Category Archives: Bahamas

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The concept of herd immunity once represented the endgame of the coronavirus pandemic, but according to a local health expert, that threshold is less attainable or relevant given the nature of the virus and persistent vaccine hesitancy.

In an interview with Eyewitness News, Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme Dr Nikkiah Forbes said experts have found that COVID behaves similarly to other respiratory viruses such as the flu, which has countless strains that can re-infect individuals.

Like the flu, Forbes said COVID is here to stay.

The concept that there would be no COVID because of herd immunity is not likely to happen.

Dr Nikkiah Forbes

Asked if the concept of herd immunity was less relevant given what is now known about the virus, Forbes said: Yes and no. Yes, the concept that there would be no COVID because of herd immunity is not likely to happen.

In the beginning, when we first heard about this virus, we knew there were other viruses like this that no longer became a problem for humanity. SARS and MERS-CoV, they disappeared.

The idea that you could do something and we could get it to go away was an early concept and that is not veering out.

That is no longer realistic. COVID is here to stay.

Now, this is what we have achieved. We are in a much different place than when COVID first came to the world.

With vaccines and additional therapies, COVID if you are vaccinated and optimize your vaccination through boosters, for example, that COVID could have the severity or it could be somewhere in the severity between a cold and a flu, and you wont die from it.

So, were in a much better position.

When there were no vaccines and therapeutic modalities, people were dying from COVID more than five million, nearly six million from COVID alone, not to mention those people who died with COVID.

That was a challenge. We had no immunity, either natural or through vaccines, and so COVID was a serious health problem and still can be

Forbes said immunity is better with all the scientific advancements that have been made.

When COVID-19 vaccines became available on the international market within the first year of the pandemic, there was a widely held view that once 70 to 80 percent of the population received the jab, there would be herd immunity protection against spread of the virus.

With vaccines and additional therapiesCOVID could have the severity or it could be somewhere in the severity between a cold and a flu, and you wont die from it.

Dr Nikkiah Forbes

But international health agencies, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have noted that without global uptake of the vaccine, variants will continue to emerge.

More than 40 percent of The Bahamas population has been fully vaccinated.

Nearly two years since the onset of the pandemic, existing vaccines have held up, with strong protection against severe illness and death, though health experts have recommended a booster shot for additional protection and up to a fourth COVID jab for the immunocompromised for better immune response against the virus.

Data on COVID patients at Princess Margaret Hospital have evidenced this, with 95 percent of those hospitalized being unvaccinated individuals, according to the latest report.

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'COVID IS HERE TO STAY': Herd immunity less attainable now, says Forbes; vaccination still encouraged - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS One month into a smooth rollout of its free testing and mask distribution campaign, the government has tested over 17,000 people and successfully isolated 769 positive cases on the islands of New Providence and Grand Bahama, two of the islands most affected by COVID-19.

Additionally, following a robust public education campaign, the government, in partnership with private firms like FTX Digital Markets, has facilitated the distribution of over 165,000 KN95 face masks to protect its citizenry against the virus.

A press release from the Office of the Prime Minister maintained that since taking office, managing the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic fallout have been top priorities of the Davis administration.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis commented: A persons ability to know whether or not they have COVID-19 should not depend on their income or wealth, but should be accessible to all.

We are very pleased with how free testing and mask distribution has rolled out so far and congratulate the Ministry of Health and Wellness for their effective and efficient handling of these important pillars of our COVID response.

We are also very grateful to NEMA (the National Emergency Management Agency), Great Commission Ministries and Counselling Centre, Bahamas Red Cross, International Deliverance Praying Ministry, the Salvation Army and Hands For Hunger.

They have been invaluable partners in the mask distribution process.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis (right) greets a resident visiting one of the centers offering free COVID-19 testing as part of the Davis administrations plan to mitigate spread of the virus. (OPM COMMUNICATIONS)

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis (right) speaks with a healthcare worker at one of the centers offering free COVID-19 testing as part of the Davis administrations plan to mitigate spread of the virus. (OPM COMMUNICATIONS)

The Davis administration officially launched its free testing and mask distribution program on New Providence at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gym, Melia Resort and South Beach Clinic following trial runs on some Family Islands.

