Deyalsingh: PM will determine reopening of beaches across T&T

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Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh has urged leaders to be mindful of what they say on platforms.

“Especially with the incoming Omicron variant, which is more transmissible, now is the time for continued solidarity of all leaders to exercise caution,” Deyalsingh said, as he referenced a pledge by Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) leader Watson Duke to put reopening of beaches high on their Tobago House of Assembly agenda.

“And when we say the beaches are open up, every man jack will go on the beach and take a bath. They will not intimidate us and bully us,” Duke said during victory celebrations after the PDP defeated the People’s National Movement 14-1 in the THA election.

However, during the official announcement of Standard Distributors’ partnership with the Ministry of Health for their national COVID-19 vaccination drive (Shop and Vaccinate) yesterday, Deyalsingh said the opening of beaches or any activity currently not allowed under the Public Health Regulation will have to be considered by the Prime Minister.

“With the overall objective of saving lives,” he said.

He said Dr Keith Rowley will look at the data on both islands and all counties and then make a decision.

Currently, Tobago autonomy legislation is still before the Parliament and the THA Act remains the law that determines the responsibilities of the Assembly and the THA executive.

While the Fifth Schedule, which outlines some of the responsibilities of the THA to include tourism and culture, the Public Health Regulations supersedes that legislation.

Meanwhile, on the latest collaboration with the private sector, Deyalsingh said it once again brings vaccines closer to the population.

“So that is access, information…the message to this country for this Christmas, make that decision to listen to the science, if you are on the fence, on the wall, we will help you come down on the right side of the wall where salvation lies, where life lies,” he explained.

He said he was saddened by the daily COVID-19 deaths. On Tuesday, a teenage boy died and on Monday this country lost its first newborn baby to the disease.

It’s for these reasons Standard Distributors managing director Ronald Milford said they were pleased to use the Superstores in Mt Hope and Grand Bazaar, Valsayn, for the vaccination drive facilitated by the North West Regional Health Authority.

“Our commitment to the effort is steadfast, since we know that we cannot win this fight unless we all work together,” Milford said

He said the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, and by extension Standard Distributors, will do everything they can to assist the national effort.

“We understand very clearly that we are in this for the long haul,” he added.

Johnson and Johnson, Sinopharm and Pfizer vaccines are being distributed at these sites, which are open until December 19. People can also get their flu shot.