Dear Editor,
The COVID-19 shook the world, many opinions varies but mainly it’s either a ‘bad thing’ or a ‘blessing in disguise’. It has devastating effects in certain countries (based on social media/news); making people dead very quickly, not being able to say a proper goodbye, being placed in isolation etc. The good thing about it is that we have an opportunity to revisit and live the stories of the olden days, rekindle lost relationship of togetherness amongst families.

Meanwhile, we all are still guessing/assuming the origin/cause of this deadly/dangerous plague. Because fingers are mainly pointing towards China, as expected, because of the displaying of their preferences of eating, many considered the Chinese as ‘nasty’ and regrettably, discrimination started against the Chinese in many countries. Coupled with that, many became very observant of the attitudes the Chinese have against other races, whilst I would admit we’re all guilty of similar acts of racism. As a result, many started labelling the Chinese as ‘nasty people’ and they (including myself) became skeptical of purchasing edible products.

Editor, because of the massive lockdown issued worldwide, there’s the expectation that there would be serious shortages of various food items and thus, many started catering for the long-term effects. Many started storing food items that (will) last long, including salted fish, dried scrimp, canned products etc. I’ve been fortunate more than once to witness first hand, the processed scrimp go through to be dried. Interestingly, at Leonora, I’ve seen blatant nastiness being practised and wonder if any monitoring is being conducted. Instead of using tap water, sea water or water from the trench is being used to boil the scrimp.

There are all sort of garbage in the trench, water is mostly muddy and those drying the scrimp are using that. Why this nastiness is being practised beats me. I’m certain that these processes are supposed to be monitored but that don’t seem to be the case.

Regards
Sahadeo Bates