Here in Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley today convened a special meeting of the social partnership that included the opposition leader and the head of the Democratic Labour Party to prepare for what is said to be not just the possibility but the certainty that Barbados will get a case of the coronavirus.

Ms. Mottley again warned the country against panic over the threat and called for a united national response.

Acting chief medical officer Dr. Anton Best felt it was only a matter of time before Barbados got a covid-19 case and outlined the national plan which includes a declaration of a state of emergency if necessary.

Both Opposition leader Bishop Joseph  Atherly and DLP President Verla Depeiza praised Prime Minister Mottley for her leadership of the national response effort and urged national unity.

Chairman of the Barbados Private Sector Association Edward Clarke also praised the Prime Minister for what he called strong leadership on the issue and promised the private sector will play its part.

He also spoke out against price gouging or hoarding of supplies.