Dear Editor,
It is clear from the recent surge in cases that the Delta Variant is here in Guyana. The unvaccinated are holding this country to ransom. I repeat: The unvaccinated are holding this country to ransom. We are hearing cries of, “I have an immune system”, but, alas, the more unvaccinated persons there are, the more would the virus mutate and become deadlier.
The WHO is now monitoring a new variant called Mu, which is vaccine-resistant. Imagine what would happen if that were to hit here. The science says that, once you are fully vaccinated, you are well protected against symptomatic COVID-19 as well as death. The unvaccinated stand a greater chance of becoming seriously ill and dying. The current vaccines do offer protection against the Delta, but there is a miniscule fraction of breakthrough cases. The virus is spreading among the unvaccinated, allowing it to mutate into new variants!
How much longer can we go on with this? Vaccination is the only way out of this pandemic. However, me criticising the anti-vaxxers will get me nowhere. I have viewed many of their remarks justifying their stance. While I understand that there are some people who are genuinely fearful and have not had access to information, a lot of people choose to opt in the direction of bizarre conspiracy theories and misinformation, especially when they are being pushed by those with high influence.
Human beings are imperfect, we believe what WE WANT to believe. When those in influential positions spread misinformation and engage in vaccine-related fearmongering, guess what will be the result? The positions of the anti-vaxxers would only become emboldened!
Up to two days ago (September 1st, 2021), an Opposition politician wrote on his Facebook that expired COVID-19 vaccines were being distributed in Region 7. This was later debunked. However, the damage was done. Can you imagine the comments under such a post? If you are in a position of influence, and you have a large following, you should use this influence for the good of mankind. You should be using it to encourage your followers to get vaccinated. Why, instead, play to people’s fears? This is sick, this is degeneracy.
While some Opposition politicians are among the more prominent persons circulating this nonsense, the blame cannot solely be rested at their feet. There are pastors spreading vaccine hesitancy. One person who emerged as a prominent figure in the anti-vax crusade went as far as to hold a protest by the Square of the Revolution. He wore what looked like a piece of cardboard dangling from his neck that read “Your Body, Your Choice”. I trust this means he has changed his stance on certain rights. I also trust he supports women’s reproductive rights.
Yielding influence over a congregation is a power by itself. Why not use that power to positively influence the masses to get vaxxed and trust the medical professionals, rather than spread wild madness about “mark of the beast”?
Further, everyone has a choice, but choices come with consequences, especially given the fact that we are in a pandemic and the current situation has to be treated as such. Nothing is wrong with the current regulations. The scientific facts and info are out there, and the Government is circulating them. While it would not hurt for more circulation of info, what will have a greater effect is politicians, church leaders and others of influence ceasing to spread fake news and vaccine-related fearmongering. They need to use their influence to promote vaccination, rather than embolden the posture of the anti-vaxxers. These miscreants need to stop playing petty games with the lives of our people. These individuals are worse than the virus itself.
Stop endangering people’s lives! Use your influence for the greater good of everyone.
Yours faithfully,
Nikhil Sankar
