Business community pushes public to get COVID vaccine
(CNS): Business owners and association leaders such as the Cayman Contractors Association, Dart, Heath City and the Royal Bank are urging the public to get vaccinated before local supplies expire. Members of the Chamber of Commerce and other commercial entities are all clamouring for the border to open sooner rather than later. But the new PACT Government has committed to a minimum vaccination rate of at least 70% of the population getting both doses before it considers the next stage in reopening the borders. Public health officials remain concerned about variants of SARS-CoV-2 and the dangers of re-opening up too soon.
Cayman is in a better position than many countries as there is no evidence of the virus in the community and there are enough vaccines to protect the entire adult population, but only around 53% of the population has completed the full vaccination course. Chamber President Mike Gibbs said it was “imperative” that Cayman opens its borders as soon as possible and restart the economic sectors that have been stagnant since they closed.
“The Cayman Islands has been very fortunate in that all residents have had easy and free access to the Pfizer vaccine. This is an opportunity that has not been available to many around the world and an opportunity we should not squander,” Gibbs added.
With the initial vaccine delivery due to expire early next month and no confirmation that new stock will arrive, time is now running out for people to get their first shot. The deadline for a first dose is 9 June to ensure that people can get the full course before the supplies we have here expire on 30 June. While the Chamber said it supports the the government’s minimum target of 70% of the population being fully vaccinated, concern is rising that Cayman will not make that target before the vaccine supplies expire.
Despite enjoying a boom in the construction and development sector, the Cayman Society of Architects, Surveyors and Engineers (CASE) and the Cayman Contractors Association (CCA) both weighed in on the issue. CASE described the COVID-19 pandemic as “very disruptive to the economy”, and is throwing its support behind the efforts to open the borders. CCA said it supported the continued diligence to safeguard all residents but supports the plan to safely reopen the border, ensuring the survival of our local economy.
RBC Royal Bank said the vaccine was the cornerstone of what will get the Cayman Islands back to normal and open for business, while Health City’s Shomari Scott said the vaccines are the only way to help end the pandemic, not only in Cayman but globally. “The vaccines have gone through rigorous screening processes by independent bodies before being approved. They are safe and highly effective in preventing COVID-19, and are the quickest way for us to reopen our borders and for life to return to normal,” he said.
Meanwhile, CITA President Marc Langevin, the general manager at The Ritz-Carlton who has been calling for the borders to open for over a year, said the vaccination efforts were critical to finally putting the pandemic behind us.
“We are very fortunate that almost our entire population has access to the vaccines and to have a government that has had such a cautious and safe approach to the reopening of our borders,” he said. “Now it is in the hands of the population to take responsibility and reach those vaccination goals to reopen our destination and bring back to life the tourism related industry that supports so many families in our islands.”
The islands’ wealthiest investor and landowner, Dart, also called on people to get vaccinated, especially given the sufficient and freely available supply. The group noted the reality of the situation, which is that once the borders open, the virus is coming in.
“At Dart, we encourage people to take the opportunity to be vaccinated for their own health and safety and for the sake of the wider community,” a spokesperson said. “When our borders reopen, it is inevitable that COVID-19 will re-enter the community. Vaccination provides us with the greatest protection and is the best chance for us to learn to live with this virus in the future.”
But it was Nelson Dilbert, the owner of Cayman Spirits Company and Chamber of Commerce VP, who had the most persuasive message, as he offered a free shot of rum at the distillery to those who have had two shots of the Pfizer vaccine.
Thanking everyone who has already been vaccinated he said, “The vaccine is our way out of this pandemic and reopening our borders, as I am sure you know that the Cayman Islands have two major sources of income, one being the financial industry and the other being tourism. Show your support to the businesses suffering in the tourism sector by getting vaccinated today and kick start our economy back into full gear.”
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Category: Health, Medical Health
I really hope the census planned for OCtober has a question: ‘Do you follow international news or just listen t the man next door when living in Cayman’. Judging by some of the comment share it is remarkable and worrying how uneducated some people are, argely those not getting a double pfizer jab by March 30 at the latest. As an British expat with status, I am moving towards doubling the time I commit to edcuating CAymanians and freeing up my Sunday as well as my Saturday. It is beyond belief.
They should mind their business
Set a date and sell the remainding vaccines don’t let them go to waste like yall say “we are lucky and other countries need them.
