The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

As a concerned citizen of The Bahamas, I am disturbed by recent events regarding the issue of vaccinations. I understand that the Prime Minister made a statement where he declared that persons who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be exempted from PCR testing when travelling domestically. He also stated that indoor dining can resume for those who have been fully vaccinated, and that fully vaccinated individuals can interact in closed environments once all individuals in that group have been fully vaccinated.

I find this to be troubling because not only have the health experts said that the COVID-19 vaccines do not prevent one from contracting the virus or spreading it to others, but also this same Prime Minister, along with the Minister of Health, have both stated that the COVID-19 vaccines will not be mandatory. This is sending conflicting messages. In addition to this, the Prime Minister and his Cabinet appear to be creating a new caste system where one group of persons (those who have been fully vaccinated) will be given privileges and benefits that will be denied to another group (the unvaccinated). The Constitution of the Bahamas states clearly that this is unlawful according to Article 26.

However, I am not surprised at all, since about a year ago, the Prime Minister stood in the House of Assembly and made this chilling statement: “What that demonstrates, Mr Speaker, that governments will be placed in situations where at some point in time they will have to make what they call discriminatory or unconstitutional decisions against their people in the interest of the advancement of their nation.”

We, the Bahamian public, seem to have paid little attention to what the Prime Minister said at that time, as it appeared that he was implying that the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution are just mere “conveniences” that can be tossed aside and trampled underfoot, depending on the prevailing circumstances. I guess that is why not even a whisper has been uttered by any Government leader in response to some employers who are attempting to mandate that their employees either get vaccinated or face termination.

What I wish to know is this:

1. Exactly where is the Prime Minister and his Government taking this country?

2. When do they plan to bring an end to the state of emergency?

3. Does the Prime Minister have any intention of giving up the emergency powers?

4. Do they plan to continue using the COVID-19 pandemic to promote fear and as an excuse to trample on the Constitution?

These are questions that I am quite sure that every concerned citizen and resident of the Bahamas want answered.

STEWART COURTNEY

Nassau,

April 24, 2021.