No rapid testing on several islands

While the COVID-19 emergency order requires people entering The Bahamas to undergo a rapid antigen test five days after arriving with a negative molecular RT-PCR test result, those tests are not being conducted on some Family Islands, nearly a month after the latest travel protocols came into effect, Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar confirmed yesterday.

The Guardian was made aware that some travelers to Long Island were being granted waivers by Karen Seymour, executive director of the Industry Facilitation Division at the Ministry of Tourism.

When asked about the matter, D’Aguilar confirmed that waivers were being granted and testing is not being done on a number of islands.

“I don’t know exactly which islands, but I know there were a couple, for example, the more remote islands – Long Island, Cat Island, San Salvador, of course, MICAL, all those islands down there,” he said.

“It becomes a little bit more of a challenge to provide that.”

D’Aguilar confirmed that people have been entering those islands from abroad since November 1.

“Yes, they have been,” he said when asked.

Despite the gaps in testing, those travelers – many coming from countries where COVID-19 cases are surging – have not been subject to quarantine.

Under the latest travel rules, individuals entering The Bahamas are required to have a negative RT-PCR test within five days of travel and must take a rapid antigen test (RAT) on day five after arrival, if they are still in the country.

The testing is one of the only methods being used to monitor the potential import of COVID-19 cases, particularly on islands that have not had widespread outbreaks.

Those entering islands without testing are still required to fill out daily health surveys, in which they are expected to self-report any COVID-like symptoms. 

D’Aguilar said the issue on these islands has been the lack of private facilities that can conduct testing. 

“The construct that we were using to deal with the testing…was to use private sector entities to conduct the five-day rapid antigen tests. And that works well in most islands. However, there are a number of islands where there is no private-sector provider. So, there is no local doctor or local clinic that can provide that service. In those particular instances, we have to rely on the public health system to provide that rapid antigen test – so, the government clinics. So, that is a little bit more cumbersome, a little more difficult to roll out.

“…Just the public health administration needs some time to ramp up in order to absorb it. It’s not as agile and not as nimble as the private sector. So, they are aware and they are rolling it out.”

D’Aguilar said one of the hiccups on some islands has been the lack of people to administer tests.

“The public health administration is a little concerned about who can administer these tests,” he said.

“So, they don’t want me to get [someone] and simply train them to do it. They would prefer that there’s some sort of oversight by a doctor, healthcare provider or nurse, or someone who is trained. So, that…makes it somewhat more difficult, because some of us were of the view that this is not a difficult test to administer…and they had a different view.”

When contacted about the lack of antigen testing capability and waivers being given, Minister of Health Renward Wells said, “That’s not my understanding.”

He told The Guardian he would “investigate and revert.”

Wells did not revert yesterday. 

The post No rapid testing on several islands appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/no-rapid-testing-on-several-islands/

Davis hits out over Minnis’ travel

Branding Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis’ recent trips to Exuma, Rum Cay and Cat Island as nothing more than campaigning, Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis said last night that the trips were a blatant disregard for the very public health policy Minnis put in place to combat COVID-19.

While the COVID-19 emergency order provides that people traveling from New Providence to other islands in The Bahamas are subject to a 14-day quarantine upon arrival, Minnis has visited and traversed a number of Family Islands in recent days, moving about the islands and engaging with people on the ground.

On Friday, Minnis and his team visited Exuma for the opening of a dock in Barreterre, despite the island being recognized as a COVID-19 hotspot, with domestic travel to and from the island banned.

Minnis took the press and other government officials with him to Exuma. The Nassau Guardian did not attend the event and was told by one news agency that their reporter was not required to receive a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test, the standard policy in place for New Providence travelers visiting other islands, before traveling with Minnis.

Only a day later, the prime minister was on Rum Cay and Cat Island – COVID-free islands – where he was pictured interacting with locals.

Davis, the MP for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador said he is deeply concerned by Minnis’ travel.

“I am concerned that he is traveling in the manner in which he is and [potentially] exposing…you know, I don’t know what his status is and the people he is carrying with him,” Davis said.

He continued, “We don’t know in his contact what is being transmitted.”

Davis said it is apparent that Minnis has been campaigning, and claimed he is using the emergency powers to promote his own political agenda.

“He is obviously campaigning because on each stop, he is meeting with his FNM generals, having discussions with them,” he said.

Davis added, “He can do that, but don’t shut me out. What is good for him ought to be good for me in respect to that.

“He was in San Salvador last weekend. We know who all he met with. He was in Rum Cay yesterday. We know who he met with. He was in Cat Island from yesterday and spent the night. We know who he met with. And they are all FNM operatives. So, I don’t mind that, but why should I be disadvantaged?

“So, all this lockdown for me is not about public health. It’s about promoting his own political selfish interests.”

The latest emergency order provides: “A person traveling from New Providence shall be required, upon arrival on the other island, to submit to mandatory quarantine at a government identified facility, or any other appropriate facility as determined by the Ministry of Health, at his own expense, for a period of fourteen days or for the duration of stay, if for a shorter period.”

However, the order provides that the competent authority – the prime minister – may exempt people from the need for quarantine.

The order also allows the prime minister to exempt senior government officials from the stipulation that requires those traveling from New Providence to have tested negative for COVID-19, by way of a RT-PCR test.

The post Davis hits out over Minnis’ travel appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/davis-hits-out-over-minnis-travel/

Sands: State of emergency can’t last forever

After parliamentarians voted to extend the country’s state of emergency and the accompanying emergency order, former Minister of Health Dr. Duane Sands said the status quo of restrictions cannot last forever, warning that people will find ways, if they already haven’t, to circumvent restrictions. 

The state of emergency was extended last week to January 31. Sands was not present for the debate or vote on the extension.

But he suggested that the current crop of restrictions are “counterproductive”.

“We are now 11 months into what we now know to be a pandemic, and so, this is the new normal,” he said in a recent interview. 

“This is not a peculiarity and an aberration, it is a new normal. And so, what we ought to be doing is adjusting the way we live in order to optimize or maximize returns, so that the economy can thrive again safely, so that children can be educated again safely, so that we can feed ourselves safely.

“But, you know, these measures suggest that this is a transient stop-gap phenomenon, which can start, stop, start, stop at any moment.

“So, perhaps a different, more effective way, might be to incorporate this into a culture. The culture of how we live. So, that’s from young children to octogenarians can get it, that this is how we’re going to interact.

“It certainly cannot be that indefinitely we are only going to have 10 people at a funeral or not allow people to share in weddings or the wonderful events, because these types of things define who we are as human beings. You can only be separated from other human beings for a season. It can’t last forever. Otherwise, people will find ways to go around the emergency orders, so that would be counterproductive.”

When asked if he thinks the country has already gotten to the point where the restrictions are counterproductive, Sands said, “If we haven’t gotten there, we’re certainly getting there.”

When he led off debate on extending the state of emergency last week, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said he was only seeking to extend the measures to “allow us to have the legal authority to act in case we need to use certain measures”.

“This does not mean that all of these measures are being used at a given time,” he said.

A state of emergency has existed in The Bahamas since March, days after the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in the country.

Governor General C.A. Smith declared a third state of emergency in The Bahamas Tuesday night, giving the competent authority the ability to have up to another six months of emergency powers.

Minnis also credited the measures implemented thus far with putting The Bahamas in a position that he claimed is better than that of many other countries.

Indeed, the number of daily confirmed new COVID-19 cases has decreased in the last few weeks. Over the weekend, health officials reported seven new cases on Friday and 14 new cases on Saturday, a significant decease from the 80 to 100 daily new cases.

But Sands urged the government to be “cautious” of patting itself on the back.

“If the government feels as if the interventions have been positive and responsible for the change, I would be very cautious because if it then goes up, then what does that mean,” Sands questioned.

“Is the government also responsible for the increase? That would have to be the case. You see, it’s difficult to say that the government is responsible for the improvement but the people are responsible for when things get worse.”

After the country’s borders were reopened for international travel back in July, which saw an explosion of cases, several government ministers said it was due to Bahamians traveling back and forth to the US and failing to adhere to social distancing protocols.

“I think we’re all grateful for a reduction in the number of cases from the highs of a hundred-plus cases a day to the level that they’re at now,” Sands said.

“Only time will tell. Certainly, if we look at what’s happening elsewhere, including the country from where we get the greatest number of our tourists, indeed there has been an explosion in COVID cases, COVID admissions, COVID deaths.

“So, while we have definitely seen an improvement and I have no problem giving credit to everybody who has been working very hard, not just the MOH, but all of the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas who have contributed to this decline and I think the people who deserve the most credit are the people of the country.”

The post Sands: State of emergency can’t last forever appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/sands-state-of-emergency-cant-last-forever/

Carnival ships get fresh crew in embarkation exercise

More than a dozen Carnival Cruise Line ships occupied the waters off Nassau Harbour Saturday to undertake what the Ministry of Transport said was “a routine embarkation of fresh crew on to a number of their vessels”.

“In an operation supervised for safety and health safety in all of its aspects, Carnival Corporation has completed a routine embarkation of some 160 fresh crew members onto 13 of their ships offshore Nassau Harbour,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The crew members arrived at 6:30 (Saturday morning) on a private charter flight from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and complied in all respects with all of The Bahamas’ medical, immigration and customs requirements, including the production of a required individual negative COVID-19 test prior to entry.

“They were transferred nonstop directly to the harbor, where waiting chartered launches ferried them directly to their ships.

“The entire operation – from arrival at the airport to embarkation aboard their ships – took little more than eight hours, and has been completed safely.

