Vignettes from Press Conferences Trinidad and Tobago



Deserted street.  Closed restaurant. Covid Times, Curepe Trinidad April 2020

On Thursday March 12, 2020, Trinidad and Tobago had recorded its first case of the Covid 19 virus.  By the next day, Friday March 13, 2020, it had recorded its second case.  Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, cognizant of the havoc the virus was creating in other parts of the world,  immediately announced the closure of Schools and Universities in the Twin-Island Republic.  From then on, Press Conferences were held every other day, then daily as the population was engaged in the fight against Covid 19.

The Press Conferences grew in popularity as the Prime Minister, Minister of Health, Chief Medical Officer and National Security Minister became the stars of what was seen by the population as a daily 'morning-show'.  Notable quotes, expressions and words surfaced from these briefings.  I am providing here some of the vignettes that stood out for me.  Some are direct quotes and others have been paraphrased.

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Dr. Keith Rowley

  • By the time you realise you have missed the mark, there is no reversal, it gets worse... The decisions of the Government are made with foresight and scientific evidence. Hindsight will not help if the mark is missed..."if we had known we would have..." will not help when it is too late. (Paraphrased)  April 6, 2020: Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley

  • "The voices saying close the country down are demanding cheques...you want the service of people to bring comfort but you want the country shut down...?" April 6, 2020: Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley

  • "For every anectdotal sory of success, there is scientific evidence of failure..." April 6, 2020: Minister of Health, Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Terrence Deyalsingh (To a reporter)

  • Health Minister to Panic Buyers:  "You panic buying and hoarding drugs that patients with Lupus, Malaria, and Rheumatoid Arthritis need, placing them at risk by having a drug you may not use, dont know how to use and may be dangerous to you... Return it to the pharmacies please...or contact the Lupus foundation. Go online, find the sites of the close-knit Lupus community and return the drugs you are hoarding in your cupboards  The patients need it more than you. Pharmacy owners dont raise your prices..." Minister of Health, Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Terrence Deyalsingh

  • To those who are " '...too smart to comply?' Well you knowingly exposed others since you are a carrier because of your exposure. You become a threat, and cause others to die..."  April 6, 2020: Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley

  • To advocates of 'Not in my back yard!'  (persons from a particular community who did not want recuperating patients of COVID quarantined in their town) "...when you come down with it, whose back yard should we put you in...?" April 6, 2020: Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley.
The PM's socks is almost as colorful as his language

The Prime Minister, described as a leader of considerable courage wisdom and grit,  also 'home-schooled' the nation in vocabulary, with his colourful use of language.   





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