Curfew could be extended when Parliament convenes

Attorney General Carl Bethel.

As of Tuesday, March 24, 2020

By KHRISNA RUSSELL

Tribune Chief Reporter

krussell@tribunemedia.net

WHEN Parliament convenes on Monday it will likely agree to extend the 24-hour curfew based on the recommendation of medical experts.

These experts have recommended the curfew be extended for at least another 30 days, according to Attorney General Carl Bethel.

Speaking ahead of a Cabinet meeting, Mr Bethel also said it was possible that the government’s clampdown would become stricter, saying bank closures were among the considerations. However the decision would be based on the advice of medical professionals.

He said on Tuesday: “The House of Assembly is scheduled to meet on Monday to debate the question of extending the curfew, but I can let Bahamians know that first of all we are in close consultation with the opposition and they agree that we should follow the medical advice of the medical professionals, and at a meeting held with them a few days ago, the strong advice from the medical practitioners who are leading this fight is that we must extend the curfew for at least another 30 days.”

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis imposed a 9pm -5am curfew which began last Friday. On Monday, the curfew was extended to 24 hours. The curfew and other restrictions contained in two emergency orders are set to expire on March 31.

When asked if stricter measures are coming to fight the spread of COVID-19, Mr Bethel said: “We can get stricter but right now for example we could shut down all the banks forthwith on the basis and understanding that most persons have some form or method of withdrawing cash from banks and there are deposit machines.

“These are ATM machines both for the purposes of deposits and withdrawal and that the majority of workers in this country receive their payments by electronic means in any event so these are all things to be considered.”

For more on this story, see Wednesday’s Tribune.

DDK 4 years, 1 month ago

Nucking futz😫

sheeprunner12 4 years, 1 month ago

The Bahamas has two choices ………. 24 hour curfew/shutdown and social survival OR mass infections and social collapse.

ohdrap4 4 years, 1 month ago

Someone has to process deposits at ATMs. Otherwise account not credited.

Also ATMs do run out of money and need to be replenished.

joeblow 4 years, 1 month ago

...banks are still open (essential services)!!

Cobalt 4 years, 1 month ago

We have to place things in perspective, guys. Although the government has ordered a curfew, any personal business that is considered an absolute necessity will remain available to the public. What we don’t want is everyone assuming a “business as usual“ attitude. Private citizen need to stay indoors as much as possible. If there is a COVID19 outbreak in the Nassau we are all toast.

hj 4 years, 1 month ago

I understand that doctors give their opinion and that is fine. However it is not enough to say that essential stores will remain open. The last time I checked you still have to pay for food and other essentials. If people can't work how will they pay? If you bring the whole economy to a standstill COVID 19 May not be your bigger problem

joeblow 4 years, 1 month ago

The simple fact is the curfew WILL be extended because it serves two purposes. They do not have a choice. If the curfew is lifted, people still cannot go to work in hotels etc because tourists come from covid affected countries and government must not let crime get out of hand with a temporary increase in unemployment. So people will be home until international travel can resume!

hj 4 years, 1 month ago

Not every Bahamian lives from tourism. Yes everyone will be affected one way or the other. Yes unfortunately some people do not realise how serious that can be. The doctors give their medical opinion as they should. However the government has to be very carefull how it handles the situation because other issues may arise

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