NASSAU, BAHAMAS A group of twenty-three Haitian migrants, who were intercepted by the United States Coast Guard earlier this week, will be sent to Inagua until they can be repatriated.

Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commander Raymond King confirmed to Eyewitness News that an RBDF vessel will meet the Coast Guard at a location off Grand Bahama or the coast of Bimini to receive the migrants, who were detained about two days ago.

He noted plans were still in the preliminary stages; however, those migrants will then be transported to Inagua by the RBDF and detained at its maritime facility.

King said he could not confirm the extent of COVID-19 testing performed by the Coast Guard but noted they were confident that none of the migrants have displayed any signs of the virus.

He stressed there will be no contact with the wider community, adding efforts were being made to time the transport to ensure that a repatriation flight is ready upon the vessels landing in Inagua or shortly thereafter.

King said: It was about a day ago the Coast Guard intercepted a vessel attempting to enter Florida with some 23 Haitian nationals on board. The vessel was intercepted, the persons were detained and they did some preliminary COVID-19 checks.

According to our sea rider agreement any migrants caught being smuggled across from say Bimini, West End, Grand Bahama, and they are on a Bahamian registered vessel, we are obligated to receive those migrants from the United States.

They will be returned to us and the vessel has I think two children on board.

He continued: The intent is for us to rendezvous with the Coast Guard vessel accept those migrants and the intent is to transport them to Matthew Town where they will be housed at the maritime facility there. And it is hoped that the Department of Immigration would have already made arrangements because I know some additional officers would have been flown in to Inagua today.

Once the vessel arrives, hopefully we time it where the aircraft arrives and its just a transfer from the defence force boat or the maritime facility where they will be held under defence force guidance until we transport them to the airport, to the aircraft and they are repatriated.

Videos of immigration officers landing in Inagua today have spiked fears the island could be exposed to potential cases of COVID-19. There has not been a confirmed case on Inagua to date.

King said: We can ease the concerns of residents because those migrants will be brought in on the defence force vessel and they will be transferred directly to the maritime facility right there at the base end of Great Inagua, where they will be detained under defense force care until the next movement would be straight to the airport and they are repatriated.

King did not confirm the migrants were intercepted onboard a Bahamian-registered vessel, but noted there is an existing agreement that governs this process.

He added: Knowing what the agreement states, that we would be obligated to receive these persons, they would have had to be on some platform that links them to The Bahamas.

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Haitian nationals caught smuggling into the United States headed to Inagua - EyeWitness News

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith have apparently flown to Bahamas for a holiday. This is after Jada Pinkett Smith revealed about her affair with Singer August Alsina in the Red Table talk.

The couple were spotted holidaying at a luxury resort in Bahamas. And this actually seems to be an effort to retain their marriage after Jada Pinkett Smiths revelation about her affair with August Alsina.

Although this has come as a shock to everyone especially to her husband Will Smith. But the duo have been trying hard to work on their marriage. And hence chose to take a quick vacation in Bahamas.

They are holidaying at one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. And which is partly owned by Tiger Woods. As per sources the resort charges $3,000 a night and its considered to be one of the most expensive resorts.

The power couple was seen chilling at the resort Albany and were accompanied by their daughter Willow Smith.

Jada had publicly spoken about her affair with August Alsina in The Red Table Talks. And she had admitted to gave found solace in him when her marriage with Will Smith had hit the rough patch. Moreover she has also said that she was completely devastated at that time and wanted emotional support.

To which Will Smith also spoke about that dark phase when he was almost done with her and they were temporarily separated . But the couple had been fighting all odds since 23 years and have eventually proved as a power couple.

And even this time they are trying their best to work on their issues and save their marriage. Also they have admitted that were relieved to have brought this out publicly as it relaxed them from a burden of storing secrets.

More power to the couple!!!

Also read: Jada: I Got Into An Entanglement With August Smith Responded I Wish It Could Be All Magic In The Mirror.

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Will Smith And Jada Pinkett Smith: Spotted 'Holidaying' In Bahamas!! Another Effort To Mend Broken Ties? - The Tech Education

EDITOR, The Tribune

In June The international Monetary Fund projected that the world economy will contract by 4.9%. Two thirds of the worlds governments borrowed US $11 trillion in June alone. The IMF forecast 12 trillion in loss to the global economy in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. The world is beginning to reopen but the rate of infection is increasing in the US, Brazil and India which collectively produce over 20% of global GDP. A major concern is the US which accounts for 26% of infections worldwide according to Johns Hopkins University. The US is the number one consumer nation, so if the US is stumbling economically because of COVID-19, the world economy suffers. The majority of remittance and tourists for the Bahamas comes from the US, the Bahamas number one trading partner.

The Bahamas economic needs have increased since COVID-19 pandemic because of increased medical costs, increased unemployment relief and other government assistance and decrease in government revenue. The opening of the tourist industry in a measured way is a start but more than that is required. The IMF forecast the Bahamass economy will contract by 8.3% and the consumer price index will be 2.4%. This spells hard times for many Bahamians who have less income and higher prices. The Bahamas has never had IMF deals but both the people and the government are skilled at dealing with economic hardship. This time it is different. The global downturn is severe and unusual so the Bahamas will have to make a lot more internal adjustments with less international assistance.

