by Sandy Deane
Barbados (Barbados Today) – A Barbadian molecular biologist with expertise in gene therapy research to treat rare diseases has penned a harsh rebuke of the Mia Mottley administration’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak, prompting the Prime Minister to invite the researcher to meet with her.
In an opinion column for the non-profit Antillean Media Group, Dr Melissa Goddard, an expert in molecular biology, physiology and pharmacology, sided with the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) which has been at odds with Government over some COVID-19 policies.
Dr Goddard made clear that despite the clinicians’ warnings, Barbados maintained a “too-short two-day quarantine” for incoming travellers and inadequate testing protocols when the borders remained opened last July.
In response, Mottley said she does not “necessarily agree” with the research scientist but declared she has no intention of “rubbishing any perspective or idea” from Barbadians at home or in the Diaspora.
Mottley said: “We want to hear the views of our people, whether resident here or abroad. We will listen. We are in this together and I have always said that many hands make light work. I want to see all views contending as the country grapples with COVID-19 and the range of health, social and economic issues that it has spawned.
“In relation to an article I recently read, which was penned by Dr Melissa Goddard, I must confess that while I don’t necessarily agree, I believe she has a perspective that needs to be heard. I wish to use this opportunity to invite her to meet with me in the near future, so I can hear what she has to say in greater detail.”
