Fighting Covid – less criticism and more activism

Observer column published 20 April 2020

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

As we face an unprecedented crisis, every Jamaican should be playing our part, as small as it may be, to stop the spread of this virus. Of course, constructive criticism is welcome, but we should not be expending our energy on so much negative talk that we even contradict ourselves. Last week, members of the Opposition first called for an islandwide lockdown and then criticized the lockdown of the parish of St. Catherine, which is now unfortunately the epicentre of the virus outbreak, more than doubling the number of cases in the space of three days.

(Post column – we were heartened that PM Holness posted a ‘Stay at Home’ video featuring Opposition MP Dr Wykeham McNeill yesterday – 23 April)

Then came the news that a driver at the Health Ministry had tested positive for the virus, resulting the temporary closure of the ministry’s offices in various locations. What a challenging situation, happening at the same time that workers at the Alorica Call Centre were being asked to get tested. We can understand how the issues with transportation and testing kits arose under those circumstances. The critics should know that even members of G20 countries are having testing hiccups. We are hoping to hear good news from the US Embassy about those testing kits that were blocked in the US enroute to Jamaica. We know Ambassador Donald Tapia assisted in a similar situation for the Cayman Islands and that he will do his best for us.

Political representatives could use their valuable time to give practical assistance and advice to help slow the spread. They can liaise with church groups to organise shopping trips for the elderly, distribute care packages, partner with town criers to raise awareness with a little humour to lift people’s spirits and use media to laud the quiet heroes in their communities who are looking out for others.

We know that funds have been allocated to every MP for Covid relief and it would be uplifting to hear more about the good work they may have been doing. Every effort we make to keep our citizens safe is an effort to protect ourselves and our all-important health workers and first responders.

Generous donors

Kudos to the many donors who have so far contributed $50 million, in response to the #TogetherWeStandAgainstCovid fundraising Telethon last Sunday, spearheaded by Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange and her hard-working team. Some of Jamaica’s finest talent worldwide stepped up to help raise funds to procure personal protective equipment for health personnel.

The PSOJ Covid-19 Response Fund, launched by President Keith Duncan, has so far garnered $40 million towards their target of $250 million to tackle food insecurity and boost health services. Partnering with them are CVSS, United Way and American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ). Donors via US based companies and individuals who channel donations through AFJ get the added benefit of a 501 c (3) tax allowance. 

CCRP was also able to contribute $500,000 for care packages for elderly shut-ins. We had a call from Sgt Jerr Johnson-Heron in Central Kingston who said she had been trying to assist shut-ins in her area. Our Board decided that we would partner with the JCF to do islandwide distribution, via Food for the Poor. The excellent Inspector Natalie Palmer-Mair will be coordinating the distribution.

When rent becomes due

These extraordinary times will bring extraordinary headaches to tenants and landlords alike. Realtor Carlene Sinclair shared that it is left up to landlords and tenants to come to a compassionate agreement as there is no provision in the Rent Act for natural disasters and pandemics. She is hoping that those landlords with mortgages who have been given a grace period by their banks, will share this concession with tenants in difficulty.

Some people can be heartless – Carlene said a doctor in New York was thrown out by his landlord because he said he was high risk! Let us look out for our health workers here in Jamaica – they are sacrificing a lot for us.

Small businesses which must limit their opening hours may also be hard hit through no fault of their own, as they must abide by Government regulations. We do hope they have applied online for the CARE relief package offered by the Ministry of Finance. People, I know it can be a pain to get all the paperwork done to be tax compliant, but Minister Clarke’s reduction of certain taxes does make it easier – and now those businesses who have been tax compliant are able to apply for some level of relief.

FFP Easter Prison release

Every Christmas and Easter, Food for the Poor (FFP) organises prison releases for non-violent offenders and 49 persons, including one woman, were released during Holy Week in Haiti, Guyana and Jamaica, much to the joy of their families.

“Thanks to our compassionate donors we were able to help release the 49 incarcerated people from their cells this Easter season,” said FFP President/CEO Ed Raine. Fines were paid for the individuals, some of whom were overcome with emotion after spending years in prison for petty offences.