Councillor Candidate and PNP Caretaker for the Gayle Division in Western St. Mary, Jouvaughnie Byfield, is calling on the  Ministry of Health and Wellness and Robert Montague, Member of Parliament for the constituency, to set up vaccination sites in the constituency.

Mr. Byfield highlighted that the number of vaccination sites in the parish is insufficient to serve the population. He noted that there are many residents who are willing to get vaccinated but cannot do so due to the challenges associated with accessing existing vaccination sites. “Residents have to be going to Ocho Rios and Central St. Mary to get vaccinated. The vaccination sites are too far and most elderly residents are unable to make the journey”, Byfield said.

The Councillor Caretaker highlighted that the issues with accessing vaccination sites extend beyond  location. Noting the obvious strain on household income due to the pandemic, Mr. Byfield expressed that poor road conditions and the low number of taxis plying the Ocho Rios to Port Maria route pose a challenge for residents who want to take the vaccine.

Mr. Byfield is therefore calling on the Ministry of Health and Wellness to re-evaluate the strategy for Western St. Mary vaccination sites. He is also calling on the Hon. Robert Montague, Member of Parliament for Western St. Mary, to advocate on behalf of the people for  more accessible vaccination sites.

He made recommendations that the Ministry utilize the Gayle Health Centre, Free Hill Primary School as well as the Mt. Angus Primary and Junior High School as vaccination site locations in the constituency. The suggested sites are centrally located and allow easier access for residents, including students and elderly members of the community. He ended by urging residents to  “Listen to the science, take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves and those around you by getting vaccinated. Wear your masks, wash your hands and sanitize.”