The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) remains most concerned about the lacking response by the authorities to address frontally the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. At this time, 68 Guyanese have been afflicted since the first case arrived just five (5) weeks ago. It is a frightening, but yet vivid, reminder as to the rapid and rampant spread of the virus. It is against that background, that we remain concerned that the authorities are, seemingly, not seriously addressing the situation.
We saw recently the absurd decision to suspend the distribution of hampers while a successor arrangement has yet to be fully considered by some committee. There has been talk about vouchers being a substitute. However, we hasten to wonder whether this doesn’t defeat the call to stay in our homes during this period. Won’t the distribution of vouchers cause recipients to congregate at redemption centers? Or, what about price gouging and its effects on the value of voucher? Have those and other important considerations been taken into account? Meanwhile in the absence of any successor initiative, the depressing situation, undoubtedly, will force many men and women, who stare bare cupboards, to venture out in order to find a means to feed their families. What happens then? Have the authorities considered this before they took their decisions?
Mr Moses Nagamootoo in his April 19, 2020 column appearing in the Guyana Chronicle said his National Taskforce on COVID-19, among other things, remains preoccupied with considering “…recommendations for fiscal or social impact measures…”. Similar sentiments were heard from Mr Nagamootoo over two (2) weeks ago. In fact he had disclosed then that his Committee had before it recommendations aggregating over 20,000 words. The FITUG must ask, in the intervening period, not even one recommendation to bring relief to our people could have been approved or implemented? Is the Government really serious or just blowing hot air as it is known for? In fact, it appears, many measures to address the plight of the ordinary people remain entrapped in bureaucracy of this or that committee. All we heard on this front is the creation of a database. Has consideration been given to access to the database? Or, what criterion will be used to determine the beneficiaries? In a most fluid situation, it seems the authorities have been swept away with the tide.
It appears that the only recommendation which received positive consideration is the approval of some $1B to renovate and retrofit the former Ocean View Hotel into a COVID-19 treatment facility. While, we believe, that such a facility may be necessary, wouldn’t it also have been prudent for the identified sum be utilized to upgrade a public facility. Certainly the large expenditure on a private property where no arrangements regarding leasing and/or purchase have been finalized seems foolhardy at the least.
Also, we must ask wouldn’t have a similar sum to provide relief to the vulnerable been a worthwhile initiative. Certainly, it would have assisted in keeping persons off the street and thus staunching the spread of the virus. The Federation considers it wise to embrace policies which would promote social distancing and to keep people at home. The lack of a holistic approach from the now illegitimate Government is yet another indicator that they are either clueless or ill-prepared to address the public health crisis that grips our nation.
The FITUG was also taken aback when it saw Mr Nagamootoo seemingly criticizing those engaged in the production and distribution of face masks. Remarkably, he makes such statements after his taskforce ordered that Guyanese wear such masks when out in public. For us, it is simply befuddling that MrNagamootoo would choose to criticize rather than laud those who are engaged in such an effort. On this score, MrNagamootoo may want to tell the nation about the 30,000 masks he said were being provided.
When considered in totality, it seems clear to us at least, that the authorities are not really up to scratch in addressing meaningfully pandemic. It seems to us, like many, the COVID-19 situation is being exploited to pursue narrow political ends and illegitimate preservation in office. This, if true, is a most saddening development and, it appears, the authorities really do not care about the ordinary people who stand to lose greatly.
We contend, at this time, the situation has already exceeded worrying proportions and yet proactive leadership and decisive decision-making remains an absent feature. Indeed, the situation will prevail for some time, though, we believe, with correct leadership we could see ourselves exiting the situation earlier. The FITUG urges all Guyanese to practice social distancing, regularly wash their hands, use a mask when out in public and to heed the other warnings of the experts.
