Dear Editor,
It is unfortunate that such views are held by Ms. Baliram, regarding the efforts of the PPP/C Government in dealing with Covid-19. The PPP/C government has continuously placed emphasis on the pandemic and the well-being of all Guyanese from the moment they entered into office. Strategies were formulated and rolled out across Guyana, ranging from the provision of personal protective gear to the distribution of masks, the COVID-19 cash grant, and more recently, vaccination of citizens. I recall the many images of various PPP officials distributing masks across the length and breadth of the country, during the five-month period when the APNU+AFC was busy trying to remain in office through fraud. Therefore, I cannot comprehend how Ms. Baliram arrived at the conclusion that the Government is “playing politics with our lives”.
Baliram’s contention that the “Government can easily access one million COVID-19 vaccines to cover the entire Guyanese population in a short space of time” is an indication of just how out of touch she is on this issue. It must be noted that in terms of securing vaccines for a more extensive vaccination program across the country, there are several complexities to be dealt with as many countries around the world, even the developed ones, are facing similar challenges as Guyana with regard to securing larger quantities of the vaccines from manufacturers. The pandemic is a global one and the shortages in vaccines around the world are due to the demand that is growing every day as the bigger, more advanced nations – many of whom paid millions in advance – hog the majority of the vaccines being produced. How does a small developing nation such as ours bully the US, UK, China, India, and others in order to get to the front of the line? In terms of current efforts, if one were to examine the percentage of the population of Guyana that is vaccinated against that of many countries in the developed world, taking into consideration supply and resources, Guyana is faring very well. However, there is no denying that there is a long way to go.
It is clear that the Government of Guyana is putting measures in place to ensure that citizens are taken care of as far as possible. The COVID-19 cash grant which Ms. Baliram notes as being insufficient for Guyanese during the pandemic is just a reflection of her personal views on the government. In fact, the cash grant has assisted Guyanese greatly and this is a fact as against the mere opinions shared by Baliram in her letter. Lastly, it cannot be overlooked that the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting countries despite their size and resources. As we await the arrival of more vaccines, it is paramount that we prioritize our health and well-being as COVID-19 is a global health crisis that has to be tackled collectively. At the same time, it is equally paramount that we reject the attempts made by persons like Baliram – who appears to have a grouse with Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP – which are geared solely towards discrediting the government’s handling of the pandemic.
Sincerely,
Erin Northe