“Every aspect of the plan, from arrival of the individuals through to their departure, was reviewed and agreed with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, the Port Department, and The Bahamas Maritime Authority.

“All measures, including hygiene, masking, distancing, disinfection, cleaning, were specified and compliance was carefully monitored.”

The ministry said the operation was only for the new crews to embark and no existing crew or shipboard personnel “were allowed to leave any ship or to have any contact with any shore-side personnel”.

The ministry at no time, including during the Saturday operation, “has any permission ever been given for the ships to undertake discharges in Bahamian waters”.

“Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many crew have been unable to move from their ships for protracted periods of time,” the ministry said.

“The provision of fresh crew assures continued smooth operation in accordance with international standards and requirements.

“We are also proud of the fact that The Bahamas has played a role in complying with the United Nations’ call for the essential movement of seamen, and that we have done so in such a safe, rapid and efficient manner.

“We thank our citizens for their continued vigilance in enquiring regarding this operation.”

The post Carnival ships get fresh crew in embarkation exercise appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/carnival-ships-get-fresh-crew-in-embarkation-exercise/

21 new cases

For the first time in months, New Providence went one day without recording any new COVID-19 cases on Friday, according to the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 dashboard.

However, nine were recorded on the island on Saturday.

In total, 21 cases were confirmed in The Bahamas over the weekend – seven on Friday and 14 on Saturday – bringing the total number of COVID cases in the country to 7,517.

Eight cases were recorded on Grand Bahama and four on Eleuthera. 

Twelve of the new cases were men and nine were women.

No new deaths were confirmed over the weekend. As of Saturday, 18 people were hospitalized, with one of them in intensive care.

Over the weekend, 482 tests were conducted – 64 on Friday and 418 on Saturday, resulting in positivity rates of 10.9 percent and 3.3 percent, respectively.

There have been 163 COVID-related deaths in The Bahamas, and 34 people were confirmed to have died with COVID, but not from it. Another 22 deaths are still under investigation.

As of Saturday, there were 1,431 active cases and 5,867 recoveries.

The post 21 new cases appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/21-new-cases-2/

Completion of FATF on-site visit and courtesy call

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) International Co-Operation Review Group of the Americas (ICRG) recently concluded its on-site visit to The Bahamas. The visit was conducted partially in person and partially by virtual means, with the remaining eight members of the ICRG participating remotely.

The on-site visit involved a full review of the implementation and effectiveness of all the reform measures implemented by The Bahamas over the past several years; in-person discussions and questioning of Regulatory Authorities, which oversee the operations of the financial services and non-banking service providers; as well as a successful dialogue with private sector service providers.

Upon the conclusion of the on-site visit, the FATF officials paid a courtesy call upon the Prime Minister Dr. Hubert A. Minnis in the Office of the Prime Minister. The prime minister welcomed the delegation and expressed profound gratitude to them on behalf of the Bahamian people for their commitment and dedication displayed by having undertaken travel to The Bahamas in the height of the second surge of the pandemic. He also reiterated the highest-level political commitment to the laudable goals of the FATF, in seeking the elimination of all forms of financial, terrorism and proliferation crimes, and all identified risk offenses.

The Bahamas is now awaiting the final assessment and recommendations of the ICRG on the question of the delisting of The Bahamas from the FATF Gray List.

The post Completion of FATF on-site visit and courtesy call appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/completion-of-fatf-on-site-visit-and-courtesy-call/

BNT: Allowing oil exploration is hypocrisy

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) has spoken out against plans for oil exploration in The Bahamas, saying in a statement issued on Friday that it is “categorically opposed” to the upcoming drilling and called allowing it “a careless signal of hypocrisy to the world”.

“A growing number of Bahamians are clearly opposed to and not willing to accept the risks associated with an oil industry in The Bahamas,” it said.

“The prevailing view is there is simply too much at stake.

“As a staunch defender of the Bahamian environment, the BNT is categorically opposed to oil exploration in The Bahamas. The BNT stands with every Bahamian speaking out against proposed oil exploration in our ocean nation.”

The statement added, “We risk turning our coastal tourist destination into an oil nation.

“The nation’s tourism industry relies on clean, swimmable waters and healthy ocean ecosystems to thrive. Oil drilling and exploration threaten clean coastal economies.”

Next month, the Bahamas Petroleum Company (BPC) is expected to begin drilling an exploratory well. The project has been met with significant opposition in the public sphere, with many people expressing concern over the potential harm to the natural environment.

The BNT said the oil industry’s poor track record in protecting the environment presents too large a risk to The Bahamas.

“Bahamian communities rely on healthy ocean ecosystems to support jobs in fishing, recreation, and tourism,” it said.

“The oil industry’s track record in often failing to protect the environment effectively makes such developments too big a risk to be allowed in our fragile ocean nation.

“An oil spill can irreversibly damage our oceans, threaten our tourism industry, and our very way of life. The 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon disaster proves that no amount of reward from oil drilling is worth the risks of a potential disaster.”

The BNT noted that the proposed initial well is “incredibly close” to the Cay Sal Bank, a marine-protected area and, according to the BNT, “one of the most ecologically productive and economically important marine systems in the country”.

“The Cay Sal MPA protects thriving marine life inclusive of commercially important species, most notably one of the last remaining viable populations of the queen conch,” the statement said.

“This large MPA also protects crucial marine mammal habitats, coral reefs, seagrass meadows and open ocean ecosystems.”

Eric Carey, Executive Director, Bahamas National Trust said any pollution of the area would be devastating for the entire country. 

The BNT said that given The Bahamas’ particular vulnerability to the impacts of climate change, to allow oil drilling would be hypocritical. 

“The country, our people, and our way of life could disappear if we are not successful as a global community in reversing the factors of a changing climate.

“The country would be sending a careless signal of hypocrisy to the world.

“The benefits of fossil fuels are finite and insignificant compared to the cost of global climate change. We should not compound the damage of increased storm activity and sea levels due to global climate change with the risks associated with oil exploration.

“Drilling for oil would require us to ignore the damage of Hurricane Dorian and other storms. We would be overlooking the harm done to Grand Bahama in the Equinor spill.

“We would be turning a blind eye to obvious risks to our own well-being.

“The Bahamas has stood in the presence of the United Nations, demanding urgent action to combat climate change.

“We cannot, therefore, cry out to the world that our country is being severely threatened by climate change, and still allow the exploration for fossils fuels, one of the main drivers of climate change on the planet.”

The post BNT: Allowing oil exploration is hypocrisy appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/bnt-allowing-oil-exploration-is-hypocrisy/

Some Eleuthera residents ready for restrictions to be eased

Some Eleuthera residents have described the past two weeks under tighter restrictions as “living in a prison” and are pleading with the prime minister to ease them.

Laurel Bullard, a mother of two living in Lower Bogue, said now that the daily number of positive COVID-19 cases for that island has gone back down, she feels it’s time for businesses and residents to be allowed to have a bit more freedom on the island as some residents have exhausted their life savings and need to get back to business.

“What bothers me most about this is the curfew is 6 o’clock. I have a 9 to 5 p.m. job where I have to work from 9 to 5 p.m., and when I get off, the food store closed. I can’t even get into the food store. The curfew should have been later than that.”

Living with two school-age children, Bullard said aside from the curfew, life has just been very hard on the island.

“You can’t go anywhere,” she said.

“You’re driving the streets and the officers they send here are bombarding you and I mean it’s like you’re in a prison in your own world. We have people who haven’t worked since March. You’re spending the savings that you have because you need stuff to survive during the lockdown period.

Three weeks ago, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis announced a weekday curfew of 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. and weekend lockdowns for the island.

It came as Ministry of Health officials noticed a spike in COVID-19 cases, most of which they said traced back to local restaurants, bars and a funeral.

In addition to those restrictions, all domestic flights and sea vessels traveling to or from Eleuthera were prohibited, except in emergency or otherwise approved cases.

Bars and restaurants connected to bars were also ordered closed, while indoor church services were prohibited.

Diallo Ingraham owns several businesses on the island and is a pastor.

He said the tighter restrictions have left his family with tough decisions to make.

“We’re trying man,” Ingraham said.

“Businesses are hurting, people are hurting.

“I think it’s past time. My wife and I just were talking this week because we now have to make a decision on our gas station. It’s a very low-profit business and most of our business is in the evenings or on weekends, and if we don’t have those then, what do you do? That means somebody now is going to basically lose a job or we’re going to cut numbers because we have to. The only good thing is that we have a church where we can basically help take care of our members.”

Kennord Mackey, a COVID-19 survivor who initially supported the tighter restrictions, said after enduring weeks of it, he doesn’t think the restrictions imposed on the island were necessary, although he felt they worked.

“Most definitely, it’s time to lift them now,” the primary school educator said.

“I’m not sure if they’re still necessary. Restrictions work, but I don’t think these type of restrictions are now necessary.”

Michael Saunders, an electrician and president of Eleuthera’s Christian Council, lives in Rock Sound and said he thinks residents on the mainland have been treated unfairly over the past two weeks with the tighter restrictions in place.

“The hurtful thing is we have boats coming in the harbor,” he said.

“Last week, I called the police and asked them what’s going on. Tourists are coming in, but the locals can’t travel. We have million dollar planes coming in and parked on our airport. Why we can’t say just test me before I leave and test me before I return and treat me just like the tourists where I don’t feel like a second-class citizen? I feel like a third-class citizen on this island because we don’t have the same privileges as those who have money. Do I appreciate the tourists? Yes. But they’re not my God. Give us the same treatment. When there are no tourists, we keep the island going.

