The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is mulling over categorising teachers as frontline workers, meaning that they will have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to continue in their jobs.
The question arises even as the government is unsure what form the reopening of school next Monday, Oct. 4, would take amidst a spike in COVID-19 cases locally.
“… during this period, I must tell you, I’ve received a lot of messages, people have telephoned me, saying that we must put in the regulations coming up (that are soon to be approved) teachers as those who should be considered frontline workers, just like how we consider nurses and doctors and police and prison officers,” Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said on WE FM on Sunday.
He said that consideration is being given to putting air and sea port workers in this same category.
The prime minister said that the number of air and sea port workers who are vaccinated is very small.
“And we will see it. Something has to give; something has to give. It cannot continue like this and those of us who are leading, we have to lead,” the prime minister said.
He said that the position of the government regarding teachers and vaccination is the same as it was before La Soufriere erupted explosively in April.
Students were scheduled to return to the classroom on April 12, but the volcano erupted three days earlier, disrupting that plan.
Before returning to the classroom, teachers were expected to present their vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test at least once every two weeks.
“And the same position applies… You have to take the vaccine or you take the test. And if you don’t do that, you wouldn’t be allowed on the compound,” Gonsalves said.
“Look, parents are demanding it and teachers are demanding it. In that case, I mean, it may well be that on Wednesday the Cabinet may decide that in light of the uptick and what is happening that teachers be included as frontline workers,” the prime minister said.
Regarding the question of vaccinated teachers also being tested frequently, the prime minister said he would support “the best form of security which we can have, as advised by the medical practitioners, by the CMO…
“Of course, if you are vaccinated, your risk of contracting COVID is reduced immensely and of you giving it to people is also reduced.
“But if the teachers want that and the medical authorities support it, I will go along with it,” he said of frequent testing.”
Gonsalves, however, said that he suspects that some teachers “who do not want to be vaccinated want to put themselves and those who are vaccinated on the same footing.
“It might be the politics, the internal politics of vaccination rather than the management of risks in relation to vaccination… I have promised the people of this country that I will lead and I’m leading. And on this matter, the anchor will hold. Never mind if the cables threaten — to borrow from a popular hymn.”
The prime minister said that his government was not yet sure whether students will return to face-to-face education because of the spread of COVID-19 and low uptake in vaccination, although the number of vaccinated people was increasing.
“And then, of course, it may not be one size fits all. One or two of the schools may themselves not be ready,” Gonsalves said, noting that some schools are still being used as emergency shelters while others are undergoing repairs.
The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union has said that it would resist mandatory vaccination for teachers.
Gonzales are right. You have the children lives in your hands. If you don’t value your lives then think of the children whom you all are responsible of being around. I have a very dear friend hear in the us that I begged to take the shots. Her son also begged her, do you know we nearly lose her because of the covid. She has been in the hospital over 3 weeks now and still on oxygen because if hard headed. Lots of you are going to die because if hard headed. Good luck to you people there in saint vincent.
According to the data from the USA, a person under the age of 25 (most students are in this group) is much more likely to die from being hit by lightning than to die from Covd-19. So many governments today care nothing about real facts and science, and the government of SVG is included in these governments.The government of SVG will not wake up because it does not want to.
So what about the kids? They can infect the teachers as well. Show the teachers how you intend to protect them and the arrangement for seating in the class. There is no guarantee that teachers will be safe from getting the virus from children. There is no age limit set by COVID. It’s available for people of all ages.
I don’t see any talk about mask in the class room. Teachers can still pick up the virus and take it home to their families. Are children being tested before they enter the class room? What are your plans for opening school safely? Don’t put the blame on teachers, when you are showing no sign of how to open schools safely for both teachers and students.
GD .Monica Rosa
I cannot understand your way of thinking at all
you are all self centered..You do know it is appointed once for man to die then comes the judgement.Hebrews 9:27 . It seems like you have the concept that only persons ,who take the vaccine will not die. You slogan is always “let them die”
Are you GOD? Do you hold life and death in your hands?.please have some respect for others..it their choice to do what they want to do
You also need to know ..that not all person who refuse the vaccine all over the world are not anti vaxers..
are you originally from SVG..cause you seem to hate the nation..and the people and only want bad for them.
I get so upset everytime I read one of your comments over the past few months.
Your friend’s life and that of others are in God’s hands..If He chose for her to live she will ..if He chose to take her out of this world He will..Hopefully her soul is ready to meet Him.
Are you even praying for her? You say she is a dear friend yet you come on a public forum and call her “hardheaded” just because she made a choice that did not sit well with you? You know the old saying” with friends like you who needs enemies”?
Be careful..you can die before her….umm pray your soul is ready to meet your Creator.