Dear Sir,

I am writing to you once again in the hope that my letter will inspire all those individuals who for many reasons have declined to take the vaccine, which has been proven to stave off the Covid-19 virus, and the many other variants such as the Delta variant. Which has surely proved itself very deadly here in Bermuda.

With ever so many families losing loved ones to its severity. It has left a path of death around our island, which can be avoided simply by getting vaccinated.

I think it is every Bermudian and all other residents’ responsibility to get vaccinated. It has been proven around the world that the vaccine is slowing the spread of Covid-19. As for the Delta variant, which has proved to be more deadly, it is necessary to be vaccinated to save lives. Hopefully, when available, we all should have a booster shot as well.

Put our faith in the medical advisories given each day. Only we are going to make the change that is needed.

Time is precious to all. Let’s do it. The Bermuda way. Together as one people. Remember that this variant virus does not care who it targets in its path. Young and old can be affected, as it has shown itself around the world.

We need to come together as we always do during and after a hurricane — helping to clean up each other’s property, sharing generators for electricity, sawing down trees, general clean-up, tarpaulins for roof damage. neighbourhood barbecue sharing. Nothing compares to this. Nothing!

We are all family. We need to apply that same mentality now more than ever. What affects one ultimately affects us all.

We need those who haven’t been vaccinated to come together as brothers and sisters. As family. The Bermuda family. We must do this. For everyone who cares for our treasured pearl that is Bermuda. For all people, especially our children and grandchildren.

We as Bermudians cannot allow this to happen. Our children are Bermuda’s tomorrow. Please heed to my call.

Listen to both political parties who are doing the best that can be done to protect each of us from this demise. Along with our doctors, nurses and medical staff at our hospitals. They have seen it all.

Even shed a tear for the families that are grieving for a loved one now. Because they were not allowed to hold a hand or to kiss a cheek owing to the major risk involved. It can’t be easy for all concerned. Please do the right thing. Get vaccinated now.

This pandemic has caused havoc around the world. No one could have imagined the magnitude of this crisis. And, Bermuda, although we are small in size compared with other countries who are dealing with millions of people, here in we should be now on top of the situation. We have only a fraction of the population of our closest neighbours.

Example: Portugal has managed to vaccinate the whole country and is now beginning to ease the many restraints throughout the country that were put in place over the many months of Covid-19 and variants.

Second, we must consider all business operations in Bermuda, big or small. As well as our many overseas companies who are based here, employing many Bermudians as well as some overseas employees.

All working Bermudians throughout the island in various businesses around Hamilton across the island in general. We need to get back to some sort of normality in order to stay alive.

Many of our small business around Bermuda have already closed their doors. Result. Unemployment everywhere. Do the maths. It’s really sad for all.

If we have another lockdown, it will put everyone in “hell’s kitchen” — especially our restaurants, bars and taverns.

Let’s not forget our retail stores, some of whom are still suffering from 2020 — and we are approaching 2022!

Please give it some thought. Think outside the box. What do we stand to lose? But, also, think what we can have again if we all come together as one island nation. Small as we are, we would certainly stand tall around the world.

Hopefully when the island can see the light at end of the tunnel from Covid, and Bermuda begins to regroup, if the Government and medical professionals still say we should all practise wearing a mask just to be cautious when we are out, and even some distancing, just do it.

H. GORDY GIBBONS

Paget