The national strike happened – though you could be forgiven if you did not notice.

In a number of areas, there seemed to be little to no disruption.

Customs carried on largely as ever. Immigration had some staff shortages at the detention centre. Children were sent home early from school in Grand Bahama. There were some issues at NIB, we understand.

The strike was most keenly felt in the healthcare sector, which was said to be in crisis mode in response to the industrial action.

TUC president Obie Ferguson declared the action a success – although in the history of strike actions around the world, one is not sure how often they are ever declared failures.

The true measure of success for unions of course will not be in how many hospital appointments are delayed or how long lines at Customs might be, but in what progress follows on the issues that prompted the action in the first place.

Prime Minister Philip Davis seemed in no mood to tolerate the action beforehand, calling it unlawful.

How much an industrial action of dubious success is likely to change that mood is anyone’s guess. It might even embolden him to be more hardline.

Today, a second day of action is due to take place – we shall see if it is more or less disruptive.

But then what really matters is what comes next. The talks, if they take place. Any further action, should that occur.

Deals usually take money. Any such signings will likely have a cost to the public purse. Some may be appropriate, some may not.

So we end the two-day action as we started – with talks still needed.

Has the action made a difference? Has it moved the nation forward any? That seems doubtful, whatever Mr Ferguson may claim.

Clarification to letter writer

In yesterday’s Tribune, a letter writer shared some memories of the inauguration of US president Barack Obama – and mentioned journalist Felicity Ingraham (now Darville). However, his memories might not be quite accurate – as Felicity was happy to point out.

She wrote the following note to clarify:

“Frank Gilbert’s assertions with regards to me at the inauguration of US President Barack Obama are incorrect. It is interesting that the story is told with such detail, all while being incorrect. If Mr Gilbert was indeed there, he has a wild imagination. People did not have to lay on top of me to warm me as my body turned purple. What did happen is that one of my pinkie toes started to get frostbitten.

“Many people, including Americans, had this problem, as in some areas, the snow was up to our knees and we had to stand still for long periods of time. At one point, hundreds of people interlocked arms and we did the electric slide to keep warm. It was a wonderful thing. But due to standing in one place for so long, many people experienced frostbite. I was on that trip thanks to Dr Deborah Bartlett. It was former Minister of Education Mr Jerome Fitzgerald who sprang into action to help me. Note that there were others being assisted with frostbite as well. Mr Fitzgerald carefully removed my boot so as not to damage my flesh. He began warming my foot with his breath and hands. Someone brought hot water but he told them it was a bad idea. Turns out he was right. You must warm slowly and strategically from frostbite. I only had one blue spot on my pinkie toe. However, all of my toes were stiff, and the pinkie toe was extremely painful. Thank you, Mr Fitzgerald, for your assistance! May you always be blessed! As for Mr Gilbert, please, fact check before publishing... and yes, those travelling, beware of the weather!”