Category Archives: Bahamas

#TheBahamas, November 16, 2021 The Bahamas, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness received a milloin dollars worth of Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) from the Canadian Government, as this country continues to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Minister of Health and Wellness the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville, this spells good news as the country is experiening a reduction in the number of cases; after an aggressive third wave.

Dr. Darville made these comments during a Courtesy Call paid by Her Excellency Emina Tudakovic, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica and The Bahamas, at the ministry of Friday, November 12, 2021.

She also presented the minister with medical supplies donated by Canada, faciliated by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Country Representative was on hand for the presentation.

Through this donation of medical supplies from the Canadian Government, facilitated by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), The Bahamas can maintain a healthy medical supply inventory for dissemination throughout our archipelago, Dr. Darville said.

He assured that the countrys Supplies Management Agency will distribute the PPE which consists of: 22 pallets of isolation gowns, one pallet of nursing caps, and one pallet of shoe covers to health care workers, especially in the far flung Family Islands who have been on the front line for almost two years.

They are tired, exhausted, but their love to care for the Bahamian people is never-ending. We appreciate this spirit. Consequently, The Bahamas remains committed to the protection of these workers and its citizenry at large.

Dr. Darville noted that as new developments occur in the fight against COVID-19, The Bahamas continues to assess and modify its national response. Safety protocols as physical distancing, washing hands and wearing masks are preventive measures along with testing and vaccines.

The goal is to avoid a fourth wave, Dr. Darville said, adding that The Bahamas is looking to Canada and other close countries and partners for best practices.

The governments of Canada and The Bahamas boast of enjoying nearly 50 years of diplomatic relations. Contributions in areas such as tourism, trade and investment, education and medicine have helped to advance the causes of both countries.

Canada has always been a good partner and we will continue to reach out for technical assistance, Dr. Darville said.

He said that the Davis Administration is very optimistic about the future of the health care system in the country, which has taken multiple hits from successive major hurricanes, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also shared goals expounded in the recent Speech from the Throne, those of addressing the Emergency Orders, ensuring Family Island clinics are properly equipped, telemedicine, building new hospitals in New Providence and Grand Bahama through public-private partnerships, introducing catastrophic healthcare insurance to make healthcare more affordable, implementing wellness initiatives, and related initiatives.

The Canadian High Commissioner pledged further technical assistance, and support in combating vaccine hesitancy on social media.

By Lindsay Thompson

Release: BIS

Photo Caption: The Ministry of Health and Wellness received a milIion dollars worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from the Canadian Government, facilitatd by the Pan-American Health Organization. The equipment was presented during a Courtesy Call at the ministry on Friday, November 12, 2021. Pictured from left are Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Country Representative; Her Excellency Emina Tudakovic, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica and The Bahamas; and the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Hon. Dr. Michael Darville.

(BIS Photo/Raymond Bethel)

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MOH receives $1 million in PPE from Canada - Magnetic Media

Vigilance will be imperative as precautions will continue to remain in place to ensure that safety remains of the utmost importance for residents and visitors.

Recent updates and entry requirements such as ensuring both fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers obtain a negative COVID-19 test (either a Rapid Antigen Test or PCR Test), taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival in The Bahamas combined with on-island restrictions as necessary have proven successful in helping to minimize the spread of the virus.

Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy, and were focused on ensuring that the protocols in place keep our visitors and residents safe, said Deputy Prime MinisterThe Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. This lowered advisory is proof that what were doing is working but it does not mean we can waiver at this critical turning point. I have no doubt if we all continue to work together, well see tremendous growth across our tourism sectors.

Due to the fluidity of COVID-19, the Government of The Bahamas will continue to monitor islands individually and enact protective measures to address specific cases or spikes accordingly. For an overview of The Bahamas travel and entry protocols, please visit Bahamas.com/travelupdates.

We continue to encourage everyone to do their part to minimize the spread: wear a mask, wash your hands, get vaccinated and abide by physical distancing and sanitation protocols that help keep you and your fellow Bahamians safe.

More information on what is going on in the Bahamas in November.

