Published 15 April 2020
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
PM Harris: Sacrifices being made will see the country weather the COVID-19 storm
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, April 15, 2020 (PLP PR Media Inc.) — Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris on behalf of the Team Unity Cabinet and the country, on Tuesday April 14 while appearing on Leadership Matters (a virtual forum series) on ZIZ Television and Radio, expressed deepest appreciation to frontline workers in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
“I marvel at the sacrifice that our health workers are making every day, going beyond the call of duty, losing sleep, neglecting their families – in some respect – to give care and attention to those who need them most at that particular moment in time,” said Prime Minister Harris at the forum which was moderated by the Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Hon Ian Patches Liburd.
He added: “The same that can be said to our health professionals can be said to our police, our immigration officers, our customs officers, our defence force, all of them have been impressive in their display of patriotism and love. I want, at this point, to record the Cabinet’s and the country’s deepest appreciation.”
Also on the panel, ‘Leadership Matters – Leadership with you, for you’, was the Minister of Tourism, International Trade, Industry and Commerce, the Hon Lindsay Grant.
The government had early on developed a plan which is now being put into successful implementation, according to Dr Harris. The plan had always in best interest of all to keep the COVID-19 far away from St. Kitts and Nevis for as long as possible, but once it would have come that the government would do all in its power to contain the spread through a variety of measures all of which have been in play.
“We have asked our people to take the professional guidance seriously,” observed the Prime Minister. “To practice hand hygiene, to practice social and physically distancing, to improve and enhance and strengthen their own immune system by paying attention to what they eat, ensuring they eat adequate supplies of fruits and vegetables, they have adequate rest, and they do all in their power to fight the battle against the COVID-19.”
The Cabinet appreciates the inconvenience and the difficulties that people everywhere are experiencing, which has been an all of a society pain and all of a society effort to overcome. He thanked government’s partners in business, in the church community, in the NGO, and in all areas of the society, for partnering with the government and working together.
The Honourable Prime Minister pointed out that there is a constructive role for every citizen and every resident to play in the efforts to defeat COVID-19. That would lead to the beginning of the challenging task of rebuilding and taking St. Kitts and Nevis further afield in the government’s agenda to bring prosperity to all in the country.
In terms of the commitment made, Prime Minister Harris noted the $120 million-plus package put forward by the St. Kitts and Nevis government is the most comprehensive stimulus package to be announced by any government in the region.
The package is in support to protect the health system, which will protect all citizens and residents and their family members, and to assist the government once the curve would have been flattened so as to begin the task of rebuilding with some degree of immediacy.
“I want you to take encourage,” said Prime Minister Harris. “I want to encourage you that we shall weather this storm and we shall usher in a new chapter of hope, of industry, of prosperity, and my government will continue to give the best support we can to the people of St. Kitts and Nevis at this challenging moment.”
