The numbers are incrasing but the response is not the correct one. A curfew will not solve a problem and a lockdown will destroy the economy. Mr. Roberts speaks of people not listening. Is it as simple as that?

One solution is testing. If someone wants to go out, let's say, require a negative rapid antigen test taken within the last 5 days. so, every week they have to show an updated test. this solves two problems, you minimize the spread in certain settings as most people who test negative during a given week should be negative. Anyone who is negative one week should have a positive test the next week or early into the third week. The second benefit, we are reducing the unknown. By flagging at least those going out who may be positive, we can isolate them and reduce them spreading the virus among their contacts. Not having this test, they will not know they are positive and they will spread it among everyone they know. one unfortunate consequence of course is that if someone can't afford a test, they will not be allowed to go out which gives an additional benefit because if they are positive, it limits how many extra people they can infect and if they are negative they can't get exposed.

Not sure why we have adjusted the curfew hours. That will not impact the spread. We need to increase testing. It as simple as that. If people want to go out to bars/clubs, etc. require that they produce evidence of a negative rapid antigen test. Require every week that they have an updated test. You will some cases because some persons may test negative this week and be positive the next. But, they will be flagged the next week. The government would then have a clearer picture of the level of infection in the country as well as you would have more persons tested.

Interesting! Do we really have the mechanisms to police something like this. It seems possible that we could open ourselves up to scams.

The idea of crowdfunding itself is good. But, if we are gong down this road we need to have controls in place. On a side bar, it's interesting how the government seems to be bringing things to the table now. Election season aye?

This is an interesting article. It's good to know what's happening. What would be good is if Mrs. Wallace-Whitfield can educate us as to what to look out for from local agents that could be a red flag of an issue and how to handle the situations. I don't think I've seen the head of BREA speak to the media about issues before. So, maybe this should continue as means to inform those of us outside of the industry of what happens in the real estate sector.

Wow! Seems like gross overkill by the Governor of the Central Bank. You would expect a person of that stature to have a mature response to such a situation. I hope the Governor and Deputy Governor are paying the bill got their attorney and will be paying for the union leader's attorney as well. This situation is just ridiculous.

The scoring is very discriminatory. To be 100% accurate, the whole process is discriminatory. So, a person 50 years old who may need a "leg up" can't apply.

Is it fair for someone to pay market value to potentially have a reduction in property prices that can potentially result from this move by the government.

The gesture on the surface appears nice but I think it can lead to issues. It looks like another gimmick to get votes.

She's a very nice lady. Hope she is 100% soon.

There are too many "coincidences" surrounding the granting of contracts. Also, why do we need to pay for a health visa when

1. You have a negative PCR that you can easily show at a check-in counter at any US airport before arrival back in the Bahamas.

2. You have to take a rapid antigen test 5 days later, which is submitted directly to the government. the way it is set up, you are directed to specific testing sites as opposed to being able to choose where you want to go.

I don't see the need to control this process the way the government is doing it besides to ensure money flows in a certain direction. I don't see the US asking anyone to pay for a health visa.

Interesting! Alicia's articles are usually very interesting. Compared to the other writers, the command of the English language is considerably better than the others it seems. Well written and informative!

Seriously? The stats were down last year because of the lockdowns. To throw in that other countries were up is nonsense. First of all, were the areas in those countries (states, provinces, etc.) with an increase under a lockdown. Secondly, most of our crime happens on New Providence which is extremely small. so, when you do a lockdown it is easy to spot people moving about. The Minister of National Security and the Commissioner are lying. Last year the Minister commended the police force for a job well done. Really? Covid-19 lockdowns and curfews brought our numbers down. So, if you take their logic for 2020 then they should be telling the police force that they are now doing a horrible job. But, they are trying to say the crime is up despite the hard work of the police. Just total garbage!