Public trust always demands transparency

If there is one force capable of swiftly eroding public trust, it is a lack of transparency. This principle holds as true in personal relationships as it does in the relationship between governments and their citizens. When it comes to matters of public health—where anxiety, fear, and misinformation can spread just as rapidly as disease—openness is not an option; it is essential.

Barbadians are currently grappling with two conflicting narratives regarding an outbreak of scabies at the island’s main geriatric institution, located at Beckles Road, St Michael. The Government, through the Ministry of Health and Wellness, has released one version of events. The Opposition, through Democratic Labour Party (DLP) spokesperson on health Senator Andre Worrell, has released another. Somewhere in between, the public is left to decipher the truth.

Scabies, a skin condition caused by mites that burrow into the skin, is highly contagious and causes intense itching. While it is not life-threatening, it spreads easily in environments where people live in close quarters—such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.

While it may not be a disease of major public health significance, as health officials insist, that assertion does not diminish the distress or the potential consequences if the outbreak is not handled properly.

Earlier this week, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Kenneth George confirmed that nine scabies cases had been identified at the Geriatric Hospital. In that announcement, he also confirmed that public visits had been suspended to prevent the infection from spreading further. Seeking to allay public concerns, Dr George emphasised that scabies, while uncomfortable and contagious, does not rise to the level of a serious public health emergency.

“This is not the first time we have had scabies in the Geriatric Hospital,” Dr George said. “The patient population at the Geriatric Hospital is indeed susceptible—they are a vulnerable population.”

However, in the 48 hours following that statement, a much more alarming picture was painted by the political opposition. Senator Worrell, citing information allegedly obtained from within the hospital itself, claimed that the actual number of confirmed cases is not nine, but 24.

He provided a breakdown of infections across specific wards and highlighted a growing number of cases among hospital staff. Worrell alleged a critical shortage of protective gear and even basic supplies such as soap for laundering linens.

“The situation is increasingly concerning and appears to be deteriorating, posing a risk of transmission beyond the hospital environment into homes, schools, and workplaces,” Senator Worrell claimed. “With the upcoming Crop Over Festival, the potential for wider community spread is notably high.”

The CMO, for his part, swiftly rejected these claims. He insisted the situation was under control, reiterated that the infection had not spread beyond the facility, and denied that the number of infections had reached 24.

So now the public finds itself caught between two competing accounts: one from the country’s top health official, and the other from a political figure with apparent access to inside information.

This editorial is not about placing blame on either side. Instead, it is a call for greater transparency from all involved. The country has been here before. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government’s consistent communication and data-sharing helped to build public trust. People felt informed, even if they did not always agree with the policies being implemented. That level of transparency helped Barbados weather a global crisis with its social fabric largely intact.

If people begin to doubt official accounts, if they feel that information is being withheld or sugar-coated, confidence in the entire health system can erode. Already, Barbados has seen worrying declines in vaccine uptake, a sign of waning trust in public health authorities.

The Ministry of Health owes it to the public to be fully transparent about what is happening inside the Geriatric Hospital. This means providing frequent updates and openly addressing any shortcomings in infection control or supplies. Meanwhile, the Opposition should ensure that its claims are responsibly sourced.

Public health is not a partisan issue. It is a matter of national interest that demands honesty, accountability, and a unified approach. We cannot afford to let ambiguity, distrust, and poor communication undo the progress made over many years.