EDITOR, The Tribune.

It was with shock and bitter disappointment – disappointment that almost brought me to tears, that I read that those of us over the age of 65 are going to be denied the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. I have looked forward to getting vaccinated for so long in order to feel safer going to the grocery store, pharmacy, etc, but also going through an airport and travelling on a plane.

Like everyone else, my life has been totally disrupted by this pandemic. I am a Bahamian citizen, but I have family in the USA, including grandchildren whom I have not seen for over three years. They were children when I saw them last, now they are teenagers.

I cannot agree with the rationale behind this decision as receiving the vaccine is, as I understand, entirely voluntary. I understand perfectly that only a small percentage of the volunteers during the testing phase originally were over 65, which I believe is the reasoning behind this decision.

However, if I am willing to take any risk that may be involved, surely that should be my decision. With the exception of France, I believe it is being given to senior citizens in most other countries. Not only that, but after front line workers, senior citizens get priority!!

Have we become a country that no longer cares for its elderly? In many, many homes it is the elderly who have been the primary homemakers, taking care of babies and children in order that single mothers can go to work. Supervising homework and being a source of discipline. Also, by denying us the vaccine, those of us who have worked long and hard all our lives are being denied some of the pleasures of retirement. Several items on my “bucket list” have already gone out of the window, and as I am not getting any younger, I may as well throw the bucket out as well.

JOANNA ROBERTSON

Nassau,

February 8, 2021.