I associate myself with many of the comments above

Absolutely agreed Bogart, both in terms of costs and for a better future.
One of the best ways to equalize the costs of living and to decrease the cost of doing business would be to immediately abandon Customs Duty as a way to raise revenue for this country. This whole system, though we have gotten used to it, contributes greatly to an extremely high cost of living and an extremely high cost of doing business. I am completely for finding ways to reduce this burden to both. Yet, the regressive and intrusive way we handle every item coming into this country is ludicrous. Now, having had first hand information as to how Customs is failing our people, I can say for sure that this system of raising revenue is holding our country back. Without doubt. Too many very talented people are forced into a terrible regime of make-work whereby the "opportunity costs" of these talented individuals are lost in efforts that do nothing to "produce" things of real value that benefit the economy of The Bahamas.or move this country forward utilizing our intellectual talent as the world forges ahead around us. We must do better. Morgan's Bluff has outstanding possibility. However, having spent a considerable amount of time there, I would hate to see the immense breath taking natural beauty destroyed to make way for industrial usage. Ecotourism should not be under estimated as a great way to preserve the natural resources while capitalizing on them at the same time. Coupled with a serious farming and cultural undertaking, it does not take a dreamer to see the very real potential here. But, it must be undertaken with the true history of the many ventures that have been proposed, and those which have actually succeeded in north Andros over the last couple of hundred years. Does Neville Chamberlain ring a bell?

Do you feel strongly about this topic?

Can the blame game go on forever? Bethel is showing himself as someone who is too much a part of the problem.

Sorry, don't agree. Having sailed this route between Miami and Andros many times, it is still a shallow bank for many, many miles. The cost of dredging and maintaining this route would take decades to financially justify. May as well use the Northwest Channel coming towards Nassau or turn south for Morgan's Bluff. If your vessel was a landing craft
Plus, the Gulf Stream runs 3 -3 1/2 knots northerly from Miami across to Bimini. Don't see it. By the time a massive venture of this sort pays off financially, all bets are off on sea levels and Andros inundation. May be just as well to wait for the seas to rise and then start using that route.

Advances in anything require learning and education. Anyone who has lived most anywhere else, realizes that we are behind the times. Not just in technology, but in thinking. We don't seem to value education. We don't seem to value new ideas. We can't seem to envision a better world for our children. Changing and advancing in technology is one thing. Bringing an entire population into maturity and education seems a much bigger, but necessary advance. There is a cycle of willful ignorance and lack of concern for others that must be broken before we make any other lasting changes. Just my observations, which will go into the garbage bin like everything else that makes any sense here. Yes, we have a long way to go with technology. Learning simple arithmetic would be a grand start for our country.

Promoting Bahamian tourism as a remedy for this situation is like asking your child to use their allowance money to buy dinner in your own home.
The only thing we trade with the rest of the world is tourism. That is how we get the "dollars: to buy food, gas, and every other thing that comes into the country. Try using B dollars in Miami. We need the US dollars.
The solution is rather clear. Test all those coming into our country; ourselves, at the point of entry. This should have already been thought about and planned for, and should be what our opening date is dependent upon.. As in securing the tests and finding the money to pay for them. We already admit that the cost of closing our borders has been devastating to our economy, our people.
So, the cost of the test is almost immaterial. Figure out who pays for it, but that is what is needed. Is this current proposed solution to suggest that the impositions and hardships placed upon our people will be for not? Well, this is exactly what the Minister of Tourism is saying with the irresponsible 3 day, or 5 day lag time in having taken a Covid test. This is the thought process of a student drop out. Not only in the risk to our people, which was what the lockdown and martial law was about. But about the desired outcome of keeping the Bahamian people safe and restarting our economy.
No one is arguing that the borders shouldn't be opened at all. We are asking our leaders to use their brains to do it correctly. Is this too mush to ask?

Well said Terri.
Yes, a museum, and why not?
The comparison you made is apt. Though it seems Columbus was responsible for a lot more deaths.

They have a 15 minute turm around Covid test available. We should test every person who comes into The Bahamas, at the airport, or the Port of Entry they use. Don't talk about cost. The Bahamas should buy these tests and than charge the visitors for them. Just like any other of the many fees, taxes, and levies we charge. Waive some other fee if you wish. But, everyone should be tested here. This negative test 3 days prior or whatever time frame makes no sense. What if they are infected in the Miami airport? Why do we allow our ministers to think like 5 year olds, and get away with it?

Don't have to witha decent GPS. Just touch the map on Cay Sal , then push go.
Takes ya rigjt there.