The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is at present operating under a STATE OF EMERGENCY, with extraordinary powers having been conferred upon the Government to combat and contain the COVID-19 pandemic for the protection of The Bahamian People. Our thanks to N Z Christiani for this notice.
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: New Chart for Bimini Harbour Entrance
| New Chart for Bimini Harbour Entrance Posted: 09 Apr 2020 11:37 AM PDT
The shoal at the entrance to Bimini Harbour continues to move south and has necessitated moving the approach waypoint. Above is the updated section of the approach chart. The channel entrance is still continuing to change and will probably require more updates. Vessels exiting the Bahamas via Bimini should use visual piloting and disregard older charts negotiating the bar here. Buoys are shown in their current positions but it should not be expected that they will remain there or even properly mark the the best approach to Bimini in the future. |
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “Returning to the US” plus 1 more
| Returning to the US Posted: 08 Apr 2020 01:08 PM PDT From Chris Parker: We heard from a client who tried to clear into Miami Monday and was turned away, but we are not sure of the details. We have heard from other clients who did clear into difficult places (USVI and PuertoRico Ports which were supposedly closed) with no hassle at all by using the US Customs and Border Patrol ROAM app. So if you are eligible, use the ROAM app. LakeWorth Inlet may be a good option for some. There may be other options as good as or better than LakeWorth Inlet, but here’s what we know with reasonable certainty as of today for LakeWorth Inlet / WestPalmBeach: We believe the information above is correct as of Wed8, but as they say “your mileage may vary”, and of course the COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly. If you have updated information on COVID-19 related stuff of interest to Cruisers, please send it to covid19@waterwayguide.com, editor@noonsite.com and/or send it to chris@mwxc.com and we’ll forward it to WaterwayGuide and/or Noonsite as appropriate. |
| Bahamas Government lockdowns causing problems leaving the Bahamas Posted: 08 Apr 2020 05:30 AM PDT UPDATE FOR PRIVATE VESSELS Under the current 24-hour curfew emergency orders, now extended until April 30, all domestic inter-island traffic by air or boat within The Bahamas remains temporarily banned. The emergency orders will, however, allow foreign pleasure craft currently anchored or moored in The Bahamas to depart DIRECTLY FOR THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, making only the absolute minimum necessary stops in order to ensure safe passage. Vessels returning to the United States are permitted to re-fuel at fuel docks, but ARE PROHIBITED FROM DISEMBARKING ANY CREW OR PASSENGERS. All private vessels departing The Bahamas must do so expeditiously, with minimal stops or delays. FULL LOCKDOWN PERIODS Please note that vessels will NOT BE ABLE TO RE-FUEL or make use of fuel docks DURING THE FULL LOCKDOWN PERIODS the Prime Minister of The Bahamas announced on April 6 (see below for details). Vessels can still transit through Bahamian waters on a direct route back to the United States, but cannot re-fuel. We urge any and all U.S. citizens on private vessels to return to the United States as soon as possible, ESPECIALLY BEFORE THE NEXT FULL LOCKDOWN period begins at 9:00pm on Wed, April 8. Do not wait; the time to leave is now. Depart as soon as weather and provisions allow you to do so safely, or be prepared to remain in The Bahamas for an indefinite period of time. It bears repeating: restrictions to movement in The Bahamas continue to evolve rapidly, and WE CANNOT PREDICT if, when, for how long, or HOW SEVERELY MOVEMENT through The Bahamas MAY BE RESTRICTED further. In every instance, all vessels must follow the directions of the Bahamian authorities. FULL LOCKDOWN SCHEDULE (when vessels can still move directly towards the US, but cannot re-fuel): – 9pm on Wednesday, April 8 – 5am on Tuesday, April 14 Once more, private vessels departing The Bahamas must avoid any unnecessary deviation on the way to their final destination. Crew and passengers are PROHIBITED FROM DISEMBARKING and MUST REMAIN ABOARD their vessel. The emergency orders only allow stop-offs for re-fueling or to receive provisions essential for safe transit, such as food and water, outside the full lockdown periods noted above. |
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: New Grocery Store Hours
| New Grocery Store Hours Posted: 06 Apr 2020 06:36 AM PDT BREAKING NEWS: The Government has issued a grocery shopping schedule that goes into effect on Monday, April 6 for the ENTIRE country. Adults with the last name beginning A through F can go to the store: Adults with last name beginning G through O can go to the store: Adults with the last name beginning P through Z can go to the store: Senior citizens (60 and over) and people with disabilities can go Tuesdays 6am – noon as well as on the days and times assigned to the first letter of their last name. ??Each household is to designate a single person to carry out the grocery shopping Prime Minister Hubert Minnis will provide further details when the House of Assembly meets at 10am on Monday, April 6. |
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: the Bahamas State of Emergency Proclamation and recent April 3rd “Lock Down” orders
the Bahamas State of Emergency Proclamation and recent April 3rd “Lock Down” orders
Posted: 04 Apr 2020 04:00 PM PDT
The Bahamas are trying really hard to ensure the family islands do not get infected with COVID-19. These smaller islands do not have medical facilities for such a situation. COVID-19 as of yesterday, according to Bahamas News sites, is only on Grand Bahamas and Nassau.
