Perspective: Canada closes border to Mexico & Caribbean, including Jamaica.  Sad indeed! 

February 1, 2021 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

Are Doctors Greedy?

Sensing the opportunity to to make a killing the Jamaica Medical Doctors Association (JMDA) headed by Dr. Andrew Manning, representing it’s members seem to be anxious to get their hands on extra cash.  They also sense that the government is under pressure to turn around the economy .  As a result of this urgent need to overcome the obstacles of the country getting back on track as it relates to the turn around of the national economy they want a piece of the  testing action. Their apparent greed has been boosted by decisions taken in Britain, United States Of America and Canada the main big three who most tourist come from to the Caribbean.

Canada et al

They are demanding negative test as a prior requirement to enter their shores.

The doctors feel vindicated for their entrepreneurial ambitions.  Suddenly they find themselves as seen as saviours.  The JMA is in their camp. They are associate members as a body.

Dispense Drugs

The doctors have a history of wanting to be jacks of all trades.  They have long been pouching on the Pharmacy profession. A number of them have been privately operating mini pharmacies inside their offices. They have been in violation of the Pharmacy Act. They know that there is no strong appetite to prosecute them.   Many of the politicians themselves are Doctors.

Commentary

There is no evidence that doctors in Parliament are directly involved.

Give the Pharmacists a break. They are most suitably qualified. Internationally, pharmacists are being relied on to do the testing.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a veteran journalist who has International exposure.