Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture

Remarks By

The Hon. Lanisha T. Rolle, MP, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture

Report to the Nation: Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture’s Response To the COVID-19 Pandemic

Office Of The Prime Minister November 27, 2020 3 p.m.

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 1 of 38 INTRODUCTION

Michael Turnball instructively reminds us, “We learn from every natural disaster. Whether it is a fire, or a flood, we learn something from it, so we can respond to the next one better.”

The World Atlas records the following 10 Pandemics throughout history: The Antonine Plague 165-180 AD; The Black Death

1347-1352; Small Pox 1870-1874; Cholera 1817-1824; Russian

Flu 1889-1890; Spanish Flu 1918-1919; H3N2 Pandemic 1968;

HIV/AIDS 1981; and SARS 2002-2004.

The world now faces the challenges of overcoming yet another pandemic - The Novel Coronavirus, better known as the COVID-

19.

From a global perspective, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted rules, policies, operations and systems of almost every nation. At a local level, the impact has revolutionized industries,

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 2 of 38 sectors, communities and homes. This impact was reflected in the halting of vital youth organization programs, to the urgent cancellations of critical local athletic practices, and the postponement of regional and international sports meets. The impact, further inflicted injury to the creative arts, and larger cultural community; consequently stifling large scale resources, and in particular, the Orange Economy. We all can agree, that the coronavirus outbreak has changed what we do, and how we do it.

Therefore, it is ‘change’ none can ignore.

Per the quote of Robert Scoble, “Change is inevitable, and the disruption it causes often brings both inconvenience and opportunity.” As difficult as it is for all of us, as a nation we have a duty to acknowledge the fact that the Coronavirus Pandemic has brought with it wide scale sickness, substantial loss of life, loss of income, financial burdens, incredible stress and significant

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 3 of 38 inconveniences. Coincidentally, and concomitantly, the experiences have brought with it a series of ‘opportunities’, inclusive of global unity, advanced technology, online teaching and learning, virtual platforms, contactless and cashless services.

Additionally, we experienced the introduction and expansion of multiple online businesses and joint business ventures. Things the world often spoke about, but somehow never got around to it.

Moreover, the COVID-19 phenomenon, embraced as an opportunity, has brought families together, influenced nations to unite to fight, and persuaded the global community to view the world as one place and one people vulnerable to the pros and cons of ‘change’.

Today, this National Address serves to report the Ministry of

Youth, Sports and Culture’s response to ‘the change’ resulting from the presence of COVID-19 in our local environment.

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 4 of 38 IMMEDIATE RESPONSE

In response to the rapidly changing circumstances, governments world over were, and are forced to transform the manner-in-which the public service delivers enduring public value for the good of the general public.

Particularly, the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture, being that arm of government in charged with delivering service to and on behalf of the youth, sports and cultural communities and industries, is pleased to report that our

COVID19 Management Strategy has incorporated a five prong approach of Unity, Re-ingenuity, Strength, Recommitment and

Perseverance (URSRP).

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, in alignment with the guidance from the Ministry of Health, The Ministry of Youth,

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 5 of 38 Sports and Culture, immediately establish a Covid-19 Response

Committee to lead the management of a Covid-19 strategic response. Together, with our functioning subsidiaries, the

National Sports Authority, and the National Art Gallery of The

Bahamas (NAGB), and at the behest of the Government, temporarily ceased physical operations at facilities. Staff assumed work-at-home arrangements for their safety and that of the general public. Further, the Ministry’s immediate reaction was to maintain a portal of electronic access for the benefit of the general public. In this regard, a virtual connection to the Ministry was created through the establishment of a host of electronic services. An Online Platform was launched, and a 24 hour

Emergency Hotline was activated to ensure our partners and the general public maintained access to key personnel.

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 6 of 38 Operating under a trifurcated portfolio, the Ministry, in immediate response to the pandemic, transformed the mechanisms of our operations to an effective e-platform that allows for the continued functioning of the Division of Youth, the

Department of Sports and the Division of Cultural Affairs. The transformed operations have allowed Departments to maximize the use of technology to stay connected to our over one thousand partnering associations and organizations, provide ongoing services to the general public, and deliver quality programming and support systems effectively, efficiently, safely and in the spirit of excellence.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture was among the first to respond to the onset of the Coronavirus here in The Bahamas.

