Category Archives: Bahamas

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis yesterday announced that 36 privately-owned preschools will be awarded funding of up to $25,000 each as the Ministry of Education remains committed to its universal preschool strategy.

Speaking at the Access Accelerator Small Business Development Centres (SBDC) Presentation of Grants for Preschool Owners at the SMDC Gladstone Road Freight Terminal, the prime minister said the goal of providing grants to expand privately-owned preschools is to make more seats available for preschoolers, and to enable the government to meet its targets to achieve universal preschool education.

I am very happy to be here today for this grant ceremony that will help to advance our vision of universal preschool education, said Minnis.

We are focused on assisting with the development of the physical infrastructure to facilitate universal preschool. Toward this end, one million dollars will be made available for preschools directors.

He added, Let me congratulate and encourage those who are receiving these grants. I wish you well in your endeavors to help in the nurturing and growth of our preschoolers.

Minnis said the funds will facilitate the opening new preschools, the expansion of existing facilities or the improvement of standards at an existing preschool facility; and also said the emphasis is on neighborhoods where there are fast-growing populations and where the need is great for preschool seats.

Around 3,300 vouchers valued at approximately $6.6 million have been distributed to over 100 privately-owned preschools for the three academic years of 2018/2019 to 2020/2021, according to Minnis.

He also said that since 2018, approximately 1,825 new preschool seats were made available in a program over the two academic years of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020, and that the Ministry of Education is currently still enrolling preschoolers for the 2020 academic year, notwithstanding the present challenges of COVID-19.

The Family Islands are part of The Bahamas, too

Minnis also reaffirmed the governments commitment that any educator with preschool knowledge who is qualified and wants to open a preschool on a Family Island will be given the same benefits as those on New Providence.

I want to remind the Family Islands that they are a part of The Bahamas and they, too, should be given the same benefits and the same advantages as here in New Providence, he said.

We have made a commitment to the Family Islands so that their preschoolers will also able to take advantage of this educational grant and that preschool education is provided.

Minnis said the government will provide free of charge the land for any preschool being constructed on a Family Island, and that the government will remove all forms of duty and provide all of the concessions to ensure the school is built so that Family Islanders may take advantage.

He said the government will ensure that the SBDC will have sufficient funds to provide the grants to those individuals so that they can get started.

The prime minister also briefly noted four other major objectives to improve learning outcomes for children and young people living in The Bahamas, including strengthening literacy by improving student learning outcomes in English at the third-grade level.

We are increasing the high school graduation rate by improving student learning outcomes for the Bahamas high school criteria, said Minnis.

According to the prime minister, the government began a digital transformation program for the government-operated school system by upgrading the internet infrastructure and Wi-Fi connectivity in all schools and by providing digital devices for students and teachers.

He stated that the government also launched a school modernization program through the construction, renovation and expansion of existing schools to accommodate additional classrooms.

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PM affirms govt commitment to preschools, says Family Island preschools will receive same benefits as NP - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) yesterday confirmed that it is on track to spud its exploratory well within six weeks, with the company indicating that it plans to complete all well activities prior to mid-April 2021.

The company in an update to investors yesterday noted that Perseverance #1 is on track to spud before the end of 2020 and that drilling of this potential basin-opening well anticipated to take between 45 and 60 days, with tight-hole procedures in place. The company also indicated that it is targeting recoverable prospective resources of 0.7 billion barrels of oil, with an upside of 1.44 billion barrels.

Stena Drillings Stena ICEMax drillship is preparing to set sail soon to The Bahamas to spud the well. The company said yesterday that the drillship had completed all necessary vessel and equipment inspections, and is scheduled to leave the dock in the Canary Islands before the end of this month.

The company also indicated that it has received formal notification from the government of The Bahamas of a further extension of the second exploration period of BPCs licenses, from mid-April 2021 to the end of June 2021, reflective of the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 force majeure.

Simon Potter, BPC CEO, said, Many shareholders have been extremely patient and have stayed the distance, as has the majority of the management team, and we are now in the position to deliver the Perseverance #1 exploration well in compliance with our long-held exploration licenses in The Bahamas. Perseverance #1 is a potentially basin-opening well, with the kind of scale and associated value uplift exposure rarely offered outside of oil majors.

