A Nevispages weekly feature by Curtis Morton Sr.
The way I see it, the new Covid-19 regulations for St. Kitts and Nevis, which should be released this weekend, should make very interesting reading. That would be regulations number 17.
During the last week, there have been many debates and discussions, pertinent to the ramifications of the possible releasing of certain restrictions that are currently in effect.
Before I get into that though, I can’t help but relate to a classic observation that I have made during these trying times:
The wearing of masks in public spaces has been made mandatory. So, once we are in public, we should be wearing appropriate masks. As a matter of fact, we should not be allowed into any business environments, without the wearing of masks, even though as of recent times, once you enter certain establishments, you have to remove the said masks for a brief moment, so that you can be identified by the cameras.
What I find truly amazing though, is the fact that some persons who are considered to be sane and in a sound mind, have deliberately set out to breach the regulation and are often seen in public spaces without masks.
On the other hand, I have seen several individuals who are considered to be CRAZY, or of unsound minds, who are seen in the public, with their masks nicely in place and observing the set protocols.
Well I newa!
Back to the debates.
One such concern is the possible return to regular church services by this weekend. Many persons are longing for the return to regular church services. They appreciate the virtual services in the interim, but long to be able to worship as a body, in the actual sanctuary.
There is some talk that services will be allowed, with certain specifications, which may include the wearing of masks, sanitizing of hands, families seated together and interestingly, a proposal for NO SINGING!
Of course, some persons have rubbished that thought, as they cannot fathom the thought of a worship service without SINGING!
On the other side of the fence, are those who are wondering why the rush to get back into the church buildings? Some even go as far as to suggest that some Pastors are only anxious about securing the tithes and offerings and so the debate goes on.
Restauranters are also agitating to move from only TAKE OUTS to be able to accommodate actual dinings.
The biggest agitation I think, is coming from those who sell retail liquor. The thought is that this is the area, where they make the most money for their respective businesses.
They also consider it unfair that they have been asked to remove their drinks from the display, which also includes those already in the refrigerators, which may well RUN BACK and lose their original taste.
One proposal ventured is that the retail liquor sellers should be allowed to sell their alcoholic beverages but that the onus of responsibility should be placed on the SELLERS and not the BUYERS. The ones selling the liquor should ensure that there is no drinking and congregating on their respective premises and that each customer adheres to the established regulations, or else the SELLER would feel, the full weight of the law.
Then there is the upcoming general elections. The million-dollar question is: ‘Will overseas voters be allowed in, from the various hotspots around the world?’ If so, would not that be opening up our federation to another wave of the coronavirus?
The fact is though, that in my estimation, the persons on the frontline, have done a tremendous job at curtailing the effects of the pandemic to the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. I also applaud the citizens and residents of the federation, for generally adhering to the regulations and helping to curtail the spread of the dreaded scourge.
The admonition is that we cannot afford to let down our guards and we MUST individually and collectively do all in our power to be safe and ensure that all with whom we make contact are also safe.
God in his word, admonishes: ‘BE YE THEREFORE WISE AS SERPENTS AND HARMLESS AS DOVES.’ Of course, we must recognize that despite our best efforts, it is God in his mercy who has kept us safe.
However, God wants us to do our BEST and he will certainly do the REST.
That’s the way I see it. How do you see it?