The Alliance for Progressives – AP – has observed with dismay and disappointment as the President of the Republic continues to unashamedly break the Emergency Powers (COVID19) Regulations he himself put in place.
The regulations are clear that all gatherings are prohibited during the state of public emergency save for meetings of cabinet, National assembly, Council or the National Taskforce on COVID -19. On what basis is the President convening a meeting of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Central Committee?
For a Government that parrots “4IR” at any given chance this is not only embarrassing but also indicates a lack of sincerity and commitment to what they say. Why are they not using the many online platforms available for these meetings?
We cannot continue to live on two sets of rules: those for the President and the ruling elite and those for the rest of us. This continued undermining of health officials, and in particular the Director of Public Health by the President is worrisome and should be considered a red flag.
Let the public be reminded that this is not the first time the President has violated and disregarded instructions from the Director of Health. He did so on two occasions: The trip to Namibia and recently, the hosting of a South African delegation led by Minister Radebe.
These actions are dealing a serious and heavy blow to the psychological makeup of our frontline staff charged with enforcing these regulations. We call on the President to seriously introspect. The fight against coronavirus cannot be won when the President continues on a self-defeating path.
We expect the Director of Health to charge the President and all those who attended the said meeting as per the regulations. Failure to do this will send a very wrong message to the public, that these regulations are for naught and can be disregarded at will.
We applaud the nation for having up to now endured the hardships that come with the restricted movement and closure of businesses and general disruption to means of living with patience and grace. We urge all to continue observing the regulations and health precautions to save lives.
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Phenyo Butale (PhD) Secretary General