Pandemic heroes deserve salute

Senator Rudy Grant is defending Government’s decision to salute frontline workers helping to manage Barbados’ COVID-19 fight.

Making his contribution to the Barbados Humanitarian Service Award Bill 2020, which was passed in the Senate today, Grant said the frontline workers who continue to perform throughout the pandemic are deserving of being recognised for their hard work and dedication.

As a result, Grant said he fully supported the legislation designed to honour supermarket employees, security guards, hotel workers, and medical teams, for their contribution to efforts to contain the spread of the virus.

“There are many Barbadian workers who through their selflessness, who through their courage, who through their commitment throughout the COVID-19 environment sought to ensure that they kept Barbados going and I want Sir to join with Honourable Senators in acknowledging those persons in recognising their significant work and worth without thinking about themselves but putting the country first,” he said.

Grant also noted that at a time when many are unemployed, though Government has taken measures to assist those on the breadline, it is important that kind-hearted Barbadians play a role in assisting the less fortunate.

“I want to use this occasion to encourage Barbadians to get back to that community spirit. If there was one element that was common throughout the pandemic, it was that element of people giving and people sharing,” he said. (AH)