Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Health Minister, Lt. Col Jeffrey Bostic watch as the COVID-19 vaccine is administered to a patient during a visit to the Maurice Byer Polyclinic today. (C. Pitt/BGIS)
Over 25,000 people in Barbados have received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, since the roll out of the National Vaccination Programme.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley made this disclosure today during a visit to the Maurice Byer Polyclinic in St. Peter, where some persons were being vaccinated as part of the programme. She said just over 12 ½ per cent of the adult population had been vaccinated in less than two weeks.
Ms. Mottley continued: “This is a moment where more and more Barbadians are understanding that if we want to turn the corner…on this dreaded pandemic, …like the rest of the world, …then we ourselves need to strengthen ourselves, and we also need to step up to the plate.
“I know that there are some people who have been doubtful. I think that more and more people are realising, well look, if 25,000 people have been vaccinated and everybody good, then a lot of what you are hearing on social media and a lot of these stories and things are an exaggerated version.”
The Prime Minister reiterated that Barbadians were accustomed to receiving vaccinations. She noted that persons could not travel to some countries in the world unless they were vaccinated.
“I know that there are some people who have been doubtful. I think that more and more people are realising, well look, if 25,000 people have been vaccinated and everybody good, then a lot of what you are hearing on social media and a lot of these stories and things are an exaggerated version.”
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley
“So, I am aware of the movement globally, but I’m equally aware of the common sense of Barbadian people…. [Over] 25,000 people have said…we feel that this [vaccine] would make a difference to my life, and as you move around and talk with the patients here and elsewhere, there is a sense of relief, …gratitude and …happiness, when people receive the vaccinations,” she surmised.
Ms. Mottley said the polyclinics and satellite centres were under pressure because some people who did not have appointments were turning up.
She stated that from next week, a team of doctors would be going to those persons who were not in a position to visit the polyclinic.
She again thanked the Government of India for the donation of 100,000 vaccines and added that the country would purchase some. The Prime Minister noted that Barbados would soon receive a batch of vaccines through the global COVAX facility.
“We are in no doubt of our obligation as a Government to try and find the vaccines, but I have said to the country that out there is like the wild…west…. Each country is obviously jockeying and trying,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mottley is expected to address the nation at 7:30 tonight.
BY SHARON AUSTINGILL-MOORE —- BGIS
