Since the reopening of the borders on January 13 and implementation of new rules and regulations, some Rarotonga businesses and workplaces have come down hard on those who are unvaccinated against Covid-19.

Last week, local radio DJ Georgina Hand (DJ GG) was told she was no longer welcome to return to work because of her unvaccinated status.

Hand, who has publicly come out against the Covid-19 vaccine, was a radio DJ on 88FM BoomBoomBaby which is owned by tumuTeVarovaro

“I wasn’t fired, but I’m not allowed to go back to the studio until I’m vaccinated, so it’s confusing,” said Hand.

Hand said last week her boss George Williams aka GDub enquired why she refused to be vaccinated and that if she would consider vaccinating against Covid-19.

“He said he didn’t want me to come back unless I was vaccinated … I was very upset, I cried and I was confused, it took me days to calm down.

“I still have to pay my rent, power and help support my family - my mum and my mother, youngest son Keanu.”

Before last week’s talk, Hand said there had not been any formal discussions about her choice not to get vaccinated or where the company stood on the issue.

Cook Islands News yesterday contacted Williams aka GDub who said: “We are a responsible business operating in the Cook Islands, and are following Covid-19 protocols.”

Hand had worked at 88FM for the past two years and loved her job. “I was reliable, I did extras like cleaning the bathroom and filling in the hour after me with good music and ads.”

“When the Covid lockdowns started, I gave my time for free, to do weekend DJ sessions live on air to help uplift the spirits of our people and I did free gigs for charity through GDub.

“I loved being on the radio, playing upbeat music to entertain people and inspire our locals as they tackle their daily jobs… I loved being the voice behind GG, and I think it’s a good service to uplift people, it has always been such a privilege in my eyes.”

This week Hand was relieved and happier to take on a new job with William Framhein at Matariki FM.

“I am now very blessed to still be able to give myself through the intimacy of radio, William and Iva Framhein are so beautiful, accommodating and non-discriminating. 

“I’m both excited and honoured to work with them, with thanks I look forward to what I believe will be a brighter future… as one door closes other doors open,” she said.

Hand says she has contacted Internal Affairs to seek further advice about her work issue with 88FM. “Since it wasn’t in my contract that I had to be vaccinated and I didn’t get a months’ notice.”

Hand would like to thank her friends and family who were devoted listeners of her radio show at 88FM. Listeners can continue to listen to DJ GG on Radio Matariki FM Monday to Friday from 9am to 11am.