It pains our hearts to see how many people have died due to COVID these last days. Only yesterday there were 5 deaths reported by the Epidemiology Department which brings the total to 242 (compared to 189 on December 31, 2021). And as the official numbers indicate, the age category with the most deaths, especially in the last few days, is the elderly. According to the numbers, this is the group with the most unvaccinated people.

This situation could not have been different because the vaccine against COVID is the most effective way to prevent death and hospitalization. It is to lament that such a big group has chosen not to be vaccinated which could have prevented premature death. Why didn’t they do this? The influence of those that are poisoning the community with lies and conspiracy theories? Lack of correct information? Religious conviction? Education level, social-economic status? Lack of moral compass? Lack of leadership and capacity especially of the current minister of public health? Maybe a good research on this topic could give us some answers.

Notwithstanding, nothing can bring these people who died prematurely back. The unimaginable pain of a few thousand people who have lost their loved ones cannot be eased. But we could learn valuable lessons from the future. Those in Fort Amsterdam and in Parliament which currently support what is happening with their silence and indifference should wake up. If they were serious, they would stop trying to be popular and say: “the buck stops with me!” Which in this case means: "I will not blame someone else, but I will assume my responsibility and act!"