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BU Covid Dash – Does the CMO Have Courage to Deviate from the ‘Script’?

The Covid 19 pandemic rages largely because of the highly infectious delta variant and it has raised questions about the quality of decision making by the public health establishment. 

In Barbados recommendations from the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) continue to be at odds with public health directives. Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anton Best was obliged to support government’s recent decision to amend the travel protocol to allow fully vaccinated visitors with a valid PCR test to skip a second test and to observe quarantine. Bear in mind the ease in the entry requirement comes at a time the Covid 19 infection curve has not plateaued. 

The other question being asked is the reluctance of the medical fraternity in Barbados, both, public and private to deviate from the ‘script’ by prescribing off-label drugs like Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine. Although the establishment has not authorized these drugs to treat Covid 19, several favourable reports have been reported by some medical practitioners. We know the several Covid 19 vaccines are certified to prevent serious illness and death BUT …

Has the time come for Barbados health officials both public and private to agree to expand therapeutic options to treat Barbadians in the prevailing environment, approved by the FDA be damned?

Enclosed are the charts for the week ending 29th October. The charts seem to be suggesting a plateauing of sorts around the mid 300s +ve cases per day, while anecdotal info suggest that this might be an underestimate.  Deaths have been staggering.  We are now at a total of 151 deaths.  Uptake of the vaccines are still trending upwards.  Source: Lyall Small

313 responses to “BU Covid Dash – Does the CMO Have Courage to Deviate from the ‘Script’?”

  1. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    We should not beat around the bush all the time. We are heading for the same disaster as in the 1980s with HIV/AIDS.

    The blame for the current disaster lies primarily with the unwillingness of our indigenous masses to vaccinate, who fear vaccination more than their white masters.

    Our vaccination campaign has failed because school and UWI since 1966 have not managed to civilise the masses. Our “Professor Sir” Reckless of the UWI, BLM and WOKE always claim that all people are equal. No, they are not at all. In fact, the vaccination rate among businessmen, diplomats, tourists and expats is much higher than among our Aborigines.

    Our current government is therefore completely blameless.

  2. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    Nothing alarming in the data provided. The more one test the more positive cases will arise.I suspect that there is also double counting. if

  3. Wily Coyote Avatar
    Wily Coyote

    Its obviously a WHITE Campaign to reduce the Native population in order to real in the USELESS Financial Burden being placed on the TAX system and make the Quarterly Reports by Central Bank Governor more palatable. Less Limers and civil servants mean the balance sheet will look more palatable to the IMF master lenders so incompetent government ministers will be able to borrow and maintain their personal lifestyle.

    Food for thought.

  4. Wily Coyote Avatar
    Wily Coyote

    @Vincent

    “double counting”

    General consensus is is just the opposite, UNDER COUNTING by a factor of 2 to 3 in all aspects, daily counts, deaths etc.

  5. David Avatar
    David

    @Vincent

    You are not alarmed more people are dying? You are not alarmed these are reported numbers which mean there is obvious under reporting?

  6. David Avatar
    David

    Safe zones proposal ‘flawed’ – dental association head: https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/10/30/safe-zones-proposal-flawed-dental-association-head/

  7. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ David BU
    Are the total number of deaths per month higher than they were in 2018? How many of the reported COVID- 19 deaths suffered from comorbidities? Are not all deaths reported according to law? How can there be under reporting of deaths of any kind? They all require certificates of death which record cause of death. There is no obvious under reporting. At least not for me.
    If patients of interests take the PCR test more than once, are these tests included in the totals tested? Will they not inadvertently add to the numbers tested positive?
    We really ought to reduce the level of guessing in our evaluations. We expect better from our commenters.

  8. Critical Analyzer Avatar
    Critical Analyzer

    Instead of safe zones, let’s have vaxxed and unvaxxed zones so the vaxxed cannot blame the unvaxxed for giving them COVID.

  9. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    @ Wily Coyote October 30, 2021 9:52 AM

    This is not a conspiracy of white shadows, but solely the fault of parts of our political elite, for example, our whacked-out Chief Labour Officer and the BAMP President, who blather about “freedom of choice” when it comes to vaccination.

    It is a fact that almost all black, Indian white businessmen are begging their black, Indian and white employees to finally get vaccinated.

    Therefore, this is not about black versus white, but about rationality and protection of life through vaccination versus irrationality and superstition. No one can accuse our Supreme Leader and General Bosstic of not having sufficiently reminded the citizens to vaccinate.

  10. Critical Analyzer Avatar
    Critical Analyzer

    Actual COVID case numbers are very easy to calculate when you use the most reliable COVID metric we have which is number of COVID related deaths and generally internationally accepted estimate actual fatality rate of 0.3 – 0.6%.

