Anthony, Adams urge residents to take COVID jab

HEALTH MINISTER Dr. Frank Anthony and Region Ten Chairman, Deron Adams
issued passionate appeals to Upper Demerara/Berbice (Region Ten) residents to take the
COVID vaccines highlighting its efficacy.
The two senior government officials made the appeal on a radio programme in the bauxite-
mining town informing listeners that a mere four percent of Upper Demerara/Berbice (Region
Ten) residents took the life-saving jab.
“We know that the only way we can really exit the pandemic is if we really start taking our
vaccines (making us) immune (so we) can go back to some sense of normality,” Minister
Anthony explained.
He told listeners that “the trick is almost all the persons in our country who have had the disease
must take the vaccine. If some of us take and others don’t, then we would not be able to reach to
that stage (of immunity) where we can open back the country again. So, we all must play a role,
we all must take our vaccines and we all must protect ourselves,” the Minister emphasised.
He said that while there are some persons taking the required precautionary social distance
measures and wearing their masks, they must also take the vaccine.
Regional Chairman, Deron Adams disclosed he got both doses, urged the radio audiences to
ignore misconceptions and myths surrounding the vaccine.
“I am saddened that Region Ten, the last count I heard was just four percent we were lagging
behind and so I want to encourage you to get involved. I want to let persons know that there is no
politics in health and we should get involved in this programme,” Adams stressed
He urged the Mayor, Ms. Waneka Arrindel; her Deputy, Mr. Wainewright Bethume; Regional
Democratic Council (RDC) Councillors and executives of the Linden Municipality to get
vaccinated setting the tone for the rest of the community.

“By us doing that it will encourage other citizens of the Region to get vaccinated. I know
recently there were voice notes that have been circulating of persons taking the vaccines. One
individual, a Councillor, (Serojnie Gem Naraine) she died (but she) was not vaccinated. I made it
clear in a previous press release,” Adams reiterated.
“I want us to be responsible, let us not play with COVID 19, we are close to our southern
neighbour Brazil (and) we see what is happening over there. Things have spiralled out of control.
So, the vaccine will not prevent you from getting COVID what I know is that it reduces the
impact that it will have on your body,” RC Adams said.
“I was in isolation for 14 days. I didn’t feel sick, I didn’t have a cough, didn’t have a flu, or
a headache. it had to be the first dose that I had taken (boosted) my immune system. The
resistance that was up I was able to fight it off,” Adams recalled.