Panama/Port of Spain, 31 July 2020 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is working alongside the Bahamas Red Cross to prepare for Hurricane Isaias.

A hurricane warning is in effect in the Bahamas with storm surge, hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall expected on the south eastern islands today and continuing through the weekend.

Effective preparedness and early action in disaster saves lives and livelihoods. The Red Cross is working with communities to ensure they are ready to address possible hurricane conditions during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bahamas Red Cross is working closely with the National Emergency Management Agency supporting plans for preparedness and response, including the opening of shelters. The Bahamas Red Cross is sharing information about how-to be ready for disaster, and the latest information about the storm. Red Cross volunteers have been trained in using personal protection equipment and are ready to mobilize in response to Hurricane Isaias.

The team in the Bahamas is managing three difficult emergencies simultaneously: they are preparing for Hurricane Isaias, addressing and supporting people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and continuing to help in recovery from Hurricane Dorian, said Ariel Kestens IFRC Head of Country Cluster for the English and Dutch Speaking Caribbean.

The Red Cross is continuing our work, as well as monitoring the situation to determine our ongoing course of action and how to continue to best meet the needs of vulnerable communities during these difficult times.

To mitigate the impacts of a hurricane and associated flooding, the Red Cross has pre-positioned humanitarian relief supplies in key areas throughout the region. Across the Caribbean, Red Cross volunteers are sharing early warning and preparedness messages, and they are urging people to have food, water, and other necessities available, and to consider personal protection measures, such as masks and hand sanitizer for emergency go bags.

Latin America and the Caribbean are disaster-prone regions. The IFRC advocates for climate change adaptation measures to mitigate the humanitarian impact of these disasters.

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Red Cross in Bahamas preparing for Hurricane Isaias, while balancing COVID-19 response and Hurricane Dorian recovery - International Federation of Red...

There is an alleyway of sorts developing near the U.S. east coast/far W. Atlantic. A more organized Isaias seems to now be sniffing out that alley lending confidence to the more north & east solution in the long run. The approaching upper level trough moving into the Eastern U.S. should help eventually steer Isaias north then northeast. The trough may help with the upper level ventilation of the storm negating some of the effects of potential low level shear while along or near the east coast & Isaias may undergo a period of fairly solid intensification through the weekend/early next week as indicated by some models..... &, therefore, be even stronger - at times - than a Cat. 1 hurricane. However, there may also be some land interaction - especially on the west side of the circulation - over the weekend during the close approach to SE Florida. The GFS model has recently come in stronger as has the operational European & UKMET models & generally agree on a painfully close approach to SE Fl. while turning north then well east of Jacksonville. The GFS remains decidedly faster (by 12+ hours) than either the European or UKMET models. A compromise between all three is the prudent route at this juncture & probably will end up closest to reality. Of note... the UKMET showing a ricochet-effect by sort of bouncing Isaias off the SE coast of Fl. then abruptly turning N/NE. The combination of frictional effects from land + the approaching trough make such an outcome plausible. Either way, the eye of Isaias looks to stay well east of Jacksonville in the long run.

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Talking the Tropics With Mike: Isaias near & over the Bahamas through Friday night & very close to Florida ov - ActionNewsJax.com

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

Grand Bahama residents in 20 communities along the coast and other vulnerable areas are being advised to evacuate, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management, and Reconstruction Iram Lewis said on Friday.

This comes as the island - still recovering a devastating blow from Category Five Dorian last year is forecast to experience three to five feet storm surge as the system brushes the island on Saturday.

Given the potential surge, according to Minister Lewis, NEMA is advising the evacuation of communities along coastline, including McLean's Town, Sweeting's Cay, High rock, Dover Sound, Barbary Coast, Lucayan Glen, Forest Green, the Harbour area, Airport Zone, East Airport Zone, Queen's Cove, Lucayan Estates, the Heavy Industrial Area, and coastal areas of Williams Town, Russell Town, Pinder's Point, Bay Shore Road Eight Mile Rock; those on Rolle's Avenue and Quacko Street in Holmes Rock; Deadman's Reef, Bootle Bay, and the entire community of West End.

Also, the official shelter count has been increased from four to eight on Grand Bahama. They are Bishop Michael Eldon High School; Foster B Pestaina Hall (Special Needs); Calvary Temple, Maurice Moore Primary School (East Grand Bahama residents); Calvary Temple; St Georges High School Gym; Eight Mile Rock School; Central Zion Baptist Church; and Bethel Baptist Church.

The Emergency Operation Center has been activated, and Mr Lewis stated that persons in quarantine wishing to evacuate before the storm were able to call the EOC at 351-4902/3 to arrange transportation.

According to the minister, persons in quarantine not allowed to leave their homes were advised to have family members or persons in the public assist them with preparations for the storm.

"We have to abide by COVID-19 regulations, we have to be strict with that and ensure that those persons remain on lockdown, he stressed.

Rand Memorial Hospital Administrator Sharon Williams assured that the hospital is ready and prepared for the storm.

She said the emergency room is only open for emergencies and added that hospital patients are being accommodated at the A&E Section and Sunrise Medical Center. Ms Williams noted that the COVID-19 section at the Cancer Association Building is activated and is used to house COVID-19 patients and suspected cases.

Samaritans Purse tent hospital has been deactivated and is no longer being used to accommodate hospital patients, since April when it was impacted by severe weather.

When asked about visitors on Grand Bahama, Minister of State for Grand Bahama Senator Kwasi Thompson said that the Ministry of Tourism is aware of all visitors on the island.

He said visitors wishing to leave the island can do so by private charter. As long as they have private charter they are allowed to leave, there are no restrictions on non-Bahamians who wish to leave, he added.

Minister Thompson also indicated that the OPM after receiving requests has considered on a case by case basis where hotels are required to open to receive evacuees during the storm.

He stressed that the island is being challenged again.

This is a very challenging time for GB and the entire Bahamas. It is challenging because we are continuing to recover from Dorian, and we see signs of that all over, said Mr Thompson.

We have done tremendous work and people have done tremendous work; and businesses have done tremendous work in recovering from what was the most devastating storm to ever hit this island. We are fighting with COVID-19; and not only are we fighting with COVID-19, but we are also at the center of the fight for COVID in the Bahamas. And now, we are faced with another storm, another hurricane, he said.

I believe we are as best as we can be prepared, given the circumstances we find ourselves in which are not at all ordinary circumstances, the minister said.

In preparation for the storm, residents flooded gas stations, the food stores, and hardware stores which were open until 8pm on Friday.

Grand Bahama Police will be closely monitoring the conditions at Fishing Hole Road.

Supt Doyle Burrows said the Police Command Center has been activated, but warned that no rescues will be carried during the storm. The numbers are 350-3084 or 350-3082.

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Grand Bahama residents in 20 communities advised to evacuate - Bahamas Tribune

MIAMI A hurricane warning was issued for parts of Floridas Atlantic coast on Friday, hours after Hurricane Isaias raked the Bahamas, parts of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

The National Hurricane Center issued the warning for over 150 miles of the Florida coastline, stretching from Boca Raton to the northern bound of Brevard County, according to an advisory on Friday afternoon. Hurricane warnings are still in effect for portions of the Bahamas through Saturday.

Hurricane watches, tropical storm warnings, a storm surge watch and a tropical storm watch are in effect for other parts of Floridas east coast.

The center forecast that the storm would near southeast Florida Saturday afternoon and through Sunday, and then travel north up the states eastern coast late Sunday. Isaias threatened strong winds, heavy rainfall and high storm surges late this weekend.

Isaias, a Category 1 hurricane, is expected to continue to strengthen Friday night and early Saturday and remain a hurricane for the next few days, but it is not forecast to strengthen to a Category 2, said Dennis Feltgen, a meteorologist and spokesman for the National Hurricane Center.