    Our current deaths of 151 gives us total covid cases in the range of 25,000 to 50,000 persons that have already had COVID.

  11. angela cox Avatar
    angela cox

    When this virus started to raise its ugly head
    Small island leadership knowing that the health standards were below par did not initiate plans of avoidance
    They decided to take a Giant leap
    One which is costing them dearly
    Also with the numerous infections on the island and lack of proper medical care it is mind blowing that govt would let guard down and abandoned life saving protocols starting at our ports
    BAMP IS right BAMP Sees a bigger picture
    A picture which have catastrophic levels where the infection rate reeks mounting debt on the Barbados weak health systems and continual lost of lives
    Govt needs to take heed and press the brakes a little harder

  12. GP Avatar
    GP

    GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED MISERABLY
    When this virus started to raise its ugly head GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO HAVE EMPLOYED THE MEDICAL ILLITERATE ANGELA COLD AS A CONSULTANT TO GUIDE US INTO ALL TRUTH

    When this virus started to raise its ugly head GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO HAVE APPOINTED ANGELA COLD TO “take heed and press the brakes a little harder.

    When this virus started to raise its ugly head GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO HAVE REALIZED THAT THE LAST DLP GOVERNMENT HAD LEFT the health standards below par AND did not initiate plans of avoidance OF CHAOS FOR THE FUTURE

    GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED MISERABLY
    OH WHY OH WHY DID THEY NOT CONSULT ANGELA COLD THE MORON FOR ADVICE? WHY
    ALL OF OUR GOVERNMENT MEMBERS SHOULD HAVE THEIR NAMES ERASED FROM THE BOOK OF LIFE……….AND FOR LIFE.

  13. David Avatar
    David

    Some must be reminded we are here now. Decisions must be made based on improving mistakes made and what is current state of play. What is so hard to understand about it?

  14. GP Avatar
    GP

    YES DAVID INDEED
    EVEN AT THIS LATE TIME GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO APPOINT ANGELA COLD, THE RENOWNED WELL TRAINED PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERT TO HELP US OUT

    MORE SERIOUSLY THOUGH, AT THIS POINT OUR DRS OUGHT TO FOLLOW THE SENSIBLE AND EFFECTIVE PROTOCOLS FROM SUCCESSFULL OVERSEAS PRACTIONERS AS ADVANCED BY CRITICAL.
    WE CAN NOW OFFER PALLIATIVE CARE IN THIS WAY TO THE ISLAND AS A WHOLE.

    THERE IS MUCH MERIT IN WHAT BOTH VINCENT AND CRITICAL HAVE SAID ABOVE. WHEREAS SOME OF OUR DYING VERSONS MIGHT HAVE CONTRACTED COVID, I T IS OBVIOUS THAT MANY ARE DYING WITH COVID, RATHER THAN FROM COVID. AS IN OTHER COUNTRIES, ONE OF THE PROBLEMS THAT HAS ARISEN FROM LOCKDOWNS, INTER ALIA, IS THAT MANY WITH COMORDITIES WERE NOT GETTING THEIR ACCUSTOMED FOLLOW UP MAINTENANCE CARE

    HOWEVER, I BELIEVE ON THE AUTHORITY OF MATHEW 24:4-8 THAT WE WILL SEE THE EMERGENCE OF OTHER PESTILENCES, AND THAT OTHER “VARIANTS” WILL BE RELEASED BY DIABOLICAL MEN

  15. angela cox Avatar
    angela cox

    GPOctober 30, 2021 10:58 AM

    GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED MISERABLY
    When this virus started to raise its ugly head GOVERNMENT OUGHT TO HAVE EMPLOYED THE MEDICAL ILLITERATE

    ANGELA COLD AS ACONSULTANT TO GUIDE US INTO ALL TRUTH
    Xccccc
    Absolutely correct
    Could not be any worse
    Look at the number of Highly paid advisors and consultants and nothing is working right
    All which sat back and guided the PM into a Covid avalanche
    Hiring Angel Cox would have one release the financial stress off the health system
    A reduction of monies paid to consultants would have gone towards buying beds and medical supplies at the QEH
    How is that for a start
    My saving monies which would have been placed in a worthwhile cause to save lives and avoid the health system from collapsing
    Also going a step further on to the Polyclinics more surgery to send some of the newly hired advisors packing given them a red slip package as the order of the day a fast and quick medicine which would help expand hours at the polyclinic and provide essential workers at good pay also buy medical supplies
    See my plans would be to save lives and apply corrective surgery to the health system

  16. David Avatar
    David

    The weight on the healthcare system preoccupied with managing covid 19 cases and how it has negatively affected delivery to others suffering with non covid ailments is a fact. QEH principals are on recorded having same. There is no need to remind commenters that Barbados earns the reputation as the NCD capital of the world.

