Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaks on Friday. (BIS Photo/Yontalay Bowe)
PLP leader supports new measures
PLP leader Philip 'Brave' Davis has given the party's support to the full lockdown announced by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis - though reiterated that the party is continuing to call for more comprehensive testing.
In a statement, he said: "This afternoon you heard the Prime Minister say he consulted with me on the additional measures that he announced this evening which shuts down the country from 8pm this evening until Monday morning 6th April at 5am.
"I wish to say to our supporters, people of goodwill and all Bahamians that we base our decisions about support on the evidence. The professional people indicated that they needed a more complete time of quiet and public inactivity in order to defeat the virus. We are asking all to give these measures time to work."
He insisted that the party was concerned for the effect of coronavirus and the measures to contain it on the most vulnerable.
He said: "I want to assure you however that our concern remains for the poor and needy. There are people who have no food. We must prepare to feed these people and provide support for them. We made our concern for them plain to the Prime Minister.
"The Opposition also continues to stand by its previously held positions of comprehensive testing. These isolation measures cannot be successful unless there is such testing.
"We now repeat our pledge of critical support of these measures. We want the country to succeed. We stand ready to encourage broad support of the measures outlined but we remain watchful on behalf of the public."
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced on Friday more stringent measures to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including a complete shutdown of all services in the country until Monday morning.
The new order does not apply to hospitals, hotels with guests, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Defence Force, OPBAT, security companies, media personnel and essential workers for Bahamas Power and Light and the Water and Sewerage Corporations.
Noting the new restrictions as necessary to save lives in the country, Dr Minnis urged Bahamian people to stay home and adhere to the social distancing guidelines.
At 5am on Monday, the prime minister said, the previous curfew will be back in effect.
He said: “There are still too many people on the road going out and about and unfortunately, some people are not taking this matter seriously. We have stepped up police enforcement including in hotspots.
“The physical distancing measures are critical in this fight so I say to you again, please I implore you, I beg you to stay at home. I repeat stay at home.
“Whatever must be done, will be done and it will be painful, but it will save lives.”
Dr Minnis said when the House of Assembly convenes on Monday, officials will provide the Bahamian public with further updates concerning the new orders.
However, in the meantime, Dr Minnis is advising members of the public to comply with the laws.
Also speaking at yesterday’s press conference was Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands who said officials will adjust health services to ensure no vulnerable person will be left out during the increased lockdown.
The health minister’s statement came after he confirmed that five of the 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19 are healthcare workers, making up more than 20 percent of confirmed cases.
More than 50 workers, he said, have been taken out of the health care system and are in quarantine.
Noting the matter as a “grave concern”, Dr Sands said it’s important for individuals to take the virus seriously to ensure healthcare workers are not exposed to the virus, as it diminishes the ability of the health system to respond.
“Healthcare workers make up a significant percentage of those infected. Losing healthcare workers in the middle of a surge can have a catastrophic effect,” he stressed.
“Let me explain, if there are fewer trained people to administer care because they are sick, fewer people can be treated and the quality of care diminishes.”
“Consequently, more people die when health care workers catch this virus and hospital systems become strained or they collapse so we must protect our healthcare workers.”
He continued: “This is a grave concern that 21 percent of our cases are healthcare workers. This high percentage of exposure to our healthcare workforce cannot continue or we will find ourselves without enough workers (and) without enough skilled health care providers to wage this war on COVID-19.
“I need you to do your part to protect our healthcare workers and to not overburden the system.”
Dr Sands urged people with any health or other COVID-19 related questions to call the medical professionals in the country or the Ministry of Health’s 24-hour hotline at 376-9350.
Dr Sands said that so far, 281 tests have been carried out by healthcare personnel.
He later added that more than 70 ventilators are now in the country. However, the health minister was clear that not all ventilators will be used for “COVID-19 management” as some will be required for patients with heart problems and other illnesses.
He said: “When you ask the question how many people are trained in the commonwealth of The Bahamas (for ventilators), it is probably a little or less than 100 people total.”
“We believe that there are more than enough ventilators in The Bahamas. We do not intend at this point, to place ventilators in community centers where they will be more dangerous than helpful and so where there are intensive care beds and intensive care beds in Grand Bahama, there will concentrate our critical care initiatives.”
