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Police Say Individuals Are Disobeying Curfew Hours, Gov’t Responds With Total Lock Down

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Police Say Individuals Are Disobeying Curfew Hours, Gov’t Responds With Total Lock Down

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Monday 30th March 2020)-Having received police reports that some individuals are not staying at home during curfew hours for the state of emergency set two days ago, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Timothy Harris today announced a 24-hour total lockdown system spanning some three days, effective tomorrow night (Tuesday 31st March 2020).

“The Cabinet of Ministers has determined that, after consultation with the Police High Command, the National COVID-19 Working Group, the Chief Medical Officer and the Medical Chief of Staff of the JNF General Hospital, there be a 24-hour curfew, a total lockdown, from 7:00pm Tuesday 31st March to 6:00am Friday 3rd April in the first instance,” he explained during a live broadcast address to the nation.

He added: It means that the current regulations will be repealed and new regulations made in which no one, except the security forces and other security personnel, the health care officers, technical emergency officers of utilities including telecoms, and media personnel, will be allowed out of their residences.

Dr. Harris in his opening remarks stated: “My fellow citizens and residents, last Saturday, in an effort to further protect and keep you safe from the COVID-19 pandemic, His Excellency the Governor General proclaimed a State of Emergency in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Under the Emergency Powers Act, my Government instituted Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations, SR&O No. 7 of 2020.

According to him: “These Regulations were necessary to slow the transmission of the virus from one person to another, including reducing secondary infections among close contacts and health care workers.  As we interrupt human-to-human transmission, we can be more effective in identifying, isolating and caring for patients.  The sooner treatment can start, the better it will be for all of us.”

Dr. Harris added: “Despite a clear statement that all citizens must stay at home except in certain very limited situations, the Police High Command has reported that many persons have chosen to disobey these regulations.  Irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated. Offenders will be promptly arrested and charged.” The Minister of National Security pointed out that individuals who break the lockdown will be prosecuted.

“We will not hesitate to prosecute those found in breach of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations.  We are in a war and this war we must win.  Together we must be united with all of us doing our part to ensure our safety that of our families, communities and, by extension, our beloved Country.  This is not a time for reckless behaviour.  Sober, responsible behaviour is essential.”

Coronavirus: Baby Becomes Youngest Person Diagnosed In SKN Among New Cases

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Coronavirus: Baby Becomes Youngest Person Diagnosed In SKN Among New Cases

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Sunday 29th March 2020)– A 10-month-old baby has been diagnosed as the youngest patient with the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in St.Kitts-Nevis as the Federation records an additional five (5) new travel- imported cases, making the total of seven (7) cases to date.

Senator of State with responsibility for Health Wendy Phipps announced today that these new cases were recorded yesterday (Saturday 28th March 2020) by the Federal Ministry of Health.

“The patients are three females and two males who are all citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis. The female patients are aged 10 months, 24 years and 36 years, while the two male patients are 29 and 39 years, respectively.” 

According to her: ‘All five of these cases are travel related, meaning that the cases were imported into the Federation.  This determination has been made based on the patients’ travel histories to St. Maarten and Antigua during the period March 6-13, 2020.”

On Wednesday 25th March, Phipps disclosed information regarding the first two cases recorded at 11:03 PM on Tuesday 24th March, involving two Kittitians- male (21) and female (57)-who returned on 18th March from New York.

Reliable sources indicate that they are mother and son.

..Public Urged To stop Sending ‘Patient’ Photos

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..Public Urged To stop Sending ‘Patient’ Photos

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 27th March 2020)-Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws is correcting misinformation regarding the now local cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in response to certain claims circulating via social media, particularly WhatsApp and Facebook including widespread messages that there are more than two confirmed cases in the Federation.   

Additionally, another health expert is asking members of the public not to send around images of individuals who have allegedly been infected as photos of the two local alleged patients have been sent around.

“Sensational stories circulating on social media should be taken as false, misleading and questionable.  To win this fight against the COVID-19 pandemic demands honesty of intentions at all levels; true and demonstrative partnership by all sectors of society; and integrity in the behaviour of every citizen and resident of St. Kitts and Nevis, “commented Dr. Laws in a statement yesterday afternoon (Thursday 26th March 2020).

As shared by her: “As of 4:00 pm today Thursday, March 26, 2020, there still remain only two (2) confirmed cases of COVID-19 in St. Kitts & Nevis. Of the 18 cases that were pending at CARPHA, we have received negative results for six (6) cases.  We await the results of the remaining 12 cases.”

