Vaccination: Govt prioritise private security personnel

Very strangely the Covid 19 Special team headed by the Army Commander has obviously forgotten that the personnel from private security companies who are also in the front line in any institution, public or private, and need to receive the vaccine as they are exposed to the pandemic more than most of the officials and members of the public who have received it, as they depend on public transport.

I am surprised that most Security Companies are not moving the government to obtain this facility to their staff as they are exposed to the virus at most institutions which have been infected by the virus, despite their long hours of work, and under very trying conditions, and taking a risk of even passing this virus to their families or the occupants of buildings they lodge, in various parts of the country.

I in fact observed that most of them are very poorly turned out sans any hygiene in dress, obviously in unclean uniforms probably due to long hours of work with a measly pay and a poor meal. The masks they wear may have been used for several months unclean, due to lack of funds, but at least the client companies who hire them should realize, the risk, and see to their welfare, as the security officer is their first line of defense and their receptionist at point of entry.

The Ministry of Defence and the public institutions responsible for Industrial security commonly known as Private security should realise the important role played by private security, in the past and present, especially, at times when, private security displayed a great sense of commitment and dedication when the country suffered from terrorism, and now a pandemic, not caring about themselves and risking their lives at great risk, to their families.

Today there are about one hundred thousand employed in this industry, besides several banks , hotels and ports engaging their own security personnel. I cannot understand why successive governments have failed to recognize their valuable services rendered to the public in combatting crime and assisting the Police force and government institutions, sans a decent wage, welfare facilities, recognition as an essential service, when it comes to “VOTING”. (As they are not entitled to postal voting ) and an adequate wage which should be commensurate with the responsibilities cast on them in protecting property and assets valued at millions and billions.

Once again the Private security gets step-motherly treatment, in the case of a vaccine. Trust the Subject Minister will kindly look into these grievances, without delay.