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Full Remarks, Bahamas Prime Minister on Emergency Powers

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Mr. Speaker:
Late last evening health officials
confirmed two additional cases of
individuals who tested positive for
Covid-19 on New Providence.

These individuals were identified
through contact tracing.

The Ministry of Health’s
surveillance unit has aggressively
undertaken contact tracing activities
for the initial case reported.

These contact tracing
investigations have revealed that
household members of the COVID
19 positive patient traveled to
jurisdictions with known community
transmission – Canada, Trinidad
and Dubai.

These household contacts have
been quarantined and samples
taken for testing.


Other contacts, including
healthcare providers, are being
investigated to determine their level
of exposure and risk.

A total of 30 contacts of the
COVID-19 positive patient have
been identified.

The Minister of Health will provide
more details in his communication.

Mr. Speaker:
The Covid-19 pandemic is a threat
not seen in the lifetime of most people
alive today.

The world is at war with this virus.

As Prime Minister, as a medical
doctor, I will do everything in my power
to protect the Bahamian people.
Over several decades I have seen,
treated and comforted thousands of
patients.

Some were in life-and-death
circumstances.

The most difficult and painful days
in my life, were when a mother or child
or both were lost.

I took a medical oath to save lives.

But that oath only really became
real when my heart broke and I
couldn’t stop the tears after I lost a

patient or when I saw a mother crying
because she lost her baby.

This made me even more
determined to save every life I could.

This is the same resolve and
determination I am bringing to this fight
today.

As a doctor there were times when
I had to take extraordinary measures

to save mothers and new-borns
coming into the world.

As prime minister it is my mission,
my determination, my responsibility to
save and to protect every life I can
during this crisis.

We are going to defeat this threat!

Mr. Speaker:
We are at war with this virus.
As prime minister and as a medical
doctor I will lead this fight with all of my
strength and determination.

We will act decisively in order to
save lives and lessen the suffering of
our people.

Toward this end:

Exercising his powers under the
Constitution of the Commonwealth of
The Bahamas, the Governor General

has issued a proclamation of
emergency.

The proclamation of emergency
took effect on Tuesday, March 17,

  1. The Proclamation will give the
    Government necessary and
    emergency powers to aggressively
    combat the Covid-19 emergency. 11
    I wish to state the new emergency
    measures we are enacting are to save
    lives and to protect our country.

These measures are in the
Emergency Powers (Covid 19)
Regulations, 2020, we are tabling
today.

Mr. Speaker:
We live in an open, free democratic
society.

Our freedoms and right are
protected by and enshrined in our
Constitution.

Our Founders included in the
Constitution the legal provision to allow
the Governor General to make
proclamations of emergency.

The measures we seek to invoke
through these regulations derive from
the authority bestowed by our supreme
civic law.

Mr. Speaker:
The regulations allow for the
following new authority for state.

Where a health officer has
reasonable grounds to believe a
person is or may be infected or
contaminated with Covid-19, and the
health officer considers there is a risk
the person might infect or contaminate
others, the health officer may order
such a person detained for screening
and assessment.

Following such an assessment a
health officer is empowered to impose
on or in relation to that person any
other restriction or requirement the
health officer considers necessary to
remove or reduce the risk of infecting
or contaminating others.

A decision to impose such a
restriction or requirement may only be
taken if the health officer considers the
restriction proportionate to what is
sought to be achieved by imposing it.

Where such a restriction or
requirement is imposed on or in
relation to a child, an adult responsible
for the child must ensure the child
complies with the restriction or
requirement, insofar as the person is
reasonably able to do so.

A health officer may require a
person be kept in isolation, if the
health officer:
• has reasonable grounds to believe a
person is or may be infected or
contaminated with Covid-19;

• and the health officer considers that it
is necessary and proportionate to do
so in order to reduce or remove the
risk of the person infecting or
contaminating others.

We need the power to order people
into isolation to stop the spread of this
virus.

Mr. Speaker:
Broader social distancing of the
public is key to limiting Covid-19’s
spread.

Through these regulations the
Prime Minister may by order cause to
be revoked or suspended all permits
for the use of public open spaces in
any particular area, or an entire island,
or the country as a whole in the
interest of public health safety.