At the same time, our activities, in the event of success, have the capacity to be economically transformative for the nation of The Bahamas, and could ultimately contribute billions of dollars in royalty revenues to the national treasury, at a time when the dual impact of recent hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard-felt by most Bahamians.

Potter added, Many other nations in the region such as USA, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and Guyana have over the past decade safely and responsibly drilled offshore wells, developed or continue to develop offshore hydrocarbon resources and reaped the economic benefits of an established or a whole new industry. Moreover, these other nations have been able to do so at the same time as seeing growth and development of existing industry sectors, such as tourism. BPC is fully committed to ensuring safe and responsible operations, and has assembled an experienced team of drilling personnel, supported by many of the worlds largest and most respected oil services contractors, with a collective track record of drilling many thousands of wells safely, all around the globe. We are especially pleased that one of the most modern, technically capable drilling vessels in the world will soon leave port ahead of drilling. In support of this, logistics plans to mobilize both equipment and personnel safely to site have been finalized, funding is in place and we have completed a huge body of work to ensure that best practices have been applied as our health and environmental safety plans and protocols have been developed, contracted and approved.

As the oil explorer pushes towards drilling its exploratory well, its efforts have been met with fierce opposition from environmentalists. The company steadfastly maintained that its environmental submissions are fully compliant with Bahamian law as well as international standards and best practices

The company yesterday noted that in accordance with Bahamian law and the terms of its licences, it was required to prepare and submit a comprehensive Environmental Authorization to the government of The Bahamas, inclusive of a detailed environmental impact assessment and environmental management plan.

This was reviewed for the government of The Bahamas by independent third-party industry experts, and certified to be in compliance with not only all applicable Bahamian laws and regulations, but consistent with all applicable international standards, guidelines, regulations and global best practice. Following that review, BPCs proposed drilling program for Perseverance #1 was approved by the government of The Bahamas, and Environmental Authorization was granted. The approvals obtained relate specifically to the drilling of Perseverance #1, such that in the event of success, drilling of any subsequent wells in The Bahamas will be subject to a separate and equally exhaustive approvals process, BPCs statement read.

It, The drilling program for Perseverance #1 is expected to take between 45 and 60 days, and will be undertaken on a tight-hole basis an industry protocol (and one required by the government of The Bahamas) whereby real-time well information and drilling results will generally be kept confidential until the conclusion of drilling and testing procedures, and until any appropriate notifications to government representatives have been made. The well has been designed specifically as an exploration well, with the sole objective of establishing the presence of hydrocarbons through a range of tests that will be conducted as the well is drilled. Perseverance #1 has not been designed to ever operate as a production well, such that at the conclusion of the drilling program the well will be permanently sealed and then abandoned.

BPC also noted that it is currently working with the government of The Bahamas appointed third-party expert adviser, international environmental consultants Black & Veatch, on a number of technical items relating to the Perseverance #1 drilling program.

As agreed with the government of The Bahamas, one or more Black & Veatch experts will be stationed onboard the Stena IceMAX during drilling operations, and will oversee the entire drilling program, with a specific mandate from the government of The Bahamas to observe and report on specific tasks, activities and operations, including observing the baseline seafloor survey and testing of drilling fluids to ensure compliance with mandated safety requirements, oversight of environmental compliance activities during drilling activities and thereafter during decommissioning and abandonment activities and monitoring drilling practices, procedures and activities, to assure compliance with the program environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental management plan (EMP), the statement read.

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BPC on track to spud exploratory well in six weeks - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Former employees of Sky Bahamas claim that they are collectively owed $740,000 in back pay, vacation entitlement and severance.

The former employees of the beleaguered airline said in a statement yesterday that an arbitration hearing on the matter is set for today before the Industrial Tribunal at their request.

The dispute has reportedly been filed by 40 of the airlines 48 former employees, 13 of whom were managers.

The former employees claim that salary payment issues stem as far back as May 2019, two months before the local carrier ceased operations.

