The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) is deeply concerned by the rising number of COVID-19 cases and fatalities in our country over the last few days. Statistics emanating from the Ministry of Health has informed that as many as fourteen (14) persons have lost their battle to the dreaded virus since the start of the month while several scores of Guyanese have become infected during the period. At this time, the Federation extends it deepest sympathies to the relatives and friends of those who lost their lives and wishes those who have become infected a speedy and healthy recovery.
In recent days, we have come to learn that a possibly new variant of the dreaded virus has entered Guyana. The Health Ministry has warned that this new strain is more contagious and seems to affect younger persons. Against this background, the FITUG urges all Guyanese to act responsibility and adhere to the COVID-19 protocols as we seek to minimize the rapid spread of the virus. We have seen in the media and elsewhere, over the weekend, the strong presence of the disciplinary forces to avert the large public gatherings customary with Easter. The actions which seem to have been effective, we hold, should have not been necessary. We believe, as responsible people, it is incumbent upon us all to take sober actions to staunch transmission of COVID-19. We are hopeful that in the coming days and weeks, that we can see greater responsibility by Guyanese to bring the pandemic under control.
We recognize too the congregation of persons at bars, shops and other business places. While we recognize that businesses have been severely affected by the pandemic, we urge business owners to also demonstrate some sense of urgency and seek to promote practices that allow businesses to function while mitigating against the spread of virus. It is in the long-term interest of our nation. The FITUG is conscious too that large gatherings are not limited to businesses but extend to social and other gatherings. These they are equally irresponsible and those who encourage such congregation should be appropriately sanctioned.
The FITUG notes the active efforts of the Government to bring the pandemic under control. Already thousands of vaccines have been secured and we are aware of efforts by the Administration to obtain more vaccines. We note too that many Guyanese have been vaccinated. This is welcome news and demonstrates a responsible attitude. We have heard too apprehensions of some who are refusing to being vaccinated. Such talk is not helpful to defeating the pandemic and allowing life to return to normal. The vaccines utilized in Guyana have been utilized in many countries with good effect. Moreover, our health professionals have testified to the safety of the vaccines. We, therefore, encourage all eligible Guyanese to be vaccinated at this time. The Federation also encourages employers to allow their employees time off to be inoculated while providing adequate protection at the workplace.
The Federation strongly holds that our collective, responsible actions can go a long way to bringing the pandemic under control. We, therefore, must adhere to the advice of health professionals, observe protocols, and obtain vaccines. We remind it is our actions that will ultimately staunch the pandemic and the ambivalence of some is not helpful at this time.
