Citizens are usually sceptical about politicians and their pronouncements. Consequently, it is not uncommon for politicians in and out of government to stretch the truth a bit for political mileage. There is a line however, that no politician, government representative or public official should ever cross. That is the line that can expose citizens to loss of life.
Many citizens are aware that there is no evacuation routes or plan for the cities and towns in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Our disaster management system is grossly inept. If there is a disaster preparedness plan, it is certainly not general public knowledge and not part of the Government's regular dissemination of information.
Citizens know that in an emergency there is the possibility that at the public health facilities they will be subjected to waiting long hours without access to a bed, regardless of claims that the health system is constantly improving. While these conditions are unacceptable on an island 70 by 40 miles, with a population of less than 1.5 million and an annual budget of over $60 billion, there can be no excuse whatsoever for any official stating that T&T is 70 per cent ready to treat with the Ebola virus.
For anyone to make such a statement is an outrage and grossly irresponsible. In dealing with a highly contagious, deadly disease one is either prepared or unprepared. Any false information or political tainting of information regarding the Ebola virus can lead to the death of most of the population and possible devastation of the economy.
Is there anyone who can say what is 70 per cent ready? What does that mean? In developed countries like Spain and the USA the medical fraternity is stating that they are unprepared for dealing with the virus. How then can a country, where it is not uncommon for patients seeking medical attention to be found sleeping in hospital corridors awaiting health care, claim to be 70 per cent ready.
The population must be told exactly the status of our health preparedness and what measures they should take in the event that an Ebola patient may enter our shores.
Now is not a time to play politics and to posture for political pride. This is a national concern and we need all hands on deck to prepare T&T to deal with the possibility of exposure. The rest of the world are all on alert as well. Together we must aspire in order to achieve some level of success or survival.
God Bless Our Nation.
Steve Alvarez