 Dr. Laws continued: “In spite of my major priority in leading our COVID-19 response and, in particular, our contact tracing programme to keep our people safe, I am compelled to take the time to address the public on the matter of malicious and misleading voice messages that have been circulating via social media that (a) attempt to bring dishonour to our National COVID-19 Task Force; and (b) create the false impression that my relationship with the Honourable Prime Minister is confrontational. There is no such confrontational relationship.  Neither is there any political influence being exerted on me in the performance of my duties.  Nothing good can come from these falsehoods that are deliberately contrived to create ill will, fear and distrust in the public who are already concerned about this pandemic. As the International Health Regulations (IHR) focal point for the Federation, I am duty bound to report all CARPHA laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 to Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) within 24 hours of receipt of the laboratory results from Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).”

The top health official says members of the public can check online for daily information.

“Both PAHO and CARPHA are partners of the Ministry of Health and can corroborate the information we have provided to the public.  Additionally, the public is also free to regularly check the websites of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and PAHO, where the COVID-19 status of each United Nations Member State is updated on a daily basis.”

 “As has been noted by the Ministry of Health repeatedly, we want the public to understand that the Ministry remains the only official source of information on COVID-19.  Sensational stories circulating on social media should be taken as false, misleading and questionable.  To win this fight against the COVID-19 pandemic demands honesty of intentions at all levels; true and demonstrative partnership by all sectors of society; and integrity in the behaviour of every citizen and resident of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Dr. Laws added.

Dr. Al Pierre of the St. Kitts and Nevis Medical and Dental Association, during an appearance on the weekly ‘Policing With You’ programme aired live on ZIZ Radio yesterday morning as part of a panelist involving members of the COVID-19 Task Force, urged members of the public to stop sending around images, via social media, of individuals allegedly infected with the illness.

“When you circulate a photo of someone, you are also saying that this is someone with a particular disease,” he stated. 

Dr. Pierre pointed to the mindfulness that individuals should have since the coronavirus can affected any one.

“This disease is no respecter of person or status… creed or race. The impact study that was done has shown- and that’s before this [illness] left the Asian continent- that 50% of our population will have coronavirus. Right now that is being revisited and it’s seeming that 60% to 70% of the population will have coronavirus so when you circulate a photo of someone as if this is the person who will get coronavirus, you are making a mistake, because it is just a matter of time before someone in your family or yourself suffer from coronavirus.”

This media house has seen the social media- shared photos of the two alleged COVID-19 patients.  

Panic Shopping Increases In SKN Following At-Home Coronavirus Cases

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Panic Shopping Increases In SKN Following At-Home Coronavirus Cases

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 27th March 2020)– Following an official announcement on Wednesday 25th March 2020 that St.Kitts-Nevis has confirmed its first two cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19), specifically on the island of St.Kitts, shoppers increasingly responded by going about various stores and supermarkets, buying food and other necessities.

Minister of State with responsibility for Health Wendy Phipps revealed that the two coronavirus cases involve a 57-year-old woman and 21-year-old male; both Kittitians who returned home on 18th March from New York “a jurisdiction which up until March 24th had recorder some 23,230 confirmed cases of COVID-19.”

According to her, “as of 11:03 PM on Tuesday 24th March”, the Federation recorded such first time information.

Both patients who reportedly arrived in the Federation were “tested on March 20th and have been in home quarantine ever since they returned to the Federation.”

This media house understands that these two individuals are a mother and son pair.

Shortly following the announcement made that afternoon, this media house visited one supermarket and was met with a busy scene of individuals buying items such as toilet paper, sugar, cereal, juice and water.

Speaking to two employees, it was disclosed that since the news of the outbreak persons there has been an increase of shoppers buying various items.

Meanwhile, images on social media claimed that there was a panic shopping scenario at a pharmacy located on Fort Street that day. Following a visit to area, this media house learnt from a customer that there was a line on the outside because that business place –which had its door closed-was only tending to three customers at a time.

Meanwhile, yesterday (Thursday), in speaking with a supervisor cashier at Best Buy supermarket, which is the island’s only 24-hour shopping center, she informed that there are plans ahead to cut the opening hours but such has not been finalised as yet.

She shared that the business place is currently practicing the recommended social distancing by allowing a certain number of shoppers at one time.