The storm, already the ninth named system of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, approached the Bahamas from the southeast on Friday morning, with maximum sustained winds of 75 miles per hour. Strong squalls and possible storm surges, forecast between three to five feet, threatened the islands, according to the center.

The potential storm surges were on top of astronomical tides, the centers director, Ken Graham, said on Friday. He described Isaias as a very large storm, with tropical force winds stretching out as far as 180 miles from the hurricanes center.

Its not just a point, its not just a track, its a very large area, he said.

Across the central Bahamas on Friday, conditions gradually deteriorated as the storm barreled across new ground. The threat from Isaias to the Bahamas comes less than a year after Hurricane Dorian ravaged Abaco and Grand Bahama, leaving residents in those areas especially unnerved. Many survivors of Dorian, who saw homes, schools, banks and whole communities crushed to rubble, are still living in tents and unrepaired homes.

The storm hit the Bahamas as it is grappling with a rapid increase in the number of coronavirus infections that has only accelerated in recent days, in what health officials are calling a second wave.

On Thursday night, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced the temporary relaxation of restrictions to give people more time to prepare for the storm. While there are formal hurricane shelters on Grand Bahama, it was unclear how officials would ensure social distancing in them.

In an interview with The Nassau Guardian, Melissa McPhee, 44, said her Grand Bahama home was protected only by a tarp on her roof, after having sustained significant flood and wind damage during Dorian. But she said that she had nowhere else to go.

Ms. McPhee said that, as someone with an underlying condition, she was at a high risk for complications from Covid-19. She was afraid to venture out to prepare for Isaias, she said, and felt that she could not chance staying in a crowded hurricane shelter.

Florida has also been grappling with a surge in coronavirus cases. There were more than 461,000 cases statewide and more than 6,500 deaths as of Friday since the beginning of the pandemic, according to a New York Times database. Friday was the third consecutive day that Florida set its record for the most deaths reported in a single day.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference on Friday that Florida was fully prepared for this and any future storm during this hurricane season. He said that the division of emergency management had been working at its most active level since March, allowing them to actively plan for hurricane season even while responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr. DeSantis added that early on, the division had created a protective equipment reserve for hurricane season, including 20 million masks, 22 million gloves and 1.6 million face shields.

This week, the states division of emergency management announced that state-sponsored coronavirus testing sites in 11 counties would remain open, but that others would close at 5 p.m. Thursday until it was safe to reopen.

At news conferences on Friday, the Miami-Dade and Broward County mayors said coronavirus testing sites would be closed until next week.

Meteorologists have forecast a busy Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, raising fears among emergency managers about how to handle a potential major hurricane landing during the pandemic. Evacuation orders typically call people into the close quarters of emergency shelters, or to crowded distribution centers.

Last week, Hurricane Hanna hit part of Texas as a Category 1 storm, landing near some of the cities and counties that have seen a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations. San Antonio officials handed out hotel room vouchers for people who fled their homes, and the mayor of Corpus Christi urged people to wear masks at home if they took in relatives.

The average hurricane season usually produces 12 named storms, including three that develop into major hurricanes. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted an above normal season in the Atlantic, with as many as 19 named storms. Up to 10 of those storms could become hurricanes, and as many as six of those could develop into Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricanes.

Rachel Knowles Scott contributed reporting from Nassau, the Bahamas, and Christina Morales from Hialeah, Fla.

Read more:

Hurricane Isaias Rakes the Bahamas on a Track for Floridas East Coast - The New York Times

A 48-acre island in the Bahamas is getting a luxurious makeover, courtesy Montage Hotels & Resorts. When completed in 2023, Montage Cay will be a refined destination boasting seven white-sand beaches, a high-end spa, bespoke residences and a 46-slip marina.

We are honored to partner with the team at Sterling Global to bring Montage Cay to life and introduce our first Caribbean resort, said Alan J. Fuerstman, founder, chairman and CEO of Montage Hotels & Resorts. Surrounded by calm waters, warm breezes and panoramic beauty, Montage Cay will perfectly combine its breathtaking setting with signature Montage amenities and service. We have designed the resort to take full advantage of the islands natural beauty, setting the stage for one of the finest ultra-luxury resorts in the Caribbean. We are grateful to the Bahamian community for their warm welcome and look forward to bringing Montage to this special part of the world.

Currently known as Matt Lowes Cay, the redeveloped resort will rest on the shores of the Sea of Abaco. Montage International is partnering with Sterling Global Financial on the multiyear project.

When complete, the resort will host 50 all-suite accommodations and a limited number of Montage Residences. These units and dwellings will feature bespoke material palettes and serene views. In addition to a number of pools and public gardens, Montage Cay will also include outdoor showers, an indulgent spa, multiple dining destinations and space for events like weddings and other large celebrations.

The resorts marina will be able to accommodate vessels measuring up to 110 feet in length, allowing guests and residents access to aquatic adventures like fishing, snorkeling and boating.

Besides ocean views and sumptuous finishes, units at Montage Cay will come with plunge pools, outdoor showers and private gardens.

Dining options will abound as well. Besides all-day dining, there will be a signature dinner-only restaurant, a pair of bars on the beaches, pool bars, a juice bar and spa cafe.

Details

Property: Montage Cay, Abaco, Bahamas.

Features: Located along the Sea of Abaco in the Bahamas, Montage Cay will be a 48-acre private island resort when completed in 2023. The resort will host 50 ocean-view units, seven white-sand beaches and a 46-slip marina capable of accommodating vessels up to 110 feet long. Along with an assortment of swimming pools, outdoor showers and public gardens, the resort will include a superlative spa, children's program and venue for weddings and large celebrations.

The resorts comprehensive water sports and recreation center will provide the opportunity to explore coral reefs and watch marine life.

Residences at Montage Cay range in size from two to four bedrooms, and there will also be estate lots with custom homes showcasing the islands breathtaking sight lines.

Getting to the island wont be difficult, as its only a mile off the coast of Marsh Harbour. Once arriving at the small coastal town, the resort will be a brief 10-minute boat ride away. Seaplane access directly to the Montage Cay dock will also be available.

Of course, those with personal watercraft can dock their private boat at the Montage Cay marina.

Learn more at http://www.montagehotels.com/destinations/bahamas.

Contact: Montage Hotels & Resorts, 800-700-9977.

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Getaway: 48-acre private island resort in the Bahamas to open in 2023 - SFGate

Montage Cay is a 48-acre private island in The Abacos Islands in the Bahamas. Montage Hotels & ... [+] Resorts will develop 50 all-suite guest accommodations and a residential community on the island.

Montage Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in luxury hotel management, will open its first resort in the Caribbean. Located on Montage Cay in The Abacos Islands, the resort will include a five star hotel and a residential community on a 48-acre private island. The property will offer an unmatched resort experience in the Bahamas, with the same level of quality found at otherMontage properties.

Scheduled to open in 2023, the resort will be the first Caribbean-based property for Montage, which currently has a portfolio of hotels, resorts and residences that includes Montage Laguna Beach, Montage Deer Valley, Montage Kapalua Bay, Montage Palmetto Bluff and Montage Los Cabos. Montage is currently developing several additional resort properties, including Montage Healdsburg (opening in November 2020), Montage Big Sky (opening in 2021) and Montage La Quinta (opening in 2022).

Owned in partnership with Nassau-based Sterling Global Financial, the project is the redevelopment and rebranding of the private island of Matt Lowes Cay, re-emerging as Montage Cay, alongside the launch of The Residences at Montage Cay. The Abacos is a 120-mile chain of beautiful islands and cays that are dotted by mangroves and white sand beaches.

