Encourage people to mask up, not shut up: Opposition Senator Jearlean John

Trinidad and Tobago: Opposition Senator Jearlean John is calling on the public to be cautious of public health measures as a mechanism for the administration to infringe on the constitutional rights of residents.

John was giving to a private motion on the speaking time of senators in the Upper House on Tuesday. She blamed the administration for not holding enough deliberation with the Opposition on reducing speaking time.

John stated her party was supportive of efforts by the administration to prevent the expanse of coronavirus and suggestions from the WHO, but there was a need to preserve the rights of residents and senators.

“What we induced on this motion is preserving freedom and not practising it for granted, and no one must take it away from us because they feel like it’s an inconvenience.

“We are not doing anything less, and I think we are all accountable people. But the arbitrary type manner in which this truncation (of speaking time) was done is what we have an obstacle with because this is no simple matter.

“Governments should counter coronavirus by encouraging individuals to mask up, not shut up. State authorities must immediately end restrictions on free speech in the name of ending coronavirus.”

John stated the motion was long overdue and was bothered with public health measures, if left uncontrolled, could be repressive to fundamental human rights.

Trinidad and Tobago have the lowest level of vaccination in the Caribbean. Several other CARICOM countries have managed to repatriate their nationals and procure vaccines from manufacturers, as well as take advantage of India’s generous “Vaccine Maitri” initiative. Meantime, our Prime Minister is busy insulting Ambassadors and implying that other Leaders are “beggars”.

This vaccine fiasco will be the legacy of Keith Rowley. Just as Nero fiddled while Rome burned, Rowley will be remembered as the Prime Minister who was busy golfing when everything in our nation was collapsing.

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