Category Archives: Bahamas

COG suggests code of conduct needed for political parties, candidates and even the mediaClaim of govt broadcast bias troubling

NASSAU, BAHAMAS In its preliminary report on The Bahamas 2021 General Election, the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) advised that the process was credible, inclusive and transparent and expressed confidence that concerns can be resolved.

In a statement on the findings, Bruce Golding, former prime minister of Jamaica and chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group, said the election is being assessed according to the national, regional, Commonwealth and international values and standards to which The Bahamas has committed itself.

Our overall conclusion is that the voting, closing and counting processes at polling stations were credible, inclusive and transparent, Golding said.

The commitment of all Bahamians to the exercise of their democratic franchise is to be commended, bearing in mind the considerable challenges confronting The Bahamas in the face of a snap election, as well as the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

He added:We note that the previous incumbent prime minister conceded defeat on the evening of Election Day itself, before the results process had concluded formally but when the emerging result was already clear.

The graciousness which he displayed, and equally the magnanimity and spirit of inclusivity evident in the speech of the incoming prime minister, are to be lauded.

These are defining features of a healthy democracy.

Golding said the group is of the view that any shortcomings identified can and should be addressed through open, transparent and inclusive dialogue with relevant stakeholders.

Among those concerns Golding raised was the state of the voters registration card, which he described as deficient in many respects.

He insisted that technology is readily available to enable authorities to produce a more secure and durable form of identification.

Code of conduct

The group recommended that the Parliamentary Registration Department (PRD) develop a robust communication strategy and mechanism to inform the public on critical issues.

Golding indicated that while press freedom was observed and generally respected, there was significant concern for the state of the national broadcaster, ZNS, which allegedly did not provide balanced coverage of the activities of the contending political parties and candidates.

This resulted in citizens being deprived of their right to receive balanced information about the election and candidates, he said.

He said the group was advised by the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) that the government broadcaster refused to accept and air its adverts due to an alleged disputed debt from the last election, even though it offered to pay upfront and clear the debt.

We were not able to determine the veracity of this allegation, but we found it troubling, Golding added.

The group said though the campaign environment was observed to be orderly, and conducted in a generally positive spirit, the PRD should consider developing a code of conduct for political parties and candidates, and media houses should consider doing the same.

The group reiterated the key recommendation of the 2017 Commonwealth Observer Group that The Bahamas consider the establishment of an independent election management body, in order to strengthen adherence to international good practice.

It also urged electoral authorities to prepare a strong and robust voter education program that can be readily deployed in advance of future elections.

The missions final report will be submitted to the Commonwealth secretary general, and will afterward be made available to the government of The Bahamas, political parties, civil society organizations and the public.

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COMMENDABLE: COG lauds Bahamas for defining features of a healthy democracy in snap election - EyeWitness News

Posted on September 24, 2021

The President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicols Maduro Moros, on behalf of the Venezuelan people and Government has congratulated the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas for the successful election day held on September 16, 2021, which resulted in the victory of the Liberal Progressive Party (PLP) and its leader, Philip Brave Davis.

A statement issued through the Venezuela Embassy in St Vincent and the Grenadines states that Venezuela welcomes the democratic commitment and the civic behaviour of the Bahamian people throughout the electoral process, in the midst of the conjuncture generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, guaranteeing participation and compliance with health and security protocols.

The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reaffirms its will and commitment to work to develop fruitful bilateral relations with the new government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas,through co-operation, brotherhood, solidarity and mutual respect, in order to consolidate the urgent process of unity in Latin America and the Caribbean, the statement issued out of Caracas dated September 17, 2021states.General elections were held in The Bahamas on September 16,2021.

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Venezuela congratulates The Bahamas on successful election day - Searchlight Newspaper

Exuma is poised to be the next real growth opportunity for real estate and business development in the Bahamas.

Exuma, an island south-centrally located in the Bahamas chain is known for its crystal blue waters, friendly people and its position near the tropic of cancer.

As an increasingly popular vacation spot, the island is well on its way to becoming another Turks and Caicos. Heres how, according to real estate and property manager Dean Spychalla:

The Bahamian prime minister, Hubert Minnis, recently held a ceremony in Exuma for the signing of a contract to redevelop the Exuma airport.

What does this mean for Exuma? It means the development of a tier-one airport where people from different parts of the world including Europe, Canada, Eastern United States, and South America. It will have a landing system and lasting components of a modern airport, with a new runway and taxiway.

Years ago when Turks and Caicos built their airport, the development of the islands skyrocketedand it seems Exuma will do the same. This airport may trigger an increase of tourism which will turn profit for real estate and overall sales for the island.

A trip to a tropical island wouldnt be complete without a paradisiacal place to stay. You can find this with Grand Isle Resort, an award-winning resort and gated community that consists of 78 luxury homes, costing $110 million dollars.

Grand Isle Resort is home to units that are owned by individuals, and collectively rented in a rental pool. These individuals are able to use their units 3 months out of every year.

The benefits? Endless. Owning a home on Grand Isle Resort brings tax, citizenship and financial benefits. Its a worthwhile asset that rewards buyers an incredible island lifestyle.

Capitalizing on emerging markets is a sure way to boost tourism and real estate opportunities. One of those markets is bonefishing, a popular outdoor activity among travelers.

Currently, there arent too many businesses that offer this recreational activity in Exuma, but that wont be the reality for long. Spyhcalla wants to revive this sport as part of Exumas tourism attractions.

Dean Spychalla is a well-known and decorated manager and real estate agent. He is the general manager and official estate agent for the Grand Isle Resort, with a #1 Google rating for hotels in the Caribbean.

He works with Better Homes and Garden MCR Bahamas to list units at Grand Isle Resort and elsewhere.

Spychalla currently holds the Bahamas Hotelier of the year award. Hes been recognized as the #1 in resort sales and marketing in the Caribbean in 2019. He served as president of the Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board (BOIPB) for 5 years and is currently the vice president of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA).

Spychalla continues to set the bar high as a manager and real estate agent in Exuma. With plans to bring in more tourism to Exuma, hes on the path to being a top-rated agent in Exuma for years to come.

If youre looking for properties in Exuma, contact Dean Spychalla.

Track Latest News Live on CEOWORLD magazine and get news updates from the United States and around the world. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the CEOWORLD magazine. Follow CEOWORLD magazine on Twitter andFacebook. For media queries, please contact: info@ceoworld.biz

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CEO Spotlight: Why Exuma Will See a Surge in Tourism and Real Estate in the Coming Years - CEOWORLD magazine

This is confirmation that the economic policies implemented by the Minnis administration were having positive effects on the Bahamian economyThompson echoes Minnis call for PLP govt not to cancel initiatives that were in the works under previous administration

NASSAU, BAHAMAS A former Cabinet minister said yesterday that recent statements by the Central Bank and ratings agency Moodys confirmed that the Minnis administrations economic policies were having a positive effect.

Member of Parliament elect for East Grand Bahama Kwasi Thompson, who served as Minister of State for Finance under the Minnis Administration, said in a statement yesterday: I am pleased that the Central Banks June 2021 Quarterly Economic Review has confirmed that the domestic economy stabilized during the second quarter of 2021, despite the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This is confirmation that the economic policies implemented by the Minnis administration were having positive effects on the Bahamian economy.

He further noted: Additionally, it is important to note that the Central Bank has also confirmed that the governments overall deficit narrowed during the fourth quarter of FY2020/2021, relative to the same quarter for FY2019/2020. Underlying this outturn, aggregate revenue increased considerably, led by gains in value-added taxes (VAT) receipts, which overshadowed the rise in aggregate expenditure.

This is again confirmation that the Minnis administration Recovery Plan was taking shape with increased revenue and narrowing of the deficit.

Thompson said that while this nation still has a distance to go for full recovery, we have turned a corner.

