Mass vaccinations to begin in Couva next week

Mass distribution of Covid-19 vaccines in Couva should begin next week, assures Mukesh Ramsingh, the head of the Couva Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce.

SHASTRI BOODAN

Mass distribution of Covid-19 vaccines in Couva should begin next week, assures Mukesh Ramsingh, the head of the Couva Point Lisas Chamber of Commerce.

Speaking with Guardian Media, Ramsingh said officials from the South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) gave the green light, after they made two visits to the CPLCC’s facilities at Camden Couva and the Couva South MP’s auditorium, to determine their suitability as venue’s where the vaccine distribution would take place.

Ramsingh said the CPLCC has lobbied for 3,000 vaccines for CPLCC members, their relatives and employees.  He said the Chamber also has partnered with Couva South MP Rudranath Indarsingh, to use the nearby CS Auditorium as a waiting area and vaccination point.

 “The facility would be in use for at least eight weeks as the government rolls out its mass vaccination drive,” Ramsingh said.  “We are looking to try and start by next week Friday (July 16, 2021).”

The CPLCC president said the Chamber and the SWRHA would spend the next week working out the logistics of the numbers that could be vaccinated daily, noting that many volunteers would be required to ensure the effort runs smoothly

“Persons who are wishing to volunteer can send an email to the chamber.  Volunteers would be vaccinated, and we want this process to go smoothly. We need to vaccinate to operate and ensure that the economy reopens,” Ramsingh told Guardian Media.

Meanwhile, Couva South MP Rudranath Indarsingh said his staff “is only too happy to work with the Chamber in this exercise”. 

The Couva South MP said he wants to ensure that many of the small traders—such as market vendors, fish mongers and other self-employed persons—are not left out of the loop.

MP Indarsingh said the last time persons came out to vaccinate at the Couva District Hospital, chaos took place, with many of the elderly having to line up in the rain. He said

“I witnessed heart wrenching scenes of the elderly and the poor having to wait in the rain and being exposed to the elements, no seating, no toilets,” he said.  

“When approached by the newly elected CPLCC president Mr Ramsingh, I saw it fit to collaborate with the chamber in the interest of the business community and their employees,” he added.

The Couva South MP said he would provide shelter, toilet facilities and parking for persons to get the vaccines.

The vaccines would be distributed based on an appointment system generated by the CPLCC and the SWRHA.