Sky Bahamas was grounded last July after being denied an air operators certificate by the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority. The air operator certificate is required to carry fee-paying passengers. The airline was subsequently evicted from its head office a month later. At the time, Sky Bahamas Principal Captain Randy Butler told Eyewitness Newsthe airlines losses were over $24 million.

We were totally abandoned by the company, said one former staff member. We have all suffered a very difficult time during the pandemic. Many are still struggling with unemployment while Sky Bahamas continues to refuse to pay us what they owe.

Several of the employees who were stationed in Abaco and Grand Bahama lost everything in Hurricane Dorian. Seven of them lost their homes or were displaced and are still struggling to find food and shelter for their children.

Attempts to reach Butler were unsuccessful yesterday; however, the former staff members say they are interested in the outcome of the recent action brought against him.

In a Supreme Court writ, Butler is accused of conspiring with Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest in a bogus loan scheme which defrauded two companies controlled by Canadian businessman Fred Kaiser of some $30 million.

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Former Sky Bahamas employees claim they are owed $740000 in back pay - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Bahamas Professional Golf Association (BPGA) highlighted the contributions of Albany Bahamas and Bakers Bay Golf and Ocean Club to the continued development of golf professionals in The Bahamas.

Two pros who received their support were Keno Turnquest and Raquel Riley, according to a statement.

The BPGA said Albany was instrumental in assisting Keno Turnquest in obtaining a British PGA, Class AA Certification from the University of Birmingham while he worked at Albany.

He is currently the first assistant golf pro at Albany Bahamas.

In 2004, Turnquest started as an assistant golf professional at The Abaco Club under the tutelage of Tom Mackenzie.

He turned pro a year later and during the next six years, he won multiple times in the BPGA championships and was part of the world cup qualifiers for The Bahamas.

In 2010, Turnquest joined Albany Bahamas as a services manager and was promoted to assistant pro two years later.

Turnquest said: Obtaining my Class AA Certification was strenuous because of the written exams and having to play in eight events a year to maintain a certain golf average. Class AA is for certified golf professionals who are serious about working in the industry.

Besides the game, it has a lot of elements like business management, golf equipment repairs, marketing, health focus physiology and biomechanics, finance and purchasing.

Turnquest added: Albany is interested in the betterment of the tourism industry and Bahamians, and they want to create an internationally renowned product. I appreciate the support that I have received from Christopher Anand and Damien Mitchelmore for helping to further my education and career.

Raquel Riley started her career at Bakers Bay in 2012. While caddying for the Buccaneer Tournament, her proficiency caught the attention of Golf Director Peter Whalen, who is currently the general manager.

According to the statement, Whalen hired her as the first female golf pro at Bakers Bay to fill the role of assistant golf professional.

Bakers Bay further invested in Rileys LPGA Club Professional Training.

At a young age, Riley started golf under the tutelage of Vernon Lockhart. She graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Sports Management at Hampton University, where she played for four years, earning MVP in her junior and senior years.

She has also worked for the PGA Tour Championship in Houston, Texas, and it was during that year that she earned experience in all aspects of tournament operations. For a few years, Riley played pro golf on the Futures Tour traveling around the United States, and captured her first victory in 2008 at the Magnolia Ladies Championship on the Sun Coast Ladies Tour in Florida.

Riley remained in South Florida teaching and playing until returning home in 2010, where she ran a junior golf program at the Ruby Golf Course in Freeport and caddied until moving to Abaco.

I love golf, she said in the statement.

I grew up looking up to the Maycock brothers, Chris Lewis and the late Percy Major, all of whom inspired me to take my game and golf knowledge to the next level.Professional golf is my life. I feel that my role is to help future golfers start with the right fundamentals of the game and learn golf the right way.

Riley joined the BPGA in July and has stepped in to take on the role of secretary.

Chris Lewis, president of the BPGA, thanked Albany and Bakers Bay for their corporate sponsorships.

Although COVID-19 has restricted us, we continued our work, said Lewis.

Raquel is the first female executive committee member of the BPGA, and we are truly pleased to have her representation which will bring good diversity and perspective.

For more information about the BPGA, interested parties may contact Chris Lewis at 242-727-1690 or by email at clewisgolfpro@hotmail.com.

