Bahamian and residents good afternoon, let me begin by wishing all mothers in the Bahamas A blessed and happy Mother's Day. At the end of my last address, I wish to pay tribute to the mothers of our country. They are a bedrock and the foundation my fellow Bohemians to date, there are 92 confirmed cases of covert 19 in the Bahamas. This includes 72 in New Providence eight. Bahama, 11 in Bimini and one in khaki. This is the fourth consecutive day without a confirmed case of KT 19 in our Bahamas. Fellow Bahamians and residents. I wish to welcome home the 180 -, three Bahamian and residents who returned to New Providence and Grand Bahama on Friday last 124 individuals are in home quarantine and 50 - nine are in government quarantine. This is the first phase of a larger effort. That will continue over the days and weeks ahead. I have heard many expressions of gratitude from those who are now back home, including from those who have contacted me personally. We are happy to have you back at home, I know that quite a number of Bahamian mothers are happy that their sons and daughters at home in time for Mother's Day. In response to the covert 19 pandemic most countries in the world closed international borders many weeks ago, and I have not allowed the general return of citizens or residents. Bahamas is among the first countries in the region and indeed in the world to allow the general return of citizens and residents following the closure of international borders. Quite a number of countries are still not allowing the general return of citizens or residents. For many weeks now, we have been planning the process for returning home citizens and residents It has been a lengthy and involved process with the need to balance many things, including protecting the health of Bahamians and residents at home the detailed process and planning hasle. The input of several ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Department of Social Services, there were Bahamas Police Force. The Bahamas Defense Force US Nima and the Bahamas Red Cross. I also wish report that over the past several weeks that a number of Bahamians overseas who could not immediately return home or assisted by Bahamas diplomatic overseas process, the government paid for a hotel accommodations and food for a number of Bahamian who acquired assistance while overseas. Pending their return home. The government also paid for the Cort 19 test. My fellow Haines. In my National address last week, I noted that those returning will have the option of self quarantining at home or being in quarantine at a facility. The government has identified for the group for a two week period. Individuals and quarantine at home or in the government facility must adhere to the strict protocols established by public health officials. I also noted that those who break quarantine face a $20000 fine or five years of imprisonment or both. And that the quarantine would be strictly enforced in order to protect the general health of our citizens. The agreement with those wishing to return is that no one who tested positive to the virus would be allowed on a repatriation flight, however. It was discovered after the aircraft landed that one covert 19 positive passenger was on the flight to Grant Bahama. We are investigating to see how the individual was allowed to board that flight. Individuals traveled with this passenger. All four of these individuals have been tested again upon arrival and we are waiting the test results. All passengers pss during the flight, which decreases the risk of exposure or passengers on the flight will remain in quarantine and will continue to be monitored. Of the passengers on the flight 50 - one this embarked at Grand Bahama and 40 - four disembarked at New Providence Health officials will continue to keep the country informed on this matter. Pending the investigation and review of this matter, I have advised. And was also advised by the health officials to temporary suspend the repatriation flights, which we will resume as soon as health officials advice. We will advise the repatriation flights may resume. My fellow Bahamian and residents. To the powers granted to the competent authority by the governor general under the emergency powers Cort 19 regulations 2020 a new emergency powers order being number three of 220 has been promoted. With the measured reopening of segments of the National economy, the number three Cort 19 order has been significantly expanded in scope to accommodate the businesses openings permitted since the fourth of May 2020. Consistent with the overall strategy to adopt reasonable measures on an ongoing basis to gradually restore Commerce throughout the country, The Cove, 19 number three order permits the reopening of normal commercial activity on Juana inaugural Croco Island Akron long Key Ramm Key. Ragged Island, Part C of the code of fries and sets of the terms and conditions based on which certain additional establishments or businesses have been permitted to reopen nationally for home delivery and curbside pickup. It is important for business owners to carefully read these provisions and to strictly comply with the physical distancing and sanitizing requirements that are necessary and the requirements for the remote or electronic placement of all orders both for curbside and on. Delivery services These provisions are designed to relate strictly to retail business establishments, which can operate efficiently without the need for direct person-to-person physical contact or face-to-face interactions. they were never intended to apply to the operations of gaming houses and this is. Now abundantly clear by the provisions of part B of the order. Those provisions specifically state that permission to engage and home delivery and curbside pickup services do not apply to gaming House operators. The protocol, which govern the process of repatriation Bahamians, is set forth in part E of the order. Responsibility for approving all incoming air traffic and the entry at any airport of any individual traveling to the Bahamas from another country by a commercial and private aircraft has now been consolidated in the Department of Civil Aviation in the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. That can be no doubt or confusion going