The real test of the Health Ministry’s response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) will be when the plan is executed and where necessary changes will be made.

“We will need to look at the response on the field, and try and put things in place to anticipate a situation. We have to be flexible,” Ag Principal Medical Officer, Epidemiology Dr Ian Popplewell said in a telephone interview last week. To date, SARS has killed 180 people and infected 3,461 others. Last Saturday alone 12 people died in Hong Kong, the largest number of deaths in a single day. Popplewell chaired a meeting last Wednesday to go through the entire response plan and the different levels of preparedness, with Ministry of Health and RHA officials, Accident and Emergency, Infection Control and National Surveillance Unit staff. Officials from the Airports Authority and Port Authority were also in attendance.

Popplewell said the “drug of choice” for early treatment of SARS is Panadol. Aspirin can cause a drop in platelet count. What is used after depends largely on the condition of the patient. As there is no rapid test to diagnose SARS, Popplewell said testing will be based on a process of elimination of all other probable causes of illness—pneumonia and atypical pneumonia. Medical and travel history will also be taken into consideration in diagnosis. The Health Ministry’s plan is targeting arriving passengers, so emphasis is on ports of entry. 

Persons arriving at Piarco International Airport will be expected to complete Health Declaration Forms (HDF) while Port Health Officers (PHO) in the course of doing their health status reports will be vigilant for workers and travellers arriving via sea. Due to the large travel population on cruise ships, Popplewell said PHOs will require a great deal of assistance from doctors on board in completing the HDFs. He said the plan at present is flexible, and recommendations for changes can be made. “It is simply a plan in the event of anything happening.” Samples of probable SARS cases will be sent to the US Centres for Disease Control as there is yet no test available locally or anywhere else in the world for SARS.

Dr Eldonna Boisson of the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) said global labs are working towards developing a diagnostic test which could be disseminated. She said they have been working on three tests simultaneously. Two of them took too long (10-20 days) to give a positive indication for SARS. While the third test gave many “false negative” results. Doctors and scientists have been relying on clinical symptoms and travel history to differentiate SARS cases from other diseases. “Differential diagnosis” (testing for other diseases like Leptospirosis, Influenza) is also being used to distinguish SARS. “All the cases around the world are probable cases,” Boisson said. She said to date no samples have been sent to CAREC.

The main symptoms of SARS are: high fever (38 degrees Celsius), one or more respiratory symptoms including a cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing; close contact with a person diagnosed with SARS (close contact means having cared for, having lived with or having had direct contact with respiratory secretions and body fluids of a person with SARS); and recent history of travel to areas reporting cases of SARS.

Just over 20 patients waited anxiously yesterday both inside and outside the Accident and Emergency Ward at the San Fernando General Hospital for medical treatment.

Up to late yesterday, a woman who was grimacing in pain with an inflamed abscess in her buttocks and a young man whose left eye was pierced by a metal object, had not seen a doctor. The woman, Edith Boodram, from Moruga, said she had been waiting since 8am to see a doctor. She cannot sit down on her buttocks and therefore had to lie down on one of the benches outside of the A&E Department. She explained that she has already had surgery last week for her ailing buttocks but it became inflamed once again.

Also waiting to see a doctor was a woman with her 20-year-old nephew whose left eye was pierced by a metal object. The man cannot open his eye and according to his aunt, a doctor from the Gulf View Medical Complex told her to take him to the SFGH’s Accident and Emergency department for treatment. Although she relayed her nephew’s situation and submitted the letter from the Gulf View Medical Complex to the nurse at the counter, she said that she felt “nobody cares”. While some writhed in pain, others uttered words of disgust about the doctors who are staying away from the hospital. One woman in particular said that “the doctors want somebody to burn down this building” and questioned the relevance of her monthly Health Surcharge contributions.

AN abrupt end to last Thursday’s meeting between doctors and the joint negotiating RHA team, has signalled a deadlock in the negotiations that could trigger a crisis in the nation’s hospitals. Word is that the RHA is tied to its last week offer based on instructions from the Chief Personnel Officer, Sandra Manchack. Thursday’s meeting saw a final offer of a total package between $17,000 and $19,000 for House Officers based on years of experience.

