POLITICAL COVID ROW IN SANDO WORSENS

A POLITICAL row over Covid-19 vaccines in San Fernando has worsened. 

South-West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA), which denied permission for vaccines to be administered at Gulf View Community Centre, granted approval for a similar exercise at Fonclaire Pan Theatre in the southern city. 

The Gulf View initiative was organised by Opposition Senator Jayanti Lutchmedial. 

The Fonclaire undertaking is the work of Faris Al Rawi, Member of Parliament for San Fernando West. 

Observers are saying that the decisions by SWRHA stem from “pure politics.” 

Circumstances were worsened by the large crowds that turned up for vaccinations on Saturday at Gulf City Shopping Centre. 

Councillor for Les Efforts West/La Romaine Rishi Balramsingh said the community centre project was “well organised” and that there was “an appointment system, parking arrangements…” 

Balramsingh, who was elected on a UNC ticket, stated that the community centre event was set up “to avoid this exact type of super spreader event and hardship…” 

He concluded that “it appears that chaos is the preferred method…” 

SWRHA declined to grant approval for vaccinations at the community centre on the basis that they were available at other nearby venues, including SAPA and Pleasantville. 

But that consideration did not appear to deter SWRHA in granting approval to the Al Rawi initiative. 

Lutchmedial has disputed issues raised in the official SWRHA explanation. 

The SWRHA Board of Directors is comprised of Chairman Dr. Alexander Sinanan, Deputy Chair Valerie Alleyne-Rawlins, Dr. Shalini Pooransingh, Dr. Anil Bhagowtee, Jennifer Marryshow, Dr. Harry Smith, Jayselle McFarlane and Colin Kangaloo.