“The start was rough. Even though we complained, everything began to become the new norm. So, while we fought it, we still had to go through it. Everyone adhered to the rules. The extra police and defense force officers that they brought in left a week ago and we still adhered to the rules. So, the restrictions worked and it’s time to lift them now, I think.”

When he spoke in Parliament last week, Minnis said he would be speaking to the easing of restrictions for Eleuthera soon. 

The post Some Eleuthera residents ready for restrictions to be eased appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/some-eleuthera-residents-ready-for-restrictions-to-be-eased/

BUT says Lloyd’s statement was an ‘admission of failure’

Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson said Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd’s revelation that 25 percent of public school students on New Providence and Abaco have not been engaged in virtual learning and are in danger of repeating their grade level, is an admission of his failure as minister of education.

“For the minister to say that 6,000 students are wandering the streets, then that means that he has failed as the minister, based on the Education Act, to ensure that students between the ages of five and 16 are in school,” Wilson said.

“The minister, knowing that there are 6,000 students wandering the streets is quite aware that there are packing boys of school age in these food stores who are working when they should be in school. And the minister, I am certain, when he traverses the streets, he sees the children running up and down riding on their bicycles and playing.

“Yes, parents have a responsibility, so I don’t think that any parent should renege on their responsibility. And again, if the minister is doing his job, the Education Act speaks to: what should happen to a parent who has a child of school age who they have not sent to school?”

When contacted for a response to Wilson’s statement yesterday, Lloyd said, “Bless her heart and soul.”

Last week, the education minister said 75 percent of students in New Providence and Abaco have logged on to the Ministry of Education’s online learning platform and have been engaged with the lessons.

He said while he knows some students may have challenges with devices and internet service, there are resource packets available at schools where parents are able to have their students’ lessons and work for the week.

Wilson said after months of offering recommendations and seeking more detailed information on the Ministry of Education for maneuvering through the pandemic and the way forward for teachers and students, the BUT has not received one.

She said eight months into the pandemic, it feels as though there hasn’t been much progress.

“I’m glad to see that the minister finally admitted that there are thousands of students who have not logged on to the virtual platform, which is something that I have been saying for months,” Wilson said.

“And I also would like to challenge the minister to provide the empirical data for this 25 percent because teachers, and the union, were of the view that it’s higher than 25 percent.

“In our document, we had posed several questions asking the ministry to determine whether students would repeat the 2020 school year and if yes, at which grade levels or all of the grades.

“We also posed the question of whether students will only repeat the Easter and summer terms and at which grade levels, and we proposed even a grade 13 to be added, so the students who are socially promoted will have that additional year at the end of their school experience. So, we are still awaiting the written documentation from the Ministry of Education because everything that they’re sending to us is ad hoc, it’s not well thought out.”

The ministry partnered with several companies in an effort to get tablets and laptops to students on the two islands.

However, Lloyd said despite his ministry’s efforts, the number of students not logging on is too high, whether it be lack of resources or lack of interest.

Wilson said she hopes whenever the BUT receives a plan from the MOE, it addresses everything from social promotion to the number of teachers needed to continue through the new normal and beyond.

“We are concerned about social promotion because for years, we’ve been saying that students should not be promoted from one grade to another without them satisfactorily completing the work at the lower grade level,” Wilson said.

The post BUT says Lloyd’s statement was an ‘admission of failure’ appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/but-says-lloyds-statement-was-an-admission-of-failure/

Prime Minister Minnis officially opens new government dock in Exuma

BARRATERRE, Exuma – Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis on Friday officially opened a new dock at Barraterre, marking the completion of a much-needed replacement of the government docking facility.

The original government dock was a timber piled structure constructed around 1990 and was used for the mail boat service from Nassau, fishing boats, leisure craft, and tourist boats visiting the world-famous swimming pigs.

The structure was in a poor condition with a high risk of collapse of some sections of the dock, the prime minister noted.

“The economic stability of the community of Barraterre is highly dependent on the construction of a new and improved docking facility,” said Prime Minister Minnis at a small ceremony on Friday, November 27.

SJK Engineering and Construction, headed by Bahamian engineer Stefan Knowles, was awarded the contract to construct the dock.

The community dock, which is used extensively by the public and private boat operators when use of the main government dock is not possible, was also refurbished as part of the project.

It was used as a temporary facility while the main government dock was demolished and reconstructed.

The project also included the construction of a seawall.

“The project was completed in a timely manner,” said the prime minister.

“Even though we had promised a grand celebration upon the opening of the dock, unfortunately the exigencies of the pandemic curtailed those plans. However, we could not let 2020 end without celebrating with the Barraterre community, the completion of the much-needed replacement government dock.”

Additional works are being carried out throughout Exuma, inclusive of road paving and the completion of the much-anticipated air terminal building at the Exuma International Airport, said Prime Minister Minnis.

An $8 million contract has been awarded to Caribbean Pavement Solutions for the repair and rehabilitation of roads in mainland Exuma.

In Black Point, a contract for carriageway rehabilitation valued at $1.4 million has been awarded to Carib Construction and Project Management.

Plans are also well on their way for the design and construction of the new terminal building and crash fire rescue building.

Tender documents were issued and three bids were received.

The terminal building will accommodate multiple tenants, including government regulatory agencies such as customs and immigration, the airlines, the Airport Authority and approximately 12 retail outlets.

Included in the design are facilities for airport weather observation and radio communications similar to a smaller-sized air traffic control tower.

Substantial improvements are also planned to the airside facilities, including a public aircraft apron, taxiway and runway reconstruction.

It is anticipated that construction of the terminal building and crash fire rescue building will commence in the first quarter of 2021, and the airside construction will begin in the second quarter of 2021, said the prime minister.

The post Prime Minister Minnis officially opens new government dock in Exuma appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/prime-minister-minnis-officially-opens-new-government-dock-in-exuma/

PM defends state of emergency

Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis yesterday laid out his case for seeking to extend the state of emergency in The Bahamas. 

As he opened debate in the House of Assembly yesterday to extend the state of emergency to January 31, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis told the public that he has no plans to increase restrictive measures at this time.

“We are not here today to extend a curfew,” he said during debate on a resolution to extend the proclamation of emergency and the accompanying emergency order to January 31.

“We are not here to enforce a lockdown.

“We are not here to announce additional restrictions on any island.

“We are simply here to extend the period under which an emergency power exist.

“It is then up to the government – guided by the advice of the public health team – to determine if restrictions are needed for a period of time in order to prevent sickness and death.”

Minnis added, “The measures we seek to extend today merely allow us to have the legal authority to act in case we need to use certain measures.

“This does not mean that all of these measures are being used at a given time.”

Minnis credited the measures implemented thus far with putting The Bahamas in a position that he claimed is better than that of many other countries.

“Thankfully, the measures we used worked to beat back the virus thus far,” he said.

“Currently, our country is in a better position than many places.”

According to Minister of Health Renward Wells, The Bahamas is flattening the curve with fewer COVID-19 cases reported each day.

Minnis continued, “I am advised by our health officials that because of the emergency public health measures we took approximately three weeks ago, the cases on New Providence appear to be stabilizing.” 

Minnis also suggested that The Bahamas is taking a less extreme approach than some other countries.

“Other countries extend their emergency measures for longer periods at a time,” he said.

“For example, Barbados has extended its state of emergency into March of next year and each jurisdiction follows its own course.”

A state of emergency has existed in The Bahamas since March, days after the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in the country.

Governor General C.A. Smith declared a third state of emergency in The Bahamas Tuesday night, giving the competent authority the ability to have up to another six months of emergency powers.

Many have spoken out against the continued state of emergency, calling it undemocratic given the amount of power it places in the hands of the competent authority, the prime minister. 

However, Minnis said yesterday that critics of emergency powers are “irresponsible, reckless and unreasonable”.

“It is reasonable to debate what restrictions should be in place on what island and for how long,” he said.

“But it is highly irresponsible, reckless and unreasonable to suggest that we should not use emergency powers in the worst emergency in our country’s modern history.

“The position the opposition has taken is baffling and disturbing. It appears from their rhetoric that if they were in office, they would not give themselves the power to act to save lives.”

Over the past several weeks, there has been a significant decline in daily confirmed COVID cases, particularly on New Providence. However, Eleuthera, Exuma and Grand Bahama all saw recent surges.

Restrictive measures, including curfews and weekend lockdowns, were implemented on Eleuthera and Exuma in an effort to slow the spread of the virus.

While Minnis noted yesterday that cases are declining on those islands, he did not announce a relaxation of the measures in place.

“A team from the Ministry of Health will travel to Eleuthera this coming Friday, November 27, to conduct a follow-up assessment of the COVID-19 situation,” he said.

“Restrictions will remain in place for the rest of this week. Next week, based on advice from health officials and their findings, I will announce whether restrictions can be relaxed on mainland Eleuthera.

“I am happy to report that cases are down on mainland Exuma. On Monday past there were three new confirmed cases. Health officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 developments on the island and will have more to say on Exuma soon.”

Minnis said health officials have advised that restrictive measures should remain the same on Grand Bahama, and also noted that more contact tracing capacity is needed on the island.

The post PM defends state of emergency appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/pm-defends-state-of-emergency/

‘We are flattening the curve’

Praising the government’s efforts to reduce coronavirus cases in The Bahamas, Minister of Health Renward Wells said yesterday that The Bahamas has seen a decrease in the number of new COVID cases, hospitalizations and has gone 10 days without a COVID death.