There seems to be a bit of misinformation being posted on the internet about what boaters can and can not do in the Bahamas. Some boater are not aware of the Bahamas State of Emergency Proclamation and more recent April 3rd “Lock Down” orders (AKA Do not leave your boat). So below is detailed information from official Bahamas government web site(s) and US Embassy:
From the US Embassy:
“On April 3, the Prime Minister of The Bahamas announced a full lockdown order for all of The Bahamas effective 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3 through 5:00 a.m. on Monday, April 6. Virtually all businesses and service providers are closed, including grocery stores. All U.S.-bound flights have been canceled. Hospitals, hotels with guests, law enforcement and essential utility personnel are excepted from this around the clock shutdown over this weekend. We urge all U.S. citizens still in The Bahamas and its territorial waters to shelter in place or stay in your home and yard, on your vessel, or in your hotel/lodging until the full lockdown is lifted using whatever resources you have at your disposal until the regular 24-hour curfew regulations resume on Monday, April 6, at 5:01 a.m. ”
https://www.bahamas.com/
The Emergency Order remains in effect until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 31 [this has been extended], unless otherwise stated. Preventative restrictions are being enforced to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including:
– No visitor shall be permitted to enter and disembark for any reason including transiting through The Bahamas.
– All airports throughout the entire Bahamas, including private airports and fixed-base operations (FBOs), shall be closed to all flights.
– All sea ports shall be closed to regional and international seafaring and private boating.
– Air and sea restrictions do not apply to: cargo flights or cargo ships, commercial courier flights, emergency medical flights or emergency flights approved by the Civil Aviation Authority.
– All international visitors currently in The Bahamas should be prepared to stay for an indefinite period of time.
– No person shall offer for hire or seek to travel on any mail boat, sailing inter island, except for transport of freight; or inter island private commercial sea transport.
– All residents will be placed on a 24-hour curfew and are to remain at home to avoid contact outside of their family, except for those who have been deemed essential workers, or have special permission from the Commissioner of Police.
– Residents can leave their homes for essential travel to the doctor, grocery store, bank, pharmacy or to refuel; as well as for outside exercise, not exceeding an hour and a half per day between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., provided that the exercise is conducted in one’s yard or one’s immediate neighborhood and no person shall drive to any place to exercise.
– Proper social distancing guidelines of at least six feet (6ft.) must be followed at all times while outside the home.
– All public beaches, markets and docks will be closed, and no vehicles are permitted on any public or private roads for any purpose other than stated above.
Full details of this order and the previous Emergency Order may be found at opmbahamas.com.”
For those posting from the Bahamas, the State of Emergency Proclamation also states:
“no person shall publish or cause to be published, posted or re-posted, over any media platform inclusive of social media, any purported news or report, or purported statement of fact, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that the statement is untrue or false or may incite public fear, panic or ethnic hatred.”
And as one of the other boaters correctly posted:
“The regulations state that any person who contravenes the provisions commits an offense and is liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or both.”
One good reason for the more recent lockdown might be to give the Health Department time to conduct case contact tracing on the last few COVID-19 cases and more testing while everyone is in lockdown (AKA not moving or spreading the virus).
We love the Bahamas and appreciate the steps they are taking to contain COVID-19. Many of the northern islands are still recovering from the last hurricane (e.g. house damage, public water in Grand Bahamas still has salt water incursion). Please help ensure that we do our part by not bring COVID-19 to the family island or into their country. Thx.
