Daily Archives: April 6, 2021

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Travelers from Harbour Island and Eleuthera are facing stricter travel protocols as the Office of the Prime Minister announced last night that they will now have to take an RT-PCR test to travel to other islands in the country.

They are also required to take a rapid antigen test on the fifth day after their arrival, in line with current standard protocols for travelers arriving in-country from international destinations.

Prior to this latest update, the requirement only applied to people traveling from New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco to other Family Islands.

A statement announcing the new requirement, which takes effect today, read: In accordance with the Emergency Powers (COVID-19 Pandemic) (Risk Management) (No. 4) (Amendment) (No. 10) Order, 2021, persons traveling from Harbour Island and Eleuthera will now be required to undergo an RT-PCR COVID-19 test in order to obtain a travel health visa.

The requirement is effective Thursday, 1 April, 2021 and applies to persons older than 10 years of age traveling from Harbour Island and Eleuthera, to other parts of The Bahamas.

This does not apply to travel between mainland Eleuthera and its surrounding islands and cays.

Travelers from Eleuthera and Harbour Island will also now be required to take a COVID-19 rapid antigen test on the fifth day after arrival to their destination within The Bahamas and submit the results to the Ministry of Health online via the health travel website.

This latest update comes ahead of the Easter holiday weekend andon the heels of some Family Islanders urging the government to exercise more empathy with Family Islanders needing to travel to New Providence, as the additional cost of a full RT-PCR test was proving a heavy burden.

It also follows nine people, including a 17-year-old, being hauled before the courts this week for attempting to use falsified COVID test results to travel to the Family Islands from New Providence.

The Office of the Prime Minister noted, however, that inter-island testing requirements are expected to be eased with the acceleration of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, which just recently began.

To read the complete order, please visit http://www.opm.gov.bs.

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STRICTER MEASURES: Travelers from Harbour Island & Eleuthera to rest of Bahamas must have negative RT-PCR test - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Through the World Health Organization (WHO)/Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) COVAX Facility, The Bahamas received its first tranche of 33,600 COVID-19 vaccines yesterday.

This new arrival shores up the nations supplies since it received 20,000 doses as a donation from India three weeks ago.

The Bahamas has now received 53,600 vaccines, with more than 7,000 people in-country receiving their first dose of the vaccine since the vaccination program rolled out on March 14.

According to PAHO, COVAX seeks to provide vaccines for at least 20 percent of the population to each participating country during 2021.

In this first round of vaccine allocation, all COVAX participating countries will receive doses to vaccinate between 2.2 percent and 2.6 percent of their population.

Suriname received its first COVID-19 vaccine through the COVAX Facility last Friday, while Guyana received its first shipment of vaccines through the COVAX mechanism on Monday.

During the handing over ceremony at Jet Aviation Nassau yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis noted that vaccination will save lives.

He said: The life saved may be yours. As more people become vaccinated, we will be able to relax restrictions and see more of our family and friends. We will be able to open up our economy more and to get back to work.

PAHO/WHO Country Representative for The Bahamas Dr Eldonna Boisson called the arrival of the vaccine doses in The Bahamas a historic milestone the culmination of months of negotiations and a level of commitment to global solidarity.

According to Boisson, the remainder of doses 67,200 will arrive in The Bahamas in May.

She said that through COVAX, vaccine supply will steadily increase month-by-month, with approximately 280 million doses expected to arrive in Latin America and the Caribbean by the end of 2021.

Boisson said after six weeks of declining cases at the beginning of the year, infections have steadily risen since mid-February and deaths have also begun to reverse in trend.

There were more than 333,000 cases and 9,000 deaths in the Americas alone last weekend.

These are worrying trends as we continue to see the impact of variants opening up societies and inequitable vaccine rollout, Boisson said.

The Bahamas has yet to report a new COVID variant, but several variants of the virus have made their way to the Caribbean.

As of last Friday, 32 countries and territories in the Americas including The Bahamas neighbors Turks and Caicos, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the US had reported the presence of at least one of three variants of concern of the virus that causes COVID-19, according to a new epidemiological update.

We must continue to take the COVID-19 virus and pandemic seriously, Boisson said.

This is still a very active public health emergency.

According to Boisson, PAHO has assisted The Bahamas in the development of its national vaccination program to ensure the population is inoculated in a sustainable and safe manner.

She said the organization continues to offer technical cooperation for vaccine procurement, delivery and deployment, as well as distribution guidance documents and training.