“Our collective efforts are flattening the COVID-19 curve,” Wells said in the House of Assembly.

“The change in trajectory did not come by chance.

“Paul J. Meyer, a pioneer of the self-improvement industry, reveals: ‘Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning and focused effort.’

“This is exactly what the Minnis administration has done, Mr. Speaker.”

Wells said the country is reaping the fruits of the government’s responsiveness to combat the virus. 

“For the past seven days, Mr. Speaker, there have been fewer than 30 new cases each day,” he said.

“Mr. Speaker, on November 24…we had nine cases. Yesterday, Mr. Speaker, we had eight cases.”

Wells said The Bahamas has gone 10 days without a COVID-related death, down from when the country was averaging one death a day only weeks ago.

He also noted that hospitalizations are also down, with 19 people hospitalized in the country and one person in the ICU.

Wells said the test positivity rate is down, with it having been less than five percent on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“The average positivity rate over the past week, this epiweek, was 8.6 percent, down, Mr. Speaker, from an average in October and early November of 17 percent,” he said.

“Mr. Speaker, at one point in time, one day we were around 32 percent for our positivity rate. And the Bahamian people should note that the WHO would like to see a positivity rate below five percent, and on Tuesday and yesterday, our positivity rate was below five percent.”

The Bahamas has been challenged with a second wave of COVID-19 infections since July. Prior to that point, there were 104 confirmed COVID cases in the country and 14 deaths.

As part of its strategy to combat the virus, the government imposed lockdowns, curfews, social distancing rules, mandatory mask wearing and other measures.

As of Wednesday, 7,482 cases and 163 COVID-related deaths had been confirmed in the country. Twenty-two deaths were still under investigation, and another 33 people were confirmed to have died with COVID, but not because of it.

In the months-long struggle to combat the spread of the virus, government officials have repeatedly attributed the rise in cases in July to Bahamians who traveled abroad and returned to the country without a negative COVID test, as per the travel protocols at the time.

Continued community spread was also consistently attributed to the noncompliance of the general public.

The post ‘We are flattening the curve’ appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/we-are-flattening-the-curve/

Cooper calls extension of state of emergency ‘madness’

Dubbing the extension of the state of emergency “madness”, Exumas and Ragged Island Member of Parliament Chester Cooper yesterday said he could not support it as it has gone on for too long and is inflicting unnecessary harm.

“This is madness,” he told members of Parliament in the House of Assembly last evening.

“We’ve been going at this for far too long now. We should legislate the measures we think are best and pass them into law. The attorney general says his office is drafting legislation to do just that.

“Sadly, it is taking too long and the constant states of emergency and ever-shifting emergency orders are fraying the already stressed nerves of Bahamians, credibility of our country and confidence of our economy.”

Parliamentarians last night debated a resolution to extend the state of emergency to January 31, 2021.

The vote came two days after Governor General Cornelius A. Smith proclaimed a third state of emergency, which gives the competent authority the ability to have up to another six months of emergency powers.

But as the opposition continues to raise questions over Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis’ use of power as the competent authority, Cooper expressed discontent with Minnis’ rejection of opposing views.

“There seems to be a pervasive view in government that anyone opposed to the continued state of emergency is a cruel sadist who would let everyone have their way, public health concerns be damned and let everyone who is vulnerable die,” Cooper said. “It is an absurd, extremist argument.”

He continued, “The same remedies that we applied here eight months ago are not all necessary now. We must’ve learnt some things by now. I understand that it is a complex process to target all the legislation needed to govern the non-health aspects the emergency orders cover, but I am not afraid of hard work, never have been.”

While Cooper admitted that he feels there are measures that the government took that made sense, there were also others he felt “made absolutely no sense and inflicted unnecessary harm”.

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) deputy leader said he believes there was not wide enough consultation on some of the measures and called for a laser focus on the dual crises the country faces.

“We must not further compound these crises,” he said.

“For instance, if the rate of new infections hit a certain percentage, we must take a specific action. If the rate of hospitalizations in ICU hits a certain threshold, we take another action. If the rate of deaths hits a certain point, we take another action. This is practiced in various countries. However, what is also practiced there is widespread testing and robust contact tracing. We’re not going to have an accurate sense of the risks involved if we only test symptomatic people. In my view, we have to sort that out right now. It has been long enough. We’ve said this too many times.”

Before he wrapped up his contribution to the debate, Cooper also raised concerns regarding a lack of reporting by the government during the pandemic as mandated under the regulations of the Emergency Powers Act.

“Clause 12 of the regulations provide the power to the competent authority to waive procurement rules,” he said.

“However, it also mandates in clause 10(2) that the government shall within six weeks of the expiration to the proclamation of emergency lay a report detailing total expenditure, the suppliers and the reason for the use of such suppliers. Two expirations of proclamations since March 2020, but not one report.”

Minister of Health Renward Wells yesterday touted the drastic drop in confirmed COVID-19 cases and said it was due to the commitment and plan put in place by the Minnis Administration.

However, Opposition Leader Philip Davis said the numbers do not support the extension of the state of emergency nor a new proclamation by the governor general.

“There have been many lessons learned around the world about how to protect public health during this pandemic,” he said. “The need to do so by a one-man rule has long expired.”

The post Cooper calls extension of state of emergency ‘madness’ appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/cooper-calls-extension-of-state-of-emergency-madness/

25 percent of public school students in danger of repeating

Twenty-five percent of public school students in New Providence and Abaco have not logged on for virtual school and if they do not meet certain requirements by the end of the school year, they could face repeating the grade level, according to Minister of Education Jeffrey Lloyd.

Lloyd told The Nassau Guardian yesterday that 75 percent of the approximately 30,000 students expected to participate in virtual learning have been logging on and are active on the Ministry of Education’s platform.

He said it’s a good sign that the majority of students appear interested in their education despite the unfortunate circumstance brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re talking about New Providence and Abaco,” Lloyd said. “So, if 30,000 or thereabout is in New Providence and Abaco at 75 percent, then we’re looking at 24,000 who are logging on. So, there are 6,000 students who are wandering the streets or otherwise not dutifully engaged in their educational pursuit.”

Lloyd was asked whether there would be consequences for those students who do not log in and subsequently fail to meet the standard to move on to the next grade level at the end of the school year.

“Absolutely there is going to be some implication or some 

consequence for those students Jeffrey Lloyd who do not meet the standard of their particular grade,” he said.

“That means some sessions during the summer or, yes, in some cases that may mean to have to repeat.”

The ministry has partnered with several companies in an effort to get tablets and laptops to students in New Providence and Abaco for them to continue their education online.

However, Lloyd said despite his ministry’s efforts, the number of students still not logging on is too high, whether it be lack of resources or lack of interest.

“Of course, in spite of whatever we do in the Ministry of Education, it still falls on the student and the parents because they have to see education as important,” Lloyd said.

“They have to see it as valuable and necessary and have to make a commitment to see that the child does find his or her way into some kind of academic proficiency.

“Now, whether you have a device or not, all schools have what we call resource packets; meaning lessons that they can go to the schools, collect, do the work and return it to the school.

“The teacher will mark it and then they will get another packet at the end of the week.

“So, there is really no excuse for any child not to be suitably engaged in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Yes, we would certainly like for them to be online. Yes, we would certainly like for every child to have a tablet and that’s what we’re working towards.

“We want certainly to have internet capability, copiously, freely, and easily accessible.

“But at the same time, if none of those are available, the school has resource packets that are available that the child can use for the benefit of education.”

Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson has constantly hit out at the lack of resources available to teachers and many students to move forward.

But while she said her concerns have fallen on deaf ears, Lloyd said the concern of the ministry right now is to get the thousands of children not logging on for school, engaged.

“Our challenge is right now is we are grateful for the 75 percent of students who log in on a consistent basis,” he said.

“The concern is those 20 percent who are not.

“Of course, our belief is that is a result of no tablets or no internet capability or both.

“Of course, we are working very hard with corporate Bahamas as well as other non-governmental organizations who have offered by way of donations, tablets.

“So, we are getting them out to our various schools and we are working with Aliv and BTC to provide internet capability in at least 12 neighborhoods here in New Providence, 12 in Grand Bahama, and to offer very, very generous rates for internet capability for our children.”

The post 25 percent of public school students in danger of repeating appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/25-percent-of-public-school-students-in-danger-of-repeating/

‘COVID-19 threw a wrench in Grand Lucayan plan’

Royal Caribbean International (RCI) and Mexico-based ITM Group are still on track to have operational control of the Grand Lucayan resort by 2021, Minister of Tourism Dionisio D’Aguilar said while expressing frustration with the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the sale.

He noted that the resort will not automatically reopen once this is done.

“There are two elements to this project,” D’Aguilar said.

“The first element is the hotel and the next element, of course, is the development of a cruise port, a substantial cruise port in Grand Bahama. And so, both of those projects have timelines and obviously, you want them to happen at the same time. So with the hotel, they’re dealing with us and with the port, they’re dealing with Hutchison.

“First of all, you have to bring all four parties together at the same time in order to make the project go and that’s obviously somewhat complex. But, it isn’t as if on January 1 they take control of the property, let’s say, and the hotel starts to fill up.

“There’s substantial work that needs to be done to that property and a redevelopment and, of course, they have their redevelopment plans for that property. Sadly, it’s going to take some time.

“Even if you hand over operational control, there’s going to be the need to do investment to develop the product that you wish to have.”

