Minister Anthony’s ‘soon’ is ‘way too late’

THE GUYANESE GOVERNMENT MUST STOP TAKING THE NATION “FOR A
RIDE” a mother of four, awaiting her second shot of the SPUTNIK V, bitterly complained
during an interview with this media house.
Her complaints stem from Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, promising the nation that the
second dose of the Russian-manufactured SPUTNIK V inoculant will arrive here “soon”
The adverb ‘soon’ means: in the near future; within a short time; before long; shortly; or even
quickly.
Which of these meanings Minister Anthony has in mind, is anyone’s guess!
But this is certain: for Guyanese awaiting their second jab, Dr. Anthony’s ‘soon’ is way too
late.
Their anxieties keep mounting as days turn to weeks and week into months.
The nation is displeased with what is to them, the inordinately long delay getting their final jab
of the Russian-manufactured SPUTNIK V for safety against the highly contagious and deadly
COVID-19.
The virulent viral was detected first in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019. Since then, close to 4
million persons have died after contracting it. In Guyana, latest figures show 465 have already
died since the first case in March 2020.
Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony explained the delay in the arrival of the second dose of the
vaccines was due to a spike in cases in Russia. Anthony in a press briefing last week expressed
confidence that the inoculating agent will get here before the mandatory 12-week deadline
between first and second doses.
Guyana has an internet penetration of close to 38 percent, and given the avalanche of
misinformation and disinformation campaigns, especially on social media, it is
understandable why the nation is rattled by the ongoing delay.

What the mother of four said to www.aroundtheregions.com is symptomatic of local feelings,
and Dr. Anthony’s public comments did not shift national shift national confidence to the right of
the continuum.
“Say something definite so that the public can know they are genuinely responding to their fears
and concerns. Issues do occur, but not saying definitely what is happening is taking the
‘Guyanese people for a ride’,” the outraged mother of four said.
The health minister’s use of words and phrases such as ‘soon’ and ‘before the 12-week’ do not
sit well with Guyanese, and conspiracy theories are beginning to fill the void of credible facts
left by the information vacuum emanating from the health ministry.
“It is eight weeks going into nine weeks since my wife and I took our vaccine, and yet there is no
confirmation and or definite date or period when we will get our second dose. It’s just three
weeks remaining, but all you hearing is that the vaccines will be here soon. This is very
disrespectful to people’s intelligence. I am frankly disappointed that the Health Minister can be
uttering such nonsense and the media don’t see the need to pressure him for answers,” an
outraged middle-aged husband said.
He said his wife is growing increasingly agitated with the delay because both have underlying
conditions: he is a diabetic and she diabetic and hypertensive.
“The fact that all he is saying is ‘soon’ is certainly an indication that he doesn’t even know
himself,” the man declared.
Another feels “disrespected by the Health Minister’s comments,” since he took his in late April
and feels the delayed arrival will be further prolonged “considering the many excuses being
offered by the minister”.
There is no relief for the hapless Guyanese public or accountability for the government and/or
minister Anthony, he complained.
The Regional Health system in Linden, Upper Demerara/Berbice (Region Ten) has come in for
some harsh criticisms from residents impatient with, and appalled by, the lack of information
generated from the office of the Regional Health Officer (RHO).

“People’s lives are at risk and that is hurtful. All they can say is that ‘soon’. Is this any
answer to offer to the public considering that you have significant doubts and
apprehensions regarding the vaccines?” an incredulous mother queried.