But Boisson pointed out that vaccine supplies remain limited and it will be several months before countries can rely on vaccines alone to control the virus.

Although the scale-up of vaccine production has begun, the PAHO representative underscored that it is not enough and we do not yet have the vaccines we need to protect everyone.

She said: Its what happens when the whole world must rely on too few manufacturers.

Our goal at this time must be to save as many lives as possible by prioritizing early doses for those who are at the highest risk of infection, hospitalization and death. We must also protect our health workers and reduce the strain on our health system.

According to reports, India, the worlds biggest maker of vaccines, has reported 12 million COVID-19 cases, the most after the United States and Brazil. So far, it has exported 64 million vaccine doses, more than the 60.4 million inoculations conducted at home. The Indian government is under pressure to step up its domestic vaccine programme.

Originally posted here:

REINFORCEMENTS: COVID-19 vaccines from COVAX Facility touchdown in The Bahamas - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is prepared to put forth additional candidates should the Constituencies Commission make changes to the existing boundaries, said PLP Leader Philip Brave Davis yesterday.

Last week, House Speaker Halson Moultrie, who chairs the commission, advised it is considering recommending additional constituencies to ensure voter parity.

Davis insisted that, based on the views of the commission, it is currently impossible to have parity with the current boundaries.

Following the opening of Senator JoBeth Coleby-Davis Elizabeth constituency office, he told reporters: My thoughts are that the constitution requires that the commission ensure that there is parity in the numbers in these constituencies.

Looking at the present numbers, theres a necessity to at least visit those two constituencies in the west, particularly Golden Isles and Killarney.

Davis contended, however, that the final say is always with the prime minister.

Asked whether the PLP will support the addition of new constituencies, he said: There doesnt necessarily have to be more constituencies; it just has to ensure that the lines are drawn to ensure parity.

I think that is impossible by the present numbers.

As of last week, the voters register stood at 188,762 voters, with 130,512 voters registered on New Providence, 30,260 on Grand Bahama and 27,990 on the Family Islands.

Moultrie told Eyewitness News that the commission is considering adding four more constituencies three on New Providence and one on Grand Bahama.

He explained that compared to other constituencies with fewer voters,Golden Isles and Killarney voter registration is approaching 7,000 voters.

In the last general election, there were 5,700 voters in Killarney and 6,004 voters in Golden Isles, compared to 3,285 voters in St Barnabas and 3,590 in Bains and Grants Town.

Moultrie has said the commission is split on the matter and intends to prepare an interim report on the view.

He noted, however, that if the prime minister calls an early election which has been speculated in political circles the commission will not have time to draw new boundaries.

He has also underscored the need for the commission to be independent of any political influence, to avoidthe appearance of gerrymandering.

The Constituencies Commission is responsible for reviewing the boundaries of constituencies throughout The Bahamas.

Article 70(1) of the Constitution of The Bahamas states that the commission shall in accordance with the provisions of this article, at intervals of not more than five years, review the number and boundaries of the constituencies into which The Bahamas is divided and shall submit to the governor general a single report either (a) stating that in the opinion of the commission, no change is required, or (b) recommending certain changes, and the governor general shall cause such report to be laid before the House of Assembly forthwith.

The last commission, chaired by former House Speaker Dr Kendal Major, renamed the Montagu constituency to Free Town and added the St Barnabas constituency, making major changes to the boundaries.

There have been continuous calls for the creation of an independent boundaries commission.

In the Speech from the Throne, the government promised to constitute an Independent Electoral Commission and Boundaries Commission, introduce term limits for prime ministers and introduce a system of recall for non-performing members of Parliament by referendum.

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BY THE NUMBERS: PLP says it's impossible to have parity with current boundaries - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The government should fairly consider its restrictions on certain public events, given that political parties are allowed to canvas communities, suggested Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) President Bishop Delton Fernander.

With the upcoming elections quickly approaching, supporters and candidates of major political parties have been hitting the pavement, campaigning in various communities in large numbers.

Despite recent criticism and concerns on its impact on rising coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has defended the actions, indicating that political parties have been following COVID-19 protocols.

However, Fernander has hit out at those assertions, insisting that the government is setting a precedent.

We must realize what is good for the goose is also good for the gander, he told reporters in a recent interview.

I wish there would be consideration knowing that in this time that all of us want to persevere our health, we want to do the best we can and we must be fair all across the board, that if we see one thing happening on the streets we should also be allowed in other areas to do the same, or if were retarded in one area, then its retarded in all of the areas.

So, just fairness of play is what the church is looking for and I think the country is looking for.