The absence of ventilators and other critical medical supplies has sparked concerns about the readiness of Family Islands for COVID-19, with many telling The Tribune they are unprepared for the virus despite assurances from the government.
To date, there are 24 confirmed coronavirus cases in the country, with nearly 300 people in quarantine.
The country recorded its first confirmed COVID-19 death on Wednesday - a Bimini resident and mother of three, Kim Johnson-Rolle.
However, on Friday, the number of COVID-19 deaths rose to three after health officials revealed that two COVID-19 patients who were being hospitalised died Thursday night
Dr Sands said the patients included a 67-year-old female and a 79-year-old male.
Health officials said investigations are being conducted into the details surrounding the cases.
As it relates to the other coronavirus cases, Dr Sands said while the majority of patients are stable, some are very ill.
Reiterating the importance of social distancing, Dr Sands added: “By now we all know about this pandemic. We all know about this virus. The question is now, will we listen? Will we comply? Your compliance is what will defeat this virus.”
“You staying at home, following the emergency orders, listening to public health advice, doing those things will defeat COVID-19. This is not just a crisis unfolding on TV around the world. This virus is here.”
“I need you to listen. I need you to stay at home. I need you to comply.”
Comments
Bonefishpete 4 years, 7 months ago
I personally think we are getting into the Cure is worst than the disease territory.
joeblow 4 years, 7 months ago
… no, we need a shut down, but not in small doses like this. If we had shut this country down properly one month ago, there would be virtually no new cases. That's a fact!
Dawes 4 years, 7 months ago
How long should we shut down for though? And should we shut down each time a new case is discovered. Seeing as they don't expect a cure for 12-18 months should we now shut down for that long?
Jmv 4 years, 7 months ago
We have a shut down, but people are still out there like they are not checking, complete fools and defiant
proudloudandfnm 4 years, 7 months ago
What do you suggest?
Accept that people will die and just go about our business? What happens if we lift the restrictions and the disease runs rampant?
Which is worse? Death or going without for a while?
I really wish we could cut everything that lying moron in Washington says from our airwaves. He is without a doubt the dumbest president in history.
Dawes 4 years, 7 months ago
Reopen but those at high risk self isolate.
joeblow 4 years, 7 months ago
Closing down everything for two days will accomplish nothing. They have no sustained strategy and seem clueless if they can't mimic what America is doing.
-All wash houses must be closed indefinitely. People can wash at home, one piece at a time if need be!
-Police must be stationed at all grocery stores and banks and couples and families in stores should be cited.
-All cars with more than two persons in it should be stopped by police!
-No person who is coughing or sneezing should be in a public space.
-Medical clinics must remain open as different kinds of emergencies can arise, but should turn away all walk in patients who do not absolutely need to see a doctor at this time. All patients should call the clinic first so an over the phone assessment can be made to determine if they need to be seen urgently.
Lastly, the government has to be honest. They are not testing people who have complaints and are telling everybody who calls the hotline to self-isolate without testing for the virus. This is madness and will only prolong the economic recovery and encourage the spread of this virus!
People must remember that the virus jumps from person to person. If we severely restrict movement of people then you automatically reduce spread of the virus.
https://video.foxnews.com/v/61464223470…
Economist 4 years, 7 months ago
It is clear the PM has no idea of what he is doing.
What if you were planing to go tomorrow to get groceries as you have not been for a week?
I guess he believes that you can starve the virus.
How can you plan when he keeps dumping things on you?
You had better go out at every opportunity as you never know when he will do something stupid.
Well_mudda_take_sic 4 years, 7 months ago
What took you so long to realise he's a born loser? I'm fearful he will take down our country by instigating, through his sillier orders and obvious power trip, riots and looting. The more he tightens his 'way-too-late' and now over-bearing restrictions, the more desperate the public becomes. One has to wonder whether he's deliberately inciting a widespread sense of despair more deadly than the Red China Virus itself.
TalRussell 4 years, 7 months ago
I've always supported the principal behind comrade prime minister's curfew and likewise weekend shutdown.
Let's hope the PM, GG, Chief Constabulary, AG and ministers health and security, and minister creole translations Frankie, does likewise adhere.
Too many blue plated vehicles are still out driving around and I guess it's okay that hotels still have paying guests and for the hotels and their facilities remain wide free spending open. Nod once for yeah, twice for no?