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The Bahamas is now a safer Country for American Visitors

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport

Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Coalition for Concerned Citizens isurging the Grand Bahama Port Authority not to approve Grand Bahama Power Companys application for a rate increase in electricity.

The GBPA is the regulator for the sector.

Pastor Eddie Victor, with his wife, Margo Victor, and Senator Kirkland Russell, say the Power Company/EMERA has made a significant increase in profits year after year on the backs of struggling residents and businesses in Grand Bahama.

The intention of EMERA and GBPC is to increase the rates of electricity during the worst time in the history of Grand Bahama, Pastor Victor said yesterday.

EMERA has already reported to their shareholders that they expect to receive an increase in the electricity rate. But how is this so when the application is still pending based on consultation with the public?

Pastor Victor said the government has already indicated it would not support any rate increase in electricity in Grand Bahama. He also added residents, businesses and the hotel and tourism industry are also opposed to it.

Referring to an article published in Mondays Tribune Business, Mr Victor noted GBPC is seeking returns of close to 13 percent in its proposed revision to Grand Bahamas electricity tariff.

Mr Victor pointed out the article stated that in the disclosure made in financial filings by EMERA, the company confirmed it expects the GBPA will decide on whether to approve its application before year-end.

EMERA tripled its profits in the third quarter of 2021, jumping from $1m to $3m, and quadrupled for the year to date, jumping from $2m to $8m for the first nine months of 2021.

Even though the company is making profits, Pastor Victor said GBPC is still seeking an increase in electricity rates at a time when the islands economy and social conditions are worse than they have ever been.

The people are burdened with an increase in prices at the stores, for services and taxes. The unemployment in Grand Bahama we believe is just under 50 percent. It is in this backdrop of these facts, that any proposal for an increase in the electricity rate is unacceptable and should be rejected by the people of GB, he said.

Mrs Victor said Grand Bahamians are slowly falling below substandard living.

She said that profits are not the only thing that businesses should be concerned with, but also about improving the quality of life for those they serve in the community.

If people can no longer turn on their AC, use their water heater, and some do not even have power, then you are no longer solving the problem in this community. Supporting baseball teams and having employee Christmas parties is not enough, she stressed.

Mrs Victor also said: Right now, there are too many dark spots, is that what you want your legacy to be? To turn this island into black holes, into areas where there is no power, and where people no longer have the necessity of power?

We are calling for a shift and a major change in the leadership to become good stewards in what you have been given charge over, she said.

Senator Russell, a veteran trade union leader, and an executive member of CCC, commended the government for its swift response not to support any rate hike by GBPC/EMERA.

I thank the Prime Minister for his decision to appoint a five-man team comprised of substantive ministers to review and address that matter of power on Grand Bahama with GBPA and EMERA, he said.

Mr Russell said it is time that GBPA demonstrates its commitment to the people of Grand Bahama, which has experienced many years of hurricanes dating backto 2004, and more recently in 2019.

This is absolutely not the time to discuss a rate hike. We should be joining hands to work with the government to see how we can shift the direction of this island.

We need to be not putting pressure and burden on the backs of the people, Senator Russell said.

Mr Russell called on the regulatory board to vote no to the GBPCs application for a proposed increase in electricity rate.

Pastor Victor encouraged residents to call the GBPA at 350-9000 or email them at info@gbpa.com and request the regulator to vote no to any increase in rates of electricity.

The CCC is also urging residents to attend a virtual town meeting on Tuesday, November 23, at 7 pm via Zoom at 878 0234 269, or their Facebook page.

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Coalition to stop Grand Bahama power price increase - Bahamas Tribune

By FELICITY DARVILLE

This is a November to remember for The Bahamas and Cuba, according to Ambassador Julio Cesar Gonzalez Marchante as it marks the 48th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Just yesterday, Cuba officially opened its doors to international tourism after ensuring that 70 percent of its population was fully vaccinated with Cuban-engineered COVID-19 vaccines. Most of the other 30 percent of Cubans have received at least the first dose of vaccine. All school-going children ages two and up are also fully vaccinated as schools return to face-to-face teaching.

