Category Archives: Bahamas

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Brigham Young Cougars forward Caleb Lohner (33) draws a foul as he collides with Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2), in West Coast Conference Basketball action between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the Marriott Center in Provo, on Monday, Feb. 8, 2021.

| May 27, 2021, 11:27 p.m.

| Updated: 11:39 p.m.

Over the last two seasons, coach Mark Pope has made BYU mens basketball relevant once again. And the Cougars are making sure they stay in the spotlight.

The Cougars have locked down a spot in what is annually one of the biggest early-season tournaments on the calendar, according to reports.

CBS Sports analyst Jon Rothstein was the first to report that BYU will join Kansas, Tennessee, USC, NC State, Wisconsin, Butler and Dayton in the 2022 Battle 4 Atlantis.

The tournament, which takes place the week of Thanksgiving, is played at Atlantis Paradise Island on Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas each year.

For the 2021-22 season, the Cougars have already signed on to participate in the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic in Honolulu, Dec. 22-25. The field will include host Hawaii, Liberty, Northern Iowa, South Florida, Wyoming, Stanford and Vanderbilt.

BYU was supposed to head to the Bahamas in 2020 for the Junkaroo Jam, but the pandemic made a change to those plans. Instead, the Cougars played in the Roman Legends Classic, which was played in a bubble-like environment in Connecticut.

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[Sports] - Report: BYU headed to Bahamas in 2022 for Battle 4 Atlantis - Salt Lake Tribune

THE seventh edition of the Tour de Grand Bahama was held over the weekend in Grand Bahama.

It was also used by the Bahamas Cycling Federation as one of the qualifiers for the national team that will represent the Bahamas at the Caribbean Cycling Championships, scheduled for July 15-17.

Federation secretary general Barron Turbo Musgrove praised Kenton Roker, the Grand Bahama Cycling Association and the Grand Bahama Cycling Club for putting on the event despite the restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic. The competition was fierce from start to finish with competitors from Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, New Providence, Grand Bahama and a four-man team from the Turks and Caicos Islands, Musgrove said. It was an exciting race from start to finish. It was like watching one of the major tours going on.

The routes were well-organised throughout the city of Freeport and a lot of persons were able to view the competition.

There were three stages of races that included the four-mile time trials on Saturday and two hours later there was a quadrium race.

On Sunday, the event concluded with a 60-mile road race.

Felix Neely from New Providence, Lorin Sawyer from Spanish Wells, Eleuthera took second and Kevin Daley from New Providence and Sean Rodgers from the Turks and Caicos Islands were tied for third and Lorenzo Carter was fifth.

In the Masters One category, Leeburgh Gibbs took the victory with Kavin Ewing second.

Kenton Roker third and Davaughn Williams finished fourth in the masters.

And in the Masters Two category, Kenneth Grant got the win over Ricardo Grant.

Sylvia the Beast Bateman from Grand Bahama emerged as the female winner.

She was followed in second place by Mary Missy Gibbs, also from Grand Bahama.

Smot ia Nono Moreau was third and Tannisha Grant got fourth.

The winners of the junior boys category were Ayden Bain, the overall champion, Launy Duncombe, second and Barron Musgrove Jr, third.

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Seventh edition of Tour de Grand Bahama was a blast - Bahamas Tribune

NASSAU, BAHAMAS According to the Ministry of Healths vaccine tracker released yesterday, there have been 55,037 doses of vaccines administered in The Bahamas to date, with 8,659 people being fully vaccinated with two doses.

Some 46,378 people have received one dose of the vaccine and are still awaiting the second dose required to become fully vaccinated.

On New Providence, 34,344 people have received their first dose while 7,051 are fully vaccinated; and on Grand Bahama, 6,796 people have received their first dose while 1,602 people are fully vaccinated.

As for the remaining Family Islands, 1,354 people have received first doses on Eleuthera, 874 on Abaco, 832 on Exuma, 603 on Andros, 398 on Bimini, 324 on Long Island, 289 on the Berry Islands, 252 on Cat Island, 129 on Inagua, 101 on San Salvador, 32 on Acklins, 21 on Crooked Island, 18 on Mayaguana and 11 on Rum Cay.

Three people on Cat Island and three people on Andros are fully vaccinated.