forward about which government agency now has the soul right to approve any incoming flights and all air traffic within our Bahamas. Our Bahamian seeking to return home must first register at a Bahamian embassy or consulate and secondly must obtain a covert 19 molecular WP tests with a negative result prior to being granted permission. They Bahamian is seeking to return cannot obtain the miraculous swab test the nearest Bahamian embassy or consulate will assist with finding a lab to conduct that test. Upon retaining home, if necessary in the view of the health professionals, the test may be repeated by the Ministry of Health who will conduct the valuation and screening of all arriving passengers. No other persons or residents may be approved to travel to the Bahamas without first obtaining a covert 19 miraculous war test with a negative. Result. My fellow Indians. From the very outset of the covid- 19. The Government's mission, my mission was to save lives to protect the general health. Inge emergency assistance to those in need to ensure law and order and the National security and to plan for the economic crisis ahead. BI, in a time of heartbreak and hardship. We must protect our lives, We must protect livelihoods, not since the outbreak of World War two over 70 years ago, have been lived through such a devastating impact on our economy and the livelihoods of so many Bahamians trade and Commerce are all suffering. Devastating and the deep blues we are in very difficult and uncharted waters based on applications to NID more than 20 - 5000 people have been laid off or have lost their income to date. This number will likely increase. The initial numbers from the treasury indicate that the tax revenues for April were just about half of what was collected in April of two thousand nineteen unemployment rate in the net term we like the exceed an unprecedented an extra ordinary thirty percent Entire global economy is in free form and in uncharted territory even the most powerful and developed countries in the world. I've entered into deep recession with very high unemployment and the loss of scores of businesses, especially in service industries like tourism hospitality. And entertainment. The chief economist of the IMF has stated on economic fallout from the covid- 19. The magnitude and speed of collapse and activity. That has followed is unlike anything experienced in our lifetimes. This is a crisis like no other The IMF predicts that the economic fallout will surpass that seen during the global financial crisis a decade ago. As one news Journal put it very clearly. The global economic upheaval spot by the ongoing Corona virus pandemic will lead to the world's most very session since the Great Depression. Our closest economic partner, the United States of America is now saying job losses like God of the Great Depression. By some estimates the economy may shrink by between 14 to 20 percent during the year 2020. This will represent a historic one year decline tourism the leading engine of our economy is being devastated many businesses that closed during the lockdown are not confident they will be able to reopen once the restrictions are lifted. We are facing a reality that vast majority of us have never ever seen in our lifetime. My fellow Bahamian and residents. As your Prime Minister, I must be very clear with you about our economic situation and the state of government finances. We are going to have to make very tough decisions as a country. I will continue to layout our economic and financial reality in order for you to appreciate the gravity of the situation that we are facing. We must be prepared to do things differently both in the near-term and in the long term in order for us to maintain some measure of economics stability in the near term. I have previously reported to you on the details of the 120 million dollars in a distant allocation already provided to allow for the immediate health and economic response to the covert 19 pandemic. The initiatives have funded cover 19 health care costs and related necessities. They're provided tens of millions of dollars to self-employed individuals who do not normally qualify for unemployment benefits. They're provided loans and grants to a number of Bahamian entrepreneurs and businesses to allow them to. Open and keep people employed. My fellow Americans the upcoming National budget communication on May 20, -seventh without lying the economic and fiscal plan for the country year. 2020 2020 - one which begins in July. It will be a budget that is shaped to match the unprecedented nature of the times we are living in what I will say at that time is that your government will ensure that social welfare allocation I expanded to meet the basic food and other core needs of those economically displaced because of kt 19. The upcoming budget we'll provide for the ongoing support of those still recovering from the ravages of hi and Darian We will ensure that no Bahamian goes hungry as together the economic hurricane caused by coltin the budget will also make provisions for. Capital works and will seek to stimulate domestic private construction We will focus on both large and small civil rights, so that's more contracts on that teams across the country can get as much work as possible to provide jobs and commercial activity in all the islands of our archipelago. These expanded works will bring income to thousands of families in need during this downturn. We will do what is necessary in the near term to preserve social and economic stability. We must also change the way we approach the economy functions. I re-established the economic recovery Committee with Unexpressed mandate to be bold in their thinking and innovative in their approach. I told them. Do not be afraid. Entering and chatted waters. But we will navigate and remember the entire world is likewise entering this uncharted waters. For too long, we have embraced a status quo model that is not suited for the times. I am pleased to report that the economic recovery Committee has been meeting regularly They have agreed they brought aims and objectives and have established the following subcommittee. Structural Reform Family Island development, health, care and social capital Commerce entrepreneurship and next generation