Parliament will come out of its Easter recess to meet tomorrow, Friday, April 23, in an extraordinary session to debate a resolution to extend the current State of Emergency by another five months.
In an address to the nation this evening, Attorney General Dale Marshall said Parliament would meet at 11: 30 a.m. and once the resolution is approved, the State of Emergency would continue from Monday, April 26, until Saturday, September 25.
Mr. Marshall further explained that to legally have further directives in place, the State of Emergency must be extended.
Therefore, tomorrow’s debate, he said, would provide the legal foundation for the next Directive to take effect from Tuesday, April 27.
He noted that Government has had extensive discussions with health authorities and thanked them for their “constant vigilance”, given the need to remain on guard against COVID-19.
The AG added: “These are not decisions that we take likely…. They are decisions that we take armed with the best information available, mindful always that the interest and lives of Barbadians is of paramount importance to us.
Mr. Marshall said the last proclamation was issued by Governor General Dame Sandra Mason on March 30 and under the Laws of Barbados, the current proclamation expires in another three days.