‘Beware early celebration in COVID fight’ – cleric

Barbadians were Friday urged not to let their guard down in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic as its economic fallout leaves many jobless and struggling to make ends meet.

Speaking in the Senate on the Barbados Humanitarian Service Award Bill, Senator Reverend Dr John Rogers said he detected a note of celebration among fellow senators on the national accomplishments in effectively managing the pandemic thus far.

But the Anglican cleric warned that the pandemic is not over yet, and may not be anytime soon.

He declared: “It is far from over and we have done well here thus far.

“We have all put our hands to the plough, we have done what we have to do to make sure that we protected each other, but let us not drop our guard at this time.

“There is a vaccine on the way, but it’s not here yet.”

The independent senator pointed out that humanitarianism is still necessary and will have to continue in the coming year as the country continues to grapple with the impact of the pandemic.

He said there are still many people who are jobless, while many heads of households are struggling to provide for their families, including parents who do not know where to find the next meal for their children.

“And this will go on for a long time perhaps in the coming year because where tourism our main stay is regarded, we have to wait until others sneeze so that something can reach to us. So there will be sometime before any sense of normalcy return to Barbados,” he said.

Senator Rogers said his remarks are not intended to put a damper on the festive season, but rather to make the point that this Christmas will be a ‘hard candy’ for some people.

“It will not be easy and so we have to remember our brothers and sisters in the hospitality industry who have been out of work for a long time, those children who will not have the joy of receiving presents this year as they would have in the past.”

The Reverend also used the opportunity to thank all those who attended Thursday’s toy service, at the St George Parish Church for which he is the Rector in charge. He said the toys will be donated to less fortunate children.

“Let us continue to be vigilant, let us continue to keep our hands on this pandemic. When we meet with our families and friends this year, let us wear our masks, practice social distancing and do what is necessary to ensure we keep things under control here on this island,” he said.
(AH)