Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
PRIME Minister Dr Hubert will give notice of his intention to extend the country’s state of emergency beyond August 13 when the House of Assembly reconvenes tomorrow in response to the current resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
Dr Minnis will give a national address tonight at 8pm to inform Bahamians of his administration’s plans related to the current COVID-19 Emergency Orders and the country’s future transition to a new legislative approach.
The country has been under a state of emergency since March 2020.
Government officials have said the discontinuation of COVID-19 Emergency Powers Orders would largely depend on infection rates and the behaviour of residents. They had also indicated a few weeks ago the Minnis administration’s intent to let the orders expire this month.
However, since then, the nation has seen a sustained uptick of virus-related cases and hospitalisations as well as deaths, with officials attributing the latest spike to the presence of COVID variants and a relaxed adherence to the current health measures.
Ministry of Health officials reported a record 228 new cases on Thursday and 118 on Friday for a total 15,537 up to August 6. More than 100 people are said to be in hospital sick with the virus, while there have been over 300 COVID-19 deaths confirmed.
The current emergency proclamation, which allows for curfews, lockdowns and other restrictive measures, ends on Friday.
Another extension of the orders would require the government to table a resolution that has to be debated and passed in Parliament.
However, the House of Assembly has been on summer break since June.
In a letter obtained by The Tribune yesterday, Parliament Clerk David Forbes advised Parliament will now meet tomorrow instead of its previous adjourned date of September 22.
He added that parliamentarians will meet to consider another extension of the emergency powers orders.
“The speaker, acting on the recommendation of the prime minister, being satisfied as is required by the rules, that the circumstances of the resurgence of the COVID-19 cases requires the consideration of the Parliament to determine the extension of the COVID-19 Emergency Powers Orders, herby gives notices as follows: an earlier sitting of the House Assembly will be convened on Tuesday 10 August 2021 at 10am,” the letter read.
The Office of the Prime Minister later released a statement saying a resolution to extend the existing emergency powers orders will be tabled in the House on Tuesday, adding Parliament will reconvene on Wednesday to debate and to pass the resolution.
The resolution is expected to be passed in the Senate on Thursday.
“The prime minister has fought throughout the pandemic to get vaccines for Bahamians,” OPM’s statement said.
“He will provide an update on additional vaccine supplies. He continues to work to save lives and livelihoods. The Bahamian economy has shown remarkable growth in recent months. Bahamians are getting back to work.
“The prime minister wants to protect our economic growth and job-creation, ensuring
Bahamian businesses can operate responsibly while also protecting public health.”
When contacted for comment yesterday, House Speaker Halson Moultrie told The Tribune he was informed by Dr Minnis on Saturday night about the government’s plans to have Parliament reconvened. He spoke to The Tribune before OPM released its statement.
Speaker Moultrie said he expects Dr Minnis to speak about the nation’s continued fight with the pandemic and make a case on why his administration believes the COVID-19 orders should be extended.
However, it is unclear how long the orders will be extended for, with the Nassau Village MP saying he didn’t want to speculate on the matter.
Mr Moultrie said: “The Prime Minister called last night (Saturday) and indicated that he wished for Parliament to be reconvened according to the constitutional rules where the Prime Minister should consult with the Speaker and lay out the reasons for Parliament to be reconvened.
“And he did that last night and I was satisfied based on the information that he provided that it was in the best interest of the people to have Parliament reconvened on Tuesday. His intent is of course to present Parliament with the reasons why the COVID-19 orders should be extended.
“Principally, it’s because of the resurgence of the coronavirus, the peak in the number of cases and the real likelihood that there are more variants of the virus out there other than the Delta variant and I believe that any government should be given the opportunity on behalf of the people despite the Parliament having a fixed date of adjournment of the 22 of September, I believe the government should be given the opportunity to reconvene Parliament in such circumstances.
“We are actually in an emergency situation and the country is facing a crisis and so I believe that the Prime Minister on Tuesday will table the documents with respect to the review of the COVID-19 orders and any changes that would be made,” Mr Moultrie added.
Asked if he thinks additional measures will be added to arrest control of the pandemic, the Nassau Village MP said he believes the government is seeking to strike an economic and health balance, adding there is a reluctance among officials to impose another lockdown.
Mr Moultrie also said it is highly likely that the House of Assembly will continue with its usual proceedings when it reconvenes Tuesday as opposed to taking a second summer break.
