Deputy Prime Minister Speaks on Vaccine Mandate

Cordel Hyde

Also speaking on the COVID-19 vaccines and those opposing to take the shot was Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde. While taking a softer approach, empathizing with the concerns of anti-vaxxers, Hyde also spoke to the harsh realities of living with the virus in Belize.

Cordel Hyde, Deputy Prime Minister

“This issue to vax or not to vax is devise and threatens to up end all of what George Price taught us, at a time when we can least afford to let it. I understand the fears of the anti-vaxsers, because for some it may be visceral, a phobia even. And the ever mutating variants and their ability to confound the vaccine do not help. And, the fact that some people have experienced some bad experience does not help. And, when you add to that the history of the knowledge of European mal-practice at the expense of people of color, then it is sure to run deep. But, three hundred and eighty-nine of our Belizean people have died so far at the hands of this deadly disease, over three hundred in the last ten months alone. And sadly, more of us will die. Dying by COVID is arguably the loneliest, saddest, least dignified way to die. Your family cannot be there to hold your hands, kiss your forehead or join you in one last prayer.”