DLP leader critiques tightened COVID-19 directives

Democratic Labour Party president Verla DePeiza has questioned Government’s rationale for an apparent increase in administrative powers in the latest COVID-19 directives, even though the positivity rate for the virus has dropped drastically over the last several weeks.

The new emergency directive which came into effect from last Sunday to run through to April 11 sees the night-time curfew shortened to  9 p.m. to 5 a.m. but a full lockdown of the country for Good Friday and Easter bank holidays. But DePeiza’s bone of contention with the new directive stems from the new powers the Government has in requisitioning land, property or transportation, to aid in the fight against the pandemic.

DePeiza who referred to her reservations with the first set of directives that were implemented in 2020, said that the current amendment to the emergency legislation is setting a precarious precedent, as it seemingly has no constitutional limits.

She said: “Into sharp focus now are the new Orders and Directives issued as the new Proclamation on Friday evening. Perhaps we have become more cynical and alert, but the questions are more pertinent now, having witnessed questionable actions in the last 12 months, including from the judiciary.

The Order, 2021, like the Order, 2020, gives sweeping powers to requisition the land, property, transport, supplies, and fuel owned by private citizens. It is silent as to the circumstances under which your property can be taken from you, or for how long. There is no appeal process outlined and no provision for compensation. On the other hand, the penalties are severe, ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.00. What are the constitutional safeguards?”

DePeiza also added that current curfew times and the Sunday shopping lockdowns do not mirror the administration’s declaration of success so far with the waning COVID-19 numbers.

She declared: “We are told, though, that our positivity rate is dropping, even with the caution that our testing rate also is dropping. The country is essentially opened for business again – we even talk of sending our unvaccinated children back to school. What then is the rationale for the continued night-time curfew and full lockdown on a Sunday? Is COVID an irreligious vampire? Or have we not crossed the line from protection to control? Is this the type of government you voted for?

“The Democratic Labour Party remains committed to its mandate of empowering our people and we shall continue to do so by holding the Government of Barbados to account when they seek to take away citizens’ sovereignty. We shall not let despotism reign with one person implanting policies on the people of Barbados without any explanation. We the citizens of Barbados deserve better.”
(SB)