Surrounded by calm waters, warm breezes and panoramic beauty, Montage Cay will perfectly combine its breathtaking setting with signature Montage amenities and service, says Alan J. Fuerstman, founder, chairman and chief executive of Montage International. We have designed the resort to take full advantage of the islands natural beauty, setting the stage for one of the finest ultra-luxury resorts in the Caribbean. We are grateful to the Bahamian community for their warm welcome and look forward to bringing Montage to this special part of the world.

Montage Cay features a 46-slip marina that can accommodate vessels up to 110 feet in length.

Pristine Private Beaches And Stunning Views

Located on a private island in the Sea of Abaco, Montage Cay will be unlike other luxury resorts in the Caribbean due to its unique landscape and orientation. The 48-acre island boasts seven pristine beaches while a 46-slip marina will accommodate vessels up to 110 feet, allowing guests and residents of Montage Cay access to an array of world-class boating as well as some of the best fly-fishing, bone fishing, sailing, diving, and nature viewing in the Caribbean.

The island has a varied topography with elevated sight lines for expansive sunrise and sunset views, mature and diverse landscaping including coconut groves, as well as stunning scenery of the surrounding cays.

All-Suite Guest Accommodations, Turn-Key Residences and Custom Homes

The resort will have a hospitality component as well as residential offerings. Each of the fifty all-suite guest accommodations will feature light and airy ocean-view rooms with luxury outdoor amenities including plunge pools, outdoor showers, private gardens and lounge areas.

The Residences at Montage Cay will be a limited number of bespoke fully-furnished oceanfront Villa Residences and Estate Lots that will be developed with semi-custom homes.

We are honored to be partners with Montage International in the development of this spectacular project, says David Kosoy, Executive Chairman & Founder of Sterling Global Financial. I am confident that the combination of Sterlings development expertise and Montages operational expertise will result in an unparalleled private island escape and community that will set a new standard for luxury living.

Situated within private enclaves adjacent to the resort, the Villa Residences at Montage Cay will include stunning ocean views. Estate Lots will feature unique elevations and sight lines offering buyers the opportunity to create their own personalized Bahamian retreat with breathtaking ocean vistas.Residential owners will have access to a private beach and cabana area for their families and guests.

The Residences at Montage Cay are being thoughtfully designed to offer an exclusive opportunity to own a home on a private island with access to all of the amenities and services of Montage, in addition to a dedicated staff, says Fuerstman.

The island has seven pristine white-sand beaches as well as beautiful views of the Sea of Abaco and ... [+] the surrounding cays.

The Residences at Montage Cay will include a Montage Rental Management Program for homeowners who choose to participate. In addition, Montage Residential owners will have access to special privileges and benefits throughout the Montage Hotels & Resorts and Pendry Hotels & Resorts portfolios. Montage residential homeowner benefits include a curated collection of offerings that range from private aviation and home design to other travel and lifestyle offerings as well as benefits at other Montage and Pendry properties.

Details about the residential design, plans, layouts and views are in the conceptual phase and will be unveiled in the upcoming months, as well as the various partners and collaborators on the project, adds Fuerstman.

Watersports, Well-Being and Fitness Programs

Guests and residents will have access to incredible amenities including Spa Montage, wellness and fitness programming, unique culinary experiences, as well as days spent on the water exploring the marine life and various outdoor recreational activities.

The full-service Spa Montage will feature private treatment rooms in addition to an extensive health and wellness program. Spa Montage programming will be inspired by nature, using local elements to provide an authentic sense of place.

There will also be a fitness center, several swimming pools, tennis and pickleball courts as well as Montages signature Paintbox Childrens Club.

A robust water sports program and a recreation center will provide guests and residents with endless opportunities to explore some of the most important natural reserves in the Bahamas such as pristine coral reefs that showcase an incredible diversity of tropical marine life.

Food and Dining Programs

Montage Cay will also boast an array of unique restaurant and bar experiences including all-day dining, a signature dinner-only restaurant, two beach bar and grilles, lobby and pool bars, as well as a spa caf and juice bar.

The resort will also offer indoor meeting space, as well as wedding and social-event lawn space with unobstructed views of the clear blue sea.

Montage Cay is remote yet easily accessible as it is located less than one mile off the coast of ... [+] Marsh Harbour.

Getting There

Montage Cay is remote yet easily accessible as it is located less than one mile off the coast of Marsh Harbour. Guests and residents can easily get to the resort via several direct flights offered from major American and European markets to the Bahamas, as well as a modern FBO that welcomes private jets and charters. After arriving on Marsh Harbour, Montage Cay guests and residents will take a brief 10-minute boat ride to the resorts exclusive oasis or dock a private boat at the Montage Cay marina. Sea plane access directly to the Montage Cay dock is also available.

Montage Cay is destined to become one of the most exclusive ultra-luxury destinations in the entire Caribbean, as it will blend the companys award-winning, unparalleled service with the serene, natural beauty of the region.

For more information about Montage Cay, visit this link.

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Montage To Open Luxury Resort On Private Island In Bahamas - Forbes

July 28, 2020, 12:26 PM

4 min read

All eyes this morning are on the new tropical wave in the Atlantic moving towards the northern Caribbean islands for the end of the week.

The National Hurricane Center has given a 90% chance in the next few days for this system to become a Tropical Depression or Tropical Storm Isaias.

The storm will move near Puerto Rico by the end of the week and bring the island heavy rain, gusty winds and a threat for flash flooding.

The storm will move near Puerto Rico by the end of the week and bring the island heavy rain, gusty winds and a threat for flash flooding.

The storm will move near Puerto Rico by Thursday and bring the island heavy rain, gusty winds and a threat for flash flooding.

After that, the models take the system into the Bahamas over the weekend and somewhere off the Southeast U.S. coast sometime early next week.

For now, the majority of the models keep the system away just east of the U.S. mainland.

The models take the system into the Bahamas over the weekend and somewhere off the Southeast U.S. coast sometime early next week.

The models take the system into the Bahamas over the weekend and somewhere off the Southeast U.S. coast sometime early next week.

A heat wave will continue for the East Coast with a Heat Advisory issued for 12 states from South Carolina all the way up to Maine.

Already yesterday, several records have been tied and broken from Maine down to North Carolina.

Some of the records include Wilmington, Pennsylvania hitting 100 degrees, Hartford, Connecticut at 98 and Providence, Rhode Island, tying a record at 97 degrees.

Elsewhere, Binghamton, New York, hit a record high of 97 degrees yesterday making this the hottest temperature there in 4 years.

In Washington D.C., there were 25 days of 90 degrees of higher this month so far which ties for the most 90s ever recorded in the month of July. The area is expected to reach the 90s today as well and, if it does, it will officially break that record.

Today, more heat and some humidity will make it feel like its near 100 degrees from Boston to Raleigh.

There will be a cool front that will try to pass through the Northeast in the next 24 to 48 hours but not much relief is expected to come from it.

More 90 degree temperatures are forecast for the next three days for most of the major Northeast cities too.

More 90 degree temperatures are forecast for the next three days for most of the major Northeast cities too.

More 90 degree temperatures are forecast for the next three days for most of the major Northeast cities too.

Read more from the original source:

New tropical threat for Caribbean and Bahamas, heat wave continues for East Coast - ABC News

Montage Hotels & Resorts announced on July 28 it will be building its first venture into the Caribbean, a luxury resort and villa complex called Montage Cay located in the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas.

The resort will also include The Residences at Montage Cay, which comprises fully-furnished villas as well as custom-designed estate lots, both types sharing stunning views of the sea. Both the resort and The Residences will debut in 2023.

