President of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), Verla De Peiza, expressed relief that the Government of Barbados is taking measures to put the brakes on some activity to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
De Peiza issued a statement on Wednesday, one day after Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced the new restrictions, which go into effect from February 3 to 17.
Among the measures will be closure of supermarkets on weekends. There is to be no vending or sales at village shops. De Peiza said she hoped the latter would be revisited and also expressed condolences to those who died recently as a result of the virus.
The full statement follows:
Good day Barbadians, I have been bombarded by calls and messages regarding the presence of the Democratic Labour Party’s (DLP) presence at yesterday’s multi -sectoral meeting.
This is not a new development. Such is the practice in any national crisis in Barbados and this party has always played its part in the democratic process.
At this time, we would wish to place on record our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have fallen victim to this deadly 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.
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.
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.
What we need now is for Barbadians to recognise going forward the need to protect themselves and their loved ones: follow the protocols; stay home as much as possible; and above all else let us get 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. (PR/SAT)