November will also mark the opening of the 2021 Cuba Business Forum, with the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce collaborating with the Cuban Embassy to ensure Bahamian businesses can benefit. This month will also mark the 502nd anniversary of the forming of the city of Havana and with it, Ambassador Gonzalez Marchante seeks to increase education, health and cultural relations between Cuba and The Bahamas.

He is confident the two countries can continue to meet on common ground and support each other. He expressed gratitude that Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis called for an end to the economic blockade against Cuba when he spoke at the United Nations General Assembly in September of this year. The minute he heard the speech, Ambassador Gonzalez Marchante contacted Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell to express his gratitude for Prime Minister Davis mention of his country.

I take this opportunity to thank the people of The Bahamas and its government for the support they give us and the joint work we have developed to face this adverse scenario, Ambassador Gonzalez Marchante said.

We acknowledge the recent intervention of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas in the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly when he conveyed the rejection of the ongoing economic blockade against the sister Caribbean nation of Cuba.

A total of 184 countries including The Bahamas voted in favour of a resolution to demand the end of the United States economic blockade on Cuba, for the 29th year in a row. Only the United States and Israel voted against it.

I wish to convey The Bahamas rejection of the ongoing economic blockade of our sister Caribbean nation, Cuba, Prime Minister Davis told the UN.

On November 30, The Bahamas and Cuba celebrate the 48th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Ambassador Gonzalez Marchante pointed out that friendship, collaboration and mutual respect have made it possible to build and enjoy lasting and positive bonds of friendship between the two nations.

He said there have been positive results in areas of common interest for both countries, including health, education, sports, culture, agriculture and national security.

Today, Cuba contributes to The Bahamas in sectors such as education and health with dozens of Cuban professionals, Ambassador Gonzalez Marchante said.

I take this opportunity to ratify our willingness to continue expanding, according to our possibilities, the work in these sectors and in others for mutual benefit.

The countries of the Caribbean and The Bahamas have always counted and will be able to count on the solidarity and collaboration of Cubans.

This month, Prime Minister Davis rallied on behalf of The Bahamas, Caribbean countries,and all Small Island Developing States. He took to the podium to make a passionate plea to world leaders and representatives at COP26 - the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties.

There in Glasgow, Scotland, countries scrambled to come to some kind of agreement to reduce carbon emissions and slow harmful practices that are devastating to the planet. PM Davis reminded the world that those who are hardest hit by the impact of climate change are the least responsible.

That includes countries like Cuba, and yesterday, the country celebrated reopening, both externally an internally, returning to the new normal.

International flights to Cuba are now expected to increase. Hospitality facilities such as hotels are reopening on a controlled and staggered basis.

There will be epidemiological surveillance on tourists staying at hotels during their stay in the country. To make international tourism a safer and more reliable activity, Cuba has strengthened its medical assistance programmes.

Confidence came after the country achieved one of the highest vaccination rates in the world with 70 percent of its population vaccinated, including its child population from two years of age. Cubas scientists worked hard to develop three vaccines Abdala. Soberana 02 and Soberana Plus.

There are also two vaccine candidates on schedule for future approval Soberana 1 and Mambisa.

Cuba is the first Latin American country to have its own vaccines and have shown great results in the control of the pandemic.

The Ambassador said: The previous achievements were made despite the tightening of the blockade applied to the Cuban people for more than six decades; the increase in its measures in the midst of the pandemic; the complex economic situation of the country that has had to dedicate huge resources due to the pandemic; and the difficult international economic crisis. Likewise, due to the communication campaigns financed from abroad that seek to distort the Cuban reality and change the system that the majority of its people decided to adopt.

Although international blockades exist, Cuba continues to strengthen its relations with countries that support it.

The Ambassador was proud to sign the Second Protocol to the Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement between CARICOM and Cuba back in 2017.

The agreement includes the inclusion of the new reciprocal market access commitments that will apply between CARICOM and Cuba.

The Cuba 2021 Business Forum, also known as FECuba 2021, will be held from November 29 to December 2. This event will be virtual for the first time and will serve as a space for negotiation and establishment of business contacts.

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce is on board to increase linkages with Cuban businesses. Cuba will display its exportable supply of tourism, agrifood, renewable energy, biopharmaceutical goods, and more.