We are honored to partner with the team at Sterling Global to bring Montage Cay to life and introduce our first Caribbean resort, said Alan J. Fuerstman, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Montage International. Surrounded by calm waters, warm breezes and panoramic beauty, Montage Cay will perfectly combine its breathtaking setting with signature Montage amenities and service. We have designed the resort to take full advantage of the islands natural beauty, setting the stage for one of the finest ultra-luxury resorts in the Caribbean. We are grateful to the Bahamian community for their warm welcome and look forward to bringing Montage to this special part of the world.

Montage has partnered with Sterling Global Financial to build the 48-acre private-island resort and residential community in what was previously known as Matt Lowes Cay in the Abacos.

Montage Cay is committed to offering incredible amenities as well as a pristine natural environment. Its amenities will include private plunge pools, outdoor showers and private gardens and lounge areas complementing the 50 modern Bahamian-style suites.

Montage Cay boasts seven white-sand beaches and will include a 46-slip marina for access by ocean as well as access to all of the incredible ocean activities available, like snorkeling in the coral reefs.

We are honored to be partners with Montage International in the development of this spectacular project. I am confident that the combination of Sterlings development expertise and Montages operational expertise will result in an unparalleled private island escape and community that will set a new standard for luxury living, said David Kosoy, Executive Chairman & Founder of Sterling Global Financial.

Montage Cay guests and residents have many ways to travel to the island. The Bahamas has several direct flights from North America as well as Europe. The island will also have an area to land private jets and charter planes. Access by sea, along with the 46-slip marina, is also available. Montage Cay is only a ten-minute boat ride from Marsh Harbour.

For more information on Montage Cay, contact your local travel agent or visit http://www.montagehotels.com.

Link:

A New Private Island Resort Is Coming to the Bahamas - TravelPulse

Marianna Massey/Getty Images After reopening borders to international travelers, the Bahamas has implemented a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Marianna Massey/Getty Images

The Bahamas are home to 700 islands, some of the world's best beaches, delicious seafood, and deep turquoise water. Each year, millions of visitors travel to the country to explore its tropical atmosphere.

Like many other places, the Bahamas' tourism sector has been devastated by the coronavirus, and the country has been trying to figure out how to welcome back visitors without putting the health of its citizens at risk.

The Bahama's government thought it had made the right decision when it started welcoming international visitors on July 1, but after three weeks of being reopened, the country experienced a surge in coronavirus cases.

At the time of writing, the Bahamas has had 382 coronavirus cases and 11 confirmed deaths, according to the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 tracker.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced on July 19 that borders would be closed to US visitors, but that decision was quickly reversed. US tourists will now be allowed into the country, but not without stipulations.

The biggest change is a mandatory 14-day quarantine for incoming travelers, which was first reported by The Nassau Guardian.

The quarantine will take place in a government facility at the visitor's own expense, according to the government's emergency order. Once the 14 days are over, the traveler will be tested for COVID-19 at their own expense.

This also means that incoming visitors will not be asked to bring a negative coronavirus test upon arrival, which was a previous requirement when entering the Bahamas.

The reasoning for the change was to create a "uniform stand of treatment for all visitors," according to a statement released by Attorney General Carl Bethel.

Additionally, international travel into or out of Grand Bahama, which is the Bahama's northernmost island, is prohibited.

The only way to get around the 14-day quarantine is if incoming visitors arrive via a private or chartered aircraft.

The government has placed a curfew on the island from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day.

Beyond remaining 6 feet apart and wearing masks in public spaces, tourists will also find many attractions closed. Casinos, bars, clubs, theaters, and museums remain closed, while restaurants, hotels, gyms, spas, and tourist attractions are operating at limited capacities.

A 19-page outline of what incoming visitors should expect can be found on The Office of the Prime Minister's website.

Travelers are itching to explore and get out of the house. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding all nonessential international travel during this time.

Consider exploring a nearby city or an unfamiliar state. Domestic travel across the US has been on the rise, and the tourism industry has witnessed an increased interest in road trips, RV rentals, and domestic trips.

For those determined to get on a plane, there are around 30 countries welcoming US visitors. However, travelers should do research beforehand to understand what policies are in place, as countries have a wide range of reopening plans and different requirements from incoming visitors.

Gallery: 12 Caribbean Islands Least Affected by the Pandemic (Reader's Digest)

Excerpt from:

Everything you need to know if you have plans to travel to the Bahamas - MSN Money

As of Saturday mornings 5 a.m. update from the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Isaias was about 80 miles south-southeast of the Bahamas, and was continuing to churn northwest at about 12 mph, a bit of a slowdown from late Friday night, as it begins its track toward Floridas east coast.

Isaias is experiencing a bit of wind shear which is keeping its growth controlled a bit. The track has also shifted slightly east since the last NHC update at 11pm Friday night, which is a good thing for the Osceola County area, and the east coast of the state.

After pulling away from the northwestern Bahamas later Saturday, Isaias is expected to skirt the east coast of the Florida peninsula beginning with the southeast coast Saturday afternoon through Sunday, according the National Hurricane Center.

Sunday afternoon around 2pm should be the closest Isaias is the Osceola County.

A tropical storm warning has been issued for Osceola County as 39-73mph sustained winds from Isaias are expected within the eastern portions of the county within the next 36 hours.

Take the time today to examine your hurricane supplies and also remove any loose debris that might be around your home. Also safely examine your gutters and nearby sewer drains in preparation for potential heavy amounts of rain.

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Hurricane Isaias continues to bring strong winds, heavy rains to Bahamas, heading to Florida's east coast next - positivelyosceola.com

By INIGO 'NAUGHTY' ZENICAZELAYA

FROM the travelling quarantined, to the new MOH, to the leader of the oppositions special request, to local lockdown rates and a no nonsense judge, it turned out to be quite the week uptown off the farm.

Lets have a closer look:

D AVERAGE ALIVE AND WELL

We as a nation, can blame the Competent Authority for many failings and shortcomings. Especially his recent decisions in regards to the COViD-19 global pandemic protocols.

Truthfully though (despite it being the norm these days) we cant blame the PM for everything, as easy as it seems.

We as a populace can take issue with the PMs single-minded, impulsive decision making, and his love for calling last-minute lockdowns during this whole, God-awful pandemic.

We cannot, however, blame the PM for the selfishness and stupidity displayed by some citizens.

Forrest Gump had a great line, stupid is, as stupid does. That famous line has sadly come to life in The Bahamas recently. Certain members of society who have tested positive for COVID-19, (who Im convinced were denied oxygen in the womb) have thrown medical advice and caution to the wind, and decided to go out and about, meeting and greeting and socialising.

As a result, we now have more cases recorded, including one incident where a mother and daughter spread the virus to ten others. These are the selfish, inconsiderate actions of two non-disciplined citizens, who obviously have no conscience.

Again, people, if you must go out, masks, gloves, sanitisers and proper hygiene is still the order of the day.

Continue to social distance, at least six feet apart, avoiding the elderly and those who appear to be sick at all costs.

If you feel you may have the symptoms of COVID-19, contact your physician or community clinic immediately.

Remain home, until further instructed by a medical professional.

Selfish actions and ill advised decisions, by a minority, could prove fatal for the majority.

Let your conscience be your guide, and let common sense intervene where and when necessary.

NEW MOH KNOWS ABOUT MEDICINE... WELL MAYBE

As you all know by now, I consider the barbershop the last bastion of free speech in this country.

During my latest visit, I was privy to a hot political exchange between to veteran politicos, one a die-hard FNM and the other a from-the-womb to the tomb PLP. Their exchange went something like this:

PLP: Wells is the new MOH? He aint no doctor.

FNM: The PLP had plenty non doctors serve as MOH, including Perry Christie.

PLP: Yeah but none of them was as lost as Wells.

Ouch! Check and mate!

I hope the new MOH still has his track shoes because he needs to outrun the lousy reputation he has built in one short week.

