Royston Drakes Production

While the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guyana remains at 5, the Ministry of Public Health has put in place a number of precautionary measures that needs to be taken in order  to reduce the spread of the global pandemic, however, many persons are not adhering to the guidelines set out by the health officials as means of preventing an outbreak of the viral disease 

In an interview with the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Karen Boyle, she noted that they are anticipating a total lockdown if persons continues to be ignorant and disregard the advice given by health officials.

She said as a bigger step to prevent a massive outbreak of the virus, a lockdown may follow if persons continues to disobey the guidelines and be negligent to stop all social gatherings. 

With such a move by the health authorities, if a lockdown is to be the next preventive measure, all businesses and public offices and buildings will be required to close on a temporary basis which will result in chaos as both the business and working community will be at a standstill.

Boyle, said that persons should practice social distancing and desist from greeting others and avoid large crowded areas as they are working to contain the spread of the virus. 

Even though Guyana has not recorded any new case of the virus, the Ministry of Public Health continues to advice persons on how to help prevent themselves from contracting the disease. 

Below is the full statement from the Guyana Police Force:

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) notes with concern, an article widely circulated in the media, under the pen of a former Commissioner of Police, aimed at the administration of the organization.

It is the view of the GPF hierarchy that the article seems to imply that the Guyana Police Force was engaged in the practice of unprofessional and partisan acts.

It is apparent that the primary aim of the article is to negatively influence a particular section of the society towards the GPF in general and more specifically to sully the image of its senior administration and perhaps to sow discord (within the Force and society).

The Administration of the Force has utmost respect for Freedom of Expression as enshrined in the Constitution of Guyana. However, any misrepresentation of fact(s) needs to be strenuously addressed and in this regard necessitates perspicuity.

The author mentioned inter alia, that during his tenure in the Force he stayed away from political activism and expressions of sentiments. This is also the position of the current Administration of the Force which in recent times has been strongly emphasized, advocated and practiced.

It should be further noted that the GPF is apolitical and not officious. In that regard ranks were reminded to keep their personal political preferences to themselves, off and away from all police locations, and absent in the execution of their duties.

To this end it is quite apposite to note that the Commissioner of Police and Officers of his Senior Administration met with the following persons on different occasions:

i) The PPP/C team comprising of Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, Presidential Candidate, Mr. Irfaan Ali and Prime Ministerial Candidate, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips.
ii) The United States Ambassador and the High Commissioners of the United Kingdom and Canada along with Head of Security of the European Union
iii) Mr. Andy Jones, Mr. Jason Carter et al of the Carter Centre
iv) Representatives of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) including representatives of the American Business Community
v) The Chairman and representatives of the Private Sector Commission.

The parties mentioned above can attest that during these engagements the GPF made it clear that during the Election period the posture of the police would be one of professionalism inclusive of dialogue, and acute restraint which has since been manifested in its engagements, phenomena that has been viewed worldwide.

The pontification by the author regarding consequences that are likely to manifest into hardship and suffering which was expressed with an aura of certainty and conviction regarding a particular outcome, is of grave national concern and has been noted by the GPF. There were also other insinuations, albeit veiled, which were also noted.

As regards to what was deemed to be unprofessional performance by police ranks at the Region 4 RO’s Office and the Arthur Chung Convention Centre [sic]; this is clearly unfounded as the police operated within the confines of the Law provided for by Section 3(2) of the Police Act Cap. 16:01.

Further, the Constitution of Guyana by virtue of article 197A (4) itself refers to what the police can do to ensure safety in ‘all places’ and notwithstanding the fact that GECOM has its own security, the police force has a duty to maintain law and order, to ensure the safety of all, anywhere and everywhere in Guyana.

The article also stated that society took note of the selective deployment of Officers and ranks in the Force. This seems to question the judgment and directions of the Commissioner. The stark reality is that, deployment of Officers has always been the Commissioner’s call as having overall superintendence of the Force. This is a phenomenon that can be examined historically and one which has been a part of the modus operandi of successive post-independence Commissioners, without exception.

In the case of the two scenarios highlighted and compared by the author i.e. Free Regime and Tyranical Regime, it must be emphasised that Guyana is a democratic State. The GPF which is an institution of the State ,is a professional organisation, and in the conduct of its mandates that professionalism is exercised daily which is in keeping with any government that is deemed to be democratic.