Cuba will also display its foreign investment opportunities. Contact the Cuban Embassy in Centerville or visit https://www.foroempresarial.mincex.gob.cu/en/home/ to register before November 25.

Last week, a representative of the African Peoples Socialist Party paid a courtesy call on Ambassador Gonzalez Marchante. They said they stand in solidarity with the Cuban people and their right to preserve the Cuban Revolution against imperialist aggression.

As the month of November is commemorated, the Ambassador pointed out that both countries face common challenges such as natural disasters, the confrontation with diseases, the current pandemic that plagues the world, and the intention of recovering the economy for the well-being of the respective peoples.

As Cuba celebrates and opens itself again to the world, we reiterate the willingness to fight together to face these challenges and to continue strengthening the good health of our bilateral relations, he said.

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FACE TO FACE: Holding hands with Havana - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Free National Movement (FNM) will hold a full convention with all leadership positions open for contest in February 2022, FNM Chairman Carl Culmer confirmed last night.

That will be next February, said Culmer when contacted.

The party will hold a convention on November 27 to elect a new leader.

It is the first convention for the party since 2016.

Three FNMs have announced leadership bids for the upcoming contest later this month.

These include MARCO City MP Michael Pintard, Central Grand Bahama Iram Lewis and East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson.

Just one candidate to date has expressed a leadership bid for the full convention next year.

In an interview with The Nassau Guardian, former Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands said he plans to run for chairman, though his sights were still set on a leadership bid sometime in the future.

Timing is everything, he said. This is not [the] time.

When FNM Deputy Leader Peter Turnquest was asked whether he will seek to retain the deputy leader post at the full convention next year, the former East Grand Bahama MP said he had not decided as yet.

Culmer was elected as chairman in October 2017, replacing former chairman, Sidney Collie, who was appointed ambassador for The Bahamas to the United States and permanent representative to the Organization of American States.

It remains unclear if he will seek to retain the post.

Ricardo Smith, a former PLP member and leader of the Justice Labour Party who joined the FNM earlier this year, said he will run for a leadership position next year.

He said which position will be determined by several factors including the leadership outcome this month, and whether outgoing FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis makes another bid next year.

Smith has been an outspoken supporter of Minnis and believes the FNM leader should remain at the helm of the party,

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ALL BETS ARE OFF: FNM to hold full convention next February - EyeWitness News

Big row: Vaughn Miller says the former authority victimized him, I will show proofCartwright defends personal and political integrity, Ive not been about that in politics

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The government is expected to end all contracts issued with the Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority and will issue new contracts in the coming weeks, Eyewitness News understands.

The move comes amidst growing concern with contractors who claimed they have not been paid by the government for work completed and their contracts have not been honored.

East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson raised that matter in Parliament yesterday which sparked a heated back and forth between Golden Isle MP Vaughn Miller and St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright, who served as chairman of the authority during the Minnis administration.

Minister of Works Alfred Sears stood to respond to Thompsons question, indicating that shortly before the General Election on September 16 all of the contracts with the authority had been renewed, even though some contractors did not perform satisfactorily.

Sears revealed that some contracts were not signed by the authority even though the contractor purported to perform work, and other contracts were issued without the boards approval.

The minister also noted that there were incidents of contracts that were not brought to the attention of the accounts department and incidents of duplication of contracts.

Im only reporting what is reported to me, Sears said.

When the board is fully constituted, it would be a matter for the bard of the authority to reconcile and then report to me as the responsible minister.

However, Cartwright also sought to set the record straight on his tenure at the authority, insisting that he strippedaway any idea of politics in his carriage of his duty and acted in a fair and balanced manner when dealing with everyone.

We would have done our endeavor best to ensure there was a balanced approach, he said.

We would have done our best to ensure that we meet the needs of every member of Parliament.

Cartwright explained that duplication of contracts has always been a challenge in government but assured that there was nothing sinister in the clerical error.

He furthered that the contracts that were issued ahead of the election were in process before former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced the date on August 19.

