Barbadians from all walks of life have been expressing concern at the Swine Flu pandemic sweeping neighbouring countries. Too close for comfort many are thinking! If the reports in the international press are to be believed the virus originated in Mexico. The 23 month old who died in Texas, USA within the last 24 hours was a Mexican child who had sought treatment in the USA.
The medical authorities in the USA are being very negative in their forecast on how this pandemic will spread. This is not good news for the Barbados authorities, North America is a top three tourist market for Barbados. The positive spin is that Barbados has always enjoyed a diversified tourist product unlike Bahamas and others.
At this point we can only hope that the Barbados government is able to galvanize all the stakeholders to treat with this matter with the seriousness it deserves. Reports out of Mexico indicate that the tourist resorts are now ghost like in activity. Barbadians have been lulled into believing over the years that such catastrophic events cannot ever happen in Barbados.
Bloggers have been expressing their opinions on the matter. We have been inundated with interesting emails from BU family members to blog on the issue. We also want to thank BU family member Tourism Monkey who was the first commenter to alert the BU family on the subject.
We urge Barbadians every where to cooperate with the authorities to ensure that we keep Barbados Swine Flu free. Let us all exude positive karma, let us pray, whatever it takes!
I don’t think that the fact that “Barbados has always enjoyed a diversified tourist product unlike Bahamas and others” will help us in this instance. This outbreak has now been classified as (i) a pandemic and (ii) level 5 by the World Health Organization, will see less people wanting to travel for fear of catching it. Unfortunately, that could also adversely impact our economic situation as well.
I can confirm that the US government is taking this pandemic quite seriously & is advising against anyone flying to mexico at the moment in fact there are actually rallying calls to close all borders with Mexico if this should get worse,but I’m not sure the President is listening.Flights to Mexico from the US have been quite empty & to the US from Europe from I can see at the moment.Summer time is coming & flu or not people like to travel,this might mean much more tourist numbers but what country will actually benefit the most of these diverged numbers I don’t think anyone can say at this point.
Politicians often find it hard to say the right things when they really don’t know what’s going on. See Advocate article, http://www.barbadosadvocate.com/newsitem.asp?more=politics&NewsID=3320. The final words say very little: “Thompson said that he is confident that Minister of Health, Donville Inniss, who has already met with his officials and announced the terms of his plan, will do all in his power together with the Government to protect the health of Barbadians.”
Does the island have a good stock of vaccines and can they be mobilised quickly? One report suggests the vaccine is here but will be used “judiciously”, whatever that means.
The Nation indicates some 4900 lots of vaccine and 5000 more on order., http://www.nationnews.com/news/local/swine-flu-FRONT-PAGE-LEAD. Tamiflu is reportedly stockpiled on the island, whatever that means.
@livinginbarbados
Since Tourism Monkey posted this news on Sunday under Submissions we have been asking about what our stockpile of flu vaccines look like. So far no response.
In the USA and other countries there has been full disclosure on these matters to allay fears and concerns. Tourists looking to travel may feel inclined to do so if the health authorities declared a more open position.
To top it off, the Nation reports (p23) that the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) that is due to test for swine flu cannot yet do the test to determine if a victim has swine flu! Are you reassured now?
While it is important that we treat issues of public health with utmost seriousness, I hope that we don’t throw rational, reasoned risk management out the door in favour of mass hysteria.
Here is one columnist trying to stand still in the midst of the stampeding crowd. He is a bit too dismissive in parts, but generally it makes for a sobering read.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/apr/29/swine-flu-mexico-uk-media1
The reality is that the fallout from hysteria, fear mongering and irrationality surrounding this flu virus is going to be immeasurably more damaging for tourist dependent countries like Barbados and Mexico than any death or sickness caused by the virus.
The politicians, 24 hour news channels, blogs etc are having a field day!
Well at least pigs can’t fly!
@David/All
If one cannot do testing on the island, and if the place designated for testing in the region cannot actually do the tests, then I cannot understand what ‘assurances’ are being given. What kind of surveillance can really take place?
Dark Knight // April 27, 2009 at 11:09 am
@ BU Admin.
I hope you turn your attention to the Swine Flu issue soon.
New York is not far from Barbados.
The EU has already issued a travel ban to America and Mexico.
See today’s New York Times.
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On April 29, BU Admin wrote:
“Barbadians have been lulled into believing over the years that such catastrophic events cannot ever happen in Barbados.
Bloggers have been expressing their opinions on the matter. We have been inundated with interesting emails from BU family members to blog on the issue. We also want to thank BU family member Tourism Monkey who was the first commenter to alert the BU family on the subject.”
………………………
BU Admin, please remind us, even better – show us Tourism Monkey’s post!
Then give the evidence to support your wild, baseless allegations that :
“Barbadians have been lulled into believing over the years that such catastrophic events cannot ever happen in Barbados.”
