The issue of vaccination was a major talking point with OECS Leaders this week seeking clarity relative to the constitutionality in the establishment of an OECS policy framework on vaccine confidence.
Chaired by Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, the meeting was considered special where the Heads of Government and stakeholder delegations were guided by a panel of legal luminaries, including former President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Sir Denis Byron.
Pertaining to vaccination in the workplace and the question of rights of individuals even as it relates to public health interests, the legal team advised there is no constitutional bar for employers, including government, to require that particular job or jobs generally be done by persons who are vaccinated against COVID-19, especially so during the period of a pandemic or a public health emergency.
The high-level legal panel will prepare a formal report to OECS Governments, representative of the discussion points and making recommendations on an OECS framework of action.
Individual governments are expected to formalize their respective positions to be determined after in-country consultations.
CARPHA’S Director, Dr. John, brought the leaders up-to-date on the delta variant in the region and safeguards for public health in the face of this greater threat.
Dr. Mitchell, the OECS Chairman, shared three critical factors Grenada has consistently considered as part of the decision-making process on matters pertaining to the pandemic; health as the number one priority, along with social and economic considerations.