On the 12th March, 2020, the Ministry in partnership with local schools from across the length and breadth of the Bahama Islands

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 7 of 38 were gathered in New Providence with over 500 children at the

Thomas A. Robinson Stadium in the midst of the

Annual National High School Track and Field Championships.

However, upon receiving the news that there was a strong likelihood that the deadly coronavirus had reached our shores, on the advice of the Cabinet of The Bahamas, to protect our little darlings we acted decisively by immediately stopping the meet, and ensuring the children were sheltered-in-place with the cooperation of their parents and guardians.

To all of our misfortune, the following day, the presence of the coronavirus was no longer a rumor, it was a living, breathing deadly weapon that had touched down in the islands of The

Bahamas.

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 8 of 38 Indeed, the Ministry was relieved to have made the difficult decision on the guidance of the Government, to act urgently to avoid preventable harm.

From that moment onward, the entire nation was subject to the immediate safety measures implemented by the established office of the Competent Authority, which office instituted emergency lockdowns, curfews, sanitization and physical distancing protocols, in addition to other measures designed to protect the health of our people, and keep communities safe.

We are now in the throes of the second wave of the coronavirus.

Thus, our nation remains in a state of emergency to this day.

MINISTRY’S PURPOSE

The proverbial mandate of public or government

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 9 of 38 organizations is to account, be responsible in our actions, and objectively serve the public, albeit in good and challenging times.

In addition to accounting for the Ministry’s response to the

Pandemic, this report also serves to indicate the Ministry’s plan to safely and successfully move forward in and beyond a

COVID19 environment.

First and foremost, I wish to report ‘thankfully’ that the Ministry has not lost any member of staff to the deadly coronavirus disease.

However, we experienced a total of three (3) cases, all of whom have recovered. Special thanks to the intervention and services provided by the personnel and practitioners of the Ministry of

Health. Some staff members, however, did experience associated deaths among their family members; and for this misfortune, we extend our deepest sympathies.

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 10 of 38 YOUTH

The Youth Division caters directly to the youth of our nation between the ages of 15 – 29. The Division’s mandate is to oversee national youth development on behalf of the Government of The

Bahamas. This mandate is fulfilled through the facilitation, creation and production of youth programs designed to ensure the positive engagement and empowerment of youth. The mission is to secure substantial and strategic investment in youth and related initiatives, promote their skill and personal development, and strengthen the employability status of the Bahamian youth demographic.

In direct response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Division of

Youth published and circulated The Youth Re-emerged,

Reenergized and Re-engaged Covid-19 Guidelines on the 18th of

August, 2020. The Guidelines noted specific protocols to equip

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 11 of 38 youth and community organizations, and youth workers with options for the safe operation of programs and youth engagement under the current regime. Regarding the Youth Leaders

Certification Program (YLC), the Division of Youth facilitates the ongoing standardized training of youth leaders through the

YLC Programme. Whereas in times past, the Division was limited in its program offerings to subscriptions predominantly from New

Providence and Grand Bahama, the introduction and focus of an online platform now permits participant intake from all major

Family Islands. This means that more youth leaders can be trained and certified to deliver standardized youth programming and best practices. This enhanced platform is projected to increase participation for the years 2020 and 2021 from 180 to

320 representing a 44% increase.

Significantly, the Ministry continues to negotiate with the

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 12 of 38 University of The Bahamas to commence a Professional Youth

Practitioner Certification Program to qualify youth officers in accordance with international accreditation and best practices.

Partnering with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the National

Youth Agency (NYA) based in the from

September 7 – October 1, 2020, youth workers participated in an online training session which equiped them with the tools needed to assist our young people and youth organizations on best methods and approaches to address issues that arise as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Training modules included youth management, leadership, grief, trauma, loss, and conflict resolution.

The Fresh Start Programme purposefully designed to accommodate at-risk youth was enhanced to include a virtual platform. The new ‘Virtual Fresh Start’ programme will be

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 13 of 38 piloted in January 2021, and is scheduled to now include the following Family Islands: Abaco, Andros, Bimini, Eleuthera, and

Long Island.

The Be Inspired entrepreneurship program will likewise be reengineered and redesigned for delivery via an online platform.