New Providence, Exuma and Eleuthera are currently on 10pm to 5am curfew.

Grand Bahama is on an 11pm to 5am curfew, while mainland Abaco is on an 8pm to 5am curfew.

On those islands, weddings in a religious facility can be held provided that the number of attendees is limited to one-third the capacity of the religious facility and protocols are adhered to.

Meanwhile, funerals at the graveside can only be held with no more than 40 people, exclusive of the officiant and mortuary workers.

Additionally, wedding receptions and funeral repasts are not allowed.

Speaker of the House of Assembly and Nassau Village MP Halson Moultrie recently called the political campaigning reckless and said it endangers constituents and campaign workers.

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PLAY FAIR: BCC says campaigning and public events should be treated equally - EyeWitness News

By FARRAH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

THE nation recorded 92 new COVID-19 infections over the holiday weekend bringing the total number of cases to 9,263.

Yesterday, the countrys top infectious disease expert said health officials are still very much concerned that the Bahamas could be on the brink of a third COVID-19 wave.

Dr Nikkiah Forbes, director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme at the Ministry of Health, told The Tribune it would be very concerning if the country continues on this trend as it could lead to the health system being above capacity.

If we continue on this trend then certainly we would be very concerned, she said.

We know globally that there are many countries that are undergoing third or fourth waves and third waves are often larger than second waves, so its very important that we follow the public health instructions so that we can mitigate an increase in cases, the health system being over capacity and COVID-19 deaths increasing.

On Thursday, April 1, health officials reported 28 newly confirmed COVID cases with 12 coming out of New Providence, eight originating from Grand Bahama, six arising out of Eleuthera and one being reported from Abaco.

On Good Friday, 35 more cases were recorded with 24 coming out of the capital, seven from Grand Bahama, three originating from Bimini and Cat Cay and one being reported from Andros.

On Saturday, the country recorded another 16 confirmed COVID cases; seven of those were from New Providence, another seven were from Grand Bahama, while there was one each from Eleuthera and Andros.

Thirteen more COVID cases were reported on Sunday, eight of which came out of New Providence. Grand Bahama also reported three new cases while Eleuthera and Andros each recorded another case.

Two of the cases that arose in New Providence were said to be people who travelled within the last 14 days.

According to the Health Ministrys latest report, 36 of the newly confirmed cases are currently hospitalised and three patients in New Providence have been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

The death toll currently stands at 189, after the death of 74-year-old Bimini resident Louis Edward Rolle was officially added to the tally. The Tribune previously reported that Rolle died on the island last Tuesday after he could not be airlifted to New Providence for treatment due to his size.

Dr Forbes said health officials are concerned about a possible third wave because cases and hospitalisations are trending upward.

She insisted it was crucial for the public to follow the precautions to prevent a surge in new cases.

Its important to remember that we follow the prevention measures because they are very effective, especially in view of (COVID-19) variants that have been demonstrated to be more infectious, she said yesterday.

Last week, Tourism Minister Dionisio DAguilar said the country could not afford to enter a third COVID-19 wave as it could usher in dramatic setbacks for the nation.

What we see around the world and what we are seeing in our country is a slight uptick in cases, he said at the time. This COVID-19 virus is certainly not behind us and until we get 80 percent of the population vaccinated, we are going to have to abide by the health protocols in order to keep the number of cases at a minimum.

In their latest release, health officials also urged the public to comply with the recommended regulations and guidelines to help mitigate the spread of the virus in the country.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, do not wait, first contact your health provider, the statement read. While home remedies may work for a period it is important to get tested and receive proper care before symptoms become too difficult to manage. If you have been asked by the Surveillance Unit to get tested for COVID-19, please follow the advice and take the gold standard RT-PCR test. Employees are encouraged to work from home.

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Concern mounts on possible third wave - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The world turned sideways for nearly everyone in the travel industry when COVID-19 rocked the economies of tourism-dependent destinations, but for those in the cruise industry, it has been especially hard. Despite that, one of Royal Caribbeans senior managers revealed what she called the silver lining in a year of reflection.

Ginea Wilson, an 18-year veteran who serves as island manager for PerfectDay@CocoCay, spoke frankly about what the partial time-offs have meant, the changes in perspective and why she feels Royal Caribbean deserves to be recognized for the measures it has taken to strengthen training, especially in a personal sense of taking an even closer look at environmental stewardship.