The Bahamas needs to set up a committee that is innovative with radical solutions. There needs to be systemic changes. If the Bahamas treats this situation like all the other economic recessions, the results will be dire. Never in the history of the world has the world been so heavily indebted and experienced a pandemic simultaneously.

BRIAN ELLIS PLUMMER

Nassau,

July 13, 2020.

The rest is here:

Time to find radical solutions - Bahamas Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Basketball Federations senior mens national basketball team programme continues its development despite uncertainty of the FIBA AmeriCup qualification due to COVID-19.

The BBF has partnered with Spectrum Pain Management and Sports Medicine Clinic to treat team members moving forward.

Spectrum will offer its services to national team members free of charge.

We had been looking to partner with an organisation for about two years and in our discussions, we decided to provide care free of charge for the athletes, said Dr Sy Pierre, anesthesia and pain medicine specialist. If one of the players had a torn ACL or meniscus tear that wasnt serious enough to require surgery, but may need some interventional procedure where we can assist healing and enhance healing over a short period of time, we can help to get them back on the court as soon as possible and that is what interventional pain management and sports medicine is about at this point.

Players will also benefit from Spectrums services as the national team travels throughout the world to various tournaments.

We have a group of board certified specialists and we have agreed to travel with the team so that if the teams needs specialist care for their injuries abroad, we can provide that. If youre in a place where English isnt your first language and you have a player thats injured it may be very difficult to explain to the physician what is going on so I think this might be a good thing for them, Pierre said, Its a great thing for us, a great thing for the federation, great thing for the Bahamas and we are so happy to be a part of this organisation to help.

BBF President, Mario Bowleg said the latest partnership falls in line with the federations mandate to increase profile of the national team programme.

As we move the fed to the next level we also believe that how we treat our athletes on and off the court is also important for us to have them play at the highest level possible, he said.

The MNT is set to continue their 2021 FIBA AmeriCup qualification this fall, however those plans are uncertain amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In their last appearance, The Bahamas won 76 - 59 win over Mexico in February at the Atlantis Resort to even the series between the two teams at 1-1. The Bahamas is currently second in Group D at 1-1 with the advantage over Mexico on point differential. The USA leads the Group at 2-0 while Puerto Rico is 0-2. The Bahamas will continue play in Group D on November 27 against the United States in game one of the second window.

Bowleg said the federation will be notified at the end of the month on the path moving forward for the qualifiers.

Our senior men are scheduled to play in November in Washington against the United States and also against Puerto Rico on the road in Puerto Rico. We will get an update on July 31st whether those games will still be played in November or will be pushed back to February. Also scheduled in February are the home games against the United States and Puerto Rico, Bowleg said, If the away games are pushed back due to the pandemic, then I guess our home games will be pushed back to June, which is more beneficial for us. We will then have our NBA players home and I think that will be something of great interest to the public, to have Buddy [Hield] and [Deandre] Ayton at home playing against the likes of the US and Puerto Rico.

With basketball across the globe in flux, Bowleg said the FIBA schedule will be ratified as the organisation communicates with the various leagues.

Everything is wait and see. Most of the guys are home now, working out everyday looking at the possibility of going back to their professional leagues and programmes and understanding that in itself is going to have an effect on us. Those dates for when those seasons will start will be hindered by them not completing their seasons this year, he said, Just like we are trying to get our local leagues back, the NBA might have the same problem where they are trying to finish their season, but might have to start later in the next season which will affect the decision by FIBA also. FIBA will communicate with all of the leagues that they govern throughout the world and ensure that those dates come somewhere down the line.

At the local level, the BBF has continued its activity through several initiatives despite the restrictions of the pandemic.

One of the five pillars the federation had when they came into office is that we wanted to ensure that we continue re-certifying our coaches and our officials. During the pandemic, although we didnt have physical meetings among the peers, we had several virtual clinics held in the CBC that were conducted by our national instructor, Freddie Brown. Also in the FIBA Americas, where the Bahamas would have had various table officials certified. Physical clinics will hopefully commence in September to ensure that those islands, coaches , officials ndn coaches improve their skills to improve the product of basketball in the country, Bowleg said, We are excited to officially implement 3x3 basketball in the country. A committee was made up to represent the implementation of this version of the game in the country. So we are continuing to do the work to develop the game of basketball in the country.

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BBF on senior men's national basketball team - Bahamas Tribune

(PRESS RELEASE) The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is preparing for Phase 2 of the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, which will begin on Wednesday, July 1, and allow for the resumption of international travel to The Bahamas.

Policies and procedures for all travellers visiting The Bahamas beginning July 1 are as follows:

Plans continue to evolve in response to COVID-19 trends, and so additional guidance will be communicated as details are available.