This is consistent with the Minnis administrations previous statements and now confirmed by the Central Bank of the Bahamas. Tourism continues to improve and construction also continues to improve, said Thompson.

We also note in a statement released by Moodys that the economy is predicted to grow by eight percent four times faster than the anticipated two percent.

It is also clear that Moodys expects our recovery to be based on some of the same policies, initiatives and legislative reforms of the Minnis administration.

We are hopeful that before any major economic changes or tax reform, as was pledged by the Minnis administration, there are proper studies, analysis, diagnosis and consultation. Sudden changes, though well-meaning, can derail economic and fiscal recovery.

We therefore stand ready to assist to ensure the countrys economy fully recovers.

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PROOF IN THE PUDDING: Former Cabinet minister claims Minnis admin's economic plan was working - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Former Financial Secretary Simon Wilson is set to resume the post he was made to vacate some four years ago, Eyewitness News understands.

Sources close to the matter have confirmed that Wilson has returned from leave to resume the substantive post as financial secretary in the Ministry of Finance.

Sources also confirmed that Acting Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson is working with Wilson in an effort to ensure a smooth handover.

Johnson took over the post after the Free National Movement (FNM) won the 2017 General Election, with Wilson subsequently being removed from the post.

Johnson had previously served as vice president of sales and marketing at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and, just prior to taking up the acting financial secretary post, served as chief sales marketing officer for a Belizean telecommunications company, Belize Telemedia Ltd.

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis, who was opposition leader at the time Wilson was ousted, accused the Minnis administration of engaging in witch-hunt against the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), with Wilson being one of its targets.

The newly-elected Davis administration has pledged to bring better management to the COVID-19 crisis and the countrys debt situation, which stands at just over $10 billion.

Another key pledge was to reduce value-added tax (VAT) to 10 percent for one year.

Davis, who was officially sworn in on Friday during a private ceremony that was not publicized until several hours later, told reporters over the weekend that an announcement on that move will be made in the coming weeks once he appoints a minister of finance.

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BACK IN BUSINESS: Christie-era financial secretary to be returned to former post - EyeWitness News

Bowleg: I dont know why people think Im just a sports guy; Im also a culture guyReturn of sports tourism, stadium update, new facilities and creative economy all on the table, says new minister

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Newly sworn-in Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said hes aiming to revolutionize both sports and culture during his tenure in Cabinet.

Bowleg, who also serves as the member of Parliament for Garden Hills, said although he is mostly known for his accolades in sports, he plans to put equal effort into developing the culture aspect of his portfolio, with the hopes of generating new revenue for both.

The first thing we want to do is put an advisory council together when it comes to culture and sports, Bowleg said. In order to rejuvenatesports and the entertainment industry, we need the right stakeholders to be a part of this council.

I dont know why people think that Im just a sports guy. Im also a culture guy. I rushed in several Junkanoo parades, and Im also a musician.

So, culture is important for me. Its one of the things we want to focus on early in this administration. We want to get our creative economy going.

Bowleg, who was president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation (BBF) for three years before resigning on Tuesday, said his first goal as sports minister is to bridge the gap between local sports federations and associations and their respective athletes.

We will work along with all of the federations that will be responsible for all of the various disciplines within the country, he said. We need to work together to ensure we push for better for all.

Another one of Bowlegs objectives is to revive the sports tourism industry, hoping to bring back international events such as the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Relays. The Bahamas previously hosted three editions of the two-day championships, including the inaugural event in 2014. The other two were held in 2015 and 2017.

We are going to do all that we can to bring the IAAF back here, Bowleg said.

Ive been involved with sports tourism for the past several years now through the game of basketball, but I believe we can quickly seek out events in volleyball, baseball and softball.

We also want to build facilities in the various islands and increase tourism in those islands.

Bowleg said that in the coming weeks, after assessing the budget, he will give an update on the status of the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium. He also noted that his ministry will address the relaunch of local sports in the very near future as well.

