“Baha Mar waiting on Bahamians to kick virus – Resort president says no opening until COVID-19 numbers drop” – The Nassau Guardian

Excerpt from this article; “Baha Mar President Grame Davis said yesterday the resort cannot open until COVID-19 numbers in The Bahamas are lowered and urged Bahamians to do their part in making this happen.

Asked if he anticipates that the resort will open this year, Davis said, ‘I certainly hope so.  It really depends on everyone doing their job in The Bahamas to get COVID out and get us down to a very low level that’s manageable.

‘And there are statistics that show it can be done.  There are countries around the world that have kicked it out completely, much larger countries than we are.  So, I know it’s possible and I encourage everyone to do their part.’

Davis added, ‘Let’s take it seriously.  We’re currently right now on the State Department’s, we’re on a level four warning [that says] do not travel to The Bahamas.

‘….Right now in the state of New York’s state of emergency orders, The Bahamas is listed as a country where you need to quarantine [for] 14 days upon return from a vacation.

‘All of these are impediments to travel.

‘And so, we need to make sure we get our levels very low here in The Bahamas and we can control the virus so we can get to a state that we are ready to open.  And that would certainly help our economy.”

We have recently gone into another lockdown to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus and many persons are not pleased about the lockdown and I await those that again threaten to sue the government over their basic civil rights to free movement but while we have a moment to think a bit I ask if we are not going to do it to help our very selves; are we willing to make certain sacrifices to help the country at large?

The opposition has already stated empathically that they are not willing to make such sacrifices to help the country at large and do not support any measures that would help to lower the numbers of COVID-19 cases.

“Davis: New restrictions meant to punish Bahamians” – The Nassau Guardian

Excerpt from this article; “Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader Philip Brave Davis said yesterday the new measures announced by the prime minister to curb the spread of COVID in The Bahamas are meant to punish Bahamians.

‘I think it’s an act of punishment,’ Davis said at a press conference.

‘It feeds into the narrative that Bahamians are not co-operating and I share a different view.  The measures are coercive.  Coercion is not the way.  Seeking to get co-operation is the way, in my view.”

Anytime the leader of the oppositions utters the words; “I think”, I just know we are in for some brand new hokum and he did not fail on delivering, actually the only thing that he has been able to deliver on constantly.

I ask the leader of the opposition, at which point has the government, not asked the citizens of the country to co-operate because if he is implying that it was never done then I suggest that he is not being truthful with the citizens of the country.

I would further suggest that what the leader of the opposition labels as ‘coercion’ is a very difficult decision by the leader of the country.  This also suggests that the leader of the opposition is unwilling to make such difficult decisions; if by miracle he were to be prime minister – we do not need this.

But indeed the only way forward is by the lowering of numbers of those effected to a manageable le number, as was done under the first wave, so that we can return to some sort of normalcy but this will have to be a new normal wherein these safety protocols become a way of life until a safe vaccine is found.

The country needs to open back up, the country’s economy needs to be opened back up but we cannot do any of this with raising COVID-19 cases.  So if you really do not care about yourself, are you willing to do it for your country?

END

“New travel requirements for returning Bahamians and residents traveling abroad for a short periods” The Office of The Prime Minister (23 June 2020)

Excerpt from this release; “Bahamians and residents traveling outside of The Bahamas for a period of 72 hours or less will be exempted from the negative PCR COVID-19 test requirement to enter the country, Prime Minister the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis announced on Monday.
However, those Bahamians and residents returning from short travel periods may be required to quarantine for 14 days upon their return, based on determination by the Minister of Health.

As a general rule, a negative PCR COVID-19 test and completed health forms is required of all visitors, Bahamians and residents returning to The Bahamas.
Test must be taken within a 10-day window to travel to The Bahamas.”

So there it is, the “foolish” mistake that most say have led to us being in a lockdown at this very moment, a lockdown that many say is not working but why is it not working, what is it true purpose?  Then there are others saying that lockdowns cannot work unless there is a plan in place; is this really what we are thinking at this time?

Let me not blame the people that traveled and did not adhere to the 14 day quarantine requirement, because to blame these people for what their government told them that  they could do is wrong, even if they did not do what the government recommended for them to do.  So I would relieve these people of any and all personal responsibility and responsibility to their fellow countryman and put that blame where it belongs, according to the masses, at the feet of the Competent Authority.

I mean at the end of the day what is self-responsibility and a responsibility to our fellow man when this is what we have elected the government for, right?