He told this newspaper: “When we reconvene Parliament, unless the government expresses an intent for this sitting to be a special sitting or an isolated sitting, we would no longer be on recess and it is very likely that the government will continue Parliament in its normal order of business as opposed to going to a second recess and having to reconvene again if circumstances change.”
As for what this means for his proposed “open Parliament” meetings, Mr Moultrie said he expects that the sessions—which were scheduled to begin this Wednesday—will be postponed to another date.
Mr Moultrie said he has received great interest from various groups about the initiative and assured it will not be canceled as a result of these new developments.
“It will not be cancelled. It will be postponed and rescheduled,” he added.
Comments
Bigrocks 3 years, 4 months ago
Big Surprise!
carltonr61 3 years, 4 months ago
The blame the unvaccinated game is 100% false according to UK, Israel, Denmark and Iceland. Fauci gave him his talking point needed yesterday on MSM. Just crazy that new strains appeared after nations like Israel, Iceland and Denmark got such an almost 100% vaccination. Delta strain did not appear before vaccination. We should learn from other nations with near 100% vaccinated now all sick meaning the Covid pass will automatically lock down the nation.
carltonr61 3 years, 4 months ago
If someone tested posative for Covid as we are seeing around the world with vaccine push more so by millions after vaccine among the vaccinated and unvaccinated. It is mathematically impossible in medical logic that a negative host could infect a neutral host. But when a vaccinated host appears both neutral and negative host become ill. Simple petri dish medical logic process of eliminations. Political medicine is poor for this nation.
JokeyJack 3 years, 4 months ago
As long as the slaves cry out for the shackles, the master will happily place them around both hands and feet. Many in this country, if asked, would say that continued and/or increased restrictions are necessary. They want to apply the same tactics that have not worked for 18 months. They refuse to consider other options and seem to believe that hundreds are dropping dead every day from Covid.
Should caskets and urns be made duty and VAT free? Should volunteers assemble at the ports to help offload the cargo ships? Or are the bodies being taken directly to the harbour?
John 3 years, 4 months ago
I hope you wasn't referring to Bahamians as slaves because other things also cry out and also cry.
JokeyJack 3 years, 4 months ago
Of course not. Everyone knows we have freedom under the Constitution. We can stand together knowing that.
WETHEPEOPLE 3 years, 4 months ago
Yawn
whogothere 3 years, 4 months ago
Minnis let it go...there is no need for this. Take the W you did the best you could when there was limited data - now there is data - we know masks are pointless outside, pointless inside too, social distancing is pointless, lockdowns don't work, curfews are pointless, kids don't get sick and should be school...vaccines will help the elderly and vulnerable deal with sickness in the short term..pointless for the young and healthy..
So you have one job left - Focus on securing vaccines for those who want them and let the rest of the country rebuild and move on before another bloody h****cane (don't want say it loud) rips through here and adds to your woes...
OMG 3 years, 4 months ago
Your so fullnof bs. "Kids don't get sick" so amongst hundreds of young people inder 40 a child of 5 died from covid.. You need to go to hospital (ICU) and watch those unlucky enough to have covid gasping to breathe, In the UKZ 95% of covid hospital admissions are under 40. I do agree there is no one complete solution but every little helps especially vaccination.
ohdrap4 3 years, 4 months ago
Many of the younger deceased are asmatics. Place yhem in a vulnerable group.
whogothere 3 years, 4 months ago
OMG - LOL the poop you have plenty of!
332 kids died covid in the USA over 1.5 years... There is greater risk swimming, cancer, Suicide, Homocide, Flu or suffocation.. Please come back when you've done some research..
1 child child of 5 died in The Bahamas because of covid - how many have died in gun violence the last 12 months?