Along with serving as BBF president, Bowleg also served as mens national team head coach and coach of the CC Sweeting senior boys basketball team.

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A PUSH FOR BETTER FOR ALL: Bowleg looking to revolutionize the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture - EyeWitness News

The CARICOM Election Observation Mission to the General Elections in The Bahamas on Thursday has declared that the elections reflect the will of the people.

The Mission issued its Preliminary Statement on Friday which said voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or fear.

Bahamians voted for a change of government, electing the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), headed by Attorney Phillip 'Brave' Davis over the incumbent Free National Movement (FNM) of outgoing Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

New Prime Minister of The Bahamas Mr Phillip 'Brave' Davis

Here is the Preliminary Statement of the CARICOM Election Observation Mission:

CARICOM ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION TO THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMASGENERAL ELECTIONS, 16 SEPTEMBER 2021

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT

At the invitation of the Most Honourable Sir Cornelius A. Smith, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Her Excellency Dr. Carla N. Barnett, mounted a CARICOM Election Observation Mission (CEOM) to observe the conduct of the General Elections which were held in The Bahamas on 16 September 2021.

The entire Team comprising the Chief of Mission, Observers from Member States and the support staff from the CARICOM Secretariat, arrived in The Bahamas on Monday, 13 September 2021.

The six (6) member Observation Mission, which was led by Mr. Ian Hughes, Human Resource and Training Officer and Assistant to the Supervisor of Elections, Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, also comprised nationals of Dominica, Jamaica and Suriname.

On polling day, the six-member CEOM visited 219 polling stations across 24 constituencies.

The CEOM monitored the polling activities, which included the opening of the polls, the voting process, the closing of the polls and the preliminary count of ballots.

From its observations, the polls were opened in a timely manner in the majority of the polling districts. All polling stations observed were staffed and most had at least two Polling Agents present, representing the two major political parties that contested the general elections. Most polling stations were conveniently located and easily accessible to the voters though, in some instances, it was noted that accessibility presented challenges for the disabled, the elderly and the infirm. The Mission observed that there was sufficient supply of the required voting materials which arrived promptly to facilitate the opening of the polls.

Adequate police security was in place at all locations visited, with officials conducting their duties in a professional and efficient manner. This contributed to the level of calm which accompanied the day's activities. Generally, the poll workers were focused as they steadily carried out the required procedures, thereby ensuring that all eligible electors who turned out to vote were able to do so. Their efforts to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols and in sanitising the polling stations after each elector had voted are also to be commended.

The initial assessment of Election Day activities by the CEOM is that the voters were able to cast their ballots without intimidation or fear, and that the results of the 16 September 2021 General Elections reflect the will of the people of The Bahamas.

The Mission extends its appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its assistance and congratulates the staff of the Parliamentary Commission; poll workers; the political parties and their candidates; the security forces and the people of The Bahamas on the level of maturity displayed in the peaceful execution of the Election Day activities, especially during the Covid 19 Pandemic.

A full Report will be prepared by the Chief of the CEOM for submission to the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Her Excellency Dr. Carla N. Barnett.

The CARICOM Election Observation Mission wishes to thank all stakeholders, including the Leaders of the Political Parties, Civil Society, and the People of The Bahamas for their warm welcome and cooperation which contributed to the success of the Mission.

IAN S. HUGHES

CHIEF OF MISSION

CARICOM ELECTION OBSERVATION MISSION

NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS

17 SEPTEMBER 2021

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Bahamas Elections reflect will of the people: Preliminary Statement, CARICOM Election Observation Mission - marketscreener.com

Campaign finance reform and womens participation highlighted as areas to be addressedOAS report: Challenges were created by unexpected snap election

NASSAU, BAHAMAS While commending The Bahamas and the Parliamentary Registration Department (PRD) for its efforts to hold a safe and effective electoral process during a global pandemic, the Organization of American States (OAS) electoral observer mission said limited progress has been made on past recommendations, particularly with campaign finance reform and participation of women.