You do not seem aware, but the laws of Barbados gives the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) at the Ministy of Public Works, the Chief Education Officer (CEO) at the Ministry of Education (ME) – authority on policy for those respective Ministries and not the Minister of the Permanent Secretary.
Your comment about Barbadians being “lulled” is an unprovoked attack on the Chief Medical Officer and the competent heath officials in Barbados.
This swine Flu surfaced in the international press since April 25, 2009.
A story from the New York Times has been on the BLP’s webpage since April 26, 2009.
You post about it only yesterday. Your bloggers opted to talk about bulling.
This Swine Flu issue only attracted the attention of the DLP administration on Tuesday, April 28th (perhaps, not becuase of any serious health concern but as a distraction against the economy)
As early as on April 25, the New York Times was reporting:
“Other governments around the world stepped up their response to the incipient outbreak, racing to contain the infection amid reports of potential new cases from New Zealand to Hong Kong to Spain, raising concerns about the potential for a global pandemic.”
Now with that background, let us finally have a serious discussion.
livinginbarbados wrote:
“Thompson said that he is confident that Minister of Health, Donville Inniss, who has already met with his officials and announced the terms of his plan, will do all in his power together with the Government to protect the health of Barbadians.”
…………………………………….
This is pure political hogwash. It is not Donville Inniss who is not even a doctor, but about the Cheif Medical Officer and health officials in Barbados.
The Minister is merely a jay-walking pedestrian.
Still, let me show you the DLP’s trademark political folly:
Imagine, a meeting with health officials and the Minister of health, but not with the Minister of Tourism, or the Minister with responsibility for Immigration and Customs; the air and sea port or sanitation.
Now! What about hotel workers and those at the air and seas port – shouldn’t they get the Tamiflue, now?
During world cup cricket, no one had the tell the BLP to give the appropriate vaccines to volunteers and those who will come into contact with visitors.
It takes an aeroplane less that eight hours to get from New York here.
That is the difference between the BLP and the DLP. The BLP puts people first.
Dark Knight and all your other names GROW UP AND GET A LIFE.
This matter is not about BLP vs DLP you complete idiot this is much larger than that.
No wonder the people threw you out of office the saw the lack of brain that was evident within and around the BLP.
This Swine Flu pandemic should be a concern for all & sundry.It could have either a positive or negative impact on Barbados or the Caribbean.The positive impact is more tourist arrivals to Barbados & Caribbean as a result of shifting of Mexico by travellers and diverting to this region if we remain unaffected.The converse could also occur, that is a decline in tourist arrivals because of fear and the possibility that this region could be impacted by the virus.
Taking these two possibilities into consideration I believe we should adopt a wait & see position on this issue before we make wild accusations of what might & might not occur.
The government & the Ministry of Health are being pro-active in putting certain protocols in place to minimize the potential damage that could be done to our country as a result of a outbreak of the Swine Flu.I applaud the government for the measures that are implemented at this stage.
It is interesting that the outbreaks of these devastating diseases are occurring periodically in Non-European Countries,North America & Canada.
We had the disesases SARS & Bird Flu allegedly starting in Asia,Southern Asia to be precise and then the deadly disease Ebola occurring in Africa.In is interesting that after a period of time we do not hear about these diseases anymore.
Have these diseases been cured or eliminated?
Are these diseases still around?
I have my beliefs that there is a conspiracy to test the effectiveness of the biological weapons being developed by the western world.
It is to apparent that these dreadful diseases are springing up for a period of time and then mysteriously disappearing.
@Negroman
Ebola? Still around, and mutating, but vaccines seem very effective.
SARS? Still around, but seems under control, though treatments are not very effective.
Contact and respiratory diseases occur frequently because of contact and the need to share air. Simple hygiene can do a lot to minimize the spread, but air travels and air travel is a great spreader. Just to think about, do you know who standing next to you is carrying the TB virus?
Conspiracies? Hmmm.
The Ministry of Health is to spend $12 million in the initial stage of its efforts to prevent the outbreak of swine flu in Jamaica.
A big portion of that money is to purchase 1,000 doses of the two drugs, Tamiflu and Zanamivir, that are recommended for the treatment and prevention of the disease.
“We have ordered more but right now we hope we don’t have to use the 450 (doses now in the island) and so far we haven’t used any yet,” Health Minister Ruddy Spencer told yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House.
Spencer said the 1,000 doses of Tamiflu and Zanamivir should be in the island within 24 hours.
According to Spencer, addi-tional measures have been implemented at the air and sea ports to treat persons coming into the island who might have been exposed to swine flu virus
“The World Health Organisation has not yet developed a vaccine for this flu so what we are speaking to are those people coming into the island with flu-like symptoms,” Spencer said.
“We are treating with every-body coming through our ports but we are looking out especially for those coming from Mexico, because that is where it originated,” Spencer added.
Source: Jamaica Gleaner, April 30, 2009.
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20090430/lead/lead3.html
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Now you were saying!