In doing so, our Family Island young people will be permitted access to the same level of training, resources and mentorship as their counterparts in New Providence. Program graduates are equipped to develop formal business plans, and are exposed to the principles of budgeting, marketing, strategic networking, and given opportunities to interface with potential customers and stakeholders.

The Job Ready Programme’s theory component has also been reengineered for online delivery. Options for the substitution of the internship component or Part II of the program are under

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 14 of 38 review. The Division is making substantial efforts to preserve the integrity of its programs by maintaining exit competencies that secure the credibility and reliability of the program initiative. In the interim, for January 2021, the Job Ready Programme in its usual format has been temporarily replaced with the High School

Leavers Job Ready Workshop

Series. The Masterminds Program for High School Leaders is being retooled. The program pilot is scheduled to be launched, and is due to be launched in January 2021 in some high schools throughout the country.

Bahamians, National Youth Month 2020 has been described as an E-blast! In response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Division of Youth led celebrations under a full virtual platform guided by the theme: Youth Resilient, Re-engineered, and Re-emerged for social change.

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 15 of 38 The Division in conjunction with the National Youth Advisory

Council and partnering youth organizations and youth leaders commenced with ‘Da Crazy Praise Party’ with DJ Godson – with

6,100 views on Facebook. A Youth Master Class

Conference was held online leading the dialogue of current youth issues – the event boasts of 300 participants, 10,000 plus viewers over 14 days, and thousands of shares via Facebook. The first ever Virtual Youth March was launched on Sunday 25th October,

2020 with a viewership of just over 3,800 persons via Facebook.

The annual Youth Parliament Debate showcased its inaugural

Virtual Session on Friday October 30th, with 39 youth parliamentarians who participated and debated on the topic

“Youth Perspective of The New Normal in the COVID-19 Era.”

Over 16,000 persons joined in viewing this outstanding debate.

The National Youth Awards was also held virtually on the

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 16 of 38 evening of Friday October 30th. This virtual event boasts over

11,000 online viewers. I wish to congratulate the 165 nominees of which there were 20 award winners. High commendations are extended to the winners of the coveted Director’s and Minister’s

Cups and Prime Minister’s Award. I wish to thank the Division of Youth and the more than 11,000 viewers that joined us in the virtual viewing of the event. Noteworthy, was the opportunity for youth from all islands of The Bahamas to be included in this year’s celebrations, especially in the Youth Parliament debate, and Youth awards celebrations. I wish to take this opportunity to thank the general public and the entire body of 2020 National

Youth Month participants for their support and ultimate success of the national youth month virtual initiatives.

SPORTS

Vince Lombardi, a renowned football coach and Hall of

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 17 of 38 Famer, said, “The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.” These words are applicable to the current health and safety challenges we face, which impact the predominately socialable lifestyles to which people are accustomed.

I would have earlier indicated that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture were among the first to apply the COVID-19 measures. The measures would be later formalized into what is now known as the COVID-19 Emergency Powers Orders reflective of Health and Safety Protocols designed to ensure the safety and protection of all persons in The Bahamas. Out of an abundance of caution on the 12th March, 2020, when it was understood that one coronavirus case was somewhere lurking in country, the decision was made to ‘Stop the Meet’ and to alert all present at the National High School Track and Field

Championship which was already in progress. Persons were

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 18 of 38 immediately advised to shelter-in-place. Stemming from this initial experience, the story of the coronavirus’ presence and impact on The Bahamian people and the world-at-large is still being written.

In immediate response to the COVID-19 state of affairs, the

Department of Sports in particular, joined the global Sporting

Community in creating the Stay-Active/Stay-Safe/Stay-Healthy

Movement. Leading the way here in The Bahamas, The

Department of Sports launched Local Sports Challenges on

Facebook, Youtube and WhatsApp for the strategic purpose of keeping the Bahamian people actively engaged during the

Curfews and Lockdowns. Moreover, they Department created

Stay-Home/Stay-Fit Exercise Videos to support the necessary

Emergency Powers Orders, and to underscore the importance of the need to Stay-Home to Stay Safe.

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 19 of 38 In collaboration with the Department of Sports, many of our elite athletes partnered with the Ministry to provide messages of encouragement to all of our frontline and healthcare workers who courageously worked from the onset of the COVID-19 challenges to protect our communities and keep Bahamians safe. I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Bahamas Olympic

Committee, and other sporting organizations for their kind and thoughtful gestures, having joined the online video initiatives.

