Jamaican News

Dr. Maurice Guy Blast JLP Government Over Vaccine Priority Designation

March 16, 2021 | Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |

Photo of Dr. Maurice Guy

We woke up to the news that the Opposition has been commenting on the vaccine distribution saga.

The Opposition Spokesman on Health, himself a medical doctor Dr. Maurice Guy, PNP, MP for a St. Mary constituency , has blasted the Andrew Holness led JLP government over its vaccine distribution policy for not giving priority vaccine Jabs to Senior citizens over others.  The government has been giving the security forces ahead of senior citizens whom have been the most vulnerable based on Jamaican Health Ministry statistics, and World Health Organization WHO recommendation.

Deaths

Information released by the Health Minister has indicated that seniors have been the most vulnerable and the highest mortality as they tend to have the highest level of comorbidities aka preexisting medical conditions like diabetes, and high blood pressure disorders to name a few of these medical ills affecting seniors.

Maurice Guy said inter alia:

“This is a violation of announced intention and statistics which point to high infection rates among seniors. Also to issue priority vaccine to say soldiers who are the most healthy as they retire before 60.”

Asserts Dr. Maurice Guy on vaccine Priority Designation.

JDF

The JDF has stated that since  Wednesday, March 10, 2021. Some 3 percent of those vaccinated have reported any adverse reaction to the vaccine. A total of 1500 so far have been vaccinated. No soldier is being forced to take the vaccine jabs and those refusing to be vaccinated will not be punished.”

 Based on JDF release to the public reacting to voice note in circulation on social media platforms.

Continuing Dr. Guy also stated inter alia:

 “Soldiers have good health services, are regular tested for good health. Many are under 40 years old and generally healthy. So giving this group priority over seniors is not appropriate based on WHO advise”

Concluded Dr. Maurice Guy in his attack on the priority groups to be  vaccinated.

The JDF further stated inter alia:

“Soldiers who refuse to be vaccinated must sign a form.”

“Declaration” indemnifying the army.  This will determine where  these non vaccinated army personnel will be placed in terms of work location and assigned duties. As stated before none of our personnel will be punished for not taking up the vaccine offer. “

Public Health Nurse, Marcia Thomas-Yetman, is the first person in Jamaica to receive the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

Perspective

It is our further perspective that for the government to ignore the science is not acceptable.  We must accept the science so we can help to stem the COVID pandemic. Seniors are the weak link in the pandemic as infection rates are likely to dramatically be increased. Also death rates are most likely to increase. These are persons with greater amounts of comorbidities and are at serious risks to get infected with the pandemic.

Let the seniors get the vaccines as a matter of priority.  This is the right thing to do.  We entreat the powers at be to do the right thing and honour our seniors by doing everything to protect their health. Vaccination of our seniors would be an appropriate step in this direction.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a veteran journalist who has a great interest in health matters. He also has international exposure. 

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