The government purchased the Grand Lucayan for $65 million in August 2018, and began negotiations for the sale last year before announcing that Holistica  — a joint company of RCI and ITM — will redevelop the property and construct a new cruise port.

The government continues to carry the financial burden of the resort despite the pending sale, having provided $10.3 million during the last fiscal year to assist with debt servicing obligations for the Grand Lucayan hotel properties, according to the Ministry of Finance’s Fourth Quarter Fiscal Snap Shot.

During the first phase of reconstruction, developers have said approximately $300 million would be spent refurbishing, renovating and reconstructing the 500 rooms currently on the property, with another 500 rooms expected to be built during phase two.

The developers also plan to build a casino, a water park, a restaurant and retail center, in addition to the construction of a cruise port at Freeport Harbour that would accommodate three ships in phase one and up to seven ships in subsequent phases.

D’Aguilar said there’s a “doubt that the speed at which they (Holistica) were going to do the investment has changed”.

He attributed that change to its cash flow situation.

“So certainly, Royal Caribbean has indicated that they can only spend money on certain things because they borrowed money… and the condition of the loan is you can only do certain things with it,” the minister said.

He added, “What is really frustrating about this project is the fact that the world has changed so significantly. Back in March, we had a deal. It was clear cut, very optimistic. The hotel was going to be sold. There were grand plans and, of course, the main investor was the Royal Caribbean.

“So, everybody knows what happened to Royal Caribbean’s core business, it got destroyed and it still isn’t clear when it’s going to resume.”

D’Aguilar said it is “very unfortunate that”  Grand Bahama was on the cusp of launching “this wonderful project” only to “then run into this crisis of epic proportions, which has once again thrown a wrench in our well-intended plans”.

The post ‘COVID-19 threw a wrench in Grand Lucayan plan’ appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/covid-19-threw-a-wrench-in-grand-lucayan-plan/

Minister expects 80% tourism rebound by 2022

The Bahamas will likely see the rebound of 80 percent of its tourism industry in 2022, according to Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar, who expressed concern about whether businesses on Bay Street will be able to survive the COVID-19 pandemic

The tourism industry and eventually, the country, came to a standstill at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March.

The Bahamas, which had reported more than seven million visitors in 2019, has seen sparse visitor arrivals this year.

“You can’t expect it’s going to be completely elastic where you bounce right back to 2019,” D’Aguilar said.

“I’m convinced that it will be at least a number of years before that happens. I go back to a business that I know well. When the financial disaster of 2007/8 hit…it took until 2014 for the sales to be the same as 2007.

“It took seven years for it to bounce back from that. I’m saying that this will be quite the same but there is no doubt that in your core market — and, in fact, many markets of the world — there has been significant dislocation because of this. I mean British Airways just laid off 12,000 people.

“So, is it going to come back that quick? I don’t know. And those people have had to borrow money and get themselves into a situation where they have had to live with this. It will be some time before you get back to the peak of 2019.”

He predicted a full rebound would take more than three years.

“I think very quickly 80 percent of it will come back but to do the last 20 percent, it will probably take a while,” D’Aguilar said.

When asked if he believes the 80 percent rebound will happen next year, D’Aguilar replied, “No, not next year, probably 2022.”

He described the ongoing pandemic as “a real challenge” and a “nightmare”.

Cruise lines are likely delayed until the end of the first quarter of next year.

As a result, according to D’Aguilar, there will be no cruise passenger buffer for one of the biggest travel holidays for Americans.

Despite this, he maintained that The Bahamas is “wonderfully positioned” for the cruise market because of its location.

“We’ll have a beautiful new cruise port in the next two years,” he said.

“We’ll be in a great position to bounce back in the cruise market very quickly. If you stratify the market, I think the cruise market, as it comes back – and they tell you their passengers and their customers are very loyal and people are just waiting for the green light for them to start cruising again – we obviously will be the main beneficiary of that.

“But, the problem is, can Bay Street hold on until then? That’s the concern.”

D’Aguilar added, “That will be a whole year. It’s very, very difficult for businesses that are in rent scenarios, whether they can hold on unless they just shut down and hunker down and holding their money and telling their landlord he got to wait, which is what some may be doing.”

November 1 marked The Bahamas’ second attempt at reopening its tourism sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first reopening, which took place on July 1, was followed by a spike in COVID cases on Grand Bahama and New Providence — the two most populous islands in The Bahamas. The virus also spread across The Bahamas.

The post Minister expects 80% tourism rebound by 2022 appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/minister-expects-80-tourism-rebound-by-2022/

RBDF conducts Subject Matter Expert Exchange Seminar

In keeping with Commodore Raymond King’s vision of developing a professional and high-performance workforce focused on performance excellence, more than 50 representatives from partnering law enforcement agencies completed a two-day Subject Matter Expert Exchange Seminar on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at HMBS Coral Harbour.

In attendance at the seminar were representatives from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and Police Force, Bahamas Customs and Immigration departments. This event aims at strengthening friendships, relationships, and partnerships, ensuring interoperability and enhanced levels of coordination, and facilitating the necessary transfer of knowledge among the various agencies.

Commodore Raymond King, the principal speaker at the closing ceremony, spoke briefly on the goals of the seminar. 

He further conveyed his gratitude to the heads of the various law enforcement agencies for allowing the men and women to participate in the timely session, and also his Officers and Marines for a splendid workshop.

“The critical collaborative exercise was designed to improve our levels of coordination, consensus building, and cooperation against the scourge of illicit drug trafficking, arms and ammunition smuggling, migrant and human trafficking, as well as illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing within our domain – which threatens the stability, peace, and security that we enjoy”, said King.

As the Royal Bahamas Defence Force continues to defend the territorial waters of The Bahamas, the defense force commander reiterated that to effectively combat transnational criminal activities, the exchange of knowledge and expertise among the various agencies are important commodities. He also noted the three objectives achieved during the seminar, which included Operational Congruence, Operational Readiness and Operational Efficiency.

The coordinator of the seminar was Lieutenant Commander Origin Deleveaux and the RBDF training staff. Certificates were presented to participants at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The post RBDF conducts Subject Matter Expert Exchange Seminar appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/rbdf-conducts-subject-matter-expert-exchange-seminar/

Children’s homes press on despite pandemic

Pilot, police officer, fully funded scholar, and community leader are just a few of the academic and career titles that young men take on as they say farewell to Colby House.

After entering the transitional home, which specializes in providing personalized care for emotionally and physically traumatized youngsters, the boys become equipped for a productive adulthood by way of a holistic approach. They subsequently consider themselves fortunate to have once been under the home’s stewardship.

Mr. Leonard Newton, Administrator for Colby House for Boys, made this disclosure with pride as he, along with five other children’s homes representatives, received a donation of $22,000 from CIBC FirstCaribbean.

“We give them an opportunity to succeed. I allow them to make their decisions and help them along the way,” he said.

He continued, “I allow them to make mistakes because if they do not make mistakes, they’ll never succeed. A lot of them have dreams about what they want to do and no doubt, they will be leaders in years to come.”

Despite the challenges presented by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, children’s homes press on to ensure each minor’s needs are met.

The Colby House, Children’s Emergency Hostel, Nazareth Centre, Elizabeth Estates, Ranfurly, and Bilney Lane Children’s Homes will use the monetary contribution made by the bank to continue their efforts in providing a safe place for children with a history of abuse, abandonment, or neglect.

Each of the homes have uniquely designed activities and programs that cater to physical, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being. Administrators and other key individuals have witnessed the upbringing of countless successful, contributing citizens of society.

Ms. Charlene Gibson, the Children’s Emergency Hostel’s business manager, described CIBC FirstCaribbean’s ongoing support as a “tremendous help”. She noted that during these uncertain times especially, the bank’s assistance would help in facilitating the daily expenditure of the hostel.

“For the most part, the hostel has an overhead of about maybe $300,000 a year. On a monthly basis we spend in excess of $50,000 to $75,000, inclusive of buying provisions for the kids, utilities, any repairs that are needed for the facility, and salary for the staff,” she said.

Noting the impact of COIVD-19 on fundraising events, Ms. Gibson added, “Recently, because of the pandemic, the amount of donations that the hostel has been receiving has come to a standstill and we are running on funds that are given from the government.

“The donation that we received from the bank has assisted in a tremendous way to help what we have here at the hostel.”

Terrance Gibson, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Associate Director of Private Wealth Management & International Corporate Banking said, “CIBC FirstCaribbean recognizes the role children’s homes have in providing safe places for children to grow and develop. We hope that this donation can make the financial load they bear a bit lighter as they continuously pour into the lives of future generations.”

The post Children’s homes press on despite pandemic appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/childrens-homes-press-on-despite-pandemic/

Abuse of the Emergency Powers Act

Dear Editor,

The Emergency Powers Act and regulations thereunder are being abused by the prime minister in his role as the competent authority.

The sweeping and draconian powers have, clearly, gone to Dr. Minnis’ head, politically.

It was envisaged that no more than six months, at any given time, would have been ample to deal effectively with a state of emergency.

We suspect that the ongoing and debilitating pandemic is not a real state of emergency but rather a medical and health issue.

It has been opined by some half-baked legal personalities that simple legislation could be deployed to deal with those issues as opposed to the continued ruling by decree.

We’ve looked in the mirror and we are looking more and more like our Haitian brothers and sisters over in Haiti where the president has been ruling by decree for several months.

Haiti is a broken state. The Bahamas is not.

