Dear Editor,
Sadly, there is a surge in COVID-19 cases all across Guyana. And, this may be explained by the ineffective COVID-19 response from the PPP/C Government. Firstly, the PPP/C mask drive is obviously ineffective. The mask drive needs to be comprehensive, consistent and reliable to be effective. The mask drive should meet the needs of the entire population. Mem-bers of the PPP/C have been spotted handing out a single mask to only some individuals. How long will one mask last? Masks should be changed frequently per day.
Secondly, Guyana does not even own the gene sequencing technology which is necessary in identifying the SARS-CoV-2 variants. In a situation like this, I do not see how the PPP/C Government can effectively handle the COVID-19 problem. The PPP/C must use our oil money to secure what is needed in alleviating the pains of the people in this pandemic. Guyanese are hurting beyond comprehension.
Thirdly, the Guyanese people never expect the PPP/C Government to bully foreign countries for the COVID-19 vaccines. We are in a civilized world where bullying is never tolerated. We are logical, reasonable and responsible people. We are only asking our government to secure enough COVID-19 vaccines for our entire population in the shortest possible time in order to save lives. What is wrong with asking for this? This is necessary. Every Guyanese needs to be vaccinated in the shortest possible time. We fully understand that there is a global demand for this vaccine. We also understand that the United States may see a surplus in vaccines in about a month. To this end, I do not understand why we cannot purchase vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna when feasible. What is wrong with asking for this?
Fourthly, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines may offer protection against the variants because they are mRNA-based vaccines. However, the Sinopharm vaccine that is in distribution in Guyana may not offer protection against the variants because this vaccine is based on the technology of the inactivated virus. It would make sense to vaccinate with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and we must do our best to get our hands on them. As far as I recall, the Sinopharm vaccine was not even backed by the World Health Organization (WHO) at the time it was in distribution in Guyana. We deserve a better COVID response from the PPP/C.
Sincerely,
Annie Baliram