The program then rolled out on Grand Bahama just two weeks later at Foster B Pestaina Centre, Christ The King.

The government is expected to receive another shipment of masks in the coming weeks, with pediatric masks being included in the second phase of the rollout.

Ongoing public education will continue in an effort to mitigate spread of the virus while balancing the necessary reopening of the economy.

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Over 17K tests and 165K face masks in first month of Davis admin free COVID initiatives - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS While health officials have observed a sustained downward trend of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations over the last three weeks, Director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme Dr Nikkiah Forbes indicated yesterday that the behavior of the public will determine whether the trend continues.

For the last several weeks, at least three weeks, weve seen a persistent downward trend, she said.

Cases are reducing significantly, week upon week over the last three weeks, and so, this is significant.

We can absolutely say that cases are trending down.

Hospitalizations are also trending down at this point, and overall, in this wave, we have experienced less deaths than, for example, in the third wave.

Forbes said the trend is not cause for complacency asthe behavior of the public could still impact which direction it heads in.

The trend in cases is very dependent on what we all do individually and collectively and overall in terms of the health system and support for mitigating COVID, the director said.

Asked whether the fourth wave has been shorter than previous waves due to the nature of the omicron variant, Forbes said a combination of the behavior of the public during the holidays and the high transmissibility of omicron played a role.

She pointed out that the spike in infections in early January correlated with the increased social activities and travel over the holiday season two weeks following the season.

Forbes said with the holidays now over and fewer gatherings among fewer people, thats what [will] account for this decline in the numbers.

Additionally, due to the contagious nature of omicron, a lot of people contracted the virus, resulting in infections happening faster and earlier.

When you consider the susceptibility of persons for example, if more persons would have gotten sick earlier, so that could have an impact on the number of cases later on, that the waves could be a bit shorter in terms of omicron, she said.

If we could get a handle on [vaccination], there would be less COVID in the world and less of a chance that these variants would develop.

Dr Nikkiah Forbes

So, a combination of those two factors.

Health experts have said new variants will continue to emerge until the global population is fully vaccinated.

The Bahamas, not dissimilar to several other Caribbean countries in the region, has yet to reach a 50 percent vaccination rate among its population.

As of Saturday, 159,839 people had been fully vaccinated in The Bahamas around 49 percent of those eligible to be vaccinated.

The Bahamas has yet to acquire pediatric vaccines to inoculate children under the age of 12.

If we could get a handle on this, there would be less COVID in the world and less of a chance that these variants would develop, Forbes said, adding that it was critical for everyone to put all efforts into keeping infections low.

The country recorded 29 infections on Sunday, including 26 on New Providence, two on Eleuthera and one on Grand Bahama.

Hospitalizations stood at 65, down from 97 the week before and 137 two weeks ago.

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SUSTAINED TREND: Fourth COVID wave winding down but expert cautions public not to become complacent - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Free National Movements (FNM) three-day convention at the end of the month is estimated to cost just over $200,000, according to Convention Co-Chair Ethan Adderley.

The much-anticipated convention will be held from February 23 to 25 and will seek to usher in a whole new set of leaders, along with a newly ratified constitution.

All party positions will be contested except for the leadership, which was voted on during the FNMs one-day convention in November.

MARCO City MP Michael Pintard defeated Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis and East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson in the race for the position by a significantly large margin.

That day was pegged at a cost of around $100,000.

In an interview with Eyewitness News, Adderley said he believes the convention is what is needed to bring everybody together.

The highlights will be the election of officers, as well as the selection of new meritorious council members those who are 60 years and older who have toiled for the party as well as freedom fighters from perspective constituencies who have given service to the party as well, he said.

We are doing some constitutional amendments, but its a good time for everybody getting together [and] charting the way forward.

The partys official period for the nomination of candidates, recommendations for meritorious council members and freedom fighters has ended.

Adderley said the convention will help to reinvigorate the party and its base after their defeat at the September 2021 polls.

Its evident by the number of persons who are running for office, we are seeing a lot of new faces Its a lot of new blood coming into the party, he said.

We are seeing folks come back out, folks who did not vote, FNMs [who] did not vote in large numbers in the last election. They are coming out. They love the new vision the leader has and his energy. They are excited.