By the way, hartley “the klown” henry, a.a.k.a Wishing In Vain, a.k.a Somali Pirate – you are in no position to lecture me on anything – except corruption.
What politics! The DLP cannot take anybody any where, politically.
The facts are that the BLP had to deal with SARS; The Ibola Virus; The West Nile Virus, Foot and Mouth Disease, Mad Cows Disease, 911; Y2K, Oil Price, Food Prices, the war in Iraq and many others.
There is a reason why Jerome Walcott and the BLP stocked piled the vaccines you now boast about.
There is a reason why America has not closed the border with Mexico.
Let the health professionals do the work they were trained to do and let the DLP concentrate on the ECONOMY and the upsoming BUDGET.
This Swine Flu may be the only reason why the vote to the mInistry of Health might not be cut. That is the issue “poppet.”
All in the name of science and medical research I guess. My concern is safeguard the health and life of our people. Guess the P.M will probably increase the funds to health and social services should any swine flu outbreaks occur funds would be easily available.
As a small country person the pig farming is also of interest to me. How can we safeguard or industry?
My guess is that the Minister of Agriculture will speak to these matters.
Will there be a meeting of the minds in agriculture,public health officials and related industies?
@ Simple,
I wish to respond to your mature post.
I agree!
It is about safeguarding the health of Barbadians. The law gives that responsibility – in the first instance – to the Chief Medical Officer.
The Constitution also makes provision for “Emergency,” which sends certain signals to the Minister of Finance.
It is only “because” of Swine Flu that the vote to the Ministry of Health will not be cut.
The cuts will come from the social services: Eductaion and the Ministry of Social Care.
That is why Sinckler is talking about changes at the RDC and UDC.
The DLP is using rationalisation of the social services as their excuse to finance the deficit.
All this shit is man-made. Swine-flu stock is rising on the market and who has mega interest in Tamiflu? Donald Rumsfeld. This is all part of their plan to exterminate the useless eaters. This is all part of this whole terrorism scam of the filthy killuminati. Its not enough to destabilise world financial markets, they’re going for the jugular. Soon they’re gonna blame it on al-queda or the Taliban. Its not bad enough that Mexico is in the shits right now with the manufactured drug-wars but they’re gonna further collapse that entire society with this manufactured virus.
Swine Flu is no joke. Here is what is reported in today’s Nassau Guardian.
http://www.thenassauguardian.com/national_local/368182690978289.php
The EU has already told its citizens not to travel unless it is not absolutely necessary.
The Americans are saying similar.
With a $750 million budget deficit, Barbadians must be careful: wash you hands, avoid persons who are caughing; sneezing, vomiting.
Front House Hotel Workers, Immigration and Customs Workers at our air and sea Port, taxi drivers and tour bus operator and even persons who go to clubs and discos – must be even more cautious.
Protect yourself! You could be isolated if you do not.
When next is our parliament meeting and is there anything ouf national importance that should be discussed in the highest place of the land?
Not seeing any reports from parliament have parliamentarians been replaced?
@ Simple
Here is something else in today’s Nassau Guardian:
“According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans.
However, the organization added that the most common cases involving humans occur in people with direct exposure to pigs.
At a press conference on Monday, Health Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis said the country is fully prepared to deal with an outbreak of swine flu should that occur.
The Ministry of Health has ordered the quarantine of two teachers, 10 students and four chaperones in Abaco who recently returned from Mexico, to determine if they are infected with swine flu, as well as a 12-member national soccer team who recently traveled to Mexico.
Symptoms of the illness include a fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, body aches, coughing, a sore throat, respiratory congestion and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea.
Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs, according to the CDC.
Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs.
Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur, the CDC says on its web site.
This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus.
People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.”
http://www.thenassauguardian.com/national_local/356889534841499.php
Simple! Wash you hands and stay safe.
Why isn’t the Health Ministry mobilising to have people on the ground visiting tourist contact points and making sure that people have the basics covered??
Key Facts about Swine Influenza (Swine Flu)
What is Swine Influenza?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs.
Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs.
Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans.
The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.
Source:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
The question is: “Are you satified that the DLP has acted swiftly and is doing enought to protect you.”
For example, is money available or has been made available?
We know the the CMO is competent but as regards the DLP, well – you know the answer.
Dark Knight
Can you kindly enumerate the things that you would do if you were PM?
@Negroman “It is to apparent that these dreadful diseases are springing up for a period of time and then mysteriously disappearing”
It’s not that they have disappeared but that once the public loses interest the news media ratings for that story go down and they will move on to something else. Right now CNN, FOX, Blogs, et al are whipping up a frenzy. Soon it will be a distant memory, as it should be.
A that that thug, Wishing In Vain who wrote:
“No wonder the people “threw” you out of office the”Y” saw the lack of brain “S” that was evident within and around the BLP.”
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Listen fool!!!