The Prime Minister may by order
prohibit the assembly of two or more
persons in a public place in any area
specified in the interest of public health
safety.

The Prime Minister may by order,
impose isolation on all individuals
within a particular area, island or the
entire country in the interest of public
health safety.
Where isolation has been imposed,
the Prime Minister may:

• require the closure of all educational
or religious institutions in the area
specified;

• require the closure of any business
or organisation that caters to the public
in the areas specified, unless
permitted otherwise by the order;

• prohibit the visitation by persons at
all residential care establishments;

• prohibit the visitation by people at all
correctional facilities;

• require every person to confine him
or her self at his or her place of
residence and enclosed property,
unless otherwise specified by the
order;

• permit the travel of persons to a
grocery store, gas station, pharmacy,
doctor, hospital or such other place as
may be specified in the order.

Mr. Speaker:
These regulations also provide for
curfews during the emergency
proclamation period if deemed
necessary.

The Prime Minister may by order
require every person within any area
specified to remain within doors
between such hours as specified in the
order.

The Prime Minister may by order
prohibit a person from residing in or
entering any area specified in the
order if such person is suspected of
acting or of having acted, or of being
about to act, in a manner prejudicial to:

• the public safety;

• the supply or distribution of any
necessity of life;

• or, the preservation of the peace.

Mr. Speaker:
These regulations give the Prime
Minister, when it is deemed necessary
for the emergency, the power to
requisition any building, ship, aircraft
or article in the country.

If such requisition is ordered, at the
conclusion of the requisition it shall be
ensured that there is prompt and
adequate compensation in the
circumstances to the owner or
occupier of such building, ship, aircraft
or article.

Mr. Speaker:
The regulations give the Governor
General authority to requisition
essential services for the period of the
emergency proclamation or a period
therein.

Where any essential service is
requisitioned the Governor General
shall by instrument in writing appoint
some person as controller of the
service.

“Essential services” mean any
service established, maintained or
operated by the Government, or by
any public or private enterprise, or
otherwise, for:

• the collection, storage, purification or
distribution of water for use by the
public;

• the collection, storage, treatment and
disposal of sewage or garbage or
refuse;

• the manufacture, storage or
distribution of gas for use by the
public;

• or, the removal, handling or burial of
deceased persons or disposal of dead
animals.

Mr. Speaker:
Through these regulations and in
the interest of protecting public safety
and health, the Prime Minister in
consultation with the Minister of
Finance may by order waive the
application of any rules or law
governing the procurement of goods
and services.

The Minister of Finance shall within
six weeks of the expiration of the
proclamation of emergency lay a
report before the House of Assembly
detailing:

• the total expenditure of the goods
and services procured;

• the suppliers of the goods and
services procured;

• the reasons for the use of the
suppliers of the goods and the
providers of the services.

The Prime Minister also may by order
waive or vary the payment of any fees
for the testing and medical services
rendered at any public hospital or
healthcare facility in relation to Covid

Bahamas Prime Minister, Dr. Hubert A. Minnis
  1. Mr. Speaker:
    There has been a problem in The
    Bahamas for some time with the
    creation and spread of malicious fake
    news. 30
    We live in a free and open society
    where citizens have a right to express
    their opinions.

A free press plays a vital role in
protecting our freedoms.

I am pleased that the political party
I have the privilege of leading freed the
broadcast media from state control.

Sadly, today, the malicious creation
of misinformation for the purpose of
creating harm, chaos, violence and
disorder is deeply worrisome.

There are people who create such
misinformation and disinformation for
malicious reasons.

The spread of malicious fake news
has the potential to: cause violence;
runs on financial institutions and/or
critical food and medical supplies.

Such fake news may cause
widespread panic that prevents
citizens from following directions
designed to protect their lives during a
crisis.

‘Fake News’ cited in Emergency Powers ordinance as a public health and safety enemy

Under these regulations, no person
shall publish or cause to be published,
posted or re-posted over any media
platform, inclusive of social media, any
purported news or report or purported
statement of fact, knowing or having
reasonable cause to suspect the same
is: untrue or false; or may incite public
fear, panic or ethnic hatred.