  17. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    @11:29
    I like how you handle that bowling. Six sixes in one over.
    Rolling and bad bowling
    Gets
    Good batting and smacking

  18. GP Avatar
    GP

    RE See my plans would be to save lives and apply corrective surgery to the health system
    HOW WILL A MEDICAL ILLITERATE save lives and apply corrective surgery to the health system WHEN YOU HAVE NO PUBLIC HEALTH TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE

    IN YOUR DIATRIBE YOU HAVE SAID NOTHING TO ENLIGHTEN US ABOUT HOW YOU WILL ADDRESS THE COVID EPIDEMIC IN BIM–NONE. JUST YOUR USUAL MORONIC MOUTHINGS
    YOU HAVE NO PUBLIC HEALTH TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE AND YOUR EXPERTISE IS MAINLY TO RUN YOUR MOTOR MOUTH AND PROMOTE OR DEFEND THE DLP ON BU DAILY

  19. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    😀
    Leave my 🐎 be.
    Have a great day.

  20. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Government makes the decisions not CMO so the question(s) is/(are) superfluous

    Unvaccinated dickheads should be the guinea pigs in trial and error for these off the wall under the counter wacky treatments as they are reckless gamblers and ramblers like the mad doctor who had a wild hunch he caught a covid and fought it with an orange pill

  21. angela cox Avatar
    angela cox

    POctober 30, 2021 12:01 PM

    RE See my plans would be to save lives and apply corrective surgery to the health system
    HOW WILL A MEDICAL ILLITERATE save lives and apply corrective surgery to the health system WHEN YOU HAVE NO PUBLIC HEALTH TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE
    Xxxxxxxx
    I have Moral Training which goes a long way
    Jesus was said to be a doctor no one asked for his qualifications a
    He had a Moral compass which would have guided and directed his thoughts by love and compassion
    Do get carried away by qualifications many with qualifications are clueless just look at the many hands on govt pay roll
    The only thing being accomplished by them is to make govt revenue lighter
    Oh BTW as being a medical illiterate I can always log into BU and seek your sound advice
    on those things medical
    Always willing to learn
    Oh a position would be held for you on the BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR JOKERS
    A PLACE WHERE U WOULD BE MOST COMFORTABLE
    BACK UP JAC..A.SS AND STOP BRAYING

  22. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Visualisation Techniques for Self-healing in Isolation
    I like to imagine there are teams of little men and women scientists in white coats working 24/7 at the mission control brain centre to fight off Intergalactic Covid invaders

    However Barbajans seem to prefer the visualisation that they are cricketers batting away defending 3 sticks in the ground to fight off the rock hard balls of Covid

    Game of Death
    Way of the Dragon
    Those inclined to believe the virus originated in Chinese Biolabs released in WWIII Biowarfare can visualise they are Kareem Abdul Jabbar in a Kung Fu battle against Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon

  23. Tim Ward Avatar
    Tim Ward

    As the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month ends, Dr Dates revealed a global survey conducted last year showed that Barbados has the highest rate of breast cancer deaths in the world.

  24. Tron Avatar
    Tron

    @Critical Analyzer October 30, 2021 10:38 AM

    An excellent contribution!

    After all, I am not calling for natural immunisation to kill people, but to save the island.

    When we reach about 300-400 deaths, all the unvaccinated should be immunised. Our government is therefore called upon to increase the death toll.

    Better an end with horror than horror without end.

  25. Kammie Holder Avatar
    Kammie Holder

    @Tim Ward, I was mot surprised.

    Do you know we import a lot of foods especially vegetables that are not tested for harmful chemical residue.?

    Do you know farmers in Barbados bathe their crops with all sorts of chemicals then deliver them to consumers.?

    Who test for chemical residue knowing that most chemicals are hormone disruptors?

    Who cares?

    Sometimes ,you have to let the ship sink to allow occupants to collectively act to save themselves.

  26. lyallsmall Avatar
    lyallsmall

    Critical Analyser you said @ 10:38 am
    “Actual COVID case numbers are very easy to calculate when you use the most reliable COVID metric we have which is number of COVID related deaths and generally internationally accepted estimate actual fatality rate of 0.3 – 0.6%. Our current deaths of 151 gives us total covid cases in the range of 25,000 to 50,000 persons that have already had COVID.”

    Nice observation and true, as far as I am aware.
    But the current reasonably accurate official total number of reported +ve cases from last year March to now is somewhere in the vicinity of 15,000, so there are or were around 10,000 to 25,000 more cases out there if we use your 0.3 to 0.6 percent of total cases yardstick, than the official estimates suggests . However, this is explainable as the official figures must miss several asymptomatic or non life threatening cases. To be continued….