Never in all my years have I ever heard anyone question the “superior intellectual ability” of BLP politicians, whether they are referring to: The Rt. Excellent Sir. Grantley Adams, Tom Adams, Owen Arthur, Mia Mottley, Bree, Henry, Johnny or Louise.
Second point! The BLP was not thrown out of office. The facts are that a mere 1610 votes separate the DLP from the BLP.
Even the DLP’s poll conducted recently – shows that the DLP is loosing five of the St. Michael seat you now hold, as well as three in Christ Church.
Third point! It was a glitch or lapse in judgment on January 15, 2008 – which was induced by the $15 million Clico put into the pot, as well as the sizeable amount which Simpson; C.O.W, JADA, Rotherley, Mapou, David Seale and other contributed in election funding – that cause Barbadians to vote for a DLP outfit they knew was not ready and was not relevant to a modern Barbados.
The consequences are “devilishly frightening.”
In addition to: “a triggered meltdown of the Barbados economy,” here is what else:
1. The cost of living doubled in 2008 over 2007.
2. Unemployment increased by some 12 per cent moving to just about 8% in Barbados.
3. The Nation Debt increased by some $900 million in the last 14 months.
4. The External Current Account deficit down to the end of September worsened by $262 million.
5. There was a smaller Capital Account Surplus in 2008 than it was in 2007 by over $223 million.
6. Private Capital Inflows in this country reduced to $409 million from a high of $920 for the first nine months of 2008.”
7. Worst of all is that the International Reserves in Barbados declined under Thompson by over $700 milling in nine months.
Since 2008 the reserves increased in the first quarter of the year to $2.7 billion. But then they fell in the last nine months of 2008 from $2.7 billion to $1,990 million or by over $700 million.
The DLP, and the head of those private sector companies named herein are responsible for the mess the Barbados economy is now in.
If there was a law against economic mismanagment, the DLP would be serving life – having been sentenced in 1991.
@ that that thug, Wishing In Vain who wrote:
“No wonder the people “threw” you out of office the”Y” saw the lack of brain “S” that was evident within and around the BLP.”
……………………………
Listen fool!!!
Never in all my years have I ever heard anyone question the “superior intellectual ability” of BLP politicians, whether they are referring to: The Rt. Excellent Sir. Grantley Adams, Tom Adams, Owen Arthur, Mia Mottley, Bree, Henry, Johnny or Louise.
Second point! The BLP was not thrown out of office. The facts are that a mere 1610 votes separate the DLP from the BLP.
Even the DLP’s poll conducted recently – shows that the DLP is loosing five of the St. Michael seat you now hold, as well as three in Christ Church.
Third point! It was a glitch or lapse in judgment on January 15, 2008 – which was induced by the $15 million Clico put into the pot, as well as the sizeable amount which Simpson; C.O.W, JADA, Rotherley, Mapou, David Seale and other contributed in election funding – that cause Barbadians to vote for a DLP outfit they knew was not ready and was not relevant to a modern Barbados.
The consequences are “devilishly frightening.”
In addition to: “a triggered meltdown of the Barbados economy,” here is what else:
1. The cost of living doubled in 2008 over 2007.
2. Unemployment increased by some 12 per cent moving to just about 8% in Barbados.
3. The Nation Debt increased by some $900 million in the last 14 months.
4. The External Current Account deficit down to the end of September worsened by $262 million.
5. There was a smaller Capital Account Surplus in 2008 than it was in 2007 by over $223 million.
6. Private Capital Inflows in this country reduced to $409 million from a high of $920 for the first nine months of 2008.”
7. Worst of all is that the International Reserves in Barbados declined under Thompson by over $700 milling in nine months.
Since 2008 the reserves increased in the first quarter of the year to $2.7 billion. But then they fell in the last nine months of 2008 from $2.7 billion to $1,990 million or by over $700 million.
The DLP, and the head of those private sector companies named herein are responsible for the mess the Barbados economy is now in.
If there was a law against economic mismanagment, the DLP would be serving life – having been sentenced in 1991.
Georgie Porgie // April 30, 2009 at 12:23 pm
Dark Knight
Can you kindly enumerate the things that you would do if you were PM?
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Do the country a favour by resigning or by commiting suicide.
Dark Knight your answer is a very poor one, as the question is not at all an unreasonable one. Wuh Georgie do you?
Dark Kight your response to GP is as arrogant as the ones for which you condemn WIV on another thread.
Will you stiffle all questions by demanding that Bajans resign or commit suicide?
Will the new modus operandi of the BLP (if they should ever return to power) is to request that any person who asks a reasonable question be asked to resign or commit suicide?
I believe that the BLP’s position on this matter is a trademark “mature” and “responsible” one of hope, that no one gets affected or infected in Barbados.
The good thing is – that a Protocol on SARS was developed by our health official, which can be followed, especially since it would be applicable to Swine Flu and Influenza.
It is also extremely pleasing to note that Barbados has over 45,000 doses of Tamiflu stock-piled.
