Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has expressed concern and disappointment with the low rate of vaccinations across the sister isle of Tobago.
During his media briefing on Friday afternoon, following a cabinet retreat in Tobago, Rowley said he was concerned about Tobago and “very disappointed” at the threat to the island, as it lacks large numbers of medical personnel, hospitals and beds to cope with a dangerous heavy COVID outbreak.
He said reports are being received that its hospital system is under threat.
Rowley said the island’s small population could easily have been vaccinated and Tobago could have then marketed itself as a safe zone for business.
He said he had hoped by the time Tobago House of Assembly (THA) elections arrive, “We wouldn’t be where we are now.’’
The PM said once the population continues to be vaccinated, the seabridge capacity will be increased from 50 to 75 per cent and Caribbean Airlines will be asked to increase capacity by a flight or two.
However, he said this means that a larger flow will be opened up to Tobago where there’s vaccine hesitancy.
Rowley pointed out that a new COVID variant was identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Thursday in the UK and he reinforced the need for vaccinations.
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