BOLD AND BRAVE REQUEST

I really didnt want to get back into this, seeing how Briland Gate still gets me fired up to inferno like proportions. But sadly, foreign residents, are getting preferential treatment over Bahamians, and to make matters worse, some are expecting it. Im still trying to figure out how this has become the norm these days.

So after not attending an emergency meeting of Parliament, PLP leader Philip Brave Davis asked Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis to waive new wedding rules for one of his constituents on Friday.

However, confirmation that Dr Minnis approved the request arrived in Bahamian time, in other words, it came too late for the couple to host a full-fledged wedding with more than five people.

How ironic, Mr. Davis along with the members of the opposition, skipped an emergency meeting of Parliament, and tending to the peoples business, in these desperate times of COVID, but he wanted to ensure his constituents wedding would still go on with no restrictions.

Priorities Mr. Davis, priorities. The jury is still out on you and the PLP amongst the voting populous as far as the next election is concerned.

There are lingering trust issues in relation to both Davis and the PLP party. This was a golden opportunity to shed a different light on both respectively, and all we got from Mr. Davis was more of the same old all buck up go governance weve been getting for the last fifty years.

LOCAL LOCKDOWN RATES

Businesses, especially the smaller local hotels are getting creative, in an all out effort to generate revenue from the local market. Adds for Lockdown Specials have been in heavy rotation in the press and on social media, encouraging Bahamians to take advantage of all the hotels amenities allowing guests to ride out the lockdown in comfort and style.

Then the government said you need a proper COVID-19 test? And then they changed their mind. That was a problem for all of 24 hours, but looks like those special local rates are good to go.

MAD MAGISTRATE

Its clear the effects of all things related to the COViD-19 global pandemic are taking their toll on all Bahamians.

Bahamians from all walks of life have been affected and continue to feel the effects of curfews, lockdowns, a semi-police state, unemployment, etc.

The coronavirus hangover has even hit the judiciary. Its apparent the judiciarys patience is wearing thin in regards to the lockdowns and the reason behind said lockdowns.

Despite it being totally and politically incorrect, Magistrate Andrew Forbes, said a mouthful in regards to the lockdowns, a mouthful that needed to be said - The purpose of the lockdown isnt to shack-up, the purpose of the lockdown is to try to separate persons. There are two heads on a male. Use the one on your shoulders. Magistrate Andrew Forbes.

Yes, we need to separate, socially distance and continue to be vigilant and aware as we are fighting an invisible enemy. Now is not the time for nonchalance and slackness. Please, take your boungie inside, and keep it inside. I will see you all, down on the farm next week with the next chapter of the Covid Chronicles.

Read more:

A COMIC'S VIEW: Stupid is as stupid does in The Bahamas - Bahamas Tribune

(SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico) New Hurricane Isaias kept on a path early Friday expected to take it to the U.S. East Coast by the weekend as it approached the Bahamas, parts of which are still recovering from the devastation of last years Hurricane Dorian.

Isaias had maximum sustained winds of 80 mph (130 kph) late Thursday and was centered about 70 miles (110 kilometers) east-southeast of Great Inagua Island in the Bahamas, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. It was moving northwest at 18 mph (30 kph).

It was forecast to pass over the southeastern Bahamas during the night, be near the central Bahamas late Friday and move near or over the northwestern Bahamas and near South Florida on Saturday.

On Thursday while still a tropical storm, Isaias knocked out power, toppled trees and caused widespread flooding and small landslides in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, where at least 35 people were rescued from floodwaters and one person remained missing. Hundreds of thousands of people in Puerto Rico were left without power and water.

A hurricane warning was in effect for the northwestern Bahamas, including Andros Island, New Providence, Eleuthera, Abaco Islands, Berry Islands, Grand Bahama and Bimini.

Two of those islands, Abaco and Grand Bahama, were battered by Dorian, a Category 5 storm that hovered over the area for two days and killed at least 70 people, with more than 280 reported missing. People are still living in tents on both islands, and officials said crews were trying to remove leftover debris ahead of Isaias.

Prime Minister Hubert Minnis announced late Thursday that he was relaxing a coronavirus lockdown as a result of the impending storm, but said a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew would be implemented starting Friday. He said supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations and hardware stores would be allowed to be open as long as weather permitted.

These are especially difficult days, he said during an online news conference. We need at this time the spirit of love and unity.

Stephen Russell, director of the Bahamas emergency management agency, said there were no plans to evacuate people, but he urged those living in low-lying areas to seek shelter.

The Bahamas has reported more than 500 confirmed COVID-19 cases and at least 14 deaths. It recently barred travelers from the U.S. following a surge in cases as it reopened to international tourism.

Given the pandemic, the prime minister urged young people booking hotel rooms to stay safe from the approaching storm to respect social distancing measures.

Please do not engage in hurricane or COVID(-19) parties, he said. It can be devastating.

Isaias was expected to produce 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) of rain in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

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Hurricane Isaias Bears Down on Bahamas and Florida After Battering Puerto Rico - TIME

Location 45 miles SE of Great Inagua Island Wind 80 mph Heading NW at 18 mph Pressure 29.29 Coordinates 72.7W, 20.6N Discussion

At 200 a.m. EDT (0600 UTC), the center of Hurricane Isaias was located near latitude 20.6 north, longitude 72.7 west. Isaias is moving toward the northwest near 18 mph (30 km/h), and a generally northwestward motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected for the next couple of days followed by turn toward the north-northwest. On the forecast track, the center of Isaias will move near or over the southeastern Bahamas overnight. Isaias is forecast to be near the central Bahamas Friday night and move near or over the northwestern Bahamas and near south Florida on Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds remain near 80 mph (130 km/h) with higher gusts. Some strengthening is possible today, and Isaias is expected to remain a hurricane for the next few days.

Hurricane-force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center and tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 240 miles (390 km).

The estimated minimum central pressure based on air force reserve hurricane hunter data is 992 mb (29.29 inches).

Changes with this advisory:

None

Summary of watches and warnings in effect:

A hurricane warning is in effect for, * northwestern Bahamas including andros island, new providence, eleuthera, abacos islands, berry islands, grand Bahamas island, and bimini * southeastern Bahamas including the acklins, crooked island, long cay, the inaguas, mayaguana, and the ragged islands * central Bahamas, including cat island, the exumas, long island, rum cay, and san salvador

A tropical storm warning is in effect for, * Dominican Republic entire southern and northern coastlines * north coast of Haiti from le mole st Nicholas eastward to the northern border with the Dominican Republic * Turks and Caicos Islands

A tropical storm watch is in effect for, * east coast of Florida from ocean reef to sebastian inlet * lake okeechobee

Interests elsewhere along the southeast coast of the United States should monitor the progress of this system. Additional watches or warnings may be required for a portion of the Florida peninsula on Friday.

A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, expected somewhere within the warning area. A warning is typically issued 36 hours before the anticipated first occurrence of tropical-storm-force winds, conditions that make outside preparations difficult or dangerous. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

For storm information specific to your area in the United States, including possible inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your local National Weather Service forecast office. For storm information specific to your area outside of the United States, please monitor products issued by your national meteorological service.

Key messages for Isaias can be found in the tropical cyclone discussion under awips header miatcdat4, wmo header wtnt44 kNHC, and on the web atwww.hurricanes.gov/text/MIATCDAT4.shtml.

Storm surge: a dangerous storm surge will raise water levels by as much as 3 to 5 feet above normal tide levels in areas of onshore winds in the central and northwestern Bahamas. Storm surge will raise water level by as much as 1 to 3 ft above normal tide levels in the southeastern Bahamas.

Wind: tropical storm conditions will continue to spread across portions of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos tonight and early Friday. Hurricane conditions are expected to begin in the central Bahamas Friday morning and spread into the northwestern Bahamas beginning late Friday. Hurricane conditions are expected within portions of the the northwestern Bahamas Friday night and Saturday.