According to her, a number of items are in stock but with the increased shopping activity, it is uncertain how long items including paper towels and cleaning products will remain on the shelves.

Protest Farmers Get On-the- Street Promises From Top Officials

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Protest Farmers Get On-the- Street Promises From Top Officials

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 27th March 2020) – “Sorry that we got to meet this way but sometimes it’s good when you get in de pot hot so when things cool down you appreciate the road travelled.”

So said President of the St. Kitts Farmers’ Cooperative Solomon Morton speaking to the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Brenda Boncamper when they met for the first time during a protest on Church Street outside Government Headquarters on the morning of Wednesday 25th March 2020.

‘Real Food Security’, ‘People With Vision in DOA[Department Of Agriculture]’, ‘Better Treatment For Farmers and [Compensation] For My Animals’ were some of the placard messages collectively displayed by the seven (7) farmers who participated; all wearing white shirts marked ‘FARMERS’ LIVES MATTER’.

Spokesman Snap: President of the St. Kitts Farmers’ Cooperative Solomon Morton (right) in conversation with Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture Natasha Daniel. (Spokesman Snap)

“…We have said before get a farmer on these (agriculture) boards so that when money is disbursed there could be some transparency (that) we know where the money is going. Nobody is taking us on. Just recently some money was given for Bayticol (and) out of it a brand new pick up was bought. How much was the cost of the pick-up, nobody knows (and) how much was saved, nobody knows and we are the ones who are feeling the burden and we want some respect in demanding some attention that they listen to us…We are saying listen to us; pay us some respect. Come talk to us but all we’re getting is snubs and insults all along and we can’t take it anymore! This is just one measure; other things are going to come,” Solomon had told reporters.

He informed that this week’s protest was planned a month ago.

“We have to till the soil… we have to bend we backs in sun and rain. We aint got no paycheck and it’s unfair for them-all of them who is in office- to be robbing us of we livelihood and this is what it comes down to. The director has no vision for agriculture, the vet is not ready …the minister himself ain’t ready…” he also stated.

 “We want better representation than what we having and getting! Now de pressure come down dey want to answer us?! Dey shoulda answer us long time. He make us sign paper for free Bayticol when we had a pandemic breakout wid de animals and now de animals dem dead off, dey come round give Bayticol! Well, I got lice, me got bug or cockroach?! Me no got nuff water pon me farm and many farmer no got no water pon dey farm so what they saying here aint benefit to much of us so why dey going give us water [payment waivers]? Dey insulting the farmers’ intelligence and abusing it highly too…If ya’ll going compensate the farmers, I want my own cheque,” commented Floyd Lee.

Notably, Bayticol is a chemical treatment used to control ticks and lice in animals such as sheep, goats, cattle and horses.

Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris announced at this week’s COVID-19 stimulus plan press conference held on Tuesday 24th March, $10 million to boost production in the agriculture sector and ensure greater food security for the Federation, free Bayticol to be provided to farmers for the next 6 months and waiver of payments for the consumption of water by farmers for six months- April to September 2020.

In an exclusive interview following his chit-chat with Boncamper, this media house asked Solomon to share his thoughts on what she had to say to him to which he replied: “Well, I’m willing to give her a chance. This is only the first step and I will urge the others to give some time to see where this is going.”

As gathered from him, the protest farmers have another upcoming activity but would consider putting “other stuff on hold” for the time being.

Boncamper in talking to Solomon had expressed that “it would have been nice” if he came to her and discussed their issues before carrying out the demonstration to which Solomon responded “I would not have discussed the march with you.”

According to her, however, “A lot of your concerns could have been ironed out and I know your mind would have been eased…We have things that we are working on for the agriculture industry; it’s not everything that we can put out when it’s in a stage of being crafted. We are working to make the sector more robust, attract the interest of young people and give it the attention it deserves.”

Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture Natasha Daniel had also approached the protesting farmers informing that some information concerning their complaints reached her desk that morning.

When asked about her involvement in coming to speak to the farmers, she outlined that she indicated to them that what was said at the Prime Minister’s conference which had to do with COVID-19 to boost the agriculture production if there is an outbreak, as well as the water waiver for farmers, is different to the Bayticol programme approved by cabinet.

She pointed out that compensation details are being worked on to put certain measures to ensure that “farmers are treated fairly and they are satisfied” noting that farmers who have lost animals will be compensated financially.

