“Government has shown a glaring lack of leadership through this period,” MP Michael Dunkley said, citing the “sudden resignation of Dr. Weldon, the botched school openings and significant testing delays” and “Cabinet Ministers, including the Premier” being off.
Mr. Dunkley — who is the Shadow Minister of National Security, Health and Seniors — said, “A New Year traditionally signals renewed hope, intentions to seek opportunity and better days.
“Sadly 2022 has gotten off to a poor start as the island is once again in the midst of a Covid surge; the fifth with the highly contagious Omicron variant.
“Unfortunately, Government has shown a glaring lack of leadership through this period witnessed by the sudden resignation of Dr. Weldon, the botched school openings and significant testing delays for school children, arriving passengers and the general public.
“In addition, seven Cabinet Ministers, including the Premier, were all off at the same time at some point over the Christmas holiday. Unacceptable!
“Let me be very clear that leave is a well earned entitlement but for a Premier to allow this, in the middle of a Covid surge without adequate planning, is totally unacceptable.
“In early December it was evident that Omicron would have a significant impact on the island yet the government failed to plan, failed to prepare, imposed a curfew and then went on holiday. No wonder we are in a very poor position now!
“Yesterday the Premier finally surfaced and in an interview laced with many ‘uhs’. He said very little of worth. He did say he and Dr. Weldon had a difference of opinion. What is it? I thought the government followed the science and as the Government Science Advisor, why all of a sudden are they not listening to her advice?
“The Premier said antigen testing would be done as a pilot programme when the US has used it for entry into the country. Why are we not testing less using PCR tests and more with antigen tests during this surge to obtain results in a timely fashion and get our children back to school ?
“While the airport is open the inability to obtain test results soon after arrival is a major impediment to us now and into the future.
“2022 has started badly, it is time show leadership and tackle the significant issues we face. The Opposition is ready and willing to help weather this storm,” Mr Dunkley added.
