The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

This past week the Hon Philip 'Brave' Davis, QC, MP, our beloved, for now at least, had to make the tough decision to say no to the hosting of Carnival this year. The rationale which I fully agree with was that there were too many risks of the event being a possible super spreader of the deadly COVID. Health and medical personnel had also warned about such possibilities. Educators were also concerned that with the proposed reopening of class rooms in January that children and young adults ran yet more risks of infecting other students or becoming infected themselves.

The decision was no doubt a hard one, but one which had to have been made in the abundance of caution. The USA based operators of the now traditional Carnival during the holidays and their local lawyer have threatened to sue someone or entity. As a disbarred attorney with extensive experience and training I fail to see how they could sue and on what legal grounds.

I, of course, do nor wish to speculate. What I am able to say right now is that it is a given that the ruling political party would usually make application for the annual Carnival to come in and facilitate the obtaining of all relevant permits. There would appear never to have been a problem, logistically, with these routine matters. This year, however, the continued presence of COVID mitigated against the required approvals being rubber stamped. Approval from the Ministry of Health & Wellness was critical.

That ministry after extensive consultation and the onsite inspection of the facilities at Fort Charlotte advised against hosting the event at this time. The operators may be obliged to 'sue' someone or the other, but, on the evidence in the public domain, it cannot be the Davis administration. The latter is duty bound and constitutionally mandated to ensure the health and safety of All Bahamians and residents within our wonderful nation in any and all circumstances.

Yes, the operators and hundreds of Bahamians who possibly would have worked the Carnival have had their expectations and hopes of making some cash dashed and evaporated. In addition the costs of shipping in the assorted attractions and rides, along with erecting them must have been exorbitant. I feel for them, but the well being of a single Bahamian or resident far outweighs any potential financial benefit.

The PM was obliged to make a hard decision herein. He rose to the occasion, but he consulted widely and only made the decision based on medical and scientific data and advice from the experts. He employed compassion along with cold and hard facts - but with compassion. Had we not been exposed to the pandemic, I have no doubt that the Carnival would have been up and running by now.

Some are disappointed and were looking forward to a little bit of fun and opportunities to socialise with family and friends. Next year, the Lord Jesus Christ willing, we may see the return of Carnival either by the operators currently in town or a brand new set if they do not wish to come back to our shores. The government of any democratic nation is separate and apart from the ruling party. It follows that if the party and/ or any of its officials are caught up in a contractual dispute that would be a private matter, no more, no less.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr

Nassau,

December 19, 2021.