Former Health Minister Jerome Walcott must be highly congratulated because it was him who took the Paper to Cabinet.
I believe this is what some now boast about but it is why the BLP must be congratulated for it leadership on health acre.
Still, this Swine Flu highlights the point that the DLP should spend money to build-up vaccines that are necessary stocks on the island.
But Barbados has a competent CMO and healthcare specialists.
My philosophy is: It is better to have it and not call upon to use it, than not to have it but need it.
That is what LEADERSHIP is all about.
There is also a role citizens must play!
Remember, people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Symptoms of the illness include a fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, body aches, coughing, a sore throat, respiratory congestion and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea.
Remain calm!
Wash you hands often; be alert, cautious and responsible.
I have full confidence in our CMO and health care professionals.
Dark Knight
You mean losing power 15 months ago still hurting you so bad? If you didnt commit suicide when you lost power why should a member of the populace, who asked you a simple question be commanded to resign or commit suicide?
Swine Flu is a matter of national security and of serious national importance.
It is clear that you have nothing to ad to the deabte.
I will not discuss politics here.
Ask BU Admin to please start a conversation on the Budget or the economy.
BU Admin can then transfer your comments and georgie porgie’ to that area.
If not, I will respond under the section dealing with “Stimulus Money.”
But there are some things that are above politics and I will therefore not be discussing politics here. – DK
Dark Knight wrote
I will not discuss politics here.
and that
But there are some things that are above politics and I will therefore not be discussing politics here.
yet all of his posts are political in nature, and he would dictate what threads BU should start.
Dark Knight who you is boh? You sound like a would be dictator, man.
@ confuesed,
Remember to wash your hands.
Also, remember that people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Symptoms of the illness include a fever of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, body aches, coughing, a sore throat, respiratory congestion and, in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea.
I wonder how many can recall the 1957 Flu, which affected Barbados badly. Many died and all schools were closed for almost 8 weeks.
There has been many advancements in medicine and living standards/conditions since.
In fact, Barbadians are now living longer with this country having the most centenarians per capita in the world – except for Japan.
We just need to enforce the point about personal hygience and wellness promotion, while having the appropriate budget allocations to health, Sports, Sanitation, Immigration, Customs and the Environment .
That would make the work of our competent health care professional a lot more easy.
But – the “1957” Flu! Imagine that!!!
Pingback: Global Voices Online » Caribbean: Keeping Track of Swine Flu
Dark Knight wrote “The facts are that the BLP had to deal with SARS; The Ibola Virus; The West Nile Virus, Foot and Mouth Disease, Mad Cows Disease, 911; Y2K, Oil Price, Food Prices, the war in Iraq and many others.”
How come nobody told me when the BLP was “dealing with” Ebola
Dear Dark NIght:
Now that yu know that neither Georgie Porgie nor I will resign or commit suicide will you please answer the question. Thanks muchly.
Dark Knight:
Have you had your Tamiflu shot yet?
When you do let this blog know and we can start counting.
I guess 45 days will see you quiet.
This is not an antidote against an obviously manufactured swine, bird, human virus.
More appropriate to name it Mexican flu, or for our more informed friends “unattributable CDS disease”.
The whole innoculation idea is a smokescreen.
My take… keep clear of obvious cases, don’t ever, ever get immunised, hunker down and things will be over in 3 months
Peace …. and FU Rumsfeld
Probably sooner on this isolated rock.
Just read a blog by a Grenadian asking
How come that everyone is masking up for the relatively new Swine Flu,but AIDS was around for a long time, killing thousands, yet many are not in a hurry to mask up , with a condom.
Interesting point Astard!
Reports suggest that the virus seems mild in the US and other countries. It remains a mystery at this stage why 16 people have died in Mexico.
It is sad to read Dark Knight (Henderson Bovell, we are told elsewhere) and Royal Rumble (Syvan Greenidge, we are told elsewhere). And sadder to think that they are advising the current Leader of the Opposition. Such empty, evil thinking and hatred are really not good for our society.
It is no wonder Mr. Henry has to write in the above terms and I agree with him. At least I can see the Prime Minister is being properly advised.
BU Admin, please remind us, even better – show us Tourism Monkey’s post!
_____________________
As requested, here is my original post which was placed under submissions.
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Tourism Monkey // April 26, 2009 at 10:38 am
Just came from reading some disturbing news:
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/26/swine.flu/index.html
Why is this disturbing? Let’s see.
– It’s a killer strain of flu that no one seems to be able to take care of
– It’s being spread like wildfire throughout Mexico and God knows where else
– It’s traveling now with unwitting hosts internationally
– It’s entry to Barbados would be easy
Now, the last 2 are especially disturbing for me. If one reads the article, you can see that New Zealand, Japan, Canada, South Korea and other countries are taking steps to ensure that the entry of this disease into their countries will be limited if they can help it.
What will Barbados do?
We can’t stop drugs from coming through the airport.
We can’t stop certain tourists to check their bags (because they’re that important).