So, now a plea has gone out to force a early election to get rid of this “incompetent” government, that seems unable to get its citizens to do what is in their best interest and this horrific mistake, but I know one thing and that is to have an early election we will have to get control of this pandemic and to get control of the pandemic we just may have to follow the protocols of the government that we are trying to rid of; what a vicious and curious turn of events.

Another thing I know for certain and that is that we cannot open our economy to allow for people to get back to work and to allow for small businesses to get back on proper footing, unless we get control of this pandemic.  I am hoping that this new motivation, to get rid of this “incompetent government” will be sufficient to allow for persons to adhere to the protocols and allow for enough people to at least be able to support this “cause” but it is not then use the motivation of getting person back to work.

Maybe at the same time we can address those that ask for the country to be open back up and allow the laws of natural selection take its course but then take to social media expressing regret and anger when someone that they know personally dies from this disease…that’s nothing short of duplicitous but it has become common amongst us now.

END

Oh, how painful it has become to listen to the leaded of the opposition; Philip ‘Brave’ Davis fumble his way ever so clumsily past commonsense and logic to come up with his way of dealing with reality and I would caution all parents on subjecting their children to his aimless, nonsensical, illogical and irrational reasoning’s, because out of a sense of respect for their elders and public figures they may actually come to believe that this type of thought process, reasoning is actually acceptable.

“There does not appear to be any logical connection between the measures being implemented by the prime minister; the Competent Authority, and the overall objective of, [of], [of] protecting the Bahamians from contracting the virus and then once contracted, how it would be contained and so [that] therein lies the challenge.” – The Hon. Philip “Brave” Davis – Leader of the Opposition, Progressive Liberal Party.

Mr. Opposition Leader, exactly what is the challenge that you seem to be unable to grasp?

First, it would be of grave importance to introduce Mr. Davis, leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), to the word mitigation.  This simply is the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something; simple word with a very simple meaning.  So keeping this in mind, let us look at the government’s plans and objectives as it pertains to COVID-19 and its spread because each and every measure has been to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, because to date there is no treatment and no cure.

“There is currently no treatment specifically approved for COVID-19, and no cure for an infection, although treatments and vaccines are currently under study.

Instead, treatment focuses on managing symptoms as the virus runs its course.”

– The Center for Disease control and Prevention (CDC).

 This is what is being done worldwide, so Mr. Opposition Leader when you question “the measures being implemented …and the overall objective..of protecting Bahamians from contracting this virus and then once contracted, how it is to be contained”, actually what are you talking about?

The first step was the Emergency Orders – One, Mr. Opposition Leader you should have remembered these because these are the very same orders that you and your political organization objected to and labeled as being over-reaching.  These orders were comprised of mandatory and drastic shutdown of all public and private places that people would congregate and where there would have been the possibility for the spread this virus….MITIGATION.

There was then the education of the country as to what we were dealing with and how to lower your chances of contracting it because as some point the country had to open back up in a controlled manner. 

I must admit Mr. Opposition Leader that I am simply flummoxed as to the logic behind your comments, because in a real world there is no logic behind them, only the false logic that runs amok at Gambier House.

My final point Mr. Opposition Leader; you once suggested Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis, be guided by science but here you are questioning the very science that you asked he be guided by, this act is very questionable and therefore disingenuous at best and extremely ignorant at worst. – The Center for Disease control and Prevention (CDC).

The Progressive Liberal Party fails for one reason, it is their nature.

END

Statement from the Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party

Responding to the PM’s Address

For Immediate Release

19 July 2020

Excerpt from this statement; “So the people of Grand Bahama, Arawak Cay and Potter’s Cay are to suffer because of the sins of the Prime Minister both of commission and omission.  This mish mash and zig zag of do this and don’t do that regulations can only leave the public throughout our country bitter and confused.

It seems to me that this is not driven by science but only unseen fantasies of the Prime Minister.

Why are those who use the beaches in New Providence to suffer?  What is the science behind it?  Why are the vendors at Potter’s Cay and Arawak Cay to suffer?

We warned the Prime Minister about opening the borders without proper controls.  We knew what the results would be.

Now look where we are.”

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leadership makes no sense as they have once again gotten onto the backs of a nation under siege to get above the voices of their own ‘experts’, only to contradict them in the name making nonsensical political points.

