Leaders Cavalier welcome H"View as CHIKV forces more postponements

BY SANJAY MYERS Observer staff reporter

Sunday, October 12, 2014    

More postponements will affect the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) schedule as the competition continues with a mere four matches between today and tomorrow.

The game between parish rivals Sporting Central Academy and Humble Lion FC at the Juici Park in Clarendon has been put off.

A release from the competition organisers said the Sporting Central squad has been “seriously affected” by suspected cases of the mosquito-transmitted chikungunya virus.

The match at the Drewsland Stadium between Waterhouse FC and visitors Tivoli Gardens FC is also postponed because the former have several players on national duty with the Reggae Boyz.

In an encounter today which could provide entertaining football, Cavalier SC, surprise leaders of the RSPL, host the 2012-13 champions Harbour View FC. The game is slated to start at 5:00 pm at the Stadium East playing field.

The Andrew Hines-coached Harbour View have not had the best of starts to this season, drawing twice and losing once in their four games to be in fifth place on five points. But their confidence should be helped by the 4-1 beating of Boys’ Town FC in their most recent outing. Ranique Muir scored three times in that encounter.

Cavalier, guided by head coach Rudolph Speid, have predominantly been a mid-table club the last few seasons, but are unbeaten so far this campaign and currently top the standings with 11 points from five matches.

In a 3:30 pm start, first-time RSPL entrants Barbican FC entertain the reigning champions Montego Bay United at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Bowl.

Barbican, who drew their opening two games before being hammered 4-0 by Rivoli United last time out, are in 11th place on two points.

Eighth-placed Montego Bay have not set the competition alight either, mustering four points from four matches including a win, a draw and two defeats.

In today’s other game, sixth-placed Reno FC (five points) welcome second-placed Rivoli United (eight points).

Both teams have played four games, but while Rivoli are unbeaten with two wins and as many draws, Reno have only accomplished one victory, alongside a loss and two draws.

Tomorrow’s televised RSPL Monday Night game will see Trench Town-based arch-rivals Boys’ Town FC (four points) and Arnett Gardens FC clashing at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in a kick-off set for 9:15 pm.

Arnett Gardens are third with seven points, while Boys’ Town, languishing at the other end of the table, are ninth with four points.

RSPL games today

3:30 pm — Barbican vs Montego Bay @ UWI Mona Bowl

3:30 pm — Reno vs Rivoli United @ Frome Complex

5:00 pm — Cavalier vs Harbour View @ Stadium East

RSPL game tomorrow

9:15 pm — Boys’ Town vs Arnett Gardens @ Anthony Spaulding Complex

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Leaders Cavalier welcome H"View as CHIKV forces more postponements

Chik-V closes court. Lawyers, accused, complainants absent from sitting

Andr? Williams, STAR Writer

The much feared and talked about Chikungunya virus severely disrupted the proceedings of the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court on Friday

Lawyers, complainants and even some accused persons were absent as a result of the virus. Preferences were given to people who showed up for cases but were too ill to stay the length of the session.

Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey said that she had to consider those affected as the illness has caused much discomfort.

However, while giving bypass to those who showed signs of pain or those allegedly affected, RM Pusey warned that persons seeking the assistance of the court must be truthful about their current situation.

THE STAR watched as the usual gathering and pace which usually depicts a court sitting on a Friday, was noticeably absent.

A court representative who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed, “The chik-V a di baddest virus mi see walk through the courts in recent memory. It shot everybody, lawyers, judges and clerks, you name it. The impact will definitely result in backlog of cases even if its for a short time as cases are put off adding to the already usual limitations.”

RM Pusey during her closing on Friday, wished for the court staff, officers and clerks, to be safe over the weekend and advised them to drink plenty chicken soup and try to remain healthy.

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Chik-V closes court. Lawyers, accused, complainants absent from sitting

We created Chik-V dance. Group seeks credit for new trend

Contributed

Wayne J

Norman Grindley

Two of the members of Tuff-A-Lie dancers doing the Chikungunya dance.

CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

Local dancer, producer and recording artiste Baby Lawd, wants credit for creating the Chikungunya dance move and song.

