Dear Editor,
Why are we allowing the unvaccinated in the population to hold our country to ransom? Weeks ago, Premier Ellis Lorenzo Webster said that frontline workers in health, public service, and hospitality must be vaccinated against COVID-19, but neither the government nor employers have mandated this. Consequently we only have 58% of the population vaccinated. If we had reached 90% we would not be in the position we are today.
With 90% vaccinated we would have freedom – no masks, no regulations for gatherings plus, most importantly, fewer cases – and less expense for the government that currently has to test all contacts and provide hospitalisation when needed. Vaccinated tourists would be able to enter the island without the current protocols and testing which must be a deterrent to many. In other words, the island would be able to function and progress.
Many governments and employers in countries around the world, including in the Caribbean, have mandated vaccination for sections of their workers. Why not Anguilla? Is it so difficult to be strong for the sake of our future? The selfish attitude of those who won’t vaccinate endangers not only their own health but everyone else’s too. It allows the virus to thrive and evolve giving unnecessary work for the health workers. The vaccine has proven to be safe and effective so there is no reason not to take it.
Failure to vaccinate, without a medical reason or for the under aged, is a failure for all of us – and failure for our country to move forward.
Signed: Vaccinated Anguillian