The mission was led by Dr Denis Antoine and comprised of 19 experts from nine countries, observing 32 of the countrys 39 constituencies on Election Day.

As a part of its report, the OAS engaged in a substantive analysis of critical aspects of the electoral process and engaged with local and international stakeholders.

In these conversations and in its analysis of the electoral environment, the OAS mission noted that there had been very limited progress in The Bahamas in implementing the recommendations of previous OAS missions, read the preliminary report.

This was particularly evident in the areas of the political participation of women and campaign finance.

There remains no legal framework for campaign financing in The Bahamas.

Political parties have no requirement to disclose contributions and disbursements.

The outgoing Minnis administration and the former Christie administration promised to address the issue.

The mission said the current system affects the equity of the electoral competition as the existing political financing is entirely private, and in a first-past-the-post system, financing tends to flow to the major political parties and leaders.

The mission again recommended creating a legal framework for recording, managing and reporting political contributions and expenditures, creating a mechanism for citizens and the media to have access to the information and prohibiting anonymous donations from foreign sources.

The mission commended the significant majority of women who served as poll workers and political party representatives.

While women participating in the election increased significantly and women made up the vast majority of poll workers in the election, the mission said women are still significantly unrepresented in Parliament and the Cabinet.

Thirty percent of the political candidates vying for office on Thursday were women.

The mission recommended a gender quota mechanism in order to progressively adopt parity measures that level the playing field for women in elections and support an improved general balance within the leadership of political parties and the candidates.

Unexpected

The mission noted that while the countrys election was only one of many elections held across the hemisphere during the pandemic, The Bahamas general election took place during a national surge of cases.

According to the mission, while there is a process to call an election at any time, citizens typically expect elections at five-year intervals and the unexpected announcement of fresh elections, the close deadlines and the relatively recent appointment of the acting parliamentary commissioner created another layer of challenges.

It said the countrys ongoing recovery from Hurricane Dorian impacted some of the infrastructure traditionally used for polling places.

The mission also said it was informed that the implementation of the continuous register in December 2020, followed by the announcement of a general election last month nine months earlier than anticipated may have resulted in the unintended exclusion of citizens who were not on the 2017 voters list.

The OAS mission said the advance polling process in country was poorly organized; and added that on Election Day, while the Parliamentary Registration Department sought to incorporate new procedures necessitated by the pandemic, there were challenges in this regard and at times the procedures implemented were unclear and continued to evolve over time, even in the final days before the election, resulting in uncertainty among voters and poll workers.

Of particular concern to the OAS mission and to political parties was the question of how many agents per candidate would be allowed in polling stations on Election Day, read the report.

The Parliamentary Election Act provides for no more than three candidate agents in each polling station at any time, but each candidate was only allowed no more than one agent to mitigate COVID spread.

The mission said on the day before the poll, it learned that the PRD had delegated authority to individual presiding officers to determine how many party agents were to be allowed within each polling station.

This decision established a basis for differentiated treatment of and access by agents across polling stations and across the 39 constituents of The Bahamas for these election, the mission said.

Awaiting final results

The mission said at the release of its statement, no official results had been issued to the general public.

It said it will remain engaged with electoral authorities until those results are certified and issued.

The missions congratulates the electoral authorities on the successful organization and execution of a process that presented significant and logistical and political challenges, the mission said.

An expanded report is expected to be released at a later date.

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NOW REFINE IT: OAS commends election but notes limited progress on past recommendations - EyeWitness News

MIAMI (CBSMiami) Thinking of going to the Bahamas? Better check the islands latest COVID-19 protocols, vaccine requirements.

The islands have just modified their already robust entry requirements due to COVID issues.

When Americans got the COVID vaccine and began to travel, the Bahamas had a mid-pandemic tourism boom.

We have seen a huge uptick in our visitor arrival numbers. They are probably nearing the months of June, July, August. That is 80% of where we were in 2019, said Joy Jibrilu, Director General of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation.

Ninety percent of visitors from the US, including lots of folks from Florida, who fly in or take their boats to the islands requested 110,000 health visas in May.