According to the artiste who hails from Arnett Gardens, St Andrew, he created the dance and song over three weeks ago and because of its popularity online other recording artistes have decided to capitalise on it.

Baby Lawd says he and his dance group Tuff-A-Lie dancers, deserve their credit for starting the Chikungunya dance craze, however their intentions is not to start a rift with any recording artistes or dancers.

“We nuh care if other people wah duh di dance and mek song. But wi just want the people dem know sey a we create it, everywhere wi guh people a tell wi sey dem hear the likkle youth (Wayne J) song. But what we a use and capture the people is that we have the chicken sample in our rhythm. So it come een like the chicken a deejay wid wi and mi nah ask if ours a di best song,” Baby Lawd said.

More connections

He said the other artistes who have released Chikungunya songs have more connections within the music industry, which is causing them to benefit from the concept more than the original creators.

“Dem have producing link so people a guh hear dem song more. But Jamaica a we a di real originator of Chikungunya dance, if you go on YouTube you will see me in the middle of New Kingston a duh the dance and write it up. Mi gone over 100,000 views and on Facebook over 5,000 shares. Mi hear a lot o people with this ‘gunya’ song and mi know how Jamaica people stay suh dem a guh follow. But a we a di real thing and as yu hear our song yu a guh realise sey it a di real thing because ours just different,” Baby Lawd said.

Baby Lawd and The Tuff-A-Lie dancers disclosed that they decided to approach The STAR because they realised that other persons were getting the credit for the creation of the Chikungunya dance and song. A music video will be released for the song in coming weeks and the official single will be distributed by Hapilos on the 15th of October.

“A we build the dance nuhbody cyah run wid it. Tuff-A-Lie dancers from early September,” dance group member Andre Walters concluded. To hear Baby Lawd’s effort music lovers can search for Baby Lawd ChickunGunya on soundcloud.com.

Other artistes who have released songs called Chikungunya in recent times are Wayne J and Beenie Man featuring the Astronauts.

Up-and-coming recording artiste Wayne J was recently featured on a popular television program for his effort also called Chikungunya.

Currently co-signed by Laing of Supreme Promotions, the artiste told the media that they decided to record the single because of the popularity and severity of the Chikungunya virus. Produced by Ikation Records, the single is doing rounds on local radio. Wayne J is a student of Pembroke Hall High School in St Andrew.

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We created Chik-V dance. Group seeks credit for new trend

We created Chik-V dance. Group seeks credit for new trend

Contributed

Wayne J

Norman Grindley

Two of the members of Tuff-A-Lie dancers doing the Chikungunya dance.

CURTIS CAMPBELL, STAR Writer

Local dancer, producer and recording artiste Baby Lawd, wants credit for creating the Chikungunya dance move and song.

According to the artiste who hails from Arnett Gardens, St Andrew, he created the dance and song over three weeks ago and because of its popularity online other recording artistes have decided to capitalise on it.

Baby Lawd says he and his dance group Tuff-A-Lie dancers, deserve their credit for starting the Chikungunya dance craze, however their intentions is not to start a rift with any recording artistes or dancers.

“We nuh care if other people wah duh di dance and mek song. But wi just want the people dem know sey a we create it, everywhere wi guh people a tell wi sey dem hear the likkle youth (Wayne J) song. But what we a use and capture the people is that we have the chicken sample in our rhythm. So it come een like the chicken a deejay wid wi and mi nah ask if ours a di best song,” Baby Lawd said.

More connections

He said the other artistes who have released Chikungunya songs have more connections within the music industry, which is causing them to benefit from the concept more than the original creators.

“Dem have producing link so people a guh hear dem song more. But Jamaica a we a di real originator of Chikungunya dance, if you go on YouTube you will see me in the middle of New Kingston a duh the dance and write it up. Mi gone over 100,000 views and on Facebook over 5,000 shares. Mi hear a lot o people with this ‘gunya’ song and mi know how Jamaica people stay suh dem a guh follow. But a we a di real thing and as yu hear our song yu a guh realise sey it a di real thing because ours just different,” Baby Lawd said.

