Some individuals steal from isolation facility on their way out

As COVID-19 sweeps across Barbados, another smaller outbreak threatens to adversely affect the island’s main isolation facility in St Lucy.

Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr Corey Forde says there have been several cases of theft at the Harrison’s Point facility.

“One of the very sad things that have happened over the last few months, and really the tide changed when the population changed at Harrison’s point, is that there is a lot of stealing of stuff within the facility. Pillows, sheets, kettles, you name it, and more recently a PlayStation. For me, there are two things for that that are important,” Forde said.

“One, you are not looking after your fellow Barbadian or visitor who is coming in by doing that, because you are taking away a comfort. [We] have to replace them and they come at an expense, and interestingly enough the expense is from us because it’s our tax payer dollars or people who donate. It’s hard for me to say that because I don’t want people not to donate because they think something will be stolen … but these are things we now need to replace, and it’s hard on the staff,” he explained.

Dr. Forde said it was incumbent on patients at the facility to take care of the items they are allowed to use during their stay, so that others who come after them can also use them in comfort.

“Any of the residents at the facility, I think they need to respect the property of the facility, and understand that these things are to help other people as well. We may help you at this point, and you may get over, and get out and get to go back to your families, but what about the other persons coming behind you? I think we got to start being our brother’s keeper in this scenario,” he added. (SB)