As the number of Covid-19 infections and deaths increase, we are all impacted and are hurting.
On behalf of the membership of the NDC, and on my own behalf, I extend my sincerest condolences to the families and friends of all who have lost loved ones. Only last week, I too lost a family member. Amid the pain, we are relieved that so many are recovering.
The NDC believes that this is a time to put differences aside and unite to overcome this national crisis. In fact, an inclusive, collaborative, united approach to fighting Covid-19 has been our position since the pandemic began.
The fight cannot be won without input from political parties, labour, the business and religious communities, and civil society, together with government and frontline workers.
From inception, we have been offering suggestions. The suggestions the NDC offered that were taken on board include:
- The lockdown in March 2020
- The closure of the borders in March 2020
- The withdrawal of the draconian Covid-19 Bill. This call was widely supported by various sectors, including the youth and the Grenada Bar Association
- Invocation of the Public Health and Quarantine Acts, rather than the Covid-19 Bill
- More recently, a National Day of Prayer and engagement of more stakeholders
- Activation of NaDMA, though limited, in helping with the distribution of relief packages
- More pop-up clinics for testing and vaccinations
At times, the NDC has disagreed with government’s approach to certain aspects of the management of the pandemic and we very clearly voiced our disagreement. For instance, we continue to advocate for a review of the 48-hour quarantine for the vaccinated. This is against the science, and it puts our people at risk of encountering vaccinated people who are infected. This is we believe is one of the main factors that sparked the current outbreak. We have also repeatedly called for isolation centres. The policy that allows people who test positive to isolate at home with others, can help to spread the virus. The virus can also be spread when infected people get on buses to go home, after receiving their diagnosis.
We have also expressed concern, that government has not placed enough emphasis on putting structures in place for Grenada’s economic recovery and prosperity after Covid-19. Instead, government continues to focus on a single sector, tourism.
Despite these areas of disagreement, we of the NDC maintain that we are all in this fight together and as such, we must constantly look for areas where we can find common ground, in the interest of all our people. If we adopt an approach that puts selfish interests above our people, we will not be putting you first, as we promise we will.
In the national interest, I accepted an invitation from the Prime Minister for a meeting to discuss the deteriorating Covid-19 situation, and to see how, as the main opposition party, we can be of greater assistance. Indeed, no responsible organization would decline such an invitation, especially after calling for inclusion.
Some of the proposals the NDC delegation put to the Prime Minister and his team, included:
- Increasing the number of testing and vaccination centers to minimize crowding
- Establishing a separate isolation unit for covid patients
- Recruitment and training of health workers and volunteers
- Approaching Flow and Digicel to assist with PBX lines to improve hotline services
- Embarking on a public education campaign with new faces, especially national cultural figures
- Reviewing the 48-hour quarantine period
- That relief measures be administered by nonpartisan or bipartisan groups.
- Asking utility companies to put a hold on disconnections for a period to be determined.
- Asking banks and credit unions for a moratorium on mortgage payments.
- The formation of a National Covid-19 Task Force to include political parties and other interest groups
Both sides agreed to continue to dialogue going forward.
For our part, since March 2020, the NDC has distributed hundreds of masks, hot lunches, and care packages all over our tri-island state. Additionally, we have been at the forefront of the public education campaign with a variety of public service announcements, town hall style meetings, press conferences and releases. We will continue to engage in these efforts.
When appropriate, we will criticise and call out government for lapses and failures. However, we recognise that this is a national crisis that requires a national response. Everyone is hurting whether they support the NDC or the NNP. As a responsible opposition party, we must play our part.
We therefore categorically deny, and we reject and distance ourselves from the falsehoods peddled by some, who irresponsibly use their platforms to try to undermine the efforts of the NDC to help our people get through this pandemic. Everyone with a platform should use it responsibility to unite our people, rather than to divide. The NDC encourages all our people to stand united in the fight against Covid-19. Covid-19 sees no colours.
We encourage you all, to help our frontline workers by taking individual responsibility for adhering to the protocols. We also encourage you to get vaccinated. Our doctors advise that this is our best chance at reducing infections, hospitalisations and deaths, and this is supported by our present reality.
I pray God’s continued blessing on you all and on our beloved land.
Adrian Thomas
Acting Party Leader, National Democratic Congress
The NDC did NOT:
1. Support the closure of the airport to prevent the Delta variant getting in and costing us130 lives. They did the opposite, strongly agreeing with Government’s decision to open the borders.
2. Protest against less than adequate border protocols until was too late.
3. Say a single word against the Government’s discrimatory and illogical closure of small businesses and the abject economic position that so many small businesses are now in. Not a single word about it.
4. Articulate an economic recovery program for Grenada.
5. Even raise the issue of home health care for our citizens.
What kind of political party hi is this?
I don’t want no gene therapy I want shares in big pharma.