Due to the recent increase of COVID-19 cases in the U.S., and in an abundance of caution for the health and safety of both travellers and residents, all incoming visitors must present a COVID-19 RT-PCR negative (swab) test upon arrival. Those arriving in The Bahamas between July 1 and July 7 must present results no more than 10 days old. Those arriving in The Bahamas after July 7 must present results no more than seven days old. Select individuals will not be required to provide a test:

o Children under the age of two

o Children between the ages of 3-10, provided their state or county of residence does not administer tests for children under that age. Parents or guardians must provide proof of testing restrictions upon arrival.

o Private pilots who do not deplane

o Bahamian citizens, residents, and homeowners who are returning to The Bahamas from English-speaking CARICOM countries

o Bahamian citizens and legal residents who are returning to The Bahamas from countries where they cannot obtain a COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test. Proof of their inability to receive a test must be presented upon arrival and traveller will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

Quarantine time may be reduced if the traveller opts to take a test at their own expense and receives a negative result.

o Bahamian citizens and legal residents who have been out of The Bahamas for less than 72 hours; however they will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

Quarantine time may be reduced if the traveller opts to take a COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test, at their own expense, and receives a negative result.

All travellers will be required to complete an electronic health visa prior to departure at travel.gov.bs. Each traveller will need to upload their test results and provide contact information that is crucial for contact tracing purposes. An automated response will be provided upon completion, and it is essential that travellers present proof of confirmation upon arrival in their destination.

No quarantine will be required upon arrival, however, travellers who show symptoms of COVID-19 may be transferred to an area away from other passengers for further testing and evaluation.

At airports and seaports, healthcare personnel will conduct temperature screenings for all incoming visitors. Travellers will be required to wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines, such as when entering and transiting air and sea terminals, while navigating security and customs screenings, and at baggage claim.

o New fines and penalties for all persons, including Bahamian residents and visitors, have been established for those not wearing face masks in areas where it is required.

As part of Phase 2, hotels and vacation rentals, including Airbnb and HomeAway, will open to guests. Domestic and international airlines are permitted to resume service, and many are beginning to announce plans for their return to The Bahamas:

Southwest will resume daily service between Baltimore and Nassau on July 1

JetBlue will resume daily service between New York (JFK) and Nassau as well as Fort Lauderdale and Nassau on July 2

Delta Airlines will be resuming its twice daily Atlanta to Nassau service July 2

United Airlines announced its daily Houston to Nassau and Newark to Nassau service will resume July 6 while Saturday-only Denver to Nassau service will resume July 11

American Airlines will resume daily flights between Charlotte and Nassau; Miami and Exuma; Miami and Eleuthera and twice-daily flights between Miami and Nassau on July 7

Additional airlift resumptions are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Travellers should check with airlines directly for details on the recommencement of service and any protocols for travel.

This July 1, tourism re-entry builds on and supports existing government rules and regulations, which already allows for the resumption of travel for international boaters, yachters, and those traveling on private aviation as well as inter-island domestic travel for Bahamian citizens and residents.

Phase 3, beginning July 13, allows for the reopening of attractions, excursions, and tours.

Phase 4, beginning July 27, allows for vendors (including straw vendors) and jet ski operators to resume operations.

Once on the island, travellers should expect to follow The Bahamas Healthy Traveler Campaign that encourages both visitors and residents to continue practicing social distancing measures, regularly wash hands or use hand sanitizers, and pack appropriate PPE such as face masks, just as they would their swimsuits and sunscreen.

A Certification Agency has been established representing a collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Health, and other regulatory agencies to enforce a Clean & Pristine certification program across the islands. All tourism-related, customer-facing entities in The Bahamas must verify they have in place and are adhering to the government-approved health and safety guidelines to receive Clean & Pristine certification.

Adequate signage outlining policies will be clearly displayed at all locations helping to guide staff and visitors. Travellers are encouraged to visit direct business websites prior to booking or traveling to ensure they are aware and comfortable with the policies they will need to abide by. Additional details about on-island protocols can be found at http://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates.

The reopening of borders will continue to be monitored and guided by The Bahamas government and health officials. Reopening dates are subject to change based on COVID-19 trends, if there is a deterioration in improvement or if government and health organizations deem these phases unsafe for residents or visitors.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation believes it is an absolute baseline requirement for consumers to have a comfort level that The Bahamas is a safe and healthy destination to visit, and the ultimate goal is for that to remain the case.

For more information, or to view the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, please visit: http://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates. SOURCE: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

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The Bahamas prepares to reopen to international travel July 1 - St. Lucia News Online

Update #88

NASSAU, Bahamas, July 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Health wishes to advise the public that travelers must complete a Bahamas Health Visa application and present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test with a sample taken within ten (10) days of arrival.

Effective immediately, all travelers will be required to complete an electronic Bahamas Health Visa application before departure from the place of embarkation. This can be found at travel.gov.bs. Travelers are required to upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test and provide contact information.

The Government of The Bahamas will accept the negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test if the sample was taken within (10) ten days of arrival. Tests over ten (10) days old will not be accepted.

An automated response will be provided once the application is completed. The only persons approved to travel are those who have received a green color-coded response, as proof of approval. This confirmation must be presented upon arrival in The Bahamas. The Health Visa application process will take twenty-four to forty-eight (24-48) hours and should be completed with adequate lead time.

Failure to comply with the stated requirements will result in denied entry. It is recommended that all travelers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their traveling party at http://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates before booking a trip.

