NASSSAU, BAHAMAS — Grand Bahamas Chamber of Commerce president Greg Laroda yesterday warned that the island was “still in the fight” as Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced relaxed restrictions for businesses.
Laroda told Eyewitness News that the relaxation of more restrictions on businesses was great news for an island in dire need of economic activity.
However, he warned that the island should not let its guard down.
“We tried to get the word out to everyone that we are still in the fight,” Laroda said.
“We still have to make sure that we practice social distancing , sanitizing etc. The extent to which we can get the number down, we can see more restrictions being lifted. It was good to see the numbers here on Freeport come down and hopefully we eventually get to the point where all businesses can open with minimum restrictions.”
Laroda said the plan to have hotels reopen across the country next month is also welcomed news for the island of Grand Bahama.
“We were struggling from a tourism standpoint even prior to Hurricane Dorian,” he continued.
“Having almost no tourists on the island is a big miss and we would like to get back on track. We need to get tourists backs. We are known for great beaches, some of the best in the world and to think tourists would come here and not want to enjoy the beach is unrealistic.”
Laroda said: “They need to be able to move about the premises freely and go on the beach. Once you allow tourists on the beach that means that means that Bahamians will go as well and we must keep safety in mind as we continue to battle the spread of this virus.”
On Monday, Minnis commended Grand Bahamians for their “community spirit, sacrifice and discipline” which has helped to significantly reducing the spread of coronavirus on the island.
He also including a number of changes to the Emergency Orders, such as relaxed restrictions for businesses, including indoor dining at restaurants and in-store shopping at retail businesses.