I think, like a lot of people, I have mixed feelings about the past year, said Wilson. I am very eager to get back to work, but for the time I have gotten to spend with my family, I am very grateful. Its something you didnt expect, a silver lining having a lot of quality time with family, to spend on self-development and a lot of opportunity for reflection.

That time for reflection, along with staying in touch with vendors on Coco Cay, residents who depend on Royal Caribbean in the Berry Islands and colleagues at work, have made the mother of a six-year-old and now step-mother to another child more appreciative of the company where she started working fresh out of college.

You begin to understand the sacrifice that Royal Caribbean is making by holding onto staff and making sure everything is ready when they are able to open up and operate once again, said Wilson, a native of Grand Bahama and now Nassau resident when not on Coco Cay in the Berry Islands.

Its a huge human resources jigsaw puzzle because they are rotating staff from all over the world, bringing them in for weeks at a time, dealing with COVID tests before they get on a plane or into to a hotel, then getting them to the island, then we all quarantine for two weeks, so they have to accommodate all of that.

But, she said, Royal Caribbean has used the two-week quarantine process effectively.

A lot of people forget that these businesses are operating with zero revenue yet they are keeping as much staff on as possible on a rotating basis and using the quarantine time to strengthen our training in environmental stewardship waste disposal, recycling, the importance of personal responsibility in preserving the environment, she said.

Wilson said the training was intense, inspiring and especially effective because of the timing.

When we are open and operating, the cruise industry is so busy with long hours and seven days a week So, the quarantine allows us to really focus on the environment.

She said the downtime has knitted friendships, bringing people closer together even if by phone and Zoom as they check on each other, help as they can and offer kindness and emotional support.

For Wilson, the combination of enhanced environmental sensitivity and periodic time off has culminated in something else a new passion for backyard farming. Shes growing tomatoes, pineapples, bananas and limes in between helping daughter Toni with virtual learning.

The only thing I failed at repeatedly was growing thyme, she said.

Wilson is not alone in that, no matter how you spell it!

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Perfect Day@CocoCay manager reflects on year of suspended sailing - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday that while health officials were not minded to recommend increased restrictions ahead of the Easter holiday period, despite an increase of cases on certain islands, an assessment will be made the following week to determine if further restrictions will be necessary.

He made the statement as The Bahamas received its first tranche 33,600 doses of COVID-19 vaccines from the World Health Organization (WHO)/Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) COVAX Facility.

Easter weekend is traditionally a time of family gathering and fellowship, including beach picnics, Minnis said at Jet Aviation minutes after the doses of AstraZeneca arrived.

But we are still in the midst of the pandemic.

There are not normal times.

The COVID-19 cases numbers in The Bahamas and around the world make it clear that the pandemic is not over.

Cases of the virus have increased 15 percent week-on-week.

The majority of these cases have been recorded on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco and Eleuthera.

Nations around the world, including many European Union countries, India and the Americas, continue to battle ongoing surges of the virus, new COVID-19 variants and fatigue with health protocols.

Minnis pointed out that the ongoing emergency orders in The Bahamas mandate groups cannot gather in numbers larger than five on beaches and parks on New Providence and Grand Bahama.

While he said COVID ambassadors will monitor activities over the holiday weekend and enforce the orders when needed, large gatherings could set the country back.

Though notably sluggish, The Bahamas economy is largely open with restrictions such as the ongoing 10pm to 5am curfew, wearing of facial masks, social distancing and sanitization.

Minnis encouraged the public to exercise discipline for a bit longer, noting that with adherence to health protocols and more people taking the COVID-19 vaccine, we will move even quicker toward a broader reopening of the country.

Painful

The prime minister said a third wave of COVID-19 in The Bahamas would be painful.

Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme DrNikkiah Forbes told Eyewitness News on Sunday that the country could be on the brink of a third wave given the sustained increase in cases in the last few weeks.

However, she said a third wave could be prevented with adherence to health protocols, as seen late last year when daily infections were in the single-digits to low double-digits.

Minnis said: We cannot afford a painful third wave. We all have to do our part.

We dont want another surge in cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths.

Hospitalizations in The Bahamas increased from 11 on March 17 to 31 on March 29.

There have been challenges with vaccine manufacturers meeting global supply, a point PAHO underscored yesterday.

The Bahamas is expected to receive the balance of its 100,800 allocations before the end of May.

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BEST BEHAVIOR: PM cautions Easter activities and cases will guide future restrictions - EyeWitness News

Antonio Conte has seen evidence of "massive progress" in Lautaro Martinez's game both with and without the ball during his time as Inter coach.

