“I confidently predict more deaths…” says TCI Governor in plea for residents to take the Vaccine

#TurksandCaicos, April 3, 2021 – The Governor of Turks and Caicos Islands “confidently predict more deaths” in the coming days due to the ever-increasing new Covid-19 infections and deaths.  Speaking during the first Covid-19 anniversary on  March 23, Nigel Dakin expressed his fear of a possible high, future death rate in TCI if the Islanders do not take the responsibility to get vaccinated.

“I confidently predict more deaths, there is no reason to think any other way. The restrictive measures we have in place clearly are reducing contagion but not eliminating it, and those catching the virus are becoming more likely to die,” said the Governor.

While the government can impose a raft of new stringent measures, including total lockdown, business shutdowns, and curfews, HE Dakin emphasised that TCI residents can take the precaution and go for the readily available vaccines instead of having the country shut.

“There is no action Government can now take – in terms of restricting your behaviours or closing down parts of the economy that offers the protection that an individual can now take, themselves, by taking the vaccine,” added Governor Dakin.

Even though pleased with TCI residents who were on the frontline in the fight to keep the country safe, the Governor expressed his displeasure at the flattening curve of people taking vaccines when they need it the most. And with such behaviour, there is a great risk of overrunning the hospitals, which are already strained.

With “an extraordinary roll out of the vaccines – efficiently delivered and administered” and the high chances of those who contract the virus dying, the Governor revealed that TCI has got a golden opportunity that other Caribbean countries admire. But they aren’t lucky enough to have it.

Even more worrying, there’s already a warning of a possible vaccine shortage. Those who shall not have seized this opportunity to normalcy may not get any other opportunity to get after the vaccine supply stops. 

 “This future is ours to have if we have the collective courage to seize it.  Please (please) register for the vaccine and, more than that, encourage those you care about to do so too. This is a moment for all of us to be leaders and recognise that the power of one, the power of individual decision making, has the power to change these Island’s future,” the Governor concluded. 

As of March 2, 12,935 persons have been vaccinated, without any incident, which is 34 per cent of our population; and that was a good start!

TCI Governor, Nigel Dakin and his wife, Mandy were the very first to take the Covid-19 vaccine in the Turks and Caicos Islands.