LAST Monday, the government’s inoculation campaign got a hike in finances approved by the National Assembly to acquire the vaccines and other resources to continue affording Guyanese the prospect of getting vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

The Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, stood up in the National Assembly to answer all the questions about the allocation, vaccination program, and other things. Additionally, his colleagues in the government wasted no time utilising the State media and other avenues to dispel the negative propaganda. It was likely to be had because of the opposition’s specific line of questioning in the National Assembly about not only the vaccination programme but the Sputnik V Vaccines.

In short, they urged the public to get vaccinated now while reiterating the call for the achievement of herd immunity as they played down fears that could potentially lead to a spike in the troubling case of vaccine hesitancy.

Before the government’s message could settle in the minds of unvaccinated Guyanese, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change opposition started a campaign outside of the National Assembly raising fear about the vaccines and process to get them and the cost on the public’s purse. No lesser a person than the Opposition Leader, Joseph Harmon appeared at a press conference calling on the government to ‘suspend’ its vaccination efforts since there is perceived skullduggery surrounding the issues related to costs, vaccines effectiveness, and alleged conspiracy with fraud.

A closer look at Mr. Harmon’s arguments and concerns reveal a pattern of misrepresentation and half-truths designed to send panic and fear into the public psyche about the available vaccines. Harmon’s “banter” was a political ploy to make it seem like there is corruption afoot. From the standpoint of somebody who may be a political novice, it could appear as if the plan is basically to stall to government’s efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and hijack the process temporarily then allow it to continue.

It would be to inflict an assault on all that the government has done so far to get people vaccinated and the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
But to a senior political mind, this plot has the makings of desperation, irresponsibility, hypocrisy, and sheer PR gimmickry. This plot by the APNU+AFC politicians is to shift the focus from all the good government is doing to accomplish its manifesto promises.

Nothing else appears to make much sense because the opposition’s claim is not grounded in scientific research, factual evidence, and logical knowledge. Also, no medical expert or doctor came forward to back his claims about the vaccines.

Firstly, the government said the vaccines were within the process of getting approval from the WHO but received the relevant emergency authorisation. This process is nearly complete in most cases. The government says the vaccines are working and doing everything they expected they would. There haven’t been any reports of deaths or serious illnesses experienced after taking the vaccines. So, the government is confident in its mass usage.

And who would know about the effectiveness of the vaccines if not the opposition leader? In fact, before making this case, Mr. Harmon took both shots of the vaccine offered by the government. Leading members of the opposition coalition have taken both shots of the vaccine. It’s hypocritical now for them to say that it isn’t safe or to doubt it. According to Health Minister, there are no fake vaccines in Guyana.

Secondly, the government said it followed all laws in getting the vaccine at the best price given the importance of immunising the population. The opposition tried and failed to link the Sputnik V Vaccines that Guyana received with all sorts of allegations against the businesses which aren’t in Guyana and have no interest, it would appear, in responding to fabrications spread by the APNU+AFC Coalition.

Thirdly, Mr. Harmon should be ashamed to talk about the issue of cost. Did he forget how the APNU+AFC Coalition squandered millions of tax-paying dollars setting up a fake bond or makeshift bond that they were renting? And the infamous scandal with monies that supposedly went down the drain behind its white elephant Durban Park Project, that is, home to the wood ants and insects. Doesn’t Mr. Harmon know the worth of saving a precious life?

Finally, it is hard to believe that men like Mr. Harmon have Guyana’s interest at their heart when they each day engage in acts that could be considered dangerous and criminal both in and outside of Parliament. The opposition could cause thousands of persons who are not vaccinated as yet to change their minds. And would put the rest of the population at risk. Then Guyana could not even achieve herd immunity and its health goals concerning fighting the pandemic.

The government has condemned Harmon’s plot and keep the pace of its inoculation campaign. If Harmon wants to show Guyana who cares for the people, he should come clean now about the most recent plot against the government related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The opposition tried it when they were questioning the Cash Grant Initiative and failed.

Get vaccinated! Use the free vaccines available!