By  Fernando Davis

Tourism stakeholders and other business interests are appealing for Jamaicans to get vaccinated, noting that it is the only proven strategy to counter the onslaught of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.

The stakeholders, which include hoteliers, attraction owners, craft traders, duty free merchants and transport operators, added that it has become clear that nothing less than a concerted effort and “collective responsibility” will get Jamaica over the COVID-19 hump and a fighting chance for an early economic rebound.

“Our Prime Minister [Andrew Holness] has made it clear that it is up to us as a country to determine how we are going to curtail this pandemic… how responsible we are going to be as a nation… as a people,” explained John Byles, chairman of the island’s Resilient Corridors Committee.

“The Government has painstakingly put together a comprehensive public education programme, including health and safety guidelines, relating to the coronavirus since 2020 when it invaded our shores. It is clear as day that the best counter strategy to COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and follow the protocols.”

TAKING VACCINE IS THE STRATEGY

Holness recently reiterated during a nationally broadcast virtual press conference that there would be no further lockdown of the country, a position he had announced over two months ago.

“I know there is great tension in the air, and what it says to me is that people are not listening to what I have said. I have been very clear in Parliament, very clear, absolutely gone overboard to say that we are not going back to lockdowns, so be calm,” Holness said.

“I have said what the [containment] strategy is. It is now in your hands. Go and take the vaccine. That is the strategy,” the prime minister added.

For Falmouth Mayor Collen Gager, it is now a matter of doing what’s right to protect lives and for the country’s economy to function.

“There’s a delicate balance in how we go forward and as a nation we [the citizens] have to do our part,” he noted. “It is clear COVID is not going anywhere anytime soon and so we cannot drop our guards… not after all the sacrifices we have made. I continue to urge persons to go and get vaccinated.”

For Ravi Daswani, owner of the Royal Shop chain of duty-free stores, Holness’ position is not only responsible but is also in line with the approach being taken by powerful international countries including Jamaica’s main source markets: the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

“We have to be responsible and realise what is at stake as we all continue to come to terms with this virus [pandemic] which might be with us for quite some time,” he noted. 

“Many countries, including several of our trade partners, are now leaning towards a containment approach as part of their strategy… where they are stressing the need for vaccination and other safety measures.”

Clare Bruce, president of the Pineapple Craft Market, Ocho Rios, said she has long been “preaching” to her membership that there are really “no shortcuts” when it comes to dealing with the virus.

“To their everlasting credit we are now fully 100 per cent vaccinated and continue to follow all the health guidelines dictated by the Ministry of Health and Wellness and also the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo),” Bruce added.

“What is also clear is that travellers are more inclined to want to visit countries with a high vaccination rate and where they will feel safe. Its all up to us as how we are going to deal with this pandemic.”