in 2021, but it won't be able to get back to previous levels. So I'm very concerned about the human situation in Latin America and the Caribbean,” Malpass said when asked whether the pandemic is leading to a new debt crisis in the Latin America and Caribbean during the World Bank Group/International Monetary Fund (IMF) 2021 Virtual Spring Meetings held recently.
The IMF, in its recently released World Economic Outlook, revised its 2021 projections for tourism-dependent Caribbean economies down by 1.5 percentage points to 2.4 per cent regional growth.
Malpass noted that access to vaccines will be the key to the region's economic rebound.
“Part of this is getting the contracts in place and started up. The World Bank is providing financing for several countries and there can be large-scale programmes, but the countries are working to arrange delivery schedules from the various vaccine providers; that will be an important part of the recovery,” he said.
When asked specifically whether nations like The Bahamas, that have experienced a shocking rise in deficit and debt since the onset of the pandemic, should try to reduce borrowing levels in this global economic climate and focus on more austerity, or use borrowing to maintain obligations at this time, World Bank Group economist Sebastian Essl said, “Fiscal policy needs to be informed by debt sustainability assessment.
“In this context, it is important that the debt data coverage is comprehensive, which can be achieved by enhancing debt transparency. Countries with limited fiscal space and room for borrowing need to ensure that debt is contracted for priority areas that deliver high returns.”
The Bahamas has borrowed in excess of B$2 billion since the start of the 2020/2021 fiscal year. The Government has been heavily criticised for its high level of foreign borrowing at even higher rates, with many of the bonds attracting between eight and 10 per cent interest.
However, Malpass said the World Bank is seeking to find ways to intervene on the matter regarding the higher rates developing nations face.
“You know the interest rates have fallen for the advanced economies, but very few of the developing countries have gotten as much benefit from that. So there is an inherent unfairness in this, in that people that already had some national wealth are getting the low interest rate,” he said.
“So that is a challenge we want to address in the World Bank; with good practices in the developing countries there can be transparency, good choice of projects, that can help the country get lower interest rates.”
Los Angeles Lakers beat Utah Jazz in overtime plus more
Andre Drummond scored a team-high 27 points as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Utah Jazz 127-115 in overtime.
The Jazz, who lead the Western Conference, were without injured starters Donovan Mitchell, Mike Conley Jr and Rudy Gobert.
The Lakers, defending NBA champions, were missing their two biggest stars in Anthony Davis and LeBron James.
"We didn't allow adversity to get us out of our game," said Drummond, who was returning after a toe injury.
The Lakers' Dennis Schroder added 25 points, eight assists and six rebounds with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also finishing on 25 points.
Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz who have the league's best record (42 wins, 15 defeats) with 27 points. Ersan Ilyasova finished with 20 points, shooting six of eight from the three-point line.
"We're missing four pretty important guys," said Jazz guard Joe Ingles.
"For most of the game, we did a pretty good job. We were one stop away from winning the game."
The game was played in front of of a crowd of 1,700 spectators, the second at the Staples Centre since California relaxed its rules on spectators attending sporting events.
Elsewhere, Jayson Tatum scored 44 points for the Boston Celtics to beat the Golden State Warriors 119-114 despite Stephen Curry's impressive 47-point haul for the Warriors.
The win ends Golden State's four-game winning streak, while the Celtics made it six wins in a row.
Source-BBC