"I ask the Bahamian people if they can at least remain compliant just at least until the end of this particular month by wearing facial masks and trying to resist from such social gatherings"

Frankly, with 55 new cases yesterday, the Bahamian people need to continue with face coverings and social distancing until this virus is under control. Why is the PM putting a time limit on it?

Government's dereliction of duty towards Abaconians is a disgrace.

I can't help but think that a reliable and tested vaccine is a long way off yet and we shouldn't be creating false hope of its early availability. In the short to medium term, The Bahamas needs to concentrate on everyone understanding how the virus spreads and taking collective action to eradicate it. The Prime Minister of Taiwan was on CNN the other day. They have a population of 25 million and have all but eliminated the virus with a death toll of only 7. But then again they most likely don't have groups congregating around local bars and eateries without face coverings. Too many Bahamians still don't understand how this thing spreads. What will it take for the light switch to go on? Hundreds of Bahamians ending up in the morgue years before their time? Unless, collectively, we behave with a higher degree of intelligence than this virus then that is the scenario we face. Government needs to stop declaring opening dates until this virus is well under control. Wouldn't it be ironic if America gets its act together (post Trump) and their citizens are ready to travel next spring but Bahamas is still considered a hot spot and tourists are diverted elsewhere? The Bahamas needs to get on top of this NOW so that we are ready for america re-opening.

"We do wonder how much of this push to reopen is down to worries about the country’s finances, with Finance Minister warning of “a more troublesome scenario” if tourism doesn’t pick up before the year’s end."

When is our government going to desist in giving the people false hope? Tourism is NOT going to pick up before year-end. We are blighted by infection rates that are way too high for our small country and to talk of a re-opening in five weeks' time is irresponsible in the extreme.

And since you are so eager to highlight the sins of others Birdie perhaps you would care to admit yours?

With this predictable development government's decision to try and force a 15th October re-opening appears nonsensical. Has the PM learned nothing from the botched 1st July reopening? The same circumstances exist with this latest reopening plan i.e. the risk of a further spike in infections is far greater than the limited benefit of opening when the major hotels are closed. Why not work in concert with the hotels? Their management seems eminently more sensible. When they feel it is safe to re-open to visitors then The Bahamas should re-open. We also need to face the inevitable fact that the tourist season is over for this year. It's time to face reality and plan accordingly.

I believe a noncovid related death is someone who has been tested positive for covid who subsequently dies but covid is deemed not to have been the cause of death.

"The Prime Minister needs, in every single address, to be able to deliver clear information, show empathy and give hope. We have not seen this at all. We are getting long speeches padded with unnecessary fillers and take far too long to get to the information we need"

100% agree. I have stopped listening to the addresses and wait for the written version instead. The hours I have spent listening to these long drawn out broadcasts I will never get back. The PM does not have the oratory skills to be a motivational speaker or a pastor and so he should just deliver the facts.

This represents a total dereliction of duty on behalf of the Government.

Sorry but in person services represent an unnecessary risk in these dangerous times. Most churches are able to live stream their services. What does a church member gain by sitting six feet apart and wearing a mask? They can't possibly enjoy proper worship or community with these restrictions. Stay at home, worship and tithe on-line until the danger has passed. It is a shame for those elderly members who are unable to access their services on-line but the most important thing is to keep them safe. I really hope the pastors are not pushing this from a financial standpoint.