Mr. Speaker:
We do not know what new
problems may emerge during this
emergency period.

Out of an abundance of caution, a
provision exists in these regulations by
which the Governor General may
authorize international or regional
military or police forces as may be
requested by the Government to serve
as peace officers and assist in:

• the storage, safe keeping or
distribution of relief supplies;

• the provision of any essential
services;

• and the maintenance of public order.

Mr. Speaker:
I have outlined the major
components of these regulations.

Some of these provisions may be
invoked. Some may not.

We have brought forward these
regulations to have the legal powers
necessary at hand to respond quickly
and decisively to this crisis.

Mr. Speaker:
We must all play a major role in the
days and weeks ahead.

We must stay united.

The Government is using the full
capacity of the law and state to win
this fight against the virus.

Each Bahamian can be part of the
battle by rejecting the spirit of
negativity that has infected too much
of our public conversation.

Do not join them.

I am so proud of our health
professionals, who labour long hours
to care for the sick and to ease the
suffering of those in pain.

They spend long hours at work
away from their families trying to keep
us safe.

Let us value their sacrifice.
Let us thank them for their service.

Let us pray that God gives them
extra wisdom, energy and
understanding to lead us to better
outcomes.

If we keep a unity of spirit and
purpose during this crisis we will come
out of it better as a people.

Bahamians built this archipelago
with their hands generation by
generation.

Each time we have faced a crisis,
our unbreakable Bahamian spirit has
come to the fore.

We have worked together.
We have helped each other.

There is no fight we cannot
overcome when we stand together,
united across this blessed and
beautiful archipelago.

Mr. Speaker:
We can and we will co-operate with
others in fighting this deadly invader.

As one people we must make the
best use of what we have.

We must once again rely on the
resilience, the imagination, the love
and the faith which have defined us
and sustained us over many
generations.

Now is not the time for panic but for
discipline.

Now is not the time for selfishness
but for sharing.
We must remain calm.
We must be civil with one another
as we, together, face this challenge.

It is going to be difficult, but all
things come to an end and so this
crisis will also end.

Mr. Speaker:
I wish to end with these words of
hope from Psalm 46:

1 God is our refuge and strength, an
ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though
the earth give way and the mountains
fall into the heart of the sea,
43
3 though its waters roar and foam and
the mountains quake with their
surging.
4 There is a river whose streams make
glad the city of God, the holy place
where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD Almighty is with us; the
God of Jacob is our fortress.
44
8 Come and see what the LORD has
done, the desolations he has brought
on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the ends of
the earth. He breaks the bow and
shatters the spear; he burns the
shields with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I
am God; I will be exalted among the
nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The LORD Almighty is with us; the
God of Jacob is our fortress.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Magnetic Media is a Telly Award winning multi-media company specializing in creating compelling and socially uplifting TV and Radio broadcast programming as a means for advertising and public relations exposure for its clients.

Bahamas News

Perry Institute for Marine Science Celebrates the Opening of the Bahamas Coral Gene Bank at Atlantis Paradise Island

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— The nation’s first coral gene bank will preserve, propagate and replant coral to reverse devastation from rising ocean temperatures and a rapidly spreading disease –

 

PARADISE ISLAND, The Bahamas (June 13, 2025) — The Bahamas has launched an aggressive national conservation initiative to address and reverse the devastating effects of warming ocean temperatures and a disease ravaging its coral reefs. The country’s first coral gene bank is operated and managed by coral experts from the Perry Institute of Marine Science. The biosecure facility opened today at Atlantis Paradise Island to house, propagate, and replant healthy coral on damaged reefs.

“Coral has become increasingly endangered over the years, but the introduction of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease completely changed the game and created extreme urgency to act,” said Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) Executive Director Dr. Craig Dahlgren. “Transmitted among corals through direct contact and water circulation, the disease has spread to all major Bahamian islands and causes a high death rate in corals. Treatments are emerging slowly, but corals need to be rescued and isolated from the disease while these methods are perfected.”