  27. Wily Coyote Avatar
    Wily Coyote

    @Tron

    “No one can accuse our Supreme Leader and General Bosstic of not having sufficiently reminded the citizens to vaccinate.”

    A lot of TALK but very little ACTION, how about if all Government & Crown Corporation employees are not vaccinated by this date (Dec. 1, 2021) they are UNEMPLOYED and off the payroll and cannot qualify for Insurance, NIS or Un-employement.

    Yes the SUPREME LEADER is to BLAME.

  28. John Avatar
    John

    Another wonder drug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Who would have thought!!!!!!!!!!!

    Works regardless of comorbidity ….

    ….. and there is even a better way when dealing with anxiety and fear.

    That better way costs nothing, completely free.

    Obesity, no problem.

  29. John Avatar
    John

    angela coxOctober 30, 2021 12:50 PM

    POctober 30, 2021 12:01 PM

    RE See my plans would be to save lives and apply corrective surgery to the health system
    HOW WILL A MEDICAL ILLITERATE save lives and apply corrective surgery to the health system WHEN YOU HAVE NO PUBLIC HEALTH TRAINING OR EXPERIENCE
    Xxxxxxxx
    I have Moral Training which goes a long way
    Jesus was said to be a doctor no one asked for his qualifications a
    He had a Moral compass which would have guided and directed his thoughts by love and compassion
    Do get carried away by qualifications many with qualifications are clueless just look at the many hands on govt pay roll

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Since you are comparing yourself to Jesus to justify that qualifications don’t matter can you answer the following questions.

    How many people who were blind have you been able to make see?

    How many lepers have you cured?

    How many lame people have you been able to make walk again?

    How many mad people have you made sane?

    … and … have you ever raised anyone from the dead?

  30. John Avatar
    John

    You don’t happen to drive out devils do you?

  31. Disgusting Lies & Propaganda TV Avatar
    Disgusting Lies & Propaganda TV

    Criticism of the the entry protocol change is mindnumbingly nonsensical in my opinion
    The measure allows visitors to provide proof of FULL VACCINATION ADDED to the requirement a recent negative PCR test. Two layers of risk mitigation, is really a reasonable baseline to allow “unhindered entry”. From there, when the spread has been brought under control, the entry protocol can hopefully further relaxed to allow either proof of vaccination OR negative COVID-19 Test.

    The entry protocol will
    1)innately limit numbers entering the country especially when compared to pre pandemic arrivals
    2) The usual source countries of our visitors are those with a higher proportion of vaccinated people and higher vaccination rates.

    I don’t know what more measures people want implemented. For visitors to have 3 boosters within fours months and to wear a hazmat suit when traversing Barbados.?!?!?!!??

    The nonsensical aspect is that a control is placed on entry but no real control or risk mitigation measures are implemented within Barbados (save the 51% of the population that volunteered to take at least one vaccine dose) So really it would be the visitor that is taking the “risk” to enter Barbados. God forbid that the spread becomes even worse to attract more international attention and be a deterrent to visitors.

    David BU
    “The other question being asked is the reluctance of the medical fraternity in Barbados, both, public and private to deviate from the ‘script’ by prescribing off-label drugs like Ivermectin and Hydroxychloroquine. Although the establishment has not authorized these drugs to treat Covid 19,”

    Using just our basic understanding of this virus and basic medical logic

    1)If the immune system GENERALLY can clear ( i.e. treat) the virus, SANE medical professionals will not prescribe drugs to “treat” the virus ESPECALLY if those drugs has not been specifically tested to “treat” COVID-19 AND with many viable vaccines already available. If an individual does not want to vaccinate, then it is still comparatively better to let the unaided immune system treat the virus. It is the TRUE MEDICAL ILLITERATES and JACKASS COVIDIOTS that will advocate non authorized drugs over the multiple viable vaccines. What happens, in some countries is if the specific COVID-19 case worsens then it indicates the immune system is “loosing the battle” so then is a “whatever saves the person’s life approach” i.e. using the antiviral drugs as the TREATMENT.

    2) If a virus is highly contagious but highly recoverable, the straightforward IDEAL strategy would be to isolate all those cases as much as practical to prevent spread and for them to recovery on their own. i.e. an IDEAL SICK LEAVE situation. The problem is that the Delta variant is not allowing this ideal situation. Barbados (and most other countries really) have struggled to contain the spread of the delta variant (using any other method) because of its contagiousness.
    So the next best strategy is to mitigate the effects of such spread. i.e. use vaccinations to reduce the severity of the pandemic in terms of reducing deaths and long term debilitating effects. This thinking is the basis of vaccine mandate,. to quickly increase vaccination rates above virus spread.