Baby Lawd and The Tuff-A-Lie dancers disclosed that they decided to approach The STAR because they realised that other persons were getting the credit for the creation of the Chikungunya dance and song. A music video will be released for the song in coming weeks and the official single will be distributed by Hapilos on the 15th of October.

“A we build the dance nuhbody cyah run wid it. Tuff-A-Lie dancers from early September,” dance group member Andre Walters concluded. To hear Baby Lawd’s effort music lovers can search for Baby Lawd ChickunGunya on soundcloud.com.

Other artistes who have released songs called Chikungunya in recent times are Wayne J and Beenie Man featuring the Astronauts.

Up-and-coming recording artiste Wayne J was recently featured on a popular television program for his effort also called Chikungunya.

Currently co-signed by Laing of Supreme Promotions, the artiste told the media that they decided to record the single because of the popularity and severity of the Chikungunya virus. Produced by Ikation Records, the single is doing rounds on local radio. Wayne J is a student of Pembroke Hall High School in St Andrew.

View the original article here

We created Chik-V dance. Group seeks credit for new trend

To limit Chik-V spread, infected are asked to avoid mosquito bite‏

Saturday, October 04, 2014 | 5:28 PM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse is urging people infected with the chikungunya virus to protect themselves from mosquito bites while the virus is still active in their bodies.

“Persons remain infectious for seven days after the onset of fever. This means if a mosquito bites these persons they will be able to spread the virus to others,” Bullock DuCasse said in a release today.

“We therefore appeal to them to reduce the chances of being bitten to assist in stemming the spread of the virus,” she added.

Infected persons are being encouraged to limit their movements from place to place and avoid mosquito bites wherever they go during the seven day period.?

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To limit Chik-V spread, infected are asked to avoid mosquito bite‏

Health minister warns against deadly dengue in Chik-V address

Sunday, September 28, 2014 | 7:36 PM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica – The health minister, Dr Fenton Ferguson, has warned the public to safeguard against dengue virus, which is also spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito.

Ferguson issued the warning during a national address Sunday night on the spread of chikungunya virus.

“Be reminded that dengue is also spread by the aedes aegypti mosquito and is more serious than chikungunya, as the death rate is much higher,” said Ferguson.

He added: “Deaths from chikungunya are very rare and usually occur in persons with other illnesses, especially chronic illnesses. The death rate from chikungunya is less than one per cent compared to dengue which is 1-5 per cent and influenza which kills millions each year. In 2012, we had a total of 5,929 suspected dengue cases and in 2013, we had 925 cases.”

At the same time, the minister appealed to persons in high-risk groups, including pregnant women, infants, children under five years old and persons with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease, to seek medical care “immediately if they experience symptoms that could be chikungunya”.

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Health minister warns against deadly dengue in Chik-V address

Health minister moves to rally citizenry in Chik-V fight

Sunday, September 28, 2014 | 9:19 PM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson on Sunday night attempted to rally the citizenry in an all-out effort to check the rapidly spreading chikungunya disease.

“While the government must lead the process, citizens have a major role to play in the reduction of the spread of this disease,” Ferguson said in an address to the nation.

“It is therefore important for all of us to ensure that we are not harbouring this mosquito in our homes. Personal responsibility is going to be of utmost importance in the reduction of the spread of this disease,” Ferguson added.

“I implore every citizen to join us when we declare a national cleanup day,” he said. “Let us take charge of our health and restore national pride.”

The minister has come under fire in recent months over the handling of the outbreak, which he said Sunday night is expected to spike before it peters out. Members of the public have made repeated calls for him to relinquish his ministerial post over the issue. The Opposition Jamaica Labour Party was no less vocal in expressing dissatisfaction with the health ministry’s tackling of the disease.

But during his address Sunday night, Ferguson said authorities have been working assiduously to check the chikungunya outbreak for which preparation had been made for some two years.

He said that since June, “we have initiated a number of response measures”.

The minister said that those measures include: activities to identify and destroy breeding sites in over 484 communities, with some 50,887 premises inspected; 84,015 containers inspected for mosquito breeding of which 24,206 containers were treated; fogging carried out in 977 communities; active search for cases in communities which involved over 15,532 persons; and direct face-to-face public and community education conducted with some 60,000 people.

