COVID-19 Update and Press Conference – January 09, 2021. (PMO)

Government will not be introducing the alphabet system of shopping at this time.

This disclosure came tonight from Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on COVID-19, Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott, during a press conference to update Barbadians on matters pertaining to the virus.

In an address to the nation yesterday, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said discussions would have been held today with stakeholders to determine if shopping utilising the alphabet system would be reintroduced.

Dr. Walcott stated: “This morning, the Prime Minister convened a full meeting of the Social Partnership and BAMP was represented by the President and other members and a presentation was made because as you recall, BAMP has been advocating for a number of recommendations in terms of restricting movement of persons in Barbados.

“There was full discussion.  We heard the views of all sides – BAMP, of the trade unions, [and] of the private sector associations.  And then the sub-committee deliberated and came to the agreement, after examining all of the matters raised and the issues and the concerns, that the introduction of shopping utilising the alphabet would not be introduced at this time….  It wasn’t necessary at this time to do that.”

During the press conference, Minister Walcott said he wanted to “put to rest” the notion that officials of the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) and the Ministry of Health were at odds on the management of COVID-19.

“There could be nothing further from the truth.  BAMP has participated in the meetings of the Health EOC from time to time, and they have agreed that they will again be very active in that Health EOC.

“In addition, many members of BAMP have volunteered to be of assistance, as it relates to the dissemination of reports and results and playing a more active role within the Ministry of Health and Wellness, at this time, recognising the urgency and the importance of the current situation,” he pointed out.

sharon.austingill-moore@barbados.gov.bb

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