Daniel also spoke about the future inclusion of a representative from the farmers’ cooperative to ensure that members are satisfied with the process going forward.

Occupational Safety and Health

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Occupational Safety and Health

Workers (People), sometimes when I read to sharpen my mind in the way I do think, I do get taken up with troubles, worries, and fears.

The pressure of things to be done and concern about tomorrow’s decisions are weeds to eliminate. For example: The coronavirus (COVID-19), and to control the weeds, we must ask God to quiet our hearts so we can pay attention to him.

Now I will digress for a while. It is said that science has affected our life in many positive ways. I think I wrote already by saying scientists struggle with experiments and observations for months, weeks and even years. Sometimes their labour lead to dead ends. I am hoping indeed that they may find a surprising breakthrough in search of answers for this disease (coronavirus). Let’s move on. To me, this sounds very serious. I will impart some of what I have learnt at the Turin College in Italy by Dr. Alam Leserve and George De paena on this topic.

I thank God for them. My dear workers (people) and subscribers to the Labour Spokesman, and I am now saying we need another.

I will now say something about respiratory tract infections. It’s one of the main illnesses that produce discomfort (feeling of worrying) and unhappiness at any time of the year but especially during cold wintry wet months. Hardly anyone escapes, and frequently an entire household could be struck down with unpleasant condition; the disease or illness goes by many other names which means the same thing but it’s most popular is the common cold. It is often referred to a simple viral invasion (virus enter) of the upper respiratory passage ways. This  may mean any part of the airways of the nose and the nasal system, the mouth and throat system and trachea (the tube that carries inhaled air from the front of the throat to the lungs) and upper parts of the large bronchi (either of the two main branches of the windpipe).

Hello! I am going to shut up now but before I do such, listen to this: Once the virus enters the respiratory system, it is set to work at once. Germs can multiply at an amazing rate. Very soon it has become established in the superficial membrane (mucus-secreting tissue that lines body cavities or passages) lining of the nose. Nasal passage ways, throat or even trachea or bronchi. Mark you, it is said there is an incubation period (to hatch 24 to 72 hours before symptoms set in) but it may be less.

This is how I will make my contribution in regard to this disease that is worrying us; by wiring and allowing you to read the Labour Spokesman.

Please follow me and so some research.

Until next week.

SKN Import Coronavirus Cases Announced Hours Before Borders Close

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SKN Import Coronavirus Cases Announced Hours Before Borders Close

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 27th March 2020) – Via import of the illness, the Federation has recorded its first two cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) hours before the borders of St.Kitts and Nevis were scheduled to close.

At the Prime Minister’s monthly press conference held on Tuesday 24th March 2020 at the Ocean Terrace Inn,  while touching the on the topic of ‘Locking Down Our Borders’, Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris, who is the Minister of National Security told: “Our early action in keeping the virus at bay has provided opportunities for us to be better prepared when the pandemic eventually arrives here. Today, I am announcing new measures which would lock down our borders and protect our people.

He continued: “Effective tomorrow night, March 25th, at 11:59 pm, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis will be closing its borders to all commercial airline flights until April 7th, 2020.”

Hours after the prime minister’s remarks, the Federation learnt on Wednesday afternoon sometime before the 3:00PM hour that St.Kitts-Nevis has imported two cases with the return of two Kittitians; a 57-year-old female and a 21-year old male with recent travel history to New York.

In the announcement delivered by Senator of State with the responsibility of Health Wendy Phipps, it was publicised that as of 11:03 PM on Tuesday 24th March the cases were recorded. Reportedly, the two individuals returned home on the 18th of March.

Dr. Harris, in his presentation, had disclosed that flights for medical emergencies will be exempted and international air cargo and cargo by seafaring vessels will be allowed to maintain connectivity and enable the Federation to import much needed commodities such as food, fuel, medical supplies and equipment.  

“We are a small open economy and we rely on international trade systems for most of our needs,” he remarked.

He went on to say that Immigration, Customs, Coast Guard and the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force will be enforcing all border controls whilst adding “In this regard, we are in the process of new recruitment in these frontline security areas.  The move to close our borders as a precautionary measure means that nationals and residents overseas who cannot return by the deadline, will need to remain in place until our border is reopened.”

“I know this has been a very traumatic experience for our citizens due to the uncertainty and anxiety generated by this virus but we must do all we can to protect ourselves against COVID-19 entering our shores,” the National Security Minister added.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO), speaking at the press conference during the question and answer segment, gave some information on test results being waited on.