Health officials also confirmed 36 new cases of COVID-19 in The Bahamas on Saturday, taking the number of cases in the country to 11,796. Of the new cases, 30 were on New Providence, two on Grand Bahama, one on Abaco and three on Andros.

The number of active cases stands at 756, with 57 people currently hospitalized 54 of whom are moderately ill and three who are in the Intensive Care Unit.

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VACCINATION PROGRESS: More than 8600 fully vaccinated individuals in The Bahamas; over 46000 awaiting second dose - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Coined the Accelerate Bahamas budget, the governments fiscal plans for the upcoming period will see sizeable increases across its ministries and agencies, tax increases in certain sectors and a continued surge of funds to the nations social safety net, as The Bahamas turns its sights on preparing for economic growth amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, government expenditure will increase by $251 million, from $2.57 billion this fiscal period to an estimated $2.82 billion.

The bulk of the sum will go toward the governments largest expense, wages and salaries of public servants, in the amount of $670.9 million.

Just shy of $490 million will be spent on interest, $390 million on subsidies and $266 million on social benefits.

As it relates to interest, the budgeted allocation for public debt servicing is forecasted to increase from $396.9 million to $512.4 million an increase of just over $115 million.

In 2019/2020, $345.3 million was expended on servicing the nations debt.

As revealed in Parliament on Wednesday, the national debt is forecasted to swell to $10.38 billion, 84.3 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

In the upcoming fiscal period, 2021/2022, the government projects to take in $1.8 billion in proceeds from borrowing, with $986.8 million of that sum representing new borrowing.

The current budget was branded as the Resilient Bahamas Plan and saw large spending cuts across the board, with tax exemptions and incentives as well as unprecedented spending to support unemployment benefits and food assistance amid the height of the pandemic just six months after Hurricane Dorian dealt Abaco and Grand Bahama crushing blows in 2019.

During his budget communication, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said the government sought to stabilize the economy during this fiscal period and provided much-needed social support, while planting seeds for an accelerated national recovery.

According to the prime minister, the new budget prepares for the upcoming year and represents a plan to move from restoration to growth.

He said: It will build upon a new foundation and accelerate our national recovery in the process.

Just one government agency and three ministries will see budget cuts.

The Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction is expected to receive $8.7 million, down from the $11.2 million in 2020/2021.

The governments allocation for the Ministry of Finance is forecasted to contract by just over $10 million from $263.5 million to $253.2 million.

The bulk of the decrease can be attributed to the more than $10 million cut in expenditure for the National Drug Plan Arrears, which is estimated to decline from $17 million to $6.3 million, as well as the more than halving of Special Economic Assistance Measures, from $68.8 million to $30 million.

The $8.3 million for the Bahamas National Statistical Institute ($8.3 million), which has been transferred under the Ministry of Finances budget from the Department of Statistics, increased from $6.8 million this fiscal period.

The line item Budget Reserve Appropriations, with a budgeted $23.2 million, appears to be a new line item.

The governments unemployment benefit is set to end in June, although Minister of State for Finance Senator Kwasi Thompson said during a press conference yesterday it is anticipated that those benefits will continue until September.

Meanwhile, the allocation for Lucayan Renewal Holdings stands at $3 million for 2021/2022.

The Treasury Department will also see a decrease from $82.7 million to $78.2 million.

And the Ministry of Healths budget will once again see a marginal decrease, from just over $298 million to $297 million.

The Provision for Contingencies line item was zeroed out from $21.3 million, while the allocation for provisions for COVID-19 contingenciesstands at $10 million.

Meanwhile, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is expected to see its budget increase from $38 million to $45 million in the upcoming period.

In 2019/2020, the NHIA received $24 million.

According to the budget, the estimated allocation for the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation will increase from $106 million this fiscal period to $140.5 million in the upcoming period an additional $34 million.

While the government intends to collect $40 million from tourist health visas, according to the projected revenue in the budget, it also expects to spend $37 million on Tourism Health VISA expenses a new line item in the upcoming fiscal period.

Allocations will also increase for the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs by $3.1 million; the Office of the Judiciary by another $3.1 million; the Registrar Generals Department by just over $3 million; the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services by $6.2 million; the Ministry of National Security by $4.7 million, from $7.4 million to $12.1 million; the Royal Bahamas Police Force, from $122.2 million to $124 million; the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, from $57.9 million to $62.2 million; and the Ministry of Education by $2.6 million.

