Alred C. Frett
The Hypocrisy of Bureaucracy:
You have always known the things I say because they are true and not new to you or most others… The Corona pestilence is upon us and this is no time for pretense or walking on eggshells. Government may be trying their best at following others and while this brings some degree of comfort, it may be getting much too late in this dilemma and merely following will not help us get ahead of the Virus.
At the same time, Government agencies appear intent on using positions of power and privilege to handicap the Private Sector even though it is universally accepted that the greater Solutions are in Private Enterprise rather than Public Bureaucracy… This makes it dangerously irresponsible not to call on this Sector in times of crisis – Especially now, this increases life and death risk to our people.
Furthermore, in quest for Solutions, we are seeing a real time classic example of what I meant when I said Councils, Associations and their stringent rules were really for themselves and not in the Public’s interest… Cuban Medical Personnel who have been blocked, demeaned and ostracised by these same groups are now the first ones deemed to have the Medical Expertise and called in this time of crisis.
The situation is getting desperately frightening as we look outside and grasp for quick fix measures and remedies that could work miracles… Meanwhile, we are where we are and all we can do now is try and learn from our combined experiences… Again, I encourage you to follow Government’s instructions for they may mean well and to willfully oppose them may only make bad matters worse.
We are not losing but need to win more:
However, although things are bad and likely to get worse not all hope is lost since reports still show Humans to be winning with less than 5% of those affected losing Life’s battle… This simply means that over 95% survives… Our focus must therefore be lowering these odds by looking out for ourselves and others even as COVID-19 demonstrates an ability to defy traditional laws of Medicine.
This Virus thrives on fear and ignorance and our methods to conqueror this may require brave initiatives and the willingness to think outside the box… Person are reluctant to venture outside the norm so World leaders limit themselves to following followers even when the outcome appears to be questionably counterproductive – Meanwhile, their numbers of infected and deaths keep rising.
New York, Italy and the UK appear to have become both victims and leaders whose practices are not bringing promised solutions and leave us not knowing how many died from other causes besides the Virus… However, misery loves company and can hide among one another while their people find solace in numbers – As a trickle-down Country we are quick to join that procession.
Again, we are programmed and obliged to follow those who make the laws and any one daring to suggest a different approach would be targeted and victimised… Nonetheless, in the interest of our People I have often told you the truth behind the New Hospital, Beef Island Bridge and our UK Passports so you would by now realise that if I was silent these may never have existed.
This Threat is a Test for a Lesson we must learn:
COVID-19 is even more life threatening and Italy, the UK and others convinced me that it is time to focus on preparation as much as avoidance and this is best done by ensuring the good Health of the General Population… The more we imprison them, deny them Food, Medicine, Exercise and Dignity, the more we create Stress, weaken Immunity and make them easy targets for COVID-19.
This is not to downplay the importance of Quarantining but we had one total lock down already and would be lucky if no deaths resulted – We may not be so lucky next time/s… No one wants to die and persons may willingly self-quarantine if, arrangements were made whereby vouchers for Care Packages of essential Foods and Medicines were provided according to family sizes and needs.
Persons provided with such vouchers could collect these Packages or have them delivered to their place of abode… This would provide Sustenance and Medical Care while ensuring a sustainable supply chain and reduced social contact… Failing such an arrangement, whenever a curfew is lifted the rush will begin, congregating will start, the virus will spread and illness cycles be repeated.
Besides, fining persons Monies they do not have or locking up desperate persons are nonstarters since such persons will need to be fed, housed, cared for and policed 24 hours a day… COVID-19 is a lesson from which we can learn and a crisis that needs not become a catastrophe…
Just as we must stop the Insect while still a worm we must overcome the Virus before it kills us and it all begins with Truth and Vision… VIRUS must never mean… Virgin Islands aRe US.
PS: I will continue addressing some of your Questions & Comments on Live BVP Radio Programmes