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “Report from the Exumas” plus 1 more
Report from the Exumas
Posted: 04 Apr 2020 05:50 AM PDT
Restrictions on social contact are being carefully enforced at the local level.
From an official at Staniel Cay:
The folks at Black Point can not come up to Staniel… no travel between islands is allowed except for emergencies.
Cruiser Report from Green Turtle Cay
Posted: 04 Apr 2020 05:21 AM PDT
From a cruiser at Green Turtle Cay:
We went ashore today at New Plymouth – we had dinghied over, being anchored in White Sound near the Green Turtle Club. Our purpose was to buy groceries at Sid’s, apparently the only grocery store open.
As we approached the store, we were met by two policeman (neither dressed in uniforms) who identified themselves as Royal Bahamian Police. We explained that we were only ashore for groceries and that we were immediately returning to the boat thereafter. We also explained that we were in the process of heading north, waiting for a good weather window to leave the Bahamas for the US. They asked for ID and photographed our licenses. They were very pleasant and not threatening, but I think they might have taken pictures of our ID’s so they will know if we are “repeat offenders”.
At the Green Turtle Club prior to heading to New Plymouth, we had no problem going ashore, going in their small store and doing wash. No one batted an eye. We left there after returning from New Plymouth and are now anchored farther north.
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Extension to stay
Extension to stay
Posted: 03 Apr 2020 03:01 PM PDT
Good afternoon does anyone know the updated rules for foreigners who are already in the Bahamas on a vessel extending their stay through Immigration when you are not supposed to go on land?
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “Royal Bahamas Police Force Order” plus 2 more
While commercial airlines are cancelling flights regularly, Makers Air is continuing to schedule flights with every safety precaution in mind. Growing from its initial operations servicing Staniel Cay, Makers Air is today’s premier air service to and from the Out Islands of the Bahamas.
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Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Bahamas Immigration Update
Bahamas Immigration Update
Posted: 27 Mar 2020 10:55 AM PDT
OFFICIAL REPORT FROM BIMINI IMMIGRATION
March 27, 20
We just spoke with an officer at the Bahamas Office of Immigration in Bimini. He told us, “The entire Bahamas is in LOCKDOWN.” Here is the policy for cruising yachts:
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:
STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE. SOCIAL DISTANCING IS MANDATORY.
ON A BOAT IN BAHAMAS NOW: If you are in the Bahamas with a cruising permit, you are allowed to stay in the country until your visa expires. However, in a community such as Bimini, you are encouraged to stay on your boat except for going ashore for necessities like food and fuel or medical assistance. If you are out after the 9 p.m. all-Bahamas curfew, the police can arrest you.
ON A BOAT DESIRING TO GO TO THE BAHAMAS: You will not be allowed to clear Customs and Immigration, nor will you be allowed ashore. You will be refused entry into the country. You will be given the opportunity to get fuel and food and will be turned back to the U.S.
CLOSED: Bars, liquor stores, some marinas, some restaurants (call ahead). The official said it is “almost martial law.”
OPEN: Essential government services such as hospitals, clinics, police, customs/immigration offices.
For the latest updates, Please check with Bahamas.gov or search the Internet for articles in the Nassau Guardian or Tribune.
Wishing you safe and healthy cruising,
Sara and Monty Lewis
Explorer Chartbooks
Prime Minister Minnis unveiled a ‘shelter in place’ order that will effect the closure of roads to non-essential travel, and a total restriction on social activities March 24 at 9am. Our thanks to Sara and Monty Lewis of Explorer Chartbooks for the latest update.
24-HOUR LOCKDOWN: PM announces border shutdown, expanded COVID-19 emergency powers
Eye Witness News
OFFICIAL REPORT FROM BIMINI IMMIGRATION
March 27, 2020
We just spoke with an officer at the Bahamas Office of Immigration in Bimini. He told us, “The entire Bahamas is in LOCKDOWN.” Here is the policy for cruising yachts:
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:
STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE. SOCIAL DISTANCING IS MANDATORY.
ON A BOAT IN BAHAMAS NOW: If you are in the Bahamas with a cruising permit, you are allowed to stay in the country until your visa expires. However, in a community such as Bimini, you are encouraged to stay on your boat except for going ashore for necessities like food and fuel or medical assistance. If you are out after the 9 p.m. all-Bahamas curfew, the police can arrest you.