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Bahamas Professional Golf Association recognizes contributions of Albany Bahamas and Bakers Bay Golf and Ocean Club - EyeWitness News

Partypoker, in conjunction with the World Poker Tour (WPT), has announced plans for 2021, with a mix of live and online stops scheduled across the year.

Three of the four live events announced so far will take place in Sochi, Russia: Two run in conjunction with the WPT; a third is a MILLIONS-branded Super High Roller.

The only non-Sochi event announced last week is the Caribbean Poker Party. For the first time in its history, this moved online for 2020 due to the coronavirus; the operator hopes that by late 2021 it will be able to return to the Bahamas.

Despite ongoing [uncertainty] with regards to live events, we can promise players a schedule packed full of WPT festivals in 2021, Tom Waters, partypoker Managing Director, said via press release. We are looking forward to working with the WPT team to produce schedules of the highest quality, both live and online.

On the virtual felt there are four series set for next year, including MILLIONS Online, now confirmed for February. The rest are in association with the WPT, including Januarys WPT Montreal and the return of two huge 2020 series: WPT Online and WPT World Online Championships.

Guarantees are still pending for all of the events, with more details to be released soon.

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WPT, MILLIONS Online, Russia and the Bahamas: Partypoker Releases Live and Online Schedule for 2021 - Pokerfuse

As The Islands of The Bahamas open for international travel, Baha Mar looks forward to creating an environment for registered resort guests seeking a spectacular vacation experience through safely reimagined guest experiences.The Baha Mar Commitment to Wellbeingenhances hygiene and sanitization practices across Baha Mar Resort, Baha Mar Casino and The Performing Arts & Convention Center which exceed recommendations ofThe Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The Baha MarCommitment to Wellbeing includes revised cleanliness protocols that go above and beyond Baha Mar's already rigorous standards, covering all brandsacross Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood Baha Mar, as well as Meli Nassau Beach.Furthermore, the standards also include enhanced housekeeping and engineering, heightened food safety and digital ordering, touchless payments, and additional technology methods that allow for an abundance of contactless experiences from the moment guests check in at Baha Mar resort destination.Click herefor more information onThe Baha Mar Commitment to Wellbeing.

"We are thrilled to welcome back our associates and share Baha Mar with our guests once again," saidGraeme Davis, President, Baha Mar."Resilient as ever, the Baha Mar team has persevered by looking toward a bright future, dedicated to preparing the resort for a successful reopening this December.Our focus on safety, health and well-being is our number one priority, and we have built upon the natural strengths and intimate experiences of the resort destination to re-introduce signature and new guest offerings. Over the past few months, Baha Mar has also continued with the resort destination's expansion as an investment in the future of The Bahamas and the hospitality industry."

On-property construction continued throughout the resort's temporary closure as part of Phase II, a $300 million investment in the evolution of the integrated resort destination, includingcontemporary upgrades and improvements to Meli Nassau Beach and other outdoor offerings, such as Baha Bay Beach Club, and Baha Bay - the all new luxury aquatic experience, anticipated for completion in 2021; new dining including the debut of Sugar Factory, America's favorite eatery and confectionary shop; and additions to the resort's portfolio of luxury retail partnerships. The resort is also focused on enriching its signature amenities including state-of-the-art kid-friendly activities, refreshed wellness offerings, private art classes at The Current and more.

Outdoor ActivitiesSince its opening just over three years ago, Baha Mar has provided guests with a collection of intimate experiences that have naturally evolved into an appealing haven for those looking to safely vacation in the Caribbean. Set along the expansive pristine white sands of Cable Beach andthe turquoise waters,Baha Mar features an abundance of outdoor activities for sun-soaked days, warm island breezes and nights under the stars - from spacious private cabanas ateight of our signature poolstoRoyal Blue Golf Course, individual tennis at Baha MarRacquet Cluband educational encounters with nurse sharks, stingrays, and flamingos.

Internationally Inspired CuisineThe phasedreopening beginningon December 17 will include the opening of many of Baha Mar's leading restaurants with alfresco dining and dreamy open-air vistas overlooking the resort pools, beaches and resort fountain shows, including:Katsuya,Filia,3 Tides Fish House,Stix Noodle Bar,DriftandCarna by Dario Cecchinisteakhouse.

