Local NewsNews Bajans have their say on Ellis’ appointment by Barbados Today 15/09/2021 written by Barbados Today 15/09/2021 2 min read A+A- Reset Share FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail 275 Some Barbadians appear to have no problem with the appointment of former journalist David Ellis as COVID-19 public advisor. But while some see it as an important choice of a credible and trusted voice in the middle of a pandemic, others see it as a shrewd political move. A Barbados TODAY news team hit the streets on Tuesday, to get reactions from the public on the appointment and to gauge the pulse of people on their thoughts on the current fight against COVID-19. Omar Squires said: “I think that they are doing a good job and doing what they can do. I think that they have been keeping the contact tracing strategy going well and because we aren’t as big as some places we are seeing some results that others aren’t seeing.” While staying far from commenting on the Ellis’ appointment, Squires said: “Based on the little that I know of what he has done so far, I think its a good move because the flow of information is crucial and to have appointed him here once he has done a good job so far and will continue. I think it’s a good move.” A man who identified himself only as Stephen described the appointment of the veteran journalist as a political coup by Prime Minister Mottley. You Might Be Interested In Crystal Beckles-Holder, 2nd runner up in regional competition GUYANA: Body of child found after gold mine collapses Barbadians asked to help with return tickets for Haitians He said: “Whether I agree with it or not it is a boss move because he appears to be non-partisan his voice is out there, most of Barbados knows David Ellis and most of Barbados respects David Ellis and most of Barbados would follow what he says… So I wouldn’t say its a party move I would say its a boss move by a thinking lady.” Stephen also weighed in on the new COVID-19 restrictions, telling Barbados TODAY that some of the measures are not as strict as they should be. “I think the present measures have not gone far enough, for instance, Friday and Saturday nights are when people congregate and socialize, Sunday night you seldom find that so therefore that nine o’clock curfew should be on Friday and Saturday nights not on Sunday nights,” he said. One man said he agreed with the move to appoint Ellis. He explained he sees it as another way to boost the message going out to communities. The man said: “We can’t continue like this all the time, any measure to help with the situation must be supported. For example, vaccination is an additional layer and protection to our problems, but we are still doing other things. I see this latest appointment as an additional way of getting the message across to people because time is not on our side.” (kobiebroomes@barbadostoday.bb) Barbados Today Stay informed and engaged with our digital news platform. The leading online multimedia news resource in Barbados for news you can trust. You may also like Tiny calypsonian, mighty message 21/06/2025 Questions surround umpires’ absence from BCA Under-13 competition semis 21/06/2025 Barbados ‘risks economic stagnation’ without urgent skills training reform 21/06/2025