Bahamas High Commission, London

🇬🇧 The British High Commission Nassau is pleased to announce that applications for 2021/2022 Chevening Scholarships will open on 3 September and close on 3 November 2020. Please share this announcement and encourage people to apply.

📚 Chevening is the UK Government’s global scholarship programme that offers future leaders the unique opportunity for post graduate study in the UK.

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📚 If you have ambition, leadership potential, and a strong academic background, we encourage you to apply during the application window.

⚠️ Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the application window is shorter than usual. However, you can start preparing here: www.chevening.org/scholarships/who-can-apply

🇧🇸 Chevening Bahamas https://www.chevening.org/scholarship/bahamas/

📷 Sasha Dixon, Bahamian Chevening Alumni

Testing Protocol for Incoming Visitors

MESSAGE OF HIS EXCELLENCY ELLISON E. GREENSLADE, QPM, HIGH COMMISSIONER OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND ON THE OCCASION OF THE 47TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS

My fellow Bahamians, and friends of The Bahamas, I am delighted to bring greetings from The Bahamas High Commission in London on The Bahamas’ 47th anniversary of Independence. I also welcome this opportunity to express gratitude to our Honorary Consuls in parts of Europe and to The Bahamian diaspora and friends of The Bahamas in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, for the excellent representation that they continue to give on behalf of our beloved Country.

As we celebrate this year, we are patently aware that these are unprecedented times fraught with significant health, social, economic and environment challenges. It is therefore fitting to commend the Independence Committee for choosing such an appropriate theme which aptly reflects the need for “pressing onward: a time of hope, triumph, and transformation.”

Since our recorded history, the people of The Bahamas have demonstrated resilience, perseverance, and the strongest resolve in the face of adversity. Our motto of “forward, upward, onward together” grew out of this strong sense of national identity and community spirit. I have no doubt that, together, we will surmount the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and the existential threats of climate change and that we will reset our economy and reposition our lives to embrace “the new normal.”

On behalf of my wife and all staff at The Bahamas High Commission in London; Honorary Consuls in Italy, Germany, Greece, Sweden, France, and Malta; the Director and staff of the Bahamas Tourist Office Europe; the CEO and Managing Director and staff of the Bahamas Maritime Authority; the President and members of The Bahamian Diaspora in the United Kingdom; and the President and members of “Friends of The Bahamas in the United Kingdom,” it gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Government and the people of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas on this 47th Anniversary of Independence.

May God continue to bless the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas!

MESSAGE OF THE HONOURABLE DARREN A. HENFIELD, MP,
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 47TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE
OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS

My Fellow Bahamians,

Once again, we are celebrating our country’s sovereignty. Gaining independence and our identity as Bahamians on 10 July 1973, remain the most memorable and historic occasion for many of us. Today, we stand as a united people, proud of our heritage, culture, political stability, economic growth and stance in the international community.

This year’s theme, “Pressing onward: A time of Hope, Triumph and Transformation”, is truly a timely one. In the past year, we have faced many challenges as a nation. The catastrophic landfall of Hurricane Dorian on 1 September 2019 followed by the deadly and lingering COVID-19 pandemic this year, have been recorded in the annals of Bahamian history as two (2) of the most infamous events having occurred in an independent and modern Bahamas.

Our elders often speak of the brutal hurricanes that wreaked havoc on our country’s infrastructure, natural resources and economy. Despite the devastation and deficit acquired from disastrous hurricanes over the years, we continue to overcome the challenges encountered and rise as a strong, resilient people. Our resilience is evident throughout the archipelago; neighbours helping neighbours and friends helping friends in an effort to rebuild and restore that which was lost.

My brothers, sisters and friends,

In the midst of our rise from a catastrophic weather system, we were confronted with the infectious coronavirus that resulted in a global health crisis. We were forced to close our border, educational institutions, places of worship, beaches, corporate offices and local businesses in an effort to mitigate the spread of this deadly virus while ultimately protecting ourselves. Today, our proactive measures have significantly reduced the spread of COVID-19 and limited the number of casualties in The Bahamas. We give honour, glory and praise to Almighty God for His continued hand of protection over us during this time. With the reopening of our border, we continue to place our hope in God and seek after His wisdom and guidance that will allow us to triumph over all adversities as it relates to our economy.

My brothers, sisters and friends,

On behalf of the Government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I express sincere gratitude to our diaspora and our many international friends for the assistance given in both the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian and during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Likewise, I say thank you to our staff in The Bahamas’ overseas offices, who continue to promote and protect our interest abroad while strengthening our diplomatic relations. Colleagues, we greatly appreciate your unselfish service and patriotism to country. We continue to support your efforts as you advance our country’s foreign policy in the international community.

