GG urges calm, tells citizens to keep ‘Bajan spirit alive’

As the COVID-19 virus sweeps across the world and makes its presence felt here in Barbados, citizens and residents have been urged to value human life, comply with the curfew that is in place, and not to panic.

This came last night in a rare televised address to the nation by Governor General Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason. She told viewers that Barbados is as prepared and as ready as it can be to fight the virus, and lauded the Cabinet, the COVID-19 Czar, the Chief Medical Officer, other health professionals, ancillary services and Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley with her “surefooted leadership” for the tireless work they have been doing on the country’s behalf in the fight against the virus.

Dame Sandra, as she noted that she had signed into law the Emergency COVID-19 Curfew Directive, said that the world is in “troubled and unchartered waters”, with countries on lock down, national borders closed, citizens restricted to their homes and commerce at a near standstill.

“Understandably, dealing with the unknown makes us uncertain, anxious and fearful, but we must not let these feelings overwhelm or paralyse us... This nation has faced difficult circumstances and global crises in the past, and doing so has made Barbadians stronger. COVID-19 is pushing us once again to value human life, companionship, friends, relatives, neighbours, the sense of community and quiet time, [and] to be grateful for what we have,” she said.

Dame Sandra went on to speak glowingly of the Barbadian spirit, characterised by compassion, resilience and tenacity, and contended that we must keep that “Bajan spirit alive”, stating that in it “lies our past success and our current survival”. She made the point while reflecting on the various news reports on how the virus has overburdened the health systems of developed countries, and she was adamant that it is the responsibility of all Barbadians to cooperate with the Government and the relevant authorities to ensure that this country does not face a similar fate. Moreover, she urged Barbadians to also comply with the instructions given by the authorities as it relates to physical distancing and hygiene.

“Obey the law. Keep the curfew. Stay indoors. To do otherwise would be to undermine their hard work and to put ourselves and our families in jeopardy,” she warned.

She added, “...Staying inside will be difficult, but it is the only way to flatten the curve and defeat the spread of this disease. We must now practise social distancing, while still maintaining social interaction.”

Pointing to the hardship that some Barbadians may face at this time, the Governor General said efforts must be made to protect those in need. In that vein, she maintained that now is not the time for profiteering, panic buying or hoarding, as it would prevent others from getting essential supplies.

“It is in crises like this that heroes and heroines emerge. It is in times like this that a country can rise to have its finest hour. I want to thank all Barbadians working on the front lines of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic – healthcare professionals; the police force and the defence force; those in essential services; those maintaining our water and electricity services; those going to work every day to ensure Barbadians have food, medicine and other essentials; the supply truck and public vehicle drivers and our garbage collectors – all of these persons who are keeping this country running... We are thankful and salute each one of you for your selflessness and service,” she added.

Meanwhile, pointing out that the world is currently experiencing a dark period, she maintained all is not lost and that a bright future lies ahead. With that in mind, she urged Barbadians to hold each other up in prayer and do their part to keep each other safe and protected.
(JRT)