Private Sector Groups at Odds over Vaccine Mandate

Some private sector groups continue to be at odds on the matter of a vaccine mandate as many employees remain hesitant. One trade unionist is also for better public education among the population rather than making vaccines mandatory.

There is still unease as most private sector entities have been championing the policy to mandate the vaccine. Speaking on CVM Live’s Panel Discussion on Wednesday, October 6, President of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, (JCC) Lloyd Distant says the statements that were put out by private sector groups are not necessarily forcing employees to get vaccinated, but rather an encouragement to entities to provide a safe and healthier work environment.

Distant also says the Government should not only implement policies for the public sector, but rather the nation while alluding to first world countries that have implemented such policies.

In the meantime, Trade Union activist and General Secretary of the Jamaica Association of Local Government Officers, Helene Davis-Whyte points out that the issue of misinformation has not been handled properly.

Davis-Whyte says until the public education is properly structured the mandatory policy should not be in effect. She further adds production levels in companies will decline. However, the JCC President sought to further explain why the vaccination policy is needed.

More in this CVM Live story from Javine McLean: