#BTSpeakingOut – Errors in dealing with COVID-19 pandemic

The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY.

by John Goddard

One of the greatest problems in our country is the lack of trust citizens have of those in authority. And people seem to be especially suspicious of what politicians say. That is why I warned over a year ago that ministers and other political affiliates were playing too prominent a role in addressing the public on COVID related issues.

The role of the Minister of Health is understandable, but the task of giving information to the public and encouraging persons to be vaccinated should have been left to the Chief Medical Officer, his senior staff and Dr. Corey Forde.

Also, we made a big error in not educating Barbadians well in advance of the distribution of vaccines. In not doing so, the authorities allowed the conspiracy theorists and purveyors of fake news to get a head start. Now, it is difficult for the facts to catch up.

Government erred in using the pandemic as an opportunity for the Prime Minister and her team to display their PR skills. However, political optics do not work well in the face of a serious health crisis. Hiring David Ellis was another error.

The current situation does not require another PR person; the need is for a credible voice like Dr. Corey Forde’s as well as the testimonies of some who have recovered from the virus. David would serve the cause better by using his well-known journalistic skills to guide discussion on the call-in programmes.

The revelation that government had facilitated a failed attempt by a company, formed by Mr. Mark Maloney, to order vaccines for sale to Barbados, The Bahamas and St. Lucia has not helped the effort to encourage reluctant Bajans to take the jab.

And the argument that Barbados has not lost any money in the deal is not particularly comforting. A country has to exercise due diligence when it backs a business venture designed to benefit its citizens. This is especially so when dealing with COVID vaccines which have reportedly attracted some undesirable sales speculators. Our reputation is, at least as important as money.

Notwithstanding the errors made, I wish to encourage my fellow countrymen and women to take the vaccination.

Though not a cure, it can reduce the severity of illness from COVID and save lives.

John Goddard, retired but always an educator.