Complimenting the Online Platform, the Ministry of Youth,

Sports and Culture under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention or the CDC, also created and published the COVID-19 Sports Strong

Guidelines Document for the benefit of the Sporting Community.

This document can be viewed on the Ministry’s Facebook page and Government Website portal.

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 20 of 38 The government cannot overemphasize and will not understate the harsh reality that the sports industry was among those hardest hit as a result of this pandemic, which contagious fangs required people to be physically distant. To the disappointment of many, quite a number of sporting events were forcibly postponed or cancelled, including the 2020 CARIFTA

Games, and the highly anticipated 2020 Olympic Games.

Anticipating that all will be well, CARIFTA swimming has been rescheduled to April 3rd – 6th, 2021 in Barbados, while CARIFTA

Track and Field remains tentatively scheduled for Bermuda during April 2nd- 5th, 2021. The ‘Simply’ Tokyo Olympic Games are rescheduled for hosting in Japan from July 23rd to August 8th

2021.

The National Sports Authority is a statutory agency under the portfolio of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. I am

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 21 of 38 pleased to report that the agency has embarked upon a strategic renovation plan to restore in particular, the National Boxing

Center, and the Kendal G. L. Isaacs Gymnasium facilities, the latter having suffered substantial damage due to its long term use as a shelter in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. Upgrades to the soccer pitch and softball fields are also anticipated. And significantly the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium continues its progress and the repairs to the T. A. Robinson Stadium is scheduled to commence soon. We expect that substantial restorative works will be completed by February, 2021.

Of note, the old Track and Field stadium and the Betty

KellyKenning Swimming Complex have been provisionally reopened with the implementation of strict COVID-19 protocols for the benefit of athletes to practice. As the prohibition on group

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 22 of 38 gatherings have not been lifted, the Blue Hill Fields have not yet been reopened for team sports.

Restoration works at the South Beach Pools are 90% complete.

The Ministry is in the process of building the general and technical staff capacity to accommodate safe use by members of the general public. We anticipate that the facility will be ready with certified lifeguards by March, 2021 with the availability of the kids pool, competition pool and large recreation pool.

Grand Bahama Sports Complex

Post Hurricane Dorian, the Ministry embarked upon the restoration of severe water-damaged facilities at the Grand

Bahamas Sports Complex. To date, those restoration efforts are

90% completed. The repairs have been completed at the multipurpose track and field, softball field and practice field. The restrooms have been restored, and the softball complex repaired.

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 23 of 38 Additionally, works to alleviate all electrical issues at the complex are in process, and soon to be completed.

Athlete Subventions:

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture is pleased to report that all athletes approved for subvention under the 2020/2021

Budget are continuing to receive financial assistance in accordance with approved payment procedures. We encourage our athletes to continue to use this assistance wisely as they prepare for their upcoming competitions.

Sports Organization Grants

The Ministry continues to process grants to approved sporting organizations which meet compliance requirements and in accordance with the 2020/2021 Budget.

Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission:

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 24 of 38 The Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission remains committed to protecting the integrity of Bahamian athletes and our country.

Notably, the Ministry, on behalf of the government of The

Bahamas recently agreed to the latest Amendments to the 2015

Anti-Doping Code which document was replaced by the new

2020 Code. The Agreement of the World Anti-Doping Agency

(WADA), is designed to ensure athletes’ adherence to international standards, best practices and agreed protocols to uphold the integrity of sports and sporting competitions. I would implore Federations to familiarize themselves with all provisions and criteria of the updated Ant-Doping Code.

National Sports Heritage Month 2020

It is said that discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments. According to Howie Long, “Sports ideally teach discipline and commitment. They challenge you and build

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 25 of 38 character for everything you do in life.” From time and memorial, sports has been known as a source of discipline, unity, strength and motivation to people during national and global crisis. The sports community in The Bahamas continues to uphold this legacy. Amazingly, during the pandemic, our athletes courageously competed where and when possible in spite of the Coronavirus, notwithstanding they themselves and their families were like all of us, vulnerable and in some instances, directly impacted.

November 2020 marks the During this celebration of National

Sports Heritage Month. Every year the Ministry preserves this period to highlight the remarkable performances of our athletes.