They do this at the risk to the health to the citizens of The Bahamas

“PLP COVID-19 CO-CHAIR, ‘EXPECT INCREASED IN CASES”

Excerpt; “COVID-19 numbers will continue to climb. According to PLP-COVID-19 task force Co-Chairman Dr. Melissa Evans, who said its simple science that now since the borders are open, cases will increase.”  Yes, Chairman Mitchell, its being said that this was to be expected, the only thing not accounted for, as it was unable to be quantified, was at what rate.   So when the Chairman of Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) suggests that the country was open up without proper controls; where is his science to back up this claim?  Is he suggesting that the expected rise is his proof and then even his task force is either in error or just full of it?

While the Leader of the opposition now says “I told you so”, exactly what did he tell us?  That there would be a rise involved?  Exactly what would the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) have had the country do?  The answer to this is unknown as thankfully they are not the government of the day and they really have no answers to offer; even to the question that they would put forth in an attempt to gain political traction

The leader of the opposition says “…….the government is not doing enough to protect residents as the borders open; what does the leader of the opposition consider enough?

The government required persons returning to the country and those visiting the country to have a COVID-19 RT PCF negative test  done from an accredited laboratory, this was mandatory and the test results and Bahamas Health Visa were to be presented upon arrival – is the leader of the opposition suggesting that his task force would have required more or is he suggesting that there should have never been an attempt to even open the borders?

The leadership of the opposition’s statements are very vague and confusing but is this his intent?  Is it his intent to attempt to gain control of the government by sowing seeds of deceit and confusion?  Or maybe that is simply his disposition at the time; bitter and confused.

The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in its current form cannot be trusted, it is that simple.  They cannot be trusted with the wellbeing of the citizens of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and should not be considered a viable option to govern the country in 2020.

The Progressive Liberal Party fails for one reason, it is their nature.

END

Last week the opposition, Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) went to Andros to save an island that was never in danger and then hurried to Grand Bahama to celebrate the opening of a bridge rebuilt by the Free National Movement at Fish Hole Road, when they did not celebrate the opening of the bridge which they had commissioned at the very same locations which was washed away by Hurricane Dorian.  But they decided to wrap the week by attempting persuade the Bahamian public that if they, the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), was in power then they could have prevented the economic downgrades that the country recently experienced.

“Double Dip – COVIP Fallout Sees Two Point Downgrade” – The Tribune – 26 June 2020

Excerpt from this article; “The ‘extraordinary beating’ inflicted upon the tourism industry by COVID-19 was critical in Moody’s decision yesterday to strip The Bahamas of its ‘investment grade’ credit rating, the deputy prime minister says.

K Peter Turnquest, responding to the rating agency’s move to slash The Bahamas’ sovereign creditworthiness by two notches to ‘Ba2’, told Tribune Business there was little the Government can do to improve this situation in the short-term given that the priority remains protecting families, businesses and the wider economy against the worst of the pandemic’s fall-out.”

Of course the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) jumped at the opportunity to attempt to criticize the government who had criticized them for the numerous economic downgrades under their watch that had left the country’s credit rating at junk status.

“We note that Moody’s credit ratings service has now downgraded our credit rating several levels, firmly into junk territory.  In fact, being downgraded two notches on the credit front, and being given a negative outlook is really a triple whammy.

This is the second major rating agency to downgrade The Bahamas this year, after S&P pushed us further into junk territory.   This is unfortunate for the country and for the taxpayers, who will have to pay more for debt servicing, but it is not totally unexpected.  Moody’s warned in April when we were placed under review that we would be downgraded if they did not see a credible fiscal and economic policy response from the government.

They clearly did not.

This latest budget, as we noted, did not inspire confidence here at home, or in the world’s financial markets.

While we did experience the economic shock stemming from the coronavirus pandemic, it is clear that the response has not met the challenge before us.  Its response to Dorian was similarly anemic and slow.

We see a pattern when it comes to this administration responding to crises.

We warned them to take progressive steps early to mitigate the fallout from COVID-19, but this administration did not.

We warned them about taking action quickly for filling financing needs, this administration dithered.

Now this action by Moody’s will make borrowing more difficult and more expensive.  It is telling that Moody’s questions if they government will even be able to adequate fulfil its financing needs.”

Mr. Cooper goes on to reference several recommendations that they had given to the government to avoid this economic downgrade, none of which would have prevented it, while at the same time conceding that downgrade was to be expected but not for the reasons that he is trying to persuade right thinking people that it was expected.

While Mr. Cooper would wish to mislead the public and have them believe that the  present government has done nothing right as it pertains to the economy, I would just like to interject at this point that on 22^nd February 2019, Moody’s had changed our economic outlook from negative to stable while affirming the county’s Baa3 credit rating.  This would dispel the lie of Moody’s not seeing a credible fiscal and economic repose from the government, like the deputy leader of the opposition would put it.

