PDP encourages Government to protect island’s frontline workers

PDP encourages Government to protect island’s frontline workers

The People’s Party for Democracy and Development (PDP) has stepped forward, urging the current administration of Barbados to ensure that frontline workers of the island are cared for and properly protected against the COVID-19 virus.
These concerns were raised yesterday at a press conference at the Worthing Corporate Centre hosted by the PDP with members, spokesperson for Health, Wellness and Environment Paul Gibson, Reverend Paul Leacock, the spokesperson for Social Care and Ethical Matters and spokesperson for Agriculture Reverend John Carter present. Gibson explained that as a party, they saw the necessity to put on the table what had been identified as areas the government should take a look at. 

Rev. Leacock contended that while the opposition party stood committed to support the response of the government to COVID-19 this far, the party must lend a voice to the problem so that every measure that can be taken, is taken for the safety and security of the people. Gibson went on to thank all the members of the medical force and those on the front line who were actively taking care of Barbadians and visitors alike. The concern however was if each of those persons were adequately provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety while carrying out their various duties.

“We as an opposition grouping believe that we need to ensure that our frontline workers, our military, immigration, customs, nurses, medical staff, police and defence force are properly protected because of being on the frontline,” said Gibson.

Not only those on the frontline are to be cared for said Gibson, but also the homeless and less fortunate of the island. 

“We are also very concerned about the indigent and the homeless. They need to know where to go, they need to know what protective procedures and methodologies are available for that grouping as they are very nomadic in behaviour, in moving from place to place,” highlighted Gibson.

The PDP acknowledged that they had received calls from various people on the frontline expressing concern for their safety and moved to aid some of those in need with equipment and will continue to work towards helping anyone who reaches out. The proposals by the PDP as explained by Gibson and Rev. Leacock were discussed and presented in order to throw more ideas into the pool to help but equivocally, not for any political gain.

“Our recommendations here must not be viewed as spoken or elsewhere for partisan, political or personal gain but for the preservation of the lives of our people and the progress of our nation which has been interrupted by this pandemic and now manifests itself within our borders,” reiterated Rev. Leacock. (AS)