    (COVID-19) Vaccines offer minimum 6 months protection with a (minimum) two dose regime. This is a far better prophylactic than using a 1 a day drug indefinitely when considering public health measures to prevent disease spread. People will be bigger MEDICAL ILLITERATES if they think any long term effects exist with the vaccines would be WORSE and MORE PREVALENT than being exposed to a contagious virus itself or using drugs as an ALTERNATIVE treatment.

    It is this “basic thinking” that have allow vaccinations to “eradicate” viruses. It is a medical no brainer (and I don’t mean those that profess to practice medicine but apparently have no viable brain left like some of those who contribute to BU)

    SO my question is why promote drugs over vaccines at all. Are people just afraid of hypodermic needles? if a vaccine is offer orally or nasally would it be more palatable?

  32. angela cox Avatar
    angela cox

    JohnOctober 30, 2021 9:24 PM

    angela coxOctober 30, 2021 12:50 PM

    Xxx
    Not going to get into a discussion of religious doctrine but this I would say
    A Moral compass goes a very long way in doing those things which u asked of me
    It is one of Jesus’s perfect prescribed / medications/ and cures for many of the world woes
    One day when u have time Google the Fruits of the Spirit

  33. David Avatar
    David

    @Disgusting lies….

    Isn’t the flaw in your argument that ivermectin is given to treat the covid patient whereas the vaccine is obviously taken before contracting the virus?

  34. David Avatar
    David

    The first point about the change to the travel protocol – it is BAMP an association of doctors making the critique right ?

  35. David Avatar
    David

    BAJANS WARNED

    Cave points to dangers of self-treating Covid-19
    By Barry Alleyne
    barryalleyne@nationnews.com
    Barbadians are being warned to stop trying to self-treat COVID-19 at home to dodge being in isolation.
    Director of medical services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), Dr Clyde Cave, is bemoaning the practice of inhaling camphor, a popular remedy for respiratory care by Barbadians for generations, or the use of mentholated nasal inhalers by people who feel they have contracted COVID-19 but do not want to seek care from public health officials or the QEH.
    The hospital’s consultant paediatrician told the Sunday Sun that too many people were at home with symptoms of COVID-19, fully believing they had contracted the virus but not wanting to seek treatment.
    He said that was leading to the current situation where many were waiting too late to present to health officials and, when they did, were extremely sick or on the verge of death.
    Cave said such late action had led to people dying at the hospital when earlier intervention could have saved lives, especially the elderly with underlying conditions.
    “We do continue to have concerns about ill people remaining at home. It’s important for the public to not self-treat, especially the elderly or people with other illnesses or who are overweight. The use of camphor or inhalers as an anti-COVID-19 strategy is not a good one. It actually makes you more susceptible to catching COVID-19,” he said.
    The doctor explained that inhalers placed in the nose unsterilised could increase the probability of infection, while camphor
    would irritate the lining of the nasal passage, making it more susceptible to transmission of infected particles into the respiratory system.
    He added that people who have COVID-19 could deteriorate very quickly, noting that even for medical professionals it could be very difficult to detect when it can occur.
    He reiterated that staying at home for a long time had resulted in more ill patients presenting late to the Accident & Emergency Department of the QEH, and was probably the reason why a decomposing body was dropped off there recently.
    Cave said such a practice was to be heavily discouraged since there was an inherent danger in handling the body of a person who died from complications associated with the virus.
    “Bringing a body to the Accident & Emergency by private transport is not a smart thing to do. The body could still be contagious, and in handling it, someone could still get the virus from that person.”
    Last week, the country’s COVID-19 Public Advisor, David Ellis, had revealed that the decomposing body of a person who had passed away from COVID-19 had been dropped off at the QEH by relatives, which was of serious concern to public health officials.
    Cave said the hospital had a help desk and the island’s COVID-19 hotline (536-4500) was always accessible so Barbadians could be properly advised on care and treatment of anyone suspected of
    being infected with COVID-19.
    He noted that in the coming weeks, the QEH will also be reviewing its logistics due to the increased number of seriously ill people still presenting for care at extremely late stages of the virus.
    He also cautioned people against using public transport when going to be tested, as this can easily lead to increased cases of community transmission.
    On October 23, Consultant Manager of the Home Quarantine programme, Dr Adanna Grandison, had revealed that 373 people who were ill in isolation had refused transportation or the escalation of medical care.

