Tuesday, June 16, 2026

De Peiza: Time to speak up on COVID

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President of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), Verla De Peiza, is calling on Government to make a definitive statement on the policy regarding COVID-19.

In a statement, De Peiza queried whether we have to “tough it out” or if there is a need for the introduction of “harsher measures”.

She was speaking in light of the 210 new cases and one death in the first 19 days of July.

The full statement follows:

What is the government’s policy on health as it relates to Covid? What are the benchmarks that indicate imminent need for a lockdown? How close are we as a country to that edge?

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) asks these questions in the context of 210 new cases and 1 death in the first 19 days of this month.

By any index this is alarming and a cause for concern; especially as we welcome visitors while grappling with our internal community spread and a seriously low uptake of the vaccine.

Clearly, a two-week part-time curfew meant nothing to the spread of the virus.

If the decision is that we tough it out, tell us outright.

If it is that we need to re-introduce harsher measures, say that too. This is not the time to be silent, but to speak up firmly.

The former leader was consistently accused of not speaking; this leader is emerging as one who is increasingly silent on critical issues.

This is a time when the country needs strong leadership and definitive policy articulation, no matter how unpopular the decision might be.

Talk to us! (PR/SAT)

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