Tamiflu concerns

Has TnT wasted $millions on an ineffective drug?

Tamiflu, once hailed as the best antiviral drug to combat the A/H1N1 virus is now being called ineffective. The drug is presently used by the ministry of health to both prevent swine flu and to treat those who fall ill.

The Atlantic magazine carries the story here, with a follow-up here.

Health Minister Jerry Narace has repeatedly extolled the virtues of Tamiflu, downplaying its well-documented—sometimes deadly—side effects.

There are 14 reported deaths in Japan linked to Tamiflu. Recently I was informed that the Health Ministry has established a new protocol and routinely vaccinates children with the drug. This, from a visit to a public health facility. I flat out refused the ‘offer’ for my child, and was told I would have to sign a document stating that I was offered but refused. This is more to exonerate officials in the event that something bad happens to the child.

It seems I was right to refuse. My child is in perfect health. Now I’m hearing of children who were vaccinated but experienced health complications after. One child reportedly lost the ability to walk. This has not been corroborated.

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

The BMJ is an international peer reviewed medical journal, a wholly owned subsidiary of the British Medical Association.

Update on John, Water wars, Swine flu, Blackouts

UPDATE ON JOHN

John was prepped and ready for surgery. About to be administered general anaesthetic, when surgeon that ‘opens up’ came in and said ‘stop’. ‘Pins and bolts’ surgeon not even in country. Eh?

He was sent home, and is awaiting a recall from the hospital। He’s in constant pain and unable to drive. He is praying and hoping for that call to come soon. Even after surgery, he will need several months for convalescence.

SWINE FLU NEARS 100 VICTIMS

The swine flu virus has claimed 97 victims, according to government statistics. These are lab confirmed cases. If you factor in all tricks used by officials for damage control and spin purposes then one can easily double that figure without being too far off.

The Ministry of Health has a number for info: 800-WELL (9355)।

WATER WARS IN INDIA, SOUTH AFRICA

Individuals being hacked to death over water. These water skirmishes may eventually turn into full-fledged wars in the near future, as populations rise. Chietigj Bajpaee has an interesting report here.

There is even a suggestion by the McGill Reporter that the US and Canada may go to war over water, if Canada refuses to sell water to the US.

One rural town in Australia has even gone as far as completely banning bottled water! Princeton University has an informative chart on the potential for water wars।

RECENT BLACKOUTS IN PORT OF SPAIN

Our capital city, Port of Spain recently had blackouts that affected residents and businesses as far as Santa Cruz। T&TEC instituted the usual load-shedding and appeals for consumers to use less electricity.

Seven confirmed swine flu cases in T&T

Seven. Confirmed. Swine flu cases.

The Guardian this morning:

“A female police officer assigned to the Chaguanas Police Station has contracted the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. And another officer, displaying virus symptoms, has been sent on leave, pending results. A news release from the Public Relations Department of the Police Service confirmed that a Chaguanas officer has contracted the virus.”

“…officers at the Couva Police Station said they were still awaiting protective masks and hand sanitisers.”

And the Express reports the County Medical Officer ordered the Chaguanas police station closed.

How much does a couple disposable protective masks and a small bottle of hand sanitizer cost? Less than $20! Maybe even less than $15 if you knew where to shop. Are those police officers seriously willingly putting their health (and the health of their loved ones) at risk simply because ‘the government’ is tardy in supplying supplies? So if The Service is slow in supplying toilet paper…?

At least one officer accepted responsibility for her own welfare and survival:

“A female officer said she had bought her own safety equipment.”

When did we become so dependent on government to do every little thing for us?
Should the gov also come wipe our noses when its running? Where does it end? It seems like every day we are becoming more and more like certain sectors of the US inner city demographics—totally dependent on a ‘nanny state’ for all our needs. Where’s the personal responsibility, the collective responsibility, the initiative, the problem-solving skills? How can a police officer who refuses to protect himself, truthfully act on the police service motto, “to protect and serve with pride”?

Criminals force us to adapt, improvise

A delivery truck with a message to criminals.

Some business owners have developed creative strategies to deal with crime. The above photo shows a local brewery truck with a sign that reads, “NO CASH ONBOARD”. To ensure the illiterate or semi-literate robber understands the message, a graphic depicting a dollar sign, with an angled line running through is also shown.

Those who do not modify their behaviour in a changing environment risk becoming extinct. This 73-yr old truck driver was stabbed to death by bandits near Maloney.


DEPORTEES
Meanwhile, 19 deportees from the US arrived on a chartered flight at Piarco, last Monday। Another 26 are expected to arrive next week. We export oil, natural gas and university graduates to the US; we import food, automobiles and convicted criminals (about 500 per annum) with sophisticated skills. Hmmmm. How does one measure the trade (im)balance? Looks like some weird, twisted Mariel boatlift.

Now that Jamaica, Bermuda and the Bahamas confirm their first cases of H1N1 Swine Flu, how safe is our country? Prepare, adapt, modify or risk becoming extinct. Got Sambucol?