Senator suggests social distancing regulations

INDEPENDENT Senator Dr Varma Deyalsingh suggested Government consider including regulations for social distancing in the current public health regulations to deal with the covid19 pandemic.

This was one of several suggestions Deyalsingh made in his contribution to the budget debate in the Senate on Tuesday.

Other suggestions included asking the the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to establish a base in TT to help lock down the country's borders; implement the death penalty or remove it from the law books; establish a "Venezuelan Village" to help Venezuelan migrants sustain themselves economically; and protect young people from various mental illnesses.

On covid19, Deyalsingh recalled the mandatory wearing of masks in public was approved by Parliament to help reduce the spread of the virus.

"I had also called for regulations with social distancing."

He said such regulations may be necessary to better protect the population.

"If we are opening up more, we will see that the dangers that are occurring right now, in Spain and other countries which have opened up and are getting, a great fallout."

Deyalsingh suggested that if cinemas are not reopening despite being allowed to do so, "We can build a big stage, have people tested, the artistes tested."

He said there could be parking facilities near the stage and "we could have the MovieTowne restaurants going to the car and delivering food."

Deyalsingh claimed Slinger "The Mighty Sparrow" Francisco, wanted to come from New York to TT to celebrate his birthday.

"We should send a plane and bring him down. The Birdie's wing's are clipped. Let him come. Let him perform for us."

After noting there is a "German village" in Venezuela, Deyalsingh suggested establish a "Venezuelan Village" here.

"We give them (Venezuelan migrants) a piece of land, have their own food, their own artforms."

He said this could bring in revenue, once tourists are able to come to TT.

On crime, he said if the death penalty was not going to be implemented, it could be removed from the law.

Referring to the $22 million Drugs Sou-Sou scandal, Deyalsingh suggested the DEA should be invited to TT to help local law enforcement strengthen border security.

He also called for sanctuaries for depressed young people, especially 15-29-year-olds, saying young people in this age group are committing suicide. Deyalsingh was happy that St Ann's Hospital has a facility to deal with them, but said there should also be online systems for students who are at home and depressed to get help.

Lamenting the recent death of parliamentary clerk Sheronne Samuel, Deyalsingh suggested the creation of a patient complaints authority in the health sector.

After noting allegations of racial discrimination continue, Deyalsingh wondered if some kind of public forum could be established to deal with them.