Mark A. Haynes, Communications and Marketing Officer for the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT).
As Barbados continues to record a rise in COVID-19 cases on account of “local transmission” after what has been deemed a super spreader event, the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) says it is no time for blame or finger-pointing, but both PSV operators and commuters must do their part to mitigate the spread of the virus.
In a message sent to The Barbados Advocate, Mark A. Haynes, Communications and Marketing Officer for the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT), reiterated a call for operators of public service vehicles to adhere to the strict health and safety protocols as outlined by government and enforced by the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit.
“This is not a time for finger-pointing or for blame of any one in particular. In my opinion, let us perceive the sudden rise of cases as societal blame, as we have become somewhat complacent and let our guard down. It is therefore imperative now that we move with national alacrity to redouble our efforts to work together, in an effort to wrestle this COVID-19 pandemic to the ground. Together we can. Let us do it. There must be full responsibility and national discipline as citizens,” Haynes remarked.
He meanwhile stated, “On behalf of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport, I would like to reiterate the urgency and importance of PSV workers adhering to all of the government's public health protocols, in specific relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to escalate in our island. The COVID-19 Unit, whose remit it is to execute and enforce all protocols, must be respected and supported. This is all in an effort to mitigate against the spread of this precarious disease. It is therefore imperative that all operators adhere to all known protocols at all times and do not let their guard down at any time.”
He added, “As a polite reminder to all PSV workers in the sector, all workers must correctly wear their masks, that is, please ensure that the masks cover your mouth and your nose, as the science speaks to this. Sanitise your hands with hand sanitiser. Please submit the vehicles to be sanitised. Wherever possible, wipe all surfaces within the vehicles with an appropriate solution. Use a spray bottle to spray the hands of commuters as they enter the vehicle. Please do not allow any commuter to enter the vehicles, unless they have on their masks correctly.”
“Barbadians, visitors and friends, we are all in this together. Please let us be in full conformity with the established public health protocols, spelt out by the COVID-19 Unit. This disease does have the propensity to worsen, if we are disobedient, reckless or careless,” the AOPT’s communications officer commented. (RSM)