Tropical storm conditions are possible in the watch area in Florida beginning Saturday.

Rainfall: Isaias is expected to produce the following rain accumulations through Friday night:

Dominican Republic and northern haiti: 4 to 8 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 12 inches.

Bahamas, Turks and caicos: 4 to 8 inches.

Cuba: 1 to 2 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 4 inches.

These rainfall amounts will lead to life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, as well as river flooding. Urban and small stream flooding is expected for the U.S. Virgin Islands and Hispaniola.

From Friday night through monday:

South Florida into east-central florida: 2 to 4 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 6 inches.

These rainfall amounts could result in isolated flash and urban flooding, especially in low-lying and poorly drained areas.

Surf: swells generated by Isaias are affecting portions of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas. These swells will spread along the coast of Cuba and into the central and northwestern Bahamas later today and across the east coast of Florida on Saturday. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.

Read more:

Hurricane Warning Issued For The Central And Southeastern Bahamas - WSLS 10

Florida Urgent Rescue planned a rescue mission to the Bahamas in March but the coronavirus canceled what would have been its fifth trip.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. It is a labor of love that began last September after Hurricane Dorian destroyed much of the Bahamas.

However, Mike Merrills mission trips have stalled. The coronavirus put a stop to rescuing animals.

"We were planning to do another one in March and that got put on ice. We were thinking by May or June this whole thing would blow over," he told First Coast News.

Merrill is the founder of Florida Urgent Rescue, a Jacksonville non-profit that has flown to the Bahamas four times. By the crate-full, he's brought more than 100 dogs to the United States that needed medical care.

Because of COVID-19, he doesnt know when his next trip will be.

We are trying to look around with private aircraft, possibly that we dont actually fly there. They just put the animals on the plane and we get them on our end," Merrill explained.

One dog named Silka was found wandering the streets after the hurricane. She was blind, but because of the care she received in the US, she can now see.

It really is a miracle in my opinion. When we got her we couldnt even touch her, not safely. We couldnt handle her. She didnt trust humans," he said.

Merrill says there are still many great needs in the Bahamas, including rebuilding entire communities. He also says there is a need here for more foster families looking to care for the animals that have either been abandoned or forgotten.

We continue to rescue dogs locally. We are continuing to support our local shelters. We are going to continue to do what we can as our money permits," he said.

For more information on Florida Urgent Rescue, click here.

Read more:

Jacksonville non-profit's mission of rescuing animals from Bahamas put on hold because of COVID-19 - FirstCoastNews.com WTLV-WJXX

Location 125 miles W of Ponce Puerto Rico Wind 60 mph Heading NW at 20 mph Pressure 29.62 Coordinates 68.5W, 17.6N Discussion

At 800 a.m. AST (1200 UTC), the center of Tropical Storm Isaias was located near latitude 17.6 north, longitude 68.5 west. Isaias is moving toward the northwest near 20 mph (31 km/h), and a west-northwestward to northwestward motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected over the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the center of Isaias will move over Hispaniola later today and near the southeastern Bahamas by tonight or early Friday. Isaias is forecast to be near the central Bahamas Friday night and approach the northwest Bahamas or southern Florida Friday night and Saturday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph (95 km/h) with higher gusts. Little change in strength is anticipated until landfall in Dominican Republic later today, with re-strengthening forecast on Friday and Saturday.

Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 415 miles (665 km) from the center. Tropical-storm-force winds are occuring along the southern coast of Puerto Rico. A weatherflow station in yabucoa tanque de agua reported sustained winds of 46 mph (74 km/h) with a gust to 56 mph (91 km/h). A weatherflow station at las mareas reported sustained winds of 43 mph (69 km/h) with a gust to 54 mph (87 km/h).

The estimated minimum central pressure is 1003 mb (29.62 inches).

Changes with this advisory:

None

Summary of watches and warnings in effect:

A tropical storm warning is in effect for, * Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra * U.S. Virgin Islands * British Virgin Islands * Dominican Republic entire southern and northern coastlines * north coast of Haiti from le mole st Nicholas eastward to the northern border with the Dominican Republic * Turks and Caicos Islands * southeastern Bahamas including the acklins, crooked island, long cay, the inaguas, mayaguana, and the ragged islands * central Bahamas, including cat island, the exumas, long island, rum cay, and san salvador

A tropical storm watch is in effect for, * northwestern Bahamas including andros island, new providence, eleuthera, abacos islands, berry islands, grand Bahamas island, and bimini

Interests in Cuba and the Florida peninsula should monitor the progress of this system.

A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected somewhere within the warning area within 36 hours.

A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 48 hours.

For storm information specific to your area in the United States, including possible inland watches and warnings, please monitor products issued by your local National Weather Service forecast office. For storm information specific to your area outside of the United States, please monitor products issued by your national meteorological service.

Key messages for Isaias can be found in the tropical cyclone discussion under awips header miatcdat4, wmo header wtnt44 kNHC, and on the web atwww.hurricanes.gov/text/MIATCDAT4.shtml.

Wind: tropical storm conditions will continue across portions of the U.S. And British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico through this morning or early afternoon. These conditions are forecast to reach portions of the Dominican Republic and Haiti within the warning area later this morning, and the southeastern Bahamas and Turks and Caicos this afternoon. Tropical storm conditions are expected in the central Bahamas beginning Friday morning and are possible in the northwestern Bahamas beginning late Friday.

Rainfall: Isaias is expected to produce the following rain accumulations:

British and U.S. Virgin Islands and Turks and caicos: 3 to 6 inches.

Puerto Rico and northern haiti: 3 to 6 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 8 inches.

Dominican republic: 4 to 8 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 10 inches.

Bahamas: 4 to 8 inches.

Cuba: 2 to 4 inches, with isolated maximum totals of 6 inches.

These rainfall amounts will lead to life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides, as well as potential riverine flooding beginning today. Urban and small stream flooding is expected for the U.S. Virgin Islands, eastern Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola.

Surf: swells generated by Isaias are affecting portions of the Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the southeastern Bahamas. These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather office.

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Isaias Causing Life-Threatening Flash Flooding And High Winds Over Puerto Rico - WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando

Theres a reason they say, Its better in the Bahamas. Take a dip in those gorgeous aqua waters and youll know why. When the Bahamas are ready for U.S. visitors, you can find all safety and protocol information in detail on Bahamas.com.

Maybe youve been to Nassau/Paradise Island, but theres so much more to the Bahamas. Venture further afield this time. Here are some other spectacular spots for a Bahamian escape.

The Exumas

The Exumas are an archipelago of 365 cays and islands. They say good things come in threes. In this case, its Great Exuma, Little Exuma and The Exuma Cays. Each is its own world. If youre looking for A-listers, youre likely to find them in the Cays, when theyre not cocooning in their lavish homes and condos. Great Exuma and Little Exuma are chill spots. One wow factor is the Mile-long Sandbar, a stretch of white sand that emerges from the blue-green water at low tide. Then there are the pigs. Pig Island at Big Major Cay, a little uninhabited island close to Staniel Cay, is home to the cutest swimming pigs. Theres more to the story, the Thunderball Grotto, underwater caves, and on Compass and Sampson cays, unspoiled beaches, cliffs and lagoons. Expect a color explosion in reefs and waters at the Exumas Cays Land and Sea Park and Warderick Wells Marine Sanctuary.

Andros

Andros is likely to be the next hot thing in the Bahamas. This is the largest island in the Bahamas but also the least inhabited. Its home to the worlds third largest barrier reef and numerous blue hole ocean caves. Andros may be a secret to many people, but not to bone fishers who call it the bone fishing capital of the world. Andros is ideal for snorkeling, diving, sailing and any kind of boating. Andros is where youll find the oldest dive shop on the planet. The recently opened ultra-fab Caerula Mar is an ideal option for your home away from home.