We can’t even stop people from bringing in frozen goods like ham without the appropriate license.
Therefore, how are we going to stop an airborne virus.
Will that Ministry of Health official stationed at the airport have the cojones to stop the American tourist that sounds as if they are coughing up a lung?
Will flight crew on any of the airlines notify someone in authority on the ground if they notice that one of their passengers is particularly ill?
Will the immigration officer at the desk sound an alarm if he notices a seriously unwell person?
Or will this be Barbados once more and we continue to go on and do our thing as if nothing has happened?
We need to wake up and look at what’s going on around us. The world, thanks to modern technology, has become about as small as a village and as such, we need to treat it like one.
Barbados depends on tourism but that does not mean that we should put our tourism workers at risk just to make some money during the recession.
I hope this government realises that and formulates a plan quickly.
I’m not a doomster or a naysayer, but try to report what I see, with words of caution.
Having travelled through Grantley Adams International Airport last night I can report that there is not one scrap of evidence to support the existence of extra medical personnel or measures and surveillance reportedly in place at ports of entry to guard against swine flu.
So, my question is who is fooling who?
The point is, is this particular strain of flu any worse than any other common-all-garden strain of flu? Many people die from influenza every year without any special precautions being made to safeguard against contracting it. Surely just common sense will be sufficient to prevent this becoming fatal in Barbados. We don’t know why so many people in Mexico died from it, but the number has already been reduced from 150 to about 25. Perhaps the unfortunate victims were already in poor health or in poor physical condition. We don’t need to make light of it, but surely we also don’t need to go overboard.
The good thing is – that a Protocol on SARS was developed by Dr. Walcott and our health official, which can be followed, especially since it would be applicable to Swine Flu and Influenza.
It is also extremely pleasing to note that Barbados has over 45,000 doses of Tamiflu stock-piled.
Former Health Minister Jerome Walcott must be highly congratulated because it was he who took the Paper to Cabinet.
I believe this is what some now boast about but it is why the BLP must be congratulated for it leadership on health care.
Still, this Swine Flu highlights the point that the DLP should spend money to build-up vaccines that are necessary stocks on the island.
The H1N1 Virus might therefore be the only reason why in the up-coming budget – Thompson may not cut the vote to the MOH.
@ Dark Knight
The figures you cite for Tamiflu stockpile of 45,000 doses is much more than cited a few days ago in a report of Ministry of Health (The Nation indicates some 4900 lots of vaccine and 5000 more on order–and that figure has not been corrected). Just a matter of trying to get some precision…
@ livinginbarbados
The Barbados Labour Party left 45,000 doses if not 48,000.
If you doubt, ask Dr. Jerome Walcott.
I believe he is now at PAHO.
He will also confirm that he left a PROTOCOL on SARS that can also be followed.
Given the promise of freedom of information – it should not be too difficult to find out whether it is 45,000 or 48,000.
If there are only 4,900 doses, then I believe there needs to be a “serious investigation,” how come!
Iam happy to back on home soil and taking some BU news, but once againg the idiots that posts on this cite like Dark Knight turn a communicable disease political. T he etiology of the H1N1 flu virus has not been completed by CDC but all you internet reading experts have your false opinions. CDC have error on this virus and it is not more deadly than any other flu virus and the level 5 was immaturely enforced by WHO. How ever i was please when i past though the Grantle Adams International Airport i saw PORT HEALH OFFICALS being very vigilant.
@ Late to Reply
Listen Jackass!!!
Who is turning something political? Show the evidence of shut up, “klown”
Livinginbarbados asked a question and I merely gave a response, you fool!!!
If this discussion is too high for you then shut up, idiot!
You would not know political if it stared you in the face. If I wanted to be political with an issue I would talk about the Economy.
This is the substance of all of my contributions on this head:
People should follow public health advice such as covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, washing their hands frequently, and postponing travel if sick.
Those who travel and return sick should seek medical advice.
@Late to Reply
I too arrived at Grantley Adams (on LIAT) last evening, but saw no health officials. Other arrivals earlier in the day (on American) did see officials. Maybe you can help us and indicate if LIAT=local=no perceived problems or no need to check, while American=foreign=perceived problems or a need to reassure.
Either way, not one official at the airport checked recent travel or wore protective equipment.
Diseases and viruses are not day workers, so one hopes that if there is a serious effort that it is constant.
Livinginbarbados no person including the pilot can disembark an aircraft or a vessel without the permission of an port health officer,so next time travelling look around closely. There is no need to wear protected gear at this time but i am sure the front line officers at the ports have their gear. BUT for DARK KNIGHT i will keep getting to you the stealing and the pilferage is over you boast of your intellect get a honest job and stop weeping look around most sucessful Barbadians was’t UWIgraduates like you , but you have to kiss their asses for a living so get with it.
