COVID-19 begins to expose contradictions and double standards

Dear Editor,
A FEW weeks ago, a certain prominent private sector personality announced that because of COVID–19 , he was sending home his staff, save for a ‘skeleton category’. Not very surprising, given that this has been a measure taken in most countries affected by the killer virus, and even in others not so badly struck.

But it was his further announcement that he was sending them home on no-pay leave. Now, given who this businessman is, considered one of those who waxed fat during the 23 years of PPP/C regime, this revelation was seen as mean. Yes, mean for someone who had received so much.

Now, Editor, you have to agree with me that these are indeed very stressful times, as a result of the threat of the killer virus that is currently on a global rampage. And even though it is noteworthy that employers, those in the private sector in this case, have been extolling their care for the welfare of their staff. But this was just talk; only talk, since their well-known actions to their workers were graphically exposed during that now well-documented visit which the former minister within the Labour Department had paid to down-town businesses a few years ago.

This particular business person ought to be ashamed, as he has always promoted himself to be a leader of industry. Is this the kind of example that such a person exemplifies? This is unbridled hypocrisy that is not surprising. But, one must note the very early sending home of his workers; not long after the March 2 polls. Well, it is coincidental that the onset of COVID–19 had begun to set in when the local campaign season commenced. In fact, one is certain that this particular private sector representative, along with his business colleagues, all pro-PPP/C, would have given generously to their party’s election campaign. Has this caused him to be so broke that he has had to send his staff home, empty-handed, without even as much as a one-month salary, a fortnight food voucher, or as much as a bottle of water? Incidentally, this known PSC member, in his media announcement, had suggested government coming up with a stimulus package. My question is: What is the input of his organisation, since protecting any society in this crises is shown to be a joint effort by the State and other actors. After all, to whom much is given, much is expected.
Editor, many of these workers, one is certain, are family persons, and would have contributed to the growth of this businessperson’s considerable business holdings, based on the length of their employ. Does this not count for something?

For sure, COVID–19 has started to expose the contradictions and double standards in those who speak the loudest.

Regards,
Earl Hamilton

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