By Betty Vedrine
Bahamas Information Services
Nassau, Bahamas – The Government has assembled a task force to ensure that the Bahamas is prepared in the event of Ebola cases entering the country. Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie made the announcement during a press conference held at the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, October 22.
“This task force, which includes a cross-section of professionals and experts from various agencies of government and the private sector, has been organized in order that we ensure that in the face of this calamitous disease – Ebola – reaching our country, we would be poised to provide maximum protection and assistance to our people and visitors alike,” said Prime Minister Christie.
He said that the government is working diligently with other international stakeholders and that it is expected that more advice will be made available to the Government within 24 hours on the recommended protocols required should a case arise in the country.
Expressing his satisfaction that all the necessary discussions have been held and the relevant authorities have been consulted, Mr. Christie said that the Bahamas has decided to keep its border open for tourism. He said that he is ‘confident’ that from a policy point of view, the government has taken the necessary steps to mitigate undesirable results.
“We are not going to compromise the health of Bahamians but we must recognize that 70 percent of our economy is dependent on our tourism industry,” he said. “Given this reality and the fact that we have put in place the necessary protocols needed to protect our people, I am satisfied that we will be ready in the event of exposure to the disease.”
Also in attendance was Minister of Health, Hon. Perry Gomez, who pointed out the Bahamas’ success with other outbreaks in recent years.
“The Bahamas has a reliable track record in dealing with incidences and medical crises,” said Dr. Gomez. “We have some of the best medical professionals, doctors and healthcare workers in the region. We were the first to eradicate measles in the region and were able to control the spread of the recent Chicungunya Fever outbreak, resulting in us having one of the lowest incidences of the disease.”
Minister of National Security, Dr. Hon Bernard Nottage, spoke of the measures being taken by his ministry, particularly as it pertains to immigrants arriving in the country.
Minister for Grand Bahama, Dr. Hon. Michael Darville said that he wanted to ensure Grand Bahamians that all ports are under control. He also urged Bahamians not to heed to advice given on social media outlets but instead to ‘stay tuned’ to the information being disseminated by the Government via its Public Relations Department, Bahamas Information Services and ZNS.
Other speakers included President of Nassau Airport Development Company, Ms. Vernice Walkine and Representative for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands of the Pan American Health Organization, Dr. Gerry Eijkemans.
Mr. Peter Deveaux-Isaacs, Under Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, will oversee the task force as Administrator.
The public is advised to stay tuned to the media for alerts and the latest information over the next few days.
