Journalist and retired Station Manager of Starcom Network Inc., David Ellis, is Barbados’ COVID-19 Public Advisor.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced Mr. Ellis’ appointment during a press conference at Ilaro Court on Monday.
“I’m happy to announce that after some level of discussions, that we had over the course of the last few days, settled the appointment of a COVID Public Advisor. It is my distinct honour to report that after these extensive discussions, Mr. David Ellis has agreed to be appointed as government’s COVID Public Advisor; but with a responsibility not to Government, but to the public of Barbados,” Prime Minister Mottley stated.
Ms. Mottley pointed out that in Government’s decision to appoint a COVID Public Advisor, it was deemed important that the individual be an independent, unbiased person, who could reach out and inform the entire population on matters relating to COVID-19.
“We believe that the person who we are appointing can more than do the job and comes with a long and strong track record of being independent, of being able to speak with Barbadians, and of being able to work alongside Barbadians to help us with the behaviour modification…. It is absolutely critical that that be the remit, because we all Barbadians irrespective of who you are or where you live and what you do, need to be on board in fighting this battle against COVID,” the Prime Minister emphasised.
Advisor Ellis said during the press conference that while accepting the appointment was a difficult decision, he did so with Barbados at heart:
“I was back-and-forth on it, but the principal reason why I took it was because of the state of the game as it relates to Covid in this country at the moment.”