Part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ global Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program, onsite management of the new bank is led by PIMS experts, including a former Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) graduate and student interns from BAMSI and the University of The Bahamas, with support from marine-life experts at Atlantis.

“Our collective vision is not only to preserve coral currently under threat, but also to foster new generations of corals that, when planted, are more resilient to disease and other dangers. Longstanding support and funding from our contributors and supporters, including Disney Conservation Fund, Atlantis Paradise Island, and Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, have been essential in making this national effort possible.”

“Our investment in the Coral Gene Bank builds on Disney’s decades-long commitment to protecting coral in The Bahamas,” said Andy Stamper, Conservation Science Manager for Disney Conservation. “This facility is a vital step toward preserving biodiversity and restoring reef health for generations to come.”

The Bahamas Coral Gene Bank can accommodate up to 200 large, mature coral colonies, in addition to smaller fragments and juvenile corals. PIMS has already rescued and relocated fifteen coral species to the biosecure Gene Bank research facility. Coral fragments collected from the ocean are placed in pristine, on-site aquaria, and once stable, they grow and reproduce quickly with the aid of innovative reproduction techniques such as lunar-cycle simulations.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

Header:  A proud moment for coral conservation: Scientists from Perry Institute for Marine Science, Atlantis, and partner organizations stand over the newly established coral gene bank at Atlantis Paradise Island, having just populated its tanks with rescued coral colonies.

 1st insert: One coral at a time—This fragment of a highly susceptible coral species is now safe inside the Bahamas Coral Gene Bank. Here, it can grow and reproduce under expert care, protected from the deadly Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease.

2nd insert: Hope in their hands: Two coral researchers at the Bahamas Coral Gene Bank share a moment of joy after placing healthy coral colonies into their new biosecure home—an act that could help restore entire reef systems.

About the Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS):

For more than 50 years, Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) has advanced ocean stewardship around the world. Guided by our vision “Thriving Seas, Empowered Communities,” our scientists pair cutting‑edge research with hands-on conservation to protect coral reefs, mangroves, fisheries, and coastal habitats while supporting sustainable livelihoods. We collaborate with governments, NGOs, schools, and forward‑thinking businesses to turn data into action—whether restoring reefs through our Reef Rescue Network, mapping coastal ecosystems with drone and photogrammetry technology, or training the next generation of marine leaders. By discovering solutions, creating opportunities, and inspiring action, PIMS works to ensure a healthy ocean for people and the planet alike. Learn more at www.perryinstitute.org.

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Bahamas News

The Government Signs Power Purchase Agreements to Help Transform Power Generation Across the Family Islands

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By Llonella Gilbert
Bahamas Information Services

 

NASSAU, The Bahamas — During a press conference at the Office of The Prime Minister on Sunday, June 1, 2025, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis announced the signing of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with two Bahamian partners who will help to transform power generation across the Family Islands.

The Prime Minister said, “We have made incredible progress in such a short amount of time.  When we took office in 2021, we encountered a power grid and power generation system on life support.”

He explained that Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) was drowning in over half a billion dollars of debt, plus another $100 million in unfunded pension obligations.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The Prime Minister noted that at the same time, the country’s energy infrastructure required $500 million in critical upgrades to prevent catastrophic failure.                                                                                                                                                                                                       He said, “In New Providence, 60 percent of power generation equipment needed replacement, while our Family Islands were in even worse shape, with 80 percent of equipment requiring replacement within five years.

“For Bahamian families, our energy failures caused unnecessary hardship for a population that was still staggering from the effects of Hurricane Dorian, COVID-19, a deflated economy, and crippling inflation.”

The Prime Minister said the Government is committed to taking on these challenges head-on, with energy reform near the top of its list of priorities as one of the most meaningful ways to lower costs for families and local businesses.

“Ultimately, we see energy reform as a catalyst for economic empowerment and growth for all Bahamians.”

He added, “Our vision extended to every island, not just New Providence, not just the major economic and population centres, but to every island where Bahamians live, work, and raise their families.”

The Prime Minister noted that it is an ambitious undertaking requiring the Government to take on multiple Bahamian partners to deliver on its promise of widespread change.

“The PPAs we are signing today represent our unwavering commitment to keeping that promise.

