The declaration by the World Health Organization that the outbreak of the COVID19 is a pandemic tells the world that we have a common enemy by the name of the Coronavirus. The word “pandemic”, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means “widespread outbreak of disease”. In other words, it has spread to almost every country in the world.
If you take away the letters dem from pandemic, you get the word panic which by definition means “sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety often causing wildly unthinkable behavior” and this not where we want to be. It is extremely important that we don’t start the blame game, as this will not solve this very serious challenge.
People are panicking everywhere and unfortunately it is often a human reaction to something over which we have no control. I have seen photos of shelves in the U.S. and Europe where they are empty as it regards products needed to protect ourselves against this disease. Here on St. Maarten it is the same in some cases, especially when persons start hoarding. What is unfortunate is that some businesses and individuals use this opportunity to take advantage of the public and therefore I am pleased with the steps government took to address this unscrupulous behavior.
It is panic which creates chaos and this exasperates the problem. There is enough information available based on our interconnectedness where technology is concerned. Our health care professionals and other related organizations are doing a tremendous job to prevent and, if necessary, combat and contain this virus, and should be commended. And every cooperation should be given to make their jobs as easy as possible.
We have a common enemy that must be defeated. This virus does not discriminate. We have heard of the Prime Minister of Canada Mr. Trudeau, senators and mayors from the United States and other countries who have quarantined themselves in order to protect others. I don’t want to simplify this challenge but we must work together.
We are hearing reports that the economic impact will be worse than the 2008 global economic crisis. Some even go as far back as the “Great Depression” of the 1930s. But in the words of the late President of the US at the time Franklin D Roosevelt who said, and I quote, “So, let me first of all assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, nameless, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
Let me end with this Bible scripture taken from the Book of Psalms 91:1-2, which states as follows: He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty, I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God. In Him will I trust.”
George Pantophlet
