As Jamaica experiences an encouraging decline in coronavirus (COVID-19) infections, the People’s National Party (PNP) is revving up its political machinery ahead of the Local Government elections.

While Opposition Leader Mark Golding and other top brass of the PNP have been out and about, there is something rather noticeable in most the images/videos being shared: a total disregard of social distancing and a lack of face masks by throngs on supporters.

One particularly worrying image was posted by PNP general secretary Dr Dayton Campbell on Friday (December 10), which shows orange-clad party die-hards in their numbers in a section of downtown Kingston.

“Mobilizing the base” was Campbell’s caption, with PNP Central Kingston caretaker Imani Duncan-Price identifiable in the photo.

After hugging, gesturing and rallying with comrades across Kingston, Golding and his PNP campaigners then took to the streets of John’s Hall, Welcome Hall, Cambridge and downtown Montego Bay in St James on Saturday.

*deep, frustrated breath*

Need I remind the Opposition that we are STILL in the middle of a pandemic?

What, and I cannot stress this enough, is wrong with you people?

I’d say I’m disappointed in the hypocrisy of the PNP but let’s be real… This sort of behaviour is almost expected.

In case any of the PNP requires further proof that Jamaica is far from out of the woods after facing the brunt of the Delta variant’s introduction into the country, here are some facts:

The latest clinical management summary from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, published on December 12, noted that 40 new COVID cases were confirmed in all but three parishes—pushing the national tally to 91,765.

Of that number, Jamaica, the worst-hit country within CARICOM, is treating with 25,880 active cases.

Even in the unlikely event that everyone pictured is vaccinated, the stark reality is it remains unclear whether these vaccines are effective in preventing further spread of the virus.

Just last Thursday, after Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced adjusted COVID restrictions you, Mr Golding, rose in Parliament urging Jamaicans to continue being cautious amid the pandemic.

This is all happening while Jamaica’s vaccination efforts continue to crawl along, ranking among the lowest anywhere in Latin America.

With the Omicron variant’s detection in Cuba, Bermuda and most importantly, Jamaica’s top three tourism markets Canada, the United States and United Kingdom—it bears repeating that it is only a matter of time before things start to get worse. Again.

Actually, no.

I’ve changed my mind.

Let’s keep doing all the SAME pre-pandemic things, including the unsightly practice of involving children in politics, as if nothing has changed.

That way, when the hospitals inevitably overflow, you cannot go on a grand pulpit to serve a hot plate of ‘this is Government’s fault’, ‘the people deserve better’ or other pretty spoken NOTHINGNESS.

Since I’m sure the PNP knows better, let’s keep the accountability the same for all.