COVID19 has literally brought every nation to its knees. Those countries that I originally thought would be better off because they had natural resources, are certainly not. Covid has hit us where it hurts most, our humanity. We didn't see it coming and we still don't fully know what it is doing. It shows up in some persons and in others it doesn't appear. You could almost call Covid, Agent 47! It is so unbelievable that most americans as they have been most vocal about their unbelief, think that Covid is a scam. Yet they have had over 262,000 deaths and still won't stay inside and social distance.
Barbados' population is 285,000, so you can see why this is so sobering. If Barbados encountered community spread, that would be the beginning of the end. However, thank God we have not had that challenge. However, we have not been unscathed by Covid; it has killed seven of our citizens, it has totally decimated our tourism industry, with over 40K people losing their jobs and it complicated our situation with the IMF. Yet, in the face of this adversity the people of Barbados have exercised so much discipline and restraint. Even our little children have gone through significant changes mentally.
Covid19 has emptied the Harbour Road
However, although we have shown resilience, the economic situation is not getting any better and there have been pockets of crime, mainly armed robbery. Some people are not able to send their children to school, or provide food and clothing. With christmas around the corner the feeling of discontent and depression is going to be magnified. Some people may want to take matters into their own hands and do something that they may not have normally done. Covid tests our character, this beast has uncovered the type of people we are at the core. Some of the revelation has not been so pleasant as we saw with the Toilet Paper Sagas on CNN and Fox ( LOL). This is where Karen first emerged (LOL).
For me personally, I work in the energy industry and although, Covid has not economically handicapped me, I cannot behave as if my countrymen are not suffering. I have also adjusted my way of living, I have contributed more to those that I know who don't have. I have become more creative in my workplace, as a leader in my work place it is my intent to save jobs and maintain families whilst being cost efficient. It is more work, but I am going to do what I need to do to keep my company and country above sea level.
My encouragement to you is to think of others and always remember that your situation can become negative very fast and you will also need someone's help to keep you from sinking. This is my main lesson in the pandemic, learn to love and care for others, no single man is an island or country. Live long and prosper.