There was much talk and threats by several notable lawyers about challenging the constitutionality and legal basis for the Emergency Powers Act, et al, but that is all it would appear to have been – loose talk and bogus threats.

We are now in the third or fourth incarnation of the Emergency Powers Act and not a single court ruling. This is baffling.

Were the lawyers only seeking brownie points and publicity as they jockey for political nominations?

In any event, Dr. Minnis is abusing and playing the system, in my view.

He and the crumbling FNM will pay a heavy price at the polls in short order.

Too much pain and economic suffering have been inflicted, with a heavy hand, on our people. Enough is enough.

The PLP and Brave may as well start preparing to recapture the government of this wonderful nation within the next year or so.

While sidewalks are great, we need and demand a government of accountability; fiscal restraints; transparency; and, of course, empathy with the governed.

To God then, in all things, be the glory.

– Ortland H. Bodie Jr.

The post Abuse of the Emergency Powers Act appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/abuse-of-the-emergency-powers-act/

Turnquest thanked for his service

East Grand Bahama Member of Parliament Peter Turnquest announced his resignation as deputy prime minister and minister of finance.

On behalf of the Free National Movement (FNM), I thank Mr. Turnquest for his service to the country in Cabinet the past three-and-half years.

When the FNM came to office in May 2017, it met the country in a critical condition due to PLP waste and mismanagement.

As finance minister, Mr. Turnquest went to work to help restore the country’s finances. He did a commendable job during his time in office in the face of unprecedented, back-to-back crises.

Mr. Turnquest was minister of finance when Hurricane Dorian struck in September 2019.

It was the worst storm to hit The Bahamas.

His ministry led the effort to provide funding for thousands of Bahamians to get critical assistance to survive and to begin to restore their lives.

Just as The Bahamas was making progress with its Hurricane Dorian response, the COVID-19 pandemic began, causing the worst health and economic crisis in modern Bahamian history.

Mr. Turnquest was instrumental as finance minister helping to coordinate the Minnis administration’s response to the crisis.

The Minnis administration has provided Bahamians in need with record amounts of National Insurance benefits and food assistance, along with tax benefits, credits and grants to businesses to help them make it through the tough times.

Allegations were made against Mr. Turnquest in a recent court filing.

Following long-standing conventions of our parliamentary system, he resigned from Cabinet.

I respect his decision to abide by the conventions of our system.

– Carl Culmer, chairman, Free National Movement 

The post Turnquest thanked for his service appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/turnquest-thanked-for-his-service/

Wellington Arthur Smith

Private service for the late Wellington Arthur Smith age 58 years of #99 Cascarilla Street, Pinewood Gardens and formerly of Long Island, Bahamas will be held on Friday, November 27^th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Diana Francis

Wellington was predeceased by his parents, Myrtle Gray & Harry Smith; siblings, Shirley, Harcourt, Samuel, Ida, and Annamae.

Left to Cherish his memories are his Sisters: Alfreda Thurston, Lily Smith, Roceta Ashe, and Vernae, Smith; Brothers: Philip, Garfield, and Ezekiel Gray, Charles and Harry Smith Sr.; Sister in Laws: Min. Janet Gray, Inez Smith and Terry Gray; Brother in Laws: Rev. Luther Thurston, Charlse Thurston, David Ashe and Wilton Rolle; Aunt: Ethel Bodie; Uncle: Clifford & James Knowles; Nieces: Cheryl, Idella, Crystal, and Davette; Dorothy (Terrance Sr.) Williamson, Min. Pamela (Aldrin) Sears, Gwendolyn (Terry) Kemp, Lisa (Earnest) Knowles, Violet (Rickey) Hepburn, Lisa (David) Pugh, Charmaine (Kevin) Butler, Tiffany and Keva Moss, Sherell, Sherise, and Latanya Smith, Portia Bethell, Tiffany, Sophia, and Vadia, Monique and Shareen Gray and Shakara Mclaughin; Nephews: Rev. Lester and Warren Thurston, Brent, Dave, Delward, and Marvin Gray, Dr. Matheo Sr., Harry Jr., Lawrence, Jarad, Jamal, Anton, Antonio, and Zchavigo Smith, Hermis, Sharvago, and Carlos, Glenroy Rolle, Shawn, Cougans and Wallace, Numerous Grand Nieces & Nephews: Cousins: Jocelyn Taylor, Solomon and Daniel Knowles, Jackie Gray, Erskin Minus, Ruth Bodie, Alfred Knowles, Theophilus, Ellis, Falcon, Alonzo, Rev. Joseph Knowles and Mary Knowles, Bernadette Bain, Virginia Gray, Mildred Roberts, Sibrion Knowles, Albertha Knowles, Eloise Dott Rolle, Tyrone Romer, Karen & Dirganie; Spiritual Sons: Denero Thompson and Valentino Paul Other Relatives, Friends & Associations: Rozena Gray, Rev. Irvan & Maria Knowles & Family, Rev. Alvin Gray & Family & The Beulah Union Baptist Church, Elder Frank & Calvese Gray, Elva Turner, Helen Adderley & Family, Registrar General Sally-Ann Pratt & The Registrar General Office, Attorney Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Rev. Dr. R.E. Cooper, Rev. Dr. Charles Saunders & Family, Rev. Clinton Minnis & Family, Rev. Heuter & Prescola Rolle & Family, Wellington & Cynthia Fowler & Family, Rev. Dr. Diana Francis & The First Baptist Church Family, Long Island District of the Bahamas Baptist Union, Baptist Reunion Choir, Simms Old Scholar Association, New Providence District of the Bahamas Baptist Union, Bahamas Baptist Union of Churches, Selma Alumni Association, Bahamas Council of Royal Ambassadors, The Bahamas National Baptist and Educational Convention, Superintendent Clint & Pastor Elanor Williams (Neighbors), Mario Simms & Family, Louise Adderley, Rudolph (Singy) Minnis, & The Entire Community of North Long Island, Georgette Stubbs, Monique Dorsette, Anishka Baker & Family, Lawrence & Inez Adderley & Family, Rev. Ormand & Patricia Thurston & Family, Mt. Theos Union Baptist, Adrian Gibson MP, H.E. Reuben Rahming MP and the Cascarilla Street Neighbors and many others too numerous to mention.

Viewing will be held in the “Celestial Suite” at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Ltd., Robinson and Solider Road on THURSDAY (TODAY) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The post Wellington Arthur Smith appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/wellington-arthur-smith-2/

Anton Ricardo McKenzie Sr.

Public Viewing for the late Anton Ricardo McKenzie Sr., aged 64 years, of Boatswain Hill West, will be held on Friday, 27^th November 2020 at Bethel Brothers Morticians, Nassau Street, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Pursuant to the Covid 19 Emergency Orders there will be no funeral.  Cremation will follow.

He is survived and will be remembered by his Daughter: Azia McKenzie; Sons: Trevor and Anton McKenzie Jr., Ramonne and Rashawnne Gardiner; Grand Children: Brandon and Kamiya McKenzie; Parents: Austin and Beverley McKenzie; Sisters: Melony and Sophia McKenzie, and Lashan McKenzie-Boyd; Brother: Vance McKenzie; Aunts: Diana Hepburn, Catherine Glinton and Eleanor Minus; One Niece and numerous Nephews; many beloved cousins and a host of other relatives and special friends including: Lisa Hall, Donna Knowles, Shirley and Celeste King-Dorsett; Special Thanks To: Staff of Bahamas Insurance Brokers, Baha-Retreat and Department of Environmental Health.

May His Soul Rest in Peace!

Social distancing will be strictly enforced.

The post Anton Ricardo McKenzie Sr. appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/anton-ricardo-mckenzie-sr/

Matriarch Carnetta Munroe (nee Hepburn)

Private Graveside Service for Matriarch Carnetta Munroe (nee Hepburn) of Big Pond Subdivision and formerly of Long Bay Cay, Andros, will be held on Friday,November 27^th, 2020 at Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road.  Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Jackson Miller, assisted by Rev. Dr. Anthony Cleare and Rev. Linden Knowles. 

Due to current Government regulations in respect of Covid-19, attendance is limited to ten (10) persons.

Carnetta was predeceased by Parents: Edith and Thomas Hepburn; Siblings: Merlene Ferguson, Thomas Jr. and Gwendolyn Hepburn; Great Grandchildren: Keishan and Kelson Taylor Jr.; Son in law: Elon Hield.