This summer was a record-breaking summer. Many destinations had numbers only seen at Christmas time, said Alex Britell of Caribbean Journal.

But with the good news, COVID is always a challenge for tourist-based economies, for the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

We have seen an uptick in cases in the Bahamas, almost mirroring what happening in Florida and with that uptick and pressure on medical health systems, the government revised early protocols, added Jibrilu.

So, getting into the Bahamas has an added layer of protection for residents and tourists alike.

If you were vaccinated, you were good to go with the Bahamas Health Visa. Now, even if you were fully vaccinated you must take either a rapid antigen test or PCR test and apply for the health visa to enter, said Jibrilu.

Other Caribbean nations are also making changes due to COVID count increases.

Destinations are starting to slightly modify protocols to keep travel coming for the economy but also stay safe, said Britell.

So, the message to travelers and tourists heading to the Bahamas or other islands nations is to do your homework. Protocols are fluid, the island governments are doing a delicate dance.

How do you balance the economy with a health crisis? asks Jibrilu.

All air passengers returning to the US from Caribbean nations are required to have a negative COVID test result before boarding a flight back to the mainland.

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Bahamas Ramps Up Already Robust Entry Requirements Due To ...

The Bahamas is a group of 700 islands, 30 of which are populated. Many areas are battling a shortage of medical facilities and medical professionals especially far-removed rural areas. This makes it a significant logistical challenge for the Bahamian Ministry of Health to reach much of the population with COVID-19 vaccine doses. Patient loads are heavy in more densely populated areas, and across rural areas, as one vaccination site would open, another would have to close.

One group of medical professionals and pilots wanted to do something to augment the Bahamian effort to vaccinate the people of the islands, and in June, they set out on an incredible journey to do just that.

Coming Together

June 20-26 was an exciting, rewarding week for five volunteer teams that were deployed across the Family Islands for the vaccination campaign. Versant, a company that offers competency-based healthcare solutions, and Sol Relief, an aviation logistics organization that provides relief and humanitarian support after disasters, joined forces to make the vaccination rollout a success. The Bahamas Ministry of Health and the Rhode Island National Guard also joined in for the undertaking, as did the DAISY Foundation and medical/aviation volunteers from across the U.S.

Working closely with the Bahamas Ministry of Health and the Office of the Prime Minister, a plan was put in place for twenty vaccination sites to be set up across nine islands. When all was said and done, thousands of Bahamians received doses of the vaccine. The teams included seven nurses, two doctors, and one physician assistant student, along with four volunteer pilots.

Combining the skills of Sol Relief and Versant resulted in a life-changing week not just for vaccine recipients, but also for the teams who traveled to the islands. The team knew they had an opportunity to help prevent disease in underserved areas instead of just reacting to the disease and they didnt hesitate to take that opportunity.

Flying High for the Cause

The teams used small aircraft to deliver the medical volunteers and vaccines; four aircraft made 48 flights in support of the mission. The pilots worked day and night to transport vaccines, the volunteers, and Bahamian healthcare providers across the islands from the campaigns main base at Nassau Airport.

Some team members and others involved in the campaign hadnt ever flown before, much less flown in a small private aircraft. The four pilots jumped at the chance to marry their flying passion with something that helps people to such a high degree. Give a pilot a reason to fly, and theyll fly! stated Mike Carman, Versant Managing Partner and pilot, enthusiastically.

Rounding Up the Crew

Carman, who is very familiar with the Bahamas and actively involved with Sol Relief, realized a unique opportunity to combine Versants healthcare mission with Sol Reliefs aviation-themed humanitarian support capabilities to provide critical assistance to the Bahamian governments vaccination campaign. Chatter about it spread through Versant, and quickly reached outside of the company. He, along with Versant President Larissa Africa and Versant Manager Kristen Neisinger put feelers out to provider networks as they searched for healthcare professionals who were interested in volunteering. Word reached Mark and Bonnie Barnes of the DAISY Foundation, who brought the idea to the attention of DAISY honorees a few of whom ended up going on the trip.

