TUESDAY’S meeting of members of parliament and mayors, which was convened at Jamaica House by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, has come as a confidence booster to the morale of a nation under attack from chikungunya and worried about the threat of Ebola.

We have seen time and time again that whenever Jamaicans unite around a cause — whether it is to face a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, or to celebrate international achievements, such as athletic glory — we are at our best and come out on top as a country.

It seems that we have learnt from our paltry approach to the CHIKV outbreak, when the 2016 General Election blinded us to the reality that our country was under assault from a nasty illness, that even now continues to work its dreadful way through our population.

We are pleased to note that Prime Minister Simpson Miller has assumed the posture as commander-in-chief by bringing together Government and Opposition MPs and mayors to lead the CHIKV/Ebola response in keeping with what is a national emergency. In that regard, we wholeheartedly throw ourselves behind her call to the nation:

“Where Ebola is concerned, we simply cannot afford any divisiveness of any kind. We need to be speaking with one voice on this matter. If we don’t stop it from coming to our shores, and effectively manage it if it does, we all stand to lose. We will suffer. Our people will suffer. Our beloved country will suffer.

“As we have seen, this is something that kills, kills quickly, and can kill in large numbers. Let all of us, as leaders, be guided by the agreed scientific facts and not speculate or express casual opinions which can cause panic and demoralise our front-line workers.

“Jamaicans are being encouraged to take action as part of our personal responsibility in this situation. Avoid travelling to Ebola-affected countries and regions, and truthfully declare your travel history when arriving and departing the island.

“We have to join the health professionals in encouraging all Jamaicans to develop healthy practices, like regular and thorough hand-washing at all times…

“This is not a task for Government alone. This is our country. We all have a stake and a vested interest in protecting it and in keeping our people safe and healthy.”

We are also pleased with the statesmanlike approach taken by the Opposition’s Dr Kenneth Baugh, who gave us recent cause for concern in his initial approach to the chikungunya outbreak.

Dr Baugh’s suggestion that the impending local government polls be postponed so as not to divert money or attention away from the CHIKV/Ebola response is awesome in the context of his party leading in recent opinion surveys. Moreover, it is better by far that such a call comes from the Opposition, as it would be seen as self-serving had it come from the ruling People’s National Party.

Together we will overcome the twin threats of chikungunya and Ebola.