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WHAT a low-spirited start to the New Year it has been. All the dark episodes of 2020, with all the grief and death seem to have spilled to 2021 with COVID-19 arguably the worst nightmare. This time, it appears it is more deadly and has a strong appetite to devour judging by the soaring numbers of infections and deaths. After the reckless partying that ushered merrymakers into the New Year, authorities had to act and indeed, the lockdown was the only viable action. The swift reaction by the government to impose a lockdown that includes closure of bars, bottlestores, gyms and other facilities could not have come at a better time. It was timely and life-saving but of course with its own negativity. In the last week alone, Zimbabwe recorded 1 342 COVID-19 cases and 29 deaths, representing the highest number of cases recorded to date. On January 2, 2021, 407 new cases were recorded and eight deaths and such numbers are nothing to ignore. The reality we all feared is with us now. COVID-19 is a killer and is ravaging communities hence the need to stop the recklessness that had taken centre stage. The lockdown will, however, mean nothing if there is no proper enforcement and this time, vigilance is needed by enforcers. Of course we are not saying the military and police should use maximum force that borders on human rights violations like we witnessed last year. Soaring cases, particularly in the last two months have risen to terrifying levels and we have been waiting for the government to act. Government was relaxed in that period with some of its officials posting on their social media platforms pictures of themselves partying, completely oblivious of COVID-19 regulations. That was inexcusable recklessness by Cabinet ministers at a time the people needed to be shepherded into responsible behaviour. As if such carelessness by ministers was not enough, President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed hundreds of Zanu PF supporters in Chivi, Masvingo province, exposing them to the deadly disease. Well, that is now in the past but the point remains that it is incumbent upon the leadership to lead by example so that the followers will follow responsibly. We also witnessed towards the end of the year a “super-spreader” event in the form of a chaotic MDC-T extraordinary congress and that Thokozani Khupe was immediately taken ill after the indaba. This is no longer a joke and the deaths, some of them of prominent people in the last two days, should be enough lessons for authorities to act responsibly. Thankfully, the lockdown is a step in the right direction. It will, however, come to naught if it ends just as a lockdown without putting in place other measures including availing ventilators in hospitals and improving testing for the virus. In these trying times, we must not forget those in the frontline, the health workers who are daily exposed to COVID-19 as they try to save lives. The government needs to act and provide all the necessary support. It is a fight we must win together, and we will.
In May, Burundi held a presidential election which was won by Evariste Ndayishimiye, candidate of the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy - Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) party.
Ndayishimiye was hurriedly sworn in after the untimely death of president Pierre Nkurunziza in June.
Rights violations continue
The Council encouraged donor countries which had suspended aid to Burundi to continue dialogue towards resumption of development assistance.
A report by a UN watchdog in September said human rights violations were still being committed in Burundi, including sexual violence and murder.
The country was plunged into a crisis in April 2015 when Ndayishimiye’s predecessor Pierre Nkurunziza decided to run for a controversial third term, which he ultimately won in July 2015.
His candidature, which was opposed by the opposition and civil society groups, resulted in a wave of protests, violence and even a failed coup in May 2015.
Hundreds of people were killed and over 300,000 fled to neighboring countries.
Helen Zille has looked at last week's by-election results from a different angle, claiming that the DA actually 'out-performed' the ANC.
We're less than a month from the New Year, and if your resolution is to get in shape, Nike has you covered. Since quarantine began, everyone has either packed on the pounds or figuring out ways to sweat them out thanks to the popularization of CLMBR, Peloton, and of course, HIIT. HIIT, or high-intensity interval […]
By Associated Press Undefined WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Thursday ordered a lower federal court to reexamine California restrictions on indoor religious services in areas hard hit by the coronavirus in light of the justices' recent ruling in favor of churches and synagogues in New York. The high court's unsigned order, with no noted dissent, leaves the California restrictions in place for now. But it throws out a federal district court ruling that rejected a challenge to the limits from Pasadena-based Harvest Rock Church and Harvest International Ministry, which has more than 160 churches across the state. Last […]
The post Justices order review of California virus rules for churches appeared first on Black News Channel.