The reference made to the two specific activities viz, GECOM Office (Hadfield and High Streets) and the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, respectively, seems to suggest that the police actions in their engagement were unprofessional and counter to their Constitutional mandate, a proposition that is unfounded in fact. While the article seems to focus on the two locations, it completely or rather deliberately abnegates the efforts of the police in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and competence.

It should also be noted that the post-election activities where the police exercised a high degree of restraint were not given any recognition by the former Commissioner of Police. Such partisan commentary speaks volumes.

There were incidents which saw ranks being subjected to verbal abuse by some persons of civil society. Ranks were also attacked by protestors armed with Firearms, Cutlasses, Wood, Iron and other Crude Weapons which resulted in several police ranks being seriously injured, and hospitalised, while others were so traumatised that professional counselling had to be sought. Also school children were injured and hospitalized, public buses and private motor vehicles were damaged and public roadways were blocked with tyres, lamp poles and other materials which were set on fire.

These protest activities degenerated into public disorder resulting in significant damage and destruction to State and private property and in many instances infringed on the rights of citizens, while putting the protection of life and the safeguarding of property at risk. Throughout these episodes ranks of the GPF continued to exercise much restraint.

These incidents which were widely aired on both social and print media have failed to attract even a scintilla of advice or any comment, whether complimentary or otherwise, from the former Commissioner. This is premised on the fact that the sitting Commissioner of Police is usually available to and in contact with all former Commissioners.

Notwithstanding the distracting views of the author, the Administration of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) remains resolutely committed to its motto of ‘Service and Protection’ for all in the maintenance of public safety and security without fear or favour.

As the Ministry of Public Health, continues to put measures in place to prevent the spread of the global pandemic COVID-19, the Ministry of Education, on Monday announced that all public schools will be closed for an additional week. 

Two weeks ago, the Ministry of Education announced that schools will be closed from March 16th for two weeks, however due to the current situation of the outbreak worldwide the ministry added another week for the closure of all schools. 

This additional week will lead up into the Easter holidays, nevertheless the new school term which was scheduled to begin on April 20th remains unchanged. 

Anyone with concerns can contact the ministry on 226-1175or the Public Health hotline on 227-4986 between 08:00hrs and 16:00hrs or 624-3067 between 1630-20:00hrs.

The MOPH wishes to advise persons to take the necessary precautions and measures to help prevent further spread of the virus. 

Guyana records no new case of the virus as the number of confirmed cases remains at 5 and includes one death thus far. 

Oversees-based Guyanese who wish to return home in light of the COVID-19 outbreak are urged to contact their respective embassies or consulates. This was announced by Minister of Public Infrastructure Hon. David Patterson.

“They will take your information and they will notify you if and when there is the possibility of flights returning to Guyana,” Minister Patterson related during an interview on the National Communications Network.

According to the Minister, considerations will be made by the Guyana Government to grant access to flights, depending on the number of persons who make contact with embassies abroad.

“We don’t have any scheduled flights as yet but as the time goes on and as we get a full update of how many persons and where and how many need the assistance, we will make that decision,” Minister Patterson confirmed.

As of midnight March 18, 2020, both of the country’s major airports – the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and the Eugene F. Correia International Airport- were closed to international flights while domestic flights continue.

The Government has so far granted access for American Airlines and newcomer- Eastern Airlines, to land at CJIA for Americans seeking to return to the US.

Chief Executive Officer of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir, on Friday disclosed on NCN’s COVID-19 National Update programme that the airport has put additional measures in place to protect outgoing passengers.

These measures include a stoppage to parallel lines and instead, have passengers stand feet apart to promote social distancing. Additionally, airport protocol now dictates that if a pat-down is needed, it is to be done behind the passenger rather than having face-to-face contact. hand sanitizers are also placed at strategic locations throughout the airport.

To date, Caribbean Airlines will only operate flights leaving Guyana for New York between March 20 through March 31. The airline has also received permission to assist Cubans in returning to their home country.

 

Below is a statement from the statement from the Carter Center Mission:

After careful consideration, The Carter Center has withdrawn its electoral experts and international observers from Guyana. The Center remains committed to promoting democracy and constitutional reform in Guyana and is willing to return when the electoral process resumes, assuming international travel is feasible.

The Carter Center made the difficult decision to have the team leave Guyana earlier today after weighing a combination of factors, including the absence of an ongoing electoral process, increasing restrictions on international travel because of COVID-19, and the decline in the security environment in Guyana. 

