Philip Davis Suggests Govt Ask Favor From Friends in Lyford Cay
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Opposition Leader says Lyford Cay residents can assist government in flying in test kits
Opposition Leader Philip Davis recommended that the government ask assistance of their “friends in Lyford Cay” to bring much needed test kits into the country.
Speaking in the House of Assembly on Monday during the debate on Emergency Order Amendment 2020 Regulations, Davis lamented the global scarcity and demand for the swab kits and suggested that the government seek help from wealthy individuals who live in the private gated community.
“We have friends man. You have friends in Lyford Cay. Get one of their jets and fly to where the testing kits are, and pick it up man.
“We [are] in a crisis. We have done it before. Go and get it,” Davis said.
Davis said the need for more testing kits is urgent as the country fights COVID-19, and indicated the challenges in obtaining the kits.
“If it were us (Progressive Liberal Party), what I would recommend, once you know where these kits are, order them or pick them up.
“Because yes, there is a challenge with the chain of delivery of items, and if it goes through the United States, you’re not sure whether you’ll get it. There may be some challenges and that’s a global challenge. Not just us. We are competing,” said Davis.
Since the coronavirus pandemic, all ports of entry were closed to prevent spread of the virus in the country.
However, on Wednesday, Health Minister Duane Sands opened the border to allow an American couple with Bahamian residency permission to bring 2500 donated test kits into the country.
His decision has attracted heavy criticism, including from Opposition Member of Parliament for Englerston Glenys Hanna-Martin who questioned government’s decision to allow the couple into the country, then called on government to immediately open the borders for Bahamians who seek to return to the country.
She said, “Enough of this. Bring our people home now.”
But Sands, at a recent COVID-19 press conference, responded to the criticisms: “We’ve put in place policies and procedures and these policies and procedures will always have exceptions.”
“A decision was made on the spot based on the totality of the information.
“We recognized the value of the swabs to the government and to the people of the Bahamas.
“The decision was made on the spot. I take full responsibility for it,” he said.
Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced on Monday, that government is working on a plan to bring over 200 Bahamians home, who will be quarantined for 14 days in a facility.
