Fleshing Out the State of Emergency

Dean Barrow

As of Wednesday night, the restriction of free movement of citizens across the country will come into full effect as part of the state of emergency.  Only persons who are deemed essential service workers, including law enforcement officers and health professionals, will be allowed to go about their respective duties outside of the imposed curfew.  While that is one aspect of the nationwide shutdown, the issue of food security also remains at the forefront of the ongoing crisis.  All assurances are being given that there is enough local produce to satisfy the demands of consumers during this time.  Likewise, businesses, including banks, supermarkets and pharmacies will remain open.

Prime Minister Dean Barrow

“The list of essential services and essential service workers is being finalized and their operational logistics are being fine-tuned.  Tomorrow, we will be holding a press conference, for only the media, at the Laing Building at ten a.m.  There, we will go into all the details, medical, logistical and organizational about the state of emergency.  We will of course answer all questions from the media.  I close by expanding on two things.  First, I want to repeat what I said in last week’s address to the nation.  This country is self-sufficient in basic staples and we can feed ourselves for the long haul.  The continuity of essential services and the more than ample availability of supplies are both guaranteed and there is no need to panic.  Supermarkets, grocery stores, banks and credit unions will all remain open and every arrangement is being made for local producers to proceed uninterrupted with the provision of meat, chicken, eggs, rice, beans, grains, vegetables and so on.  Cargo will also continue to come into our country and essential imports are also secure.”