Two political parties in Dominica, the official opposition United Workers Party (UWP) and the Alternative People’s Party (APP) have the voices of advocacy for Dominicans to take the vaccine which is being made available through the government’s on-going COVID-19 vaccination programme.
The UWP, through a statement issued by Senator Anette Sanford who has special responsibility for health in the Dominica Parliament, has thanked the Government of India for financing the supply of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines to Dominica.
According to the UWP statement, “The sad reality is after twenty (20) years of the current administration, we have become a nation that is entirely dependent on others. As a people, we the citizens of Dominica know that with a population of 1.3 billion people, India has a massive challenge of its own in dealing with this pandemic, hence, the reason we are ever so grateful for this extra ordinary gift.”
In the statement, Sanford touts the success of the use of vaccines in eradicating diseases such as measles, mumps and polio “with very few harmful effects” but stresses the importance of ensuring the safety of the vaccines that are being used in Dominica.
“As a political Party we are advocating for individuals to get vaccinated against the COVID-19 disease, however, it’s significant to know that there are different methods in preparing vaccines and individuals should decide which vaccine they will take based on the content of what the vaccine is made of,” she adds. “It is understandable that many view vaccines with great scepticism and that you are minded not to take them. We fully respect your right to make up your own mind about this. As a party, we would urge everyone not to let the noise and stories on the internet and social media to sway you, without taking time to give it some considered thought of your own.”
In addition the vaccines, the UWP senator, on behalf of her party, is also calling on citizens to adopt other healthy, preventive means to help boost their immune systems and reduce cost associated with medical bills through proper rest, exercise, use of local medicines and eating healthy diets made up mainly of home grown foods.
“The citizenry is also requested to continue adhering to all the Health Protocols such the frequent washing of hands; use of hand sanitizers, the wearing masks and maintaining social and physical distances,” Sanford advises. “To Dominica’s frontline workers, we say thank you for everything that you have done so far. We are aware its challenging for you and your families. We also know that providing quality health care with limited resources in no easy task, – and we hope that the Government of Dominica has a plan in place that covers all eventualities- including your own welfare.”
The UWP statement ends by calling for organisation, structure, management, communication, information and transparency, “as we move forward with the vaccination of our population. We urge the Government of Dominica to ensure Dominica becomes a shining light on the path to efficient vaccine distribution, because we the citizens will hold you accountable.”
Meanwhile, with the availability of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, the Alternative People’s Party (APP) is welcoming a conceivable return to normality “within some reasonable timeframe” of the Dominican population since the emergence of the COVID-19.
The APP has issued a statement commending “Government’s commitment in responding to the global pandemic” as well as the administration and the health team which is on the frontline of such efforts. The party also thanks the Government of India for “their kind generosity and assistance” in supplying the vaccine to Dominica.
The APP is calling on Dominicans to do their part in ensuring their safety by taking the vaccine.
“As media correspondent, Ronald Bailey, remarked, ‘Vaccines don’t save lives. Vaccinations save lives,’ so let’s save some lives by taking the vaccine,” the statement points out. “While we understand that some may hesitate, we should acknowledge that in order to bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control, we all must play a part.”
According to the APP, the development of the vaccine “took a consolidated effort by researchers working across the globe in myriad disciplines, from genetics to immunology and from disease modeling to vaccine design. Let us, therefore, be confident in that joint-effort by taking the vaccine.
“The COVID-19 vaccines have been tested in more patients than most of the previously approved vaccines. Though experience with the current vaccines only covers about six months, the method of the Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine has been found safe in clinical trials for more than ten years, and mRNA vaccines such as the BioNTech/ Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for more than three years,” APP asserts in its statement. “Based on those observations, the vaccines are as safe as can be.”
The party posits that vaccinations are shown to have a greater effect on a population, if the majority of people accentually get vaccinated and argues that the more people who are not vaccinated, the more flare-ups of the disease there will be over time.
“We encourage citizens to do their research, in an objective and unbiased way. You will find that scientific evidence in support of the vaccine is overwhelming. If this still does not convince you that a vaccine is a right choice, ask yourself what would change your mind? If the answer is nothing, it probably means that you reject the vaccines for ideological rather than rational reasons,” the APP contends.
The APP statement continues, “Vaccines will not resolve all of our COVID-19 problems, but they will enable us to progress to a new normal without the current strict restrictions in 2021. We call on the Government to ensure there are proper mechanisms in place such as accessibility, distribution, and proper dissemination of information.”
The statement concludes, “As we enter into this new phase, let us ensure that we are all equipped to play our part.”
I am happy to see that that opposition parties are endorsing the use of the Covid 19 vaccine in Dominica.
That is what responsible opposition parties do… When something is good for the nation you support it and when something is bad for the nation you oppose it.
