Another serious Covid-19 outbreak could be catastrophic for Bermuda’s economy, according to Bermuda investors Andrew and Alexander Green.

And today the owners of the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club urged people to get vaccinated to help protect against another surge, saying that “herd immunity is an absolute priority”.

They were joined in their vaccination call by Charles H Jeffers II, chief executive officer of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, and Nathan Kowalski, the president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.

This morning the Green brothers announced a second donation to the Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Covid-19 vaccination clinic fund.

The local family, who also own other commercial properties in Hamilton, have given $50,000 - on top of their initial donation of $100,000.

The money will go toward King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s vaccination clinic’s running costs, including staff salaries and administrative expenditure.

Alexander Green said: “We are making this second donation so that we can continue to support Bermuda’s healthcare professionals in their incredibly important mission of immunising the public.

“Too many people have died from this terrible disease, both overseas and locally, and our thoughts go out to those who have lost loved ones to it.”

Mr Green said the pandemic has had “another devastating impact, though, which must now be a priority: the precarious state of Bermuda’s economy”.

“We believe that another serious outbreak could be catastrophic for the island’s tourism and business and could take years to recover from – which is why it must be avoided at all cost.

“The best way to ensure that we do not have another surge is by getting as many of Bermuda’s residents vaccinated as possible.

“We are incredibly fortunate in Bermuda that we have ample supplies of the Pfizer vaccine, available free of charge to our citizens and open to all who want it: herd immunity is within our reach.

“But it can only be achieved if everyone does their part in signing up to get their jabs. By ensuring the community is safe from rapid transmission of the virus, businesses can operate with confidence again, vaccinated tourists can travel here freely and Bermuda can be a beacon for post-pandemic travel. Herd immunity is an absolute priority.’

Backing the vaccination plea, Mr Jeffers said: “As summer approaches, people all over the world who have spent the last year dreaming of their escape to somewhere new and exciting, will be looking to plan their travel. Bermuda can be that place.

“We have a real chance, thanks to the availability of the vaccine and carefully considered restrictions and regulations, to be the envy of the world’s destinations, offering a truly safe and beautiful experience.

“We are encouraged by rising vaccine uptake by Bermuda’s residents including our partners in the hospitality industry. Our tourism recovery and the livelihoods of thousands who rely on its success, depend on us being protected, and prepared.

“I encourage those who can, to get vaccinated so that our families, communities and economy can thrive.”

Mr Kowalski added: “We are heartened by the Green family’s latest donations and for their rallying call encouraging locals to get vaccinated. The pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on businesses locally, with thousands of people having lost jobs or being underemployed as a result.

“We strongly urge members of the public who can be vaccinated to get vaccinated, making the most of the vaccination clinics’ new extended hours and walk-in sessions.

“By striving for community immunity, we are not only keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe, but empowering our local economy to get back on track.”