Dear Editor,
The COVID problem started over a year ago, and by now it should have been getting better, not worse. However, it is alarming that we had the highest number of new cases at 214 and 154 recently, and we have moved quickly from 200 to nearly 290 deaths, with April having the highest number of deaths.
People of Guyana, now is not the time to dilly-dally and be slack. We are in a state of emergency with this virus. The major way to deal with this virus is for everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine right away. I cannot understand why anyone would choose to wait, when the Government is making it easy for our people to get the vaccine.
Minister Anthony is doing all he can to get enough vaccines for the country. They have expanded the number of places where you can go to get the vaccine. Former Minister Ramsammy has done a good job organizing mass vaccinations in Berbice. A vaccine site at Mr. Rammayya’s place in Whim is a good idea to expand access. Everywhere across the country, in Linden, in the Hinterland, and elsewhere, the Government is making it easy to get the vaccine.
We need to see a combined national effort to make a big push to get everyone vaccinated. I call on all churches, mosques, temples, cricket and other sports clubs, Parent-Teacher Organizations, other non-government organizations, and all organized groups to get their members to go out and get the vaccines. Maybe a telethon type event on TV and Radio can be arranged. Those with Radio and TV programmes can dedicate a session calling on people to get the vaccine. We need everyone to have a common, united message on why it is important to get the vaccines.
Our failure to act responsibly at such a time as this can be very costly for the nation both in the loss of lives and costs to treat a high number of people infected with the virus. Nation, let’s encourage each other to go and get the vaccine. Let’s be our brother’s keeper and convince those who are taking the matter lightly, that we are in a state of emergency, and everyone needs to be vaccinated, in the best interests of the nation.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jerry Jailall
