Leader of the opposition Saint Lucia Labour Party, Philip J Pierre says he remains willing to cooperate with the government and engage in meaningful discussion in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
“I understand the critical situation which would have led the Prime Minister and his Cabinet to consider and effect a complete lockdown of the country. With the rising number of new COVID 19 cases which are locally contracted, it means that the virus is spreading in the country and it must be contained in order to avoid future calamity, we must all take social distancing, very, very seriously,” Pierre said in a statement yesterday.
“Our response to that call can determine whether we, our loved ones and our friends survive the pandemic or not. In my first address on COVID-19, I stated that we had to prepare for a complete shutdown of the country. We needed to give adequate attention to preparing the citizens for this drastic, though necessary step,” he added.
Pierre said the suddenness of the shutdown, with no prior notice, will cause much pain panic and despair to many people, especially those who do not have the capability to stock essential commodities in quantities that can last as long as the stated lockdown.
“There are areas in the country where people depend on community facilities like bathrooms, and toilets. Some arrangement for them to use such facilities must be factored in. There are also some among us who rear animals, whether cattle, pigs, poultry and the like, who must be given special consideration; those animals cannot be kept unattended for so long,” the opposition leader said.
He also spoke of the country’s farmers and fishers having a critical role to play in the country’s food security and therefore must be given special consideration.
“The special needs of the shut-in, elderly and disabled must also be factored in our plans. I have said before that we are living in extraordinary times and extraordinary measures need to be taken if we are to overcome this pandemic,” Pierre said.
Pierre, who represents the Castries East Constituency in parliament, noted that some amendments to the measures articulated by the Prime Minister in his Tuesday night address to the nation seem necessary.
“Example, during the period, special arrangements should be made for supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations to open on designated days and times to facilitate urgent needs. Adequate security arrangements will be required to ensure social distancing,” he said.
Pierre called on Saint Lucians to continue to take the current this situation very seriously and follow the guidelines being provided by the health and government authorities.
“I appeal to all citizens to exercise the greatest responsible behaviour at this time.” he said.
In an effort to cooperate with the government in this critical period Mr. Pierre should not abdicate his responsibility as opposition leader. The government cannot be given unlimited power to institute draconian measures under the guise of COVID-19. If we surrender our liberty for our security, we will have none. This is a new virus and we are all learning as we move forward but we should still demand transparency from our government.
where is the protest of the opposition on government decision to shut down the supermarkets and let the people stay without food ??? The little stock of the minimart was not enough and sold out very fast.
It looks it is acceptable with SLP politicians too when people have no access to food ?!?!?
If its party A or B, after election the people are forgotten, Sad but true.
.