UK opening up. The US covid numbers are dramatically dropping due to the high vaccination numbers and the mask mandates are going to be a thing of the past. The pandemic is being put on the back burner and people are starting to travel thanks to the vaccination. The world is opening up again.
EU centrally say anyone with 2 pfizer or astra shots can enter with no quarantine for a holiday now
Truth of the matter is that we weren’t ever locked down the way people in Cayman were led to believe we were! This concept of Cayman being the only place in the world where folks move about “freely” is false.
We had mask mandates but that was IT for restrictions! Kids have been in school and adults at work, events are on and we can travel!!!! I’ve been on 3 vacations since the pandemic started…..took Covid protocols seriously and stayed healthy.
You don’t have to wear masks but you are far from free.
Vaccinations are happening rapidly by me for persons 12+. We are LIVING!
100% correct 6:58. We have been LIVING. It has been possible to be OPEN and with a few careful protocols (which are now being lifted) to move about freely. Cayman may not call it a lockdown and they are not wearing masks, but they are locked down. Hopefully, in the next month, things will open up for them, too.
My thoughts on this is that we should press the UK on getting the approval for the 12-15 year olds and get families feeling at ease again and not waste the vaccines.
As of now any adult that wanted to get the vaccine has had more than ample opportunity. As of June 9, we should shut down the vaccination program at least for the adults and work on getting our children vaccinated. Those adults that chose not to get the vaccine will need to fend for themselves or go elsewhere to get a vaccine if they change their mind.
I am sick and tired of the back yard chemists and conspiracy theorists and the crap that continues to spew on here. Billions( not millions) of people around the world have taken the vaccine. Even in the United States, which was once the armpit of covid the amount of cases have dropped significantly since the vaccines have been circulating. If these idiots don’t want to get vaccinated, or believe somebody is going to insert a microchip in their arms or the latest and craziest one, inject them with Aids, don’t want to take care of themselves let them be.. We need to get on with life. you can lead a horse to water but you can’t force him do drink…
Are there any long term affects associated with the vaccine and will I need booster shots in the future?
They can’t answer you that question! So, you better place your trust in Gov, and take the vaccine !!!
Just like most vaccines you took when you were young, at some point you will need to get a booster. Don’t let this stop you from getting vaccinated now. I have had both shots, no side effects except for the first time when I didn’t relax so I had a little soreness where the shot was taken. I have to tell you as well after the second shot I felt such a sense of relief and stress lifted off me.
Pfizer originally projected 6 months for a booster but they have just produced results of the six month studies that show that the vaccine is doing well with those vaccinated and the level of efficacy remains high.
Prize drawings aside, what would give a real boost is for the PACT Government to get approval to vaccinate 12 – 16 year olds. Then you’ll get the whole family with children in that age group coming forward. Better get on it PACT and that is a FACT!
I believe they would if the UK would approve it but for now until that happens unfortunately these meant for the adults will likely go to waste..unfortunate and, embarrassing to us as a country. I just hope that the UK will send us more and don’t hold this against us once we re-open and covid cases start.
Some businesses in the US and Canada are giving bonuses to people who get vaccinated. Maybe they should consider doing that since government isn’t doing anything. Although they’d have to make it quick since the vaccines we do have will expire soon.
No carnival, no vaccine.
Well if Dart said must take it then I definitely not going to.
Literally everyone except Uncle Cleetus’ basement lab in Arkansas where anti-vaxxers get their information is saying to take the vaccine… Don’t be stupid.
Not mature enough to get an informed decision on your own? Unbelievable.
Dart said you must drink water too.
That’s why I drink scotch.
It would be so embarrassing if those vaccines get wasted when the world stands in long lines for them. Be grateful.
Health authorities in Malawi have incinerated 19,610 expired doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine, saying it will reassure the public that any vaccines they do get are safe.
It is the first African country to publicly do this.
The World Health Organization initially urged countries not to destroy expired doses but has now changed its advice.
Uptake of the vaccine in Malawi has been low and health workers hope the move will increase public confidence.(BBC)
Not to be rude, but I don’t think we should be using Malawi as our example to follow..
The third world is the third world.
will*
there was never a real plan to reach the vaccination target …all because there is no re-opening plan.
we have protected the most vunerable….our health system has been protected…so why no travle for vaccinated people?
you idiot, we need more people to get vaccinated first..just because you got your shot doesn’t mean that we should fling the doors open..get a grip.