    Source: Nation

  36. David Avatar
    David

    Private sector rolling out own safe zones
    By Tre Greaves tregreaves@nationnews.com

    Government may not be ready to roll out their safe zone plan this week, but some businesses in the private sector are.
    Entrepreneur and orthodontist Dr Vidya Armogan told the Sunday Sun yesterday that his group of companies had agreed to several COVID-19 safety protocols that employees and customers will have to follow to enter their safe zones.
    Armogan, who is also the president of the Barbados Dental Association, revealed that although they had issues with the Government’s Safe Zone Implementation Framework for Public and Private Healthcare Institutions, they were still willing to work with the state to improve their standards.
    “The policy is lacking on many fronts, it was never what it should be and that is why we are coming up with our safe zones and asking restaurants to join us because the Government’s safe zone is not coming for another three to four weeks and we are pretty sure that our requirements will be higher than what the Government puts in.
    “If they are not, we would happily merge with the Government. We’ve put some feelers out to say we would like to do a private/public partnership but we have not received a response on that. But I think ahead of that we will just go ahead and launch sometime next week,” Armogan said.
    Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said Government’s establishment of safe zones that was scheduled to begin on November 1 with health care facilities could be delayed by at least a week.
    However, businesses that agree to follow Armogan’s group protocols, will be listed on barbadossafezones. com, where the guidelines are also highlighted.
    To satisfy their standards, the businesses must have security at the entrance, utilise a Contact Tracing App, all staff must be vaccinated or frequently tested, all staff must wear a KN-95 medical mask and the tables/ seating must be at least six feet apart.
    In addition, in closed or air- conditioned spaces, HEPA filtration and/or UVC lights must be in place.
    Customers must also stop at the security and be screened, must be vaccinated or present a negative PCR test within 72 hours or submit to a rapid antigen test. They must also wear the KN-95 mask, which will be available for
    purchase if the customer does not have one.
    Any businesses that violate those requirements will be removed from the site and have their safe zone status revoked for a minimum of 30 days. Similarly, customers who violate requirements will be barred for at least 30 days.
    So far Caribbean SmileMakers, SENSES Marché, AquaSpa at Sweetfield, PAVÃO Barbados, and Sweetfield Manor Boutique Hotel are listed as safe zones.
    He said they will be encouraging members of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, the Barbados Private Sector Association and other private organisations to join.
    “We are not trying to keep out people, a vaccinated person can come in and an unvaccinated person can come in, they would just be required to test as they enter the facility or have their negative PCR test. We want them there but we also want Barbadians to understand that in going about your regular life, it will become more difficult for you to do that unless you are vaccinated,” Armogan said, while saying that they were not mandating vaccinations.


    Source: Nation

  37. David Avatar
    David

    ‘Better water quality’ coming

    Officials are promising that the proposed South Coast Water Reclamation Project will deliver more water of better quality. It will also go a far way in preventing any recurrence of sewage spills like what occurred on the South Coast a few years ago.
    These were among the benefits outlined from an environmental impact study the Barbados Water Authority (BWA) set in motion a year ago aimed at revolutionising the South Coast Sewage Treatment Plant into a water resource recovery facility.
    All this was revealed at a virtual BWA town hall meeting last Wednesday when various aspects of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for the project were presented to stakeholders as part of the BWA’s national consultation process before embarking on the new mission.
    Positive effects
    One of the principal international consultants on the project is Pedro Bettencourt, of the firm Nemus, which operates in areas of environmental planning, development and public policies, and sustainability in Europe, Africa and South America. He said the project will have positive effects on climate change resilience, ecology and socio-economics, while actively contributing to the general development of the south of the island.
    “The project will improve quality and quantity of groundwater resources in the Christ Church aquifer, the conditions for the agricultural sector and for domestic purposes, the risk of further degrading the Graeme Hall Swamp, coastal water quality at South Coast beaches [and] quality of marine ecosystem at the Worthing beach,” he said.
    He added that the Water Reclamation Project would ensure better water supply management and more reliable water supply, as improved wastewater systems would lessen water scarcity and boost climate resilience in Barbados’ entire water sector.
    Despite “high-level risk” identified because of the increase of areas associated with the project in the Graeme Hall Swamp, he said that “overall, with the proper implementation
    of recommended measures, the proposed development is environmentally acceptable and can result in an overall environmental benefit”.
    Bettencourt explained that the various aspects of the proposed South Coast Water Reclamation Plant included upgraded headworks; new secondary treatment, filtration and disinfection; improved salinity reduction; and new solids and residual handling that would feature a fresh 18-kilometre pipeline, five injection wells and discharge of treated effluent in the Needham’s Point outfall.
    During the question and answer segment of the meeting, assurances were given that odours from the new plant will be kept to a minimum with odour control facilities and filters to capture odours.
    Concerning backup plans in case of emergencies, including ways to clean up Graeme Hall wetlands and sewage spills, technical advisor to the BWA board, Dr John Mwansa, said: “We are looking to maintain the existing temporary outfall for use in case of emergencies only. Otherwise, the discharge would all be going into Needham’s Point.”
    (SNR)

