NASSAU, The Bahamas – Administrator for Central Eleuthera, Ms. Whelma Colebrooke says that residents in her district have been managing well during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the fact that there are three cases and one death on that island. There are six townships in the Central Eleuthera District, including Semana Sound, Palmetto Point, Governor’s Harbour, James Cistern, Hatchett Bay and Gregory Town. During an interview on Thursday, 20^th August, she said that everyone is working to ensure that things run smoothly in the midst of the pandemic.

“Right now, we are in a state of ‘all hands on deck,’ she said. “Currently, due to the fact that there is a shortage of police officers and nurses in the district, we are all assisting with policing the communities to ensure that people respect the orders and follow all of the safety protocols, including the wearing of masks, sanitizing of hands and social distancing when carrying out their daily activities.” She said that there is also a  ‘No mask, No entry,” policy implemented at the Administrator’s Office.

Despite the fact that local government elections were postponed in the Emergency Powers issued on June 2, Ms. Colebrooke said that all the respective District Chairpersons have been assisting in various ways. In addition, she said the Central Government staff is manning the streets to ensure that persons are following the orders. She said that they are also working closely with police, nurses and doctors.

Ms. Colebrooke said that as it relates to hurricane preparations, she has been participating in virtual meetings with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to ensure that the proper protocols are followed should the need arise.

Local government elections will now be held within three months of the cessation of the Emergency Powers Orders.