While the party was expected to hold a fully virtual event due to the surge in COVID-19 cases at the beginning of the year, they have decided to have a few events in-person.

We are seeing folks come back out, folks who did not vote, FNMs [who] did not vote in large numbers in the last election. They are coming out.

Ethan Adderely

Adderley noted that the party will hold virtual sessions on Wednesday and Thursday morning, which will be closed to delegates only, and the evening sessions will be streamed live for public viewing.

He indicated that the party is still waiting to receive confirmation from the Ministry of Health on where they will be allowed to house supporters for the evening session.

The party also decided to bring in delegates from Grand Bahama and the Family Islands to vote in-person at Holy Trinity Activities Centre.

As a result of this change, elected officers will now be installed during a ceremony on Saturday.

The party is expecting some 500 delegates to fly in to vote.

St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright and St Annes MP Adrian White were both nominated for deputy leader.

Meanwhile, Former Minister of Immigration Elsworth Johnson, former Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands and former Golden Isles MP Michael Foulkes will face off head-to-head for the coveted chairman position.

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CONVENTION TIME SOON: FNM'S 3-day event pegged at $200K; Family Island delegates to be flown in to vote - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The University of The Bahamas (UB) womens softball team practiced ahead of the teams first set of international games set for this week.

The UB Mingoes softball team is expected to play two games Thursday in Miami Gardens against the St Thomas University Bobcats and then one game Friday at Flamingo Park in Pembroke Pines against the Florida Memorial University Lions.

This tour will be the first for the UB Mingoes softball team.

Head coach Shane Albury said: Im looking forward to some good competition in Florida. This is the first time internationally and the first time in two season that the team has played. I think we have a good stock of players on the team right now.

Albury said his team is going into the tour full steam and hoping to come back with three wins.

The FMU Bobcats have just started the womens softball program and this will be one of the first games the team will play.

Im not taking any of the games lightly, he said.

I had a conversation with the team and told them we are going to win and this is not vacation. We will compete and we are going to win.

Albury added that the path to a win starts with pitching.

I wish we were stronger in that aspect of the game as we recently lost two players, he said.

Defense will also be important. We have some speed and we have some sluggers. If our pitching holds up our defense and we can put the bat on the ball, we can be quite competitive.

Infield specialist and senior Cyntese Cooper said shes excited to get the experience and to represent UB.

Im excited to see our team come together as a cohesive unit and play these games, she said.

We have worked hard to get here and we are going to put it all on the field.

Utility player Kenisha Kelly said the team has been working on communication heading into the games this week.

I feel we have a good chance to pick up the wins, she said.

We just have to hit the ball, field the ball and reduce the errors out there.

The team plays St Thomas University in a double-header 4pm and 6pm Thursday in Miami Gardens and then plays Florida Memorial University noon Friday at Flamingo Park in Pembroke Pines.

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BIG SWING: UB women's softball team readies for first international tour this week - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Davis-led administrations engagement of the media has unearthed scrutiny of the seemingly incestuous relationship that exists between public and private institutions within a small developing state. What does it mean when there appears to be a porous barrier between the roles of state and watchdog and is there a path to effective self-regulation that cements a realistic ethical standard?

As an institution, and in a healthy democracy, the media can often take on the role of stewards of public trust. How effective the media is at reflecting public attitudes is often considered by political agents to be a direct indication of the medias power to influence public attitudes, and as such media workers are valued as the architects of consent. Whether emerging commentary over the level of media hires by the incoming administration belies genuine concern over its impact on newsroom staffing and public confidence, or simply an attempt to demonize political agenda, remains to be seen. However, it is important to unpack the narrative that suggests journalists are immune to social and environmental factors, inclusive of shifting ideologies or convictions towards public service as a national contribution.

They either go into the private market or work for the government in some fields, said a former journalist with more than 10 years of experience.

Its a healthy thing for the industry, it makes the various (media) entities stay on their toes. It lets them know that to keep quality staff, they have to pay them well but also treat them well. It points to a changing of the guard, there is any number of persons now working at Bahamas Information Services that were at one point a cub reporter or a senior reporter in the private sector.