ON A BOAT DESIRING TO GO TO THE BAHAMAS: You will not be allowed to clear Customs and Immigration, nor will you be allowed ashore. You will be refused entry into the country. You will be given the opportunity to get fuel and food and will be turned back to the U.S.
CLOSED: Bars, liquor stores, some marinas, some restaurants (call ahead). The official said it is “almost martial law.”
OPEN: Essential government services such as hospitals, clinics, police, customs/immigration offices.
For the latest updates, Please check with Bahamas.gov or search the Internet for articles in the Nassau Guardian or Tribune.
Sara and Monty Lewis
Explorer Chartbooks
This is getting confusing. Do we hunker down? An we still leave to get back to the states,
Signed. Confused
Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club is a premier marina in the Abacos and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Today [3/24/20] Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced a 24 hour curfew and border shutdown. See Bahamas Lockdown. If you are already in the islands, be prepared to take care of yourself. You may not be welcomed at the next port.
On to the good news… Green Turtle Club has reopened, has water and electric on the docks, and has opened their restaurant. Of course, COVID19 may be impacting their services. Be sure to call ahead before planning to go there. I have seen pictures of a load of supplies on Guana Cay for rebuilding the docks at Orchid Bay Marina. Grabbers has cleared away all the debris and is open and serving food. There are pictures on the internet that show the rebuilding that is going on at Nippers. For an up to date list of what’s open in Abaco be sure to visit The Little House by the Ferry ( https://littlehousebytheferry.com/ ). The message is that the people of the Abacos are trying hard to rebuild and welcome us back. Please support them whenever you can.
RMHYC was able to donate $3000 each to Samaritan’s Purse, Water Mission, All Hands and Hearts and World Central Kitchen. They are all very appreciative.
Scott Coles
Commodore
Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club
After seventeen years Watermakers Air was re-branded as Makers Air in 2019 and is the favorite air service to the Bahamas from Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Growing from its initial operations servicing Staniel Cay, Makers Air is today’s premier air service to and from the Out Islands of the Bahamas.
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Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: All ports of entry are closed to pleasure yachts
All ports of entry are closed to pleasure yachts
Posted: 24 Mar 2020 06:04 AM PDT
The Prime Minister of The Bahamas has declared that: “All seaports also will be closed to regional and international seafaring and private boating; and no visitor is permitted to enter and disembark for any reason, including transmitting through The Bahamas.”
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: plus 1 more
Posted: 20 Mar 2020 06:08 AM PDT
It has just come to our attention that there are a number of boats heading north from the Caribbean with no Explorer hard-copy charts aboard and no way to get them before coming back through The Bahamas. We are happy to say that we have a number of choices for such a time as this. Here are some options to look into before leaving the Caribbean for northern ports.
EXPLORER ELECTRONIC PARTNERS
CHARTPLOTTERS
NAVICO/C-MAP
SIMRAD/LOWRANCE/RAYMARINE
SOFTWARE
MAPMEDIA/MAXSEA/TIMEZERO/NOBELTEC
FURUNO
ROSE POINT/ COASTAL EXPLORER
APPS
AQUAMAP
EMBARK (C-MAP)
iNavX
TZ iBoat (Time Zero)
Wising you safe passage,
Monty and Sara Lewis
Posted: 19 Mar 2020 03:49 PM PDT
Global Health Advisory
March 19, 2020
Level 4: Do Not Travel
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. U.S. citizens who live abroad should avoid all international travel. Many countries are experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and implementing travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines, closing borders, and prohibiting non-citizens from entry with little advance notice. Airlines have cancelled many international flights and several cruise operators have suspended operations or cancelled trips. If you choose to travel internationally, your travel plans may be severely disrupted, and you may be forced to remain outside of the United States for an indefinite timeframe.
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure of U.S. personnel and family members from any diplomatic or consular post in the world who have determined they are at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19 or who have requested departure based on a commensurate justification. These departures may limit the ability of U.S. Embassies and consulates to provide services to U.S. citizens.
For the latest information regarding COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website.
You are encouraged to visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security. Please also visit the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate to see information on entry restrictions, foreign quarantine policies, and urgent health information provided by local governments.
Travelers are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. The Department uses these Alerts to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc. In an emergency, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate or call the following numbers: 1(888) 407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1 (202) 501-4444 from other countries or jurisdictions.