This year we are pleased to host the Top 20 Sports Champions

Countdown. So as not to prejudice any of the nominees, I will say no more than to invite the general public to vote via the

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 26 of 38 ministry’s Facebook page and be sure to tune in as the Countdown will be aired live on ZNS Channel 211 at 8:30pm on Monday 30th

November, 2020. This year’s Sports Month Celebrations are being held under the theme: “In Spite of, We Rise - Sports Strong throughout the Islands of The Bahamas.”

Celebrations commenced with daily Rise and Shine sports routines at 8:30am with notable fitness gurus. We remembered hallmark performances during weekly Moments-in-Time

Documentaries aired at 7:30 pm each Sunday on ZNS and via

Facebook featuring sports giants and trailblazers such as the late

Sir Durward Knowles, Sailing Olympian, the late Thomas

Robinson, sprint sensation and the late Andre Rogers, baseball superstar among others. The Vitamin “C” Challenges promoted proactive measures to encourage persons to boost their immune system as a strategic defence to the Coronavirus. The Sports

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 27 of 38 Conversation Platform – sports view, explored how the new normal has impacted stakeholders of the sports community, and how the people of these Bahama islands have responded with unity, tenacity and resilience.

The month of activities also recognized the Sports - Class of

Heroes, reflecting on the outstanding performances of athletes over the years such as the Golden Girls win in the 2000 Sydney

Olympics, the Golden Knights, and the smashing repeat performances by Track and Field Champion, Tonique Williams

Darling.

The celebrations culminate with the 2020 Sports Champions

Countdown which will be aired live at 8:30 pm on Monday the

30th November on ZNS and Facebook. As this is a people’s choice selection based on votes casted, I encourage the general public to participate via the dual online voting platforms.

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 28 of 38

CULTURE

Similar to sports events, the Division of Cultural Affairs were winding down their exciting Junior throughout the Family Islands, and nearing the conclusion of the highly anticipated E. Clement Bethel Festival, when they were required to immediately halt those events as a safety precaution due to the presence of the COVID-19 virus in The Bahamas. Significantly, the Creative and Cultural Communities, and by extension the

Orange Economy, are among the industries hardest hit by the onslaught of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Performances by artists and bands were forced cancelled, artisans were unable to come together, substantial revenue has been lost, and opportunities shattered. Most significantly, our beloved National Junkanoo

Parades were consequently postponed.

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 29 of 38 To date, The Bahamas has lost one hundred and sixty three persons due to COVID-19. The Ministry of Health is monitoring seven thousand four hundred and sixty nine (7,469) reported cases to date. It is clear that the pandemic is not over, or perhaps not near the end, though as all former pandemics - that end will come.

In the interim, it is essential that we as a people remain united, resilient and cooperative with the Ministry of Health whose responsibility it is to ensure the health and safety of the people who reside in the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of The

Bahamas.

The National Art Gallery of The Bahamas (NAGB), is a subsidiary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. The statutory body focuses on the Fine arts.

A return-to-work plan was formulated and submitted to the

Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture on 4th June, 2020, and the

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 30 of 38 facilities were outfitted with approved safety measures such as plexiglass safety partitions, touchless thermometers, hand sanitizing stations, and new signage indicating safe distances.

These were designed, produced and installed by mid-June. The

NAGB re-opened to the public on July 6, 2020. A virtual Mixed

Media Art Summer Camp was held, and in partnership with the

Central Bank of The Bahamas, students were equipped with art supplies. 140 Students registered and participated in the program.

Artists’ Professional Development Training continues under the

ACE Series. Additionally, NAGB consistently hosts art webinars.

The National Dance School Established in 1976 The National Dance School of The

Bahamas has long excelled in all styles of dance and drumming.

The school’s mission is to train and develop professional dancers and drummers. The school has outgrown its space and is currently

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 31 of 38 closed. However, efforts are being made to secure new accommodations for faculty and students who prior to the lockdown temporarily utilized multiple public school facilities.

The Ministry realizes that this state of affairs is untenable and unconducive for the long term development of professional dancers and the dance industry.

The Performing Arts Centre located on Shirley Street is currently closed and undergoing structural assessments. Based on the outcome of the assessment, it is proposed that the Dance

School either by repairs or replacement facilities. It is resolved however, that a working and functional performing arts facility is critical to the development of the of the creative arts industry.