People are being hired to go into different aspects of life, thats natural. I think what the industry needs is a more active and functional press association that allows for better exchange of information, and history, so when someone moves on that knowledge isnt lost with them.

The former journalist argued that media workers are autonomous, and their independence should not be minimized by the imposition of a government plot to gut the press.

Thats nonsense, your career is your career. No one can force you to go and work for anybody. Nobody can force you to do something that is not in your best interest. If you determine tomorrow that I now want to stop doing 9 to 5 news where I have seen murderers, Ive had death threats, sleepless nights, to a more stable career where there are more structured hours, my family doesnt have to suffer, my kids dont have wait for mommy or daddy to come home because theyre out covering assignments. People have families. Its different when youre young with no commitments. These things should be looked at in a healthy, open society people move one.

The journalist continued: They want to be paid better, they want to try something new. A lot of us got into journalism and that was our first job out of college. Are you saying the person flipping burgers at McDonalds as a first job, that they want to do this for the rest of their life? Some people will always be interested in the news, but I think the biggest thing about it is, going into things that have a more balanced environment. Whether its a government job or working in the private sector, those are 9 to 5s, the news is not a 9 to 5 and burnout is a real thing.

The journalist added: When you color peoples career move like that, its not fair to the person. Youre saying they dont have any sense, that they are being manipulated. Were in a pandemic. There are so many other considerations, people make choices in their best interest.

In its latest study TRUST:The Key to Social Cohesion and Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean, the IDB reports that trust both interpersonally and in government is lower in the region than anywhere in the world.

The bank furthers that restoring trust is the key to unlocking both public and private sector growth.

Trust is the belief that others will not act opportunistically, IDB president Mauricio Claver-Carone writes in the books preface.

It is faith in othersin their honesty, dependability, and goodwill. Trustworthy people make promises they can keep and keep them; they respect social norms. Without trust, people live in fear, not freedom; they focus on the opportunities of today rather than innovating to expand the opportunities of tomorrow.

The report underscores that the lack of trust further erodes public will to demand better public policies and services and that restoring trust depends on both information and empowerment.

With faith in ourselves and our institutions, at an all-time low, the decision by the government to directly seek out skilled laborers to meet their communication strategy goals becomes prudent governance, and not a nefarious plot to evade accountability.

But what about impact? Its too early to tell whether this cycle of the media to public relations pipeline will deplete the fourth estate at a time when its role as watchdog is also experiencing existential shifts due to digitization and flagging public confidence. However, it is important to keep an eye on not only the level of engagement but the nature of the contracts offered to media workers. The industry must consider where it will draw the line on the prospect of correspondents engaged by the government while currently employed as media workers. While journalists are free to explore opportunities to earn a livable wage, there must be a firm and clear boundary that protects the industry from reputational damage or outright abuse.

Matt Aubry, the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) executive director said: We need to give viable spaces for these people to contribute and live. I think its tough because in The Bahamas there is an existing relationship between the press and the government but there is also a general model when you look at government as the most prevalent employer theyre the most consistent. Theres interesting traction for folks who feel they can make a difference to go into government that there hasnt been in civil society or the private sector.

Ideally in the kind of democratic functioning model, you have equal parts of civil, private, and government to work and balance each other but prevailingly the biggest part of the pie is and has been government and the perception of having an impact is that you have to get into government.

Aubry continued: Theres an environmental issue, how do we make sure and shoe other are available alternatives to grow and expand professionally in a non-governmental space. Currently, our best and brightest feel that the best and brightest opportunity to make an impact will be through the government.

Aubry pointed out there were also the nations human resource challenges to consider due to education challenges and brain drain.

He argued this required greater investment in the media and its workers to sustain a viable free press that is integral to a healthy democracy and establishing public trust.

I think it can (erode trust) but the state of media in this country or any shouldnt rely upon one or two or a few folks, Aubry said.

It is the entity, the vehicle, that there are opportunities for folks to accurately depict whats going on. Were a small population and this happens across the Caribbean. I think its probably an endemic issue. Somebody then takes a position in an incoming government, that theres going to be lots of skepticism whether thats accurate or not kinda depends on the circumstances. But the long issue of it is we need to build a pipeline, we need to build a value-based pipeline that ensures that there are folks who are finding their way into the (media) field, that those folks are trained and prepared, and that investigative journalism is supported, that access to information is not dependent upon having to corner somebody at a Chinese restaurant.

