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Elephant kills tourist in front of his son at Zimbabwe national park

A 71-year old South African tourist was trampled to death by an elephant "in full view" of his son at Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park, the country's parks agency said today.

The death came just days after another fatal encounter with an elephant occurred in a separate park.

A "tuskless" female elephant this week charged the tourist and his 41-year-old son as they took a morning walk in the park, Tinashe Farawo, spokesman for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, told The Associated Press.

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Mana Pools is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its splendid setting along the Zambezi River and surrounding flood plain teeming with elephants and other wildlife.

Michael Bernard Walsh, a veterinarian from Cape Town, was a "loyal tourist" who had been visiting Mana Pools "almost every year" for the past 35 years, said Mr Farawo.

The father and son duo had left their car about 40 metres from the scene of the incident.

"Because of age, unfortunately, the old man couldn't escape to the vehicle. His son watched as the elephant killed his father," Mr Farawo said.

"We are extremely concerned because two people have been killed in one week alone," he said, referring to an earlier fatality in which an anti-poaching coordinator with a conservation group was trampled to death by an elephant in Victoria Falls in western Zimbabwe.

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Clever Kapandura, an operations coordinator for the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, a non-governmental organisation, was part of a team of scouts deployed to investigate reports of a possible poaching incident.

"For some unknown reason" an elephant bull charged from about 120 metres away and seized the man and killed him, the organisation said in a statement.

Zimbabwe's national parks and environmental groups are reporting increasing cases of conflict between humans and wildlife in recent years.

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More than 40 people have died from such conflicts in parks and other rural areas in Zimbabwe so far this year, said Mr Farawo.

Like other parks in Zimbabwe, Mana Pools experiences hot, dry weather at this time of the year, limiting food and water sources for the thousands of elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, wild dogs, hyenas, zebras, elands and other animals.

As a result, the animals make forays into neighbouring human communities in search of water, crops and livestock for food, said Mr Farawo.

Zimbabwe has an estimated 85,000 elephants and neighbouring Botswana has more than 130,000. The two countries have the world's largest elephant populations.

The two southern African countries say they are struggling to cope with the booming numbers of elephants and are pressing to be allowed to sell their stockpile of ivory tusks that have been seized from poachers.

They say the funds raised from the ivory sales would be used for conservation and ease congestion in the drought-affected parks.

READ MORE: Annual 'fattest bear' crowned at Alaskan national park

Other African countries, especially Kenya, are opposed to any sale of ivory.

"We are now sounding like a broken record, saying that our animals, especially elephants, are overpopulated and they are becoming a danger unto themselves by destroying their own habitat and they are also killing people," said Mr Farawo.

"We receive distress calls from communities almost every day."

Zimbabwe's parks agency said it has no plans to export baby elephants to China, denying recent reports by a wildlife conservation group.

Zimbabwe was criticised a few years ago for sending elephants to China where they were put in zoos.

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Young man's mission to explain the role of being a carer

When Jess, 31, met Willie in 2017, she told him straight away that she had acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Jess had been diagnosed with AML in 2010 and was in remission, but the leukaemia had returned several times.

It led her to suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety.

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Jess and Willie have been together for over four years and Willie has taken on the role as Jess's carer.

"She just kind of gave me the heads up on all that. She said I could stick around if I wanted to," Willie, 31, said.

And stick around he did.

The couple has now been together for over four years and Willie has taken on the role as Jess's carer.

The role of carers

CEO of Carers Australia, Liz Callaghan, said it was important to distinguish between paid and unpaid carers.

"It can be very confusing for the public," Ms Callaghan said.

"You're doing that (caring) on top of your relationship that you have with the person you're caring for.

"You or I could become in a situation where we find ourselves having to deliver care to a loved one."

Willie said that he has become more aware of the value of his role as a carer.

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Carers Australia says there are 2.65 million carers across the country, making up 11 per cent of the population.

And one-third of primary carers in Australia are providing over 40 hours of unpaid care per week.

While the average age of a primary carer is 54, there are a growing number of younger carers like Willie.