The vaccine does not give you 100% immunity or stop you from transmitting Covid or other variants. It only protects from severe covid illness, per the Pfizer website, the WHO and the CDC, which as we know there is minimal chance of getting unless you are in the elderly or vulnerable groups. The fact that these groups have been vaccinated and still the goalposts move should make people ask questions, not push for more vaccines. Especially when natural immunity gives you more protections than the vaccine outside of the two groups mentioned.
So much wrong with this but all I’ll point out is that there aren’t any vaccines that are 100% effective. Instead diseases have been eradicated through achieving herd immunity by vaccinating as many people as possible. Also it is highly unlikely for a vaccinated person to spread covid. That is why the CDC has now said vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks.
3:14pm, try keeping up with CURRENT findings on the vaccines.
Originally, the intent was just to prevent moderate to severe symptoms. Success was had!
The bonus is that evidence shows that likelihood of catching or transmitting by a vaccinated person is extremely low!!!! Even less likely, transmission from vaccinated to vaccinated!
Moral of the tale…..get your damn vaccine and stop with the unfounded paranoia and spewing of misinformation!
You idiot, every adult has had and continues to have the oppurtunity to get vaxed for free. If they don’t want it and the government isn’t going to force people to take it then they have made their decision and they must accept that risk. Covid isn’t going to magically disappear anytime soon.
It’s the government, not the unvaccinated that is stopping the country opening up. Surely, if you are vaccinated, you are protected?
too little too late from the chamber….
they should have known from long time that cig would never reach it’s impossible target (a target with no re-opening plan btw)…..
chamber should have been on cig’s back about this since january….but they too have dropped the ball.
50% is embarrassing. Absolute disgrace, people don’t know how lucky they are to have access to Pfizer jabs so early.
Pfizer has committed more crimes than the cayman government who would trust either
Where’s your proof of this?
The PACT is pretending they actually have a choice, 70% or no open border. One way or another the border will open. I’d prefer to see it open at 70% vax rate but economics will certainly take over at some point if we don’t reach the mark. That is guaranteed. Knowing that’s the case, they really need to start facing reality and set a date.
I’m happy to see the business community finally pulling out the stops to encourage people to get the vaccine. They should have been doing this a long time ago.
There are still many people that haven’t gotten it simply because they couldn’t leave work or the airport hours were so restrictive.
Let’s make it easy for those that still want to get it. There is still some that can’t get it because of some underlying condition and those that follow the conspiracies and will never ever get it. Despite this, we will have to take care of both if they do contract covid.
We have to get to a position where re-opening our economy is based solely on the fact that we have given everyone that wants the opportunity to protect themselves. Once we have exhausted that, we can put a plan in place to help those that can’t or refuse to take the vaccine while we plan a phased re-opening..
Let’s face facts, businesses have no real interest in anyone’s health, only profit and loss. At least be honest about it.
Without business operating, we won’t have jobs and our economy will fail.
We must remember after Ivan how many people died just from stress and mental issues.
We have to decide for ourselves about taking the vaccine. Don’t do it for any business, do it for yourself, for your family, for your friends..Wasting the vaccine when other countries around the world are begging for it really makes us look “privileged” and just plain selfish.
Oh give me a break. Many businesses in the financial sector are doing fine and many even better than pre-pandemic.
And yet we went from Having $200M surpluses to negative $20M in 2020 That’s a negative $220M downturn and that was after a solid 1st quarter which is where the gov collects the most revenue. Lets not forget that millions were taken out of pension accounts.r The current projections are to end this year $157M negative. How long do you think the gov will be able to keep all their people employed not to mention keep the gov pensions paying out and also CINICO health benefits. Financial services and the construction industry is not enough to keep the country going.
LOL “We must remember after Ivan how many people died just from stress and mental issues.” WTH??
Yes ‘we’ all remember. There was for sure one, maaaaybe 2 deaths after Ivan. And that one was a heart attack. (RIP JB)
Why are you making things up?
And “we”… Lol
And how is it that you get paid?
Kind of difficult for businesses to have customers if the virus runs rampant through the island when the borders eventually open to foreign traffic…?
If you thought the last lock down was bad….
If business owners and their staff are vaccinated, they’ll be fine.
Open the vaccine up to kids ages 12 to 16. CDC has already approved it. We cannot wait on the UK.