For more information, or to view the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, please visit http://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates. You may also contact the Ministry of Tourism COVID-19 travel hotline at (242) 502-0829 Monday to Friday, 8 AM 6 PM, or email at [emailprotected].

PRESS INQUIRIESAnita Johnson-PattyBahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation[emailprotected]

SOURCE The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation

http://www.bahamas.com

Originally posted here:

Government of The Bahamas - Ministry of Health Testing Protocol for Incoming Visitors - PRNewswire

Monday, July 13, 2020

NASSAU The Bahamas has updated its entry requirements for travellers to include a mandatory Bahamas Health Visa application as well as a negative COVID-19 test result within 10 days of arrival.

Effective immediately, all travellers will be required to complete the electronic application at travel.gov.bs prior to departure from their place of embarkation, and upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test plus provide contact information.

The Government of The Bahamas will accept the negative COVID-19 RT-PRC (swab) test if the same was taken within 10 days of arrival. Tests over 10 days old will not be accepted.

An automated response will be provided once the application is completed. The only people approved to travel are those who have received a green colour-coded responses as proof of approval. This confirmation must be presented upon arrival in The Bahamas.

Children under two years old are not required to have the test. Children between 3-10 must take a test unless proof is presented upon arrival that their state/county does not administer tests for children in this age range.

As of now, quarantines are not required for those entering The Bahamas.

The Health Visa application process will take 24-48 hours and should be completed with adequate lead time.

Failure to comply with these requirements will result in denied entry.

The Bahamas is the latest Caribbean destination to require a negative COVID-19 test result prior to entry. Saint Lucia and Antigua made similar announcements within the past week.

The Bahamas began its gradual reopening of its tourism sector on July 1 with the resumption of both international and domestic air traffic. For a complete list of health and safety requirements go to http://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates.

For reopening updates from other destinations go to https://www.travelweek.ca/news/destinations-reopening-list/.

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Bahamas latest island to require negative COVID test for entry - Travelweek

The Ministry of Health announced on Thursday that there is one additional confirmed case of COVID-19 on Grand Bahama.

This latest case is a 27-year-old man and brings the total number of cases nationwide to 107 with seven of those active.

Two other cases were confirmed in Grand Bahama on Wednesday.

Health officials are reminding the public to practice the following measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Wear a face mask when you leave home;

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and if soap and waterare not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol;

Cover your cough or sneeze in your inner elbow or with a tissue; and

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as phones, remotes controls, counters,

doorknobs, and keyboards.

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New case of COVID-19 in Grand Bahama - Bahamas Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Senior Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

KIM Aranha, the president of the Bahamas Humane Society, said she is disturbed by reports that police officers shot and killed several dogs that posed no threat to them last week.

Details of the incident are scarce but Assistant Superintendent of Police Audley Peters confirmed yesterday the Royal Bahamas Police Force has received a complaint about the matter and has launched an investigation.

Reports are that between three and five pit bulls were killed, with Mrs Aranha saying she understands three dogs were killed in the High Vista area.

It is absolutely unacceptable, she said. As far as we can tell there was no need for it. The police dont have a very good track record with dogs in yards. There must be an investigation and we will call for one and we are talking to authorities about it.

Its deplorable, its unacceptable and it happens far too frequently. We had a big rash of it last year and we even had it on film where one policeman came into a property and shot a dog that was chained, a dog that could not reach the policeman. The animal was completely harmless. The dog did not die. We went and picked him up and we cared for him and his owner got him back but there was no need to shoot that dog. He was ten feet away on a chain but the killing of dogs in yards happens too often.

It worries me. If a policeman wants to run through my yard and my dog is unchained, my dog wont understand that hes a policeman. Theyre protecting my property. Its not unreasonable that the dog would go after someone who jumps the wall and is running through my property, whether that person has a good reason or not. The Bahamas Humane Society has offered training to the police force. There is a very renowned former police officer who trains police forces all over the world on how to handle aggressive dogs. We have offered our services to the Royal Bahamas Police Force but nobody has taken me up on that. What Im hearing is the dogs in this case posed no threat.

In February 2019, Mrs Aranha complained after two dogs were allegedly shot in their owners yard by police officers.

According to social media reports at the time, the shooting incident occurred while officers were executing a search warrant at a residence. The dogs were said to have been tied at the time and not roaming free.

Mrs Aranha said both dogs, which were pitbull type, were shot twice and taken to the BHS for treatment. One dog underwent surgery at the time due to a bullet being lodged in its jaw, she said last year.

Continue reading here:

Police probe reports that officers shot several dogs - Bahamas Tribune

The Ministry of Health confirmed on Saturday that there are three new cases of COVID-19 in Grand Bahama.

The new cases are:

A 16-year-old girl with a history a travel.

A 47-year-old woman with no history of travel

A 39-year-old woman with a history of travel.

All three are in isolation at home.

The total number of cases now stands at 111 with 11 of those active.

Health officials are reminding the public to practice the following measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Wear a face mask when you leave home;

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and if soap and waterare not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol;

Cover your cough or sneeze in your inner elbow or with a tissue; and

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as phones, remotes controls, counters,doorknobs, and keyboards.

