SKN: Opposition accuses government of lack of transparency in COVID situation

St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party expressed its outrage on the rapidly increasing coronavirus cases. The opposition stated that 68 positive cases in a single day are a record high.

The opposition also accused the government of not being transparent about the current situation of the pandemic within the Federation.

SKNLP alleged that there are rumours of increased cases from the Prime Minister's Office, which apparently began with his advisor Dr Crawford, over 17 positive cases at SCASPA, several staff members at the JNF Hospital, National Bank, Her Majesty's Prison, the Post Office and several other businesses around town.

The opposition questioned if the government have tested any of the family members of these positive COVID-19 patients.

"Only ten inmates have been tested so far in a prison of over 170 inmates; how is this a robust testing?" questioned the opposition St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party.

The opposition also questioned the quarantine arrangements at the prison for coronavirus positive inmates. SKNLP also stated that the fire department in Sandy Point is closed for two weeks due to positive COVID-19 cases

"Persons have been complaining that they were sent home because of contact tracing, but no tests have been done to verify whether they are positive or not. Some persons have stated they have been tested for over a week and have not received any results. Is this the "robust testing" the government has been boasting about?" stated St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party.

Furthermore, the leading opposition of St Kitts and Nevis asked the government why more proactive measures are not being taken.

"There has been no talk of relief for the people. There is a mass plea for the public to accept the vaccine, but absolutely no talk of providing the outstanding persons with their severance payments, no relief plan for persons who have been struggling with employment over the past year," stated St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party.

SKNLP also noted that the financial struggles pushed many to try to fend for themselves by selling on the streets, and that is now too being taken away.