A release from the RHA yesterday stated that the doctors are demanding a total package of approximately $22,000 to $25,000. It described the demand as totally untenable. “In the context of the public service, it just cannot be done,” a member of the RHA team said yesterday. Thursday’s meeting was expected to resolve the issue to bring an end to sick-out action by the doctors. Patients continue to be turned away at the Port-of-Spain, Eric Williams and San Fernando General Hospitals. On Saturday a pregnant mother about to deliver her baby, according to former SFGH’s medical director Dr Anand Chatoorgoon, came close to death when she waited for hours to see a doctor at the SFGH. Chatoorgoon said there was an apparent delay in transfering the mother to a nursing home.  Checks yesterday revealed that the mother was resting comfortably at the Augustus Long Hospital, Pointe-a-Pierre but the baby was still in critical condition.

A release from Drs Lakhan Roop and Phillip Ayoung-Chee last week Thursday on behalf of the Medical Professionals Associations of Trinidad and Tobago, stated: “MPATT walked out of the negotiations after presentation of their offer on Thursday 17, April.” It  further stated that doctors will review the RHA’s latest offer. MPATT will meet on Tuesday with its membership. With the RHA’s team unable to budge from its latest offer, doctors’ rejection could result in the matter being reported to the Inter-ministerial team which is headed by Public Administration Minister, Dr Lenny Saith.

Eustace Bernard, retired Commissioner of Police died at his Fairways, Maraval home around 1.30 pm on Saturday.

He had been ailing for the past year and was bedridden. The 89-year-old Bernard served as Commissioner from 1971 to 1973 and received training in policing in the United Kingdom. On his retirement, Tony May took over as Commissioner. Yesterday, Deputy Commissioner Everald Snaggs said that Bernard will be sadly missed because of his wealth of knowledge and his contribution to the upliftment of the police service.

Other senior officers noted that Bernard could be considered one of the strongest Commissioners ever in the police service. He was the first Commissioner who came through the ranks from constable and moved to Commissioner. Other Commissioners moved to that post after joining the service at a senior rank. He was also a disciplinarian and spent his years as Commissioner trying to improve the service. Frequently this approach landed him in trouble with the ranks of the police service for example, when he suspended a female police officer when she was pregnant and unmarried. His decision to suspend the WPC was overruled by the Police Service Commission.

In 1973, he took strong objection to two calypsos by Lord Shorty entitled “Indrani” and “The art of making love”, and thought that Shorty should have been prosecuted. The Carnival Development Committee was charged for allowing him to sing at the Dimache Gras show but those charges were dropped. He had clashes with the police associations, and also clashed with Inspector Arnead of the police Second Division in the Boysie Singh case, which he played a major role in cracking the murder case, and also played  major roles in the New Street murder case, and the 1946 Waterfront and Oilfield strike. Bernard was also a qualified lawyer. He was able to secure leave from the service and went to England where he completed his law studies. The period of his absence was marked by the Black Power and Army mutiny in the city.

During his absence, retired Commissioner Tony May acted for him and on his return in 1971 he was appointed as Commissioner. He was part of the Ellis Clarke Technical Team which was appointed by former President Hassanali to do a report on the reform of the police service. In that report, Bernard’s contribution was described as meaningful. He was also a serving member of the Police Service Commission. Other senior officers said yesterday that when Bernard retired as Commissioner, he was always called upon to give advice to other Commissioners of police. He was described as very colonial and funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised. He was married to Nydia and she pre-deceased him some years ago. He wrote a book in 1991 called  Against the Odds.

Three visitors who are in the country to witness the cricket Test match between Australia and West Indies at the Oval, were robbed in three separate incidents between Saturday and yesterday.