John 4 years, 7 months ago
There are two fundamental things that should be pondered. I will go into the first one and see if anyone grasped the second one from the news conference. Something very fundamental and relative to this weekend full lockdown. Come on investigative reporters, get on your game. It may be good news! Even if I hold it back until Monday it will still be relaxant! But anyway especially since most travel between family islands have been suspended, Minnis and Duane Sands dem should have divided the country up into geographical zones for the sake of battling this Corona virus. Meaning that New Providence and Grand Bahama (-and Bimini). Are now being the hardest hit and are clearing the epicenters of the virus. But all the family islands, including the far south are on the same lockdown orders as these two islands. Yes? So when the corona has peaked in New Providence and Grand Bahama, it may just be reaching those other islands. Meaning they will have to go through additional weeks of lockdown. And meaning that if the virus is proved not to reinfect a population, as in the case in China, the decision will have to be made either to keep the entire nation on lockdown or just the southern islands. Economics vs health and safety
joeblow 4 years, 7 months ago
.. the government foolishly encourage flights into the islands AFTER the virus was confirmed in Nassau. That was dangerously stupid. Once those islands had no flights or boats going into them they would have no concerns about infections spontaneously arising and people would have been free to move around freely as they chose! Too little, too late!!
DEDDIE 4 years, 7 months ago
The government has me confuse with this one. Come Monday the food store lines will be crazy. The weekend lockdown accomplishes nothing accept to add to the distrust that already exist among the population. Government said on numerous occasion don't stock-up on food and then this. Grand Bahama doesn't have potable water so those who had planned to refilled tomorrow or even shopped probably cussing the PM.
DDK 4 years, 7 months ago
Perhaps the weekend is the least disruptive time to give the contagion a pause, and we should all at least hope and pray that it is beneficial to the ENTIRE Country.
joeblow 4 years, 7 months ago
… unfortunately it cannot because the virus survives on certain surface for at least five days and people can have asymptomatic spread for at least 10-14 days. So the shut down should be at least 2 weeks minimally!
By social distancing you reduce the opportunity for the virus to jump from one person to another! That is why it is absolutely necessary!!!
John 4 years, 7 months ago
Pay close attention to what happens in the next 48 hours! It may be like New Years Eve.. Mr watchman wat time Is it? Maybe Minnis and the government is erring on the side of caution.
ohdrap4 4 years, 7 months ago
ON MONDAY, i WILL WAKE UP AT 4AM AND LEAVE AT 5AM TO LINE UP AT THE FOOD STORE.
I WILL BRING SEVERAL BRICKS AND PLACE THEM IN THE APPOINTED SPACES IN FRONT OF THE FOOD STORE.
IN ADVANCE THE PLACE COSTS 5 DOLLARS. AT THE DOOR 10 DOLLARS FOR EACH BRICK. INCLUDES A MASK.
jackbnimble 4 years, 7 months ago
I support the lockdown. What I don’t support, however, is the timing. There are now videos on social media showing chaos at the food stores and people are not practicing social distancing which clearly defeats the purpose. This was not well thought out.
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 7 months ago
Some days I only read the comments...just dont have the time if you can believe that...and the comments tend to be more interesting.
I started replying exactly, exactly, exactly to each comment above. This here is the opposite of what theyre trying to accomplish. Everybody will be trying to get stuff done come Monday morning. Including the essential workers who thought they had the weekend to do their own shopping. This is just the opposite of planning. We should have known what the definition of a surge was from day 1. A scientific definition... Any number over X in Y period of time or a rate increase of Z etc. When X happens we have to do ABC for 1 week. We'll give you 2 days notice. Schedule will work as follows...and on and on.
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 7 months ago
This is chaos and dont point to the US please. Lack of planning and chaos is reigning there too.
RealTalk 4 years, 7 months ago
I am pretty sure that PM Minnis knows that Monday the shops are going to be crowded if the stores are opened back up. He will make an announcement on Sunday. To combat this, he will do the following:
If I'm wrong hit me with a conch :)
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 7 months ago
And what happens if you have to do banking business on Monday and your name starts with ZZZ? he's throwing the country into chaos with these knee jerk announcements. Just the other the entire insurance industry head spin around with his no need to pay statement
RealTalk 4 years, 7 months ago
The new schedule is MORE than appropriate for this global pandemic. The best part is no one can hit me with a conch now! Stay safe Bahamas
Topdude 4 years, 7 months ago
Everyone is now an armchair Prime Minister. Could we all , for once in a lifetime, rally around the Government? If you armchair pundits were in the shoes of the Prime Minister what would you do differently? Absolutely nothing.
