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 ransom. I repeat: The unvaccinated are holding this country ransom. We are hearing cries of “I have an immune system”. But alas, the more unvaccinated persons there are, the virus will mutate and become more deadly. The WHO is now monitoring a new variant called Mu which is vaccine resistant. Imagine 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 amongst the unvaccinated allowing it to mutate into new variants? How much more 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 will only become emboldened! Up to two days (September 1, 2021) a notable politician (Sherod Duncan) wrote on his Facebook that expired COVID-19 vaccines were being distributed in Region Seven. This was later debunked. However, the damage was done. Can you imagine the comments under such a post? One person commented that the government is trying to kill people. Another commenter called on God to “save them”. 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 Sherod is one of the more prominent politicians circulating this nonsense, the blame cannot solely be rested at his feet. There are pastors spreading vaccine hesitancy. Nigel London, 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 LGBTQ rights. I also trust he supports women’s reproductive rights.  Yielding influence over a congregation is a power by itself. Why not use this 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, politicians, church leaders and others of influence should cease the spread of fake news and vaccine-related fearmongering. They need to use their influence to promote vaccinations 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.

Yours faithfully,
Nikhil Sankar