It was not a deluge or a mad rush to assign contracts in the lead up to the election, however, there were contracts that we were in train prior to the calling of the election, Cartwright said.

This member has come into public service to operate in a certain way, it may not be perfect in terms of certain requests were made, but I want the Bahamian people to know that we operated in a way that would bring credit to the authority. There may have been things we could have done better, we accept that.

But in a shocking turn of events, Golden Isles MP Vaughn Miller, who crossed party lines and ran for reelection on the Progressive Liberal Partys ticket, responded to Cartwright and accused the former administration of victimizing him in the wake of the election.

I am on record of this house of sharing contrary to the member of St Barnabas, Miller began to shout.

It was low down. It was dirty. It was underhanded. It was egregious what they did to me and I will bring the evidence in this House to demonstrate it. It was very personal.

While he did not go into detail over his accusations, Miller claimed that in the lead up to the election his opponent, FNM candidate Brian Brown, was treated as a member of Parliament, and contracts were issued through him in excess of $200,000.

I will share in detail with regard to what was done to me. It was personal, he charged.

Immediately returning to his feet to deny the claims, Cartwright hit back at what he said was an attack on his personal integrity as an individual.

I vehemently resent the dispersion the member is trying to cast on this member to call my integrity into question relative to the assignment of contracts, Cartwright said.

He added that while Miller can conclude that he doesnt feel he was dealt with fairly, the PLP MP cannot suggest that he tried to personally to deprive or disadvantage him because Ive not been about that in politics.

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SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT?: All Beaches and Parks contracts to be cancelled and reissued - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS With health officials expecting a fourth wave of COVID-19 cases in the coming months, the government hopes to have some 200,000 Bahamians and residents fully vaccinated by years end.

During a communication in Parliament yesterday Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville advised that while there have been a significant reduction in COVID19 cases and hospitalizations over the past few weeks, vaccinations are also decreasing.

It has been widely reported internationally that COVID cases are surging in Europe in what has been called the fourth wave and there is an expectation of surges in COVID cases in the US with the start of the winter season, he said.

All of these reports point to the real possibility of another wave hitting our shores in the very near future.

With less than 50 percent of our population fully vaccinated so far, the implications of a fourth wave are indeed troubling when we couple this with the high level of co-morbidities in our population.

Cases over the past month (October 14 November 14) saw a significant decrease in new infections with 725 cases recorded when compared to the same period the month prior (September 14 October 14) when 2,172 new infections were recorded.

On Sunday, health officials confirmed 14 new cases of COVID-19 in the country, 12 in New Providence, one in Grand Bahama, and one in Eleuthera.

The number of cases in the country stands at 22,601 with 208 active cases.

There are currently 47 cases in the hospital, 38 of them are moderately ill and nine are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Darville noted yesterday that the clusters of COVID infection that spread in the southern and central Bahamas have resolved due to aggressive contact tracing and enforcement of the isolation and quarantine protocols by COVID19 ambassadors and the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

The health minister insisted that while vaccinations remain voluntary, the government is seeking to reach a new goal of 200,000 plus Bahamians fully vaccinated by years end.

He said the vaccination consultative committee will be rolling out new initiatives, including an education program to reach this goal.

The government will also be launching new strategies for additional recruitment and training of COVID19 ambassadors to be deployed throughout the family islands ensuring the enforcement of our new COVID19 rules.

The truth of the matter is COVID 19 will be with us for quite some time and the world has come to the realization that we must learn to live with this virus, he said.

So we are calling on all Bahamians, residents, and visitors alike to adhere to the countrys public health protocols and to follow these new COVID19 health rules that will protect you and your loved ones and prevent community spread.

Prevention is better than cure. So lets conduct ourselves accordingly so that we can take the necessary steps to open our local economy and accelerate our post COVID19 recovery efforts.

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VAXX GOALS: Govt. aims for 200000 vaccinated by end of year - EyeWitness News

Bang Showbiz Teresa Giudice says her ex-husband Joe and her new man Luis Ruelas 'like each other'

Joe Giudice thinks Teresa Giudice's fiance is great.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star's husband-to-be Luis 'Louie' Ruelas had made contact with Joe - the father of her children Gia, 20, Gabriella, 17, Milania, 15 and 12-year-old Audriana - before they went on vacation in the Bahamas and arranged for them to all have dinner together, and thankfully everything went well.

