Relieved!

President of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), Verla De Peiza, is relieved that the Government has finally taken the step to implement a lockdown, to assist in the fight against the highly contagious and potentially deadly COVID-19 virus.

In a statement released yesterday, De Peiza, as she reflected on the measures announced Tuesday by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, that are to be put in place from February 3 to 17, in an effort to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus in this country, said that her Party has since last year been calling on Government to hit reset in the best interest of the country. Her comments came as she confirmed that the DLP did participate in the multi-sectoral meeting held by the Government on Tuesday. The political leader indicated that this is not a new development, contending that it is in keeping with any national crisis in Barbados, as she added that the DLP has always played its part in the democratic process.

“Having gone on record consistently since December of 2020 with our recommendation for a reset in relation to both the protocols and the need for a short lockdown, we are relieved that the Government has seen the wisdom of moving in that direction. We were not coping well. We truly needed to stop to catch ourselves. We know it will not be easy financially or mentally. But that is the position we have found ourselves in today,” she added.

While pleased with the decision to shut down temporarily, De Peiza voiced concern that village shops are to be excluded from the list of businesses allowed to operate during the pending lockdown. She alluded to the negative impact that such closures will have on some people in our country, and expressed hope that it will be reviewed.

“It is hoped though that the decision in relation to small village shops, which sustained us during the last lockdown, will be revisited. It is one area we had wished addressed. It must be remembered that for some, the village shop is their only shopping option and that $7.00 to get to the supermarket represents a large chunk of their budget,” she stated.

De Peiza went on to express heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have died as a result of the virus.

“To those who are ill we say to you: You are in the hands of some of the most accomplished medical professionals in the region. You must have the faith and confidence that you will get through this,” she stated.

Moreover, she called on Barbadians to recognise the need to protect themselves and their loved ones by following the protocols, staying home as much as possible, and getting back to our roots.

“It doesn’t only take a village to raise a child, but the village must look out for the vulnerable amongst us. Know your neighbour, help your neighbour. Together we can come out on the other side better than we were before,” she added.