"For young carers and many other carriers, but particularly young carers, sometimes one of their biggest challenges is their educational studies, or their employment can be a really big challenge," Ms Callaghan said.

"With work and income disruption or education disruption, it's really hard for carers sometimes to access income support."

Carers Australia said there are 2.65 million carers across the country.

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Carers Australia said the weekly median income of primary carers aged 15 to 64 is $800 compared to non-carers, who receive a median weekly income of $997.

'I just thought it was something I did'

Willie said that even though he grew up helping to care for his mother, he didn't fully realise the recognition around being a carer.

It wasn't until he met Jess and also started a professional career as a carer for people with disabilities, that Willie became more aware of the value of his role.

"Growing up I just thought it was something that I did. I love to help her out. I didn't realise it was a lot of people who are in that situation," he said.

With that also comes with the reality of loneliness.

"We do know that carers are three times as likely as other Australians to regularly experience loneliness," Ms Callaghan said.

"They're at a greater risk of having poor health than the general population. In fact they're double the risk of that."

Willie said that he makes sure to take time out to do activities that help him recharge.

"I play PlayStation, I make art, I garden," he said.

"Even just doing stuff with Jess. Normal stuff like going out for lunches, going to the beach, eating fish and chips or whatever it might be."

Willie said that even though he grew up helping to care for his Mother, he didn't fully realise the recognition present around being a carer.

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Ms Callaghan expressed that the onus shouldn't be on carers, who already have full days, to create support resources for themselves.

"It's crucial that carers are able to access support for themselves and services for themselves," she said.

"Doctors need to know this and they need to support those carers."

"Everyone has a role to play. Even you and I, we both have roles to play as community members if we know of a carer in our life."

Willie said that he was glad people are talking about carers more and felt events such as Carers Week were great to raise more awareness.

The theme for this year is 'Millions of Reasons to Care', which Ms Callaghan said aims to highlight the work of unpaid carers who are a "very hidden group of the population".

Readers seeking support can contact the Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.

headline

'It's going to be emotional': Curtain finally rises again for Sydney actors

Like many Sydney couples, Zoe Gertz and Phillip Lowe have just emerged from lockdown with both their jobs put on hold for almost four months due to coronavirus.

However, returning to work won't quite be the same escape after weeks stuck at home together – because they have the same job.

Both are actors in one of Sydney's biggest musicals, Come From Away, which reopens next week after missing around 120 shows.

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Zoe Gertz and husband Phillip Lowe appear on stage in musical Come from Away.

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"It's actually kind of bonded us a bit more to be honest," Gertz told 9News.com.au.

"I would have moments where I was feeling quite depressed and Pip was like 'we're going to go for a run.'

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRdvbc0HMaz/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp

"Likewise if he was having a dark day, my thing is more cooking and baking and I'd be like, 'all right, what do you want me to make?'

"We're a great source of comfort to each other."

Luckily, despite all that food, there has not been too much pressure from costume bosses on the show to make sure their costumes still fit.

"I remember seeing a message from the head of wardrobe," Mrs Gertz, said.

READ MORE: How a tiny Canadian town welcomed 7000 airline passengers on 9/11

"They were like, 'You know what, be kind to yourself during this time… we've got your back."

The couple are well versed in lockdowns – it's the fourth time the show has been shut down – twice in Melbourne and once in Brisbane, with the cast spending a year furloughed around the nation in total.

Luckily this time the couple were in their home city with their dog, Banjo – other cast members have been stuck away from home.

Zoe Gertz in Come from Away

The show is a touching real-life story about about a tiny Canadian town where dozens of planes were rerouted on 9/11.

Around 7000 confused and scared airline passengers were stranded in Gander, Newfoundland for almost a week.

While actors take multiple roles, Mrs Gertz's main part is airline captain Beverley, while Mr Lowe plays a British businessman, Nick, who falls in love with a fellow passenger.

The couple were still paid throughout lockdown, but said many of their friends who work in the arts have been "forgotten" when it comes to financial help from governments.