He continued: In the immediacy, we need to build public trust in the short term, but in the long term we want a sustainable and developed nation that achieves progress, holds that progress, and moves forward. If we dont have systems in place that encourage folks, encourage writing in our youth and plugging journalism as a viable career path and then fostering and supporting good journalism and dissent, that were not creating pathways where you get boxed into a corner if you were to come out against this group or that.

All of us have a responsibility in reengaging the public to believe in the system, civil society, the media, academia, the churches, and clearly government. If were intentional about what were doing then a move that goes from one private sector person in the media to the government, it is seen and understood and there are efforts to reinforce that they are the right person in the right place, then that establishes the trust that sticks.

The former journalist added: At the end of the day we cant hold them back. It wouldnt be fair to say they cant go and work anywhere else, you have to have that freedom. I also think these things are case by case, but I dont believe it would be a fair argument to say in one respect if today I am holding the government feet to the fire, and then when a new administration comes in and I am employed by that government and its viewed as a reward.

Realistically I could determine that I see where the deficiencies are and instead of just complaining about it, Im gonna have skin in the game and do something about it. To determine I am going to get into the game, to make things better or give more service, just think about the risks involved. Elections have swung one way or the other for the past 25 years, so you know youre jeopardizing longevity for the opportunity to serve.

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THE READ: ARE JOURNALISTS THE ANSWER TO RESTORING PUBLIC TRUST? - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The government has formed committees within each individual school with a view to examine its needs and move to full face-to-face learning, according to Minister of Education Glenys Hanna-Martin.

Speaking to reporters outside Cabinet yesterday, the education minister said she met with union leaders several days ago and they agreed on a plan for the way forward.

She explained that the committees formed at each school include teachers, principals and the public service union and education officials, who will make the determination on reopening for full face-to-face.

You will find the rollout may not be even; it may be two schools here, three schools there and it might vary a bit based on certain factors of each school, but the intention is 100 percent rollout, Hanna-Martin said.

This is a very important first step and we are working together to achieve it.

In a statement on the ongoing school challenges, Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson said that after meeting with union representatives and shop stewards, the union is satisfied that most schools on Grand Bahama and the Family Islands are ready for a return of face-to-face.

She noted, however, that a few schools on Grand Bahama are not ready due to teacher shortages, insufficient classroom space and a lack of furniture including desks and chairs.

She indicated that at least two schools, since opening, have been temporarily interrupted because of positive COVID-19 cases and teachers and students having to quarantine.

Wilson said union representatives on New Providence will examine health and safety protocols, class capacity and teacher shortages in the capital to determine the readiness of those schools.

After discussions with principals and staff, each school will determine their readiness and/or suitability for the reopening of each school face-to-face in a phased approached, she said.

Obviously, large class sizes and teacher shortages are clearly impediments to increasing the number of students for face-to-face or 100 percent return in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic.

The BUT president further urged the government to hire the new teachers who have allegedly been waiting since May 2021 and identify additional teaching support and other venues for more classroom alternatives.

Utilize retirees and supply teachers and find volunteers, parents, guardians, persons in the community who can supplement for the teacher shortage, Wilson suggested.

This will be a stopgap measure and, for the sake of the success of education, Im urging the Ministry of Education to produce an education plan.

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ONE AT A TIME: Each govt school to be individually examined for face-to-face readiness, says minister - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The government is on track to bring forth its progressive legislative agenda, including a compendium of bills, before the end of the first quarter, including a new cannabis regime.

Speaking to Eyewitness News, Attorney General Ryan Pinder said: We are working assiduously to put together the most progressive, groundbreaking legislative agenda this country would have ever seen and that is on pace and on schedule.

Pinder noted that with parliamentarians set to debate the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) bill, the policy initiative of the government to fulfill many of its promises, especially with respect to the advancement and promotion of sustainability and agribusiness in the country, will be set.

My goal is to have a compendium [of] legislation to the Bahamian people by the end of the first quarter of this [year] and thats this the goal, he said.