Baha Mar CasinoThe glamorous Baha Mar Casino will re-open with detailed safety protocol and guidelines in place. The largest casino in the Caribbean boasts 100,000 square feet of gaming space, state-of-the-art slot machines, table games, race and sports betting, mobile gaming, and exclusive high roller gaming salons with ample space for socially distant gaming. Private gaming areas will also be available to resort guests. The casino's island-inspired design is complimented by natural daylight and breathtaking pool and ocean views.

New Retail ShoppingThe resort destination will also introduce new retail partnerships with luxury fashion and lifestyle brands, includingMontblanc,Tory Burch,Hackettof London,Satchel and Co. andCarlo Milano. These well-known brands join Baha Mar's curated collection of luxury boutiques, including Cartier, Rolex, Bvlgari, Chopard, Vilebrequin, Lilly Pulitzer, Tropic of Luxury and many more.

Baha Mar Explorers ClubNew in 2020, Baha Mar's state-of-the-art Explorers Club encompasses over 6,000 square feet, offering an abundance of exciting activities, educational wildlife encounters and games to entertain the young explorers, ages 3-12. Experienced Explorer Counselors will spend time teaching kids about tropical marine and land animals as well as Bahamian art, culture and history through art projects, culinary experiments and games, as well as educational wildlife experiences at The Sanctuary.

Refresh and RejuvenateThe Caribbean's first and only flagshipESPAspa follows the brand's location-inspired philosophy, bringing Baha Mar guests an experience rooted in the unique beauty of The Bahamas' natural surroundings. Perched above pristine white-sands and tranquil turquoise waters, this inviting atmosphere is designed to calm, soothe, and bring clarity to mind, body, and spirit. 24 luxurious private rooms provide serene settings for expert treatments and therapies combining proven traditional practices with the most progressive concepts in health and wellness.

Global Hub for Bahamian Culture & ArtsWith more than 2,500 pieces of extraordinary artwork sprinkled throughout the property,Baha Mar ishome to the Bahamas'impressiveart gallery,The Current,the largest public art collection and the newest art gallery on the island, featuring original works from some of the top talent in the Caribbean. Designed to support local artists and promote Bahamian arts, The Current is the resort destination's original arts program, gallery, and studio spaceproviding a strong creative community through captivating exhibitions, (private) outdoor workshops and lectures, artist residences and partnerships with local collectors an organic way for Baha Mar to continue strengthening the economy in Nassau and beyond.The Current will launch a Shopify store to sell art and provide curating services for guests who wish to own a piece of the Bahamas in their own homes.

Staying at Baha MarTo safely vacation in The Islands of The Bahamas and at Baha Mar beginning December 17, travelers are required to obtain a COVID-19 RT PCR test five days prior to arrival, apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa, take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test on day five of the visit, complete a daily online health questionnaire for symptom tracking and always wear a face covering and practice social distancing in public places. Beginning November 14, visitors will be required to opt-in for mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for the Health Travel Visa, covering travelers for the duration of their stay in the Bahamas. Additionally, Baha Mar guests will be required to take a complimentary Antigen Test during the check-in process at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. All Baha Mar associates will be tested prior to returning to work and on a weekly basis to maintain the resort's commitment to health and safety.

Grand Hyatt is accepting reservation for stays beginning December 17.Baha Mar will reopen at a maximum of 60% capacity. To ensure confidence in booking future stays during this time, Baha Mar has introduced a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for trip cancellations up to 24 hours before guest's arrival.

In celebration of Baha Mar's return, the resort destination is introducing "Spectacular Awaits" offer. Guests booking three nights stays will receive the fourth night free. To book your "Spectacular Awaits" offer, visit BahaMar.com.

About Baha MarBaha Mar is a master planned $4.2 billion integrated resort development operated by Hong Kong-based conglomerate Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited (CTFE). The white sand beach destination includes three global brand operators Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood with over 2,300 rooms and 40 restaurants and lounges, the largest casino in the Caribbean, a state-of-the-art convention center, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Royal Blue Golf Course, the Caribbean's first and only flagship ESPA spa, and over 30 luxury retail outlets. Baha Mar is a breathtaking location with dynamic programming, activities and guest offerings in one of the most beautiful places in the world The Bahamas. For more information and reservations, visitwww.bahamar.com.

