First vaccines arrive in The Bahamas

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis with the vaccines after they arrived in the country on Wednesday. Photo: Yontalay Bowe

As of Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis with government officials at the Lynden Pindling International Airport for the arrival of the vaccines. Photo: Donavan McIntosh

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaks about the arrival of the vaccines. Photo: Donavan McIntosh

TWENTY thousand vaccines arrived at Lynden Pindling International Airport shortly before noon on Wednesday, symbolising a new era for the country as the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and other government officials were on hand to receive the vaccines, which have been donated by the Indian government.

"Today is the most delightful and joyous day of my life because now we can see truly light at the end of the tunnel where we can overcome this pandemic and get back to normal life of which I know you are all waiting for," Dr Minnis told reporters.

He said people will begin receiving the vaccines next week after a weekend of trials.

More on this story in Thursday’s Tribune.

mandela 3 years, 9 months ago

Starting is a great thing, But finishing is everything. Waiting at the finish line to celebrate.

birdiestrachan 3 years, 9 months ago

Low and behold the PM was at the airport receiving the vaccine another Kodak moment. and the utterance of an actor." It is the most joyful and delightful day of his life".

He really has to do better than that.

The poppy show indeed.

Cobalt 3 years, 9 months ago

We agree for once. Narcissism at its best.

tribanon 3 years, 9 months ago

Wow! Doofas Minnis seems to be in no hurry to get those vaccines out of the hot sun and stored in a cold frigid environment. And to think it was probably Dr Sands through his contacts with global health authorities who was instrumental in arranging for our country to receive this first batch of 'freebie' vaccines. Remember: In life you get what you pay for. LOL

Proguing 3 years, 9 months ago

"Today is the most delightful and joyous day of my life" I'm not sure Mrs. Minnis will like that...

John 3 years, 9 months ago

The minister of tourism seems to be totally lost about the effects and potency of the vaccines. While urging Bahamians to take the vaccine, he gave the scenario of a tourist having taken the vaccine, then coming to The Bahamas and ‘giving the nasty virus to a Bahamian who has not taken the vaccine.’ So is he saying persons who get the vaccine can still transmit the disease? I know it was said that persons who get the vaccine can still develop the symptoms, but they would be more mild.

ThisIsOurs 3 years, 9 months ago

I think they said people who get the vaccine can socialize with others who've been vaccinated without masks. So I'm assuming it's possible for a vaccinated person to transmit the disease. Remember it wasn't Columbus' crew who died off

Bobsyeruncle 3 years, 9 months ago

The jury's still out on whether or not you can still transmit the virus after being vaccinated. Further clinical data will provide that information in the near future. Remember, the virus can survive for short periods on many different types of materials, such as skin or clothing. Being vaccinated, wont prevent this. Also, my understanding is that full protection from the virus in 95% of people is achieved 2 WEEKS after receiving the SECOND dose.

Cobalt 3 years, 9 months ago

I wonder if Hubert Minnis knows how silly and narcissistic he looks straddling those vaccinations. Almost as if he wants to be hailed as some hero or he purchased them with his own money.

tribanon 3 years, 9 months ago

He's so full of himself that it's impossible for him to have any situational awareness whatsoever.

TalRussell 3 years, 9 months ago

The jury is in for why it took so many dressed to kill, redshirt political bums, accompanied by a fleet of cars, chauffeurs, security teams, and propaganda staging directors - all capture a picture of a baggage cart loaded with but only a half load donated vials vaccines? Didn't they have other PopoulacesPurse's, duties to perform? Yes, this staged photo-op, took the physical presence of 84 in total, all are paid courtesy of the PopoulacesPurse.

newcitizen 3 years, 9 months ago

What about the rest of the vaccines? There has been no attempt to secure the remaining 500,000 doses that we need to vaccinate the rest of the population. Why has the government not tried to buy some? It would cost less than $10m to vaccinate the entire population.

tribanon 3 years, 9 months ago

I wonder if Doofas Minnis is aware yet that Denmark has just suspended the use of all vaccines developed by AstraZeneca because of serious concerns about harmful blood clots that have been identified as a potentially deadly side effect. AstraZeneca's share price has plummeted as a result of this news combined with this pharma company's terrible track record of litigation relating to harmful side effects associated with products it has 'rushed' to market in the past.