Continue reading here:

Three new cases of COVID-19 on Grand Bahama - Bahamas Tribune

Royal Bahamas Police Force, 47th Independence Anniversary, Clifford Park.

The Independence Celebrations Committee in conjunction with the Bahamas Christian Council marked the countrys 47th Anniversary with an innovative made-for-television virtual programme that kept Bahamians entertained from start to finish, showing abundant young talent in a four-hour special.

The virtual show was created to adhere to protocols to avoid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time in the nations Independence history, Bahamians could not gather together on Clifford Park to celebrate and anticipate the Flag Raising at midnight, and fireworks, to bring in Independence Day.

Two events, pillars of the traditional celebration, were held at Clifford Park: the Ecumenical Service to begin the programme, Thursday evening, July 9, and Flag Raising and Fireworks at midnight to mark the dawn of Independence Day, July 10, 2020.

Most of the programme was anchored at studios of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, and comprised a jubilant, creative showcase, with occasional greetings from Bahamian nationals in other countries via ZOOM all viewed from the comfort of home.

From Clifford Park, President of the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church and Third Vice-President of the Bahamas Christian Council, and Savannah Sound, Eleuthera native, Reverend Carla Culmer delivered the charge to the theme, Pressing Onward: A Time of Hope, Triumph and Transformation. In the charge, she called for continuance of the hopefulness, resilience, and community togetherness that have helped sustain Bahamians over the years.

At the end of the night, the Bahamas Christian Council and uniformed branches at Clifford Park conducted the Flag Raising. And Fireworks signaled the long awaited moment to celebrate at dawn of Independence Day, July 10, 2020.

Source:Bahamas Information Services(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)July 11, 2020

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47th Independence Celebration, A Display of Innovation and Creativity - The Eleutheran

The Ministry of Health announced on Monday that there are two new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Grand Bahama.

The new cases are a 33-year-old woman and a 52-year-old man.

Neither case has a history of travel and both are in isolation at home.

There have been 113 confirmed cases in total with nine of those active.

Health officials are reminding the public to practice the following measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Wear a face mask when you leave home;

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and if soap and waterare not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol;

Cover your cough or sneeze in your inner elbow or with a tissue; and

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as phones, remotes controls, counters,doorknobs, and keyboards.

Continue reading here:

Two new cases of COVID-19 in Grand Bahama - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis decision to close beaches on New Providence, Paradise Island and Grand Bahama over the Independence holiday weekend received a flurry of mixed reactions from the public on social media yesterday.

While many were outraged and strongly criticized the decision and the government, others defended the move.

The closure of beaches and parks will take effect Thursday at 10pm, until 5am next Monday, July 13.

As he addressed Parliament, the prime minister underscored the ongoing surge of new infections in the US, particularly Florida, Texas and Arizona.

He said the government was aware of what may have contributed to some of the surge.

Yesterday, Tee Moss, a New Providence resident, said the Bahamian government appeared to be piggybacking off the US policies when the population and case rates in the US and The Bahamas were vastly different.

We have just gotten the beaches back and now you play with us like kids, putting us on time out, he said.

This is a nation of free citizens, not your children.

its time to go jack. I dont know who is voting FNM, but only a dog would be that [expletive].

Due to the rising cases in the US, the fourth of July celebrations were cancelled and some beaches in Florida, California and Texas closed in an effort to discourage large crowds.

Rochelle Sturrup added: So the virus [go] up on the beach on Independence then? You want to talk about surge in numbers in Florida to justify this [expletive], but the surge in numbers didnt matter on July 1 when you reopened for international flights.

Jemeka Wilkinson said it was counterintuitive to open the borders to visitors, particularly Americans who are experiencing surges of cases of COVID in their jurisdiction, if the government wished to mitigate risks.

The resumption of commercial carriers into The Bahamas occurred on July 1.

Beaches reopened on June 29.

Wilkinson said it was absurd the rights of the Bahamian people were being yanked around.

While I get there are some who will break the law, there are many doing the right thing suffering, she said.

However, Beatrice Clarke said Bahamians were ungrateful.

She said those lashing the prime minister do not understand the issues at hand.

Take a look at the United States and what they are going through all because the [masses] wanted to go on the beaches, Clarke said.

Keep yall virus in yall household and stay [your] [expletive] home.

Kenneth Richie agreed.

He said a leader must lead and expressed support for the decision to close the beach as a help toward the public being responsible in our movement.

Bradford Roker-Saunders said the decision was about managing risks.

Our recent behavior suggests that we will not follow social distancing rules, so [expletive] off the beaches. We cannot arrest and fine thousands, so this is the best option.

Others labelled the prime minister an emperor and dictator.

The dictator is now the emperor and The Bahamas is officially a police state, said Joseph Ferguson, adding that there was nothing that could be done about it.

Curtis Reno asserted the decision appeared to be prejudicial.

The beaches are only closed to black Bahamian population who use the regular beaches, he said.

The beaches over Paradise Island the hotels tourists and gated communities will be enjoying our beaches.

This emergency order, lockdowns, are no longer about COVID.

Its about a police state stripping away our rights.

Antoine Wallace said with high summer temperatures, the move was unthinkable.