These activities, he said, continue daily.

He added also that there have been, and will continue to be, meetings with stakeholders on the way forward.

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Health minister moves to rally citizenry in Chik-V fight

Health minister says Chik-V cases will spike

Sunday, September 28, 2014 | 7:01 PM    

KINGSTON, Jamaica – It will get worse.

Health Minister Dr Fenton Ferguson has said in a national address tonight that Chikungunya cases are expected to spike before the spread of the virus eventually peters out.

“It is important to note that the expectation is for Chikungunya cases to spike and then trend down as persons begin to build immunity to this new disease,” Ferguson said.

He said the spread of the virus was expected and that it was “normal” for new diseases.

This is Ferguson’s first address to the nation since the virus hit Jamaican shores earlier this year. The address comes amid criticism of the Government’s handling of the outbreak.

Chik-V was first reported in the Caribbean last year December.

Last week, Dr Kevin Harvey, the acting permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health, told OBSERVER ONLINE that between 38 per cent and 68 per cent of the population will be infected with the virus.

In his address, Ferguson called on employers to be “compassionate” toward affected employees.

“We are aware of the impact this is having on productivity and attendance at school and work and ask employers to be compassionate and assist their staff through this difficult period,” said the minister, who noted that Jamaica had been preparing for the introduction of Chik-V for “over two years”.

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Health minister says Chik-V cases will spike

Health ministry calls on community to help fight Chik-v

The Ministry of Health is calling on community members to organise clean-up activities in their areas as part of efforts to reduce the spread of chikungunya.

Acting chief medical officer, Dr Marion Bullock DuCasse, says community involvement and personal responsibility are important to reducing the breeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito which is the vector that spreads the Chikungunya virus.

“We want community members to band together and take a day to clean up their communities, including their home, schools and churches in the areas. We also want businesses to get on board and do the same for their workplaces.

Breeding sites

We have to continue our efforts to search for and destroy mosquito breeding sites as this is the primary way in which we will be able to reduce the spread of chikungunya and other vector borne diseases,” Dr DuCasse said.

As of September 12, 2014, 321 notifications were received and reviewed by the Ministry of which 183 met the case definition which means that they had the appropriate symptoms and have been deemed suspected cases of chikungunya.

Of the 183 suspected cases, 24 tested negative and were discarded and 25 were laboratory confirmed including an additional case confirmed by CARPHA on Friday.

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Health ministry calls on community to help fight Chik-v

Parents claim ... children sleeping on floor at hospital - Chik-V fear causes overcrowding

Chad Bryan/Diandra Grandison, STAR Reporters

The Bustamante Hospital for Children is experiencing an overcrowding issue as parents have been flooding the institution due to fears that their children are infected with the Chikungunya Virus.

On Sunday, THE STAR visited the island’s only children’s hospital and parents expressed that after their kids were admitted, there was no place available for them to lay their heads and they could not leave the hospital without being cleared by the administration.

One man, who had his daughter in his hand, said he was forced to construct a makeshift bed from plyboard and sheet with a mosquito net covering it. He said he came to the hospital on Saturday and by Sunday there was nowhere to put his daughter.

shortage of nurses

“I’ve been here from 10 a.m., Saturday,” he said, “Why not just let me take the child and leave? They say I can’t go through the gate without a release form.”

THE STAR was also informed yesterday by another parent that she has been at the hospital since Sunday, and she along with her child have been sleeping on the floor due to the lack of beds. She also revealed that there was a shortage of nurses at the hospital and parents were being forced to take over some of their duties.

Parents also told THE STAR that children at the hospital were exhibiting symptoms that appeared to be consistent with the Chikungunya Virus (Chik-V). However, one of the parents told THE STAR that the hospital was conducting blood tests in order to determine if it was actually the mosquito-transmitted virus.

When contacted, Public Relations Officer at the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA), Taneisha Lewis, confirmed that the hospital has been experiencing overcrowding. However, she could not comment on whether the symptoms the children exhibited were due to the Chik-V.

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Parents claim ... children sleeping on floor at hospital - Chik-V fear causes overcrowding