    Source: Nation

  38. David Avatar
    David

    Selective outrage
    Do you recall June this year when there was widespread public outrage and condemnation of the artistes who sang lyrics on the now infamous Trojan Riddim?
    For almost two weeks the media was filled with public statements issued by various entities, organisations, politicians, religious leaders and influential people all condemning the artistes and calling the songs a stain on the moral fabric of our society.
    Yet none of these artistes broke any laws, even if their lyrics were inappropriate and ill advised. Where is the similar widespread outrage for the employers who have publicly and unapologetically imposed punitive measures on their unvaccinated employees when these measures do in fact breach existing labour laws and workers’ rights? Could the average man on the street so publicly declare an intention to smoke a spliff and not suffer an immediate consequence? Or is this why many say there are two Barbadoses?
    Remember the widespread condemnation that resulted when the public became aware of the mistreatment of the wards of the Girls Industrial School (GIS)? Again, many spoke in the media against the deplorable acts and cried for immediate change at the institution.
    Surprisingly, most of our female Government ministers, including our Prime Minister, failed to speak publicly against this critical issue save for Dr Sonia Browne, who publicly condemned the acts of the institution and expressed support for our girls.
    It is unfortunate that a country with women holding the highest offices in the land did not also use their collective voices to advocate on behalf of our girls.
    This week I heard our Prime Minister criticise the banks for their unconscionable fees. She said that if the Central Bank had not acted, the Government would have exercised its power to introduce legislation on the matter. Yet to date, our Prime Minister has failed to express similar public condemnation of the employers who have wrongly imposed vaccine and testing mandates that defy the Government’s decision not to mandate vaccines. Why has she not also threatened to legislate punitive measures against these employers?
    It was our Prime Minister who in 2020 intervened in the industrial unrest which occurred at G4S security company because security guards were being paid at different rates for the same work. Our Prime Minister condemned the practice and stated that her Government would not support such businesses.
    She intervened and, along with the Minister of Labour, resolved the issue and fair wages were paid to
    all guards.
    Unpaid severance
    It was also our Prime Minister who intervened in the widespread industrial unrest in 2020 that occurred among severed hospitality workers. She mobilised the chairman of the National Insurance Board to ensure that several hospitality workers received their unpaid severance by Christmas.
    So why hasn’t our Prime Minister also intervened on behalf of the workers who are being threatened with job loss, unpaid days and other punitive measures because they are exercising a right which the Government has conferred on all individuals in Barbados? Why has she not done more than simply repeat the Government’s stance? Where are the voices of the religious leaders, politicians, business houses and influential people to speak against the employers’ unlawful actions?
    Why aren’t other companies breaking ranks with those who have openly defied workers’ rights in the same way that some broke away from artistes due to their lyrics on a riddim?
    Or do we fail to acknowledge the wrong in punishing, victimising or terminating a hard-working employee for a reason that has nothing to do with merit? Have we failed to appreciate the heavy financial and mental toll that high unemployment creates on society, including the increase in crime and even bank robberies that cause physical and mental injury to the very workers for whom we claim to be providing a safe place of work?
    Michelle M. Russell is an attorney at law with a passion for employment law and labour matters and a social activist.

    Source: Nation

  39. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    I preferred when you had two or three of these posts together, but separating them was a brilliant move. Pain measured out in portions.

  40. Disgusting Lies & Propaganda TV Avatar
    Disgusting Lies & Propaganda TV

    @DavidBU bearing in mind that I am not against drugs IF there are no viable alternatives. The unaided immune system deals with the virus the same way it deals with the flu and other respiratory virus. This is why there are asymptomatic carriers and most of the cases only need tertiary isolation. It is also why there are no cures or vaccines IN GENERAL USE for these respiratory virus. You generally take over the counter medication to reduce the SYMPTOMS. Using vaccines as a prophylactics mostly helps those that are immunosuppressed. They help build a specific immunity to a particular infection they are far safer and more practical.
    However if a patient significantly deteriorates then the immune system is not handling the infection aided or not. Alternatives are needed to save the patients life. Ivermectin is an anti-parasitic drug that may work in-vitro in large doses not considered safe for people. Remdesivir is an anti viral drug that has actually been approved by the FDA for mild to severe COVIDs needing needing hospitalization.

    David October 31, 2021 6:02 AM
    “The first point about the change to the travel protocol – it is BAMP an association of doctors making the critique right ?”

