Fiji is well ahead of the game when it comes to COVID-19 vaccination, says Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said on FBC iTaukei radio yesterday.

Eighty-six per cent of eligible Fijians (504,695 people) have received the first dose of the vaccine while 29.1 per cent (170,901 people) are fully vaccinated.

Mr Bainimarama highlighted the statement made by the President of the United States of America Joe Biden while addressing the Pacific Island Forum Leader retreat last week.

President Biden delivered a simple yet profound truth: “We know how to end this pandemic – vaccinate as many people as possible and as quickly as possible”.

In addition, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus has called on rich countries to halt administering COVID-19 vaccine boosters or third shots to their citizens.

This is to ensure that poorer countries can vaccinate at least 10 per cent of their population.

“The statements made by the President of the United States and the World Health Organisation vindicate all the decisions my Government has made regarding the vaccine,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“I have assured you, and I will continue to reassure you that I am on top of this.

“Those who speak ill of our efforts will fizzle out – the enormous number of Fijians running to get their jabs have drowned out the voices of doubters.”

He said the Government has taken decisive actions against anti-vaxxers spreading fake news.

“The Police charged them, and the Courts reprimanded them. Judges told them to deactivate their Facebook accounts. This swift action did not delay justice to you, my fellow Fijians; otherwise, it would have denied justice.”

Despite the criticism about the Government, he said he has been in the game long enough to confidently say that his Government is action-oriented.

“We will not rest until the pandemic lifts. We will not rest until we reach the minimum goal of getting 80% of eligible Fijians to be fully vaccinated by 31 October 2021.

“We will not rest until all Fiji is safe and sound. Our tactics continue to evolve.”

Furthermore, Mr Bainimarama explained that Fiji is a trailblazer in that while some rich countries are thinking of living with the virus by vaccinating as many citizens as possible, Fiji is already ahead.

“While some rich countries are thinking of slowing down access to benefits because of safety measures, we are already ahead. It’s a mixed bag of give and take.

“Some have accused my Government of being unfair by saying vaccine first before accessing assistance.

“Some have accused us of breaching human rights by putting in place the no jab no job policy.“But let me say this. Sometimes we need to be cruel to be kind. And rights come with responsibilities.

“What we have done is for your benefit. We have always planned with you in mind. And we will continue to act with Fiji as our inspiration.”

Edited by Selita Rabuku

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