IVLP ALumni Voices: Sentiments from Hong Kong to Jamaica
by Lynare Robbins
In 2019 Tam Long Ying, the Assistant Programme Officer of Stop Trafficking of People, visited Miami through an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)on “Combatting Trafficking in Persons,” facilitated by World Learning.
In her own words she shares about the impact that COVID-19 has had in her community. “My city of Hong Kong went through the SARS pandemic in 2003. When news came of a new airborne virus across the border in China, old reflexes kicked in — everyone donned masks, sanitized everything within reach and washed our hands much more frequently. Schools were closed, employees were encouraged to work from home if possible and people avoided going out. Social distancing mainly involved staying at home as much as possible. Instead of going to restaurants, we ordered much more takeout. We also avoided crowds if possible. My company had a work from home policy for several weeks in March and April, and I was fortunate that I could do most of my job from home. I stayed at home most days during that period.”
In the early part of 2020, Kevin Alistair, Strachan-Sub Officer, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Unit- Jamaica Constabulary Force, visited Miami through an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)on “Combatting Trafficking in Persons,” facilitated by Meridian International Center.
In his own words he shares his recollections on his visit to Miami and how his community has been responding to the Coronavirus pandemic. “My favorite memory of your city was meeting the survivors at Ark of Freedom Alliance and the Miami Dade Police Department. I will keep the memories of the IVLP program with me. Jamaica is taking some drastic steps to try to fight this pandemic, however, we have over 600 persons who have tested positive, with 9 deaths. Wearing masks and social distancing are in place, but some people disregard these measures. Curfew hours are in place and social activities such as dance and parties are put on hold. Persons attending funeral and church services are limited. Our borders were closed except for special flights and shipments. Schools and all universities are closed. Social distancing for the most part has been observed. A positive thing now is that I got to spend more time with my family as sometimes I work from home.”