SOURCE Baha Mar

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Baha Mar, The Leading Resort Destination In The Bahamas, Announces Its Reopening, Welcoming Back Guests Beginning December 17, 2020 - PRNewswire

CG Atlantic Medical & Life, a Bahamas-based company within the Bermuda-based Coralisle Group, is working with The Bahamas government to provide overseas visitors with covid-19 safe-travel insurance protection.

CG Atlantic was selected by The Bahamas Government last month to provide mandatory insurance protection for its tourists. The company said it had worked closely with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism to customise solutions that meet the needs of visitors, including coverage for on-island medical expenses, medical evacuations, vacation interruption due to quarantine requirements, and repatriation.

A spokesperson said: "Beginning 14 November, CG Atlantic's covid-19 health insurance program will enable tourists to visit the islands of The Bahamas confident that they have comprehensive insurance protection.

The Bahamas Government can be confident that this programme will protect its tourists and the Bahamian people"

"CG Atlantic was selected by the Bahamas government in October to provide mandatory insurance protection for its tourists. The company has since worked closely with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism to customise solutions that meet the needs of visitors, including coverage for on-island medical expenses, medical evacuations, vacation interruption due to quarantine requirements, and repatriation."

Naz Farrow, CG's CEO, added: "The health and wellbeing of our clients, their loved ones and the people they work with are integral to the business mission of the Coralisle Group of companies. The safe travel programme undertaken by CG Atlantic is a natural extension of our people-first practices and we are very proud of the work they are doing.

"The Bahamas Government can be confident that this programme will protect its tourists and the Bahamian people while helping to build and sustain its tourism economy."

Visitors can access the insurance programme, which starts on November 14, at The Bahamas Tourism website https://travel.gov.bs/international.

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CG to roll out covid-19 travel insurance in Bahamas - International Investment

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The Bahamas has been surpassed in popularity by Turks and Caicos as the top destination of choice in the region, a US travel insurance aggregator has found.

Travel insurance aggregator Squaremouth has listed Turks and Caicos as the fifth most popular destination overall.

It furthered border closures and travel restrictions have drastically changed where Americans are traveling, with the majority heading south to the Caribbean.

The company noted that its list of top destinations was historically ruled by European countries, which have since closed their borders, leading to a significant shift in traveler behavior.

Islands in the Caribbean now comprise half of the top ten destinations of American travelers.

The company compares travel insurance policies from every major travel insurance provider in the United States.

It noted that Turks and Caicos, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, and Aruba have never before been among the most popular destinations.

Prior to COVID-19, The Bahamas and Costa Rica were the only Caribbean countries to ever make the top ten list, Squaremouth stated.

While The Bahamas ranks sixth overall on its list, Turks and Caicos is ranked 5th, a massive jump from its 60th place ranking last year.

The company did not indicate what may have contributed to the Turks and Caicos jump in the rankings.

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Bahamas edged out by Turks and Caicos in popularity among American travelers in ranking - EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS Former Minister of State for Finance James Smith indicated yesterday that the US presidential election set for tomorrow has wide-sweeping implications for The Bahamas economic survival amid the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the former minister, the Trump administrations handling of the pandemic leaves much to be desired.

Generally speaking, it is in Bahamians interest to have an administration that would take this thing more seriously, clear it up for the United States and hence for us, Smith toldEyewitness News.

He underscored the different approaches to the coronavirus pandemic between US President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, and the proposed plans of former US Vice President Joe Biden, the Democratic candidate for US president.

For example, while Trump has been opposed to making mask-wearing mandatory, Biden has called for a national mask mandate.

Health experts, who project a dark winter with the virus, have pointed to growing evidence that wearing face masks reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

The candidates have also taken different approaches to the campaign amid the pandemic, with Biden instituting social distancing measures and limiting attendees, while Trump has allowed large crowds to attend rallies.

The virus has killed more than 230,000 people in the US and more than 9 million Americans have contracted the virus.