Long Island

Youve probably heard stories about Deans Blue Hole, the second deepest blue hole in the world, 80 x 120 feet wide on the surface and 330 feet wide and 60 feet down. Long Island is where youll find this natural wonder. The Tropic of Cancer runs directly through the island, giving it two distinct coastlines, one with cliffs and caves and vigorous Atlantic waves and the other, a sandy edged lee side which slopes calmly into the Bahamas Bank. Long Island is also home to the ruins of St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, the oldest church in The Bahamas.

San Salvador

If youre not a diver, you might not be gung-ho about going to San Salvador. But if you are, youre in heaven with more than 50 dive sites. Youll find reefs, ruins, shipwrecks, and walls. Devils Claw and Vickys Reef are home to stingrays and sharks; French Bay has unique Elkhorn and staghorn coral. The water wonderment doesnt stop there. The Great Lake Preserve in the middle of San Salvador is a protected area stretching the entire length of the island. Its 10 miles long and two miles wide. Its ideal for bird watching.

Acklins & Crooked Islands

Talk about remote. This is off the beaten path for sure. Acklins is one of the least known and most preserved islands in The Bahamas. If youre in the mood for privacy this is the spot. Think very secluded beaches. Where this area shines though is bone fishing. For a step back in the past, Crooked Islands French Wells and Gun Point settlements recall the days of plantations.

Cat Island

If youre looking for wild revelry this is not the island for you. Cat Island is the most secluded in the Bahamas. Only about 1,700 people live there. Dont expect an array of restaurants, bars and uber luxe resorts. This is a place to go to collect your thoughts and settle yourself. Maybe you start to write that novel. You might want to go next June for the Annual Rake & Scrape Festival when the Bahamas indigenous music is celebrated.

See the article here:

For future travel plans: it's really better in the Bahamas - Amsterdam News

Health Alert U.S. Embassy Nassau, The Bahamas July 22,2020

Location:Turks and Caicos Islands

Event:Mandatory Health Requirements for Entering the Turks and Caicos Islands

TheTurks and Caicos Islands announced a mandatory entry requirement program called TCI Assured upon the reopening of its international borders on July 22, 2020. Entry requirements are subject to modification, given the ongoing global pandemic. We urge you to closely monitor the below referenced webpages, the U.S. Embassy Nassau website, and your travel vendors (air carriers and hotels) before your anticipated travel.

As of July 22, the current travel requirements for the Turks and Caicos Islands are as follows. You will need to closely monitor official information sources for any possible updates.

The health entry requirements and link to the application are available at https://turksandcaicostourism.com/. FAQs are available at: https://turksandcaicostourism.com/tci-assured-faqs/.

Please direct any questions to the Ministry of Tourism at https://turksandcaicostourism.com/contact-us/.

Upon Arrival

The Department of State Global Level 4 Health Advisoryfor COVID-19 remains in effect.

Visit the local government COVID-19webpagefor updated information.The Ministry of Healths COVID-19 hotline numbers are +1-649-333-0911 and +1-649-232-9444.

Effective March 16, U.S. Embassy Nassau suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit ourwebsitefor additional information.

Actions to Take:

Assistance

U.S. Embassy Nassau, The Bahamas#42 Queen Street, Nassau+1-242-322-1181ACSNassau@state.govU.S. Embassy Nassau webpage

For U.S. Citizens in an Emergency

Call State Department Consular Affairs at+1 888-407-4747 (when dialing from within the U.S.)+1 (202) 501-4444 (when dialing from overseas)

Enroll inSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive Alerts.Follow us onFacebookandTwitter

By durazoda | 27 July, 2020 | Topics: Alert

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Health Alert - Turks and Caicos Islands - US Embassy in The Bahamas

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis speaks in the House of Assembly. (BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Senior Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said Bahamians who travelled to the United States when the borders reopened this month lacked discipline and caused a surge in COVID-19 cases.

He said before the borders were reopened, his administration considered prohibiting residents from leaving the country but feared the political fallout of doing this while allowing tourists to move freely in and out of the country. Had residents been prohibited from travelling, he said the decision would have been discriminatory and unconstitutional but would have prevented spread of COVID-19 while boosting the economy.

Dr Minnis said 40 percent of the recent COVID-19 cases are because Bahamians travelled to virus hotspots, a number he expects to increase as more analysis is done.

His comments came before parliamentarians passed a resolution extending the state of emergency to September 30.

... Governments will be placed in situations where at some point in time they will have to make what they call discriminatory or unconstitutional decisions against their people in the interest of the advancement of their nation. We could not (do that) and the statistics are verifying that if we did, Riu and other hotels wouldve been opened and doing well, he said.

The Riu hotel announced this week that it will temporarily close on July 28.

Residents and tourists were not treated entirely the same when the countrys borders reopened. Unlike tourists, short-term travellers who left for 72 hours or less were not required to produce a negative RT-PCR test result and on their return to the country many were not entered into the Hubbcat system that monitors people in quarantine. Many were also not placed into a government designated quarantine facility.

Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin criticised Dr Minnis during her contribution to the debate, saying it was the government that dropped the ball by letting people travel to the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic and not quarantine them when they returned.

Dr Minnis said: We demonstrated as Bahamians the lack of discipline in that as our borders were opened there was mass migration to the hotspot despite a warning, we migrated, mass migration both from New Providence, Grand Bahama and to a limited extent Family Islands.

The case we wouldve heard of Inagua, that was Inaguas residents who left Inagua, went to Florida, father, the son, subsequently become infected and en route back to Inagua it was discovered they were positive and were subsequently held here in New Providence and managed appropriately.

No, they did not return to Inagua with the virus. What that demonstrates is the entire Bahamas archipelago travelled to the various hotspots. What that demonstrates, had we made a firm decision to ensure and prevent Bahamians from travelling, we wouldve been in a better position but to make such a decision would have been considered unconstitutional.

I would have and the government would have been accused of being the most dictatorial government. We would have been and I wouldve been accused of an abuse of power. But power is only abused when used unnecessarily but when it is used for the correct purpose it is not abused. We as a government, we refused, though we thought about it, we refused to make that decision to place a travel embargo on Bahamians and allow others to come in but what would have happened had we done that? The opposition, the people, the media, etc, would have lambasted us for doing that.

They would not have known what the possible outcome wouldve been. We wouldve been a successful nation but we wouldve been a destroyed grouping. We were afraid to make that decision. We were already being threatened by members of the opposition to be taken to court on constitutional violations so could you imagine what wouldve happened? We made the decision not to make an unconstitutional decision though we wouldve been better off and as a result of the decision that we made, allowing everybody to travel, we are seeing the results today. In todays world because of how we react and how we respond, that was the correct decision because we wouldve not known that this wouldve possibly been the outcome and it was essential that we know what is the outcome.

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As The Bahamas is rocked by 55 new cases, PM says: 'We were afraid to stop travel' - Bahamas Tribune

Tropical storm warnings extend from the Lesser Antilles to parts of the Bahamas, including Puerto Rico, as Tropical Storm Isaias (ees-ah-EE-ahs) moves into the Greater Antilles and could affect Florida this weekend and parts of the eastern U.S. early next week.

The disturbance formerly known as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine developed a closed circulation south-southwest of Puerto Rico, Wednesday night, allowing the National Hurricane Center to reclassify the system as a tropical storm.

(MORE: Hurricane Season Terms You Need to Know)

The latest watches and warnings are shown in the map below, from the Leeward Islands to the central Bahamas. A warning means tropical storm conditions are expected in the next 36 hours. A watch means tropical storm conditions are possible within 48 hours.

