Approximately 2000 Bajans over the weekend took part in demonstrations to voice their opposition to any move that would see the COVID-19 vaccine being made mandatory.

The protest comes amid concerns that the new Delta variant coupled with the slowdown in vaccinations may push governments to make COVID-19 shots mandatory for some groups.

While the COVID-19 jab is not mandatory in Barbados, but strongly encouraged, some citizens continue to question the safety of the vaccine and why it appeared as though they were being coerced into taking the jab.

Many took to the streets carrying placards which questioned the safety of the vaccine, while motorists, who also participated in the demonstrations, honked their horns in support of the activity as the walkers passed through lower and upper Broad Street in the capital.

The demonstrations were organized by Barbados Concerned Citizens Against Mandated and Coerced Vaccination (BCCAMCV) who note that while they aren’t against vaccines, were deeply suspicious of the COVID-19 jab given the tactics being used to promote it.

According to one of the demonstrators, the BCCAMCV is calling on the government to make the vaccine’s ingredients available for public scrutiny.

Despite the demonstrations being peaceful, police intervened to disperse the crowd.