Conte arrived at San Siro in 2019, a year after striker Martinez was signed from Racing Club.

The Argentina international's debut campaign had brought just nine goals and two assists in 35 games in all competitions, but those figures quickly improved under Conte.

Martinez tallied 21 goals and five assists in 49 outings last season and has scored 16 times and created six more for team-mates in 38 appearances in the 2020-21 campaign.

His minutes-per-goal rate has improved across his three seasons in Italy, this season finding the back of the net every 162.2 minutes.

Martinez is also creating more chances, 1.4 per 90 minutes, resulting in the increase in assists, but his work in defending from the front has been similarly impressive.

The 23-year-old has won possession in the final third 32 times this term (1.1 per 90) and posted 31 interceptions (also 1.1 per 90), comfortably more than in his previous two seasons combined.

Among Serie A forwards to score 15 or more goals in all competitions this season, Martinez leads the way in both categories as well as in recoveries per 90 (3.1).

Conte was asked about his number 10 ahead of Inter's game with Sassuolo on Wednesday,and said: "He has improved in all areas, on the ball and off the ball.

"He has improved when it comes to holding up possession and attacking the space.

"Like the other players, he has made massive progress. He needs to stay on this track. Taking his age into account, he has a very bright future ahead. It's in his hands."

Of those with 15 goals or more, Martinez's strike partner Romelu Lukaku ranked last for interceptions (0.1) and recoveries (1.6).

But Lukaku trails only Cristiano Ronaldo (31) in the scoring charts with 26 strikes in all competitions, and Conte is confident all of his players are contributing to the cause as Inter - eight points clear with Wednesday's game in hand - close on a first Scudetto since 2009-10.

"I think for every side putting the team first is the most important factor," the coach said. "Alone, you cannot win matches.

"It's the team that gets the best out of the individual. The players have understood the message. They are all pulling in the same direction."

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Guyana recovers from opening round loss to T&T with big 4-0 win over Bahamas - sportsmax.tv

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FULL restoration of the Genesis Academy is now complete, and the Ministry of Education will begin a gradual phase-in of students at that facility.

The Grand Bahama Port Authoritys reconstruction team and G&T Construction have now completed restoration of the facility, which is located in the Childrens Village for at-risk students.

Following severe flood damage during Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, the students were relocated into the mainstream public school system until the schools restoration could be completed.

Ivan Butler, district school superintendent for Grand Bahama, Bimini, and the Cays, commended the GBPA for its assistance in restoring the facility.

On behalf of the Ministry of Education, (Minister of Education) Jeffrey Lloyd, Director Mr Marcellus Taylor, and the many students that will benefit from this initiative, I extend sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Grand Bahama Port Authority for their assistance and partnership in making this day a reality, he said.

We look forward to a continued relationship with them. To this end, the Ministry of Education is pleased to announce that Genesis Academy will begin a gradual phase-in of students. We appreciate the value the Port Authority sees in our programme and thank them for their faith in our ability to deliver the education, support, and care that these students deserve.

Mr Butler said Genesis Academy provides continuing education for at-risk boys and girls who also receive intensive counselling.

The vision of Lady Henrietta St George in establishing this school has proven to be invaluable in providing a second chance for education amongst these students, he said.

The academys programme is tailored to teens who are working to refocus on education and obtain their high school diplomas. The trained, specialised staff help students who are rehabilitating from delinquency, recovering from substance abuse, and from other specialised needs that might not be addressed in a regular classroom.

The classrooms are small, with low teacher-student ratios, providing students with individualised access to academic development, behaviour therapy, social interaction, and experiential training services.

Unfortunately, in September 2019 Hurricane Dorian, the facility sustained major damage to the interior, the roof, and the students' agriculture and aquaponics installation.

School Principal Dr Ricardo Major is looking forward to the return of their students.

The facilitys restoration was a daunting task, he said. But thanks to the Port Authority, the work is done and the Genesis team is eager to welcome our students back. GBPAs support has enabled us to provide specialised education that meets our students unique needs, and to offer after-school programmes and projects that help guide them back into mainstream life.

Mr Butler said the Ministry of Education has enjoyed a partnership that spans more than 20 years with the GBPA.

It has provided the opportunity for continuous education for students regardless of their challenges or circumstances, he said.

Sarah St George, acting chairperson at the GBPA, believes that every child deserves a second chance.

She said the Genesis Academy has provided support and much-needed attention and care to many of Grand Bahamas teens.

Our youth are our future, and we must nurture their development regardless of their challenges or transgressions it will help them to become productive and contributing members of our communities, said Ms St George. Im delighted to resume this very successful partnership that the GBPA had with the Ministry of Education for the past 20 years and Id like to thank the Ministry and Mr Ivan Butler for their continued commitment to the Genesis Academy.

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Restoration work completed at Grand Bahama's Genesis Academy - Bahamas Tribune

Tourist destinations need not wait for tourists to improve their economic fortunes. This month, the European Commission announced its intention to commit 17m in humanitarian aid to address the needs of the most vulnerable in Haiti and the Caribbean, which have been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 1994, the European Union has provided 183m in humanitarian aid to the Caribbean. This funding includes 50.8m for disaster risk reduction and community resilience.

For nearly every country around the world, the past year has been a tough one. But for economies which rely on international tourism, the year has been particularly challenging. The countries of the Caribbean have always been grateful for external support from our international friends and partners. But how can we repay them? The answer lies in building resilience for the long term, such that all visitors to our islands, including but not limited to Europeans, can enjoy the fruits of societies and economies built on strong foundations.

As the vaccine continues its rollout, and lockdowns start to lift globally, it is important for Caribbean countries to join the global effort to build back better by investing in education and economic diversification. In countries such as ours, in which government resources are scarce and the employment highly dependent on tourism, the philanthropic sector has an outsized opportunity as well as responsibility to build bridges between the public and private sectors and provide innovative solutions to local problems.

A recent study by the Centre for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) revealed that at least $20.2bn in global COVID-19 giving was made by grant-makers and wealthy donors during 2020. Corporate foundations and corporate giving programs accounted for $9.4bn (44 percent) of total COVID-19 funding. And for countries facing existing economic hardship, these foundations have an even bigger role to play.

As the vaccine continues its rollout, and lockdowns start to lift globally, it is important for Caribbean countries to join the global effort to build back better by investing in education and economic diversification

In the Bahamas, the Fox Foundation wants to play a part in this effort. Dedicated to providing support to enrich the lives of Bahamians, collaborating with local organisations across education, youth development, community building and disaster relief, we believe that the future of the nation depends on the efforts of all Bahamians.

In the Caribbean, we are no strangers to natural disasters. Hurricane Dorian, which struck just one year before the COVID-19 pandemic, was the worst natural disaster in the history of the Bahamas. It is estimated that the hurricane cost a total of $5.1bn in damage overall. Even before the pandemic began, the Bahamas has been battling for its economic future. The June 2020 financial assistance package from the IMF has been beneficial, but it is not enough to help the Bahamas get to where it needs to go.

In October of last year, the IMF slashed its growth forecasts for the Bahamas, cutting its projected GDP growth from 6.7 percent to just 4.6 percent. This just goes to show that the Bahamas faces a longer and harder road to recovery from the pandemic than initially predicted. And given that international tourism, the countrys main industry, is unlikely to come back for some time, we may face some wait before our economy rebounds.

But tourism need not be the only thing that matters for economic development. Education matters for economic development. It can raise productivity, promote creativity, and contribute to higher levels of technological progress and entrepreneurship. It is also the cornerstone of our philanthropic activities at the Fox Foundation.

In its six years of operation, the Fox Foundation has brought in over $5m in private donations to assist with its four pillars of education, youth development, community building and medical causes. We have partnered with a network of philanthropists across the world to rebuild and empower the country we love and want to raise awareness globally about the economic situation facing our people. Just because we may not be the first country people think of when they think of countries in crisis, doesnt mean that we dont need their help.

We want to equip the next generation of Bahamians with the skills they need to help themselves, and by doing so, help our country

They say that the children are our future. But the Caribbean is one of the worst regions globally for brain drain, with some 10-40 percent of the labour force emigrating to OECD member countries according to IMF research. Investing in the future of our youth will ensure that future generations are not persuaded to leave their homeland in search of a better life overseas. We want to equip the next generation of Bahamians with the skills they need to help themselves, and by doing so, help our country.

We want to expand the efforts of our Foundation to promote wider and more impactful education initiatives. We hope that by doing so, we can encourage others to do the same around the world, allowing philanthropy to provide the catalyst for countries to propel forward from this difficult period. The coming months will be challenging, but it is up to us to face that challenge. We want to do all that we can to help the Bahamas build back stronger and make a contribution to the tireless efforts of the government in promoting the Bahamas recovery. We hope that others will play a role too, and that philanthropy can help countries bounce back stronger.

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Post-Pandemic, the Caribbean needs to present a new face to the world - The Parliament Magazine