This is just wind in the trees. The damage has already been done. People are focusing on the implications of the Budget communication and noticing the lack of any proposed pay cuts for House members. Not even a symbolic offer. This mounting debt will be a burden on this and future generations. Recall that England did not complete repayment of her war debt to Canada and the United States incurred during the Second World War until 2006.

Interesting and sensible comments are a pleasure to read. However, let us recognise the fact that there is a lot that is not fully understood about this viral outbreak. While missteps have been made and quite possibly will continue to be made, all the while economies are being destroyed. This predicament does not lend itself to an easy solution that will prove satisfactory to all parties involved.

Dear Pathfinder 11:
It sounds as if you believe that laws and regulations don't apply to Americans. This is the reason their is so much distrust in the world. Your country refused to sign on to the International Court of Justice possibly on the assumption that your military should not be held accountable for atrocities committed in the land of other peoples. I'm sure the people of Abaco appreciate the efforts of your countrymen but they are expected to abide by the rules in force at the time. Don't be like the young American boy who vandalized the historic lighthouse in Hope Town a while back much to the embarrassment of his father who assumed liability for the damage.

Dear Seaman:
If it is actually the case that the mate of the boat involved in the shootout is roaming around Green Turtle Cay without a mask may I suggest that you inform the local nurse (if available) and/or the local constable. Perhaps, at the same time, the virus test status of the mate could be ascertained. It is incumbent upon the local community to require obedience to local laws.

A very serious situation, no doubt about that. Neither this government nor any previous administration has made allowance for or even considered the possibility of such a devastating situation as that in which we find ourselves at present. When a country becomes dependent upon the IMF, the citizens of that country can reasonably anticipate increased taxation, austerity budgets and eventual devaluation or dollarization. Not something to look forward to with joy.

Very unfortunate that a young and inexperienced person has been put in such a position. He was elected to replace an ageing dinosaur, that much is certain, but he could not have expected, in his wildest dreams, to find himself in such a position. For that matter it is very likely that not one government of this country has bothered to take into consideration the possibility of the bottom falling out of the economy in the way that it has. The old saying that you don't miss the water until the well runs dry is certainly true. Be careful with the IMF; after dealing with them you can expect higher taxes and eventual devaluation. We might be fortunate enough to accept dollarization instead.

Very interesting indeed. Were these men in possession of virus test certificates? That is the first question. Will they face more serious consequences than the coconut vendor? That is the second question. The third question one feels compelled to ask is how much longer are these restrictions on our civil rights going to continue? Perhaps until there is nothing left of the local economy? Inquiring minds want to know.

Don't cry yet, wait for the budget communication in the House next week Wednesday. There is little doubt that the people realise that every additional day that passes under these unbearable conditions only adds to the national unemployment rate. We shall see if eventually the choice is between devaluation or dollarization. There is very little room for error under the present circumstances.

Easy for you to say, Stillwaters. The reality for many people trapped on New Providence by nonsensical rules and regulations is not so pleasant. Being in the capital and having serious concerns about what is happening back home is an unenviable situation in which to find oneself. How about trying a little empathy?

The time to start really worrying is after the budget presentation in the House next Wednesday, May 27th.
When the reality of the destruction inflicted upon the local economy becomes widely recognised there will be great concern for public safety and order. Such concerns could drive the powers into another frenzy of measures to attempt to control a frustrated public. Such repressive measures will only add to the problems.