Information urging people to come out and play Jab Jab on the days that should have been Carnival Monday and Tuesday, seems to spark concern in different circles as people are worried about the spread of the COVID-19 virus in large crowds.
A letter allegedly from the Jab Jab association, which is being circulated on social media, states that even while Carnival celebration is cancelled “We the Grenada Jab Jab association see it fit to take to the streets on the August 09 and 10 in a nation-wide protest over this cancellation. All members of the association are asked to be present in their full uniform (OLD OIL) on the streets of Grenada, preferably in your communities. The protest will take place between the hours of 5am – 11 am on both days.”
The New National Party (NNP) issued a warning in a statement, that disregarding the protocols in place can and will significantly halt Grenada’s progress to full recovery from this deadly virus which has infected and caused the death of millions worldwide.
The NNP is reminding the public that this is not a time to exhibit lawlessness and disrespect to authorities, especially the ones charged with the responsibility of keeping us safe.
“It is crucial that we work with the authorities and support the Government as we venture into a new era of public health management. It is now time for us to work together, for without any doubt, we are in this together,” the statement read.
Although Grenada has only had one death related to the virus, the regional and international picture is extremely frightening and people are urged to exercise caution and take measures to prevent any possible outbreak in Grenada.
Grenada, as a country, has one of the lowest infection rates since March 2020. “Though we recognize that this carries merit for our country, we are cognizant of the fact that this status can change very quickly if there continues to be noncompliance to our protocols. As we look at recent developments in Dominica, Trinidad and other neighbouring islands, we issue a clarion call to our citizens to take the necessary precautions,” NNP says.
The party commends those who have been doing their best to observe the protocols and encourages everyone to continue to sanitize, wear their mask and most importantly get vaccinated.
The NNP acknowledges the challenges this pandemic has brought to the people of Grenada and Government and says that the only way to ease the restrictions and mitigate the economic, social and mental burden of COVID-19 is by simply attaining a ratio where most of the citizens are vaccinated and to reach a point where the populace is following and showing adherence to public health protocols.
“We are also very concerned about the increase in misleading and false information in circulation which aims to discourage people from taking the vaccine. It is imperative that information be only accepted from credible and authentic sources. Know your source of information and DO NOT TRUST INFORMATION FROM QUESTIONABLE SOURCES WHO ARE CLEARLY DECEPTIVE and whose only aim is to confuse readers.”
In another statement issued by the Conference of Churches (CCC), it is stated that it appears as if complacency and apathy are threatening to undermine these good efforts that were successfully managing potentially explosive COVID-19 situation.
The Conference of Churches in Grenada is promising to remain resolute in the fight against this dreaded
pandemic and implores the entire nation to continue to exercise extreme caution in all our
activities.
The CCC is calling for better judgement to direct our behavior in the weeks ahead. “We are well aware of the significance and cultural relevance of activities such as Carnival to Caribbean people, especially in Grenada at this time. However, throughout the islands, such crowded activities have been cancelled due to tremendous risks they pose in a pandemic situation. Therefore, let us continue to exercise restraint and vigilance in how we engage in public activities. Everywhere the unvaccinated are paying the heavier price,” CCC said as it calls for people to cooperate with the police.
“Last year, the Royal Grenada Police Force acted with great consideration and restraint in
addressing this problem. Let us collaborate with them so that similar restraint and consideration
may be manifest this year”.
