Urgent need to address the plight of the vulnerable in COVID-19 crisis – FITUG

Over the last few days, the FITUG has recognised the significant jump in the number of COVID-19 victims in our country. The Federation, at this time, wishes those affected a speedy recovery as we have high expectations that they would benefit from appropriate and timely treatment. We, at the same time, must express our deep worry and concern regarding the prevailing situation. We have learnt from several sources that the authorities, in seeking to slow the virus, are actively considering a full lockdown of the country.

On the surface it may appear to be a prudent idea but we hasten to point out that such a policy also is fraught with severe challenges as well. A lockdown, we contend, for the poor can be most harmful. Already, the crisis has seen many workers being rendered jobless while for other Guyanese their incomes have been significantly curtailed. 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.

Certainly, we believe, a lockdown, if it is really being considered, cannot occur in abstract and divorced from present-day realities. Essentially we must seek to protect the unemployed, the vulnerable, the poor, the elderly and others in need. The Federation, very early in the crisis, had spelt out several worthwhile initiatives aimed at easing the woes of the Guyanese people who are significantly challenged at this time. Sadly, and disappointingly as well, those responsible have turned a blind eye to our suggestions. Similar suggestions, we should add, came from other quarters as well. It is disturbing to recognize 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. While we do not seek to denounce the idea, the readiness of that project appears to be a distant prospect. We believe, several immediate and impactful measures could be been considered and implemented and, therefore, minimizing the spread of the dreaded virus.

It is our considered view, that our current worrying state has to be placed squarely and fully at the doorstep of the National COVID-19 taskforce. That body, from media reports, is seemingly devoid of experts but stocked with politicians. The taskforce, we believe, may have their own limitations and seek to place political considerations above pragmatic solutions. This absence of appropriate expertise, we believe, has contributed to the bungled response we have seen and now have to live with. We contend that had our response been more aggressive in the initial days and had we took appropriate steps to assist our people many days ago, we could have well avoided the present situation. At the end of the day, the taskforce, in our view, did not go far enough to assist our people in these difficult times and we now must live with the fruits of those actions. We sincerely believe 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 FITUG, nevertheless, at this very late stage calls on the Administration to implement workable and timely interventions to alleviate the burdens our people are facing. At this time, we urge, as we did before:-

1. Distribution of hampers comprising food, cleaning, medicines and vitamins, masks and other essential items to every vulnerable household;
2. The waiver of all taxes and duties on all food and other essential items for the remainder of the year;
3. An increase of the income tax threshold to $200,000 per month and the waiver of value added taxes on electricity, water, telephone and internet services for the remainder of the year;
4. For vulnerable households, the payment of all utility bills for the remainder of the year;
5. Assist vulnerable Guyanese in their obligations to financial institutions and hire purchase creditors;
6. Provision of stimulus grants to all Guyanese to assist them in defraying the cost-of-living hike;
7. The approval of certain additional payments to all front line workers, especially those in the medical sector, who are providing dedicated service in this time of crisis;
8. The provision of transportation to all frontline workers and appropriate PPE to protect themselves from becoming victims, and
9. The repatriation of all Guyanese stranded abroad and who are desirous of returning home. Their return is contingent on them being tested prior to their arrival in Guyana and that they are isolated in their homes upon return. Such repatriation should be done in tranches as not to overwhelm our health system. 

Of course, it could not escape our attention, 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. We believe that this process, given its importance and recognizing that many precautions embraced, should be allowed to proceed unhindered to finality. Indeed, it is in the interest of all Guyanese that the process continue, and hastened where possible, given the precarious situation the nation and its people have found itself.

We, at this time, believe that we can surmount the COVID-19 crisis but it requires us to work together and to adhere to all the precautions. Our adherence, we recognize, for many is easier said than done but could be realizable with the assistance of the State. Indeed, the Administration has let us all down. We nevertheless urge everyone to exercise caution and seek to stay safe.