Zoe Gertz and husband Phillip Lowe appear on stage in musical Come from Away.

"There's so many people in our industry that have slipped through the cracks, and it's really heartbreaking," Mrs Gertz said.

Mr Lowe admitted it would be big moment when the curtain rises again on Wednesday – especially for some cast members who have just joined the company from Broadway and have not performed since that shutdown in March 2020.

"It's going to be emotional," he said.

The show's producer, Rodney Rigby, said the Sydney closure just a few weeks after the show opened was "devastating."

"Our box office was just starting to take off and we were shut down," he told 9News.com.au.

Producer of Come From Away, Rodney Rigby, at the Capitol Theatre, in Sydney

However, he said he was grateful the NSW Government had given them some financial support.

The company was also the first to announce a vaccine mandate for cast and crew, who, since rehearsals resumed are also tested for coronavirus three times a week and wear masks while off stage.

Like all shows in the city, audiences must prove they're vaccinated and 'check in'.

Mr Rigby said they can't wait to get started again.

"I think it's going to be pretty exciting," he said. "We need to tell stories on stage."

READ MORE: Aussie flight attendant caught up in 9/11 story which inspired musical

Musical fans have plenty to look forward too now Sydney is reopening.

Big hit Hamilton also returns to the stage next Tuesday while new musical Jagged Little Pill, based on the songs of Alanis Morrissette will finally open in December at the revamped Theatre Royal after the September launch was cancelled by lockdown.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CU5rhwfhzR5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp

A rescheduled Phantom of the Opera – one of two versions of that musical soon to be staged in Sydney – will finally open at the Opera House next year, with Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 also on its way to the city.

Come From Away reopens at Sydney's Capital Theatre on Oct 20 and runs until Dec 12 before opening in Canberra on Feb 3, 2022.

headline

COVID-19: St Kitts & Nevis Receives 2 Field Hospitals from US

Karla Berridge

Loop

St. Kitts and Nevis is the recipient of two field hospitals at the cost of 1.3 million US dollars, courtesy of the Humanitarian Assistance Programme of the United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM).

A field hospital is a temporary hospital where emergency health services can be provided in the short and medium term to victims injured in epidemics, war and natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and floods.

The 40-bed health facility will be used to strengthen the Federation’s fight against the covid19 pandemic as more and more deaths are recorded daily.

The facility provides a negative pressure facility to isolate covid19 patients thus conferring another crucial health capability. It is equipped with patient rails, intravenous poles, mattresses and a generator.

It also has its own plumbing and water treatment system in accordance with the best international standards and practice and will allow for the deliverance of air-conditioned service to patients.

Referring to the handing over as historic, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis Dr Timothy Harris in addressing the ceremony to receive the field hospitals at the Warner Park Stadium on Wednesday, said this is an important first in the federation. He thanked the government of the United States of America for the generous donation and spoke of the significance of acquiring the 40-bed health facility.

He said these investments are part of the build-out of the ‘Life First’ strategy that the government has been advocating and represents further continuing efforts to strengthen the health system in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The field hospital will serve as an adjunct structure that meets hospital standards.

This was announced by the Minister of Health Akilah Byron Nisbett who said the identified placement of the field hospital to the respiratory ward of the Joseph N. France General hospital where covid19 affected patients are currently being accommodated, is strategic, as its placement allows easy access to any required specialized equipment as well as staff providing care.

She said the advancement of healthcare in St. Kitts and Nevis is a top priority for the Ministry of Health and they will utilize every possible means and capitalize on any meaningful opportunity to demonstrate the mission ‘People First and Quality always.”

Over the last two days, health practitioners and support staff have been undergoing training in the setting up and disassembling of the field hospitals.

The health minister used the opportunity to commend those who underwent the training aimed at further equipping them with additional first-responder skills.

“Undoubtedly, the Ministry of Health is grateful for the strong collaborative support and interests of the technical team who have participated in the critical training to familiarize and be equipped with knowledge of the new structure and its assembling and disassembling processes,” she said. “We are so very grateful for your commitment to this new learning experience certainly, and experience of skills which will bolster our healthcare system.”