He opined the rights of Bahamians were being stifled and taken away.

What is the medical justification for this madness, he continued.

Which country opens up its borders in a state of emergency?

My God, it is our countrys Independence.

This nonsense must stop. Stand up Bahamians. Stand up for your rights.

Stacey Smith charged that without a new case in over three weeks, and no COVID-19-related deaths since April, there was no reason to close the beaches.

There have been no few infections in New Providence in 22 days, Grand Bahama in 61 days and Bimini in 51 days.

As of yesterday, the total number of cases remained at 104.

However, only four cases remain active.

Health officials said last month the curve of the virus had been flattened, and while cases could appear in clusters, community spread had been curbed.

Excerpt from:

Mixed reaction to beach closures - EyeWitness News

By TANYA SMITH-CARTWRIGHT

tsmith-cartwright@tribunemedia.net

OPERATION Sovereign Bahamas held a march through the streets of New Providence on Independence Day over a myriad of issues.

The march, organised by a team including former radio talk show host Adrian Francis and attorney Maria Daxon, called for no more lies and a change to the system.

Paul Rolle, the man who was arrested last week for protesting in front of the Queen Victoria and Christopher Columbus statues, was also an organiser of the march. His attorney, Ms Daxon, feels that he was deliberately arrested on bogus charges to prevent him from attending the march.

My client is still in custody and he is now charged with threats of violence, Ms Daxon said. He was to be charged with trespassing (initially). They changed the charge. He is going to court tomorrow (Monday). This is yet another bogus charge. My team of lawyers are laughing at this as we want to know who these threats of violence are against. Who, Christopher Columbus statue?

My client was to be involved with the march we had on Independence Day. He was a part of our team. They arrested him because they didnt want him to be on the march, she claimed. They knew he was a part of our team. They know he is very strong-willed. They dont trust us. We are the problem as far as they are concerned. . .

Her client, who has been detained since last Wednesday, remains in custody at the Wulff Road Police Station. Ms Daxon thinks police intentionally detained him, knowing a holiday weekend was coming up and the next sitting of court would be Monday.

Meanwhile, the small group of protestors is demanding, among other things, the resignation of the entire Cabinet for its blatant deceit of the Bahamian people and the return to governing by the Constitution; immigration reform; an investigation into Hurricane Dorian victims and the complete disclosure of all related expenditures in Abaco and Grand Bahama; and an investigation into the oil spill in East Grand Bahama. The group is also protesting ill treatment of ordinary Bahamians by the judiciary and police.

The things that really have us concerned is that the things really belong to us but no one is telling us that truth, Mr Francis said. No one is transparent and candid enough about what is ours. So the people are tired of being lied to. We believe that there is a new order and a new day coming in the country. That new day starts now. The march represents a revolution. A period where people have decided that from 1967 until now weve gone backwards.

So we are going to take back our economy, take back our people, take back our direction. The future (of) our country is right now at stake so we march to save the future of the country. So its about people deciding that because of all that they have gone through thats enough! Enough is enough! No more lies!

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Operation Sovereign Bahamas takes to the streets - Bahamas Tribune

Mark Humes, MP, chairman, 2020 National Independence Celebrations. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

Article Update July 9th, 2020:

Highlights of Tonights 47th Independence Live Virtual National Celebration

The public is encouraged to tune in to the broadcast this evening for a 4-hour, made-for-television, virtual Independence program that will air live from the studios of ZNS in New Providence and the Northern Bahamas tonight beginning at 8:00 p.m.

The Bahamas will observe 47 years of Independence under the theme Pressing Onward: A Time of Hope, Triumph, and Transformation.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures still in effect, there will be no celebratory events that involve large gatherings.

Opening with prayer by the Bahamas Christian Council, the gala comprises the first live virtual national independence celebration in our region.

It will feature audience participation so that we hear from Bahamians all over the world. There will be Messages from the Governor General, the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and other officials. Expect powerful performances, both secular and ecumenical and comedy skits from social media stars who emerged during the pandemic. Hosts will be Jimenita Swain, Dion Johnson, Chigozie Ijeoma, Hope Shelly-Ann, Dyson and Wendi Knight, Melissa Knowles, Desmond Saunders and Bodine Johnson. Other local stations will also carry it live.

Flag Raising will begin just before midnight.

Original Article July 6th, 2020:

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas will observe its 47th Independence under the theme Pressing Onward: A time of Hope, Triumph and Transformation this July 10th and we are in the midst of preparing a spectacular national celebration, said the Mark Humes, MP, chairman, 2020 National Independence Celebrations committee, during a press conference on June 30th.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the committee is preparing a four-hour, made for television, virtual Independence programme, produced by Andrew Burrows, that will air Thursday, July 9th.

Mr. Humes said, this Independence will be historic as for the first time in the nations history Bahamians will not be able to gather en masse for celebrations on Bay Street, at Government House or at historic Clifford Park the site of every major Independence celebration from the downing of the Union Jack to the raising of the black, aquamarine and gold Bahamas National Flag in 1973.

This made-for-television Independence special will be in keeping with tradition and will feature a star-studded cast of young Bahamian sketch comedic artists who are making a splash all over social media including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and tik-tok.