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Accelerate Bahamas budget reveals sizable allocation increases across the board - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Despite the mammoth task of conducting the countrys census, Acting Financial Secretary Marlon Johnson said yesterday that the government will be able to complete the 2021 Census of the Population and Housing, indicating the process will officially begin mid-summer.

Speaking to Eyewitness News on the matter, Johnson explained that the initial part of the census process will be a listing exercise, where personnel will go around to various communities and update addresses and locations in a database.

He noted that the listing exercise will serve to validate where individuals live and provide them with the option to be able to do their census forms themselves online, over the phone, via Zoom or opt for an in-person interview.

That enables us to roll out the census taking itself digitally given where we are with the COVID virus, Johnson said.

In February 2020, the Ministry of Finance announced 40 workers had started pre-test training with the questions that will be included in the new census.

At the time, officials said the official Census Pre-Test would be launched on New Providence and Grand Bahama in March ahead of the official country-wide census in September. Costs were projected to cost around $5 million.

However, The Bahamas recorded its first case of COVID-19 on March 15 and continues to fluctuate between lockdowns and restrictions.

Johnson noted: It really would not have been advisable or even practical to have people going into the field and to go into peoples home during the pandemic The team did some consultation and we looked to see how we can get it done in a way that is sensitive to the pandemic and starts us to move ahead to taking it online.

He said this listing exercise will take place over the next two to three months and by mid-to-late summer, the census rollout is expected to begin.

Johnson said they hope to have the census substantially done before the end of the year.

It is something that this team does every decade, so they know very much what they are doing, he assured.

Theres a full-time program where additional staff are employed and engaged. They will get it done in a matter of months.

Last week, the Department of Statistics swore in some 70 personnel who will assist in gathering information for the department. Twenty personnel will gather information on Grand Bahama.

The census listers will get residents names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for the census to be done virtually for the first time in Bahamian history.

The census listers were sworn in and each signed a legally binding oath of secrecy at the departments offices.

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GETTING READY: National census to begin rollout this summer after months-long delays due to COVID - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Recognizing the vital role that debates can have on national elections, the Organization for Responsible Governance (ORG) has lent its support to the National Election Debate series (NEDS).

ORG has partnered with presenting sponsors, the University of The Bahamas (UB) and Verizon Media, as well as other civil society, private sector and media groups involved to promote the series. The second debate will take place tonight at 8pm with a theme of COVID-19 and Climate Change and two more debates will follow.

ORG is also encouraging all political parties and candidates to participate so the event can be an inclusive and accessible chance for prospective voters to hear directly on a range of issues that are critical to the future of The Bahamas.

The non-partisan, not-for-profit civic foundation holds that establishing a two-way dialogue between government and citizens is critical to building public trust and strengthening democracy. Historically, election campaigns have relied heavily on celebratory and promotional one-way communication methods such as rallies and media ads. These do not support voters in making an objective and critical analysis of policy solutions that are offered by the various candidates. ORG feels that the National Election Debate Series can empower voters by offering side-by-side comparisons of their choices for election.

Research shows that pre-election debates help voters, who make better-informed choices, and candidates, who are pushed to focus on policy issues and tangible solutions. They also have post-election benefits, promoting the accountability of those who are elected to follow up on their campaign promises and building the trust of the public in the government. Successive administrations have struggled to fulfill policies that were platforms of their campaign manifestos.

ORG sees the greater involvement of citizens in national development as a key to the future success and sustainability of The Bahamas, having launched The Year of the Active Citizen earlier this year.

ORG Engagement Coordinator Steffon Evans stated: Election debates are a fundamental component of participatory governance. Following the economic and social devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be critical for Bahamians to make solid decisions on how the country might move forward with its recovery.

Evans operates ORGs citizen engagement and education activities, including the Year of the Active Citizenship.

ORG Executive Director Matthew Aubry sees the debates as a crucial step toward a modern and transparent governance in The Bahamas and stated: The National Election Debate series can provide Bahamians with a chance to move beyond the manifesto and hear the plan behind the promise. They support a culture of governance that is not specific to any one party or sector and is indicative of a forward step we can take as a nation.