Though budgeted, the Ministry’s Youth Summer Employment and Summer Camp Programmes were cancelled for the period

2020, due to the continued presence of COVID-19 cases, and the

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 32 of 38 requirement under the Emergency Powers Orders maintaining a prohibition on gatherings. Collectively, the programmes normally engage approximately 3,000 students annually, providing a safe space for children to learn, interact and engage in extracurricular activities which allows them to explore their talents and improve their practical skills. The government sponsored programmes are the largest to be hosted during the summer months, and also designed to assist students and their parents financially with back-to-school preparations.

National Junkanoo Parades

The National Junkanoo Parades for 2020 and New

Years 2021 have both been postponed by the Government of The

Bahamas until the Ministry of Health advises it is safe for participants and spectators alike. The Ministry realizes that this decision is not popular. However, we assure the Junkanoo

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 33 of 38 Community and Bahamians-at-large, that the actions taken by the government in this regard are made in the best interest of the

Bahamian people, the cultural community, and to responsibly ensure the health and safety of the general public. The Ministry recommends the parades resumption as soon as the environment is safe for group and mass gatherings. In the interim, the Ministry will continue to create mechanisms for the ongoing collaboration and motivation of Junkanoo stakeholders. It is my fervent prayer that Junkanooers stay safe and the spirit of Junkanoo stand strong throughout the islands of The Bahamas. Sincere condolences are offered to the Junkanoo groups which lost members due to

COVID-19, in particular. May their souls rest in peace.

National Cultural Heritage Month Notwithstanding the challenges of COVID-19, the Ministry has not ceased to celebrate the wonderful work and achievements of the Departments and affiliates it represents. Hence, like

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 34 of 38 National Youth Month in October, and National Sports Heritage

Month celebrated in November, during the month of we will celebrate National Cultural Heritage Month 2020.

Under the theme: “Re-enhanced, Rejuvenated, and

ReCommitted to the Culture,” the Division of Cultural Affairs has a month of activities planned to inspire the Bahamian populous.

The activities consist of exciting events designed to celebrate who we are, where we came from, and where we are headed as a people. This year’s first ever virtual platform will include the

Season of Hope Series; the NAGB Virtual Tours, the

“One Pulse” Scavenger Hunt, and the, ‘Who Got Robbed

Junkanoo Series’ which will air on Boxing Day and New Years

Day beginning 8:30 p.m. ZNS, ILTV, Cable Bahamas and multiple social media platforms.

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 35 of 38 CONCLUSION

The Ministry’s overarching strategy to respond to, live in and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic here in The Bahamas is to continue our operations as safely as possible under the guidance of the Ministry of Health. The Ministry will continue the upgrade of our capacity to effectively engage the online and electronic service platforms to deliver services and programs through the trifurcated departments and subsidiaries. We will also pursue the completion of repairs and renovations as needed to damaged facilities; and work to keep our youth positively engaged, our sports community motivated, and the cultural community energized and united to offer themselves and their talents for the enjoyment, recreation and benefit of the Bahamian people.

That being said, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the many families who have suffered loss of life due to the

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 36 of 38 dreadful Coronavirus disease and consequential tragedies.

During times of bereavement, two events are known in Bahamian tradition: customarily, The Wake and The Set-up. These occasions are known to help people cope with their loss.

Unfortunately, for the most part, COVID-19 has also taken that away from us. However, this too shall pass. One thing this pandemic cannot take away, is the Bahamian Spirit of Resilience, our Legacy of Success, and our Culture of endurance and perseverance.

Until the day we resume the normalcy that we all miss and demand; until the time our lives return to the level of physical interaction we all know, love and long for; permit me to comfort you with the lyrics sang best by the New Jersey Mass Choir:

“ Though the storms keep on raging in my life, and though

its hard to tell the night from day, still that hope that lies

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 37 of 38 within it reassures, as I put my eyes upon the distant shores

I know He will, He’ll take us to that perfect place. But if the

storms don’t cease, and if the winds keep growing in my life,

my soul has been, anchored in the Lord.”

May the good Lord forever keep anchored, the islands and people of The Bahamas. Together we will ride out the COVID-19 storm.

God bless the communities of Youth, Sports and Culture, and God bless The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

2020 National COVID-19 Address Final - 2 38 of 38