{"id":137539,"date":"2021-09-16T15:49:35","date_gmt":"2021-09-16T19:49:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=137539"},"modified":"2021-09-16T15:49:35","modified_gmt":"2021-09-16T19:49:35","slug":"upp-rejects-browne-administrations-new-mandatory-vaccination-policy-as-totalitarian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/upp-rejects-browne-administrations-new-mandatory-vaccination-policy-as-totalitarian\/","title":{"rendered":"UPP rejects Browne Administration\u2019s new Mandatory Vaccination Policy as \u2018totalitarian\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The United Progressive Party (UPP) categorically rejects the Gaston Browne Administration\u2019s imposition of mandatory vaccination on the nationals, citizens and residents of Antigua & Barbuda \u2013 particularly since this decision was taken without consultation.<\/p>

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The Party is concerned \u2013 like all right-thinking persons \u2013 about the frightening spike in COVID-19 infections and the recent number of related deaths.\u00a0 Accordingly, it welcomed the invitation extended by the Prime Minister to collaborate with other organizations and devise policies to meet the challenges.<\/p>\n

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Ironically, the date for that consultation is today, September 16.<\/p>

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However, the release of the Government\u2019s new and totalitarian<\/strong> policy \u2013 well ahead of the consultation \u2013 leaves no room for any other voice or proposal and excludes the input of civil society completely.<\/p>

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The UPP has said, and it reiterates, that it does not support what many describe as \u201cforced vaccination.\u201d\u00a0 It has recommended an intensive, personal, persuasive campaign that is spearheaded and championed by the medical fraternity, and it continues to do so.<\/p>\n

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The Government\u2019s policy is punitive, bullying, and fails to recognize the hardships \u2013 economic, social, and mental \u2013 it is imposing on a population already battered by the COVID-19 fallout.<\/p>

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Nowhere in its missive is there even the hint of assistance for businesses or families; no new or expanded social programmes; no alternative methods that residents \u2013 the fearful and the doubtful \u2013 can employ until they are persuaded to accept inoculation.\u00a0 Nothing but threats and intimidation of the local population.<\/p>\n

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Even as we recognize the scientific need to get to herd immunity and the obligation to protect health, lives and livelihoods, the United Progressive Party cannot and will not support this dictatorial approach.\u00a0 The end, noble as it might seem, does not justify these means.<\/p>

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Democracy demands that The People \u2013 or at least representatives of all The People \u2013 are afforded a seat at the decision-making table.<\/p>

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