INVESTIGATION is now underway to ascertain that a number of vaccination cards have been faked.
Secretary to Prime Minister (SPM) Dr. Jimmie Rodgers revealed this on Sunday during the fortnightly talk-back show over the national broadcaster.
He warned those responsible will be prosecuted if found.
“It has come to our notice that there are vaccination cards that have been faked. We are investigating that there are cards being sold to people and people are actually writing names and putting dates on those cards. They are fake cards.
“When you have cards its must be a genuine card and therefore we are working with foreign affairs because we have a flight that is going to New Zealand on Wednesday night, it will take 150 workers for the Labour Mobility Program.
“So, the call to anyone that might hold a fake card, note that is wrong and illegal and if you are caught you will be prosecuted and those who are supplying the fake card’s templates will also be prosecuted,” he said.
It has been disclosed via the social media that the photocopied cards have been issued – in comparison to the blue coloured and authenticated cards issued by the Health Ministry.
As a result the 150 workers who will be flying out to New Zealand soon under the seasonal work school will have their cards screened.
He said the foreign affairs ministry will be responsible to check for the genuine cards.
“Those with photocopied cards will not be allowed to board.”
He said the 150 people will be called within the next 24 hours for them to bring in their cards for verification and validation because if they go with the fake cards and go New Zealand the future of the Labour Mobility Program might actually in danger.
“So that might be a risk thing,” he said.
Dr Rodgers, the government don’t want to risk losing out on the future seasonal workers scheme should such program is detected.
He appeals to those with faked cards to be honest.
Those doing the illegal thing will be hunted down, he further warned.
Its understood one of the requirements to travel overseas is to be fully vaccinated.
By LACHLAN EDDIE
Newsroom Honiara