At present, we have a total of 292 in quarantine; four are located at a government-designated facility and we have 288 under self-quarantine in their home facility- 207 in St. Kitts and 81 in Nevis. These individuals are monitored on a daily basis. They can be visited, or they utilize the telephone in terms of monitoring them. At present, a total of 39 persons have had samples sent off for testing – 29 from St. Kitts and ten (10) from Nevis. We have received 19 results so far, all negative and results for 20 individuals pending. Results came from the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad and the Next Generation Laboratory in St. Kitts,” she said then.

Coronavirus: St.Kitts-Nevis Sets Street Curfew

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Coronavirus: St.Kitts-Nevis Sets Street Curfew

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Saturday 28th March 2020)-The Federation of St.Kitts-Nevis is expected to be in a state of emergency for the next 14 days as the local government attempts to put measures in place to control the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) which has infected two individuals to dates, according to test results information publicised so far.

This move to restrict the movement of people in an effort to combat the spread of the disease, which Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Timothy Harris announced this morning during a pre-recorded address to the nation aired shortly after 6AM, is scheduled to begin tonight at 7PM  under the COVID-19 State of Emergency regulations.

“My fellow citizens and residents, last night I asked His Excellency, our Governor General to declare a state of emergency effective 7:00PM today Saturday March 28th. All citizens and residents will be subject to a curfew between the hours of 7:00 pm and 5:00 a.m. each day for the next 14 days. This is part of our scaled-up response to contain COVID-19 and minimise harm to our people,” he outlined.

The National Security Minister also told: “We recognize that these are unusual measures which restrict the free movement of our people. However, we are in an unprecedented time and the dangers that confront our nation demand that government takes the serious measures to confront and overcome this pandemic. I emphasize that these strong measures are for 14 days, in the first instance and we shall continue to evaluate and adapt as necessary as the situation evolves.”

Notably, Businesses will be required to observe a physical distance of 6-feet between its customers in and outside of their businesses.

Please see below for the information Dr. Harris gave for the different group of workers and service providers.

FOOD SHOPPING PLACES– Wholesale or retail groceries, commercial bakeries or fruit and vegetable vendors shall open from 8AM to 5PM. For the first two hours of shopping, seniors and disabled persons and essential workers with identification shall be granted priority.

DOCTORS OFFICES ETC.-Doctors’ offices, hospital and medical facilities, pharmacies and medical establishments.

GAS STATIONS- Gas stations shall open from 6AM to 5PM.

HARDWARE STORES-Hardware stores shall open from 6AM to 5PM.

HOTELS-Hotels, excluding any casinos, spas, gyms, discotheques and restaurants therein. However, such restaurants may offer takeaway or room service.

BANKS-Banks, credit unions and money service businesses shall open from 8AM to 2PM on Mondays to Thursdays, from 8AM to 4PM on Fridays.

COMMERCIAL PORTS-Commercial ports and related businesses between 6AM to 5PM, subject to any variation by the ports authority, airports subject to regulation 10, commercial courier flights, businesses licensed to provided security guard services.

TAKE WAY FOOD VENDORS-Take way food vendors shall open from 6AM to 5PM.

INSURANCE COMPANIES-The National Caribbean Insurance Company or health insurance companies, and other such business or undertaking may be specifically exempted in writing by the Commissioner of Police

PUBLIC SERVICE-All essential workers must report to work. The secretary of cabinet will determine other category required to report to their duty.

BUS DRIVERS-Dr. Harris said given the congestion in public vehicle transport vehicles and the potential for contagion, certain restrictions to protect operators of public transport and their patrons have been imposed. He said that the National Working Group on COVID-19 met yesterday with bus operators of the three bus lines as well as ferry operators to discuss matters.

Top Cop: Cyclist Who Fired Bullets Did Not Attack Police Station

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Top Cop: Cyclist Who Fired Bullets Did Not Attack Police Station

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 20th March 2020) – A motorcyclist who earlier this week fired several shots in the vicinity of the Basseterre Police Station did not attack the station itself, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for the Crime Directorate Andre Mitchell.

Alexander Samuel of Conaree Village, who is police custody, has been formally charged for the offences of Discharging a Loaded Firearm in a Public Place, Possession of Firearm, Possession of Ammunition and Possession of Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life.