I have seen the President of Dominica take his jab. I have seen the Prime Minister of Dominica take his jab. Will DNO show us when the Leader of the Opposition will take his jab, please. Remember in this perilous times Leadership matters… Leadership across the island should lead by example. Political leaders, business leaders, church leaders, community leaders, sports, cultural, education, health, agricultural… all leaders must lead by example. Go take your jab so that the rest of the Dominican community will follow
But I would like to believe that the same RIGHT that was afforded to the cases mentioned above is also available to those who have their reservation about the vaccine. We should be able to decide what enters our God given bodies.
On another note the Media in Dominica feeding the population with all kind of garbage from the first world countries, but right next door in Guadeloupe(Gwada) there is news that Dr Henry Joseph and Dr Damien Bissessar(Phd in Chemistry) found out in their research that the plant called Zerb a pic can prevent an individual from developing de Rona. Base on a certain molecule it contains. But is there any news about that by Media houses in the world over. No, Why? Because Zerb a pic cannot
make MONEY for BILLY, TONY and BIG PHARMA. ALL who want to take their vaccine go ahead and do so, but don’t look down on someone who has the right to choose what should enter their BODY.
I am seating here and I am trying to wrap my mind around the whole vaccination SAGA. Human beings really and truly has lost their way. Some of us have become so open minded that we have lost all common sense. The open minded one say that when it comes to a woman and her pregnancy it is her right to choose because it is her body. Likewise in relation to same sex unions it is the individual(s) right to choose whether or not they should be in such a union. In spite of the fact both have the same plumbing. And supports of such ideas are willing to bring hell up to let society accept their point of view.
Now let’s look at the SAGA of to vaccinate or not to vaccinate. All the media houses in Dominica and world by extension have been on the ball to let us know any new development in relation to the development of a new vaccine for de Rona. Now that it is here everybody singing from the same song sheet. But I would like to believe that the same RIGHT that was afforded to the cases mentioned
What an article. I want to know why do the leaders encourage people to vaccinate? What is it that they know and are so sure of that they can contribute to expert advice. Can they tell you when will you be taking the 3rd 4th 5th doses or are there just going to be the said 2 doses. Do they also know the chemicals in this vaccine? What is it that they have so much expert knowledge in about this vaccine? My people don’t let them fool you. Read 2 Chronicles 7:14
Special responsibility for health in the PARLIAMENT.DNO please explain.After 20yrs of the current administration this nation is still dependent on others.What does that have to do with the vaccine?HYPOCRITE UWP.It is the same Sanford who said,she had an audio of Skerrit promising her $100,000 to vote constest the Kalinago seat for Labour.Where is the audio,more than a year later?.WICKED.
“According to the UWP statement, “The sad reality is after twenty (20) years of the current administration, we have become a nation that is entirely dependent on others”
Annette, you could have left the political rhetoric out this. If India’s 1.3 billion population was a problem to them, as you want to claim, they wouldn’t be able to find the way to help other countries like yours and mine–Dominica. You are not speaking at a political campaign
Most vaccines have worked well in helping to prevent contagious diseases. I think the relevant authorities could have done more to educate the population about the COVID-19 vaccines.
A FEW QUESTIONS:-
If I have a pre-existing illness which has compromised my immune system, would it be wise to take the jab without consulting a medical practitioner?
Would it be advisable for a pregnant woman o a mother who r breast feeds her baby take the vaccine?
If one come down with an allergic reaction to the vaccine what then?
Does the vaccine have any lingering side-effects on one’s organs or respiratory system?
One has to know in order to make an informed decision.
dats just me being me……me not taking no vaccine if d vaccine administrator dont have on gloves….
I can understand the skepticism. My concern is how many repeat doses of modified vaccines will it take to effectively cover all the immerging variants.
” but stresses the importance of ensuring the safety of the vaccines that are being used in Dominica.”
You should not have even mentioned squat about the safety of the vaccine at this point; one talks about safety in researching and developing the product.
How can you who does not have a degree in medical science, you are not a medical doctor, you have not done any medical study if you were giver a formula that relates to the vaccine, and someone suggests you explain the building blocks.
You would simple stand there with your mouth open!
You either take it or leave it: I got vaccinated last Monday with the Madona vaccine, I had no side effect or any reaction.
Beggars are not choosers, you take what you get for free and shut up!
“The sad reality is after twenty (20) years of the current administration, we have become a nation that is entirely dependent on others. What is Annette saying there? Which country that does not depend on some other country to assist its socio-economic development. America? Trumps experiment of “America first, or go it alone” failed badly. Even America depend on other countries to sustain its own development agenda. We are too myopic. India is a true friend. A friend indeed. And we should recognize that not with tongue in cheek or preceded by a conjunction. The party Annette support is too negative. The need to score cheap political points every step of the way has not endeared the UWP to the Dominican public for five general elections. And please note that we have a Minister with responsibility for Health in the Dominica Parliament. The following statement is therefore patently wrong. Senator Anette Sanford who has special responsibility for health in the Dominica Parliament”
hahahaha a kalinago clown