youth engagement agriculture, fisheries and manufacturing Environmental stewardship labor and education digitization. And the conceptual economy, tourism and the creative orange economy and right now services. These sub committees will include individuals from outside the car Economic recovery Committee the approach by the Economic Recovery Committee, and it's sub committees will be. Seek feedback and input from those who are interested in participating and offering ideas and advice. The various sub committees will host stakeholder meetings and other forms to obtain and distill a range of experiences, viewpoints and perspectives. The economic recovery well so provide an update to the public on their progress to date and the immediate plans my fellows. Through the upcoming budget exercise and the collective national input into the work of the economic committee I wish to assure you that my government understands fully The gravity of the situation that we face as a country. We will not I repeat we will not shake a coat the severity of the circumstances in which we find ourselves. I want to repeat that we will not shake a coat the severity of the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Some of the decisions that we have to take will no doubt be uncomfortable and indeed will be painful. But we cannot shirk away from making the had decisions Given the times that we are living in, We cannot be guided by narrow partisan considerations. It is my sincere hope. The Official Opposition will be similarly guided by a broad-based patriotic spirit and spirit of unity and spirit of cooperation. My fellow Americans I want to inform you that discussions with the President of the Bahamas Christian Council on the safe and appropriate time to fully reopen churches continues. These discussions will continue churches are now opened for individual prayer with safe physical distancing measures, church offices allowed to operate for half the Monday through Friday. Churches also continue to operate food programs. Medical science And Heating are critical in the fight against Coltin, but we also we also need spiritual healing and God's everlasting grace to heal our souls to comfort our spirits and to uplift the nation. My fellow Bahamian and residents over the past weeks questions have been asked about the numbers of individuals who were permitted to enter the Bahamas prior to the commencement of the general repatriation exercise for Damian citizens and residents who were abroad. I wish to provide the country with the information I have received from the Director General of the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority on the number of individuals allowed to enter the country prior to the return this week of the 180 - three. As may be recorded, I informed you last week that on Wednesday day, the 20 ninth of April 2026 individuals arrived in the Bahamas by private aircraft. This afternoon in response to the questions, which is I wish to advise that over the emergency period, a total of six other persons comprised of six Bahamian citizenss. Permanent resident and three work permit holders being skilled technicians contracted to conduct specialized emergency work for utility services were permitted to enter the Bahamas. I'm also advised that all these individuals were screened by health officials and will place. And the self quarantine. One of those Bahamians was permitted to exit the country and to reenter the Bahamas after care over the course of a 24 hour period. This individual was administered Aed 19 Test upon reentry and was placed on the self quarantine the second Bahamian obtain the covid- 19 test prior to entry and also placed under self-quarantine. One permanent resident was permitted entry who obtained the kt. Test prior to arrival and was placed on the self quarantine a total of three work permit holders. We're permitted entry for emergency and essential purposes. Two of these individuals were needed to service B P L generators here in New Providence. Bye. These individuals were placed on the self quarantine, which was the policy at the time of their arrival. The other Permit holder was an engineer required on a private island. He obtained the Cort 19 test prior to arrival in the Bahamas and placed under self-quarantine. My fellow Bess, as I noted last week. Temporarily serve as Minister of Health until a new Minister is appointed. It was my privilege to previously served in this portfolio along with a number of the professionals who are now on the front lines of the fight against Coltin I had dedicated covert 19 response team is led by Doctor Doris, a former chief medical officer of the Bahamas and the public. Expert with extensive knowledge and experience in epidemiology Doctor Doris and a public health team have done an outstanding job during this time they have advised my government on measures to slow the spread of the virus onto enhance our public health infrastructure to help respond to 19. Dr Derry just and the public health team I've kept Bahamian informed on a regular basis and to what is as to what is happening. This pandemic they have helped to save and to protect lives most of the country is deeply impressed with the collection of medical minds and expertise on our health team and I too share such sentiments. During this crisis, you're being able to meet these health experts at the Ministry of Health's Press conferences. You will continue to hear from Doctor Taal Reis and the team as Prime Minister and temporarily Minister of Health. You will hear from me in various ways and in various places sometimes. Be in National dresses, sometimes it may be in parliament. sometimes it may be Adm. Ministry of Health press briefing and at times briefings at the office of the Prime Minister. Our country is blessed to have such a talented public health team. They are. Oal highly capable and I am so proud of them. The entire Bahamas is so proud of them. This delaine will continue to keep Bohemians informed. My fellow Bess. Mother's Day is a very special occasion, then Bahamian and people around the world celebrate and remember their mothers, both living and past. we remember our both mothers stepmother's foster mothers and guardians. We remember our grandmothers aunts sisters. Godmothers spiritual