For this years In Memoriam, special tribute and recognition will be paid to the victims of Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19. Those persons who have lost loved ones to Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19 and would like to have them memorialized during the In Memoriam segment should send a photograph and a biography of no more than 200 words on their loved ones to email address nationalevents@bahamas.gov.bs.

Excerpt from:

Bahamas 47th National Independence Celebrations Go Virtual Updated: Highlights of Tonight's 47th Independence Live Virtual National Celebration - The...

On July 12, a rep for Lisa Marie Presley confirmed the tragic news that the singer's only son, Benjamin Keough the grandson of Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley was dead at 27.

Reports revealed that Benjamin, whose father is Lisa Marie's first husband, musician Danny Keough, died by suicide early that morning at a $1.8 million home in Calabasas, California. Lisa Marie, her rep said in a statement, was "entirely heartbroken, inconsolable and beyond devastated but trying to stay strong for her 11-year-old twins [Harper and Finley Lockwood] and her oldest daughter, Riley [Keough, 31]."

Despite coming from such a famous family, Benjamin has long stayed under the radar, only occasionally popping up on his mother's social media posts and attending public events with his relatives. But now new information and details about the young man who bore a striking resemblance to his famous grandfather have emerged on The Underground Bunker, a blog run by Scientology expert and critic Tony Ortega.

RELATED: Stars we lost in 2020

Ortega explained in a July 13 post that many of his readers had reached out to ask if Benjamin had been, like other members of his family, a member of the Church of Scientology. Ortega reports that Benjamin had indeed like his mother, father and actress older sister, Riley been raised in the controversial religion that also counts stars like Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Danny Masterson and others among its ranks and stars like Leah Remini and filmmaker Paul Haggis among its defectors.

The Underground Bunker previously reported that Lisa Marie left Scientology in 2014 and pulled her family out. However, the blog also claims that Riley returned to the religion and that Priscilla previously said through representatives that she had not left the church, which The Underground Bunker disputes. It remains unclear if Lisa Marie has returned. According to Ortega, her ex-husband Danny remains a member.

According to The Underground Bunker, whose post about Benjamin was picked up by Page Six and other outlets, Ben was still a member in 2013, which is when he completed the faith's "Purification Rundown." However, a source close to the Presley family who'd known Ben since childhood told the blog that in recent years, the 27-year-old "was definitely out of Scientology and badmouthed it to his friends." In May, the source told The Underground Bunker, "Ben had been talking about how fed up kids get in Scientology."

RELATED: Elvis Presley's family: Where are they now?

This same source further told The Underground Bunker that Ben had struggled with alcohol and drugs. According to the source, Ben had "recently been in rehab" battling his addictions, Ortega wrote, explaining that it was not a Scientology treatment program.

Ben had been staying at his mother's home in Calabasas, the source further explained. The Underground Bunker reports that this is where Ben died and that Lisa Marie was not home at the time. On July 13, DailyMail.com reported that a neighbor heard people partying at the property at 1 a.m. and at 3:30 heard a woman screaming. Another neighbor told DailyMail.com that Los Angeles Sheriff's Department deputies arrived at the property around 6 a.m.

According to another source who spoke to The Underground Bunker, as far as the Presley family's faith was concerned, "The important thing is that the entire family was shaped by Scientology, and it's paying the price because of it."

RELATED: Stars with their look-alike kids

That source explained that Ben's death, and the manner in which he died, will be incredibly overwhelming for Lisa Marie, who herself has been open about her struggles with addiction in recent years. "Ben was her baby. More than Riley. More than the twins," the second source told Ortega. "This will be beyond inconceivable for her. I really worry that it might be too much for her."

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Will and Jada head to Bahamas after August Alsina 'entanglement' - Wonderwall

Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas has pushed back its reopening date to July 30 due to a surge in coronavirus cases in the United States, a key market for the popular resort.

Last month, the property had announced plans to begin a phased reopening on July 7 with the return of The Royal and Harborside Resort while The Cove was scheduled to reopen July 14.

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"Since we made that decision, the COVID-19 virus shifted from a steady decline to a recent surge in many of our key markets," President and Managing Director Audrey Oswell wrote in a letter to guests. "From the start of the pandemic, we have taken the lead in being vigilant in following the guidance and direction shared by The Bahamas Ministry of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization. It is our responsibility as stakeholders in the community, and to our guests, team members, and partners alike, to continue our vigilance. For these reasons and out of an abundance of caution, Atlantis Paradise Island has moved its reopening date to July 30."

Oswell said that reservation agents would contact affected guests to issue refunds and stay credits and assist them with rebooking for later dates. "If we are not able to reach you before your planned stay, rest assured, we will honor the value of your trip, and your reservation automatically becomes an unused stay credit valid for 18 months," she added.

Upon reopening later this month, Atlantis will introduce elevated health and safety protocols developed with the Cleveland Clinic as part of the Atlantis Clean & Safe Promise, including express check-in, physical distancing, mask requirements in elevators and at casino table games and frequent sanitization throughout the resort.

Most amenities will be available during the initial reopening phase, including the Atlantis Casino, at least 20 dining outlets, several miles of beaches, pools, golf, tennis, fitness center, Mandara Spa, Aquaventure slides, Dolphin Cay and The Dig, among other offerings.

