Bahamians must pray and prepare

Dear Editor,

The growing worldwide coronavirus crisis, now known as COVID-19, calls for an immediate national time of fervent and intercessory prayer and serious preparations.

All God-fearing persons should pray for the best and prepare for the worst.

Minister of Health Dr. Duane Sands’ prediction that it is only a matter of time before this virus reaches our shores must be taken with the utmost seriousness by all Bahamians and residents.

Generally, Bahamians are often too slow to respond to a warning of an impending crisis.

One would recall how the authorities gave ample warnings which preceded the monster Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.

In typical Bahamian style, scores of citizens and residents took heed to pre-hurricane warnings far too late or not at all and unfortunately scores died, and thousands were displaced.

Going forward, it is better to err on the side of caution than to face the unimaginable unprepared.

The impact of COVID-19 could exceed Dorian.

We know that we run the risk of being an alarmist with these strong warnings, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

We commend Minister Sands and local healthcare workers for their forthright approach on this issue and urge them to continue to be transparent with relevant information.

Indeed, strong and precise leadership will be key in navigating this imminent crisis.

The approaching pandemic therefore calls for all in leadership positions, including the major political parties, to unite in a national bipartisan manner to manage this issue and ultimately save lives.

If Bahamians were to see the prime minister and the leader of the opposition on the same stage united, calling for prayers and preparation, that would be precursory to the divine intervention our land needs.

The Bahamas has faced significant, near existential national challenges in the last year and some feel that we are nearing a teetering point.

Widespread coronavirus in our archipelago would just exacerbate already challenging times.

With such unpredictable days ahead, we should all be fervently praying and making serious preparations and our leaders should be laser-focused on these national issues.

I therefore again call for a suspension of the election rhetoric and campaigning, and instead urge national and civic leaders to sound the national bell for all Bahamians and residents to pray and prepare.

— Bishop Simeon B. Hall, senior pastor emeritus, New Covenant Baptist Church

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source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/03/02/bahamians-must-pray-and-prepare/