Prime Minister Andrew Holness Respond to Hoarding of Vaccine Supplies
April 16, 2021 | Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |
PM Andrew Holness was holding back nothing as he blast those hoarding countries who he claims have excess stockpiles (of vaccines) and refuse to share same with the less fortunate countries like Jamaica. PM said inter alia:
“It is a travesty of justice and a dangerous move to allow vaccines which are fast approaching expiry dates not to on lend same to the less fortunate who are deserving. We will take from you and pay you back. We do not want it for free”
His declaration was met with thunderous applause in Parliament.
Continuing the PM declared:
As a government we have put aside funds in our budget to pay for these vaccine supplies. 75,000 doses were given to us with a few days to expiry and we used them up. We have proven that we can dispose of them efficiently and effectively.
Hon. Mark Golding, Opposition Leader rose and supported the PM. He said inter alia:
It is inhumanity of man to man. This is a travesty to hold onto vaccines which may soon expire. Some countries who are doing this have more than enough to supply their needs. I want to join with the PM to support his call for excess vaccine supplies to be passed on to the less fortunate.”
Blitz
South Africa gifted Jamaica with 75, 000 doses with just about a week to expiry and we disposed of them over a four day blitz that was over subscribed. It was remarkable how we rose to the challenge. In one day alone we disposed of twenty thousand doses. Public education and hard work by healthcare professionals delivered.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a veteran journalist who has a keen interest in social justice issues. He has International exposure.