Among the legislation expected to be undertaken by the Davis administration are a sovereign wealth fund legislation; carbon credit regulation; legislation to regulate BAMSI and other agriculture developments; financial management amendments; cannabis legislation; and anti-corruption reform.

The governments Speech from the Throne outlined several key aspects of the Davis administrations mandate and a commitment to executing good governance, established on the principles of transparency, integrity and accountability.

Since coming to office, the Davis administration has already fulfilled several campaign promises, including the removal of the curfew and state of emergency; the end of travel health visa for Bahamians domestically and internationally; a reduction in value-added tax (VAT) to 10 percent; and the Merchant Shipping Bill.

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LEGISLATION ON PACE: Compendium of progressive bills by first quarter, says AG - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Eugene Dupuch Law School (EDLS) will be the exclusive Council of Legal Education law school to offer the six-month course leading to the Legal Education Certificate in the 2022/2023 academic year.

The Legal Education Certificate six-month programme is a transitional course for common law professionally trained individuals seeking to practice law in any of the relevant jurisdictions covered by the agreement establishing the Council of Legal Education.

The programme runs from September to March each year.

Late applications are accepted until February 28, 2022.

EDLS Principal Tonya Bastian Galanis explained: This programme provides a thorough grounding in the legal skills and knowledge required in todays globalized legal practice environment.

It is designed to accommodate both legal practice and Commonwealth Caribbean jurisprudence.

Successful completion of the programme gives participants the opportunity to practice in the Commonwealth Caribbean region once they comply with local legislation regarding admittance to practice in the jurisdiction.

This course is delivered virtually through Canvas, EDLS Learning Management System, which includes built-in video conference meeting facilities.

All students are given access to online learning resources and material, and also have the ability to host meetings and conduct legal research and access EDLS Library Management System.

The course also encompasses a law office placement component that students are also required to complete during the six-month period.

The Legal Education Certificate opens a world of opportunity to engage professional law practice, new networking opportunities and opportunities for continuous education and learning in the region, Galanis said.

For further information about the programme, please contact the Registrar at Eugene Dupuch Law School at admissions@edls.edu.bs or call 242-326-8507.

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Legal Education Certificate offered exclusively through EDLS Eye Witness News - EyeWitness News

July 13, 2020

Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism & Aviation Enters Phase 2 Reopening As Of July 1

All Islands Of The Bahamas Reopen to International Travel; Visitors Must Present Negative COVID-19 Test and Complete an Electronic Health Visa to be Granted Entry

NASSAU, Bahamas, July 10, 2020 The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation has entered into Phase 2 of theTourism Readiness and Recovery Plan, which began on Wednesday, July 1 and allows for the resumption of international travel to The Bahamas.

It is recommended that all travellers interested in visiting The Bahamas review requirements applicable to each member of their party at Bahamas.com/travelupdates before booking a trip, to determine what steps need to be taken to be granted entry.

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June 15, 2020 COVID-19 update

The Islands Of The Bahamas is preparing to re-open our borders and welcome international travelers back to our beautiful island nation. The health & wellbeing of our residents and visitors is our number one priority, and we are putting even greater emphasis on making sure The Bahamas is safe and clean for all to enjoy.

As of June 9, 2020, In accordance with the governments phased reopening plan, inter-island domestic travel has resumed across The Islands Of The Bahamas. Travel by commercial flight, as well as mailboat, passenger ferry, domestic pleasure craft and yachts, are permitted across all islands.

All persons intending to travel domestically within The Bahamas are required to complete a Travel Health Card application prior to departure. Travellers can visittravel.gov.bsto complete the form online. This is an important step for contact tracing purposes.

In the coming weeks, The Bahamas will continue preparing to reopen the countrys borders for international travel, which is expected on July 1.

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April 7, 2020

On April 6, the Prime Minister of The Bahamas announced full lockdown orders for all of The Bahamas as follows:

During these lockdown periods, virtually all businesses and service providers will be closed, including grocery stores.Hospitals, hotels with guests, law enforcement and essential utility personnel are exempted from these around the clock shutdown restrictions.

Please note that, as a result, the office will be closed from Thursday April 9th through Monday April 13, 2020.

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