EDITOR, The Tribune.

It is difficult to read or listen to the media commentators in The Bahamas these days. They are a mixture of editors and other types of “thought” leaders.

Nearly all of them are locked in the mindless loop of knee-jerk political criticism. It goes like this: The Government or Prime Minister says something. They then rant and rave, criticising what was said.

Some take little time to think about the issue being discussed.

Some seem not to even understand what was said. That does not stop them, however, from going on and on and on with mindless criticism.

The Bahamas is currently in its second most significant COVID-19 wave, which may become its worst if current rates of infection continue.

Many more people will get sick in the weeks to come. Many more will be admitted to hospital. Many more will die.

The media commentators can help with this.

Rather than being vapid repeaters of the same old critiques, they should use their platforms to challenge the widespread vaccine hesitancy in The Bahamas.

Bahamians believe a hodgepodge of nonsense concerning vaccines.

They think they will be microchipped. They think the devil sent the vaccine. They think vaccines will make them sterile.

The list of unbelievable foolishness goes on and on.

The commentators should spend their time ramming home the message that vaccines save lives.

Attack the foolishness anti-vaxxers put out. They should spend their time telling people to limit their contacts during this surge.

They should explain over and over why the vaccines are safe and effective.

By doing this the pages and airwaves could be more filled with useful information that saves lives.

The anti-Government, gotcha style of commentary is tired, repetitive and boring.

We are in the worst public health crisis in our lifetimes. Those who have the power to influence thought have a moral responsibility to use that power responsibly.

Too many are not. Let’s try to change our people’s minds about vaccines and help save their lives.

The Bahamian commentators could do much better.

MSG

Nassau,

July 22, 2021.