mothers, church, elders and all of those women who have shown us a mother's tender care and a mother's love. Someone Happy Mother's Day is an expression of respect. It is an expression of gratitude to someone who has shared the gift of motherhood with us. It is an expression of love for someone who has shown us kindness or who has offered loving advice and correction Even when it was sometimes a hard lesson or advice. A good mother not only holds our hands. She also use a strong and firm hands pushing us to do better and to do better and to do better. Mother's love is a refugee we seek During the storms of life. In the spirit of Corinthians Chapter 13, A mother's love Always protects always trust always hope and always. Mother's Day on Mother's Day behavior it's called them others no matter where they are in the world we send for hours and we send gives we go to church with our mothers Special our favorite meals at home or at restaurants. I recently heard the story of a daughter in her seventies who's recent birthday gift to her 90 plus year old mother. this year was a new dress for her to go to church and no matter how old we are no matter our life journey, no matter our success. Or failures in mother's love is a bedrock and foundation many of us Flowers on the graves of our padd mothers of flowers like lilies and roses next to paragraph's next the photographs of their mothers who now reside in the heavenly home, No matter. Together. Our mothers are with us in spirit or on Earth, A mother's love is enduring. it is everlasting. My mother passed away many years ago. I also still remembers her in a special way on this day, as well as I remember an older, the part of sister who was like a mother to me. That has prayed for and remember today all of our mothers, those living and past who gave us the gift of life. I want to say, especially to my mother who has passed away and yet I know she's listening today. Happy Mother's Day. This year's Mother's Day is more different than any Mother's Day and most of our lives. We pray on this day for the souls of those brothers who are passed away because of covid-. Pray for those mothers who I am as well as those who may be the end of the at the of their earthly journey. Pray for our mothers during this global pandemic. Including the many mothers on the front line fighting this deadly virus. We are going through together. Difficult time. But yet we must celebrate our mother's day as we traditionally do because many of our mothers are older, We are unable to be with them in person to hug them to have meet with them To hold the hands in prayer. This time of physical distancing will pass. But what will endure are the expressions of love? And hope we give to each other through acts of kindness and encouragement during this time for many of our elders, including mothers on this special day. This is a time of loneliness. I'm feeling of isolation anxiety and worry even though. This mother's day is different. It is in many ways even more important. That we remember the love and sacrifices mothers make for a lifetime and throughout the year. One way for us to celebrate Mother's Day this year is to enjoy photographs videos, memorabilia and other memories of our mothers. are living or past. Whether you are a younger person celebrating Mother's Day in person or you have an older mother, you are celebrating with a telephone or online making this as memorable a day as possible despite the very difficult circumstances that we are all enduring on behalf of Patricia myself, we wish you happy. And blessed Mother's Day to all mothers in the Bahamas, including and especially the mothers of Kalani. I fell of the humans and residents A recent call for unity in the fight against the virus, former United States President George W Bush said in a video message and I quote we are not partisan combatants We're human beings equally vulnerable and equally wonderful in the sight of God. We cannot allow physical separation to become emotional isolation This requires us to not only be compassionate but creative in our outreach. Let us remember that empathy and simple kindness essential powerful tools of National recovery and both. Another essential and powerful tool of National recovery is a spirit of Thanksgiving and the spirit of gratitude. We were taught by our mothers and by the scripture to always show a spirit of gratitude in the words of Psalm 136 give thanks to the Lord for he is good His love endures forever despite the struggles of the moment. We have much for which to be grateful, especially as we see the large numbers of deaths and the sick around the world because of this deadly virus we cannot ever stop thanking those who are doing so much to protect us and to care for us. Think for a moment of many sanitation workers and cleaners everywhere. Who are also on the front line battling this virus they too are saving and protecting lives often at risk to themselves. I'm thinking today, especially if those public and private sector workers doing based collection and removal and waste treatment. This includes the employees of the Department of Environmental Health Services, The New Providence Landfill and the employees of other public and private facilities throughout our country as Prime Minister, I thank all of these men and women on behalf. Of the entire country I hearts I filled with gratitude for your service my fellow humans as people are face may gratitude always be in our hearts and on our lips as we are ever expressing gratitude for the gifts of the earth And the gifts of each other, let us remember in Thanksgiving all of those prayer Warriors who spend countless and private hours in prayer, upholding the nation and praying ceaselessly to the God who brings light out of the darkness and new life from death. Permit me a personal note With boundless gratitude in my heart. I thank all of you who continue to offer me the best wishes prayers and support it is only with God's grace and your prayer that I am able to serve our country during this unprecedented time, Lord of life. Maybe never take for granted the gift of life and may spirit of gratitude always be our companion May God bless all of our mothers and may God continue to bless the commonwealth of the Bahamas. Thank you and good evening.