The fate of the National Oversight Committee

Published by BBN Staff at October 1, 2020

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Posted: Thursday, October 1, 2020. 2:05 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: While not able to speak for the Opposition, Attorney General Michael Peyrefitte says Prime Minister Dean Barrow and UDP leader-elect Patrick Faber have committed to maintaining the COVID-19 National Oversight Committee up to the general election and after if the UDP retain power.

“The Leader of the Opposition (John Briceño) walked away from the current NOC, so I don’t think he’s interested in being part of any NOC. But I know for a fact that the Prime Minister and the leader-elect will keep that NOC in place for as long as they can, why? Because that’s where you get the input and the suggestions from different aspects of society. It’s not just government; it’s a joint fight – it’s not just government, it’s the NGO community, it’s the business community, they all have a say into what is relaxed and to make sure that we strike a balance between safety and the need for the economy to be working well, even if in a lesser than usual [state of] activity,” Peyrefitte explained.

The Committee and National Task Force chaired by CEO in the Ministry of Human Development Judith Alpuche were formed in March, the latter as the working group covering multiple issues. Briceño and his Opposition cohorts withdrew in June, citing the refusal by Government to listen to their ideas and suggestions. The Opposition, while discussing its COVID-19 plans during the launch of its health manifesto a few weeks ago, made no mention of the Committee or Task Force.

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