Precious memories will linger in the hearts of Daughters: Stephany Cooper Newell, Arlean Cooper, Jacklyn Hield, Dellarese Bowe and Maria Johnson; Son in law: Ratcliffe Dennis Newell; Grandchildren: Kelson Taylor, Shantia (Kingston) McBride, Simaron (Carlene) Hield, Lakethera Curry, Simara Hield, Shanae Sands, Lynese Beneby and Skyy Isaacs; Great Grandchildren: Simaya Hield, Shanneice Zogli, Zion and Zayvion Hield and Kingston McBride; Brothers: Bruce, Lefred, Prince, Edward and Clyde Hepburn; Sisters: Vernell Rolle, Maureen Hepburn, Charmaine Cooper, Estherlee Thompson and Shantel (Nesly) Fenelus; Brothers-in-law: Oral (Angela) Ferguson, Samuel Rolle; Sisters-in-law: Alma, Keisha and Iris Hepburn; Aunt: Doris Fitzgerald; Adopted Children: Derek (Janice) Johnson, Stephanie Rahming & Johnny Momipetit; Godchildren: Laurene Maycock, Raquel Jones, Racquel Morrison and Sherwood Collie Jr.; Numerous nieces and nephews including: Floyd (Melinda) Hepburn, Michale (Michael) Rhett, Lisa Phillip and Dominick Hepburn; Glenward (Michelle) Bain, Katherine (Mario) Campos, Alexcena and Eugene (Dawn Marie) Symonette; Christina (Lionel) Ferguson, Alton (Lynette) Ferguson, Lenora (Lorenzo) Symonette, Jamuel (Dellareece) Ferguson; Ancilla and Albert Hepburn, Tanya Hepburn Freeman, Tamara (Martin) Miller, Kathy (Fred) Ogionwo, Kelvin (Stephanie) Hepburn, Keith Hepburn (Christy), Kendra, Kelsin, Kristy and Kimberley Rolle, Krystal (Charles) Burrows, Petty Officer Karina Gardiner, Ingrid (Derwin) Johnson, Shane and Detective Sargeant Shannon (Devonia) Hepburn, Corey (Dominique) and Cyle (Krystal) Hepburn, Antoine Albury, D’vante and D’mitri Sweeting; D’andre, D’nae and D’arsha Cooper; Jayde and Vantajnaye Hepburn and Brianna Fenelus; Grand and great grand nieces and nephews including: Taylor, Terrance and Torrance Phillip; Floyd Jr. and Zaium Hepburn; Lauryn Steel, Misty, Glenward Jr., Graham Bain; Zanya (Darrien) Rahming, Nakishae Moss, Michael, Cordell, Adriance and Alajah Addereley; Alexandria Bain and Amber Thompson; Altonique, Jasmine and Aysha Ferguson; Lorenique and Lorenzo Symonette Jr.; Lionel Jr, Leonardo, Jason, Justin, Alton Jr. and Angelo Ferguson; Nathan Sturrup; Jazzmine, Azaria, Alicia, Breann, Albert Jr. and Prince Amari Hepburn; Zaccai Ogionwo, Natassia, Caitlin, Cadan and Jord’n Hepburn, Jiana Dekle, Kayneisha Hepburn,  Eve and Charles III Burrows; Zion Roberts and Don Hall Jr.; Megan McKay, Samuel and Deborah McGregor; Ebony, Caleb and Joshua Johnson; Nova, Shaniah and Joshua Hepburn; Carson, Corey Jr., Chloe, Cairyn and Christyn Hepburn; and a host of other relatives, friends including: Apostle Mitchel and Lady Julia Jones and the Annex Baptist Cathedral family, The Munnings, Hanna, Fitzgerald, Woodside and Curry families; Wellington Johnson, Esther Neilly, Naomi Lloyd, Florina Tinker, Maud Kerr, Hartman and Alice, Maudline and Albert Forbes, Vernita Cleare, Margaret Taylor, Willamae Toote, Deaconess Cecil and Gurlena Jones, Ivan and Sally Ferguson, Rev. Dr. Jackson and Eunese Miller, Deaconess Pandora and Arthur Hall, Racquel and Dwight Hall, Deaconess Elvie Cunningham, Rev. Anthony and Marva Cleare, Rev. Lynden and Shaphelle Knowles, Rev Oscar and Vernencha Moss, Revs Randolph and Evangeline Beneby, Deacon Robert and Hannah Dames, Deacon Brian and Georgiemae Miller, Deaconess Brenda and Winston Moss, Deaconess Bethshan Jules, Vivian Johnson, Sharon Roberts, Dotlene Flowers, Gertlene Dean, Ronald and Peatra Jones, Debbie Rolle, Vernie Newbold. Ruel and Rochelle Forbes and family, Besley and Alfred Gray, Bellamae Saunders and Family, Kenneth Saunders and family, Magnolia Bethel and family, The Malvese Munnings Family, Erma Williams and family, Sandra Smith, Hubert and Stan Duncombe, Helena Rolle, The Hield family, Margaret and Eric Campbell, Andrea and Lewis Pegues, Ophelia and Bradley Cooper, The Rowena Ferguson family, The Hester Kerr Family, Merriel Thompson, Ann, Elaine and Andrew Thompson, Dorothy Taylor and family, Lenore Ferguson, Rowena Brown and family, Florence Lewis and family, Rosetta Rolle Munroe and family, Adell Moss and family, Cora Dean and family, Katie Wells, Bernice Whylly, Mark Hall, Isaac Rolle and family, Edith Smith and family, Cleo Williams, Ruthmae McKenzie Rolle and family, Sherwood Collie and family, Joanne McKenzie, Rodney Collie, Ricardo Wallace, Wynton Isaacs, Sandy and Phillip Wilson, Hazel Chipman and family, Dorothy and Errol Strachan, The Lake Court and Big Pond Community, The Coakley, Stubbs, Strachan, Bowe and Adderley families, Esther Colebrooke and family, Faith Hepburn family, Collona Wallace, Rose Barnett and Charise Hepburn, The Rahming family, The Rolle Avenue Community, Stella and many others too numerous to mention.

May Her Soul Rest in Peace!

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium, #44 Nassau St. (TODAY) Thursday November 26^th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The post Matriarch Carnetta Munroe (nee Hepburn) appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/matriarch-carnetta-munroe-nee-hepburn/

Cyrilene Worrell (nee Atherly)

A Private Graveside Service for the late Cyrilene Worrell (nee Atherly), aged 70 years, of Highpoint Estates and formerly of Georgetown, Guyana, will be held on Friday, November 27^th, 2020 at the Catholic Cemetery, Tyler Street.  Officiating will be Fr. Glen Nixon, Rector of St. Francis Xavier’s Roman Catholic Cathedral. 

Due to current Government regulations in respect of Covid-19, attendance is limited to ten (10) persons.

Left to recall and celebrate her memory are Son: Michael Worrell; Daughter: Michelle Worrell-Deveaux; Daughter-in-law: Carol Baldeo-Worrell; Son-in-law: Huel Deveaux; Grand Son: Christopher Michael Deveaux; Sisters: Marilyn Siebs and Cicely “Pinky” McAdam; Brothers: Allan “Morris”, Raymond “Roddy”, Lancelot, Michael “Ulric” and Malcolm Atherly; and a host of other relatives and friends.

May Her Soul Rest in Peace!

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium, #44 Nassau Street (TODAY) Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The post Cyrilene Worrell (nee Atherly) appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/cyrilene-worrell-nee-atherly/

Daxton D’Von Bethell

A Private Graveside Service for the late Daxton D’Von Bethell, aged 43 years, will be held (TODAY) Thursday, November 26^th, 2020 at the Western Cemetery, Nassau St.  Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Stephen E. Thompson assisted by Rev. Colyn G. Thompson. 

Due to current Government regulations in respect of Covid-19, attendance is limited to ten (10) persons.

Left to cherish his memories are his Mother: Glenice Thompson; Brother: Damien Bethell, Sister: Petache’ Bethell, Aunts: Colene Parker (Freeport Grand Bahama), Ellen, Christine & Angie Thompson, Eulamae Smith & Judy Charlow, Winifred Russell, Dr. Eleanor Thompson, Cheryl Bethell, and Evanette McPhee Davis, Grand Aunt: Ada Johnson; Uncles: Vaughn, Charles (Oklahoma), Cyril, Sydney, Brian and Rev. Colyn Thompson, Pastor Calvin Parker of (Freeport Grand Bahama), James Miller Sr., Peter Bowe and Neville Davis; Nephew: Ryan Bethell, Niece: Marissa Bethell, God Mothers: Constance Davis-Rahming & Janet Poitier, Cousins: Sydney II & III, Ruth, Princess & Sadia Thompson, Niziah Grant,  Garron, Gabrielle & Gemari Thompson,  Nikeysha, DeCarlo, Montino, & Mo’Niyah Davis,  Sgt. 2990 Jemel Brown of the RBPF, Elrica, Jemel Jr. & Jemella Brown, Nicole (Oklahoma), Elaine, Chase, Daryl, Cyrilee, Valencia, & Cyril Thompson III, James Jr,& Kendera Miller, Christopher Sr. Conswallea, Taylor, Christopher Jr. (North Carolina), Chaz Parker, Rashae Woodside, Colette, Chavez, & Garrett Parker, Colyn Jr. Anja, Chelsea,& Courtney Thompson, Patrice Moxey, Natasha Bethell-Moss, Delza Graham, Deidre Chiacchia, Simone, Stanleia, and Sade Bethell, Deidre Armstrong, Dominique Thompson, Melodie Levarity, Karla Bootle, Chrystal Holmes, Michaelle Richards, Tanya Bethell-Bevans, Dornell Lightbourne, Kim Saunders, Therell Bethell, Mikiko Bethell-Candela, Adonna Morton, Laverne and Yvette Bethell, Sharese Hanna, Anastasia, Shanequia, Christine, and Chrystal Bethell, Celeste Russell, Stanley III, Desmond, Stanton, StanVaughn, and Oryan Bethell, Phillip Russell, Apostle Stefan Russell, Stanley-Marvin, (Cracka), Brian, Mechanko, Michael, Marc, Kevin, Keith, Wayne, Charlton, Demetrius, Peter Bethell, Robert Humes, Ricardo Deveaux, Rev Dr. Stephen E. & Lydia Thompson, William & Freddie & Family, David & Julio Thompson, Esther Clarke & Family, Immalasha and Dr. Daniel Johnson,  Catherine Sands & Family, Cherrien Williams & Family, Philip & Charlamae Stubbs & Family, Neil Stubbs & Family, Sharon Rahming & Family, Dainette Cleare & Family, Minister Marsha & Bishop Wesley Thompson & Family, Sandra Dean, Jay, Charles, Derek, Sharon, Carla, Joanne, Debbie, & their families, Cyril & Pamela Johnson, Annette Johnson, Lorraine Daley & Family, Delores & Family, Granville & Sandra Butler & Family, Gregg & Cathy Butler & Family, Claudia Ferguson & Family, Hugh, Vaughn, Nicola, Joanne, Randy, Penny, Kelly and the Sandiford family; Hartley, Harlene, Judy, Andrea, Valarie, Karen & the Pinder Family, Renay Russell & Family, Michelle Culmer & Family; Other Relatives and friends including: Paula Bethell (Texas), Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson, Altamese & Lydia Isaacs & Family, Solomon Clarke, Barbara Parker-Johnson & Family, Carolyn Joseph & Family, Dudley Parker & Family, Elizabeth Lewis & Family, Jessie Rigby & Family, Lillian Simmons & Family, Lily Quant-Forbes & Family, Ernest & Bernice Bowe & Family,  Ronnie, Philip & Joann McKinney & Families, Margaret Saunders & Family, Kathleen Darville & Family, William Rahming, Sheila Duncombe & Family, Christine Humes & Family, Christine Porter & Family, Members of the Becks Raiders Softball Team, Olive Palacious & Family, Erica Ferguson & Family, Natasha Gibson & Family, Doramae Wright & Family, Anastacia Hanna & Family, Sharon Cooper & Family, Management & Staff of Bahamas Civil and Aviation Authority, Bahamasair Holdings, Bahamas Primary Student Of The Year Foundation, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (Bahamas Alumni Chapter), Eureka Lodge #114, Bahamas State Association of Elks of the World, Management & Staff of M.J.B. Optical, Management & Staff of Mortimer Candies, Pastor Robert & Nathania McKinney and the entire Bahamas Congregations of Grace Communion International, Transfiguration Baptist Church Family, The Fort Fincastle community and the Yamacraw Beach Estates Family. 