ORG applauded the partners, parties and candidates who are participating thus far as they demonstrate a respect for an inclusive and accountable exchange between the public and the government to drive more effective policy. ORG hopes that all parties will see the value of the National Election Debates series to the Bahamian voters and choose to participate in the final sessions.

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Debates are critical to participatory governance and strengthening of democracy, notes ORG - EyeWitness News

FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA Seventy-two young people were presented with Job Ready certificates during a ceremony on Monday, May 31, by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Iram Lewis at St Pauls Methodist Church Hall.

The group, which started the program seven weeks ago, hailed from East End to West End and many left the program gainfully employed.

During his remarks to the participants, Lewis noted that despite the difficulties the island and the world has been through due to the pandemic, the class has persevered and as such, they are now equipped to work in the new norm and excel not only locally but abroad.

He said the participants represent the best of the young people today.

Far too often, the narrative of our young people today is negative, he said. I am proud to say these young people show us the positive the great potential for the future.

Lewis added that parents and family members ought to be proud of these young people who give hope for a brighter tomorrow.

In The Bahamas, typically, the youth are presented with a variety of social issues, crime, poverty and a varied of social inequalities. My ministry understands the importance of our youth overcoming these issues on the road to a successful life, he said.

Therefore, we provide opportunities for youth from all walks of life to realign themselves and get on the right track through our soft skills development and on-the-job training.

The program, described as diversified and blended, hosted virtual and in-person sessions for recent high school graduates and college students.

I have always believed investment in young people is security for the future, Lewis said.

While addressing corporate sponsors, the minister thanked them for their continued support, particularly during this difficult time. He encouraged parents and relatives to continue encouraging young people, adding that they would not be there without them.

To the graduates, he said: You have survived a global pandemic, the worst hurricane in 50 years, government lockdowns, school closures and an economic downturn in Grand Bahama and you are still here. Whether you realize it or not, you are overcomers.

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Govt's Job Ready programme on GB closes with 72 participants - EyeWitness News

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sat. May 15, 2021: It is believed the Bahamas is where Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas. Since then, this nation has had its exotic location and strategic position to its advantage. It was a British Colony for most of the 17th and 18th centuries. Pirates favored the hiding places around the islands for the treasure stolen from the ships traversing the shipping corridors in the region. The civil war and prohibition benefited the Bahamas, but these 700 islands were devastated economically when these ended, that is until they opened their doors to tourism.

Today, the Bahamas are not just a popular Caribbean tourist destination but have a highly developed services sector. Despite some restrictions, the Bahamas generally have business-friendly regulations making it easy to start an LLC. It is also an attractive investment location. Compared to President Bidens proposed 28% corporate tax in the US, the 0 % corporate tax of the Bahamas is highly attractive to businesses.

A business-friendly approach to both companies and investors was encouraged by the International Business Companies Act passed in 1990. This made the Bahamas more than a popular tourist destination and opened doors to foreign investors.

All investors in every sector of the Bahamian economy must seek approval from the Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA). Their proposed activities must satisfy the BIA that they will benefit the nation. Some sectors are reserved for nationals of the island. These include property management, wholesale and retail, the domestic gaming industry, security services, are a few.

Some key areas like financial competence, capital investment, the business plan, employment opportunities for the islanders, the source of business funds, and all basic information about the proposed shareholders are all taken into consideration by the BIA.

All proposals approved by the BIA are presented to the National Economic Council, which is headed by the Prime Minister, for further review before a decision is made.

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Wages of employees on sick leave, maternity leave, other job-related issues, and pensions are covered by the program run by the National Insurance Board (NIB). Everyone working on the islands must make NIB contributions. All companies, businesses, and the self-employed must register.

Contribution rates are 9.8% of the actual wages with an insurable ceiling of just over BSD 3,000 per month. Employers pay 5.9% of the contributions and the rest are paid by the employee.

Every business applies for a business license as soon as it gets BIA approval. The process is quick, requiring the completion of a Business License Application form and a BSD 100 fee. The license is an annual requirement. Some cases of non-resident businesses qualify to pay an annual fee of BSD 300.

Regardless of turnover, all permanent businesses must file annual business tax returns. These are due by January 31 and taxes are payable by March 31. Businesses with turnovers of BSD 100,000 or more also submit financial results and a certified statement issued by an independent professional accountant.

