NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Gym operators yesterday expressed serious frustration after Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced the closure of the sector less than two weeks after gym facilities were allowed to reopen, with one owner telling Eyewitness News, “I don’t know where my next dollar is going to come from”.
Two weeks ago, the prime minister announced in Parliament that gyms across the country could reopen provided the necessary health and safety protocols were in place.
During an address in Parliament yesterday outlining restrictions for New Providence and Abaco, Minnis noted that gyms would be closed once again.
Matson Delancy, owner and head coach at Da Dungeon Fitness, told Eyewitness News: “For me it’s very frustrating.
“We’ve only been back in business for about two weeks. It’s unbelievable that there is no consideration for gym owners.
“There is nothing financially that has been put in place. They are not affording us NIB.
“There is no consideration for even letting us open at a certain percentage of capacity or certain hours of the day just to be able to put bread on our table.
“The bills aren’t stopping. My rent still needs to be paid. I am a few months behind and I’m trying to at least pay half my rent with my landlord.
“She has been lenient to some degree, but everyone has their breaking point.
“Apart from that, my utilities have to be paid.
“Without any clients to bring in or go to, that leaves us as gym owners or trainers to almost operate at a criminal level. I have a small space, about 1,000 square feet.
“Maintaining protocols, I can comfortably accommodate four or five persons.”
Delancy added: “I don’t know where my next dollar is going to come from.
“Even with online training a lot of people aren’t into it as it doesn’t give the same effect of physically being in a gym.
“Gyms have been at the very end of the line. Bars and other establishments have been allowed to open, but we can’t even do personal training to keep our businesses alive.
“I have put so much energy and time into doing something that I love. When the government does allow us to reopen again it may be too late.”
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