Flying Fijians Drop the Ball On Vaccination Message

The ruggers have set a bad precedent. We must free sports from politics, religion and other unnecessary activities that affects their focus on playing the game they love. There is no doubt that some of them have been influenced by folks back at home who are anti-vaxxers.

Vaccinate or not to vaccinate is a clear choice between life and death. The COVID-19 jab means protection, no jab means potential death.

That’s what all this debate boils down to. But at the moment it is clouded by the peripheral issues like human rights, politics and religious beliefs.

Rugby, newest victim

It is a serious concern when it’s now weaved its way into sports. Rugby is the newest victim and we can’t rule out the possibility that it might have affected the mental preparation of the Flying Fijians in the two tests against the All Blacks in Dunedin and Hamilton.

It would be interesting to find out how many of the players would oppose the Vaccinate Fiji banner on the jersey via a secret ballot. It is understood that there were a few, who have been exposed to European influence, had strong views against it and the rest just toed the line.

For the majority, it did not really matter what was on the jersey they were just keen to get out onto the ground and play rugby.

They were supposed to wear the Vaccinate Fiji jersey with a compromise it’s your choice on Saturday.

But they didn’t. A strong lobby in the team won the psychological tussle. It would be interesting who the lobbyists were.

In the old Fijian national teams the players respected the directive from the Rugby House and it probably explained why they were successful in those days. There were no questions asked.

They were proud to wear the Fijian jersey and play for their country, in the days of the amateur code. There was pride and passion.

Times have changed

Obviously times have changed since the advent of professional competition dictated by finance. The Flying Fijians are all professionals, most based in France.

It’s coincidental that at about the same time of the second test in Hamilton, tens of thousands took to the streets throughout France to protest against the new coronavirus rules announced by the French government earlier last week.

The controversial measures include mandatory vaccination for health workers and an obligation for citizens to bring in a health pass for most public places.

The health pass is given to those who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have proof of a negative test taken within 48 hours.

It’s interesting that one protester said: “We are not anti-vaccine at all. We just want everyone to have the freedom to be vaccinated or not. PCR tests may be enough and then we must keep them free,” shopping centre employees Aurélie and Tiphaine told AFP at the Paris protest.

If people are not against vaccine how do they reconcile that position with the choice not to get vaccinated? It’s a contradiction. This is where it does not make sense.

Vaccine or human rights?

So they are not talking about the vaccine but human rights or freedom to choose. These are peripheral issues that are complicating matters and causing confusion. Using this argument about freedom of choice, there may have been protesters who have chosen to get vaccinated because they believe it will protect them and their families. Their contention is to allow people to make that choice and don’t coerce them.

The problem with this assertion is that it will expose a group of people that rejects the vaccine outright because of their political, religious and cultural beliefs.

Some people suggest we need to educate the public on the benefits of the vaccine. If people are well informed, they may warm towards vaccination. There is a big if there as we are seeing in Fiji.

Anti-government politicians

Anti-government politicians are capitalising on the human rights issue purely for political mileage. They are pandering to the emotions, weird beliefs and conspiracy theories of the weak, vulnerable and gullible.

Many of the Opposition political party leaders have been vaccinated and they have urged their followers to get vaccinated. They should ask this question: What is best for the people? Their answer, of course, will be vaccination.

Their next question: Have we suffered from any drastic adverse effects? Well, we have not heard anyone complaining so presumably they are fine.

At the moment, except for workers, Fijians are free to choose whether they should be vaccinated or not. The whole debate is divided into three groups.

The first group says vaccination is good, but let it be a personal choice. The second group demonises vaccination and says it is evil, satanic and people will get sicker and die after the jabs or be under the spell of a mythical power.

The third group says let’s get everyone vaccinated via legislation to protect the whole country.

This diversity of views has given rise to the philosophical and ethical debate. Unfortunately, it has caused, fear, alarm and confusion among some people, driving them far away from vaccination.

At the end of the day, what is best for Fiji? Vaccination.

Anti-government politicians are attacking the no jab no job policy.

For more than a year, we have been talking about vaccination and now when it’s here we are debating whether we should take the jab or not. If we are all united as one we will take the jab.

Sincere, genuine and responsible employers will protect their employees by getting them vaccinated. Workers who refuse vaccination are putting their lives at risk and the lives of their work colleagues, families and other Fijians.

When national interest becomes a priority

We value our human rights and freedom to choose, but there are times when the cause for national interest must come first. We are facing one of those situations right now. At the rate we are going the killer virus will soon claim more than 100 lives and thousands infected. If we have forgotten we need to be reminded that we are at war with an invisible enemy.

During times of war emergency rules apply, Freedoms and rights are suspended to protect people and prevent unnecessary injuries and death. Under the circumstances we currently face a health and economic emergency and tough measures are justified just like lockdowns, restrictions and border closure.

If we go the same way as France to save lives, so be it. It seems that’s the way into the future. We won’t be able to do much without a vaccination card or certificate.

The fact remains that most of those who have died so far were not vaccinated. That’s a grim pointer that we must take seriously. The medical evidence is overwhelming.

Setting bad precedent

The Flying Fijians have set a bad precedent. We must free sports from politics, religion and other unnecessary activities that affects their focus on playing the game they love. There is no doubt that some of them have been influenced by folks back at home who are antivaxxers.

If they stick to rugby, they would do much better in their preparation for the 2023 World Cup in France. The recent two tests showed they had a lot of work to do to be a credible force.

For those who are resisting efforts to promote vaccination, they need to offer an alternative solution.

At the moment there is no substitute. The reality on the ground is that; if we don’t get vaccinated, we can get infected and die including our loved ones, friends and work colleagues.