Business License taxes are based on turnover and business type and range from 0.5% and 3% of the gross annual revenue.

The most frequently used business type by foreigners is the International Business Company (IBC). However, other commonly used business types are Limited Liability Company (LLC), and Segregated Accounts Company (SAC).

The standard rate for VAT is 12% and it applies to nearly all goods and services within the Bahamas. Businesses expecting to have an annual turnover of BSD 100,000 must register for VAT.

People who conduct business activities in the Bahamas are exempt from paying personal or corporate income tax on their profits. However, a Stamp Tax of 5% is imposed on all types of money exchanges and transfers remitted out of the Bahamas for amounts of $500,000 and up transferred out of the country. Stamp Tax applies to the sale of a business at 6%, and mortgages at 1%.

There is also a Real Property Tax of between 0.75% and 2% on the market value of properties with a few exceptions.

Approximately 50% of the Bahamas government revenues are from customs and excise duties with an average import duty of 45%. Some items like electronics, watches, jewelry, and perfumes are duty-free, whereas cigars have 220% import duties.

Investment is encouraged in the Bahamas, and the government has ensured a stable and safe environment for doing business. Perhaps getting started may be slightly more complicated than in the US, but the process is reasonably straightforward. Low taxes make the Caribbean extremely attractive to businesses from the US.

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Caribbean Business - Business Formation In The Bahamas Vs The US: The Caribbean Shines - Caribbean and Latin America Daily News - News Americas

Nassau, Bahamas is home to hilly landscapes, beautiful beaches and coral reefspopular for snorkeling and diving. As the capital of the island, its a frequent destination for international travelers to enjoy a tropical getawayand there are several quality rentals and properties to stay in during your time on the island.

Whether youre visiting for a short time or simply need a change of scenery as you work remotely during the pandemic, a comfortable and cozy place of your choice awaits you.

The Bahamas is currently open and welcoming guests. That means its time to plan that perfect get-away while you have the chance.

Here are 5 top-rated Airbnbs (according to previous guests) for a relaxing trip in Nassau:

Historic Nassau

If youre looking for a guesthouse that is comfy and located in a historic area, this home is for you.

This traditional Bahamian Experience, which was built in 1938, has 1 queen-sized bed and 1 bathroomperfect for you and your significant other or a solo trip. If youre looking for attraction sites to visit, this home is in close proximity to all of them. You can experience Bay Street and Parliament Square and view historic Cathedrals. You can also visit the Marina, Harbour Bay, and Paradise Island.

The 225 sq. feet house provides a lot of space for your convenience. Several amenities are at your disposal including free parking, Wifi with a work office, air conditioning and heating, cable TV, and much more.

For just $76 a night, you have access to a comfy, convenient, and historical residency for your stay.

Are you looking for a rental closer to the water? This cottage is for you.

This waterfront cottage allows you to walk out of the living room door onto the waterfront patio. With 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1 sofa bed, its the perfect place for a party of 5.

Even better, the master suite on the 2nd floor has a balcony for you to view Nassau Harbour and Atlantis.

The cottage comes with the usual amenities: Cable TV, washer and dryer, air conditioning, free parking and more.

For $165 per night, you can soak up the sun and float in the crystal clear water (only a few inches away) of Nassau.

Looking for something more private? Then this cottage can meet all your needs.

This charming Bahamian cottage is located in a quiet and safe area on the western side of Nassau.

The home is just steps away from the private beach, making it a convenient place to stay if you dont intend on traveling much. The cottage has 1 bedroom, 1 queen-sized bed, and 1.5 baths. Its the perfect place for a romantic getaway.

The cottage comes with air conditioning, washer and dryer, a nice kitchen, modern television and computer, and more. The property is also gated, so you will receive a remote to open it during your stay.

At $148 a night, if youre looking for something safe, intimate, and convenient, this cottage is a great option.

Heres another beautiful and intimate property for nature lovers and creatives.

The Secret Garden Villa spans 3 acres and located in an upscale gated community. With 1 king-sized bed which looks out to the gardens, its perfect for a romantic escape or a solo trip to tap into your creativity. The property is safe, quiet, and near the Marina and nearby restaurants.

Whether youre staying for a short time or long-term

The villa includes a 1 bath, a kitchen, an office desk, and open gardens to view and walkthrough. It also includes air conditioning, Cable TV, Wifi, a backyard with an outdoor pool, BBQ grill, and more.

