PLP Leader Philip "Brave" Davis.
THURSDAY EVENING UPDATE: PLP Leader Philip “Brave” Davis has released a statement on the decision to travel to the United States:
“The last few days have been especially difficult for so many Bahamians. Please stay safe and look out for one another. Let’s continue to take care of ourselves, our neighbours, and our families.
“As many of you know, my daughter Philippa is a very senior doctor in the United States. She would like me to be close by as I complete my treatment.
“After a family discussion, I have decided to fly to a hospital in the United States. I wish to thank the doctors and nurses and all the support staff at Doctors’ Hospital, who have looked after me so well.
“I am in close contact with colleagues and friends and will continue to monitor what is happening in our country.
“I pray God’s continued blessings on us all. I miss you all and look forward to being with you again soon.”
FROM EARLIER: PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party leader Philip “Brave” Davis is set to be airlifted to the United States for treatment after he tested positive for COVID-19 several days ago, according to reports.
Former PLP Cabinet minister George Smith confirmed the news to The Tribune after it was first reported by another daily.
Mr Smith said Mr Davis has a daughter in the United States who is an anesthesiologist who wants him in the US to receive a specialised treatment. Still he said Mr Davis appeared to be “in fine form” when they last spoke.
“I spoke with him on two occasions, he’s very communicative and I’m told by a colleague of his in the men’s group he belongs to that he’s in good form, he wants to recover to get back to the work at hand so he’s taking advantage of the opportunity to mend quicker than what would happen if he stayed here,” Mr Smith, former Exuma MP and a PLP stalwart councillor, said on Thursday.
“He’s in fine form, he’s a trooper,” Mr Smith added. “I spoke with him and he’s in fine form, two days ago and yesterday. He’s in fine form, sitting up, I don’t think his case is a very advanced case but in the interest of caution, safety, he has an opportunity to heal quicker, so he took the opportunity available.”
In a voice note on Sunday, Mr Davis revealed he had tested positive for COVID-19 and had been admitted into Doctors Hospital for care.
PLP officials did not offer comment when contacted Thursday morning about Mr Davis' condition.
This story is developing.
Comments
sangeej 4 years, 3 months ago
I don't blame her, and this is so nice of her. Plus this is why we educate our children.
ThisIsOurs 4 years, 3 months ago
agree
tribanon 4 years, 3 months ago
You can be rest assured Davis made it a point to keep his children out of our country's failed public education system that he and other elitist PLP and FNM politicians alike created for the vast majority of Bahamian children and children of illegal immigrants.
Topdude 4 years, 3 months ago
Hi Tribanon, you misbegotten son of two dirty rats, is there nothing in this world that you can see as positive? When last did you communicate with Jesus? Have asked for forgiveness? Shame on you.
Clamshell 4 years, 3 months ago
Hah ... the “friend of Jesus” calls somebody a “son of rats.” Yeah ... that’s rich!
bogart 4 years, 3 months ago
D Grade in Biology, D Grade in Religion
watcher 4 years, 3 months ago
Topdude -have you tried praying away the virus? Hmmm.
sangeej 4 years, 3 months ago
That wasn't his call, kids after graduation choose where they will work. Mine chose to come home. Good for them.
SP 4 years, 3 months ago
PLP and FNM politicians make dam sure their children get out of the mess of an educational system they maintain for the masses! Hard to believe we pay them, then sit back complacently and stupidly allow our "servants" to live better than ourselves!
Who would have thought that Bahamian children in the 21st century don't even know what a lunch cafeteria is, and still have to jostle for food every day from "da lunch ladies" selling them garbage? This pushing and jostling mentality carry over to adulthood which explains our peoples' difficulty with simply standing in line at the food stores and other places waiting their turn for service.
Successive politicians failed and failed miserably.
bahamianson 4 years, 3 months ago
What the hell, stop talking foolishness and call it for what it is. He has no confidence in the Bahamian Doctors and the Bahamian Health Care System, yet , politicians talk about National Health Care and how great our health care is. Such malarkey!!!!!
Amused 4 years, 3 months ago
Totally agreed
tribanon 4 years, 3 months ago
Right now our own pubic healthcare system sure could used a well trained Bahamian anesthesiologist like Davis's daughter who no doubt long ago fled The Bahamas for a better life. She's just one of many who evidence the harmful effects the brain drain has had on our country due in large part to the failed policies of successive corrupt PLP and FNM governments alike.
Most of us can only wish we and our family members could be so lucky to have access to such high quality foreign healthcare at the Bahamian taxpayers' expense. The political elite will never be incentivized to do anything about the appalling state of our public healthcare system so long as they continue to have easy access to the best healthcare abroad with Bahamian taxpayers footing the costs for such extraordinary medical attention.
tribanon 4 years, 3 months ago
I think you've been spending too much time indoors. Get outside and enjoy some fresh air. LOL
tribanon 4 years, 3 months ago
My post immediatedly above was in response to one of @Topdude's discombobulated posts which has since been removed without a trace, presumably by a staff member of The Tribune.
