THE DEMOCRATIC LABOUR PARTY (DLP) is charging that there is a glaring unevenness in the way Government handles “ordinary citizens” and the “privileged” ones.
In a press statement yesterday, spokesman on labour Courie Cox questioned how Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley could find money and creative means to compensate visitors for their decision to travel during a pandemic, but could not find the means to compensate the front-line workers. He accused the Government of being big on promises and speeches and very limited in delivery.
“These loyal sons and daughters have been under tremendous pressure as they work in this ever-evolving environment. It’s important that we reward our essential workers in a meaningful and timely manner. It does not look good that while others are pampered to ease their frustrations, we continue to overlook those who protect us and keep our families safe,” he said.
However, he added the DLP was pleased to hear that the hazard allowances for front-liners announced months ago would be paid shortly.
His comments came as Barbadians continued to heavily criticise Government for offering to pay part of the hotel accommodation and in some cases give free flights to those visiting the island but confined to their quarters for longer than the 72 hours promised for the return of COVID-19 results.
“We are thankful for the social media outcry. Barbadians were unaware that the promise had not been fulfilled until the information was shared online. But the situation once again brought into the spotlight the glaring unevenness in handling of ordinary citizens compared with the treatment of the privileged in the Barbados COVID-19 response,” Cox said. (PR/AC)