@ Late to Reply
We are not discussing ‘permission’, which is an administrative process, but health checks, which is not something that can be done by eye or feel. Where countries are really concerned about the spread of diseases, no person who does not pass the medical check can enter/cross border (see yellow fever areas, for example; no vaccine, no entry; see EU restrictions for foot and mouth disease). If no screening has been done of travellers then no assurance that a person(s) is not a carrier can be done.
@Late to Reply
“There is no need to wear protected gear at this time but i am sure the front line officers at the ports have their gear.”
On that basis, I suggest they try having bullet proof vests and leaving them in the office draw or at home when the bullets start flying. The protective gear has a purpose, which is negated if it’s not used.
@ Late to REPLY
Given his legacy on education, both Mr. Barrow and uncle Cammie would consider you an embarrassment.
@ Livinginbarbados this is a virus of which there is no vacine aviable so far physical observation or passive surveillance would be recommended at this stage . There is no need for front line officals to going about their duties in full protective equipment. It is important to note that diseases have courses (1) An infectionous organism muuts be present H1N1 (2)Host (3)Agent these three are exsisting agree. But disease dot spead just that simple your population would have to be sutseptable and the organism will have tobe highly virulent all beings have some type of immune system at work.This is a new combination of viruses but new labortary test at CDC stated tha the disease is not as highly infectionous as first thaugh an is currently weakening, the figures now presented by WHO are the results of early suspected cases. Now to@ Dark KNIGHT you boast of your education i am a college and UWIgraduate never beg no one in this country for employment and i am a succesful business person and a millionaire dont care who goverment in power put that in your shallow head.
@Late to Reply
You are absolutely correct that there is no vaccine for swine flu, though the anti-viral drugs, including Tamiflu and Relenza, are supposed to make the symptoms milder. But given that influenza spreads between humans through coughing or sneezing and people touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth you need to know who may be infected. That’s the simple point. If you do not take care to avoid the spread (including by not using protective equipement) then if it is highly infectious then you just multiply your problems.
livinginbarbados
Don’t panic, walking around in protective equipment would only be a new style. You put on a mask and then you remove it to eat, answer your cell phone or any other thing and you are still exposing yourself to the virus. The best bet is to follow the old time form of washing your hands regularly and also clean ALL those places that are usually touched. There is a special way to wash your hands and also you should use liquid soap and dry with a napkin. Tamiflu is the last resort to be used, the side effects are numerous and very bad, only patience who are seriously ill, should use it. This drug is so danderous that it should not be sold over thecounter, plus anyone who has bought it, should not use it unless prescribed by a medical doctor
@The Scout
Frankly, I’m with you in many respects, including on Tamiflu and its side effects. But to my peculiar (economist) mind, if you are going to spend scarce resources (money and time) then make use of what you buy and the time you use. So, let’s give sensible advice to the general public (as you did) and take reasonable precautions, and let’s not fool ourselves with PR suggesting that anything else will work for the moment.
heard its in barbados now
A crusie ship in the Port is reported to have 3 suspected cases.
this is zmoneyent
do you have a link to the actual story cause I heard it on the radio?
And everyone, except those showing outward symptoms (of course) was allowed to leave the ship!
What did I tell you?
I hearing some rumours that the workerw at a specific Hotel because of this swine flu. Anybody hear anything? What are they talking about?
Did it make sense for Stetson ‘the Tuesday edition” Babb to rush to the public with a news flash that there was a swine flu alert at the port this morning? Would it not have been better to work with the medical authorities to manage how this news was disseminated given the untold damage in can potentially do to Barbados tourism industry?
Sorry about the unfinished sentence it should read:
I hearing some rumours that the workers at a specific Hotel because of this swine flu have gone home. Anybody hear anything? What are they talking about?
David
You mean the ‘chewsday edition’.
VOB thrives on sensationalism.
Right now they are doing anything to get the public’s attention.
It is two weeks since there has been a posting on this pandemic which is worsening by the hour. Saw the following article on the NET and decided to share it with the family.
I hope that Barbadians aren’t letting their guards down. There are two confirmed cases in Jamaica . I would like the BU family to read the following article copied from yesterday’s edition of the Jamaica Observer. We in Barbados should have
H1N1 Virus preparedness ads on radio/tv and in the print media similar to hurricane season ads.
The article reads quote
DR SUGGESTS EXTENSIVE SCREENING TO AVOID SWINE FLU SCARE
BY KIMONE THOMPSON, Observer senior reporter thompsonk@jamaicaobserver.com
Monday, June 01, 2009
FORMER president of the Medical Association of Jamaica, Dr Alverston Bailey, is warning that there could be a major public health scare if extensive screening of all the persons with whom the two persons confirmed to have the H1N1 influenza A virus have come in contact is not undertaken in a timely manner. Bailey, who practises general medicine in Kingston, was referring to the two cases of the flu reported on the weekend. Both cases, the Ministry of Health said, were detected after the persons travelled separately to New York, one of the cities in North America where the virus has been wreaking havoc in recent weeks.
