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Bahamas MOH concerned about count on Front-line Healthcare Workers who have contracted COVID-19

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#NASSAU, The Bahamas – May 9, 2020 – Dr. Merceline Dahl-Regis, COVID-19 Task Force Coordinator and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister said the Ministry of Health remains concerned about the number of frontline healthcare workers who have contracted COVID-19.

“Exposures to COVID-19 have been experienced at a number of healthcare locations, including Princess Margaret Hospital and Doctors Hospital. Notwithstanding known social exposures,” Dr. Dahl-Regis stated during the COVID-19 Update Press Conference held at the Ministry of Health, Thursday, May 7, 2020.

She explained that to date, The Bahamas has 22 healthcare workers who have contracted COVID-19.  Of the 22, there are:

·      five physicians;

·      one physiotherapist;

·      two trained clinical nurses;

·      one domestic staff;

·      seven registered nurses; and

·      six patient-care assistants and technicians.

Dr. Dahl-Regis said these professionals account for 23.9 per cent of total cases in The Bahamas.

“Regionally, The Bahamas ranks high for the percentage of total COVID-19 infections occurring in healthcare workers.

“Consequently, plans are in process to closely investigate the reasons why so many healthcare workers have been affected by COVID-19 in the country.”

Bahamas Ministry of Health photo

She stated, “This investigation would support the identification of the most appropriate infection prevention and control measures to be strengthened to better protect healthcare workers.”

The COVID-19 Task Force Coordinator added that investigation would identify vulnerabilities and characteristics of exposure risk factors.

She noted that a case-controlled study will also categorize risk and the effectiveness of infection prevention and control measures currently in place.

“This information will also inform the international scientific community recommendations on prevention and management of COVID-19 infections in healthcare workers.”

Dr. Dahl-Regis also noted that the Ministry of Health is concerned about the number of healthcare workers who provide additional services outside of the major health facilities.

“Since the 21st of April when the Emergency Powers Orders related to the provision of home care services were signed to give effect to improved medical, therapeutic or other patient care in homes and residential care facilities, more than 130 home care providers have contacted and submitted documents to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer.”

She said all persons provided details on their training, qualification and practice. A number of them have completed infection control protocol training provided by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the Early Access Training Centre prior to providing any further care.

Letters authorizing these persons to continue providing home care services are issued by the Ministry of Health.

BIS News by Llonella Gilbert, issued May 7

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Bahamas News

Jonquel Jones Parades announced for November 16 and 17, Bahamian Pride high for the WNBA Champion

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Rayan Ishan

Staff Writer

 

On Wednesday October 20, 2024 Jonquel “JJ” Jones, a Bahamian-born forward for the New York Liberty, led her team to their first WNBA championship title, marking a significant achievement in her career and a historic moment in New York’s basketball history.

The Liberty secured a 67-62 victory (in overtime) against the Minnesota Lynx, delivering the city its first professional basketball championship since 1973, the Liberty announced during the recent championship parade through Manhattan and Brooklyn.

JJ, who received the Finals MVP award, entered the WNBA in 2016 as the sixth overall draft pick.

At home in The Bahamas, it was announced by Mario Bowleg, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture that the Ministry will host a championship motorcade for Jonquel Jones on Grand Bahama and New Providence on November 16 and 18 respectively.

“And it’s expected she’ll be bringing a few friends over for the occasion.”

Before joining the Liberty, she quickly rose to prominence, earning the 2017 WNBA Most Improved Player award after setting a then-record for single-season rebounds.

In 2019, JJ helped lead the Connecticut Sun to the WNBA Finals, and her impressive all-around performance earned her the league MVP title in 2021. She continued to showcase her defensive strength, being named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022.

These achievements solidified her reputation as a dominant force before transitioning to Liberty. Her journey from the Bahamas to the WNBA is celebrated by both Bahamians and Liberty fans alike, according to a statement from the New York Liberty organization. The team noted that her skill and resilience throughout the season underscored her role as a vital player in the Liberty’s lineup.

Thousands of fans gathered along the parade route to celebrate the Liberty’s victory.

Fans in New York lined the Canyon of Heroes on Broadway to witness the historic occasion, with many describing it as a day to remember.

“We’re here to support and cheer on our champions,” said one fan. Families and young fans, inspired by JJ and the Liberty, filled the streets during the celebration, as reported by ‘GQ Magazine’.

