Last Updated on May 27, 2020, 5:12 PM AST by Anthony Morris
A veteran medical practitioner has accused Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris of weaponizing the COVID-19 pandemic and the imposition of the State of Emergency for political advantage.
In a widely publicized editorial, Dr Patrick Martin said the imposition of a six-month state of Emergency by Prime Minister Harris had been used for the political advantage and as a cover to suspend fundamental freedoms and protections during an election period.
“This weaponization of the coronavirus also includes fearmongering at briefings and in addresses. The listener is pointed to despair and death in worse-affected countries. Then taken on a journey of horror telling of danger lurking under every grain of sand or blade of grass. The virus is depicted like a venomous snake that strikes and kills without discrimination,” said Dr Martin, who noted that after the stoking of fear, comes a clever, soothing reassurance that advisors and authorities are all acting selflessly to keep the population safe.
“If such altruism is true, then all official statements and actions should conform to science. For starters, the vast majority of affected persons have mild symptoms or no symptoms. In every country, the recovery rate is much higher than the death rate. These and other facts, call for balance in the briefings which is psychologically beneficial,” said Dr Martin.
The former CMO noted that the declaration of a state of emergency was essential to facilitate prevention and control measures. However, with the first virus wave contained, the need for extreme measures has evaporated.
COVID-19 is a health and development matter. Briefings should be about safety, health, security, empathy, and hope.
Dr Martin said briefings should also be about preparedness, particularly the envisioned blueprint for economic growth and resilience. The elections being called, all such ideas ought to contend to enable the electorate to make informed choices about the leadership, going forward.
“St. Kitts and Nevis’ democratic journey is paved with ancestral blood, sweat and tears that are fixed in the collective DNA. Citizens are accustomed to free and fair elections contested on a level playing field. Voters reserve the right to change their support. And, the power of social media first unleashed in the 2015 elections is pervasive,” said Dr Martin.
He said time will soon reveal how voters regard unfair and obsolete boundaries, rule by Cabinet decree, handpicked electoral officers and general fearmongering, among other things.
To my mind, it is irrational to seek to turn back the clock to “Massa Day”. I am persuaded that the continuing suspension of hard-won constitutional entitlements is for political advantage and cannot stand. In that regard, the weaponization of COVID-19 is entirely unethical.
He pointed out that since mid-April, advisors and ministers have been expressing joy with the success of the various measures. Self-congratulation has been louder than the credit given to the collective efforts of society.
“Nevertheless, the count of 15 cases in 61 days since border closure is conclusive proof that virus transmission has been interrupted. Additionally, unknown asymptomatic cases have not triggered community spread 37 days after the last confirmed case was announced,” said Dr Martin.
He noted that despite a robust testing strategy being shelved, advisors can confidently propose that the Federation has eliminated the first wave of the virus. And, that the acceleration of the phased easing of restrictions is scientifically justified at this time.
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.