Proguing 4 years, 3 months ago
Politicians (anywhere in the world) should be forced to use the public health system they put in place. You can bet that as a result, public heath care would be much better.
Clamshell 4 years, 3 months ago
Hear, hear ... well-said.
Clamshell 4 years, 3 months ago
Why is he flying? He could have sailed over on his gravy boat. If he was truly “brave” he would use the Bahamian health care system that the politicians created.
Economist 4 years, 3 months ago
Great statement. How true.
SP 4 years, 3 months ago
Self-serving politicians should also be forced to use the same health insurance scheme as the people who "pay for it"!!!
BMW 4 years, 3 months ago
I agree with you totally. How these S.O.B. like to run to the US for treatment is testament to their lack of trust in what they created. FFS. Send him straight to the PMH!!!!!
TalRussell 4 years, 3 months ago
Begrudging seeking out the healthcare environment they can obtain to brungs them comfort leaves little wonder so few are willing to serve their colony. Nod Once for Yeah, Twice for No?
tribanon 4 years, 3 months ago
Why don't you ask all of the begrudging family members of those who have died and are dying as a result of our failed public healthcare system to nod for you?
happyfly 4 years, 3 months ago
Nothing like being a Bahamian. Nothing like being part of a culture that rags on foreigners all day and night. Rags on Americans for being a bunch of reckless COVID deniers. Begging the Bahamian Government to close the borders and stop them, dirty disease-infested US money-spending tourists from coming into our country......but oooops. Now we know some important Bahamian has actually got the disease and he wants to fly over there to America and use their healthcare system....... that's OK hey ?!! The sad thing is that it is these very politicians that foment the xenophobia of foreigners in this country. Everyone just goes along and pretends the hypocrisy doesn't apply to them.
moncurcool 4 years, 3 months ago
Hi daughter wants him to be close to him. Fine. Good excuse to use that you have no confidence in the healthcare system that your party wanted to talk about National healthcare. Minnis head jam. Brave running from the health care system. We need real leaders inthis country interested in the betterment of this nation.
Clamshell 4 years, 3 months ago
Maybe after he spurned his own nation’s health care system, people will finally quit calling him “brave.” He is anything but brave.
Chucky 4 years, 3 months ago
Won’t he be arrested one on USA soil.
Thought he was a wanted man?
Is he even allowed into USA?
sangeej 4 years, 3 months ago
The only thing I am waiting to see is if the US will let a COVID patient into their country. If this was the other way around, the Bahamian people would be screaming for someone's head.
The_Oracle 4 years, 3 months ago
Diplomatic passport holder. Funny how Fred ran over there for his Med checkups, Brave for Covid cure. South Eleuthera M.P also I hear?
Clamshell 4 years, 3 months ago
Birdiestrachan seem be silent on da matter ...
bahamianson 4 years, 3 months ago
If we were in the United States ,Brave would be ruined politically for this stunt!! Pure madness!
proudloudandfnm 4 years, 3 months ago
Let me see.... Hmmmm...
Doctor's Hospital or coronavirus land???
Hmmmm. I was ga stay my backside right ta Doctor's....
joeblow 4 years, 3 months ago
I am amazed that so many seem to believe that he is being airlifted because his daughter misses him! He would not require treatment if he had covid and no symptoms. This suggests that he has some issues. All is not well!
"He’s in fine form, he’s a trooper,” Mr Smith added. “I spoke with him and he’s in fine form, two days ago and yesterday. He’s in fine form, sitting up, I don’t think his case is a very advanced case but in the interest of caution, safety, he has an opportunity to heal quicker, so he took the opportunity available.”
Why make note of the fact that he is now sitting up, as opposed to what? Politicians are skilled liars, so I will just wait, because in two weeks or less we will know exactly what became of Brave!
SP 4 years, 3 months ago
"Politicians are skilled liars" is a gross understatement!
Porcupine 4 years, 3 months ago
I tend to agree.
Baha10 4 years, 3 months ago
Bottom line is there is no convincing way to “spin this” ... he bailed on our Health Care System when his own life was at risk ... going to be hard for people to ever forget this ... Chester get ready to step up to the plate, as Brave just committed an unforced error resulting in an unexpected out.
Clamshell 4 years, 3 months ago
“Gravy” Davis releases a statement to fellow Bahamians upon his departure for the U.S: “Goodbye and good luck. I’m outta here.”
JohnQ 4 years, 3 months ago
After observing several months worth of comments bashing the American response to the virus that originated in China, it is particularly interesting that the leader of a prominent Bahamanian political party is rumored to be seeking treatment in the United States. During my frequent travels to the Bahamas, I routinely hear how "bad" the health care system in America is, and how it does not compare to other countries in the world where "free" health care is available. That being said, I am informed that a sizable number of Bahamians routinely seek elective surgeries and other planned health care procedures in the US. It seems a bit ironic that a system that is so "bad" is highly sought after by many from not only the Bahamas, but from all over the world.