Almost a dozen employees of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) have alleged intimidation from some senior officials and even board members since The Sunday Gleaner last week published a report on a leaked audit suggesting bad...
… tried to heal after nine African Americans were shot dead at church …
Download 'The Textorcist' for free from the Epic Games Store. You have until 19 November 2020 to grab your free copy.
It’s a good idea to conduct a financial health check-up to know where you currently stand. You can do this by reviewing your credit report to be on the lookout for any discrepancies, calculating your debt to income ratio, and assessing your emergency savings. It’s also important to determine if you need to obtain health insurance or plan for retirement. Depending on the results of your financial health check-up, you may need to consider more proactive strategies to help you gain financial stability.
BY MOSES MATENGA THE ruling Zanu PF and opposition MDC Alliance yesterday said they were going ahead with preparations for by-elections despite the recent poll ban imposed by Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. In announcing the ban, Chiwenga, who doubles as Health minister, cited COVID-19 fears, but his decision has been widely dismissed with the World Health Organisation last week saying elections could still be safely held as long as authorities enforce certain safety measures. Some voters have challenged the ban in court, with constitutional law experts saying they stood a greater chance of winning the case. At the weekend, both parties were in the trenches holding primary elections in various parts of the country, saying they were confident the ban would be reversed soon. Several constituencies are without representation in Parliament after Thokozani Khupe recalled 32 MDC Alliance MPs accusing them of defecting from her MDC-T party. Zanu PF national commissar Victor Matemadanda said his party was on the ground for any eventuality, insisting that the people needed representation “at all times”. “The ban doesn’t have anything to do with the preparation because COVID-19 will come to an end and elections will be there, but meanwhile, people want service, so we can’t have a time we say politics is on leave in a constituency where there are people,” Matemadanda said. “Therefore, we are preparing until elections are called for so we remain prepared.” Zanu PF held primary elections in Epworth where Kudakwashe Damson emerged victorious. This was the second primary election after Chiwenga’s declaration, with the one held in Kwekwe Central to replace the late National Patriotic Front MP Masango Matambanadzo being aborted due to intra-party violence. The Epworth seat fell vacant following the recall of MDC Alliance MP Ethenrige Kureva by Khupe. The MDC Alliance also held primary elections in Kuwadzana to choose a candidate to replace Miriam Mushayi who passed on in September. Party secretary-general Chalton Hwende said the ban was unconstitutional and by-elections would be held anytime. “We held a primary election for Kuwadzana where we lost Honourable Mushayi. We are not doing primary elections for the recalled MPs because we have maintained that the move was unconstitutional,” Hwende said. Hwende is one of the 32 MPs recalled by the MDC-T. “We have maintained that the ban on by-elections is unconstitutional and Parliament has weighed in and also stated that it is unconstitutional. “We insist the law must be upheld and that is why we are busy preparing and also Zanu PF is preparing because they know that they cannot violate the Constitution. Zanu PF is also holding primary elections and it means they are preparing for elections anytime.” Last month, Chiwenga announced postponement of the by-elections indefinitely before Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda told Parliament on Thursday that Statutory Instrument 225A of 2020 had been deemed unconstitutional by the Parliamentary Legal Committee. He, however, appeared to make a
By Associated Press Undefined ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey's parliament on Tuesday granted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government permission to deploy peacekeepers to Azerbaijan to monitor a cease-fire deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia that aims to end the conflict in the region. In a show of hands, legislators voted in favor of a one-year mandate allowing the government to send troops to Azerbaijan, where they would observe possible violations of the truce from a joint Turkish-Russian monitoring center. The cease-fire ended six weeks of intense fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Erdogan's government would determine the number […]
The post Turkish parliament approves peacekeepers for Azerbaijan appeared first on Black News Channel.