Bahamians please come around to recognizing that we are headed into a depression. This means : Balance of Payments Deficit, exceptionally high unemployment rates, excessively high inflation and absolutely negative economic growth.
Translated into terms you must understand: zero tourism, increased illegal immigration, reduced government services, health morbidities like we have never seen before.
Now can you please rally around the Government and our Prime Minister. Please.
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 7 months ago
You do not rally around chaos. If its chaos you call it chaos. Or it might as well be heil Hitler . Someone in his camp needs to speak up. This seat of the pants has been happening since 2017. Remember everyone kept saying "they just get in, give them a break, they need more time". They're not bad people but someone inside or a group of someone's needs to speak up.
Cobalt 4 years, 7 months ago
Some of y’all Bahamian people really stupid, ya know. The entire world is dealing with a unique crisis you jackass! The Bahamian government is following the global standard and recommendations set forth by the experts that be. Of coarse the government is doing the right thing you fool.
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 7 months ago
Global standard? lol. I suppose you havent read any analysis that everyone except Singapore and Korea were behind the 8 ball? Have you ever heard the phrase just because everyone is doing it doesn't make it right? Britain, the US, Italy were all behind the 8 ball. The global standard was "late again and chaos". My goodness Italy told the world dont be like us. You know what Fauci said this week? We're gonna be like Italy. That's the standard you want to follow? Geez, let me be the jackass if you want "the standard". The road is narrow and few walk on it
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 7 months ago
All people are asking for is evidence of a holistic plan. When Cuomo had finally had enough of Trump's seat of the pants approach he said all we're doing is reacting to the virus, anticipate and get ahead of it. Sure they can shut down the country, but they can do it in an orderly fashion. He just had told the commission a few hours ago to go investigate the person who said he was shutting down the country...that cant be planning.
Cobalt 4 years, 7 months ago
Well I tell you what...... You go and run the country then. You go and run for PM and let me see what you would do.
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 7 months ago
the difference is I know I'm not qualified. I wouldn't do that ti the country just for ego. but I know some qualities to look for. It's like finding a car mechanic. I know when my car running properly but I can't fix it myself
Jmv 4 years, 7 months ago
They are just complacant arrogant fools...most likely PLPs who are complaining.
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 7 months ago
lol. the old attack is back again "you must be a PLP". We'll be screaming that all the way to the bottom of the canyon. By that logic everyone in the FNM just says yes suh boss, great job boss to whatever is proposed no matter
Well_mudda_take_sic 4 years, 7 months ago
@Topdude: Here's one thing I would definitely never do in a crisis like this. I would never ever order a shut down of the food stores, drive-thru restaurants and pharmacies. In fact I would order that these essentail businesses remain open during their normal business hours and days of the week to the extent reasonably possible. Some reduction in the business hours of the food stores may be necessary to allow store staff added time for cleaning and re-stocking of shelves. Government should provide adequate police presence at these essential business establishments to enforce the orderly conduct of all customers, including physical distancing. Store owners with police support and assistance would need to limit the number of customers in their stores to help adhere to the minimum 6 foot distancing requirement. The first hour and a half that an essential buiness is open each day should be exclusively reserved for customers age 60+ and/or who are disabled. This too should be strictly enforced by police presence and support to verify age by photo ID or substitute discetionary visual inspection of the customer, i.e. the customer clearly appears to be a senior or disabled person.
Nowhere in the US has access to essential businesses like food stores, drive-thru restaurants and pharmacies ever been restricted for fear of causing panic that possibly incites or results in widespread mass rioting and looting. The US President and State Governors are doing everything possible to avoid unecessary panic among Americans and our leaders would be wise to do likewise.
Well_mudda_take_sic 4 years, 7 months ago
And measures should be taken and enforced at the food stores to prevent hoarding by selfish and insensitive customers.
proudloudandfnm 4 years, 7 months ago
Nowhere in the US huh?
The country with the worst response on earth? That's what you want us to emulate?
Pulease shut the hell up...
