Entertainers want frontliner tag
After several failed attempts to convince government to open the entertainment industry, entertainers now want to be classified as frontliners and be prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination.
Through the new push, the Botswana Entertainment Promoters Association (BEPA) have called on government to include musicians and promoters in the queue of those considered as frontline workers.
This comes on the backdrop of several of their efforts to pressure government to open their industry, which were brushed aside.
BEPA president and renowned promoter, Gilbert ‘PP wa Pimp’ Seagile, this week said entertainers have a big role to play in the fight against COVID-19, through edutainment and promotion of campaigns. He said entertainers have suffered a lot in the past 18 months without any economic income, as such they would like to be in the forefront of the battle against the spread of the pandemic.
“In the dawn of devastation propelled by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the entertainment industry has suffered the greatest blow, resulting in the industry experiencing extended period of no sound economic activities. As such, we would want to see the end of this pandemic.
Hence it should be prioritised alongside other frontline sectors to enable them to contribute in the fight against this disease.
When entertainers are vaccinated, they will then assist other frontliners with campaigns such as ArmReady,” said Seagile.
He said post vaccine, there is going to be a need for edutainment. According to Seagile, winning the battle against COVID-19 has become the promoters and entertainers’ priority because it will mean that they are also back to business.
He explained that while BEPA is mandated with the welfare of the performing arts fraternity such as economic improvement, mental and social support, they are also concerned about the health of both promoters and entertainers at large.
He appealed to government to consider the creative industry as a pivotal sector in information dissemination and awareness creation in fighting the pandemic.
“BEPA wishes to highlight that a collective fight against COVID-19 can ensure a safe opening of the industry and other industries that are equally affected,” he added.
The BEPA’s call comes at a time when other frontline workers are at war with the government for failure to provide enough personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as vaccinate them.
The country is seemingly struggling to procure enough vaccines for its nation with just over 243, 894 first doses administered and only 134, 466 people fully vaccinated thus far.