News maker of the week: Emile Depooter

A local businessman's outburst on the government of Dominica's misguidedness as it relates to the measures implemented to combat the Covid-19 virus may have promoted changes.

In a widely circulated clip, Emile Depooter stated what many were thinking.

"This time around, the government looking very confused like they're not sure what they're about.I don't know if too many people speaking in their heads but they're not getting it right this time", Depooter said.

Among measures announced by the government because of the second wave of Covid-19 in Dominica was to limit the number of people attending a funeral or a wedding. On the contrary, three persons were allowed per row on a passenger bus.

"That whole situation with the bus drivers, I don't know if they get scared of the bus drivers or whatever it is but that bus driver situation making them look very foolish. Three people to row, 14 people in a bus and you telling people 5 to 10 people at a marriage or funeral and so on, that is stupidness," he said.

During a three-week curfew in August where a lockdown was imposed over the weekend, accommodations were made for gas stations to remain open to essential workers and taxi operators. In lifting certain measures, gas stations were forced to remain closed on Sundays.

"The airport was and is still open, as far as I know, flights are still coming in, they allowed for gas stations to open during the curfew... now they have lifted the curfew for people and the airport remains open the gas stations are closed, "Depooter said.

"I can go on and on because there is a bunch of confusion. How is the little person selling BBQ chicken and bakes on the side of the road going to cause a problem. The little places like Shakes and those places that would open after hours to sell chicken and stuff for people to eat after hours, grab and go, you closing up all those places there. I don't get what is going on at all, at all, at all. At some point it going to look even more stupid because they're going to open up the place," he said.

Depooter said the government is misguided and not speaking in one accord.

"It's like they give up and they just let whatever happen, happen," Depooter added.

Since Depooter's outcry, the government has made certain adjustments to the operating hours of businesses. A gas station will operate within the period of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. while supermarkets and pharmacies are allowed to be open on Sundays from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.