To all Bahamians, I encourage you to remain steadfast in your faith and trust in Almighty God. May we forever stand as a united people and press onward; being mindful that with God’s help, we will continue to triumph over challenges.

On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I extend best wishes to all Bahamians for a Happy Independence.

May God continue to bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

On the 4 July, 1973, the Treaty of Chaguaramas came into force which established the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The Bahamas joined CARICOM on 4 July, 1983 and continues to be an active member of the organization.

On this CARICOM Day, H.E. Ellison E. Greenslade QPM, High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the UK extends warm greetings to members of the Caribbean Diaspora in the United Kingdom.




Watch the video here:
https://t.co/aoULURxWNn

As of 1 July 2020, the border of The Bahamas will be open to all travellers: Nationals and Legal Residents Visitors from all countries, who meet the entry requirements Commercial Airlines Private aviation – Planes and charters Cruise ships Private ships and charters The requirement for a COVID-19 test is mandatory and it must not […]

As of 1 July 2020, the border of The Bahamas will be open to all travellers:

Nationals and Legal Residents
Visitors from all countries, who meet the entry requirements
Commercial Airlines
Private aviation – Planes and charters
Cruise ships
Private ships and charters
The requirement for a COVID-19 test is mandatory and it must not be older than ten (10) days.

All persons are required to do the RT PCR (molecular swab) test in advance with a negative/not detected result from a laboratory that is accredited or certified by CAP (College of American Pathologists), CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments), COLA Inc, JCI (Joint Commission International) or similar accrediting/certifying body for the jurisdiction.

All incoming visitors must present the COVID-19 RT-PCR Negative (Swab) Test results upon application for the Bahamas Health Visa and upon arrival.

Select individuals will be exempt from testing, which includes children under the age of ten, private pilots who do not deplane, and Bahamian citizens, residents and homeowners returning from English speaking CARICOM countries.

Children under 10 should not require a test provided such test is prohibited by the departing State’s Policy and such policy should be confirmed in writing.

In addition, Bahamian citizens and Legal Residents who have been out of The -Bahamas for less than 72 hours will not require a COVID-19 RT-PRC Test to re-enter.

All travellers will be required to complete an electronic application to obtain a Bahamas Health Visa Card, which can be found at travel.gov.bs. An automated response will be provided upon completion. Travellers should also upload their COVID-19 test result at this same website. All travellers must have their confirmation on hand upon arrival at their destination. This is a crucial step for contact tracing purposes.

For most travellers, no quarantine will be required upon arrival; however, travellers who show symptoms of COVID-19 will be transferred to an area away from other passengers for further evaluation. Bahamian residents who arrive in country without the appropriate test results will be required to quarantine.

Travellers will be required to wear a face mask in any situation where it is necessary to enforce physical distancing guidelines, such as when entering and transiting air and sea terminals, while navigating security and customs screenings, at baggage claim and in public spaces.

-end-

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE PRIME MINISTER’S NATIONAL ADDRESS 10 MAY

-Confirmed COVID-19 cases remain at 92. Fourth consecutive day without a confirmed case of COVID-19.

-183 Bahamians and residents returned home from abroad on Friday 8 May, 124 in home quarantine and 59 in government quarantine facility, in New Providence and Grand Bahama.

-After aircraft arrived in Grand Bahama it was discovered that one of the passengers on the flight is COVID-19 positive. Passenger traveling with three others. All four have been re-tested. Awaiting results. All passengers wore PPEs during the flight, which decreases the risk of exposure.

-Due to COVID-19 positive passenger boarding aircraft, all repatriation flights will be temporarily suspended until health officials advise otherwise.

-Gaming houses not allowed to operate under retail curbside and delivery services expansion allowed under Phase 1b.

-Civil Aviation Authority responsible for approving all incoming air traffic and the entry at any airport of any individuals under new COVID-19 Emergency Order.

-Upcoming budget will ensure that social welfare allocations are expanded to meet the basic food and other core needs of those who are economically displaced.

-Budget will make provision for expanded capital works and will seek to stimulate domestic private construction.

-Discussions on safe and appropriate time to fully re-open churches continue.

-In addition to six passengers who entered The Bahamas 29 April, an additional 6 persons have been allowed to enter the country since the borders were closed – 2 Bahamians, 1 permanent resident and three work permit holders (skilled technicians for specialized emergency work for utility services).

Read the Prime Minister’s full remarks https://bit.ly/3dw19JQ

Highlights from the Prime Minister's Press Conference providing an update on the Government's comprehensive response to the health, social and economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 virus. Read the Prime Minister's full remarks here: https://bit.ly/3ah9ajH