Officers of the Woodbrook Police Station led by Sgt Valentine Millette and including PCs Rennie Grant and Glen Sharpe carried out surveillance duties and patrols in Woodbrook in a bid to apprehend the suspects. The first robbery occured around 5 pm on Saturday, when Kheldon Jairam, of Main Street East, Rockaway, New York, was walking south along Luis Street, Woodbrook. Reports reveal that he was approached by three men who pushed him to the ground and robbed him of a gold chain valued US$3,500, one diamond ring valued US$1,100, one gold chain valued US$1,200, one gold ID bracelet with diamonds valued US$3,500, and one gold bracelet valued US$600.

The men escaped by running north along Luis Street, turning west into Roberts Street, and escaped. Sgt Millette, PCs Grant and Sharpe visited the scene and carried out a check for the suspects to no avail. At around 6.45 pm, Paul Young, 34, of Anga Street, Adelaide, Australia, was walking along French Street, Woodbrook, in a southerly direction when he was confronted by four men. A struggle ensued and he was robbed of a wallet containing $100 TT currency, an Australian driver’s permit, a Commonwealth card, a pair of binoculars and a video camera. The bandits escaped by running south along French Street into Ariapita Avenue. The same officers responded to the report.

Around 12.05 pm yesterday, Brian Keller, 32, of Main Street, Poland Road, USA, was walking along Roberts Street,Woodbrook, when two men alighted from a car driven by another man. They held on to the victim and robbed him of US $60. and escaped in the said vehicle. Sgt Millette, and PCs Grant and Sharpe carried out inquiries and a search for the suspects. Police investigators said yesterday that visitors walking along streets in Woodbrook should desist from wearing jewelry or walking around with cash and valuables. Cricket fans also using the same route were also advised to exercise caution.

A 26-year-old Sangre Grande man is now warded in serious condition at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital after his right wrist was severed in a cutlass attack.

Reports revealed that around 4.30 pm on Saturday, Ishmael Gomez of Damarie Hill, Guaico, was standing close to his home when he had an argument with a 46-year-old man over a woman. Both men who were armed with cutlasses began making swipes at each other. The 46-year-old man was chopped about the hands, while the right wrist of Gomez was severed. Gomez was rushed to hospital while the 46-year-old man was treated at the Sangre Grande Hospital and is now in police custody. The man is reported to be a deportee from the United States.

Also on Saturday, Wayne Johnson,  40, of Paria Road, Toco, was stabbed several times following an argument. Reports revealed that around 4 pm, Johnson had an altercation with a 21-year-old man over money which Johnson had won in a pool game. The man reportedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Johnson several times in the chest. He was rushed to hospital where he was treated and warded. PCs Dindial Joseph and PC Cummings visited the scene and are investigating.

A FAMILY of seven, including a US citizen, was arrested and a quantity of marijuana seized following a raid at a house in Siparia yesterday.

The suspects, ages ranging between 28 and 62 years, have all been charged with possession of marijuana and are expected to appear before a Siparia magistrate tomorrow. The raid, led by Cpl Minors, was carried out after police received information that illegal drugs were  being sold at a house at Alta Gracia Trace.

According to reports, around 12.45 pm, a party of officers including PCs Rajesh Gokool, Fareed Khan and Darrel Ramdass, attached to the South Western Divisional Task Force and Siparia CID, executed a search warrant at the house. During the search police found 50 foil pockets of marijuana, with a street value of $1,000, in one of the bedrooms. The seven occupants of the house, including the resident of Baltimore, were arrested and taken to the station where they were charged by PC Khan for the offence.

First Division officers from the police, fire, prisons and army will meet this Thursday in an emergency meeting to discuss what has been termed the failure of the Chief Personnel Officer to re-classify the salaries of first division officers from the rank of Assistant Commissioner to Assistant Superintendents.

President of the Police First Division, Assistant Police Commissioner Peter John said yesterday that the emergency meeting was called because all first division officers are disgruntled over their current salaries. ACP John pointed out that his association has been trying to get the CPO to do a re-classification of salaries for first division officers since 1992 but the request continues to be placed on the back burner. He added that last Wednesday, 97 members of the Police First Division met at Police Headquarters to discuss the situation and all the officers at the meeting expressed concern over their salaries.

