Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley’s address to the nation – January 08, 2021. (PMO) CLICK THIS LINK ……
Members of the public could soon be again using the alphabet system at supermarkets, hardware stores and banks.
Word of this came today from Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley during an address to the nation, in which she gave a COVID-19 update and outlined Government’s immediate plans, as it deals with the pandemic.
She disclosed that she is consulting with the private sector and the unions and that from as early as Sunday, the alphabet system could be reintroduced at supermarkets, hardware stores and banks, as was done last year.
Ms. Mottley stated: “I hope that we will get the completion of the discussions with the private sector and the labour movement by the end of tonight, such that a press release can go out as to whether we agree on the reintroduction of the alphabet system. I want to do it; I’m strong about it …but I don’t believe…I should just announce it without being able to speak to them….
“… We will have a meeting between BAMP and the Government and the private sector because, obviously I know the private sector does not like the idea of the alphabet system. But, by the same token, the doctors, both in BAMP and public health, have all felt that between now and the 14th of January, in the first instance, we should go there. I am inclined to support them, but…out of a matter of fairness, a meeting will be held.”
The Prime Minister said the meeting would be held by this evening or tomorrow morning the latest, and once resolved, the directive would be prepared by tomorrow afternoon.
sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb
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Masks Must Be Worn In Public Buildings.
The wearing of masks inside public buildings is now mandatory.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said she had been in discussions with many public health persons over the past 24 to 36 hours and she was satisfied with the decision taken.
“I am now satisfied that the actions that we took, which were reflected in yesterday’s directive, to be able to insist that mask wearing inside of public buildings, not homes, is now mandatory,” Ms. Mottley stated.
She made the comments today as she gave a COVID-19 update to the country, from Ilaro Court, where she reminded that masks must be worn in all forms of public transport in this country.
The Prime Minister told citizens that the country was in a better position than it was last weekend, when several prison officers and inmates tested positive for the virus.
“But we are not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination…. I don’t want you dropping your guard…. I am heartened by the manner in which you are responding for the most part, and for which you are being responsible….
“But, I need you to stay the course because this is not bigger than us. And, if we have the will to do the right thing, … then I know … we shall make it. But, believe …me, it requires cooperation. I really regret that there are those who continue to prey upon this population for their own personal reasons and believe that now is the time to be divisive. It is not,” she insisted.
Ms. Mottley noted that many employees of the public service were working remotely, and the private sector had agreed that, as far as possible, they would encourage their members to do the same.
“For the first time in the history of this country, the conduct of Estimates meetings is being done virtually, … as we prepare our budgets to get them to Parliament for next month,” she stated.
The Prime Minister said she was hopeful that the country could receive vaccines within the next four to eight weeks.
She reminded members of the public, however, that they must wear their masks, sanitise and engage in physical distancing.
Ms. Mottley pointed out that there were people here and internationally, who were willing to work with Barbados in this battle.
She indicated that some people here had volunteered their services, and stressed that Government would not reject any help that could be of benefit to the country.