Watches and Warnings

Bands of heavy rain and squalls continue to rotate through the northern Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and are beginning to arrive in the Dominican Republic. At times, these bands are producing wind gusts above 40 mph.

One squall produced a 52 mph gust as it swept through St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands late Wednesday morning. A wind gust to 51 mph was clocked at San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wednesday afternoon.

Current Radar, Satellite, Watches and Warnings

Below is a look at what we know about the forecast for any potential U.S. and Caribbean impacts.

The NHC projected path below shows that this system could be located near or on either side of the Florida Peninsula by this weekend, then gradually northeastward. However, this forecast is not nearly as straightforward as it might seem.

Current Information and Projected Path

There are a number of reasons for this uncertainty.

First, this system is in a formative state, with transient centers of circulation that may hop around over the next day or so.

Eventually, one cluster of thunderstorms may begin to take over in this large storm. Where exactly that occurs is uncertain, and could cause a shift to the position, and, hence, the forecast path of this system.

This system also has multiple obstacles to combat with the next few days that are important for its potential mainland U.S. future.

One of those obstacles could be a track of this system over the mountainous terrain of Hispaniola - Dominican Republic and Haiti - long known as a hurricane shredder with mountains up to 10,000 feet elevation.

The mountainous terrain of Hispaniola can significantly impact tropical cyclones and disturbances.

Hispaniola could either be a speed bump or completely shred the system as it passes through Thursday.

But there's an alternative scenario in which the main area of low pressure could finally form north of Hispaniola, avoiding the "shredding scenario" over land.

This system may also have to battle unfavorable upper-level winds - producing what meteorologists refer to as wind shear - along its Caribbean and Bahamas track. This is a nemesis of tropical cyclones.

Current Satellite, Wind Shear Analysis

The bottom line is that it's too early to precisely determine this system's future track and intensity, especially with regard to the mainland U.S.

It's even possible the system could be ripped apart, or at least weakened by any of the aforementioned obstacles before it ever nears Florida.

As it stands now, the system, in whatever form, is expected to arrive in eastern Florida Saturday, and possibly central or northern Florida Saturday night into Sunday.

However, the possible outcomes with regard to the mainland U.S. ranges from a track into the eastern Gulf of Mexico to a track over at least parts of the U.S. East Coast to a near-miss of the Eastern Seaboard.

This is due to the steering features in the atmosphere - the Bermuda high and an upper-level dip in the wind flow over the Mississippi Valley - as well as the strength of the system.

In general...

-Farther west track: If the system is weaker and/or the Bermuda high is stronger and extends farther west.

-Farther east track: If the system is a bit stronger and/or the Bermuda high is not as strong and farther east.

Steering Factors in Play

Furthermore, if wind shear isn't too hostile and the system avoids as much land as possible, warm water is plentiful, and could allow the system to intensify more than expected.

Residents along the Southeast and Gulf Coasts should monitor the progress of this system closely and have their plans ready to go, in case they're needed.

This system is producing strong wind gusts and bands of heavy rain over the U.S. territories.

Current Wind Field

Conditions in the northern Leeward Islands should improve Thursday.

Heavy rain and gusty winds in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands will last into Thursday morning before conditions improve.

For the Dominican Republic and Haiti, their worst conditions with the system will occur from Thursday morning through Thursday night.

Conditions will begin to deteriorate in the southeast Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Thursday afternoon, with rain and squalls possible into Friday.

While some rain is needed to help the long-term drought in eastern and southern Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, locally heavy rainbands will likely trigger dangerous flash flooding and mudslides, particularly in higher terrain.

Hispaniola's mountainous terrain will also make it very prone to flooding and mudslides. Locally up to 8 inches could fall in some areas through Thursday.

Rainfall Forecast

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Original post:

Disturbance in the Caribbean Becomes Tropical Storm Isaias; Could Have Impacts to Florida This Weekend - The Weather Channel

COMMENTARY

When the Bahamas closed its doors to American visitors this week because of the U.S.s catastrophic inability to control the new coronavirus you could hear the payback.

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The countries that come out of this better will be the disciplined countries, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis said in what many took as a dig at President Trumps widely condemned pandemic leadership. Countries and people who do not follow sensible public health advice will have more deaths, sickness and chaos.

The leader of one of the small, poor and predominantly Black island nations Trump likes to call shitholes is reminding us the world considers Trumps America an epidemiological sinkhole a place where public health discipline disappears.

READ MORE: Political Paella: Why the 'Goyaffair' Could Really Hurt - or Really Help - Trump

It was especially notable coming from Minnis and especially as we near the dangerous days of the hurricane season. After Hurricane Dorian destroyed the northern Bahamas last September, Trump made a political base-pleasing point of denying Bahamians escaping the devastation a customary visa waiver. They could have entered the U.S. temporarily to recover and regroup but it was too risky, Trump insisted. In racist Trumpese, he said too many refugees might be very bad people and some very bad gang members and some very, very bad drug dealers.

In one instance, Trumps edict got more than 100 Bahamian evacuees, including children, booted off a ferry boat headed for Florida in the days after the deadly storm, when food and fresh water were scarce.

The leader of one of the small, poor and predominantly Black island nations Trump likes to call shitholes is reminding us the world considers Trump's America an epidemiological sinkhole.

That insult stung Bahamians more because by then, they and everyone else in the Caribbean were all too aware of why the hurricanes slamming them today are bigger and stronger. Scientists say the reason is climate change global warming caused largely by the greenhouse carbon belched into the atmosphere not by small, poor and predominantly Black island nations like theirs, but by large, rich and industrialized countries like the U.S.

A few days after Dorian ravaged The Bahamas, I toured Grand Bahama island with a local Anglican pastor named Father Stephen Grant. He showed me not just the destruction but several examples of how monsters like the near-record storm surge could have been mitigated. Sites, for example, where watershed construction would make a difference.

It can be done, Grant told me as we stood outside a house where storm surge had claimed the lives of a family trapped in the attic. But we need help from the countries like yours that bear a certain responsibility for this new kind of storm phenomenon.

Minnis said much the same thing to CBS 60 Minutes a few months later when he showcased the infrastructure changes The Bahamas is pursuing, like solar-powered energy microgrids, to make its vulnerable islands more storm-resilient.

We cannot afford italone, Minnis said, adding, First World nations should contribute because they make the greatest contribution to climate change.

VERY INFECTIOUS PEOPLE

Now Minnis is saying, as he indefinitely bars U.S. commercial flights and ships from entering The Bahamas, that the First World nation next door presents the greatest threat of COVID-19 transmission. I doubt anyone but Trump and MAGA World would have objected if the Prime Minister had also remarked that too many American tourists might be very infectious people, very infectious mask-rejecting gang members and some very, very infectious hydroxychloroquine dealers.

In fact, given the surreal corona-chaos were witnessing in U.S. hotspots like Florida, Minnis actually would have been justified tossing in a jibe like that as opposed to the bogus, bad-hombre aspersions Trump cast on Bahamians whod just had their homes razed by 200-mph winds.

Minnis has reason to be nervous. Yes, The Bahamas has a population of fewer than 400,000 and has recorded fewer than 200 COVID-19 cases. But more than a quarter of those infections were registered since just last Saturday. Thats the kind of spike that, given this pandemics insidious history, prods responsible heads of state to take measures like putting Grand Bahama under a two-week lockdown, as Minnis also did this week.

What the Bahamas cant do is ban the effects of Americas carbon emissions or make the U.S. share the cost of hurricane defense. But it can ban contagious Americans. And deliver Trump a little well deserved payback along the way.

See the original post:

Tit For Tat For Trump In The Bahamas: Now Americans Are The 'Very Bad People' - WLRN