GG: “This too will pass”

In a speech meant to calm and assure nervous citizens, Governor General Dame Sandra Mason told Barbadians on Sunday night that as difficult as the current period was, “this too shall pass”.

In a televised ten-minute presentation that was also carried on social media, Dame Sandra, called on Barbadians to remain calm, follow the advice of health professionals, and focus on preventing further spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

In the unprecedented address to the country, the Governor General praised the efforts of Prime Minister Mia Mottley, as well as those professionals in the public and private sectors who were on the frontline of the national effort to keep COVID-19 at bay.

The deadly respiratory illness has killed thousands in Europe, Asia and the Americas. In Barbados, there have been 33 confirmed cases of the highly contagious disease.

“Countries around the world are on lockdown with national borders closed, citizens confined to their homes, and commerce at a near standstill. We are in troubled and unchartered waters,” the country’s leader noted.

However, she urged Barbadians not to be paralysed by fear. Dame Sandra called on citizens to rely on their faith and reminded them they were the descendants of resilient people.

“We must anchor ourselves in the knowledge that God is in control. . . . This country has faced difficult circumstances and global crises in the past, and doing so has made Barbadians stronger.”

The Governor-General reminded Barbadians this troubled time will pass, and use the shutdown and curfew period to reconnect with family and to teach the younger ones many of the traditions that have been fading. (IMC1)