Personally I find it very difficult to take financial advice from a person who aligns himself with a political organization who, while in governance, had the country undergo four of five economic downgrades under much better financial conditions that we are under at the present time; and still have no viable explanation for any of them.

As I have stated above, the opposition gave several suggestions, none of which would have prevented the recent downgrades and for one simple reason, the downgrades have been experienced because the country’s main source of revenue; tourism; has been brought to a halt by the COVIP-19 pandemic, which has the entire world hostage at this time.

The deputy leader of the opposition suggested that we borrow $2bn to help the economy along, when money was “cheap’ but without a viable way of repaying the debt this would have incurred would have us right where we are today – the suggestion in ludicrous.

I find it amazing that the opposition would even allow the deputy leader of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) to voice an opinion such as this openly, given the party’s track record of gross mismanagement of the country’s economic affairs in the past.

The plain truth is this, we have been downgraded due the very same economic woes which plague the rest of the world at this point and for the opposition, and for anyone else to say differently would be to tell a lie.

The PLP fails for one reason, it is their nature.

END

“I don’t want the Bahamian people to walk around talking about these things; this is what COVID-19 caused.

If you lost your job, lost your business, COVID-19 did not cause that, a political decision as to how to respond to it [COVID-19] cause it.” – Wayne Munroe QC, former Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) candidate for the Free Town consistency.

It is this type of irrational reasoning  and logic which has become very prevalent in the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), as they now seem to attempt to diminish the Free National Movement’s (FNM’s) government efforts in mitigating the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the country. 

In this statement Mr. Munroe, seems to downplay the serious nature of the virus and wishes to switch the focus to the effect that the efforts to mitigate it have had on the economy of the country – a case of lose in revenue versus lives saved.

Mr. Munroe claims that that the decision behind the Emerge my Orders were political but they were made in agreement with the consensus of the wider spectrum of the Bahamian society and within line with worldwide guidelines in order of preventing the spread of this very contagious virus.

In a nutshell the Emergency Orders were put in place to save Bahamian lives, as to why Mr. Munroe would now like to make it about politics is totally irrational and reckless but this seems to be the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP’s) new strategy and it is very unfortunate that they would choose to “toy” with the lives of the Bahamian people and “toy” with their emotions in order to gain political ground leading into the 2022 General Elections.

But as usual Mr. Munroe flip flops to make a political point. 

He asks if the virus was dangerous when we first went into the lockdowns, why open up the country now while we still have cases and more than when we had the country locked down?

This question seems logical on the surface but it makes no sense in light of the fact that we have seemed to have reached a point and found a way to control the spread of the virus but is Mr. Munroe really concerned about the country and the potential damage that a serious outbreak can cause or is he just looking to shore up his nomination for the Free Town constituency?

I ask this because in one breath Mr. Munroe is suggesting that the country should have never been shut down and in the very next breath he seems to suggests that we should not be opening in order to get the economy back up and running.  Mr. Munroe is being VERY disingenuous with the people of The Bahamas and he should be ashamed of this flawed argument but we all are coming to find out that he seems to lack the ability to experience shame.

He should be out chasing ambulances in my opinion.

The COVID-19 virus has proven to be a very contagious respiratory infection without a cure to date, other than to let it runs its course.  It is more dangerous than the flu which has a seasonal mortality rate of about one percent (1%) of those infected and COVID-19 having a mortality rate of about just over three percent (3.4%) of those infected. It has proven very fatal, as has been seen in certain regions of the world, and for this Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) opposition to suggest anything less is totally ridiculous and should call their character and judgment into question.

The Progressive Liberal Party fails for one reason, it is their nature.

END

“Time to end this” – The Nassau Guardian 27^th May 2020

Excerpt from this story; “With the government expected to bring to Parliament today a resolution to extend the state of public emergency put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Progressive Liberal Party PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis yesterday called on the Minnis administration to end lockdowns, and gave early notice that the official opposition will not support an extension.

The state of emergency allowed the prime minister as the competent authority to impose a 24-hour curfew and weekend lockdowns to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The Nassau Guardian understands that a 14 to 30 day extension was being considered yesterday.

“I don’t know if we can support anymore of these lockdown,” Davis said.

He added, ‘It and of itself is not the answer.  That has to be accomdated by many other things and we don’t seem to have those other things to make lockdown effective.’ Davis said.

I think he Bahamian people are responsible enough that once they understand it, they will do it.  So you do not have to force them.”