Well_mudda_take_sic 4 years, 7 months ago
South Korean and Singapore governments also have not at anytime prevented orderly access to essential business establishments like food stores and pharmacies.
star 4 years, 7 months ago
By now all competent and capable adults would have seen the writing on the wall. If you were not prepared or aware of this move then take responsibility and deal with it. The PM is doing what he must and is demonstrating strength and leadership.
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 7 months ago
over this whole episode I've seen the privileged talk about you should have known. How was the person who works at wendys supposed to prepare? How was the pensioner supposed to prepare? How were the 40% unemployed supposed to prepare? the people in grand Bahama and Abaco waiting on some family to be paid at weekend supposed to prepare? How were the people who worked extended shifts all week supposed to prepare?There is nothing wrong with a plan that gives a 2,3,4 days notice to prepare. Just yesterday people were complaining that NIB was taking too long to pay out money. That plan also puts in place rules to prevent hoarding. Noone is saying he shouldnt put in measures to prevent community spread but why are we so averse to planning? Did you notice that they didnt have an answer for whether the press was exempted? Everyone was looking around, that ok? is that ok?
moncurcool 4 years, 7 months ago
You said it right @ThisisOurs. Proper planning does not take away from setting a lockdown in place properly. His 5 pm and 7 pm and 8 pm statements late at night when everything close that in one hour you on lockdown for 48 hours time and again does nothing except create chaos. Sensible leaders say, ok here is what will happen in 48 hours. They give you time to prepare yourself. Which then give the law enforcement the right to lock up anyone on the street, as people would have had advance notice to prepare. But when you come with an announcement and then have to make all sorts of exemptions after the fact to clarify your announcement, it clearly shows lack of planning and thinking through....... .......... ........ ....... .....
All the PM needs to do is give people advance notice. And this would go a whole lot better. He likes to quote the Bible - Proverbs 29:18 - where there is no vision (no plan) the people cast off all restraint (they go wild). ........ ...... .... ...
I support the lockdown, but the PM just needs to plan properly. Don't come at 5 pm when store closed and people planning to go get grocery the next day and tell them its a lockdown until Monday. That does not help. PLAN, PLAN PLAN and give people notice.
Well_mudda_take_sic 4 years, 7 months ago
Put another way, Minnis should by now be looking ahead at least a month or so whereby he can give up to a week's reasonable notice of government's intentions so that he creates an air of calm and confidence for the people that things are being properly thought through by their government. If Minnis is going to have a knee jerk reaction everytime the number of coven-19 cases and deaths ratchet up, then he may as well resign now because it sends the wrong signal to the public. And this is certainly not the time for him to appear not to know whether he's headed east or west. He must avoid seeming to be directionless more than ever now which means he must carefully think things through and act responsibly to instill public confidence in his decisions. That means giving adequate and reasonable notice of all government orders.
moncurcool 4 years, 7 months ago
Spot on!!! He is asking for ideas. The Tribune need to send him that. Maybe the Tribune should scroll through here, take out the good ideas and submit them to the PM.
truetruebahamian 4 years, 7 months ago
Next weekend being the Easter weekend will probably see even less social distancing than before. At the moment it is the self proclaimed bad boys and the uneducated who prefer to consider themselves immune, above the law or just disregard any rules put in place for the health benefit of the country and its people - including themselves. Please - next weekend, celebrate your Easter at home.
huhwhat 4 years, 7 months ago
This policy is completely insane. Firstly the law is completely unconstitutional, but I have not seen any discussion from the Tribune on the legal aspects of this. A virus or pathogen does not survive in temperature past 80 degrees C, and as the Mainstream story continues to unravel in real time it is becoming more clear that this is noting more than severe seasonal influenza. It does not surprise me that the opposition agrees with the prime minister; everyone in Parliament wears the same pair of knickers anyway. These tactics are more akin to what takes place in Marxist states not a CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC. Finally if this paper or any other paper just interviewed one virologist this would have been exposed weeks ago and we could be going about our daily business; but the only thing I expect from the Tribune is a vaccine supplement saying the best way to cure the disease is for us to inject it into you. Because forced vaccinations is the next step in this satanic agenda.
