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by pltm
(PLTM) - While in support of Government's decision to implement a 24hr curfew, Michael Thomas, Managing Director of CTL Home Center, believes that the Coronavirus COVID-19 has exposed the need for a national unemployment fund.
In a statement issued on the pandemic, Thomas expressed the opinion that there is need to ensure the security of workers.
"We are a very sociable people and our socializing is the easiest and quickest way to spread this virus. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to continue to practice social distancing; frequently washing our hands; and sanitizing our surroundings, while strengthening our immune system," Thomas explained.
"This crisis more than any other has made it clear that a national unemployment insurance fund is needed, not only as a safety net and for the security of our workers, but also for our economic continuity. While I am not clear on how such a plan would be implemented, it is obvious to me that immediate discussions are needed that will facilitate the development of such a program," Thomas stated. He said now is the time to put political partisanship aside, unite in prayer for 'our leaders that they will continue to be rightly guided through this crisis'. Thomas also called for unity among the people of the Virgin Islands to overcome this and all of our challenges and crises for the continued growth and development of the Virgin Islands.
Thomas also expressed gratitude to our Doctors, Nurses and all of our other healthcare and essential services providers for their service and the sacrifices they continue to make to maintain 'our wellness, to keep us safe and to make us comfortable'.
He said that the CTL family has already initiated measures to keep customers and employees safe, which will continue.
"We are committed to continue to assist in any way we can," Thomas stated.
He stated that the current six-day curfew will help to stop or at least slowdown the spread of the virus.
Self-Sufficiency
Thomas also stated that there are other lessons to be learned from the recent crises, including Hurricane Irma. Self-sufficiency is one, according to Thomas. He noted the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries drive toward the development of food production in the Territory.
"The Minister’s plans for the creation of financial and infrastructural support for our farmers and fishers are most welcomed. I believe these plans will go a long way toward the beginning of our much-needed food self-sustainability and security," Thomas noted.
He added, "Those of us who are old enough will recall that as a people we evolved from a foundation of farming and fishing, and perhaps these crises are God’s way of reminding us from whence we came and prodding us to take a look back and bring forward those vocations and behaviours that have served us so well in the past. And with the new available technologies and with improved infrastructure we can certainly feed ourselves and perhaps even bring additional revenue into our treasury." Further lessons, Thomas stated, includes the the need to return to traditional values.
"It seems to me that we have lost our appreciation for the beauty God has surrounded us with. We have lost the values and traditions that created the strong bond we had with our families, our friends and our communities that made us what we were as a people and as a country," Thomas stated.
He added, "Our success has divided us instead of making us stronger. It is time for us to get back to the basics. The time when locals and expatriates supported each other and were united in the goal of building a better Virgin Islands for all, must return if our success is to continue."
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