John said that the situation has reached an acute stage where all first divisions have agreed to join forces to ensure that their demands for better salaries are addressed. He noted that the Salaries Review Commission reviewed the salaries of the Police Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioners twice, and the association has been literally begging the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) to do a re-classification of all other senior ranks. The salary of the Commissioner moved recently from $10,000 to $19,000, while the salaries of the two Deputy Commissioners moved to $16,500.

Assistant Commissioners of Police receive salaries of just under $8,000. “We are agitated over the wide gap in salaries and we are no longer prepared to sit idly by and hope that the CPO addresses our plights,” said ACP John. He added that retroactivity is another issue which is also on the cards to be discussed. “We will have to decide on the course of action to take, if the CPO continues to take us for granted, and several first division officers are retiring into poverty,” said ACP John. The salaries of officers from the rank of Deputy Commissioner and the Commissioner are decided by the Salaries Review Commission, while the salaries of officers from Assistant Commissioners to constables are negotiated by the CPO.

A 31-year-old housewife has been warded in a serious condition after being chopped on her head following domestic dispute with a male relative on Saturday night.

Police have since arrested a 38-year-old man who would either be charged with attempted murder or malicious wounding. According to reports, around 11.30 pm, Christine Samuel was at her home at Icacos Village, when a heated argument erupted between her and the relative. The dispute eventually turned violent and the woman was chopped in the back of her head with a cutlass. Neighbours alerted the Cedros Police and a party of officers including Cpls Karims and Subero and PC Chandarjit visited the scene and held a man. Samuel was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital where she was treated and admitted to Ward 3 in a serious but stable condition. The suspect is expected to appear before a Point Fortin magistrate tomorrow. Invest-igations are continuing.

Meanwhile a 29-year-old man was bashed on his head with a stone after a man accused him of “pulling” at his girlfriend during the Moruga festivities on Saturday night. Gerard Henry of Edward Trace, Moruga, told police that around 9.30 pm he was participating in a street parade when he and another man got into an argument about a woman. He said they started to scuffle and the man picked up a stone and hit him on his head with it. Henry was rushed to the San Fernando General Hospital but was not treated because of the doctors’ impasse. He left the hospital with his father, Alexander Henry, yesterday morning to seek treatment elsewhere. A 31-year-old suspect is expected to be charged with wounding with intent this morning and appear in court tomorrow.

“Save-a-Life,  Prevent drowning. Be careful in the water, Return home safe,” was the campaign launched by Jarette Narine, Minister of Local Government on Friday at the Manzanilla Beach Resort, Manzanilla.

The project, he said, was getting a lot of support from different NGOs. He said it had come at the right time, since during the long Easter weekends, many went to beaches to spend the day with friends and family, some even camping for the entire weekend. People, he said, were unaware of the precautions to be taken while at beaches such as Manzanilla, Toco, Matura, San Souci, Mayaro and Maracas. He asured people that the lifeguard presence has been beefed up at some of the dangerous beaches where more people drown. He, however, emphasised that lifeguards were there not only to assist people who get into difficulties while bathing, but to educate them. He advised the public to listen to lifeguards at the beaches and follow their instructions for bathing purposes. He added that he hoped there would not be any drownings this Easter.

Addressing the lifeguards, Narine said that in order for some of them to become permanent there must be an increase in the number of staff so that those working for a longer period could be promoted. He assured them with the assistance of the NGOs, facilities at the various beaches would be upgraded. Indra Sinanan, Chairperson of the Sangre Grande Chamber of Commerce, suggested to the Minister an appreciation day for lifeguards, since these men have been doing yeoman service to the people of TT without being recognised. Narine complimeted Ojar Maharaj, Communication Director, Ministry of Local Government, for having the vision to make bathing at beaches in TT more safe. Also attening were Gabriel Henderson, Chairman, Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, Indra Sinanan, Chairperson, Sangre Grande Chamber of Commerce, Lenox Dwarika Supervisor11, Lifeguards, Terry Rondon, Councillor Toco/ Fishing Pond.