ST JOHN’S (CMC):
The Speaker of the Antigua and Barbuda Parliament, Sir Gerald Watt, on Tuesday called on legislators to show proof of vaccination against the COVID-19 pandemic, saying it was important for them to show leadership in dealing with the virus that has killed 95 and infected 3,918 since March last year.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that almost all persons either in the House or the Senate are (vaccinated), but we just need to confirm,” he told the Parliament.
Sir Gerald said he had asked for legislators in both Houses of the Parliament to produce their vaccination cards or the other official card, “so that the clerk can observe and record it in the Hansard”.
He said that while he believes some legislators may have sent in the document to show proof of being vaccinated, “some are waiting until they come, but I am sure we will have a 100 percent compliance”.
“The Parliament is a government building, and AG (attorney general), I am sure you will agree it is the same protocol, and if we set the rules and the protocols, then we need to set the example,” he said, adding, “if there is anyone who is not vaccinated …we can work with that person to what will be in the future”.
Last month, the government announced that all unvaccinated government employees, including the public service, statutory corporations and companies in which the government owns majority shares, shall be required to remain at home until proof of vaccination is provided.
It said also that from October 1, all unvaccinated public-sector employees, inclusive of statutory corporations and companies of which the government holds majority shares, shall be required to remain at home until proof of getting the COVID-19 vaccination is presented.