For $200 a night, youll have all the beauty, privacy, and paradise in the world to meet your needs.

If youre more of a condo person, heres a luxurious condo for you.

This condominium is located on West Bay St. in Cable Beach. It sits directly on the beach with an infinity pool. The condo has 2 bedrooms, 3 bedsone king-sized bed, one queen-sized bed and one sofa bed with 2 baths. Its the perfect property for a party of 6.

With this property, youll have access to the pool, gym, beach, beautiful gardens, and 24-hour security. Youll find the largest casino in the CaribbeanBaha Marjust 7 minutes away from the condo. You can lounge in the pool, hit the gym, use your barbequing skills out on the cabana and take a stroll on the beach. Stop by the many shops and restaurants around the condo for mementos and Bahamian cuisine.

At $465 a night, you can enjoy everything that Nassau has to offer.

If buying property sounds more appealing than renting for short trips and you need help with finding a property Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas Group is a leading Bahamas real estate firm and full-service brokerage agency. The firm offers homes, condos, luxury real estate, private islands, and more.

If youre interested in buying or renting property in the Bahamas, contact the company and browse listings at http://www.bettermcrbahamas.com/eng.

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5 Top-Rated AirBnBs for Your Get Away in Nassau, Bahamas - The Good Men Project

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Minister of Foreign Affairs Darren Henfield said yesterday the government cannot afford to risk the safety of Bahamians or the potential for The Bahamas economy to rebound by allowing travelers from Haiti where he said protocols continue to be shirked.

On Wednesday, the competent authority extended the travel ban on Haiti for an additional 30 days, beginning May 12.

Haiti has yet to implement a vaccine program.

When asked whether the travel protocol, including obtaining a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test, was not sufficient to mitigate against imported infections from Haiti, Henfield said: Remember, when we started the travel ban, it began with the carnival season and then it involved to this place now where we are, where they are not taking vaccinations.

There is some skepticism in the reporting and its unfortunate, Henfield told Eyewitness News.

This is a fellow CARICOM country. It is unfortunate, but the COVID virus and the variants that we are seeing, we simply cannot take risks.

We cannot take risks, not now. There has to be more certainty.

He added that the government will not take risks with our economy and were not going to take risks with our people.

Haiti reportedly refused the World Health Organizations (WHO) COVAX Facilitys offer of more than three quarters of a million doses Oxford AstraZeneca.

Despite this, the country of more than 11 million has reported just over 13,200 cases and 266 deaths.

While top infectious disease experts in Haiti previously said the nations low cases can be attributed to strict adherence to mask-wearing and social distancing guidelines, health experts said this week the reopening of travel into and out of the country has led to a resurgence of cases, and reported numbers were lagging behind actual cases.

Eyewitness News understands several Bahamians were stuck in Haiti due to the ongoing travel ban.

According to Henfield, five Bahamians were repatriated to The Bahamas last week amid the ongoing travel ban.

We did a flight last week, he told Eyewitness News.

Then we brought back, I think it was five Bahamians that we were aware of I have to verify, but I think it was five.

Henfield said Bahamians in Haiti seeking to return to The Bahamas should first register with the Bahamian Embassy in Haiti to make the Ministry of Foreign Affairs aware, and then additional repatriation flights can be explored.

We can look at how we bring them home, he said.

Unless you have a US visa where you can leave Haiti and travel through the US to catch a flight and come home, it is very difficult.

Asked about arranging additional repatriation flights from Haiti, the minister said it was fortuitous that the ministry was able to arrange it and get the government to approve it.

Theyre Bahamians; we dont want them stuck there, but we are where we are, he noted.

As we explained in the release, Haiti has not accepted the COVAX [Facility arrangement]. Theyre not vaccinating people and the health professionals are saying its not safe not safe for the moment.

Additionally, Henfield said the government has been pleased with efforts in-country to vaccinate Bahamians and other eligible groups.

He said it is hoped that as more people become vaccinated, the faster the government can expand the reopening of the economy.

He said the interest of visitors wishing to travel to The Bahamas is promising and the government will continue to expand the vaccine program.

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WE CANNOT TAKE RISKS: Henfield defends extended travel ban against Haiti; five Bahamians repatriated last week - EyeWitness News