happyfly 3 years, 4 months ago
Think About it - They are coming back from Summer Break to extend the Emergency Orders. They aren't concerned enough about the pandemic to take a break in the first place but now the emergency orders are expiring they can find the time to get together and extend them. Oh no, wait ! What a coincidence that the reported number of cases went up tenfold the week before the emergency orders were set to expire. What a crazy coincidence. And how does this happen? Because an unelected Governor-General shill thinks it's OK to flush our constitution down the toilet at the first sign of a runny nose
John 3 years, 4 months ago
SUCH WAS TO BE EXPECTED! , How else could Minnis justify locking the country down or having the people under emergency orders, then abandoning the orders now when the country is seeing its greatest numbers of new cases? . AND LETS NOT OVER EXAGGERRATE the numbers of new cases. Whilst there is definitely cause for concern and maybe even a bit more restrictions, REMEMBER the country is doing MORE TESTTING and RETESTING than ever before. AND some persons may be retesting on their own initiative. REPORTS are that some people test positive, then negative, then negative again in a matter of days REPORTS also are that if an unvaccinated person come in contact with vaccinated people, they can test positive for the virus. . So what does this do for Minnis.' rumored plans for an early Election? Assuming he extends the Emergency Orders by 60 days, that pushes into mid October, so he can call it in mid-late November (which will interfere with Thanksgiving) , then after that its the Christmas Season, so that pushes his options into next year. Then it will be an issue of early in the year, before Easter then after that he MAY as well go the full term. . THE US has seen sharp declines in the numbers of new cases (up to 79%) over the last two days. If they can maintain that decline or even keep the curve flat for at least seven days, it will be a strong indication as to where the pandemic is headed, . The UNITED KINGDOM also saw sharp declines in its numbers of new cases just the week prior. There was no explanation for the decrease except that herd immunity had set in and so the virus was on its last wave, then it was goodbye. . DR DUANE SANDS estimates that one in every three Bahamians tests positive for the Covid -19 virus. That translates into at least ONE THIRD of the Bahamian population having the virus in some shape or form. Will natural immunity soon kick in and the virus begin to disappear or does the fact that the country have wide open borders delay or prevent that from happening?
OMG 3 years, 4 months ago
Sorry but your absolutely wrong about the UK. Mass vaccination now under 40's means most of the population has been vaccinated. Day after day on the news are people who denied the value of being vaccinated are featured on tv dying in hospital and publicly stating they wish they had been vaccinated. Florida has seen a steep increase in infection rates. Problem is most have never seen first hand the sufffering of covid patients or the unknown effects of long covid. Funny how many of the writers or anti vaxers will rush to seek medical help if they are unlucky enough to catch covid . .
John 3 years, 4 months ago
SO ARE YOU DENYING THE UK HAS FLATTENED ITS CURVE? You sounds like a total Vaccinated, brainwashed idiot. So are you saying unvaccinated people should not have the right to seek treatment if they get ill. So what about vaccinated people who get a breakthrough illness and probably have been spreading the virus? Should they also be denied medical care...stay off the vaccine dude.
rodentos 3 years, 4 months ago
as long as the majority believes this BS they can do whatever they want....
John 3 years, 4 months ago
AND YES, The UNITED KINGDOM, has bent its curve and even as of yesterday continues to maintain flat (no increase) or declining numbers of new cases. The significance of this is that The DELTA strain originated in EURPOE and made its way here. So f they are now able to bend their curve ( and its not just the UK), that may be what this part of the world will be looking at within the next 7-14 days. (this is based on statistical data and not medical science). It may be disappointing tosome who are still on a vaccine drive.
whogothere 3 years, 4 months ago
Actually Delta strain originated in India in October of last year (or least was first recognised there)...significance of that is that it infected nearly 700 million people (based on the seroprevalence reports) in 4-6 months but with only 300k deaths (possibly a few more undetected)..which statistically speaking is minor... India crushed the curve and did so without vaccines...
OMG 3 years, 4 months ago
Because off the most sucessful vaccination program in Europe.
whogothere 3 years, 4 months ago
OMG you are so clueless - I bet you have no idea more vaccinated people are dying of delta that unvaccinated in Uk... You probably think Israel is doing really great too...
Bobsyeruncle 3 years, 4 months ago
Ahh, my favorite Cherry Picker
From the Natural News website "The vast majority of those now dying with covid are people who were VACCINATED against it," . "Public Health England (PHE) just released a new report showing that at least 62 percent of all deaths associated with the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) are occurring in people who were already 'vaccinated.'"
Also, from the same article "this same report shows vaccinated people are "three times more likely to die" from the delta variant compared to those who aren't vaccinated"
The claim stems from a Public Health England briefing released June 25, but it both drastically overstates the nature of the data and botches the math.
But British officials say that's nonsense because no such data actually exists yet.
The public health report only identified the vaccination status for the delta variant deaths. For the time period in that report, the delta variant was responsible for 117 of the 4,408 COVID-19 deaths in England, less than 3%. The post, however, presented the claim as if it was referring to all deaths..
whogothere 3 years, 4 months ago
Oh bobby my favourite lost little sheep - we really must stop meeting like this....appreciate the attention but alas you really can't keep up...you're quoting stuff from an article that is way way outdated. I have never claimed that PHE reports reflect total deaths and like my comment above I reiterate they reflect the delta virus only. Why are talking about stuff from June 25th - the last PHE report was August 6th...I know you don't like posting links (I know - heaven forbid - one might find out where you get your information from) but be dear and let's take a look when your "quotes" are from? Because they're total tosh -
Current data is the following:
300k in cases of the delta on record.
