The COVID-19 pandemic has led to much turmoil and conflict around the world. In The Bahamas, we have not been spared this turmoil and conflict. The most recent manifestations of this turmoil have been revealed in the form of what I call the vaccination games.

The vaccination games are like a competition between two opposing teams. On the one side are the vaccine proponents – and on the other side are the vaccine opponents. This is an unfortunate circumstance, but it is what it is, and this is where we are.

This “game” has unfortunately become acrimonious and contentious, and it seems that there are constant attacks and counter attacks. I believe this is really unnecessary and there is a way forward without the acrimony and insults. The COVID pandemic is very real, and the consequences are gargantuan. The most recent wave is the deadliest so far – and we all hope and pray that this is the worst of it, and that it will get better. As the pandemic has worsened, so has the division between vaccinated and unvaccinated.

It would be great if there was one concerted opinion, and everyone followed the same path, but we live in a free world and a free Bahamas, so there will be differences of opinion. I believe it is important that we allow freedom of expression and opinion and realize that we cannot force people to comply either way. The best thing to do is research and draw a conclusion on what is best for you, and respect others.

It is interesting to note that there is no consensus even among medical professionals and scientists. A majority of scientists and medical professionals seem to agree that the vaccination is the most effective option against COVID, but many (I do not know the percentage) disagree. I have listened to both, because it is important to consider opinions and hear facts and even anecdotal experiences before making conclusive judgements. I am not on either side of the game. I am interested in what works and what gives me and my family the best chance of health and long life.

It is important not to be dismissive of people’s experiences.

I have listened to people who have had COVID and used a variety of unconventional non-medically prescribed treatments and they have said it worked for them. I have spoken to others who have used the same treatments and it did not work for them. I have seen the statistics that indicate that people who are vaccinated are much less likely to get sick or die. I have also noticed that the recommendations are fluid and rapidly changing. It is evident we are still living in an uncertain environment and there are no guarantees. Pointing fingers and exchanging insults between the two opposing sides does not produce the desired result. I believe we should be continually dialoguing and exchanging information and allowing each to act according to their conscience.

Governor General Sir Cornelius A. Smith has tested positive for COVID-19, despite being fully vaccinated, the Office of the Governor General announced today.

“Sir Cornelius was tested last Friday, 13th of August, 2021, out of an abundance of caution after coming into contact with an individual who was COVID-19 positive,” the Office of the Governor General said in a statement.

“The results of the test was confirmed to be positive on the evening of Sunday, 15th August, 2021.

“Sir Cornelius is fully vaccinated and remains asymptomatic at this time.The governor general will abide by the established public health quarantine protocol.

“He encourages all Bahamians to get vaccinated.”

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday declared the country finally has enough vaccines to meet demand and administration of the 128,700 Pfizer vaccine doses donated by the United States government will begin as early as Monday.

With nearly 400,000 Pfizer vaccine doses expected to be donated by the US in the coming months, Dr Minnis said half the country could be fully vaccinated using that brand. #His comment came as Ministry of Health officials reported one additional COVID-19 death and 130 new cases. #“What we need now is for Bahamians to come forward quickly to take the vaccine,” Dr Minnis said after the vaccines arrived in the country yesterday. #“We need Bahamians to get vaccinated as soon as possible to save lives in the country. I say to the Bahamian people you do not have any time to wait any longer. You do not have time to keep thinking about it. The hospitals are full to its limit. Sadly, some of our people are dying and taking the shots will save your life. Not taking them can cost you your life. By coming forward quickly we can save lives, end the emergency phase of the virus, restore our economy and jobs and have more openness.” #Pfizer vaccines must be stored in ultra-cold temperatures, and Dr Minnis said the capacity to achieve this exists in New Providence and Grand Bahama. #“A phased roll-out of the Pfizer vaccine will begin as early as Monday the 16th of August and each component of the administration of this vaccine that requires specific attention will be evaluated and monitored to ensure an efficient and successful rollout as we move to increase our capacity to administer the vaccine,” he said. #Vaccine hesitancy in the Bahamas appears to be on the decline as the COVID-19 situation in the country worsens. #US Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts said with the donation from the US government, the country is in a position to “end this pandemic”. #“And if Bahamians will step up and get vaccinated, do their part for their country, then they can truly end this pandemic so the bulk of the vaccines gives them the number of vaccines to do that,” she said.