This election I think has another dimension to it because our main industry is tourism, which is dependent on the administrations view of containing the pandemic in a sense that unless the US president can control, [the US] will continue to have a very depressed economy, meaning high unemployment, people not working, and people running down savings, he said.

When that happens, theyre unable to travel.

Smith, a leading economist and former governor of the Central Bank of The Bahamas, continued: The longer it takes them to get their pandemic under control the longer we have to wait to be able to successfully open our tourism economy, and we obviously depend on them for 80 percent of the tourists.

Smith said in the past there was a belief that The Bahamas stood a better chance in the past with Republican administrations, which would not lockstep with the OECDs policies and tend to be not as hard with our financial services as democrats.

But Smith said The Bahamas once robust financial services sector has contracted in half following a decade-long siege by the OECD.

Reflecting on the Obama administration, the economist said the former president was in lockstep with the international financial services watchdog and its KYC (Know Your Customer) AML/CTF compliance regime.

Even though Bahamians would tend to generally favor the Democrats because of the multi-diversity of the party and etc. and of course the African Americas generally supportive of the Democrats that would have been our political choice, but we always felt the Republic administration were usually more favorable on the economic impact on The Bahamas, he said.

But with the course of this pandemic, I am thinking that the critical consideration for both the US and us is basically controlling or severely mitigating the impact of the pandemic.

And as you know the current administration is almost pretending that it does not exist.

He added: Indeed it could be argued that if they had taken it more seriously, the US and world leaders, who have some of the best scientists in the world and if they had kept along with the WHO the entire globe could have been further advanced in dealing with the pandemic, which would have helped us as well because we are always able to get direct assistance from the United States in matters like this.

In July, Trump announced the US withdrawal from WHO, declaring the organization had failed its mandate and declined to adopt urgently needed reforms, starting with demonstrating its independence from the Chinese Communist Party.

The US has continued to cut ties with the organization, which is expected to conclude in July 2021.

The economy has traditionally been a major issue in US presidential elections.

This time around, much of the debate has centered around the pandemic and the governments handling of the health crisis.

The impact of the pandemic on todays election, ranging from voter turnout to whether it will be a key point on which voters will base their choice, remains to be seen.

During a Foreign Press Center virtual tour of the US election hosted by the US Department of State, Quinnipiac University Poll Director and Vice President Dr Dough Schwartz noted that despite an impeachment of the president, racial justice protests, the pandemic and a contentious Supreme Court nomination, the US presidential race has remained very stable.

The economy is usually a major issue in U.S. Presidential elections. This time around, I would add the COVID-19 pandemic being a major issue in the election. Simply because it affects people so directly in their daily lives and has had a big impact on the economy. That is something that is affecting the U.S. election.

In the polls, Biden has led Trump nationally and in numerous key battleground states.

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Smith: Outcome of US election has implications on The Bahamas' survival - EyeWitness News

The Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) has provided financial support to athletes from the country who are trying to qualify for the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The undisclosed amount of funding has been given to those hoping to represent the nation at Tokyo 2020 next year through the BOC Athletes' Welfare Commission, established by the National Olympic Committee in May.

In a statement, the BOC said it would also "reach out beyond the Olympic-bound athletes to provide assistance to other categories of athletes in the near future".

Installing an application process for funding and providing assistance to athletes attempting to qualify for the Olympic Games, pushed back to 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic, was among the first tasks given to the Athletes' Welfare Commission.

The Bahamas have a number of athletes likely to compete at Tokyo 2020, including 400 metres Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, sprinters Steven Gardiner, Samson Colebrooke and Tynia Gaither and high jumpers Donald Thomas and Jamal Wilson.

A separate fund of $30,000 (24,200/26,700) has been made available by the BOC to athletes struggling as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

Grants will be distributed through the Athletes' Welfare Commission, although professional athletes will not be eligible to receive funding.

Athletes with sponsorships from sportswear manufactures will also not be considered.

The Bahamas has sent athletes to every Summer Olympic Games since Los Angeles 1984.

The Caribbean nation has won a total of 14 Olympic medals, including six golds.

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Athletes aiming for Tokyo 2020 qualification receive funding from Bahamas NOC - Insidethegames.biz