151k of those are unvaccinated, 253 Deaths 93k of them partially vaccinated or vaccinated 471 Deaths
Of course bare in mind the data we're talking references minuscule fatality rates - this is purely academic - the delta virus poses little threat to anyone except backward countries with crappy health care and obese populations - oh wait...
Meanwhile in Israel (where they are so confident in vaccines effectiveness that re-vaccinating the elderly) the boosters aren't going so well..
https://www.timesofisrael.com/tv-14-isr…
Bobsyeruncle 3 years, 4 months ago
Your quote "I bet you have no idea more vaccinated people are dying of delta that unvaccinated in Uk"
Totally misleading, as usual. Please provide a recent link to your source (I know you love to post links, and this one I will read).
Anyone with a basic understanding of science and/or statistics, would qualify that statement. It doesn't take into account age, underlying illness, pre-existing conditions etc. You really do seem to lack the scientific acumen necessary to understand the articles you read. If you did, you would know that correlation does not always equal causation.
The majority of people killed in auto accidents wear seatbelts (Bahamas excepted). Does this mean we should not wear seat belts ?
And one, from one of my Math professors. In 1973, 90% of people killed in airplane crashes, ate pickled onions. Does this mean that if you eat pickled onions you are more likely to be involved in an airplane crash ? No, it means, that pickled onions were served on a plane that crashed.
You should stick to the male pregnancy pill, as that had me smiling. !!
Bobsyeruncle 3 years, 4 months ago
Current data is the following: 300k in cases of the delta on record. 151k of those are unvaccinated, 253 Deaths 93k of them partially vaccinated or vaccinated 471 Deaths
Again, you are not painting the whole picture. Since the majority of people are now vaccinated, of course the proportion of vaccinated deaths will be higher. Why is so hard for you to grasp that relatively simple mathematical concept ? Do you not get it ?
Try looking into Simpson's Paradox. It might help you, and many others here, understand the pitfalls of statistics and proportions.
I feel like I'm banging my head against a brick wall, trying to explain this simple math to you ? Or are you just being purposely obtuse, and a troll ?
Bobsyeruncle 3 years, 4 months ago
Here's a simple experiment for all you non-critical thinkers and conspiracy theorists.
Let's say 100% of people in the UK (or, for that matter, any other country) are fully vaccinated. Some of these people will still get infected and die, so 100% of Covid deaths will be in vaccinated people, but that doesn't mean the vaccines aren't effective at saving lives.
Similarly, let's say 100% of people in a country (like in Haiti currently) are UNvaccinated. Some of these people will also get infected and die, so 100% of Covid deaths will be in UNvaccinated people. That doesn't mean all those people will survive if they had been vaccinated, or all of those people would have died if they had been vaccinated.
See how cherry picking data can be misleading ?
whogothere 3 years, 4 months ago
Come on bobby I'm sure the beetles were more interesting than this? We all (I think) understand basic statistics and that sample size matters -
If you test a pregnancy prevention pill on a sample of only men your product is going to look awesome..but it's probably a poor reflection on reality..we get it - really!
However If you tell 100% of the population to get vaccinated or else you can never join society again, because these vaccines are going to 100% protect you from hospitalisation and death and stop the pandemic, you're going to 100% look "misleading" when it's anything less...
(I know how you love links)
www.astrazeneca.com/media-centre/press-…
www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2021/02/…
and if you in the pregnancy prevention business...well..
Bobsyeruncle 3 years, 4 months ago
Why are you providing links from February ? Touche !
carltonr61 3 years, 4 months ago
CDC just admitted that more cases are showing up in unvaccinated because vaccinated are only tested if hospitalized. Also recent research revealed that the natural immune response is more powerful and lasts longer than the vaccine.
whogothere 3 years, 4 months ago
Thank you! Can you send a link - I have been saying this for weeks...but could only back it up by individual Hospital policies.
carltonr61 3 years, 4 months ago
Based on CDC today's update Minnis is forced to accept new reality today.
https://www.oann.com/cdc-limited-eviden…
ThisIsOurs 3 years, 4 months ago
A couple of things to take note of, that's a republican leaning site do they will grab onto anything to discredit vaccination programs. The study cited doesnt say what you're implying. Yes there is a statement that there's limited evidence on the efficacy of the vaccine in preventing reinfection, but at the same time it says their study of Kentucky residents showed unvaccinated were 2.34 times more likely to be reinfected than vaccinated people.