Speaking on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show', Teresa said: They like each other. We went to the Bahamas and we went to go see Joe, and Louie DMed Joe behind my back. I didnt even know. Hes like, Were coming out there. I would like for us to all have dinner.'

We went out to the Bahamas because Joe is living six months in the Bahamas and six months in Italy. So we had dinner with him and it went really well. Joe thinks Louies a great guy.

Teresa and Joe announced their divorce in 2019 after he was released from prison and deported back to Italy, where he was born as he was never granted US citizenship.

Joes indictment - and imprisonment for 41 months - was related to charges related of mail, wire and bankruptcy fraud. Teresa served 15 months behind bars in connection, however for the sake of their children, they were permitted to serve the sentences separately.

However, Teresa moved on with Louie summer last year after they met while at the Jersey Shore.

And it was previously revealed the new couple were a "great match".

A source said: "He's given her the ability to laugh and love again, after everything she has been through. Their life is very peaceful and quiet together.

"She was always optimistic that she would find love again after her divorce from Joe but I don't think in her wildest dreams did she imagine she would find what she has with Louie."

Joe had previously insisted he was happy for the newlyweds-to-be but he felt they had moved a bit quick into this romance.

However, ultimately, Joe said: Im glad she found her true love."

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Teresa Giudice ex husband Joe thinks her new fiancee is "great" - MSN UK

After last years comprehensive scaling back of the Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday commemorations because of coronavirus, how encouraging it was to see the return to a full range of events throughout Britain this past week. These are sacred moments in the nations calendar. Equally, given the significant involvement of the many individual Bahamians who volunteered for service in both World Wars, people locally will surely have been glad to have witnessed the wreath-laying ceremony here at home at the Cenotaph in the Garden of Remembrance on November 11.

In the UK, however, the Remembrance Sunday event at the Cenotaph in central London, which is the traditional focus of the national commemorations, was overshadowed by The Queens inability at the last minute to attend because of a sprained back. The Prince of Wales laid a wreath on her behalf. She has expressed her deep disappointment at missing the ceremony, which it is said she considers to be one of her most important annual duties. The Queen has only missed it six times during her long reign. So, understandably, her absence has caused further public concern about her health, not least because she had earlier been advised on medical grounds to take a rest from official duties for a few weeks.

In 2020, the coronavirus rules put a halt to Remembrance Sunday church services and official ceremonies throughout the UK because people were forced to stay at home. But a small national ceremony was held at the Cenotaph as well as a limited service at Westminster Abbey since, in his typically robust way, Prime Minister Boris Johnson insisted no virus was going to stop the British people from honouring the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, including having the customary two-minute silence at 11am.

Remembrance Sunday always falls on the second Sunday in November while Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day, is observed on November 11. The two-minute silence is held to mark the end of the First World War at the 11th hour on the morning of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The Armistice brought to a close four years of bloody conflict that claimed the lives of more than 700,000 members of Britains Armed Forces. The poppy became a symbol of remembrance after a poem called In Flanders Fields whose author was inspired by the sight of the red poppies surviving in the battlefields despite the devastation of war, with the red signifying bloodshed.

This year, services and ceremonies took place the length and breadth of Britain. The two-minute silence was observed throughout, and tributes were paid to fallen heroes and to those who continue to serve in the Armed Forces, while the ceremonies included the previous level of military representation and restoration of the march by veterans who had been prevented from participating in this way last year. Reportedly, most of the remembrance events attracted large crowds. There are said to be more than 80,000 war memorials in every corner of the UK including some small villages.

An important milestone this year is the 100th Anniversary of the Royal British Legion. It was established in 1921 as a charity to provide financial, social and emotional support to the surviving veterans and their dependants.

