While warning that its independent modelling of the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) projects 19,500 cases by the end of the first week in May, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) yesterday said that a fully-empowered government needs to be in place to grapple with the health threat and that this would only be possible with a quick end to the elections crisis through a recount of votes.
In a statement issued yesterday, the GCCI said it was extremely concerned about both the spread of COVID-19 as well as the lengthy delay in the announcement of the March 2 elections results.
Referring to its independent modeling, the GCCI noted that its projections are in line with those of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), which projects approximately 20,000 cases by May 5, 2020.
Given the magnitude of the pandemic, the GCCI noted the need for Guyana to spend a massive amount on the healthcare sector, including on wages, new facilities and equipment as well as more on consumables.
Additionally, it said as case numbers increase, the government will have to issue mandatory stay-at-home orders, which are far more restrictive, and which will shut down the economy that was already in a slowdown due to caution around the election. It noted that there could be a large increase in layoffs and said the devastation done to the tourism and hospitality industry could serve as the basis for projections.
“Without fiscal stimulus to help at that time, the economic and social impacts will be devastating. It is noteworthy to mention that in order to have fiscal stimulus, we must have a fully functioning Finance Minister and Parliament convened; not a caretaker Finance Minister,” it argued.
“Therefore, the Chamber is resolute in its call for a speedy resolution to Election Crisis, which at this point can only end with a Recount. If this Election crisis is prolonged, and a fully functioning Government not put in place, then many Guyanese will die from lack of adequate healthcare to treat the virus, and thousands more will suffer from the economic impact. This can include starvation, especially in the city where people are less likely to grow their own food,” the GCCI added.
The statement also noted that it seems as if the delays in the elections results may be responsible for delays in Guyana accessing international funds to fight the virus. “We cannot, as a country, insult the International Community on Social Media and then turn around and ask for their funds and think it will be handed to us ahead of other countries in need. The unique feature of this crisis is that the world is experiencing it simultaneously so there is a long line for international aid, we do not need to take actions to cause us to be placed at the back of the line,” it warned.
It further noted that the World Bank said that oil production is projected to boost Gross Domestic Product growth to unprecedented levels in 2020, but there are risks, as illustrated by a still incomplete election outcome, and compounded by falling oil prices and the COVID-19. “It is with this and our preceding points in mind that the business community urges to see a recount plan for 30 days or less, and see a Government in Place with the Full Confidence of the People so that all the tools in our Country’s arsenal can be brought to bear in the fight against COVID-19 including both fiscal policy and international loans so that the impact of the pandemic can be lessened and the loss of life reduced,” it added.