May His Soul Rest in Peace!

The post Daxton D’Von Bethell appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/daxton-dvon-bethell-2/

Shirley Marriet Johnson

A Private Graveside Service for the late Shirley Marriet Johnson, aged 70 years, of Palm Breeze Street and formerly of the Bluff, Eleuthera will be held on Friday, November 27^th, 2020 at Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road. Officiating will be Rev’d Lester T. Ferguson, Minister of Grant’s Town Wesley Methodist Church.

Due to current Government regulations in respect of Covid-19, attendance is limited to ten (10) persons.

The service will be Live Streamed, commencing at 11:00 a.m. via the following links:

https://fb.me/e/1YDalAQty or www.facebook.com/gtwesleymc

Left to cherish her memories are Husband: Derrick Johnson Sr.; Son: Hubert III. (Joba) Gibson; Adopted Daughter: Lakera Cartwright; Sister: Erma Mitchell; Brothers: Durward Sr. (Robin), and Pedro (Cislyn); Mother & Father in Law: Hilton Johnson & Elsie Johnson; Grandchildren: Hubert IV, Bertram, Isaiah Gibson; Brothers in law: Harcourt, Earl, Quincy, Keith Johnson; Sisters in law: Barbara, Lyretta (Cpl. Orland) Pinder, Charlene Johnson, Heloise Stuart; Stepchildren: Rebecca Johnson-Gaitor, Franchell Lightfoot & Derrick Johnson Jr.; Step grandchildren: Deangelo Jr., & Deanna-Re Gaitor, KTonya & Keon Whitfield, Tamia Larrimore, London Marshall, Kaniya Johnson; Aunt: Althea Hudson, Blondell Ferguson, Rosetta Hudson, Julia Bethel, Betty & Beulah Bowles; Uncle: Sheridan Hudson, Artie Johnson; Nieces & Nephews: Sean Stuart, Christophe, Craig, & Kristi Mitchell, Durward Jr.(Nadia), Duran (Lovette), Ashley, & Durwaun Stuart, Matthew Stuart, Corshera, Adwina, Sophia, Quincy, Arnsel, and Ervin Johnson, Simon (Hermis) Laing; Grandnieces & Grandnephew: Paige & Kiah Stuart, Elijah Mitchell & Karis Rose, Logan & Sage Stuart, Chrishauna Olius, Quincy Johnson, Alexis Johnson, Fedrick Farquharson, Angelon Johnson, Jasmine & Hermis Laing, Lexus, Angelo; Cousins: Lillian (Mervin), Marvin, Michael (Kathryn), Devaughn, Jones, Dawnita (Andrew) Fry, Catherine Kemp, Ezra & Emmerson Hudson, Elliott (Zovie) Seymour, Thurza, Rashad & Rhea Pratt, Tamika Humes, Wylma, Rodney Sr. (Yvette), Rodney Jr. (Nadia), Yves Bain, Candace (Jared) Reckley, Sheridan Bain, Margaret Saunders, Rochelle Ferguson, Raquel (Gregory) McCreary, Racquena Ferguson, Fallon Thompson, Ravanno (Canovia) Ferguson, Brittney Hudson, Audley Saunders Jr. and Family, Sherry Brown, Sherina (Mario) Rolle, Sherrice, Sheridan Omar, Sherron, Shavarro Hudson, Sylvia Seymour, Alma Perry; Godchildren: Jeniffer, Janelle (Frank) Gallippi, Jermaine Williams, Ricco Bullard, Symphony Smith; Special friends and other family members: Hubert E. Gibson II,Dr. Locksley (Marjorie) Munroe, Joy Culmer, Ingrid Saunders, Vernencha Butler, Karen (Calvin) Wallace, Faye Pickstock, Sylvia Beneby, Charmaine (Sharmond) Smith, Angie Rahming, Linda Clarke, Tiffany Clarke, Gary (Stacey) Williams, Yvette Francis, Ms. Nicola Arnett, Bertram Bowe, Abraham Bowe, Cindy Dean, Olivia Bowe, Sabali Strachan, Blanche Moss, Avilda Deveaux, Tony, Turkessa McIntosh, Frankie Williams, Plato (Diana) Thompson, Edwin (Eunice) Culmer, Terrance (Terrell) Forbes, Delone Symonette, Alfred Cartwright, Deron Woodside, Chima (Janice) McIntosh, Gweneth, Desmond McIntosh, Trevor Ceford, Moyia Ferguson, Ansel (Toya) Johnson, The entire communities of The Bluff and James Cistern Eleuthera, COGOP-LTC Family; Special Thanks to: The Legacy Ward, Hon. Dr. Duane Sands, Dr. Locksley Munroe, Dr. Sears, Dr. Stuart, Dr. Smith and Team from the Renal Clinic and The Management Team at the Lyford Cay Club.

May Her Soul Rest in Peace!

Friends may pay their last respects at Bethel Brothers Morticians & Crematorium, #44 Nassau St. (TODAY) Thursday November 26^th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The post Shirley Marriet Johnson appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/shirley-marriet-johnson/

Eloise Albury

Eloise Albury, 93 yrs., a resident of Kennedy subdivision, died at her residence on Monday, November 23, 2020.

She is survived by her daughter: Mavis Adderley; 5 grandchildren: Shakera Cooper, Ida Adderley, Welcina, Wenzil, Winston & Wayde Albury; numerous great grandchildren & a host of other relatives & friends.

The post Eloise Albury appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/eloise-albury/

Rowena Malvease Duncombe

DEATH NOTICE

Rowena Malvease Duncombe, 64 YEARS, of Duncombe’s Coppice and formerly of Pleasant Bay, South Andros died at her residence on Thursday, November 19^th, 2020.

She is survived by her husband: Johnny Mack Duncombe 3: daughters: Susette Smith, Rodelll Duncombe, Ruthmae Duncombe 2: sisters: Alma Bullard, Lella Bullard 1 brother, Wilmore Bullard, sister in law: Susan Ferguson, Syblean Forbes, Goldie Jean-Pierre Brothers in law: Apostle Wendell Duncombe, Jimmy Jean Pierre and Charles McDonald, numerous grandchildren, a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. 

Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.

The post Rowena Malvease Duncombe appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/rowena-malvease-duncombe/

Graham “Cravor” Young

Graham “Cravor” Young, 45 yrs., a resident of Melvern Road, Yellow Elder, died at his residence on Friday, November 20, 2020.

He is survived by his mother: Nathalie Pellitier; father: George Young; 1 daughter: Alicia Young; 1 son: Genaz William Young; 1 sister: Giselle Pellitier of Miami, Fl.; 1 brother: Gerrad Pellitier; 6 aunts: Charlene & Marie Newbold; Denise Rolle, Suzanne, Patricia Beneby & Sheila Young; numerous cousins & a host of other relatives & friends.

The post Graham “Cravor” Young appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/graham-cravor-young/

Denise Olive Bootle

DEATH NOTICE

Denise Olive Bootle age 58 years of Garden Hills #2 died at her residence on Sunday, November 22^nd, 2020.

She is survived by her sons: Damiko Bootle, Roberto Lyles, Greg Bullard, Matthew Bullard; daughter: Terez Bullard; sisters: Pauline, Donna, Deborah, Rosemary, Tracy, Monica, Verona Roberts; brother: Sydney Bootle Jr., ex-husband: Gregory Bullard; and many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements for the funeral service are being finalized and details will be announced at a future date.

The post Denise Olive Bootle appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.

source https://thenassauguardian.com/denise-olive-bootle/