For the Bahamas, JJ’s success is seen as a source of national pride, with many celebrating her accomplishments as an example of Bahamian excellence on an international stage. Her victory reflects the growing influence of Caribbean athletes in professional sports worldwide, a spokesperson for the Bahamian Ministry of Sports noted.

Jonquel Jones and her teammates expressed gratitude for the community’s support throughout the season and during the victory parade.

“This win isn’t just for us, it’s for everyone who believed in the Liberty,” said JJ, summing up her appreciation for fans, the Liberty organization, and her home country of The Bahamas.

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Bahamas News

NIB Needs Innovative Sustainable Strategies That Go Beyond Traditional Methods

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By LLONELLA GILBERT

Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, Bahamas – Minister of Immigration and National Insurance the Hon. Alfred Sears said the decision by the National Insurance Board (NIB) to raise the National Insurance Contribution was not easy or popular, but it was the Board’s statutory duty to prioritise its sustainability.

“At the same time, we recognize that increasing the contribution rate alone is not sufficient.  The sustainability depends on the innovative sustainable strategies that go beyond the traditional measures.  Therefore, our theme, ‘Promoting Financial Sustainability of Caribbean Social Security Systems’ is so timely,” the Immigration and National Insurance Minister said at the Opening of Ceremony of the 32nd Meeting of the Heads of CARICOM Social Security Organizations at Baha Mar Resort on Monday, October 28, 2024.

He noted that this was only the second time since its establishment, the Board had to raise the National Insurance contribution rate.

The Minister challenged the delegates attending the meeting to confront the very real factors shaping the region’s shared future.

He said, “Our regions are facing significant demographic shifts with ageing populations and declining birth rates, resulting in fewer people entering the workforce.  Additionally, migration and immigration trends create both opportunities and challenges calling for policies that encourage legal participation in the national insurance schemes.”

The Minister noted that these dynamics are reshaping the very foundation of the region’s social security frameworks, creating new pressures on the systems.

He said, “For The Bahamas, a unique geographic challenge also emerges.  Our nation, an archipelago, spread over thousands of square miles of ocean space, with citizens dispersed across islands and cays, separated by vast stretches of ocean.”

The Minister noted that this geographic spread amplifies the administrative and regulatory challenges of making decisions as well as redefines the skills needed by the NIB.

“This gathering offers an invaluable opportunity to share insights and ideas and to work together towards practical and innovative solutions. I encourage all of you to bring your expertise and unique perspectives and we explore strategies that will safeguard our social security systems.”

Secretary-General, Inter-American Conference of Social Security, Alvaro Velarca Hernandez explained that the discussion of the sustainability of the social security systems is crucial for all countries in the region.

“We are called to build a future in which our social security institutions can continue to provide protection and support to every person today and for generations to come.”

The Secretary-General said financial sustainability is probably the biggest challenge the region faces in addition to population ageing, finding new forms of work and the growing need for service coverage and quality.

He said this is why collaboration amongst countries and agencies in the region is essential.  “This space allows us the opportunity to work together, exchange experiences to learn from our strengths and jointly address our challenges.”

The Secretary-General said the Inter-American Conference of Social Security is committed to supporting its members in critical areas including business management innovations and governance practices.  (BIS Photo/Ulric Woodside)

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Bahamas Maritime Authority Pays Courtesy Call on Governor General

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The Bahamas, November 5, 2024 – The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) Board, led by Chairman Jacqueline M. Simmons, recently paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency the Governor General, Dame Cynthia Pratt. During the visit, the Board presented a copy of the BMA’s commemorative album, Celebrating the Rich Maritime Heritage of The Bahamas, designed as a symbol of The Bahamas’ shared maritime heritage and enduring spirit.

Inspired by a desire to capture not only the achievements of the Bahamas Maritime Authority but also the broader history of the Bahamian maritime industry, the album pays tribute to the legacy of this vital sector. It highlights the pivotal role the maritime industry has played in The Bahamas’ development and celebrates a vibrant maritime tradition that has shaped the nation’s identity on the global stage.

The meeting included a productive discussion on the maritime sector’s contributions to The Bahamas and the growing career opportunities available to young Bahamians in the industry.

Pictured L-R are V. Moreno Hamilton, BMA Director & Album Committee Chairman; Jacqueline M. Simmons, BMA Chairman; Governor General, Dame Cynthia Pratt; Senator Ja’Ann Major, BMA Director; and Leah Davis, BMA Marketing Manager. Photo by Unseen Media

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