#NASSAU, The Bahamas — November 11, 2020 – Minister of Health the Hon. Renward Wells explained that controlling the transmission of COVID-19 requires a combination of strategies and one part of that strategy is testing.
“The Ministry of Health’s
testing protocol is expanding. Although the RT PCR test remains the gold
standard in-country to diagnose COVID-19, selected Rapid Antigen Tests are now
being incorporated in our protocol to detect an acute infection of COVID-19 in
patients who are experiencing symptoms,” Minister Wells said during the COVID-19
Update press conference at the Ministry of Health, Friday, November 6, 2020.
Renward Wells, Bahamas Minister of Health (file)
He stated that despite
being less sensitive than the RT-PCR test, rapid antigen testing is relatively
inexpensive and provides rapid results. This type of testing has the potential
to provide wider access to COVID-19 testing at an acceptable turnaround time
when there is limited access to RT-PCR testing.
The Minister noted that currently,
there are two antigen tests that have been granted World Health Organization
Emergency Use Authorization –
the SD Biosensor; and
the Abbott PanBIO rapid antigen tests.
“Both these tests have
been independently validated and found to have high sensitivity and specificity
in symptomatic persons.
“The only drawback is
that there are currently no published studies of rapid antigen test performance
in asymptomatic populations.”
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He said, “The Ministry of
Health wishes to advise that any antigen test used in The Bahamas must meet 4
criteria as outlined in the National Protocol. The test should –
be administered by trained healthcare providers; undergo local
validation before use;
be performed with continuous quality assurance and applicable biosafety
precautions; and
be performed by a facility that has been certified by the Health Care
Facilities Board.”
Minister Wells stated to make
a COVID-19 test available to a wider cross-section of Bahamians, the Ministry
continues to explore other testing strategies.
He explained that the
Saliva Test for COVID-19 is an alternative to the current nasal swabbing
protocol. The Saliva test is an easy alternative to test symptomatic and
asymptomatic persons by RT-PCR.
“This test is a
streamlined version of the RT-PCR test. This is because it is –
cheaper than the currently used swab-based RT-PCR test;
it does not involve swabbing the nose or throat of people; or
it does not require viral extraction in the lab.
The Minister said the
saliva samples are easily obtained and stored at refrigerator temperature for one
week. A swab can only be preserved for three days. This method offers benefits
to the Family Islands for easy storage and transport.
Samaritan’s Purse sets up Covid-19 tent hospital at PMH in Nassau, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis toured the site soon after it was erected in October, 2020. BIS Photo
He noted that recently,
the National COVID-19 Ethics Committee approved the SalivaDirect test to
undergo an evaluation, by being piloted within New Providence and selected
Family Islands. The study will be targeting asymptomatic persons.
“In this pilot evaluation
exercise, consenting participants will be swabbed as normal, and a saliva
sample will be obtained at the same time. This way we can compare the results
and measure the accuracy of the saliva-based method against the swab method.
“This pilot is anticipated to proceed
during November. The National Reference Laboratory will present its findings
and recommendations as it relates to the performance of and potential future
use of the SalivaDirect Test.”
Minister Wells said, “We hope to be able to utilize the Saliva test to enhance access to testing in the community as well as introduce greater cost efficiencies into the national testing policy in The Bahamas.”
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The 2025 CARIFTA Athletics Games will be held at Hasely Crawford Stadium from April 19–21, while the CARIFTA Aquatics Championships take place at the National Aquatic Centre from April 19–22, with Open Water events on April 23 at Five Islands Beach.