John 4 years, 7 months ago
So basically what has happened over the past few days is the surge in Corona cases. Confirmed cases at 24 and Corona related deaths at three. And the highest number of persons in quarantine, including some 50 medical staff and some police and other essential services workers. Some may say this is a small number, (24 cases and three deaths) but for the population size (450,000) it is among the highest in the region. Haiti, for example with several million people only has 38 confirmed cases with zero deaths. Jamaica, with 2.3 million people, has 53 cases and 3 deaths and Guyana with 800,000 population has 23 confirmed cases and four deaths. The Cayman Islands with a population of only 58,000 citizens has a high rate (relatively speaking) of 29 cases and 1 death. And Cuba with. 11.2 million people has 269 cases and 6 deaths. Remember they allowed the infected cruise ship to dock there and patients to receive treatment. And while Haiti has a relatively low number of cases, it’s next door neighbor with 10.5 million residents has a whopping 1,488 case and 68 deaths, the highest in the region. They have started to expel Haitians from that country. And Trinidad and Tobago has 100 cases and 6 deaths, most coming after that country hosted its annual Carnival. So what does this new stricter complete lockdown attempt to accomplish? Usually after the surge comes ‘the plateau’. This is where the number of new cases equals zero and once this happens over a period of time, according to China, the number of active cases start to come down. And the country has crossed the burning sands of Corona, providing safety and precautionary measures remain in place. And the strongest, most effective measure is to control the boarders. Everyone entering the country must be screened. Persons showing symptoms must be quarantined or denied entry. Persons entering illegally or without proper permission and presenting with the virus must be severely punished.
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 7 months ago
@John, what does surge mean? Do you know? Im asking. Because I dont. Theyve never told us what they expect would happen based on the study of patterns from elsewhere. I see use of words just to use them. Surge, hotspot with no understanding for what they mean. Dr Sands estimated that we might top out at 200 cases. we've had increases of 2, 3, 6 is that the rate where we'd say we were at the apex or a Surge? Is infections linked to a single clinic a reason to call everything east of east street a hotspot? I een smart but I kinda know what sounds like sense. I'd contend we dont know if we're in a surge or not because we literally don't know the number of persons who were infected and have self resolved. The surge could have been in February or December. I just want someone to stand up and say here's what we know now, here's what we can extrapolate from our experience, here's what we anticipate will happen, as @mudda says, in the next month and here's the action we'll take when those points happen. And of course there's always the caveat that situations happen that we weren't prepared for, be honest about it. Like Mrs Johnson's daughter said "they said they was prepared, is this preparedness"?
I nominate Dr Sands he's an excellent communicator.
SP 4 years, 7 months ago
PM Minnis is obviously not infallible. Quarterbacking from the outside looking in, his possible missteps some now blame him for looks avoidable. However, we are not privileged to know what criteria led Dr. Minnis to make such drastic decisions.
He admitted that his measures would be painful, but necessary to save lives.
At least Dr. Minnis is doing as best he could in uncharted waters to deal with the pandemic head-on from an aggressive mitigation point of view.
Regardless of his reasoning, I would much rather be here dealing with Dr. Minnis than in the U.S. dealing with President Trump in this situation!
With all their "specialist" and scientific knowledge, lack of action has already plunged the US into the epicenter of the world. They will be totally overwhelmed in 3 to 4 weeks in the worst self-inflicted war in their history.
Carry on Dr. Minnis!!
Well_mudda_take_sic 4 years, 7 months ago
Repost:
Minnis should by now be looking ahead at least a month or so whereby he can give up to a week's reasonable notice of government's intentions so that he creates an air of calm and confidence for the people that things are being properly thought through by their government. If Minnis is going to have a knee jerk reaction everytime the number of coven-19 cases and deaths ratchet up, then he may as well resign now because it sends the wrong signal to the public. And this is certainly not the time for him to appear not to know whether he's headed east or west. He must avoid seeming to be directionless more than ever now which means he must carefully think things through and act responsibly to instill public confidence in his decisions. That means giving adequate and reasonable notice of all government orders.
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 7 months ago
"Minnis should by now be looking ahead at least a month or so whereby he can give up to a week's reasonable notice of government's intentions so that he creates an air of calm and confidence for the people that things are being properly thought through by their government.
Amen. This is what a leader would do. This is what hiz people should be encouraging. Not the dramatic Im saving you from being like Haiti pronouncements
John 4 years, 7 months ago
The US has a president who first called the buy a hoax. Something he can just brush off and say,‘you’re fired!’, and the virus will be gone. Then he went into panic mode, scrambling to get the country’s defense up and running. Now he has become defiant, ordering people and companies around and getting agitated when things don’t fall into place. Telling citizens to wear masks but refusing to wear one. And despite getting hit with the virus weeks before The Bahamas, parts of that country is just now going into lockdown, some two weeks after this country. So the results for the two countries will definitely be different and hopefully Minnis took advice from the Chinese on how to best combat Corona.
