Gym operator grateful to be open again

Gym operator grateful to be open again

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — After a nine-month hiatus and mounting debt, a gym operator said yesterday he is grateful to be able to open and operate.

Empire Fitness CEO Dr Kent Bazard told Eyewitness News: “It’s been nine months. We are grateful to still be able to operate and still be in this business after all this time. We are thankful that we are able to open again and begin the road to recovery.”

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced yesterday that effective today, December 7, gyms on New Providence and Abaco may resume operations in accordance with Ministry of Health-approved guidelines.

Bazard noted that despite the mounting debt accumulated over the past several months while gyms were prohibited from operating, he remains optimistic that the industry will rebound.

“We have a deep hole to dig ourselves out of, not to mention that the economy is challenged. I do have a positive outlook and we will recover as long as everyone remains steadfast,” said Bazard, who cautioned the government against any further lockdowns.

“I hope we don’t go back to closing the country. We have to take a targeted approach to this thing. The country is not going to survive any more lockdowns.”