Friday April 18, 2025
52nd CARIFTA Athletics Games and the XXXVIII CARIFTA Aquatics Championships Opening Ceremony
Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Admission Free
Saturday April 19, 2025
Athletics – Hasely Crawford Stadium: Port of Spain, Trinidad
Morning Session – Starts 9:00 AM
Boy’s U20 Decathlon 100m Heats
Girl’s U17 High Jump Final
Girl’s U17 Javelin Throw Final
Girl’s U20 Shot Put Final
U17 & U20 100m and 400m Semi-Finals
Boy’s U17 Octathlon 100m Heats
Boy’s U20 Decathlon Long Jump & Shot Put
Afternoon Session – Starts 4:00 PM
Medal Ceremonies
U17 & U20 Finals: 100m, 400m, 1500m
Girl’s U20 Triple Jump Final
Girl’s U17 Discus Final
Boy’s U20 Discus & High Jump
Boy’s U17 Triple Jump & Shot Put
Special Olympics 100m (Girls & Boys)
Mixed Open 4x400m Relay Final
Pole Vault & Octathlon/Decathlon 400m Heats
Aquatics – National Aquatic Centre: Couva, Trinidad
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas – Confident that Team Bahamas will once again do the country proud at the CARIFTA Games, Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey told the Grand Bahama contingent worshipping at New Destiny Kingdom Center on Sunday, April 13, 2025 that they were already stars.
The 2025 CARIFTA Aquatics and Athletics Championships are being held in Trinidad and Tobago from April 19-22.
Minister Moxey reminded the outstanding athletes that it is because of their dedication, discipline and determination they have been chosen and that they symbolize the hope, strength and resilience that the residents of Grand Bahama are known for.
“You athletes are about to represent our beautiful island and proudly carry The Bahamas’ banner with pride at the CARIFTA Games in Trinidad. Today we unite to celebrate this achievement and we want you to know that you are already champions in our eyes,” she said.
Cognizant that their journey has not been easy, Minister Moxey said they stayed the course — rising early, training hard and making sacrifices.
She pointed out that the athletes are now standing on the edge of greatness; carrying their dreams, hopes and pride in Grand Bahama Island with them.
Minister Moxey encouraged the athletes, as they step on to the track, field or into the pool, to represent The Bahamas with excellence.
“Compete with heart and remember that your island and your nation are cheering you on every step of the way. Go forward knowing that you and your coaches are covered in prayer; surrounded by love and supported by a proud Grand Bahama family,” she said.
“May God’s favour go before you, may he protect each of you on this journey and may His Grace carry you to victory.”
Representatives from the City of Freeport Council were also in attendance, and Chief Councillor Kendal Culmer also brought remarks.
PHOTO CAPTION – Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey encouraged the Grand Bahama contingent of Team Bahamas worshipping at New Destiny Kingdom Center on Sunday, April 13, 2025 before they left to compete in the 2025 CARIFTA Aquatics and Athletics Championships in Trinidad and Tobago set for April 19-22.
Nassau, BAHAMAS — Fanta is excited to introduce two new bold flavors, dripping with deliciousness to The Bahamas – Green Apple and Banana!
Fanta’s newest flavors can be found in stores throughout the country for consumers to taste.
Fanta is always evolving as a brand with exciting new flavors, this time consumers will get to taste double the boldness with Green Apple and Banana.
Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this new launch means for the brand and Bahamians.
“It feels like Fanta hasn’t released a new flavor in this market for a minute, so I’m absolutely excited about this! The Banana and Green Apple flavors are bold, and I’m all about bold statements.” she expressed.
For the month of April, Fanta will be popping up around the island offering Green Apple and Banana samples for all to enjoy.
Darling encourages the public to step out of their comfort zone for the ultimate burst of deliciousness.
“This launch really shakes things up in the industry. These flavors capture everything that’s fizzy, fruity, and fun, and I truly hope we inspire people to “Wanta” try it.” she shared.
In addition to pop-up samples, Fanta fans can win exciting, branded paraphernalia through giveaways on CBC’s social media or tuning in to various radio stations and answering their questions.
Fanta is going big this year, dripping with deliciousness and offering cool prizes you do not want to miss out on!
To learn more about new products, events or giveaways visit Caribbean Bottling Company’s website at www.cbcbahamas.com today!