NASSAU, Bahamas – A cabinet minister has voiced optimism that New Providence will have “put these lockdowns behind us” in time for tourism’s planned return on November 1 with the 14-day quarantine elimination, The Tribune reported on Tuesday, October 13, in an article written by Business Editor Neil Hartnell
Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, admitted to Tribune Business that the latest COVID-19 restrictions were “not ideal” given that the re-opening of The Bahamas’ largest industry is less than three weeks away. However, he added that the country had little choice but to “flatten the curve” on the surging infection rate in New Providence which is now reporting between 500-600 new cases per week, including a further 76 yesterday.
Arguing that “buy in” from all residents was essential if COVID-19 was to be contained, Mr D’Aguilar said lockdowns such as this weekend’s and other restrictions were not what the Minnis Cabinet wanted to impose.
However, the rate and level of COVID-19 infections remains a key factor in the decision-making process for many Bahamian hotels in determining when they will re-open — something that was reiterated by Baha Mar’s president, Graeme Davis, last week.
Mr D’Aguilar said some resorts were “more willing and anxious to open than others”, although he declined to specify who fell into either camp. Those who were hanging back, he added, were especially keen to ensure “that we don’t have any more shocks in the system”.
While himself and the Ministry of Tourism were “edging them along”, and priortitising getting Bahamians back to work in the resort industry, Mr D’Aguilar reiterated that it was an individual business decision for every property as to when they will re-open. See complete Tribune article at http://www.tribune242.com/news/2020/oct/13/lockdowns-behind-us-november-1/