If you decide to travel abroad or are already outside the United States:
Consider returning to your country of residence immediately using whatever commercial means are available.
Have a travel plan that does not rely on the U.S. Government for assistance.
Review and follow the
CDC’s guidelines for the prevention of coronavirus.
Check with your airline, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security.
Visit our Embassy webpages on COVID-19 for information on conditions in each country or jurisdiction.
Visit theDepartment of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: “Proclamation by Bahamas Governor General (Virus)” plus 1 more
Proclamation by Bahamas Governor General (Virus)
Posted: 19 Mar 2020 08:20 AM PDT
From the Nassau Guardian, March 18, 2020
Governor General C.A. Smith will declare a state of public emergency in The Bahamas today due to the presence of COVID-19 in the country, documents obtained by The Nassau Guardian show.
The declaration will be made in an emergency proclamation, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament today, and allows the governor general, under the Emergency Powers Act, to make regulations for securing public safety and the defense of The Bahamas, among other things.
The Nassau Guardian understands that the government will also table the Emergency Powers (COVID 19) Regulations, 2020, today.
The regulations grant wide-ranging powers to the prime minister that will allow for, among other things, the detention of people infected with COVID-19 or those who traveled to infected places; the possible prohibition of assembly of two or more people in any specific area; the requisition of any building, ship or aircraft; a curfew; social distancing and isolation orders; restricted access to specified areas; and the prohibition of publishing or re-posting false stories.
The regulations state that any person who contravenes the provisions commits an offense and is liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or both.
Proclamation
The proclamation reads in part: “…I am satisfied that due to the confirmation of the presence of COVID-19 in The Bahamas, a state of public emergency exists in The Bahamas as a result of the aforementioned circumstances.
“Now, therefore, I, the Most Honourable Cornelius Alvin Smith, governor general of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Article 29 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, hereby declare that: with effect from the 17th day of March 2020, a state of public emergency exists in The Bahamas.
“This proclamation of emergency shall cease to be in force at the expiration of a period of fourteen days from the date hereof, or such longer period as may be provided for by a resolution passed by each House of Parliament approving its continuance in force for a further period, not exceeding six months, beginning on the date on which it would otherwise expire, the proclamation shall if not sooner revoked, continue in force for that further period.”
Curfew and assembly
According to the regulations, the prime minister may, by order, “require every person within any area specified in the order to remain within doors between such hours as may be specified in the order, and any person who within any area so specified is or remains outdoors between such hours without a permit in writing from the competent authority, or some person duly authorized by the competent authority, commits an offense”.
The regulations also empower the prime minister to, by an order, prohibit the assembly of two or more persons in a public space in any area specified, in the interest of public health safety.
Fake news
Under the regulations, no person shall publish or cause to be published, posted or re-posted, over any media platform inclusive of social media, any purported news or report, or purported statement of fact, knowing or having reasonable cause to suspect that the statement is untrue or false or may incite public fear, panic or ethnic hatred.
Quarantine
The prime minister may also, by order, impose isolation on all individuals within a particular area, island or the entire country in the interest of public health, the regulations state.
“Where isolation has been imposed, the competent authority may: require the closure of all educational or religious institutions in the area specified; require the closure of any business or organization that caters to the general public in the areas so specified, unless permitted otherwise by the order; prohibit the visitation by persons at all residential care establishments; prohibit the visitation by persons at all correctional facilities; require every person to confine himself at his place of residence, unless otherwise specified by the order; permit the travel of persons to a grocery store, gas station, pharmacy, doctor, hospital or such other place as may be specified in the order,” according to the regulations.
It adds that any order regarding isolation and social distancing will not prohibit a person from going outdoors within the enclosed yard or space of that person’s residence.
Essential services
The regulations will also empower the governor general to requisition any essential service.
The regulations state that such services include those maintained or operated by the government, or by any public or private enterprise including: the storage, purification or distribution of water for public use; the storage, collection and treatment and disposal of sewage, garbage or refuse; the manufacture, storage or distribution of gas for use by the public; the removal, handling or burial of deceased persons or disposal of dead animals.
Under the regulations, the governor general may appoint a controller of any essential service. That person will be entitled to “take possession of all premises and assets of every description (other than money or securities of money)…”
Goods and services
The prime minister may also, by order, in consultation with the minister of finance, waive the application of any rules or law governing the procurement of goods and services.