Well_mudda_take_sic 4 years, 7 months ago
I sense you're not taking your meds again.....not good.
moncurcool 4 years, 7 months ago
Seriously? And advice from the Chinese?
John 4 years, 7 months ago
One of Minnis biggest mistakes is the short time span between the time he announces a lockdown and the time it comes into effect. Fact is there are thousands of Bahamians now going through the weekend without food and water. Many inner city residents go to the government pump for water and after being on lockdown for two weeks there is not even a packet of noodles in the home. Maybe a hotline persons can call if they are desperately in need of food and water, especially households with babies or small children or elderly people.
Jmv 4 years, 7 months ago
That is because Bahamians DON'T listen, period
bogart 4 years, 7 months ago
All the directives coming from the Office of the Prime Minister to capitalize on process of isolation as an effective means of starving virus seems best effort at hand.
What needs to happen and in conjunction with effectiveness is to ....get ALL the salaried Members of Parliament .....who fully knows best the conditions of every household in their Constituency area and coordinate with govt resources, churches, agencies to Render ALL assistance to each and erry household to carry out the seems one of best survival chance for all.
THANK YOU BISHOP C B MOSS BISHOP MT OLIVE CHURCH ...FOR TRYING TO SEEK AS MUCH ...FOOD, DONATIONS.AND PARCEL BAGS.....TO ASSIST THE NEEDIEST.. THANK YOU SALVATION ARMY DOING THE SAME GOOD WORK.
TalRussell 4 years, 7 months ago
Has be an economy to return to!
Our next door USA neighbour under current administrations of republican wackos have proven they cannot be relied upon.
Trump has ordered war destroyers, battleships, submarines, aircraft carriers into colony of out sialnds waters - yet this republican-like administration says not damn peep.
It can become much too dangerous be attempting to return a PopoulacesOrdinary of 598,777 to a hand to mouth economy. Nod once for yeah, twice for no?
Dawes 4 years, 7 months ago
This is pure dumbness. To give 2 hours notice to people to stock up is silly. Yet again they are governing by the seat of their pants. Yes it was a shame two more died from this, but that does not mean this is going to help. If they honestly believed that then they should do a 3 week shut down of everything (media included, why they need to be on the road i don't know as they don't understand journalism). 2 days will do nothing. But if you do that 3 week shutdown then Government better get the social services working a lot better as there will be a lot of people who will not be able to buy 3 weeks worth of food so Govt will need to sort that out first. Thats something they will not do of course so we will continue as is for a couple more months.
sheeprunner12 4 years, 7 months ago
Yep ………. that's where we are heading right now aka USA
TalRussell 4 years, 7 months ago
Maybe time Tribune photographer stake out the foot driveways?
Even if you could put aside your Christianity to all the lies, doesn't it come across as being rather strange that hotels still have visitors as paying guests? Since when did bartenders and room maid service to makeup your bed and change the rolls Toilet-papers, become essential services?
You think just maybe the government MP's and officials with government issued cars are ballsy enough be having their nanny's, chef's, domestic staffs, watchman's and gardeners chauffeured-in. Nod once for yeah, twice for no?
Jmv 4 years, 7 months ago
If yall idiots would stay home like it was suggested we won't be having these conversations...Bahamians are to arrogant and lawless...driving up and down, no social distancing, overcrowding the foodstores, yesterday over 50 on at the funeral burial at Old trail cemetary, people still partying...🙄
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 7 months ago
but that's not correct. it's another convenient excuse. The first was the people at the beach. It wasnt the people at the beach who caused the curfew, they were going to do that anyway. They were going to shutdown at some point the question was when and how orderly it would be.
Im going to bet you none of the idiots here have been driving around all day every day and going to the foodstore unnecessarily. The idiots who were doing that sitting back eating Cheetos saying "I tell y'all so, my cupboard full".
