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Controlling Transmission of COVID-19 Requires a Combination of Strategies, says Bahamas Health Minister

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#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.”

BIS News By Llonella Gilbert

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.

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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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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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