Ignore Conspiracy Theories and get Vaccinated, says Premier Washington Misick

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, December 31, 2021 – Premier Washington Misick urged TCI islanders to ignore vaccine conspiracy theories in a joint press conference with Health Minister Jamell Robinson on Thursday.

Misick said, “I want to plead to the general public, please ignore the conspiracy theories out there and let’s deal with the science. Science has indicated that being vaccinated is the best protection.”

He took the time to thank those who had come forward to get vaccinated and boosted.

Turks and Caicos is currently with 80 per cent of the population vaccinated and 13 per cent boosted.

The Premier also sought to assure Turks and Caicos islanders that despite fears, he was not present to announce that the country was going into lockdown.  In fact he promised that the government was seeking to balance life and livelihood. He said,

“We have no intention to do anything that would compromise the lives of people or their livelihood and relationship to the economy.”

During the press conference Health Minister Jamell Robinson revealed that vaccinated and boosted TCI returning residents will not be subject to testing to re-enter the island.

In response to questions about the decision Premier Misick said, “Turks and Caicos islanders abroad who have responded to the appeal to be vaccinated, we don’t want to put an additional burden on them and cost them money. For those persons who have not, it is just fair for the protection of everyone that that test be done.”

He expressed his pride in the hardworking team at the Health Ministry and frontline workers despite the rough season and again stressed the importance of vaccinations and booster shots saying, “We want to appeal to even those who have conscientious objections to reconsider whether they want to be vaccinated or ‘boosterized’ to ensure that they stay safe and the loved ones are protected.”