While ten medical professionals made up the final traveling group, the list of pre-qualified interested providers had initially been two-to-three times longer. With COVID-19 still putting tremendous strain on healthcare systems and providers across the country, its difficult for many of them to let go of their medical staff right now, explained Carman. However, the teams that brought the much-needed services to the Bahamas accomplished the goal they set out to achieve a goal that was worthy of a group many times their size.

Being Fast Followers Instead of Leaders

The campaign was a tremendous logistical challenge for several reasons. According to Neisinger, the #1 challenge was waiting waiting for everything from passport approvals, Bahamian COVID-19 visas, and Bahamian medical registration to paper validations and confirmations. Poring over Excel spreadsheets, submitting bundles of information together in organized packets, and other background tasks were started months in advance. Neisinger explained, When the gates opened, so to speak, there was lots to do in a short amount of time. It was down to the wire. We even had one passport that was finally approved the day before we were scheduled to depart!

The team knew that since they would be guests on the Prime Ministers and Ministry of Healths timeline, they needed to be flexible.

And they were happy to be exactly that; they were determined to do whatever was necessary to bring hope and freedom to rural communities across the islands. Pilots had to think about aircraft weights and balance calculations and flight planning; sometimes, people were given just minutes to get on a flight. In some cases, their intended destination would also change!

The nurses would make anyone in the nursing profession proud; they had to deal with less-than-ideal internet connectivity, unfamiliar (and sometimes uncooperative) computer systems, and logistical last-minute adjustments. The weather was a challenge as well thunderstorm activity is a constant companion in the islands during the summer. Despite it all, there was nary a complaint to ever be heard.

These days are long, difficult, and chaotic, with the need to make constant, real-time adjustments, said Carman. You plan as much as you can, but you have to be able to react. So many people contributed their time, effort, and resources to this endeavor. Im happy we had the opportunity to assist the Bahamian government in making a difference in peoples lives.

Bringing Hope, Relief, and Health to the Underserved

Residents of the Bahamas met the team with enthusiasm and gratitude, along with a bit of hesitation over the vaccines. The threat of COVID-19 has hit residents of the Bahamas hard, and they are cautious, fearful, and diligently compliant with COVID-19 regulations and guidelines.

The arrival of thousands of doses of the vaccine offered residents a chance at hope and relief; many people waited in line for hours to get their shot. Bahamians are exemplary in social distancing and wearing masks. Seeing the relief on recipients faces was something no one on the traveling team will soon forget.

Its meaningful for me to take something Im passionate about [flying] and be able to marry it with my other passion [improving healthcare], explained Carman. Its amazing. To the citizens, the shot means freedom and safety, and we were able to deliver that. You cant fake relief. When people are tearing up with joy at receiving their shot, it completes our own lives.

The team also enjoyed an unexpected surprise when they were personally received by Dr. Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister of the Bahamas; the Hon. Renward Wells, Minister of Health, and other members of the Bahamian Government. The team appreciated the Prime Ministers perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic, both as the sovereign and as a medical doctor.

Going for Round 2

The experience of a lifetime is one that thousands of people touched by the campaign will never forget. Since the COVID-19 vaccine currently requires two doses for full protection, the challenge arises of how Bahamians will receive that 2nd dose. When asked if Versant and Sol Relief have any plans to go back and distribute 2nd doses, Mike Carman didnt hesitate to answer, stating that if the Bahamian government asks them for help, theyd go in a heartbeat.

And in fact, the Dream Team is planning its return trip in September to continue assisting the Bahamian Vaccination Program as we go to press!

Versant wishes to thank their partners in this effort: the Government of the Bahamas, Sol Relief, the DAISY Foundation, and the Rhode Island National Guard. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated doctors, nurses, and pilots who volunteered their time to make this campaign a reality.

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Versants Bahamas Family Island COVID-19 Rollout a ...