DLP pleased with the progress Barbados made in terms of COVID-19

The Democratic Labour Party of Barbados declared that they are pleased with the progress the country has made. DLP stated that the lapsed travel protocols and complacency in December last year resulted in a six-month setback to economy.

A recent statement was released by President of the Democratic Labour Party Verla De Peiza on Thursday.

Barbados is moving ahead to full reopen the country on 1st July 2021. Democratic Labour Party(DLP) stated that they hope that the Mottley-led administration learned from the mistakes of the past and will not play fast and loose with the travel protocols going forward.

"Because let’s face it - Barbadians have obeyed the directives and followed the guidance of the medical practitioners. Government must now do all in its power to safeguard lives and livelihoods by keeping Covid at bay, particularly as variant strains have already shown up on our shores." declared the Democratic Labour Party.

DLP also reminded the government of the enormous difficulties small and medium-sized businesses experienced during the last six months, particularly those related to entertainment, transport, and leisure, and for whom no meaningful stimulus package has been declared.

"When set alongside the body blows dealt by the rising fuel prices - which impact on the cost of everything from utilities to storage and transport - and recognizing that entrepreneurs, smalls and medium-sized businesses contribute significantly to the provision of sustainable employment in Barbados, it is our hope that the government will recognize that simply removing the curfew is not enough." the statement by the opposition further added.

Neverthless, the party stated the economy will not fix itself; a lifeline needs to be thrown to these businesses which have been hemorrhaging in the last six months.

"If there is to be any hope of recouping the approximate 20 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and thousands of jobs lost during the lockdown, no efforts must be spared in protecting this nation while supporting the revitalization of our economy." stated

The Democratic Labour Party also wished all Barbadians well and a safe return to normalcy.