Article: A War on Two Fronts: Beat COVID -19 and Secure our Borders

[Jamell Robinson]

Good Evening,

Please see below my latest article.

Regards,

Jamell Robinson, PNP At Large Candidate

A War on Two Fronts: Beat COVID -19 and Secure our Borders

Let us be frank with our people, we are at war. With Cabinet being our generals, led by the Governor and advised by the National Security Council and the Ministry of Health, we must use our strengths to win this war.  

Everywhere in the world it's becoming clear that fighting this virus is not only fought by healthcare, but by the decisions of each and every individual to follow protocol whom I applaud, hence the decision to hold the line. When I say hold the line, I mean to prevent the spread of the virus. 

Given our present limited ability to effectively respond to a potential surge in COVID-19 cases, the right call was made to close our borders and impose a 21 day 24 hour curfew .  I have no doubt that we as a people have the discipline, determination, and dedication to abide by the curfew and win the war against COVID 19. However, illegal entry into our country jeopardizes the success of the hard but necessary measures that we are abiding by.

Presently the Dominican Republic has over 1100 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and we have seen Haitian nationals returning to Haiti trying to escape the virus outbreak in the DR. Haiti’s Health Minister said the country now has confirmed 16 cases of the coronavirus, and currently has 445 people in quarantine. Haitian nationals are increasingly worried about the country’s ability to fight the pandemic, which continues to claim lives even in nations with stronger health systems. There is also growing concern about the virus’ impact on an already fragile economy.

Within the first four days of our nationwide lock down, the battle to combat illegal entry seems to be poorly fought. Having had a fast boat seized with nearly $1 million of illicit drugs and dangerous ammunition on board, and subsequent successful landings of two sloops with an untold number on board, the question remains, what are our leaders doing to win the battle against illegal entry? 

To make matters worse, it is alleged that someone went as far as damaging the RTCIPF CCTV equipment in the Northwest Point area. This truly feels like an invasion at a time when we are most vulnerable while the country is tucked away in isolation, we are trusting our leaders to protect us and to preserve this great nation but how long can we hold our trust when they are failing repeatedly?

This is not a time of fear, this is not a time of reservation, ‘‘this is a time of “war”. War against the virus and war against an illegal invasion. Strong leadership requires strong decisions. While I am aware that the Governor has war time experience, and I see the value in this, this is no time for the Minister of Immigration to “duck”, this is no time for the Premier to “duck”, this is no time for Cabinet to “duck”. Step up to the plate or leave the table, the government is not a meal ticket it is a chance to deliver and when you cannot deliver you should do the honorable thing.

On a side note but very relevant and critical to our economy and our people is the issue surrounding small businesses and their ability to sell food. I can assume the rationale behind the Governor’s decision to limit vendors, however he and his team of advisors must consider the consequences (both intended and unintended) of such a decision. I would like to say to the Governor, if you are going to use your emergency powers, use it all the way. If you are going to limit the pool of vendors, in addition to giving concessions on certain goods then fix the price of those goods. If you are going to take over the market, then take it over all the way!

To our people, I say continue to stay home; to front liners, I say be brave and stay safe; to our leaders, I say LEAD and to us all I say Pray for Turks and Caicos Islands.

Jamell Robinson, PNP At Large Candidate

Virus-free. www.avg.com