The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) has welcomed the roll out of the COVID-19 national vaccination programme and has urged workers to become inoculated.
“Cognizant of the fact that since the start of the year 2021, Barbados has recorded a severe spike of active COVID-19 cases and moreover, a rising death rate, the Congress takes this opportunity to appeal to the workers and the public at large, to become immunised. In taking this important step, it would mean that every Barbadian would have taken a conscious decision in the best interest of Barbados,” a statement from the congress said.
CTUSAB said vaccination of all Barbadians “would reduce the transmission of the viral infection, reduce the incidence of death and mortality, reduce the pressures placed on the health care system, health care and frontline workers, and the high demand for the large-scale investment in capital, equipment and human resources”.
The statement said vaccination would demonstrate our love for country and facilitate the return to a sense of normalcy. This would enable the resumption of business activity without fear of constant interruption, allow the return to work for thousands of Barbadians, and the resumption of social activities without severe restrictions, CTUSAB said.
The congress has therefore appealed to all workers, “working class Barbadians, citizens and residents to get vaccinated”.
“It is the best and safest way to ensure that there is no further pain, agony or loss of lives to be suffered, as a consequence of the impact of the transmission of the coronavirus. Moreover, our individual and collective action would go a long way in alleviating the burnout and stress imposed upon healthcare and frontline workers, and removing the daily frustration brought on as a consequence of a lockdown.”
CTUSAB urged people not to become complacent, even though a vaccine is available. The statement said compliance with the COVID-19 protocols must continue to be observed. (PR)
