The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has caused significant controversy with its COVID-19 vaccine mandate. It was declared that the decision to implement a vaccine mandate was made to protect public health and curb the spread of the virus.
This mandate required public servants, teachers, and police officers to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Those who refused to comply with the mandate were terminated from their positions.
The enforcement of this mandate led to the dismissal of numerous teachers, public servants, healthcare workers and police officers, sparking debates about individual rights, public safety, and the role of government in health matters.
Many professionals expressed their concerns about the mandate, citing personal beliefs, religious and constitutional rights, and medical reasons for their refusal to get vaccinated. The loss of these educators has raised questions about the impact on the education system and the students they serve.
Similarly, police officers, who are essential for maintaining law and order, were also terminated. Though the number of dismissals was much less than that of the teachers, the police force lost many committed and dedicated workers with years of experience. The police force’s ability to function effectively was undoubtedly compromised leading to concerns about public safety and community relations.
Today, despite the many changes around the world, this tyrannical government, characterised by poor timing and a lack of vision, maintained its stance regarding the mandate. Although, the firings ignited protests and discussions about the balance between public health and individual freedoms, the government remained unmoved.
The ruling by Justice Esco Henry stated that the special measures made under Statutory Rules and Orders 28 of 2021, the vaccine mandate law, are unlawful, unconstitutional, and void. As expected with a government that has no love and heart for the suffering of its people, the ULP administration went ahead and appealed this matter to the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.
Since the May 2 appeal hearing, the people of SVG and the Caribbean who have an interest in this matter are still awaiting the judges’ decision.
As the situation continues to evolve, the government of SVG must pay a high political price for its decision. Isn’t it ironic that the individuals in Parliament who made the laws had a choice as to whether they could be vaccinated or not? How can they explain that such a mandate applies to some and not others? What happens to all who travels in public service vehicles and end up back in the same home, whether they were vaccinated or not? I think it’s time that the government tell us the real truth about mandatory vaccination, the complexities of public health policy, individual rights, and the need for a functional public service. The long-term effects of these firings on the education system, law enforcement, and public trust remain to be seen.
Brenton Smith
Former police officer
The opinions presented in this content belong to the author and may not necessarily reflect the perspectives or editorial stance of iWitness News. Opinion pieces can be submitted to [email protected].
I can vividly remember one of the union leaders on radio begged the people not to put back the ULP government into office, think it was 2015. but old people say yo break stick in yo ears and who nar hear go feel.. something is so wrong with my people . I know many who were forced to take it are now living in fear of the unknown of their health.
..
,
A very sick man who no one on planet earth can make um do the right thing.
Now the PM want to pretend he care about people. After the disaster of a vaccine mandate among other atrocities. After he have the grenadines bawling for help. After he on the side of Criminals now he want to appear as if he on the side of athletes.