Less than two weeks after the First Wave Movement leader said the group had no intention of holding protests against covid19 vaccinations, he had a change of heart, owing to the Pfizer vaccine drive for children 12-18 nationwide.
Umar Abdullah referred to the vaccine as an "experimental" jab and an "investigational" medicinal product.
Although covid19 vaccines are not mandatory in this country, he called on the authorities to allow citizens to choose on their own "without instilling fear and forcing citizens" to do so.
He claimed, "Today, we are looking at a terrible phenomenon that is about to hit TT. They are coming for your kids. They want to give them this experimental jab, put it in their system as if it is a candy of some sort."
However, he also said, "You are hitting a very soft spot in every parent. We are not saying, 'Do not take the vaccine.' We are saying give us the correct information so we can make an informed choice."
He spoke at a press conference on Wednesday on the first day of the drive.
Abdullah is also head of the Waajihatul Islaamiyyah (the Islamic Front).
In an interview last week, he recalled he was asked if plans were afoot similar to the August 5 anti-vaccine rally in St Vincent at which Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves was attacked.
"I said no, we want to engage the government in logical conversation, a conversation that is going to bear fruits," he said
"But lo and behold, they (government officials) are telling us they are coming for our kids. I am afraid to say at this time that the conversation has now changed. We are now going to have different conversations, different dispositions on this issue."
The press conference was held at JR Pool Side Ranch at Mohess Road in Debe.
To people who hold office, including the police, government, and opposition members, Abdullah said: "The First Wave Movement cannot guarantee that people will stay in their homes and not fight back, and push back.
"We cannot guarantee you that parents are going to stay idle and allow you to force inoculation on their children."
Abdullah charged that the NGO could "resolve the matter peacefully" providing that the government provide "facts" to every citizen about covid19 vaccines.
Abdullah said there are issues of corruption, lies and misinformation about vaccination in this country.
Despite criticising the Dr Keith Rowley administration for promoting vaccines, Abdullah said he was not blaming him for doing so.
"We know you are following orders, and we know that you are not in charge. You are being compelled, just like any other citizen in this country.
Abdullah said the NGO is willing to work with Rowley and his government.
"We will stand firm by your side, Mr Prime Minister, and we are going to ask together, push back together and tell these global elites a resounding ‘no,’" Abdullah said.
"Citizens of this country, I guarantee you, will stand firm behind you. You will not hav