The British Legion - Bahamas Branch, previously known as The Bahamas Ex-Servicemen Association - has been led most ably for many years by Adina Munroe-Charlow. Under her direction, the Bahamas Branch not only looks after the diminishing numbers of Bahamian veterans and their families and administers financial assistance grants to them but is also involved in organising the local annual commemorative ceremonies. Having observed her activity in running the Bahamas Branch for some 20 years I believe her dedicated work in helping veterans has been truly admirable. Those interested will no doubt have seen the informative supplement about the Bahamas Branch published by The Tribune on November 11.

Another notable organisation - this time created during wartime - is the Commonwealth War Graves Commission established by Royal Charter in 1917. It is responsible for the commemoration in perpetuity of the 1,700,000 men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died during the two World Wars. The Commission owns the Nassau War Cemetery on Farrington Road and is responsible for its maintenance. After it had become derelict some years ago, it fell to me to organise its renovation on the Commissions behalf and the maintenance work is now carried out most effectively by Peter Batess team from The Signman company.

So, after the paring down of events in 2020, this has been a special year for the Royal British Legion on its 100th anniversary and for commemorating Armistice Day and paying tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Sunday. Long may the Legion prosper and all concerned will surely wish the Bahamas Branch well in its worthy and important work.

Writing separately on this page about Armistice Day and the end of the First World War also known as the Great War prompts a brief look at the causes of that conflict and possible parallels with the current threatening events in eastern Europe in what has been described as the age of feverish anxiety that we live in.

Historians still argue about the underlying causes but they tend to agree that, rather than by design, the Great War started through a series of miscalculations arising from the insecurities of Europes political leaders of the time. What is clear is the fateful moment of history - the murder of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne on a visit to Sarajevo in 1914 - set off a chain of events that became unstoppable and eventually led to the outbreak of hostilities.

In summary, Austria-Hungary held Serbia responsible for this heinous act and the latter sought support from its powerful protector, Tsarist Russia. In its turn, Austria was supported by Germany while France was still seething with resentment after defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 and Britain had pledged to guarantee Belgiums independence.

So, a small crisis in the Balkans dragged the big alliances of Britain, France, Belgium and Russia into war against Germany and Austria-Hungary. When German forces advanced westward and were stopped, a stalemate resulted which turned into a four-year war of attrition of trench warfare in Belgium and France with a terrible loss of life.

Against this background, consider the present-day drama unfolding amid growing global tensions. China continues to build up its military power - particularly in the South China Sea - and is sabre-rattling about Taiwan.

In Europe, discontent and conflict have been simmering since Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its backing of separatist rebels in the southeast of Ukraine, with the US reportedly warning its European NATO allies that recent mobilisation by Russia could be in preparation for an invasion of that country.

The West and Russia are also at serious odds over the latters build-up of troops on the borders with the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Meanwhile, Belarus - situated between the European Union and Russia and its capital Minsk only some 400 miles from its ally Moscow - has become strategically important. The countrys authoritarian leader has precipitated a stand-off with its western EU neighbour, Poland, by encouraging thousands of migrants to gather at its border in an attempt to gain entry to the EU and is now reported to be threatening to cut off its transit supply of gas to Europe. In response, while considering an intensification of existing sanctions, Brussels has accused Belarus of state-sponsored people smuggling and of engineering the humanitarian crisis at the border by flying in migrants and supporting them.

There is now disquiet in the West that Russia could be drawn directly into this, though Putin, who has been railing against the Wests naval presence in the Black Sea, has denied any involvement even while his troops mass near Ukraine and are claimed to have entered Belarus.

Thus, in such a hostile environment there seem to be genuine fears about the possibility of some action by either side that could unintentionally set off a wider conflict. This is a chilling reminder of the fragility of the peace we all tend to take for granted. The UK press may be exaggerating the danger. But, when the head of Britains armed forces, General Sir Nick Carter, was quoted at the weekend as saying that in a multi-polar world the UK and US are at the greatest risk of accidental war with Russia at any time since the end of the Cold War in 1991, perhaps people should sit up and take notice.

To the man-in-the street, the Western world more than ever needs strong, decisive leadership in the face of mounting provocation from China and Russia. But Biden is obviously on the wane and his Vice President seems unsuitable to replace him if he is forced suddenly to quit.

