Last Updated on March 18, 2020, 7:18 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Rt Hon Dr Denzil L Douglas St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party’s Political Leader reemphasized on his call for a unified approach to deal with the COVID-19.Dr Douglas, in a video address to the nation, called for strict price control to prevent gouging, a stimulus package for businesses, starting an unemployment stipend to those who are financially challenged and week, suspension of payments on student and other loans and mortgages, a halt on penalties and late fees, recalling the retired nurses and special attention to the vulnerable groups and the elderly.
He said that the country needs a unified approach and to set aside all political and ideological differences and to coalesce around a joint and agreed strategy.
He said for this, last week his party had called on the Government to establish a National COVID-19 Task Force, and had indicated the Labour Party’s readiness and willingness to work with the authorities, all social partners and the private sector to save people’s lives and to protect the people of St Kitts and Nevis.
He said a National Taskforce should be formed which would consist of experts from the medical and infectious disease fraternity, business community and the civil society to develop a broad national strategy to address the issue of COVID-19.
He said that his party is responsible and has ideas about the way in which the matter of coronavirus should be handled. Also, there are many measures and steps which have been taken by other jurisdictions already, and they could be helpful in St Kitts and Nevis as well.
He said that the most essential measure is social distancing and that this measure needs to be implemented to stop the transmission of the highly contagious virus.
He urged that the Prime Minister and his administration should be proactive and honest while addressing the public regarding the protocols being followed and the precautions being taken.
Dr Douglas added that although there are no confirmed cases of the prepared to manage, contain, and detect the novel coronavirus.
Dr Douglas also said that it must be ensured that the best practices used around the globe are adopted and followed by St Kitts and Nevis as the impact on the health and economy of the country would be immense.
He said that the virus has already affected the tourism industry of the country and would affect all other sectors as well and also affect the health and education and economy of the country. Hence, the country needs to be prepared.
He said that the virus does not care about anyone’s political affiliations and so, everyone should come together to face the threat and minimize the effect of the virus on the country.
Dr Douglas again stressed that hygiene should be maintained and praised the institutions which have taken steps for social distancing.
Dr Douglas said that there is a need for more ventilators, respirators and ICU equipment in the country and that to keep the Healthcare machinery running, some retired nurses may be needed to be called back.
He also said that there is no doubt regarding the fact that every resident and citizen would face an economic impact due to the crisis so, he urged the Government to explore measures to help the vulnerable groups and the people facing adverse effects due to the crisis.
He further pointed out that he urges the Government to start an unemployment stipend to help the people who would lose their jobs or do not have jobs.
He urged everyone to be considerate of others and to look out for those who are most vulnerable, the mentally challenged, the elderly, the homeless and shut-ins to make sure that they too are doing okay.
He also said that the youths must remember that they can be vulnerable too.
He said that the country would overcome this challenge as well, and everyone should be caring, compassionate and calm.
In conclusion, he said that his thoughts and prayers are with all the fellow citizens and residents of St Kitts and Nevis.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