United States Ambassador to Barbados, The Eastern Caribbean and the OECS Linda Taglialatela said “The field hospitals are the cornerstone of her county’s commitment to the health of their neighbours in this hemisphere.

“Our donation of this critically needed infrastructure will increase the ability of St. Kitts and Nevis to address the ongoing global pandemic and meet future challenges including natural disasters.”

She congratulated the federation’s officials for the work that has been done in managing the pandemic on the islands, noting that it is hoped the field hospitals will assist further in that regard.

“I am proud that our partnership is strong as ever… today is another step in our journey as we work together to end the pandemic…I certainly congratulate you on the high vaccine rate in St. Kitts and Nevis. If we each do our part, we can end the pandemic together.”

“We know that the medical beds these two field hospitals provide will help you continue your model management of covid19,” she said. “They will support you to deploy first-responders quickly to where they are needed and the United States will continue to stand with you to ensure our shared health and prosperity.”

The partnership between St. Kitts and Nevis and the US has been reciprocal as St. Kitts has hosted the Tradewinds exercise in 2015 and again in 2018.

In addition to the 40-bed capacity field hospitals, the United States Government has also generously donated three passenger vehicles, 16 computers and technical support equipment to the twin-island Federation.

The donation is valued at over US$1.5 million. The second field hospital will be commissioned in Nevis shortly.

The post COVID-19: St Kitts & Nevis Receives 2 Field Hospitals from US appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.

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The Haitian Director Turning Heads in Hollywood

by Jerry Doby,

Hype Magazine

Storytelling is a vast art, you can tell your tale in a thousand different ways and each one will be a unique take.

Roodmy Poulard, a former choreographer, has transitioned into the field of directing and cinematography. Poulard is a creative powerhouse and while he used to express his artistry through dance before, he has since moved to the camera and captures stories, and moments.

Using a particular colour palette – that reminds Poulard of his home back in Haiti -, and highlighting the virtues of passion, discipline and joy, Poulard has set himself apart from his peers and created works that are very uniquely his.

His earliest work behind the camera was for shooting music videos. Poulard started making a name for himself by directing music videos, and an offer for a documentary came to him, and he accepted. This offer was for filming the documentary for the then Haitian Prime Minister Laurent Lamothe. After wrapping up this project Poulard flew to South Africa to film another politically charged documentary.

In 2015, he moved to New York to pursue his career as a director and cinematographer. In New York, Poulard worked with B.E.T and the renowned photographer and director Marc Baptiste became his mentor.

Around this time, Baptiste and Poulard did a project with Quincy Brown. Impressed with the work, Brown encouraged Poulard to continue pursuing his ambitions as a director, and to move to Los Angeles to broaden his horizons.

Poulard did end up going to Los Angeles, initially it was just for a couple of weeks for a meeting. But the two weeks have rolled on to three years and Poulard has set up his home and company here. Poulard founded Poulard Films to find more collaborative opportunities and to have a solid base from where he could pursue independent projects.

In his early days in Los Angeles, Poulard’s work caught the attention of Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs, and became one of the go-to cinematographers for the Revolt TV’s founder’s upcoming projects. Moving to Hollywood turned out to be a good move on Poulard’s side, because here he was able to reach more places with his work, and did projects with streaming giants like Netflix, Pandora, Revolt, and HBO.

When asked about his inspiration behind his works, Poulard told us, “Hope. Hope is a beautiful thing and it inspires me to keep on working. Of course every project has its own themes and ideas, but underneath it all is my hope and aspirations. I hope I can prove to the world that it doesn’t matter where you’re from, if you work hard you can achieve everything you have your heart set on.

“I am from Haiti and we don’t have as many resources as someone from the states. Even electricity is a luxury in Haiti, but I had big dreams and was willing to work for them, and that has brought me to where I am. I hope that my work and efforts give hope to someone else.”.

The post The Haitian Director Turning Heads in Hollywood appeared first on The St Kitts Nevis Observer.