We have 200,000 people on this island, 60,000 (?) households. Unless all 60,000 persons decide that Tuesday at 12 all of us going to the food store, that 60,000 will be spread over multiple days. It could 1,000 per day. so you can't just expect to see zero cars on the road if everybody at minimum getting food, gas, paying a bill, licensing a car, going to insurance house, going to work. I think people expect to see empty roads and that is impossible in any scenario other than a complete shutdown
TalRussell 4 years, 7 months ago
Doesn't help none have esteemed learned King's Counsel KC Comrade Freddy hopping around town on crutches out circulation?
Also does appear likes the colony's comrade prime minister's pretend have taken Queen's loyal opposition leader into confidence onto his bosom is working stall constitutional challenges. Nod once for yeah, twice for no?
Clamshell 4 years, 7 months ago
“... colony's comrade prime minister's pretend have taken Queen's loyal opposition leader into confidence onto his bosom is working stall constitutional challenges.“
Gibberish alert! Gibberish alert! More deadly than corona! ... 🤣
TalRussell 4 years, 7 months ago
You're so damn deep up **Dear Leader as one his essential rectumorona asswipers, tisn't any wonder as an government official, why you've suddenly became in possession doctor's prescript for 100 days, 3 times daily, or as directed, supply PMO asswipes?
Clamshell 4 years, 7 months ago
Well, Tal, as you might say, “Glibular queen’s colony comrade Out Islands esteemed imperial Red shirts gon’ frusculate to dem Colony rasculators to Bay Street Boy comrades in jiggle time, yes, no?”
TalRussell 4 years, 7 months ago
As long as you know that since the Dear Leader is about make it illegal be hoarding up on asswipes, I'm forwarding your government ID number to comrade Grocer Rupert for stores security be's on lookout anyone pulling up in one his parking lots with blue government issued plates, resembling your descript.
Clamshell 4 years, 7 months ago
Bzzzzttt. Wrong again. I don’t even live on New Providence. Pay ‘ttention, you’d know that if you were even 1/10th as smart as you think you are. 🤣🤣🤣😎
Well_mudda_take_sic 4 years, 7 months ago
TalRussell has an out-sized ego and under-sized brain...the kind of person who thinks he's smarter than most when in fact he's dumber than most. His fake goosy style of writing is intended to mask his serious shortage of gray matter. I long ago stopped reading whatever he posts and also not engage in any of his silly banter games. His posts are always designed to goosy rather than enlighten. Suggest you not allow yourself to be too easily goosed by a D- clown.
Clamshell 4 years, 7 months ago
Good advice ... I do banter with him from time to time, but all in all I should take your advice and just ignore him. He’s about 50 IQ points shorter than he thinks he is. D-, indeed. Thanx.
proudloudandfnm 4 years, 7 months ago
I hope they're using these two days to tweak normal lockdown protocols so traffic is reduced and we gain a little more control.
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 7 months ago
lol. I putting on my clothes 3AM Monday morning. I suspect some people will be sleeping in their running shoes
happyfly 4 years, 7 months ago
I You all know what I'm doing. I'm eating right and staying as fit and healthy as I can and I am trusting that my very own biological immune system can protect me from this virus. I know. Its very weird. You all put your faith in the government. Yeah, apparently they got some kind of theory that if they can stop you from going about your daily lives, convince you to lock yourself at home and turn on your neighbor for not playing the game.....give them total control over every aspect of your life ....... they are going to stop this virus from hurting you.......Guaranteed
truthisknowledge 4 years, 7 months ago
So Clint Watson is considered an essential service and can drive around and can post videos but food stores and doctors and pharmacies have to close? PM is making idiotic decisions, will he own the economic disaster he has created when the medical "experts" go back earning their full salary when the private sector have to lay staff off and cut salaries? No word on civil servants having a pay cut? Just the private sector having to take all the pain while civil servants earn their full salary and pension.....
hrysippus 4 years, 7 months ago
This corona virus pandemic is a health challenge not seen for over 100 years. No one yet has the answer as to how best to deal with this situation. Different governments are implementing differing strategies; Sweden and The Netherlands at one end with China and India at the other with regards to the use of social isolation. Our government is making decisions as best they no how. Although I disagreed with the prevention of Jimmy's Wines from setting up a home delivery service I must nevertheless congratulate the cabinet on their response. Nothing they could have done would have drawn no criticism from someone. My hope is that they remain flexible in their thinking so that policies can be changed as more information becomes available as to the best way to prevent unnecessary loss of life while seeking to prevent the destruction of our already fragile economy.
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