“The mere fact that this individual was brazen enough to conduct himself in this way in the vicinity of a Police Station shows a lack of respect for the law, law enforcement personnel and society. The High Command condemns this irresponsible and disrespectful act. During this period when the Federation is experiencing decreased levels in violent crimes and a renewed sense of peace, we want to send a strong message to the perpetrators of crime that any disruption to the peace will be stamped out. We also denounce the circulation of rumours that the Police Station was attacked. This was never the case. While we understand that the matter is deeply troubling, peddling such false information never serves any useful purpose and only creates hysteria among the public,” COP Mitchell said in a statement.

Reportedly, on Sunday 15th March 2020, a motorcyclist fired several gun shots along the stretch of Cayon Street leading up to the Queen Victoria Roundabout.

It was mentioned that the “Basseterre Police Station, as well as several other businesses, are located in this area. Both pedestrians and Officers are often in this area as well.” 

According to Mitchell “Despite the threat posed by this lone gunman, our Officers moved swiftly to capture the perpetrator.”

Samuel was charged on Tuesday 17th March following investigations.

Dr. Drew Refreshes Call To Gov’t To Consult Cuba Concerning Coronavirus Following OECS Advice Report

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Dr. Drew Refreshes Call To Gov’t To Consult Cuba Concerning Coronavirus Following OECS Advice Report

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 20th March 2020) – Cuban-trained medical doctor and Chairman of the St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) Dr. Terrance Drew has refreshed calling on the government to involve a medical team from Cuba in the national effort concerning the threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19), in asking that local administration makes good on this week’s advice given to OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) countries.

“I want to call on the government to really accept the OECS advice and get the specialists here. I think we need an infectious disease specialist, we need an intensive care specialist and we need a lung specialist along if we need any epidemiologist on the ground to really help to work to track this virus but I think in those critical areas which is the area that is going to determine whether a lot of people die or survive, I think that is where we need a lot of support.”

Dr. Drew made the appeal on Wednesday this week (18th March 2020) as he continued his calls for St.Kitts-Nevis to reach out to Cuba weeks before this area of advice for Cuba’s assistance came out at a special meeting of the OECS Authority and the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).

According to him: “Had we asked them (Cuba medical personnel) long time ago, I think Cuba could have set up a structure within a week and the population could have become very comforted to know that we have good support on the front line.”

Dr. Drew gave reasoning behind his early calls for the St.Kitts-Nevis government to reach out to Cuba “because our health infrastructure is very fragile…is not built to sustain something like this… because our system and structure is not equipped with the specialists or even the equipment and so forth and necessary training to deal specifically with this breakout, it’s important that we seek help from those who can help us and we see that Cuba is in a position.”

He applauded Cuba’s record of going to countries to assist as he noted that country’s dealing with the Ebola whereby  medical personnel “gained a great deal of  experience being on the front line  with one of the one most infectious diseases known to man…that is the story that is missing when people speak about Ebola.”

Dr. Drew recalled that in a recent visit to Germany in February this year during the early talks of the coronavirus, he saw the plans that they were putting in place as he visited hospitals and institutions “and quickly recognized that  St.Kitts and Nevis lack the resources both human resource and financial, and even in terms of equipment and so forth to really deal with this virus if it were to hit our shores but moreover that the tourism  industry -which this is the season for it- will be significantly impacted and as a result will be affected both with respect to our health and financially and everything else that would spin-off from that so this is serious serious business here.” 

A press release issued this week has informed that a Special Meeting of the OECS Authority and the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) was held virtually on March 15th 2020.

Reportedly, the meeting was called by Chairman of the Monetary Council and Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. Keith Mitchell, to discuss the COVID-19 situation and its impact on the OECS.

St.Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris was listed among those present for that session.

Specifically relating to Dr. Drew’s comments, under the section of CAPACITY BUILDING, the press statement reads as follow: “The OECS Commission has formally requested two (2) Infectious Disease Control Experts from Cuba. These experts will be deployed to train frontline immigration and health officials.

In the short term, the Meeting recommended that eligible member countries seek assistance from Cuba with respect to doctors and nurses to supplement national capacity. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has already requested a team of (3) three doctors and (12) twelve nurses with expertise in infectious disease management from Cuba to supplement their national capacity.

In the medium term, the ECCU and the OECS must strengthen its capacity as it pertains to national health security, biosecurity and food security. Areas of focus ought to include human resources, medical and other infrastructure, to deal with the lingering effects of COVID-19 and future threats.”

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