Bahamas News
Monkeypox spreading too fast says WHO; physical distancing recommended
By Dana Malcolm
Staff Writer
July 15, 2022 – Monkeypox cases have increased high double percentage points over the past ten days with 2614 new cases and 2 new deaths recorded.
Nine new countries have reported cases including four Caribbean countries namely St Lucia, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, The Bahamas and now Turks and Caicos Islands have logged suspected and confirmed cases and the World Health Organization says for the first time local transmission of Monkeypox has been reported in newly-affected countries without epidemiological links to countries that have previously reported Monkeypox in West or Central Africa.
This is concerning news as it means tracing the outbreak becomes more difficult.
The massive spike has forced the WHO to start biweekly reports to keep the world up to date. The majority of the 6,027 recorded cases so far remain in Europe with 4,920 but the amount of cases in the Americas is rising with 902 cases so far. The African region has the third least amount of cases with 173 but the three recorded deaths so far
have happened in that region.
Closer to home The Bahamas confirmed their single case on June 24th and Jamaica confirmed their single case on July 6th, both positives were recorded from men who had recently been in London. Both countries say they are establishing contact tracing and quarantine protocols.
Most of the infected parties so far are male but the disease can infect anyone who has close contact with a symptomatic person or the fluid from their rashes. Additionally citizens and doctors are now being warned to be aware that Monkeypox may not appear as it once did.
Describing the symptoms in this outbreak as ‘atypical’ the WHO said,
“Many cases in newly-affected areas are not presenting with the classically described clinical picture for Monkeypox (fever, swollen lymph nodes, followed by centrifugal rash). Among the cases who reported at least one symptom, 81% presented with systemic rash (widespread rash on the body), 50% presented with fever and 41% presented with genital rash.”
Less symptoms and a less obvious rash are becoming more common in many cases and people are advised to be on the alert for this.
Advice from the WHO is to keep infected persons isolated, be on the lookout for any rashes and get tested immediately if you spot one in any area of your body. Refrain from sustained contact with people with symptoms of Monkeypox as that is how the disease spreads.
Wear personal protective equipment like gloves when handling, sheets, clothing etc. that have been exposed to open sores from positive Monkeypox cases and continue to observe social distancing protocols. .
Bahamas News
National Reference Lab being restored and strengthened to ensure quality and reliability of health data and early warnings of health threats
By Betty Vedrine
Bahamas information Services
NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) has new leadership. Commander Dr. Raymond King, with 38 years of RBDF service, passed the baton to Captain Floyd P. Moxey during an official ceremony held at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Coral Harbour Base on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Captain Moxey assumed the position of ninth Commander Defence Force.
In attendance were Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis; Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne Munroe; cabinet ministers, senators, justices and senior government officials.
Prime Minister Davis thanked Commodore King for his long service and said that Commodore King has been an outstanding contributor to
the nation and wished him well in his future endeavors. He commended Commodore King for leading the nation through several crises, including Hurricane Dorian, unrest in Haiti, and the COVID-19 Pandemic.
He welcomed Captain Moxey and said that he epitomized the essence of what a public servant should be.
“Captain Moxey is, in many ways, what public service ought to look like — not glamorous, not boastful, but honest, professional, thoughtful,” said Mr. Davis. “He started out as a marine mechanic in Mangrove Cay, Andros, worked his way up across 40 years of service, mastering technical operations, legal frameworks, and the complex workings of a national security policy.” The Prime Minister said that history was also being made as for the first time ever, the new Commander will be supported by two deputies, both of whom are females.
Outgoing Commander King thanked his staff, colleagues and family for their support over the course of his career. “As I exit the highest office in this distinguished military, I do so with a sense of pride in the work that we have accomplished together,” he said, describing his leadership style as defined by professionalism, fairness, and service to the public.” Delivering a personal tribute was his wife, retired Force Chief Petty Officer Fredricka King, who serenaded him with the hit, “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman musical.
Commander Moxey noted his work began immediately with addressing the fleet, which is currently running at just 65 percent capacity — far below the 85 percent target.
“Our operations must be intelligence-driven and forward-looking,” he said. To this end, he pledged to boost patrol rotations, set up small boat stations in key locations, and ensure personnel are well-supported and mission-ready.
Plans were also announced to introduce a family support event and expand welfare programmes. An anonymous feedback system, he said, will give marines and staff a safe channel to raise concerns, reinforcing internal transparency and trust.
“To strengthen capabilities, the RBDF will pursue long-term maintenance contracts, adopt a predictive supply model, and invest in training
for pilots, mechanics, and unmanned aerial vehicle operators.” He confirmed that four new safe boats will soon be commissioned, stationed alongside coastal radar systems to expand surveillance coverage.
“The growing instability in Haiti, where gang violence and political turmoil have displaced tens of thousands, has pushed regional governments — including The Bahamas — to bolster border controls and intelligence operations.” Consequently, Commodore Moxey said the RBDF will deepen partnerships with regional allies like the Turks and Caicos Islands, focusing on intelligence sharing and formal agreements to better manage migrant activity.
He added that a new entry of 150 personnel in May will help address manpower needs.
Commodore Moxey is a distinguished Bahamian military professional and legal expert, with over four decades of experience in various agencies including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of National Security.
Born in Mangrove Cay, Andros, he joined the RBDF in January 1982. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons.) in 2008 from the University of Wolverhampton and a Certificate of Legal Education from the Eugene Dupuch Law School in May 2011. Four months later, he was called to the Bahamas Bar and was subsequently seconded to the Office of the Attorney General.
In 2017, Commodore Moxey returned to the RBDF and became Staff Officer, Legal Affairs. In October 2021, he was appointed Legal Counsel to the Ministry of National Security. He is an active member of Saint Francis Xavier Cathedral. Married to Theresa Sturrup, Commodore Moxey is the proud father of three children — Marcus, Maurice and Theresa, and a proud grandparent.
The ceremony also included Medal Presentations, Three Cheers/Gun Salute for the outgoing Commander and Inaugural Salute to the incoming Commander, the Presentation of Sword and Commander Defence Force Pennant, and a March Past. The RBDF Band provided entertainment.
A reception followed on the grounds.
(BIS Photos/Letisha Henderson)
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