Popular eatery offers discounts to vaccinated customers

As the country grapples with vaccine hesitancy, the owners of one local restaurant will be rewarding fully vaccinated customers who they believe answered the call for community safety.

Chilitos JaMexican Food began a promotion on Wednesday, dubbed 'Get the Jook' - an initiative in which vaccinated persons receive a discounted or free item with the purchase of an entree. Natalie Nash, chief brand manager, told THE WEEKEND STAR that the initiative was created to promote the need for vaccination among the population. Nash explained the restaurant has been fortunate to remain open during the heights of the pandemic, considering the financial strain brought on by gathering restrictions, no-movement days and supply chain disruptions.

"While we respect the right of every Jamaican to choose, all the best available science points to vaccination as the most assured way to put an end to the current restrictions used to curb the spread and protect life," she said.

'Get the Jook' is an answer to the Ministry of Health and Wellness' call to action to get the country back to life. Up to October 5, only 10 per cent of Jamaica's population was fully vaccinated. More than 510,000 persons have received a first dose of vaccine, while about 260,000 received second doses and another 31,000 citizens received single-dose.

Nash told THE WEEKEND STAR that the eatery is looking forward to the day when it can once again welcome a packed house of people dancing and laughing while having meals and drinks.

"We want to reward each person who has helped us to get one step closer to this reality. Not only did you survive months of fear, anxiety and uncertainty, new rules and new ways of living, you remained resilient in times of unprecedented lost. When the time came and your nation and the world asked you to make a decision, not just your own safety, but the safety of the community, you listened, learn and took a chance on life. To our vaccinated community, we salute you," Nash said.

Chilitos now joins the list of businesses that have been enticing Jamaicans with free products or discounted prices if they can demonstrate that they are vaccinated against COVID-19.

Last month, Outlier, a Montego Bay-based medical cannabis dispensary, launched a 'Weed for Vaccine' campaign, which offers free weed to vaccinated persons who visit the store.

Another company, Lashings Boutique Hotel and Villas, has been offering free pizza to residents of Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, who have taken at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Gaming giants Supreme Ventures Group has rolled out a Vax & Win "lottery" promotion, which offers vaccinated persons the chance to win hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and prizes weekly.

Frustrated by the high level of vaccine hesitancy on the island, the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, along with the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association, on Wednesday said that it was time for private-sector entities to establish policies that require employees to get vaccinated.