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-authorizes-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-emergency-use
Agree, my 14 and 16 year olds are wanting to get it and so do their friends. They want to get back to normal too.
Your 16 year old has been eligible for MONTHS!!!!!
The CDC approved the vaccine for 12-15s on Wednesday afternoon. I read that there were 600,000 kids in that age group who received their first dose last week.
I don’t know why Cayman couldn’t follow the CDC rather than the UK on this – we give the varicella vaccine in Cayman and it’s not on the UK childhood vaccine schedule (although maybe it’s approved) – can anyone in the medical profession shed some light on this?
Opening it up to this age group before 9th June would definitely boost the numbers.
Because we are a British overseas territory, not American. We need to gain guidance through the UK.
If that is the definitive reason, that’s fair enough ie Cayman has no choice in the matter. But the question above is reasonable. We have a different childhood vaccination schedule than the UK – last I heard it was a hybrid of the UK and US schedules – so do we actually HAVE to follow the UK?
So if the 12-15s were in the US, they’d have been vaccinated by now!
7:07 but they are not so get over it
10:24am: Yep! I know lots of kids in the US that have already been vaccinated! Within hours of it opening up, pediatricians let families know their kids were eligible and people went!
Desperately encouraging individuals to take the vaccine. I ask again why did HSA poll the people before importing these precious and soon to be dumped vials of salvation?
Agreed – I don’t think they realized how many stupid people there are here.
Hear, hear! Please get your jabs ASAP! Oue religious leaders and public health officials all agree that it is the right thing to do, and Cayman’s best hope for re-opening the economy. Do it for your children and grand-children.
If I have an adverse reaction will the business community take care of me?
They already do.
HSA was collecting data regarding reactions and should provide more insight about the results. I believe it was minimal. Some folks felt run down for a day (I personally had none).
I believe that this insight would provide more assurance to the remaining hesitant folks.
I’m sure there’s some info available online.
Here is what the CDC says: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html
I hope that helps.
I don’t think it’s the affects of the shot people are scared of. From the people I spoke to, it seems they are afraid of long term affects which no one knows about yet. People are being cautious, and over thinking it. Everyone need to make their own personal decision about it.
Thank you. When your immune system starts attacking its own cells for example… This might never happen, happen to some…only time would tell
What, like when you subject your body to gmo and highly processed junk food instead of getting your 5 a day?
Negative reaction is dependent on one’s immune system status. Chances are if you have an autoimmune disorder you will have a negative reaction. Chances are if you do have a negative reaction you will feel better with 24 hours. It’s a small price to pay for you, your fellow folk and the overall resilience of Cayman in the wake of this pandemic. Next time around we may not be so lucky to have a >90% effective remedy given to us for free.
The business community won’t take care of you either way and could care less what happens to you once 70% is achieved.
Follow your mind, personally I won’t be taking it.
Better an adverse condition than getting Covid. I have had two friends die from it and one family member that continues to suffer from the side effects, can’t smell anything and constantly coughing..
You guys are so lucky there, I had to wait for months while covid was killing my friends and hundreds of people around me. You haven’t had to live through it yet. If you had it like we did in New York, you would be lining up to get the vaccine. You have the best vaccine out there, don’t waste the opportunity and please understand that despite what the conspiracy theorists say, covid is real, it doesn’t discriminate and yes, it kills.
Fake comment. Or all your friends and others around you are obese, have metabolic disorders, cancers, 80-90 years old, etc.
No one I know had so many covid deaths “around” them.
What an ignorant, inconsiderate statement.
Cry me a freaking river.
9.23pm – the data says otherwise. Covid has a 99.97% survival rate
The average life age of death from covid is older than the average life expectancy
Only 6% of people that died with covid didnt have any pre existing conditions
I know of entire families outside of cayman that were infected by covid and not a single person died, im talking cousins, grand parents etc
I have family members that have been vaccinated and still caught COVID abroad.
Proof please.
7:09 they are supposed to provide you…a stranger…a nobody…with proof of THEIR family members medical records? The entitlement is astronomical with this one
Doubtful. If they were at least 2 weeks after second vaccine, it is very unlikely that they caught it. Not impossible but definitely improbable!
4:33 I have too. People are always screaming “impossible” but don’t realize how possible it actually is. When it happens to them, they will understand
5:57, If you don’t get the vaccine thereby increasing your chances of catching and spreading the virus or worse, you’ll expect others to take care of you right?
Grow up!