The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has expressed concern about reports of a possible full lockdown to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its deleterious effects on the poor.
In a press release on Thursday, FITUG stated that it was aware of the “significant jump” in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country. The Federation, while wishing those affected a speedy recovery, at the same time felt it necessary to express its “deep worry and concern” regarding the prevailing situation, while alos noting that it learnt from several sources that the authorities, in seeking to slow the virus, are actively considering a full lockdown of the country.
The Federation opined that on the surface, such a strategy may appear to be a “prudent” idea but hastened to point out that such a policy also “is fraught with severe challenges as well.” It contends that a lockdown can be most harmful for the poor, as already, the crisis has seen many workers being rendered jobless while for other Guyanese their incomes have been significantly curtailed.
In addition, FITUG noted, with a lockdown, many of those who find themselves in such situations and now dependent on others for their sustenance could well now see their bad situations taking a turn for the worse. “Indeed, it could well aggravate further the perils that many are facing now-a-days.”
The Federation believes that if it is that a full lockdown is being considered, it cannot occur in abstract and divorced from present-day realities. It added that essentially, protection must be sought for the unemployed, the vulnerable, the poor, the elderly, and others in need. The union body informed that very early in the crisis, it had spelt out several worthwhile initiatives aimed at easing the woes of those persons who are significantly challenged at this time. However, it lamented that the authorities had turned “a blind eye” to its suggestions, adding that similar suggestions came from other quarters as well.
FITUG remarked that it was disturbing to recognise that the authorities “rather than finding worthwhile solutions to assist our people and thus keeping them out of harm’s way”, have devoted, seemingly, all their energies the construction of a national sanatorium. The Federation however, was quick to point out that while its intention is not to denounce the idea, in its opinion, the readiness of that project appears to be a distant prospect. Further, it believes that several immediate and impactful measures could be been considered and implemented and, therefore, minimising the spread of the dreaded virus.
It is the Federation’s considered view that the current “worrying state” has to be placed squarely and fully at the doorstep of the National COVID-19 Task Force, which it charged is seemingly devoid of experts but stocked with politicians. FITUG contends that had its response been more aggressive in the initial days, and had it taken the appropriate steps to assist its people many days ago, the Task Force could have well avoided the present situation. The Federation opined that at the end of the day, the Task Force did not go far enough to assist people in these difficult times and “we now must live with the fruits of those actions.” The Federation added that it “sincerely” believes that the situation could have been more serious weren’t there the efforts of the political opposition, several private enterprises and non-governmental organisations, among others.
The Federation stated that “at this very late stage,” it nevertheless is calling on the administration to implement workable and timely interventions to alleviate the burdens the people are facing. The union body drew attention to the fact that the talk of a lockdown has gained traction at the same time as the national recount is being pursued and several revelations are coming to light and believes that that this process, given its importance and recognising that the many precautions that have been embraced, should be allowed to proceed unhindered to finality. It is in the interest of all Guyanese, it added, that the process continue, and be hastened where possible, given the “precarious situation” the nation and its people have found itself.
FITUG expressed its belief that the COVID-19 virus can be surmounted but cautioned that success would require everyone to work together and to adhere to all the precautions.