“There’s a distinct possibility that all the persons in the transportation, be it plane, ship or minibus, would have been exposed to it and not only their immediate relatives,” said Dr Bailey. “That’s where the problem is and it’s slightly worrying.”
“The public health people are going to have a big problem on their hands because they will have to track the targets from the time they boarded the plane until when they were diagnosed. They have to track the flight they were on, the mode of transportation they took to get home, whether it was a minibus, if they were at the bus stop. They have to find all the people with whom they came in contact and they will need to call them in to be tested.”
Added Bailey: “If I were in government I’d say “all the persons who were on flight X please come in for testing”. They may not do it because they have to be political, but from a public health standpoint I would.” Chief medical officer at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Dr Trevor McCartney, had similar concerns.
“I don’t have the facts and I am not privy to the information but it appears that the virus has been here. The detection was made after samples were taken and had to have been taken some time ago. From what I have seen, I don’t get the impression that the persons came today,” he said, suggesting that the virus could have already spread.
He did say, however, that in the case of an outbreak, the major hospitals had sufficient supplies of antiviral drugs.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Health cancelled the second of two press conferences on the subject and when contacted, spokesperson on the H1N1, Dr Marion Bullock Ducasse, declined to comment. Members of the surveillance team were reportedly locked in a meeting up to late evening.
The Observer could not ascertain the sex or age of the affected persons yesterday but we did find out that they were tested at the National Influenza Centre (NIC) at the University Hospital of the West Indies.
The centre works in collaboration with the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States and with the Pan American Health Organisation and is accredited to test for seasonal flu as well as the H5N1 (avian) and the H1N1 (swine) types.
NIC Director Dr Sandra Jackson told the Observer that once the four tests to detect swine flu were done and the virus confirmed, the public was informed within 24 hours, and while she did admit that “there might be more cases”, she stressed that proper hygiene should go a far way in preventing illness.
“It’s not as severe as people may fear that it may be because it was contracted in the States and it isn’t as bad there as in some other places,” she said.
Dr McCartney, meanwhile, emphasised the need for heightened public awareness in the face of the two confirmed cases.
We really need to step up surveillance. We need to step up the public’s awareness of the virus being in their environment by using radio and television ads, putting signs in schools and other public spaces. We need to let people know that it spreads very rapidly by contact so hand washing is of prime importance,” he said, adding that “wherever there is the suggestion of flu-like symptoms persons are encouraged to seek medical attention”.
“Hospital workers have been instructed as to the protective measures they are to take to ensure that they don’t come in contact with the virus and signs have been posted in the hospitals,” he said.
As for Dr Bailey’s position on protective measures, he said the public should adopt “universal precaution”.
“I’m hoping that the Government puts all systems in place to ensure that all the target cases are properly quarantined…but my approach is the same as it would be for HIV, universal precaution and the health care professionals and the public should do it too. Avoid shaking hands, avoid crowded places, use personal protective equipment – respirators that effectively filter out virus, goggles to protect the eyes, and gloves – and view all situations as potential cases.
“Wash hands continuously, especially if you go out and if you’re sick, don’t go to school or work,” Dr Bailey advised.’
Ends Quote
It is time this foolishness stops. It seems so obvious that this swine flu was developed in a lab and spread by couriers to different parts of the world as a ploy to sell drugs and make money. The market was either slow or not vibrant enough.
but if you think that was enough, you now have some more surprises. A new H1N1 vaccine, lol! Pull your pockets some more…
but the most marvellous thing about this is that when we done buy-up and stockpile, the drugs, test kits etc. are not returnable and non refundable and I bet they have an expiry date. After all the stockpiling, we now have to stockpile the new vaccinations.
I see one commenter writing that Jerome Walcott stockpile a vaccination. What you really telling me is that the plot was on the cards for a long time and that the then Minister of Health knew?
If this is so, then I have no apologies whatsoever for my conspiracy theory and I am linking it back to HIV/AIDS because that came about with a similar MO to swine flu.
Interesting stuff. Did you hear that there’s a new strain which is resistant to the anti-flu drugs? Tamiflu etc? Found a really good website for tracking it’s progress, seems to be updated every hour or so… http://www.swinefludeaths.co.uk.
i here saying the same thing barbados doesnt seem to be taking no precautions to get rid of this swine flu because every day people from england and surrounding areas are still coming into barbados and are among our people and england for example there are over 6300 cases of swine flu and 29 people at this moment have died already and we just taking them in barbados and not taking precautions what is wrong with bajans we want to dead for a pound
Since we all know that our country, Suoth Africa will be hosting the most important event of soccer World Cup for the very first time. i would like to know what interventions are bieng made to ensure that the pandemic influenza of Swine flu does not spread through our loving country, what should the municipalities do to ensure that the virus is well managed so it does not contaminate our country anymore, especially those minicipalities that will be hosting the games in them so that people won’t have fear to go to the stadiums?