The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell said a social media post that accused PLP Leader Philip “Brave” Davis and party supporters of attending a “super spreader” event in Grand Bahama is nothing more than political “propaganda”.

The post suggests the event held in Freeport may have contributed to the increase in COVID-19 cases on the island. Photos of Mr Davis and a number of supporters in Grand Bahama were posted on social media. It was reported Mr Davis and supporters attended a recent funeral and motorcade.

According to information obtained by The Tribune, Mr Davis flew to Freeport on October 10 to attend a funeral for the late Rio Williams, a staunch PLP supporter in Grand Bahama.

In the photos, Mr Davis and supporters were wearing masks, however it does not appear that social distancing was being observed.

In August, Mr Davis tested positive for COVID-19, and was hospitalised. He then left the country to receive care in the United States, where his daughter, Philippa, works as a senior critical care physician.

In response to the post, Mr Mitchell said it is false and the recent uptick in cases in Grand Bahama has nothing to do with Mr Davis.

“I have learned over the years not to engage the FNM in their propaganda. When Dr Minnis apologises to the leader of the opposition for those silly remarks he made (last week), maybe we will engage.

“I am advised that the surge in GB may not be a surge at all because as we in the PLP suspected, there was an undercount by the government because they were not following our advice and testing.

“I’m advised that these numbers may have spiked because two private companies were not satisfied with the government’s figures and paid for their employees to get tested and thus the figures. Trust the FNM always to make up false stories like these bogus social media posts... it’s Minnis’ fault. Nothing to do with Brave Davis,” Mr Mitchell said.

A little over a week ago, Grand Bahama saw an increase in coronavirus infections after a recent lull.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis warned that Bahamians must get used to cycles that involve tightening and loosening of restrictions because the pandemic will be “with us well into next year”.

Beginning last Friday, an 8pm to 5am weekday curfew was applied to New Providence, Abaco and Grand Bahama. Grand Bahama previously had a 10pm curfew while New Providence and Abaco were under a 7pm curfew.

Events such as weddings and funerals on Grand Bahama will be limited to ten people, not including officiants and mortuary workers.

As of October 31, Grand Bahama had 749 cases.