“These partnerships will bring modern, reliable, affordable electricity to islands that have, for too long, endured aging infrastructure, frequent outages, and exorbitant costs.”

He explained that through these agreements, the Government will establish solar microgrids combined with advanced LNG and multigas systems across nine different areas in the Family Islands.

“This hybrid approach represents the perfect balance for our archipelago. We are harnessing our abundant sunshine while introducing cleaner fuels to ensure that our power needs are met, regardless of what the weather looks like.”

The Prime Minister said, “All of our partners are Bahamian-owned enterprises with the resources to expedite development to ensure that our people will benefit from these changes as soon as possible.

“In fact, each one of the PPAs we have signed this year will be initiated before year’s end and will be completed in 2026.”

He said among the companies the Government is partnering with is Family Island Microgrid Co., which will develop and operate new energy systems on five islands: Harbour Island, Bimini, Moore’s Island, Farmer’s Cay, Black Point and Staniel Cay in the Exumas. These communities will soon benefit from efficient multi-gas generation.

The Prime Minister said the second partnership is with RenugenPro Co. Ltd.   RenugenPro who will bring an energy revolution to San Salvador, Long Island, and Cat Island, with solar, battery energy storage and LNG facilities.

“These islands, each with their own unique energy challenges, will soon enjoy reliable, affordable electricity that should be the right of every Bahamian citizen.  The impact of these changes will be felt within months, not years.”

He explained that as large-scale solar and hybrid facilities spring up, Bahamians will benefit immediately from these comprehensive energy reforms.                                                                                                                                                                                            The Prime Minister said by this time next year, Bahamians across 14 islands will experience the benefits of modern, reliable, affordable electricity.                                                                                                                                He added that by 2030, 32 per cent of the nation’s electricity needs will be met by solar power – surpassing the global target of 30 per cent.

“Finally, after years of falling behind in the adoption of renewable energy, we will lead the way using the power of the sun in this new energy era:

“No more sky-high electricity bills at the end of each month.

“No more sweating in the dark at night because of power failures and load shedding.”

The Prime Minister said, “No more appliances shorting out and food going bad because the power went off for far too long.  That is the energy future we are striving for.”

(OPM Photos/Bradisha Fraser)

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Bahamas News

Bahamas Goombay Punch Makes a Huge Splash at National Family Island Regatta Again

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Nassau, BAHAMAS — Bahamas Goombay Punch is proud to once again offer its support with a $5,000 donation at the 69th National Family Island Regatta (NFIR) in Georgetown, Exuma.

Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, donated 480 cans of Bahamas Goombay Punch and 280 bottles of Dasani water to the event.

Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director for CBC spoke to the company’s continual support of the regatta.

“Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand—it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture. ” he shared.

Bahamas Goombay Punch engaged regatta goers in the beautiful Elizabeth Harbor with trivia games, exciting prizes, branded giveaways and of course complimentary samples of the official soft drink of The Bahamas!

Family-friendly fun and Bahamian culture aside, the NFIR served as the second round of competition for the third annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

The Goombay Punch Cup competition is initiative developed by Caribbean Bottling to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three Regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.

This season focused on the skillsets of all the skippers and sloops in the C-Class category. The winner, who will be announced at the end of the Long Island Regatta, will receive a $5,000 award, an $8,000 stipend towards the junior sailing club of the winning island, and a first-place commemorative limited-edition Bahamas Goombay Punch featuring the winning sloop’s design.

Congratulations are to Exuma’s ‘H20’, led by captain Efford Kemp  for winning the second leg of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup. Their win follows Long Island’s ‘Sassie Sue’, led by Stefan Knowles, at the 2024 Best of the Best Regatta in New Providence.

For those who didn’t get to experience in the Bahamas Goombay Punch joy in Exuma there will be another opportunity to win exciting prizes in Long Island. Sailing enthusiasts will also get to watch fierce competition between the C-Class sloops as they fight for the first-place title of the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup during the final round of competition.

To keep up-to-date with the Goombay Punch Cup and all things Bahamas Goombay Punch, visit Caribbean Bottling Company’s website at www.cbcbahamas.com.

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