'Gov't doing a credible job' handling COVID-19 pandemic - Dr Pickering
Dr Pickering was at the time a guest on the Thursday, April 9, 2020 episode of 'Honestly Speaking' with host Claude O. Skelton-Cline when he also commended the Premier Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) administration for what he called 'credible' handling of the situation following the Territory's first three confirmed cases.
'Credible job'
"I think the Government is doing a credible job in terms of the way they are handling the crisis... difficult circumstances, but I think they are doing a job in this point in time, they are doing good."
In addition to a strict 24/7 14-day lockdown and earlier lockdown measures, the government moved to block cruise ship calls, enhanced screening of borders and lockdown of airports from inbound flights.
The government had also temporarily blocked some Virgin Islanders from returning to the Territory and Dr Pickering said that while criticisms can be made; having been in office and making decisions, no government can do everything right but he underscored that the Fahie administration's response and strategy have been credible.
Continue wearing masks - Dr Pickering
According to Dr Pickering, a former Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, the entire COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to being a health crisis, is also an economic one. He said people in the Territory should keep in mind that both issues are not mutually separated, rather, one is leading into the other.
He encouraged persons to continue social distancing, wear masks and practice basic health measures as a preventative measure against the virus.
"If you didn't quite understand why there is a lockdown, it's to help prevent exposure, to help people from congregating, to help people from being close to each other because a large proportion of others who might have the virus are not going to have symptoms," he said.
First comment on Fahie Gov't performance
This is the first time Dr Pickering has openly commented on the performance of the Fahie administration.
On the Tuesday, November 19, 2019, edition of the same 'Honestly Speaking' show, Dr Pickering told Skelton-Cline, "Let's leave that for another time," when questioned on the performance of the Virgin Islands Party Administration since taking the helm of government in February 2019.
While he has said he does not miss the politics of the Territory, Dr Pickering was a key part of the Dr D. Orlando Smith led NDP; however, for the 2019 Elections, he opted to run as an Independent candidate.
He contested the 7th District in a failed bid to retain his seat, losing to Dr The Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), the current Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture.
Dr Pickering secured 338 votes as against 384 votes by Dr Wheatley.
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36 Responses to “'Gov't doing a credible job' handling COVID-19 pandemic - Dr Pickering”
Prevention is far better than cure.
Who ever believe in my son never perish. I AM Who I AM in Jesus Name Amen.
Especially Mr Fahie God Guide him with the Right mind when a captain is sailing he is only one can make a decision when the water get rough weather to turn back or keep pressing on with wisdom of faith in God.
1. The trucks collecting garbage need to collect all the garbage not just their friends garbage.
2. In neighborhoods one man should drive the truck and one man should walk alongside to throw the bags into the bed of the truck. Making residents wait on the road to throw their garbage bag into the truck bed defeats the purpose of social distancing.
3. Just like the fisherman selling their catch the garbage trucks need to make noise/sound their horns in each neighborhood to alert the residents of their arrival.
4. The garbage trucks need to pick up the garbage bags in the early morning before the wild chickens, rats, goats and loose dogs can attack the bags and spread the garbage all over the ground.
Although they have done a decent job need to hear more from the medical experts. Let us not politicize a matter of public health and public safety.
The government does not need Dr. Pickering, they already have enough access to professional medical advice. Besides, I don't think most D7 residents would be able to stand listening to him at the Covid-19 briefings. Or have him participate in any decisions regarding a lock down that affects them.