With nearly 400,000 Pfizer vaccine doses expected to be donated by the US in the coming months, Dr Minnis said half the country could be fully vaccinated using that brand.

His comment came as Ministry of Health officials reported one additional COVID-19 death and 130 new cases.#“What we need now is for Bahamians to come forward quickly to take the vaccine,” Dr Minnis said after the vaccines arrived in the country yesterday.

“We need Bahamians to get vaccinated as soon as possible to save lives in the country. I say to the Bahamian people you do not have any time to wait any longer. You do not have time to keep thinking about it. The hospitals are full to its limit. Sadly, some of our people are dying and taking the shots will save your life. Not taking them can cost you your life. By coming forward quickly we can save lives, end the emergency phase of the virus, restore our economy and jobs and have more openness.”

Pfizer vaccines must be stored in ultra-cold temperatures, and Dr Minnis said the capacity to achieve this exists in New Providence and Grand Bahama.

“A phased roll-out of the Pfizer vaccine will begin as early as Monday the 16th of August and each component of the administration of this vaccine that requires specific attention will be evaluated and monitored to ensure an efficient and successful rollout as we move to increase our capacity to administer the vaccine,” he said.

Vaccine hesitancy in the Bahamas appears to be on the decline as the COVID-19 situation in the country worsens.

US Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts said with the donation from the US government, the country is in a position to “end this pandemic”.

“And if Bahamians will step up and get vaccinated, do their part for their country, then they can truly end this pandemic so the bulk of the vaccines gives them the number of vaccines to do that,” she said.

 

RETAILERS were yesterday happy that the newest curfew change taking effect today does not prevent customers from shopping and gives workers sufficient time to get home from work.

And while they say they are seeing increased sales, some retailers say higher international shipping costs may soon have a knock-on affect on the prices of consumer goods. photo Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis delivers his address. #On Monday night, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced that beginning today, a 9pm to 5am curfew would be imposed in both New Providence and Grand Bahama. Previously the curfew began at 10pm. #Nicole Aranha, operations manager at Lorene’s told The Tribune yesterday the company could breathe a sigh of relief that business will be able to continue as usual. #“People need time after work to just pick up something or make a quick run and get home. So, yes, I am glad that it wasn’t any earlier than that,” Ms Aranha said. #It is good news since Lorene’s, a clothing store, is also seeing a slight uptick in sales. #“It’s starting to pick up because I guess people need to get stuff now and travelling is such a hard issue. So, they are shopping at home, which is good, that’s besides online.” #Still, she said the store could be challenged in that prices may increase. #“The gentleman that picks up the shipments did say the cost of shipping containers went up. So, yes, it could cause prices to rise because business is already hurting from the year off having no business. They’re gonna have to pass it on to the customer.”

And while they say they are seeing increased sales, some retailers say higher international shipping costs may soon have a knock-on affect on the prices of consumer goods.

On Monday night, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced that beginning today, a 9pm to 5am curfew would be imposed in both New Providence and Grand Bahama. Previously the curfew began at 10pm.

Nicole Aranha, operations manager at Lorene’s told The Tribune yesterday the company could breathe a sigh of relief that business will be able to continue as usual.

“People need time after work to just pick up something or make a quick run and get home. So, yes, I am glad that it wasn’t any earlier than that,” Ms Aranha said.

It is good news since Lorene’s, a clothing store, is also seeing a slight uptick in sales.

“It’s starting to pick up because I guess people need to get stuff now and travelling is such a hard issue. So, they are shopping at home, which is good, that’s besides online.”

Still, she said the store could be challenged in that prices may increase.

“The gentleman that picks up the shipments did say the cost of shipping containers went up. So, yes, it could cause prices to rise because business is already hurting from the year off having no business. They’re gonna have to pass it on to the customer.”