The regulations require that the minister of finance will, within six weeks of the expiration of the proclamation of emergency, lay a report before the House of Assembly detailing: the total expenditure of the goods and services procured; the suppliers of the goods and services procured; and the reasons for the use of the suppliers of the goods and the providers of the services.
The prime minister may also waive or vary the payment of any fees for the testing and medical services rendered at any public hospital or healthcare facility in relation to COVID-19.
Finally, the regulations also empower the governor general, if need be, to authorize international or regional military or police forces as may be requested by the government, to serve as peace officers and assist in the storage, safe keeping or distribution of relief supplies; the provision of any essential services and the maintenance of public order.
The move comes after The Bahamas confirmed its first case of COVID-19 over the weekend.
The patient is a 61-year-old woman with no relevant travel history. At last report she was in stable condition.
The virus has spread throughout the globe, ravaging economies in the process.
COVID-19, which originated in Wuhan, China, late last year, causes cough, fever and in severe cases pneumonia. The virus has killed more than 7,300 people worldwide. There are over 185,000 cases and over 80,000 people have recovered from the virus.
During a national address on Sunday, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis announced the closure of all schools until April 14.
He also announced that foreign nationals who have traveled within the last 20 days from the United Kingdom, Ireland and Europe, will be prohibited entry into The Bahamas.
Travel restrictions were already in place for Italy, Iran, South Korea and China.
As major cruise lines from the U.S. announced that cruises will be suspended for one month, Minnis said that COVID-19 will have a tremendous and widespread economic impact on the country.
“Even as we prepare and pray that few Bahamians are harmed by this virus, the economic impact of this crisis will be widespread,” he said.
“We are fighting for our health and economic well-being at the same time.”
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Corona virus
Corona virus
Posted: 17 Mar 2020 05:31 AM PDT
Does anyone know if the Bahamas are going to close their borders to cruisers due to the Corona virus?
As of today March 18, borders are open to North Americans. Closed to Europe, South Korea, China and a few other Hot spots. There will be a 10 AM update from PM today
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: EXPLORER CHARTBOOK Far Bahamas 7TH EDITION READY
EXPLORER CHARTBOOK Far Bahamas 7TH EDITION READY
Posted: 13 Mar 2020 05:25 AM PDT
The latest edition of the EXPLORER CHARTBOOK FAR BAHAMAS, 7th ed.
has been published and is ready to ship. Order NOW from our website at
Don’t go to The Bahamas or Turks and Caicos without it!
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Visual Piloting Rules must be used entering Bimini Harbour
Visual Piloting Rules must be used entering Bimini Harbour
Posted: 29 Feb 2020 05:49 AM PST
Both red and green buoys are now missing at the entrance to Bimini Harbour. The shoal extending south from Entrance Point of North Bimini continues to extend to the south across the entrance of the channel to the harbour. Boats attempting to enter the harbour are running aground more frequently because they are relying exclusively on GPS positions on chart plotters and not attempting to look at the water and go where the water looks deeper. Visual piloting must be used here and is more important than electronic navigation in this area and others in the Bahamas. The bottom is easily seen here with good light and weather conditions.
The Bahamas Government has a long history of not maintaining aids to navigation and this should not be expected to change.
The current Explorer Chart for the Bimini Entrance was posted here on April 10, 2019. (Go to Posts, View All Posts, Click on Bimini on left menu, scroll down seven posts to “Continued shoaling at Bimini Harbour Entrance,” and click on read more.)
Expect the shoal to slowly continuing to move south.
Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Bahamas Chatter: Navigational Hazard near the Berry Islands
Navigational Hazard near the Berry Islands
Posted: 26 Feb 2020 04:56 AM PST
A large excavator is now resting in approximately 3 meters of water, one and half miles south of the western tip of Little Stirrup Cay, northern Berry Islands. The position of the excavator is 25° 47.552′ N/77° 57.378′ W. It is believed to have fallen off a barge last summer and remains submerged near the surface, near the shoal extending south-southwest from Little Stirrup Cay. Google Earth’s current photo, taken on 8/15/19, shows a tug and two barges anchored next to the submerged object at that location. Apparently salvage attempts were unsuccessful.
Thanks to Ann and Mike on Beans for reporting the hazard.
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