Dear Editor,
The horrifying and alarming statistics of the increasing mortality rate is evident and available to all. First world countries with the best medical facilities available and ICUs capable of accommodating and treating a large number of critical Covid patients are in their third and fourth phase lockdowns. They have accepted the reality of what is confronting them.
The month of March has heaped grief, sadness and a new wave of accelerating infections, devastation and mortality upon the Guyanese population in every region of this country.
I do not voice an opinion. The developed countries with unlimited resources, state-of-the- art hospitals and ICUs have recognized that the only way to curtail the spread is to impose strict measures and a limited lockdown. This extends to our sister Caricom territory, Barbados, where the leader has demonstrated commendable foresight among her peers.
No doubt those vested with the authority are cognizant of the devastation that is confronting us, the limited hospital facilities and personnel available and the raging spread of the pandemic which has now demonstrated that even the young without underlying conditions are vulnerable.
My query to those in authority is what are you waiting for to take bold and decisive action consistent with leadership in the time of a crisis. The people of Guyana are paying the penalty for such heedless indifference. Repeating empty statements is insufficient and meaningless. Tough times require good leadership and if the Minister of Health is unable to make the decisions to guide the response to halt the spread and reduce the mortality rate then he ought to step aside forthwith.
The “curfew”, the opening of bars, restaurants, places of worship, resorts, creeks, casinos, the wining, dining and partying with statements requesting the population to be responsible reflects a break from reality. Such decisions cannot be left in the hands of the populace when the consequences of the reckless acts of some have the potential to be dire for all. The COVID guidelines ought to be immediately reviewed and decisions taken and steps implemented to remove these avenues.
The current measures are ineffective since the latitude afforded to casinos, restaurants, places of entertainment are being abused. The owners and management have shown themselves unwilling to comply with the guidelines and to police themselves. The efforts of the Covid Task Force to urge nightclubs to comply with the guidelines was shockingly met with criticism emanating from the Private Sector Commission. The Press has reported mass arrests by the Joint Services at premises managed by repeat offenders such as Club Altitude, Sleepin Casino and the Kairos Bar to name a few.
It is selfish and irresponsible to expose the members of the Joint Services to the risk of contracting this deadly virus by having them rein in recalcitrant nightclub owners and patrons. We have to remember they also return home to their families.
All of these bars and restaurants should be closed forthwith. An effective curfew has to be imposed at an early hour rather than the 10:30 pm “curfew” which allows for gathering, imbibing and spreading of the virus, to appease owners of bars and restaurants who have in fact displayed a total lack of responsibility.
There has to be swift, bold and decisive action taken. Let us emulate Mia Mottley as a source of inspiration.
Yours faithfully,
Stephanie Isaacs
