I don't envy government on this one. How do you set a budget for the next 12 months when, in all likelihood, there will be little or no tourist dollars flowing into the country for the rest of the year, and maybe for the first half of next year? We need a bail out from someone and, realistically, only the USA has a reason (strategic) to helps us. In the meantime something has to be done to correct the huge strain on the pension fund. It was creaking even before the pandemic.

Fair comment Happyfly; however, even if everyone goes back to their place of work many will be left twiddling their thumbs in the absence of tourist dollars which funds the economy and government finances. Without incoming US dollars our reserves will shortly be depleted and government will not be able to provide Rupert Roberts and others with the hard currency they need to purchase imported goods. Government can continue to print money for a short while to pay civil servants and others in the public service but that will only put more pressure on the B$. The Bahamas cannot borrow its way out of this crisis given our lousy credit rating and existing level of National debt. We cannot quickly diversify our economy and, in the absence of a significant amount of foreign investment, the country is heading for the financial rocks. The only possible salvation that I can see is that we appeal to our nearest neighbour, the USA, and see if we can offer America long term investment opportunities in The Bahamas in return for emergency funding. I suspect that the price for this is that we will be asked to cease all dealings with China.

Birdie brain - there you go again with your PLP spectacles on. How many lies did the PLP subject us to during their last calamitous five year destructive term in office? Nobody in that cabinet of thieves and robbers could even spell the word TRUTH!

And not an utterance of thanks for the contribution of Dr. Duane Sands! Poor show PM.

The PM's decision to accept Dr. Sands resignation was a huge blunder. He may have thought it made him look tough and morally upright but it was a big mistake. The country needs Dr. Sands in the COVID war cabinet. Poor leadership.

Disgraceful decision by government to allow these parasitical organisations to open at this time of national crisis. Bahamians should be saving every spare cent they have in these challenging times.

Yes, Dr. Sands was guilty of an error of judgement but in the grand scheme of things was it worthy of his resignation? I don't think so. I think the PM is trying to protect himself politically in accepting the resignation. Dr. Sands has behaved in an honorable way. Compare this to the actions of the PLP government in previous administrations where many were guilty of much more serious "crimes" yet were supported by Perry Christie and the Party regardless.

Yes, Dr. Sands was guilty of an error of judgement but in the grand scheme of things was it worthy of his resignation? I don't think so. I think the PM is trying to protect himself politically in accepting the resignation. Dr. Sands has behaved in an honorable way. Compare this to the actions of the PLP government in previous administrations where many were guilty of much more serious "crimes" yet were supported by Perry Christie and the Party regardless.

Thank you but not necessary. We need the good Doctor at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19. Time to move on.

Yes, it should have been handled differently but it was hardly corruption. That term can only surely apply if the deed was carried out for personal gain. Clearly that wasn't the case. Time to move on folks. The country has much bigger issues to face.