Anti-Vaccine Protests Held in Half-Way Tree and May Pen

The influence of the anti-vaccine movement across the island is seemingly picking up pace. Video footage recently showed two separate anti-vaccine protests held in less than 24-hours in two different parishes.

Globally anti-vaccine protests are being organized, as people demonstrate their discontent with their Government’s COVID-19 vaccination campaigns and policies, some peacefully and others violently. In Jamaica, despite the Government’s declaration of not mandating the COVID-19 vaccines, many have taken to the streets in protest against the national inoculation drive.

On Friday, September 3 in Half-Way Tree, St. Andrew, and on Saturday, September 4, May Pen Clarendon. It is understood that there have been no known instances of violence at these protests, and by law; citizens are entitled to peacefully object. Civilians in Half-Way Tree could be heard chanting “No vaccine” and “We trust God” could be heard near the Half-Way Tree Clock, while in May Pen “No Vaccine” was their chant.

Despite the Government’s all-out effort to immunize as many Jamaicans as possible, and to reach its goal of a 65% vaccinated population by March 2021, it is evident that vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge, a dilemma between individual choice and collective solidarity.

More in this CVM Live story from Robian Williams: