Businessman Ryan Walters has accused the Government of attempting to use “heavy-handed fear tactics” in order to get citizens vaccinated.
He said that those who do not wish to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus “should not be discriminated against or their rights infringed”.
Walters condemned any attempt to frighten workers into taking the COVID-19 vaccine.
“I do not support the heavy-handed use of fear tactics and threats towards the workers of this country and the general public in this democratic society. That is definitely not the way to achieve a positive outcome,” he said.
On Friday, Prime Minister Mia Mottley told a news conference that the social partnership would discuss the issue next week even as she suggested that employers have a duty to ensure that there is a safe place of work and this could mean two options.
Mottley said: “That safe place of work can come either as a result of a person being vaccinated or as a result of a person being negative and therefore, regular testing may well be an alternative to vaccination. The question is who will carry the cost of the regular testing, largely because vaccinations are free and initial tests are free other than for those who are travelling overseas.”
Head of the Private Sector Ed Clarke, while speaking Friday during Down to Brass Tacks on Voice of Barbados, said that employers recommend vaccination or frequent testing with the cost squarely at the employee. Clarke said the group was willing to test the legality of the move in court.
Taking the national issue to his social media Facebook page, Walters said that there were other ways in which Government can achieve its goal.
“The Government needs to put its focus towards a major communications programme to educate and encourage persons to willingly vaccinate rather than jumping to mandatory vaccination.
He added: “The Government of Barbados has all the data it needs on who has and has not been vaccinated to date and is in a very strong position to target those specific demographics who seem to be apprehensive about taking the jab.”
Walters, who is also the Democratic Labour Party’s First Vice President, said the National Vaccination Programme should not be seen as an initiative that will be achieved in the short term and it should not be treated that way.
He questioned the rationale behind having workers vaccinated while allowing unvaccinated tourists on the island.
“In any event, why are we asking our workers to be fully vaccinated in order to be allowed to work, while the Ministry of Tourism allows unvaccinated visitors to enter our borders?” he asked.
The businessman said the approach of mandatory vaccination for employees could lead to higher unemployment as workers are likely to stay at home.
“The success of this economy rests in the hands of workers and the Government runs the risk of shutting down this country by pushing such an agenda in a heavy-handed and unfair manner.”
The St Michael North West candidate added: “I humbly suggest to the government to engage in a better executed campaign that goes beyond someone singing a song. The campaign must focus on the unvarnished facts, pros and cons.”
Walters also urged the government to stop prolonging curfews and try other alternatives.
“Implement sensible COVID protocols with a more intensified enforcement programme so that we can control the spread of the disease while we go along with our daily business. Barbadians must be able to work and make a living without fear of intimidation, especially from Government”, the DLP executive said. (IMC)