That said Im personally beginning to wonder if vaccinate everybody is really necessary. 95% of the population everywhere have not gotten sick and obesity seems to be a ginormous factor in severe infections. Even if we look at the accounts of pregnant women... what do they have in common with obese people???
carltonr61 3 years, 4 months ago
https://sputniknews.com/europe/20210809…
Don't know why the post was removed. It only showed what we could expect if we follow the same path to 93% vaccination that Denmark achieved, but now the population is sick.
carltonr61 3 years, 4 months ago
CDC Bahamas says vaccinated could spread and get Covid. But it holds for all persons vaccinated and unvaccinated. All should use latest guidelines and mask up.
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/co…
John 3 years, 4 months ago
The most vaccinated countries in the world has more than half the world's numbers of new cases. The US alone has one third of new cases. Vaccinated countries tend to have a steeper curve than non vaccinated countries, meaning they have more cases occurring at the same time rather than cases spread out over a period of time. Factors that tend to contribute to increases in new cases: 1. When a country starts mass vaccination drives. 2. A country that doesn't adhere to the original safety protocols, including mass wearing, social distancing, avoiding large crowds. 3. A country or population that has numerous people leaving and reentering the country or population (history of travel). The islands with frequent travelers has increased numbers of cases. 4. A country of population that has numerous people entering and leaving. (Porous borders, like The Bahamas with its tourism). Notice the islands with the greatest amounts of tourists also has the greatest amounts of cases.
ThisIsOurs 3 years, 4 months ago
Im dumbfounded that Minnis DAguilar and Wells whistled past the graveyard for an entire year as tgey ignored the link between tourists and rising cases. Every single time we had an exponential increase in tourism numbers we also experienced an exponential increase in COVID infections hospitalizations and deaths.
John 3 years, 4 months ago
Can someone say what happens when a visitor to The Bahamas tests positive for Covid-19?
1.Are the numbers added to the island they are visiting when they test positive fro the virus or added to their home country's numbers?
whogothere 3 years, 4 months ago
Alt 1: If they're staying at Baharmar that 14 night paid in a suite, 150 per person for food or a free jet back home.
Alt 2 : If they're staying anywhere else they don't tell anyone check out and check in to another hotel or air Bnb for two weeks to 'quarentine' - three weeks later contact tracer still won't know where they went.
Alt 3: They avail of the Ponzi scheme insurance they must purchase to enter which will cover 700 dollars per day accommodation (good luck finding someone that wants and or has availability for a covid positive guests during the busy season) or if they are hospital worth they can avail of 50k worth of air ambulance coverage.
Alt 4: They never took the test because they didn't stay 5 days they just spread some germs around while we get locked down..
whatsup 3 years, 4 months ago
He will NEVER let those Emergency Powers go........NEVER!!
carltonr61 3 years, 4 months ago
Sounds like he will force mandate vaccinations. All vaccinated nations are now Covid sick. Sad when a prime Minister have to scream on God to force vaccination rather than science. I wonder which God he is asking us to serve. We need to see his profit sheet.
carltonr61 3 years, 4 months ago
Gov is cherry picking information to cooinside with their greed and power control over us. CDC says something that does no fit them forcing vaccinations they ignore it or deem it misinformation. Case in fact
https://www.rt.com/usa/530741-cdc-vacci…
They are so shanful and lies to us by withholding truth. Medical research anti logic 101. non vaccinated Police with negative covid test infront of living neutral host. host does not get Covid. Vaccinated Police 2 in front of neutral living host with Police 1. both Police 2 and neutral host get sick. what is the logical medical deduction?Both of our doctors should loose their medical degrees. blaming Bahamian non vaccinated for passing something on not in their bodies is criminal.and mal practice..
TalRussell 3 years, 4 months ago
Wait for it when the House of Assembly reconvenes tomorrow in response to the alarming resurgence of COVID-19 cases — surprising sparks from within deepening, breaking ranks red party's elected — going present Thee Mr. Minnis with a taste reminder to take him back when the former governor-general — had to royally step in to restore cracked leadership within what was Her Majesty's loyal opposition red party, — yes?
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