Asking if he was calling for the end of the restrictions, Davis replied, ‘Yes.”

From the very moment Philip ‘Brave’ Davis utters the words, “I think” you know you are in for some painful revelations about his mental state, as he tends to suggest here; lift the restrictions, open the country and whoever dies dies – interesting.

So Philip ‘Brave’ Davis is of the fervent opinion that; “I think he Bahamian people are responsible enough that once they understand it, they will do it.  So you do not have to force them.” I think I have heard these very same sentiment expressed by the Leader of the Opposition before.

When the Emergency Orders were first implement the leader of the opposition came out and criticized them as being “an overreach” and went on to say; “……..such orders may be unnecessary as he [Davis] said the public was already complaint with recommendations made by the government in relation to the novel coronavirus.

He [Davis] said the public does not need to be ‘coerced into following directive.” This is basically the same reason why Mr. Davis is calling for the government to throw caution into the wind and open the country but we have seen and continue to see why it is absolutely necessary to enforce such directives; is Mr. Davis suggesting that if he was prime minister and faced with this situation he would simply send out a Public Service Announcement and leave it up to the citizens to comply?

Personal discretion.

 Is this considered responsible? And for those that say yes he is right, we are adults and can make the right decisions that are in our nest interest, I ask – “REALLY?”

But of course Mr. Davis just does not seem to know where to stop as he attempts to pander to the general consensus to garner support against “the big bad government” that just wants to keep its citizens locked up in your house for no reason even if it were their best interest.

He then goes into the House of Assembly, as he votes against the resolution to extend the state of public emergency and gives this as his reasoning; “In the first place the lockdowns and curfews were drastic measures depriving people of their liberty and right to earn a living..

Now, they were justified only because the government needed time to create a coherent national strategy to manage COVID-19.

Here we are months later and where is that national strategy?”

This is the point where you strain to understand the depths of ignorance coming from the mouth of one person.

Point of clarification:  Mr. Davis the lockdowns and curfews were drastic measure put in place to save Bahamian lives; seems as if you keep forgetting them.  These lockdowns and curfews were a part of an OVERALL NATIONAL STRATEGY to manage the threat of COVID-19; it is that simple. So, this whole business about the lockdowns and curfews being tools used by the government to come up with a national plan or strategy is utter nonsense and misinformation.

 But one is now left to wonder if he actually believes what he is saying and did not realize that the lockdowns and curfews were in fact a part of an overall national plan/strategy to mitigate the spread of the COVIPD-19 virus and actually save lives?

Powerfully terrifying thought….

The PLP fails for one reason; it is their nature.

END

Fred Mitchell today calls for the resignation of the Free National Movement’s (FNM) Member of Parliament for Central and South Abaco, James Albury.

Mitchell calls for the resignation saying; “……..Albury, a parliamentary secretary in the office of the Prime Minister, is bound by Cabinet decision.”

Let us apply Chairman/Senator Mitchell’s “logic” across the board.

Is this the reason why Jerome Fitzgerald, the former Progressive Liberal Party’s Member of Parliament for the Marathon constituency’ former Minister of Education, Science and Technology did not resign when it was proven that he concealed a report that showed that the people in his constituency were slowly being poisoned?

I mean did he not resign simply because he did not break protocol?

Was it a Cabinet decision at the time; when Fred Mitchell, PLP Chairman and Philip “Brave” Davis, PLP leader, were Cabinet members?

The questions now becomes what did they know and exactly when did they know it and shouldn’t just knowledge and the course of action that they took automatically disqualify both of these men for seeking re-election?

Or is it all forgiven because Mr. Jerome Fitzgerald did not break protocol?

The PLP fails for one reason; it is their nature

END

“When you win say nothing, when you lose say less” – Paul Brown

This bit of wisdom has been wasted on persons like the leader of the opposition, Philip Brave Davis, as he has said more since the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) lost the last general election then he has in his entire political career.

Before I go on, I would just like to say this, in regards to the Duane Sands matter, it is my most fervent belief that the push behind his resignation by this PLP opposition and this continued push to ‘expose’ more has very little to do with him breaking protocol but rather is a spiteful and vindictive move to exact revenge for his alleged role in the perceived wrongful prosecution of former PLP MP Frank Smith – it is that simple.

“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, first dig two graves.” – Confucius

First grave; the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is currently overplaying a situation where in the former minister of health, Dr. Duane Sands made a judgment call which he felt was in the best interest of the country.  The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) called for his head on a pole in Rawson Square for violating the Emergency Orders put forth by the Competent Authority, which they criticized as being “over reaching” but in regards to the actions of the former minister if health; were there not mitigating circumstances?