“For instance, we continue to advocate for a review of the 48-hour quarantine for the vaccinated. This is against the science, and it puts our people at risk of encountering vaccinated people who are infected. This is we believe is one of the main factors that sparked the current outbreak.”
Hon. Mr. Thomas,
While I agree with your former point (I believe skipping the initial test upon arrival, instead opting for a test 72 hours after arrival to ensure six seronegative days of 3 days prior to departure, 3 days after arrival is more prudent). The latter is simply untrue and has been demonstrated so by the data accrued from the Ministry of Health. This can also be observed from the common perspective. Carnival celebrations took place Aug. 9th and Aug. 10th including much inter-island travel and unsanctioned gatherings, against the advice of government. Approximately two weeks later, as those involved became symptomatic and sought testing, positive cases began to climb. At that point community spread was fait accompli. I applaud your call for vaccination as this is also supported by the scientific data as the safest and most effective option to reduce mortality related to Covid but to deny the fact that it was large gatherings of unvaccinated individuals during Carnival and not vaccinated individuals causing community spread is simply ill-informed and irresponsible.
Thank you.
So basically advocating for similar Autocratic government and policies….. things that are being done already like Lockdown and Quarantine that dont work (numerous scientific studies) and do more harm than good. Especially to the poor who are unable to earn a living, and everyone who will be unable to get early medical care because of Lockdowns. Mortality rates are higher because of the Lockdowns they dont work. Yet in September 2021 its being pushed as a solution.
I heard nothing about the current Medical Mal Practice CV19 Protocols, that are a criminal failure when there are numerous simple Medication that work.
Nothing about Natural Immune and supporting people to boost their Immunity. Guess its more Big Pharma injections to boost their Billions.
Whats the points of this political opposition that is liittle or no different?
I have come to appreciate Keith Mitchell even if I dont agree with many of his policies, at least he is not barking out Tyrannical orders at people, as some of the Oppostion political despots cant wait to do.
All politicians really are the same, they all driven by their selfish desire for politcal power and the access to money.
“Nothing about Natural Immune and supporting people to boost their Immunity. Guess its more Big Pharma injections to boost their Billions.”
How is Big Pharma to blame when the vast majority of vaccines procured by Grenada have been free donations? How much money has Grenada paid for vaccines? (Little to none) Then, how much money has Grenada spent treating Covid patients and performing Covid tests? (a LOT) Of course it is always good to support your immune system with balanced diet, supplements, and natural herbal immune boosters. The one common theme amongst those who have succumb and payed the ultimate price to Covid is their vaccination status (97% of deaths in Grenada are among those who are not fully vaccinated). Stay well and healthy. Let the vaccine help teach your immune system how to fight the virus so your body doesn’t have to work as hard to do so.
Big Pharma is just one entity in an evil cabal, instead of using knowledge to do good they spent years trying to make dangerous pathogens, even more dangerous.
Money money money. I guess its paid off because they have at least nine new billionaires. Hopefully some of them are brought to justice and end up in jail.
The same people like Faucci and NAID who funded the Virology Labs in North Carolina, Singapore and Wuhan that created the SarsCov2 Bioweapon, ….. also just happen to be invested in Mode-RNA that…… also just happen to have an mRNA drug ready to go less two days after the Virus Genome was released. In effect they created a crisis and just happen to have a mRNA so called solution.
Then along comes gulliable Trump to hand over Billions for a drug that cant stop infection or transmission of the SarsCov2 virus.
I have yet to see any objective data about Adverse Reactions or if CV19 deaths in Grenada, that are with or from SarsCov2, so that alledged 97% current deaths are Un Vaxxed, is hot air.
I know many neighbours in the community are all using Herbals and Spices to boost their system yet Politicians with their one track minds given no recognition for these simple Natural Health Treatments ……that are probably doing more to save lives than an mRNA injection that only reduce symptoms at best and kill you at worse.
I was impressed with De Santis new Surgeon General for Florida, Dr Ladapo, one of the few Medical Administrators that mentioned Natural Immunity and Holistic Health Care as Treatments to manage SarsCov2.
Some of that innovation would have been a breath of fresh air instead of the same ole same stake policies that are not working.
If you won’t accept the facts from the medical experts, that the unvaccinated die at a much, much, much higher rate than those who are fully vaccinated, than there is no further point in this discussion. I wish you the best of luck and hope you survive.
you know by now our (US) admin is cutting federal funding for monoclonal antibody treatments.. starting in the states that do not fully comply with their agenda. anything to smear and downplay any shred of truth and true help to those who need it. SO much to say and so little ways to express and get THROUGH.
These Satanis had the cure before the virus came out. Fauci funded the research in China now he’s in charge. Talk about the Fox watching the hen house. DeSantis and the new Surgeon General are awesome.
I meant gene therapy or experimental jab not cure.
Nothing is free someone paid for it and big Pharm is making billions. Covid 19 made 9 new billionaire. People are profiting of this flu.
miss your voice. speak out!