Bahamas News
Lab with capacity to test for COVID-19 established in New Providence
#BahamasOfficeofthePrimeMinister – March 3, 2020 — A laboratory with the capacity to test for the COVID-19 virus has been established at the National Reference Laboratory in New Providence, said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pearl McMillian.
The lab was set-up last week and is part of the Ministry of Health’s ongoing COVID-19 preparedness and response plan to ensure optimal readiness and response to the virus.
To date, there are no reported, suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in The Bahamas.
Dr. McMillian highlighted some of the plans already put in place by the Ministry of Health during a live national press briefing on Sunday 1 March, including.
• The establishment of a Task Force made up of key personnel from various Government agencies, including customs and immigration, the Port Department, tourism, foreign affairs, and the police and the defence forces.
• The preparation of hospitals and clinics in accordance with international guidelines for infection prevention and control procedures;
• Training for frontline healthcare staff in the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
• Confirmation of ample quantities of PPE for frontline staff;
• Distribution of national plan to relevant stakeholders, including border control officers, hoteliers, public and private health care facilities and others;
• Regular planning and follow-up meetings, and;
• Regular public updates, including press briefings, daily dashboards highlighting essential information on COVID-19, official statements and public service announcements.
Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis said the Government will utilize the resources necessary to help minimize the risk of COVID-19 in The Bahamas and ensure the safety of all Bahamians and residents.
“I want to be clear that when it comes to public health threats the Government will not take any chances,” the Prime Minister said at the national COVID-19 update at the Office of the Prime Minister. “We take this outbreak very seriously. Public health is an absolute priority.”
Prime Minister Minnis urged the public to rely on certified, credible sources of information to stay up to date and properly informed about COVID-19 in The Bahamas.
“Misinformation, which can spread rapidly, causes distress and panic and has the potential to undermine the public health response,” he said.
A National Coordinating Committee will soon be formed and will include relevant members of civil society, in addition to Government representatives, said Prime Minister Minnis.
On Sunday before the national update, the Prime Minister took part in an emergency meeting with other CARICOM heads of government via video conference. The meeting was attended by PAHO, CARPHA, CDEMA and representatives of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association and the Cruise Lines International Association.
A regional protocol establishing minimum standards for dealing with the COVID-19 virus was agreed to by CARICOM leaders and ministers of health. Leaders said the protocol is critical to avoid an outbreak of panic and fear in the region.
The meeting agreed to establish an expanded Bureau of Heads of Government to continue discussions with the travel and tourism industry, regional financial institutions, international financial institutions and the private sector with respect to marshalling of resources to augment the region’s capacity to deal with a possible outbreak.
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the Coronavirus.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Standard recommendations to prevent the spread of infection include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
Close contact should be avoided with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
For more information contact the Ministry of Health at 502-4776, 502-4790 or 502-4737.
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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