President Donald Ramotar has praised efforts being made to detect any possible cases of Ebola at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.
“I’m very happy that this work is going on, and the seriousness with which it is being taken…” he said, while taking a first-hand look at preparations being made to tackle any incidence of the disease at the CJIA.
Ramotar and a team including Health Minister Dr Bheri Ramsaran, and Public Works Minister Robeson Benn had travelled to the airport earlier this week to ensure that precautions are being taken and that all government structures are fully ready to tackle any incidence of the disease, a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA).
Previously, the president had called on stakeholders to co-operate with the government’s efforts to keep the disease out of Guyana.
“I have had conversations with the Opposition Leader and he has assured me of his full support in this regard. I’ve also spoken to the leader of the AFC (Alliance For Change) who also assured me of their support, and I plan to have meetings later this week with other stakeholders,” Ramotar said.
In terms of cost, the president said government will do whatever is necessary to protect the nation from the disease and he hoped that any requested budgetary allocations will be supported by the political opposition.
Meanwhile, the health minister said preparations to tackle the disease were an “All Guyana, national effort.” Hundreds of persons have already been trained to deal specifically with any suspected cases of Ebola, he said.
“We will be having drills from time to time to ensure that we do not make human errors. As we roll out our training, the physical infrastructure is there and being developed along with the human infrastructure,” Dr Ramsaran said. Further, the minister said, a doctor will be on every shift at the CJIA to address any potential issues and similar measures are being put in place at the Ogle International Airport and at the Moleson Creek Crossing in Corentyne, Berbice.
Similarly, the public works minister said measures being put in place are based on the directives of the president and cabinet.