In the new trailer for Shonda Rhimes, "Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker," we explore not only the production of the annual Christmas play but Debbie Allen's legacy through the Debbie Allen Dance Academy.
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of laid-off Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 787,000, a sign that job losses may have eased slightly but are still running at historically high levels. Last week's figure was down from 842,000 the previous week, the Labor Department said Thursday. The government also revised down the number of people who sought aid in the two weeks before that. The revised total for the week that ended Oct. 3 was 767,000, the fewest since the viral pandemic erupted in March, though still more than three times the […]
The post US jobless claims drop to 787,000, but layoffs remain high appeared first on Black News Channel.
By MESFIN FEKADU AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — The year's most played artist on Spotify? Globally speaking: Bad Bunny. The Puerto Rican superstar is the music platform's most-streamed artist of the year with 8.3 billion streams globally. The Latin Grammy winner and hitmaker , who released a new album last week, leads a top five list that also includes Drake, J Balvin, Juice WRLD and The Weeknd. With more than 3.3 billion streams, Bad Bunny's sophomore solo album 'YHLQMDLG' tops Spotify's list of most-streamed albums globally. The Weeknd's 'After Hours,' Post Malone's 'Hollywood's Bleeding,' Harry Styles' 'Fine Line' […]
The post Bad Bunny is Spotify's most-streamed artist of 2020 appeared first on Black News Channel.
Michigan canceled its annual rivalry game at Ohio State on Tuesday because of the COVID-19 outbreak within the Wolverines football... View Article
The post Michigan’s COVID-19 outbreak cancels game against Ohio State appeared first on TheGrio.
Story and Photos by Ashley MossStaff Writer At one point on November 14, the cars lined up for food and COVID-19 testing at historically Black Paul Quinn College (PQC) stretched …
Major events in Burke County saw great attendance last week, providing not only a good time for patrons but also a chunk of change that’ll benefit the entire community. On Thursday, local “celebrities” bussed tables for tips to help support Downtown Waynesboro. At top Elizabeth Billips helped earn a wad of cash for the event, which was sponsored by the […]
By SUSAN K. SMITH Crazy Faith Ministries In this turbulent political period of our existence, I find myself wondering why anyone would prefer what appears to be the development of an authoritarian regime [...]
The post Democracy vs authoritarianism: Which will win? appeared first on Dallas Examiner.
Although the majority of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in St.
The article Ministry considering COVID isolation facility in St Cuthbert’s appeared first on Stabroek News.
Ralph Lauren announced the appointment of former Obama administration senior advisor, Valerie Jarrett, to the board of directors.
There are rumours that an alcohol ban will be implemented by government over the festive season. Is there any truth to it?
Wondering what the day has in store for your star sign? Here's a quick glance at horoscopes and more for today - completely free!
It’s finally Fall! What better time to start adopting the perfect wellness routine that fits your everyday life, but also contributes to your overall well-being? Fall is a time for fresh starts, so why not utilize the cooler seasons to stay grounded and build a foundation for yourself, find balance, and find ways to boost […]
The post Creating Your Fall Wellness Routine appeared first on BlackDoctor.org.
COVID-19 cases in the town of Bartica, in Region Seven are continually rising as there are now about 17 more when compared to last week.
The article COVID cases continuing to rise in Bartica appeared first on Stabroek News.
Saliva testing is offered every day at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul, and at the Minneapolis Convention Center. You can also order a free mail-in test.