In the mean time, Bahamians continue to be receptive to the rampant inclusion of money and infrastructure from China. In my opinion, the virus that originated in China that has crippled the world and the Bahamas, is part of a larger effort by the Chinese political leadership to strengthen their position across the globe. In encourage each of us to take time and reflect on the virus, and it how has impacted every single country, changed our daily lives and impacted our loved ones.
Make no mistake, the responsibility for all of this misery lies at the hands of one country and its leadership.
Porcupine 4 years, 3 months ago
The complaint is not that the health care system in the US is so bad. It is that too many have to file for bankruptcy due to health care expenses and the millions who can't get care because they've lost their job related health insurance, and can't afford health insurance in the first place. The facts are clear on the tens of thousands of people in the US who could have been saved if only the US had a human, thinking, president. Anyone who still can't understand this has thinking issues. Please, what accounts for the hugely disproportionate explosion of cases and consequent deaths now occurring in the world's "greatest nation"? China? Russia? Or, stupidity?
Clamshell 4 years, 3 months ago
Well-said. Health care in the U.S. is excellent — the problem is the expense, and access. And the current problem is the lack of a cohesive, national approach to the virus.
ted4bz 4 years, 3 months ago
So we can be covid-19 Positive and board flights to the US and the world then? All This covid thing is theatre. Locking up the healthy people and destroying our livelihood, but allow covid-19 infected people to freely move about!!! Theatre, fake and folly, all of it!
rawbahamian 4 years, 3 months ago
All politicians should be forced by law to experience what their electorates experience. They should be banned from having generators since the public power suppliers are so reliable, banned from having well water since WSC is so reliable, banned from taking over Bahamasair seats and book/pay for flights like everyone else has too, blocked from taking refuge in a private health facility and enjoy the profecient health care at the PMH as well as blocking these officials from exodus to the U.S.A. for medical care, stop all police escorted rides and let them sit in traffic like everyone else. I am sure if these measures where put in place where politicians get to experience what their electorates experience, then I am 110% certain that there would be a huge improvement across the board !!!
tribanon 4 years, 3 months ago
Totally agree.
tribanon 4 years, 3 months ago
The quality of our public healthcare would undoubtedly be much better if our elected officials were somehow required to use it for themselves. But elected officials like Davis would be all too quick to remind the rest of us that he is a man of considerable wealth with the right to obtain whatever healthcare he chooses to buy with his own money. That being the case, Minnis and Wells should at least be requested to confirm that the taxpayers of the Bahamas have not and will not be made to bear any portion of Davis's foreign healthcare costs, including medical insurance premium costs for the ability to obtain medical care outside of The Bahamas.
Baha10 4 years, 3 months ago
Not wanting to comment on motivations and ramifications ... BUT HOW WAS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE GIVEN CONFIRMED INFECTION ... presumably some special medial charter flight, but this should be shared, so those left behind can at least bear such an Option in mind ... however difficult and unrealistic?!?
In any event, I wish Brave a speedy and healthy recovery.
Takenid 4 years, 3 months ago
I heard Brave was at a dinner party in Lyford Cay during the week prior to his Covid diagnosis. Now, can you think of the many ironies if this were indeed true? And by using the word “ironies” I am being kind to Brave.
Cobalt 4 years, 3 months ago
I just love when these politicians show their true colors and make Jack-Asses out of these stupid Bahamians who are gullible enough to believe anything that comes out of their mouths!! Lol lol lol!!! Good one Brave!! You fool these dumb Bahamians good!! Lol lol lol! I love it!!
Cobalt 4 years, 3 months ago
Every time I see your short, stumpy, porky, fat, little fingers sticking out of the suit in the House of Assembly telling lies and talking rubbish out of that pig snout, I can only laugh!
tribanon 4 years, 3 months ago
Wasn't it that Mudda guy who used to say Davis has grungy yellow sticky fingers? It seems Mudda neglected to mention that 'Coward' Davis also has a big yellow belly. LOL
tetelestai 4 years, 3 months ago
FNM trolls are out in full force over this issue.
bahamianson 4 years, 3 months ago
The issue is he has no faith in Bahamians and our primary care facility. It is one thing if he is a private citizen , but he is a politician constantly saying believe in Bahamians, yet, he does not believe in Bahamians. That's the issue. It is not a PLP or FNM issue .
tribanon 4 years, 3 months ago
Right you are. If it were Minnis instead of Davis, Minnis would do exactly as Davis has done. And Minnis being a medical doctor and having been minister of health on two occasions, knows first hand just how dysfunctional and sub-standard healthcare is in our country today.
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