The Bahamas resumed international commercial travel on July 1 but is one of many destinations requiring visitors to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result in order to avoid having to quarantine for two weeks.

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Atlantis Paradise Island Delays Reopening to July 30 - TravelPulse

The Bahamas, archipelago and country on the northwestern edge of the West Indies. Formerly a British colony, The Bahamas became an independent country within the Commonwealth in 1973.

Britannica Quiz

Its All in the Name

What do the people of Albania call their country?

The name Bahamas is of Lucayan Taino (Arawakan) derivation, although some historians believe it is from the Spanish bajamar, meaning shallow water. The islands occupy a position commanding the gateway to the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and the entire Central American region. Their strategic location has given the history of The Bahamas a unique and often striking character. It was there that Christopher Columbus made his original landfall in the Americas. The subsequent fate of the peaceful original inhabitants remains one of the more tragic episodes in the development of the entire region, while the early attempts at European-dominated settlement were marked by intense national rivalries, interspersed with long periods of lawlessness and piracy. As a result, the society and culture that has evolved in The Bahamas is a distinctive blend of European and African heritages, the latter a legacy of the slave trade and the introduction of the plantation system using African slaves. The islands, lacking natural resources other than their agreeable climate and picturesque beaches, have become heavily dependent on the income generated by the extensive tourist facilities and the financial sector that have been developed, often as a result of the injection of foreign capital. The continued popularity of the islands with tourists, largely from North America, has helped to maintain a relatively high standard of living among the population, most of whom are of African descent. The capital, Nassau, is located on small but important New Providence Island.

Lying to the north of Cuba and Hispaniola, the archipelago comprises nearly 700 islands and cays, only about 30 of which are inhabited, and more than 2,000 low, barren rock formations. It stretches more than 500 miles (800 km) southeast-northwest between Grand Bahama Island, which has an area of 530 square miles (1,373 square km) and lies about 60 miles (100 km) off the southeastern coast of the U.S. state of Florida, and Great Inagua Island, some 50 miles (80 km) from the eastern tip of Cuba. The islands other than New Providence are known collectively as the Out (Family) Islands. They include Grand Bahama, which contains the major settlements of Freeport and West End; Andros (2,300 square miles [6,000 square km]), the largest island of The Bahamas; Abaco, or Great Abaco, (372 square miles [963 square km]); and Eleuthera (187 square miles [484 square km]), the site of one of the early attempts at colonization.

The Bahamas occupies an irregular submarine tableland that rises out of the depths of the Atlantic Ocean and is separated from nearby lands to the south and west by deepwater channels. Extensive areas of flatland, generally a few feet in elevation, are the dominant topographic features of the major islands; the Bimini group (9 square miles [23 square km]), for example, has a maximum elevation of only 20 feet (6 metres). A number of islands fronting the Atlantic have a range or series of ranges of hills on the northeastern side that parallel the longer axes of the islands. These ranges are formed of sand washed ashore and blown inland by the trade winds. The newer hills adjacent to the seashore are normally sand dunes. Solidity increases toward the interior, where the particles become cemented to form Bahama limestone. Eleuthera and Long Island (230 square miles [596 square km]) have the greatest number of hills exceeding 100 feet (30 metres). The highest point in The Bahamas, Mount Alvernia, at 206 feet (63 metres), is on Cat Island (150 square miles [388 square km]). Beneath the soil, the islands are composed of limestone rock and skeletal remains of coral fossils and other marine organisms. There are no rivers, but several islandsparticularly New Providence, San Salvador (63 square miles [163 square km]), and Great Inaguahave large lakes. There is abundant fresh water on Andros Island.

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Nassau & Paradise Island | The Official Site of The Bahamas

Update #88

NASSAU, Bahamas, July 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Health wishes to advise the public that travelers must complete a Bahamas Health Visa application and present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test with a sample taken within ten (10) days of arrival.

Effective immediately, all travelers will be required to complete an electronic Bahamas Health Visa application before departure from the place of embarkation. This can be found at travel.gov.bs. Travelers are required to upload a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test and provide contact information.

The Government of The Bahamas will accept the negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test if the sample was taken within (10) ten days of arrival. Tests over ten (10) days old will not be accepted.

An automated response will be provided once the application is completed. The only persons approved to travel are those who have received a green color-coded response, as proof of approval. This confirmation must be presented upon arrival in The Bahamas. The Health Visa application process will take twenty-four to forty-eight (24-48) hours and should be completed with adequate lead time.

Failure to comply with the stated requirements will result in denied entry. It is recommended that all travelers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their traveling party at http://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates before booking a trip.

For more information, or to view the Tourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, please visit http://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates. You may also contact the Ministry of Tourism COVID-19 travel hotline at (242) 502-0829 Monday to Friday, 8 AM 6 PM, or email at healthvisa@bahamas.com.

PRESS INQUIRIESAnita Johnson-PattyBahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviationajohnson@bahamas.com

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SOURCE The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation

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Government of The Bahamas - Ministry of Health Testing Protocol for Incoming Visitors - Yahoo Finance