Source
HIGH Court judge Justice Erica Ndewere has filed an interdict against President Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop him from suspending her until Chief Justice Luke Malaba has followed correct disciplinary procedures. By DESMOND CHINGARANDE Justice Ndewere has been accusing Justice Malaba of discrimination, saying former judge Justice Francis Bere’s disciplinary hearing was done according to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) guidelines, but her case had been sent directly to Mnangagwa without giving her an opportunity to be heard. In her application for interdict, Justice Ndewere cited Mnangagwa, Justice Malaba, Judge President George Chiweshe, the JSC and Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi. “On September 15, 2020, I received documents containing complaints against myself from JSC,” Justice Ndewere said. “It was noted that the complaints had been placed before JSC in terms of the Constitution of Zimbabwe. “I was asked to respond to the complaints on or before September 22. My lawyers of record then wrote a letter to JSC highlighting critical issues on how complaints against a sitting judge ought to be dealt with.” She added: “It was clear from the document I received from JSC was acting on the basis that it is Malaba who is complaining about my conduct. If, indeed, it is Malaba who is of the opinion that I have conducted myself contrary in any shape or form, then the JSC code of ethics should apply.” Justice Ndewere said the JSC did not respond to her letter and on October 13, she was shocked to receive news that she was to appear before a tribunal and received a letter stating that the complaints commission had referred the matter to the President. She said she, therefore, concluded that the complaints considered by the JSC at the extraordinary meeting chaired by Justice Malaba were the same as the complaints delivered to her, which confirms that Justice Malaba was the one complaining about her conduct. “By operation of law, the setting up of a tribunal by the first respondent (Mnangagwa) will result in my automatic suspension which will prejudice my work and my reputation,” she said. “My reputation is in jeopardy because Malaba has complained about my conduct. I run the risk of losing my job based on complaints raised against me by Malaba alone. To allow this would be a violation of my right and to the administration of justice.” Justice Ndewere said section 163(2) and (3) of the Constitution clearly stated that the Chief Justice was the head of Judiciary and was in charge of the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court and Judge President Chiweshe was in charge of the High Court. She said Justice Chiweshe was supposed to be the complainant in her case. Justice Ndewere is reportedly being victimised after allegedly refusing bail instruction in cases involving former Cabinet minister Priscah Mupfumira, who is accused of corruption and fraud, and MDC Alliance legislator Job Sikhala, accused of plotting Mnangagwa’s ouster.
By Miriam Mangwaya THE Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum has called on local police officers to adopt the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation Organisation (SARPCCO) guidelines to instil discipline in the force. The call came at a time the police are being accused of heavy-handedness, especially when deployed to enforce the COVID-19 lockdown measures. In its latest COVID-19 lockdown weekly monitoring report, the human rights body said police should stop unlawful attacks on citizens. Since the beginning of the lockdown on March 30, the police throughout the country have subjected more than 800 people, including journalists, to beatings, torture, abductions and harassments, according to statistics released by the forum. “Government should ensure ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police) develops a code of conduct in line with SARPCCO guidelines to help strengthen police discipline,” the human rights group said. “The forum remains concerned by the conduct of police and other law enforcement officers, who continue to use excessive force during law enforcement.” The rights group added: “The forum urgently calls upon the Home Affairs minister Kazembe Kazembe, ZRP Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga to ensure that members of ZRP stop perpetrating human rights violations, including, but not limited to beatings, excessive use of force, torture, abductions and intimidation of civilians.” The report also reveals that cases of police brutality are on the rise following the return of commuter omnibuses in major cities and towns after relaxation of lockdown restrictions by the government. The forum commended the Judiciary for upholding human rights through recent court orders which include instructing Harare City Council to ensure that pregnant women receive emergency medical services.
COVID-19 cases are rising as the third wave of the coronavirus surges across the nation. On Tuesday alone, 60,598 new... View Article
The post US reports over 60,590 COVID-19 cases in 1 day, 929 new deaths appeared first on TheGrio.
A fifteen-member group of international organisations concerned with ensuring that issues of forest conservation and the greening of economies remain at the heart of the human development agenda, last week made a high-profile international appeal for forests and tree landscapes to be brought to the centre of the global building back effort “for a more resilient and sustainable future.”
The article UN-affiliated conservation group pushes for forests to be at centre of Covid-19 recovery effort appeared first on Stabroek News.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura says the province's Covid-19 numbers do not indicate a need for another hard lockdown yet.
