SKNLP is not anti-vaccine, says party chairman Terrance Drew

Chairman of St Kitts and Nevis Labour Party Terrance Drew stated that the opposition is not anti-vaccine but rather pro-choice. He made the remarks during a radio interview. He said people must not be forced into getting a COVID-19 vaccine and taking or not taking a personal choice of the public. He also said that the SKNLP supports the persons who wish to take legal action against the government and other organizations for forcing vaccine. Dr Terrance Drew expressed his disapproval of the approach the government and businesses have taken to directly or indirectly force persons to ignore their genuine concerns for their wellbeing and apprehension towards taking the jab. He added that other regional government officials have revoked their stance on forced/mandatory vaccination because they recognized they are encouraging dictatorship behaviourism.

The opposition party's chairman called out the government for their blatant refusal to include the opposition in the discussion and planning process regarding the management of the pandemic and applauded the Nevis Island Administration in their all of society approach to address the COVID issue by inviting the NRP leaders to jointly approach strategies to remedy the crisis.

Terrance Drew stated the government berated his good gesture and dragged his name through the mud when he donated the PCR tests. He said instead of welcoming the good gesture they the government chose to politicize it.

Dr Drew also questioned the government’s seriousness in tackling the pandemic stating that no attempts has been made to include even the St. Kitts Nevis Medical and Dental Association in the discussion on the best way forward medically to combat the crisis. He stated that no official documentation had been sent to the association.

"Persons are genuinely concerned about the side effects and the government and businesses have no empathy or respect of the people’s human rights," stated Terrance Drew.

He said the people of St Kitts and Nevis have a right to choose, and if they choose not to take the vaccine, they have a legal right to do so and can seek legal action if their job is being threatened. He said that his party have taken a decision to offer assistance to its supporters who decide to take legal action in this regard.