Boris Johnson remains in some ways untested in the face of an international crisis and the French President does not inspire confidence while German Chancellor Angela Merkel is about to step down. Sadly, the wag who was wondering, jokingly, why the world was worrying about climate change when new tensions and the risk of war should be of greater concern, may have been making a serious point.

So it is finally over. COP26 was extended by one day until last Saturday for intensive negotiations in order to produce an agreed text of a final agreement forming the new Glasgow Climate Pact. There has been so much international media coverage of this that further comment may be considered superfluous. But, having been writing extensively about climate change in recent weeks and given the importance of the issue to The Bahamas, I wanted to offer brief comment about the final deal and what it means for this country.

Overall, the organisers claim that COP26 has been a success. It was a considerable achievement to get 200 countries together to reach a final agreement which will not satisfy everybody but is a compromise so that the world is heading in the right direction in its efforts to control global warming. As Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, the Glasgow summit was never going to solve the problems of climate change overnight and large gaps remain between targets and action.

But a significant step forward was the commitment, enshrined in the agreement, to keep the increase of global warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels and the establishment of a process - a viable road map - to make progress towards specific targets. Moreover, to maintain such progress, under the UKs continuing presidency countries will be required to report back regularly on their plans for cutting carbon emissions in the lead-up to the next meeting in Egypt in 2022.

There is insufficient space today for much detail about, for example, the controversy over fossil fuels, in particular coal. But, as far as The Bahamas is concerned, an important outcome is the mention of financing in the text of the final agreement. From what I have read - even though earlier promises by the richer countries to stump up $100 billion annually to help vulnerable developing countries to adapt to climate change have not been met - new funding for use in addressing the threat of loss and damage in connection with rising sea-levels and extreme weather has now been doubled. Specifically, the final COP26 text speaks of commitments to increase significantly financial support through the Adaptation Fund as developed countries are urged to double their support to developing countries by 2025.

I wrote last week about the Prime Ministers excellent speech at COP26 which has put The Bahamas on the map in relation to climate change. In the words of the UN head of climate change, there has been much progress in many areas and bridges built between good intentions and reasonable actions to lower emissions, increase resilience and provide much-needed finance. Let us hope that The Bahamas will benefit, in particular, from the extra funding that should be made available.

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PETER YOUNG: Still we remember and salute the fallen's sacrifice - Bahamas Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

The deputy prime minister has confirmed the Government is initiating talks with the hotel industry over whether unvaccinated staff should pay for their weekly COVID-19 tests.

Chester Cooper, also minister for tourism, investment and aviation, said that while the Government has not made vaccinations mandatory, the issue of testing - and who should pay for it - remained an open question. He indicated, though, that the Davis administrations planned roll-out of free COVID testing might provide an answer.

It is a question that we have begun to talk with all of the properties, Mr Cooper said.The Government of the Bahamas has started a pilot programme in terms of testing in some of the islands of The Bahamas.

Were speaking with the hotel unions, and we hope to be able to advance that programme even further. Suffice to say, were talking with the employers. Were talking with the unions and were moving in the right direction.

I started to talk about vaccinations because we believe that vaccination uptake is the right way to go. Were encouraging all of our citizens to vaccinate. Its not mandatory, but we are encouraging them to do so, he continued.

Its good for our health, and its good for the economy. And research shows the tourists like to go to destinations where theres a high vaccination uptake. So its good for tourism. Its good for the economy, and its good for our health.

Mr Coopers comments came one day after Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Associations (BHTA) president, issued a clarion call for The Bahamas to eliminate legal stipulations that mandate employers must pay for their workers COVID-19 testing.

He used the Accountants Week seminars to challenge both the Government and trade unions to at least work with the private sector on reforming the Health and Safety at Work Acts section nine, which includes language that blocks employers from requiring their employees to pay towards any element of workplace safety.

Graeme Davis, Baha Mars president, yesterday doubled down on what Mr Sands said, adding that he wants employees certainly paying for testing if they are unvaccinated.

He said: We want to encourage associates to work in a safe environment and be vaccinated where they can, unless theres underlying medical conditions. We believe, you know, that that creates a safe work environment for them.

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Gov't in talks over who pays for COVID testing - Bahamas Tribune