Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis has mandated the suspension of the obligation to pay monthly cable and internet services provided by Cable Bahamas and BTC in certain circumstances.
New amendments to the Emergency Powers Orders that were recently released to the public state that monthly bill payment will be deferred from March 17 for the duration of the state of public emergency and extending a period of 60 days thereafter for people adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During that period of 60 days, any deferred payments are to be paid or the customer shall enter an arrangement for the payment of the deferred bill over a longer period of time.
Thousands of Bahamians have been left unemployed since the state of emergency was declared last month.
To help alleviate the financial strain on residents since then, the government has implemented similar deferral measures for mortgage and loan repayments, as well as insurance premiums.
This new change to the order only applies to people who are unable to pay their cable and internet bills as a result of losing their jobs and are unable to access electronic or remote means to pay their bills.
It does not apply to people who still have their jobs and were able to pay bills electronically or remotely prior to the implementation of the emergency lockdown measures.
The prime minister has also prohibited the sale of personal protection equipment (PPE) to any person other than the Ministry of Health, the Public Hospitals Authority, a medical practitioner under the Medical Act, a person registered under the Dental Act or a veterinarian surgeon or practitioner under the Veterinarian Act.
PPE is defined as garments used to protect health care workers and includes goggles, surgical masks or face shields, gowns or coveralls, head cover, gloves or rubber boots.
Anyone in violation could face a fine of $10,000 or a term of three months in prison, or both.
Countries around the world have reported deficiencies in PPEs for medical workers who are frequently in direct contact with COVID-19 patients.
The post Cable and internet bills being deferred in certain cases appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/22/cable-and-internet-bills-being-deferred-in-certain-cases/
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