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,
The Proclamation will give the
Government necessary and
emergency powers to aggressively
combat the Covid-19 emergency.
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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
Mr. Speaker:
There has been a problem in The
Bahamas for some time with the
creation and spread of malicious fake
news.
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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.
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.
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.
Bahamian author Ayla Isaacs is making an impactful debut in the literary world with her book, “Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health—Transforming Your Wellbeing With Diet, Exercise, and Rest.” As crime rates surge and the aftermath of the pandemic leaving many grappling with hopelessness and a sense of abandonment, Isaacs’ guide offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for personal transformation, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing spiritual resilience in navigating adversity.
Long-time Bahamian physician Dr. Horizal Simmons says, “Ms. Isaacs not only states the spiritual ingredient that we should use for our therapy, but she also explains how it works in our spiritual system and the beneficial changes that will bring the desired transformation or spiritual health benefits.” Applauding the soundness of the book and paralleling it to physical wellness, Dr. Simmons said he highly recommends it to anyone serious about their spiritual well-being and health.
Isaacs is a highly experienced Project Manager who draws from her background in Civil and Environmental Engineering, International Business, and Christian ministry, whether a physical structure or the wellbeing of an individual’s life. Her published work shows that she strongly believes in building with structural integrity. Isaacs provides readers with a holistic approach to welfare beyond traditional self-help. She explores the transformative power of simple spiritual practices integrated into daily life. Isaacs believes that prioritizing spiritual health can help individuals find inner fulfillment and a sense of purpose, which she believes are essential in combating the prevailing hopelessness.
Coach Gregory Cash, who has spent decades helping to develop great athletes and leaders in the country, believes the unique perspective shared, especially relating to spiritual exercise, can touch the hearts of so many. Wendy Fernander, PhD., a licensed clinical psychologist and president of the Bahamas Psychological Association, noted that too few of us think about our spiritual diet, which results in our spiritual wellbeing. When asked about the book, Dr. Fernander said, “This book will provoke you to do serious soul searching.”
Amid the challenges communities face, Isaacs encourages readers to initiate a positive “me” movement—a focus on self-improvement that, when embraced collectively, can lead to stronger families, churches, and nations. According to Isaacs, strengthened individuals become catalysts for positive change within their immediate circles, creating a ripple effect that extends to broader communities.
Ayla Isaacs, whose roots go back to South Eleuthera, is a founding member of the Smart and Strong Sisterhood (SASS) and the creative mind behind A.I. Paper, a gift-wrapping paper and bag company that celebrates the islands of The Bahamas. Isaacs believes that investing in spiritual wellbeing is pivotal for personal growth and resilience. A conference speaker who is actively involved in church ministries and affiliated with several civic organizations, Isaacs firmly believes in the balance between personal and community wellbeing.
“Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health” is now available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com in paperback and eBook form and locally at Oasis Bookstore in Nassau. Isaacs encourages readers to embark on a transformative journey and be architects of their spiritual wellbeing. In times of uncertainty, “Achieving Optimum Spiritual Health” offers a guide and a message of hope and empowerment for individuals seeking personal and communal transformation.
NASSAU, Bahamas – Faster, smarter and more convenient than ever before, the new Samsung Galaxy S24 will revolutionize your productivity with its new Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist features. In the continuous pursuit of delivering innovative solutions that enhance productivity and user experience, Samsung Electronics is proud to introduce two groundbreaking features: Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist.
The Transcript Assist feature, powered by Galaxy’s advanced artificial intelligence, takes note-taking to a whole new level by enabling users to easily convert voice notes and conversations into useful and accessible notes. Whether in a business meeting, conference, or casual conversation, the Galaxy S24’s Transcript Assist makes capturing information easier than ever.
By utilizing Transcript Assist, users can effortlessly record any conversation with multiple speakers and transform it into a clear and concise transcript with just a few taps. This feature is particularly useful for those who need to keep a detailed record of discussions and decisions made during important meetings or collaborative work sessions.
“With Transcript Assist, we’re redefining the way people take notes and record information,” said Gianmarco Leri, Product Manager at Samsung Electronics. “No longer do you have to worry about missing important details during a conversation. With the Galaxy S24, you can capture every word and turn it into a useful reference that you can easily review and share.”
In addition to generating accurate transcripts, the Transcript Assist feature also offers the ability to generate quick summaries of conversations, as well as the option to translate the entire transcript into different languages, facilitating communication and collaboration among people from different regions and cultures.
On the other hand, the Browsing Assist feature allows users to navigate more efficiently and conveniently on their Galaxy S24 devices by providing intelligent and contextual suggestions during web browsing and online content exploration.
The Galaxy S24, equipped with Transcript Assist and Browsing Assist, marks the beginning of a new era of productivity and convenience in mobile devices. These innovative features demonstrate Samsung Electronics’ continued commitment to providing advanced tools that help people achieve their goals more effectively and efficiently in everyday life.
So, get ready! The new Samsung Galaxy S24 will be coming soon to tech stores in The Bahamas soon.
#Weather#Cuba#TheBahamas, March 25th, 2024 – Serious weather struck The Bahamas and Cuba over the weekend, both nations receiving warnings from their meteorological entities. The Bahamas was affected by severe thunderstorms. In fact, an area of the Carnival Freedom Cruise Ship, which was 20 miles off Eleuthera, Bahamas, caught fire and reports say it was possibly due to a lightning strike. Fortunately no lives were reported lost.
Meanwhile, Cuba had intense rainfall and hailstorms, resulting in damage to surrounding areas, thousands left without electricity amid fallen trees and Flash Floods.