As a separate issue from the repatriation of our citizens, the soft re-opening of Anguilla to visitors was recently announced. In addition, we are also advised that the Quarantine Act has been amended to now mandate persons to contribute towards the cost of their quarantine.
While the general debate has loomed about the inevitable opening of our borders, I draw your attention to what I mentioned in my previous article dated 31st July 2020, that such a decision requires careful and effective consultation with all stakeholders to ensure that we get it right, because getting it wrong was simply not an option that Anguillians could afford. We can all understand the complexities associated with such a decision, as there are implications to our economic recovery from this global pandemic. However, the health and safety of our people must take priority. As one concerned Anguillian mentioned to me – “while we rush to jump-start our economy, we risk losing our population to an enemy we cannot see.” Anguillians are our most precious and treasured resource and we must do everything in our power to protect our people from COVID-19.
Thus, with the announcement of a soft reopening of our borders now in the public domain, we are left to ponder what this means for our country and our people. In fact, there have been many discussions and debates on the issue which have raised several questions. I wish to share some of these questions and concerns with the general public and the powers that be:
• Will there be a mandate from Government for all persons in Anguilla to wear masks (face coverings) while in public? This has been a strong recommendation by the WHO and the CDC in the United States and has recently become a policy position by Joe Biden, the Democratic Presidential Nominee.
• What protocols are we putting in place for Villa/Hotel staff to protect themselves and their families when having to interact with guests who may have been exposed to the virus while traveling to Anguilla (including in transit stops) and are awaiting the results of their COVID-19 PCR tests while in Quarantine?
• Will Blowing Point be opened to accept visitor arrivals and, if so, what protocols and physical changes are necessary to reduce contact – including being processed by immigration, customs and security officials and other auxiliary staff?
• Will taxis be used to transport tourists arriving into Anguilla to their pre-approved villas? If so, what measures are being put in place to protect the drivers and sanitize those vehicles for other trips?
• If tourists are being transported from St. Maarten via ferry, what protocols are being put in place for the safe transport of these individuals, and proper distancing between passengers, boat captain and deck hands en route?
There are many more questions that are being asked and it is up to the authorities to bring calm to our people and to be open and transparent about the process of re-opening. I commend efforts by the Ministry of Health to host additional press conferences to keep us informed. It is essential for our elected officials to listen to our people and engage in real and effective consultation that is indicative of a free, open and democratic society.
We all recall the panic that many persons felt when we announced our first case of COVID-19 in Anguilla. As a population, let us not become complacent or coerced into a false sense of security. COVID-19 is a real and present danger to our country, our people and our livelihoods. It must be taken seriously. All it takes is for one person to break the rules and we may all be at risk. Therefore, collective responsibility must become our new mantra. Perhaps the time has come to revisit our preventative measures – such as restrictions on public gatherings and additional health protocols, as well as contingency plans for our children’s schooling. This is the time to take all precautions! Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is everyone’s business and everyone’s responsibility.