    This is why technocrats\professionals should only guide but not dictate gov’t policy. Their position is analogous to economists saying that it is best to devalue the Barbados dollar. Govt must weigh the pros and cons of particular positions posited by professionals. Doctors will always recommend quarantine for a virus considered a public health emergency but is it necessary and practical for this virus? If a person produces fully vaccination proof AND a recent negative PCR test then in my mind they are less of a risk .
    To add mandatory quarantine is just overkill. Then you have to weigh this with the fact that there is no vaccine or testing mandate in Barbados. Added to this, the fact that home isolation has been adopted as a measure. So is a visitor following this entry protocol more “dangerous” that a local right now? I don’t think so

  41. GP Avatar
    GP

    RE Not going to get into a discussion of religious doctrine but this I would say
    GOOD IDEA……..CAUSE YOU DONT KNOW ANY
    One day when u have time Google the Fruits of the Spirit
    THERE IS NO SUCH THING……..CHECK AND YOU WILL SEE

    YOUR RESPONSE TO JOHN’S QUESTIONS WAS RIDICULOUS ALSO
    A Moral compass goes a very long way in doing those things which u asked of me
    It is one of Jesus’s perfect prescribed / medications/ and cures for many of the world woes’
    NO MORAL COMPASS CAN DO ANY OF THOSE THINGS
    READ JOHN CHAPTER 3:3&5 FOR JESUS’: PRESCRIPTION

  42. angela cox Avatar
    angela cox

    GPOctober 31, 2021 7:30 AM@ac

    RE Not going to get into a discussion of religious doctrine
    Xxxxx
    NO MORAL COMPASS CAN DO ANY OF THOSE THINGS
    READ JOHN CHAPTER 3:3&5 FOR JESUS’: PRESCRIPTION
    In this case I bow to.your superiority on all things religious
    Xxx
    Signed
    Oh God

  43. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    Could the average man on the street so publicly declare an intention to smoke a spliff and not suffer an immediate consequence

    if you feel like a spliff
    smoke a spliff

    as Peter McIntosh said

    “it is totally illegal for me not to smoke herb (spliff)
    and unlawful and unconstitutional

    he was the Bush Doctor
    and Honorary Citizen
    and taught Bob how to play music

  44. John Avatar
    John

    lyallsmallOctober 30, 2021 4:55 PM

    Critical Analyser you said @ 10:38 am
    “Actual COVID case numbers are very easy to calculate when you use the most reliable COVID metric we have which is number of COVID related deaths and generally internationally accepted estimate actual fatality rate of 0.3 – 0.6%. Our current deaths of 151 gives us total covid cases in the range of 25,000 to 50,000 persons that have already had COVID.”

    Nice observation and true, as far as I am aware.
    But the current reasonably accurate official total number of reported +ve cases from last year March to now is somewhere in the vicinity of 15,000, so there are or were around 10,000 to 25,000 more cases out there if we use your 0.3 to 0.6 percent of total cases yardstick, than the official estimates suggests . However, this is explainable as the official figures must miss several asymptomatic or non life threatening cases. To be continued….

    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Here is the flaw in this logic.

    If you had done the math on last year’s numbers, 7 deaths, you would find that you were out by a factor of about 20.

    So there should only be 500 to 1,250 cases in existence at the end of last year.

    There were actually 383 cases as of 31st December 2020.

    So far so good …. plausible.

    If you go to Dominica where there were ZERO deaths up to the end of 2020, then you would expect there to be zero cases in the country.

    However, Dominica had by then found 88 cases when the logic suggests they should have had ZERO!!

    You will find other countries that don’t fit the logic.

    The reason seems to be that however it was being spread in 2020 is different in 2021.

    One explanation is the Delta variant but Dr. Chetty says it is not any more transmissible than the first variant contrary to what all the so called experts who have never actually treated 7000 plus cases say..

    If we want to fix the problem we need to figure out what changed in the transmission of the virus.

    The water angle seems to be the most logical explanation.

    That’s where it needs to be fought.

  45. John Avatar
    John

    Here is another way to look at the numbers in your logic.

    For the entire year, 2020, your logic predicts there were 500 to1,250 cases.

    In 2021, we are at 25,000 to 50,000 cases.

    Clearly your logic cannot explain this huge jump.

    There have to be other factors at play in the spread of the virus.

    The obvious one is water.

  46. John Avatar
    John

    We are way past the time when we need to understand the physical processes behind the numbers.

    Packaging and repackaging them is not going to solve the problem.

  47. GP Avatar
    GP

    THIS POST IS FOR THEO- THE MAN FROM ST LUCY WHO LIKES A LAFF
    https://www.bizpacreview.com/2021/10/31/bprs-top-political-cartoons-of-the-week-happy-halloween-from-the-headless-horseman-1156324/

  48. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    mathematically spliffically scientifically spiritually truthfully psychically

    Data
    Our current deaths of 151
    Official total number of reported +ve cases from last year March to now is somewhere in the vicinity of 15,000

    Analysis
    => Bajans are dying of Covid at a rate of 1.00666667%

    which is higher than world’s average

  49. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    151 / 15,000 x 100 ± 1%

  50. 555dubstreet Avatar
    555dubstreet

    But in the bigger numbers of human race this is not much of tissue issue

    Population of Barbados = ±0%
    287,000 / 7,903,539,000 = 0.00363128467%

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