My fellow citizens, as the Corona Virus (COVID-19) continues to spread, we in the Nevis Reformation Party are cognizant that this will have a negative impact on the social and economic stability of the country. In respect, while the Government has been rendered impotent in its dealings with this pandemic, there is a need for real contingencies. We are prepared to act in the interest of our nation and have moved swiftly to established a Task Force to advise the party and the citizens of Nevis on how best to eliminate this scourge.
In an effort to safeguard the well-being of the society, we take on board the advice coming from Dr. Clive Landis of The UWI (COVID-19) Task Force, Dr. Tedros of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Caribbean Public Health Agencies (CARPHA) so we urge the following:
- Keep social interaction at a minimum
- Wash hands regularly especially after interacting with persons
- Clean surfaces with vinegar
- If you feel sick stay at home and get medical advice from your doctor
- Reduce panic and pay closer attention to the advice of health professionals
- Minimize handshakes, hugging and kissing
We in the NRP would have already begun discussions with the government of Cuba to provide an Immunologist and a Virologist along with five nurses trained in intensive care. These medical professionals should have already been in Nevis to address the issues of Prevention, Treatment, Care and Support.
We are mindful of severe financial challenges brought on by this virus. We know that workers in the tourism sector will be hit hard as international travel declines. As such, we would have put emergency financial arrangements in place to assist displaced workers.
We would have gone to Parliament to legislate a Financial Assistance Plan for six months to address unemployment benefits, income substitution, mortgage payments, student loan, health and property insurance. These measures are needed immediately.
Lastly, very shortly, your friends of the Nevis Reformation Party will engage officials of the Department of Agriculture, to adopt measures to ensure that there is food security and an impact mitigation plan for our farmers and fishermen.
The NRP stands ready to work with government, the private sector and civil society to contain and eliminate the Corona Virus.
God bless protect us all and may God bless St. Kitts & Nevis.
E. Robelto Hector
Leader, Nevis Reformation Party
16 March 2020
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