For those full of blood lust to smooth over perceived past wrong doings there seem to be none.

Just how much do you punish someone for breaking these protocols if they fervently believe that they acted in the best interest of the country?

Is the leader of the opposition and those within that political organization that continue to campaign for more bloodletting actually saying that they would never violate the law to do what’s in the best interest of The Bahamas?

Bahamians take note.

It can only be suggested by those that would not to exact the most severe penalty upon Dr. Sands for him doing what he felt was in the best interest of the country.  Now he has accepted the responsibility for his action, has accepted the consequences of these actions and yet this New, New, New, [New] PLP party still asks for another pound of flesh.

“PLP still has questions after Sands resignation” – The Nassau Guardian

Excerpt from this article; “While noting that the opposition will seek explanations from other Cabinet ministers, Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) leader Philip Brave Davis said yesterday he found it ‘difficult to believe’ former Minister of Health Dr. Duane Sands acted alone when he made a controversial decision to allow six persons permanent residents to disembark on New Providence, a week ago, and quarantine at home while the borders were closed to Bahamians.” 

Mr. Davis does a very dishonorable thing here as he neglects to state the particulars of what actually occurred but this is politics and the grave that he presently digs he digs for himself because the people at large are not as blood thirsty as he is and have questioned his moral authority to ask these questions in light of his political past but as Mr. Davis suggests, elections wipes the slates clean, something which I actually believes that he believes and further affirms my assertion that he is not fit to lead The Bahamas.

Before I end I would just like to comment on the PLP Chairman’s repose to this matter.  He should be ashamed of making such statements condemning Sands for his actions because of the simple fact that he chairs a political organization formed in 1953 and whose elected officials to date have not accepted any responsibility for any malfeasances; even if they were caught with the bloody knife in their hands, blood still dripping from it and the warm dead body at their feet.

Indeed this New, New, New [New] Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), led by Philip ‘Brave’ Davis is totally despicable as an opposition and should never be government.

The PLP fails for one reason, it is their nature.

END

“A Study In Confusion” – The Nassau Guardian 20^th April 2020

Excerpt from this article; “Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Leader Philip Brave Davis call Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis’ press conference a ‘study in confusion’ as he questioned why Minnis will allow more businesses to open in the middle of a surge in COVID-19 cases.

As he expressed disappointment with the number of people who were still out and about during the 24-hour curfew, Minnis yesterday announced that a number of businesses, including hardware stores, plant nurseries and auto part stores, will be allowed to operate.

In response, Davis wants to see a long –term plan detailing the government’s plan to move forward in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘The Prime Minister’s latest COVID-19 press conference held on Sunday April 19 was a study in confusion,’ he said.

With 60 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in total and two additional confirmed cases announced today, the country remains in the middle of a COVID-19 surge so it was confusing that the prime minister announced the opening up of additional businesses and the domestic economy well ahead of any indication of a leveling of the COVID-19 infection and transmission curve. What is the rationale behind this decision?

Davis added, ‘We are sure the public is relieved that there is a slow return to normalcy but there has to be some idea of what this is based upon and that it is evidence-driven.”

It is indeed odd to hear the Opposition Leader criticize the opening of stores like hardware stores, auto part stores and plant nurseries, when he first criticized that the original emergency order for being “overreaching” and then going on to say “……that there was no evidence that the Bahamian people needed to be coerced into following directives and protocols promulgated by the government.”; ending with asking for the liquor stores to remain open.

As he is now seeing, the Bahamian people needed to be coerced and most still have not taken the current situation seriously but I say the original sentiments of the leader of the opposition, which was basically grown people did not have to be told what to do in their own best interest, represents the mindset of people that need to be coerced.

So now the opposition leader expresses “confusion” as the latest move by the prime minister and his team.  My first observation is that due to the recent lockdowns the rate of infection has seemed to have slowed so there is a plan in place that seems to be working.  Then as for the types of businesses that have opened.  In my opinion, the hardware stores, auto stores and plant nurseuries can operate in the same manner in which the food stores have been operating and with the proper safeguards put in place, one being “no mask no service”, we can have a sector of the economy back up and running.

So, the leader of Opposition claims to be “confused” and many of us are not surprised, not at all because it seems that simple matters that follow along the line of logic and commonsense seems to confuse this new, new, new [new] Progressive Liberal Party.

END