In light of the current injunction and subsequent legal process, there is not currently electoral activity for The Carter Center to observe. The security environment in Georgetown has declined in the wake of the impasse created by the non-transparent tabulation process in Region 4. International observers have been harassed, and protestors supportive of the APNU+AFC coalition have at times blocked international observers from doing their work. Specific threats have also been made against the international community that are unacceptable and further undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

The Center hopes that conditions will be in place for CARICOM to return to Guyana to supervise a national recount. The Carter Center noted the Guyana Election Commission’s (GECOM’s) willingness to support the recount under CARICOM’s supervision and appreciated the measures taken to make that happen.  Both the president and the leader of the opposition agreed to the recount process, and GECOM was satisfied with its legality. The Center hopes that that any remaining legal issues hindering the recount can be addressed quickly to avoid further delaying a satisfactory resolution to the electoral process.

Guyana’s electoral process began well. The Carter Center noted that the polling it observed on March 2 was well-administered and reflected international standards for democratic elections. The process was sound and capable of delivering results that credibly reflect the will of the people. Tabulation was well-conducted in nine of 10 regions. In Region 4 – by far the largest region – the credibility of the tabulation process deteriorated when, after some delay, results were announced before the region’s full results were transparently tabulated in the presence of party scrutineers and observers. As a result, The Carter Center and other international election observation groups denounced these results as not credible.

The environment at the GECOM office where the tabulation was being conducted for Region 4 was at times chaotic because of the large number of persons present and the efforts by PPP/C representatives and others to disrupt the declaration of results. Unfortunately, when that process was resumed following litigation and a court order, it still did not comply with expectations set by Guyana’s chief justice and failed to meet international standards. As such, the tabulation process in Region 4 continued to lack credibility.

The Center hopes that the electoral process can still be concluded with credible results and that the will of the Guyanese people – as expressed at the polls on March 2 – will be carried out.

Beyond the election, The Carter Center continues to believe that Guyana’s winner-takes-all system is in need of reform and encourages all parties to commit to national reconciliation and to completing key constitutional reforms in the near future.

The Carter Center has conducted its nonpartisan international election observation work at the invitation of the government of Guyana and in accordance with the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observers. The Carter Center is thankful to the government for extending an invitation to international election observation organizations and would like to thank GECOM Chairperson Claudette Singh for her welcome and openness. She has, thus far, shown great personal commitment to achieving a credible election process.

The Carter Center remains committed to its mandate to observe the entirety of the electoral process and remains on standby to return to Guyana.  

The Carter Center in Guyana. The Carter Center first became involved in Guyana in the early 1990s at the invitation of President Desmond Hoyte and since then has been dedicated to the advancement of democracy in the country. These elections are the fifth that The Carter Center has observed in Guyana since 1992, reflecting an ongoing commitment to the consolidation of democracy and a desire for Guyanese to live together in peace, security, and prosperity.

 

The Guyana Telephone & Telegram company (GTT) announced that all COVID-19 hotline numbers are toll-free.

This decision came following a thorough discussion between the company and officials from the Ministry of Public Health amid the newest strain of the coronavirus pandemic.

For easier access to information and as another precautionary step to prevent the spread of the virus, the company has now made it possible for persons to call its hotline numbers to report any possible or suspected case of the viral disease at a free cost.

All GTT, landline, Blaze and mobile numbers can make contact with the MOPH on telephone numbers, 624-2819, 624-6674, 624-3067 and 624-9355.

GTT is calling on all citizens to reduce their fears and take the necessary precautionary measures set out by the MOPH to avoid contracting or spreading the virus.

Guyana recorded its first case about a week ago, after a 52-year-old woman who had recently traveled abroad entered the country and fell ill a few days after arrival. She was tested positive for the virus, followed by several other family members who also tested positive during the week leaving the total number of confirmed cases at 5, inclusive of one death.

Days after the death of a Rosignol businessman police have issued a wanted bulletin for 32 year old, Medellin Orlanda Evans of Lot 61 Railway Line Rosignal, W.B.B and 28 year old, Carlos Evans of Lot 12 Section C’ D’ Edward Village W.B.B who are wanted for questioning in relation to the murder of Tony Bisnauth.

Police are asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the above named suspects, is asked to contact the nearest Police station.

The 78- year-old businessman was shot and killed outside his snackette Friday night while celebrating his birthday with his wife and a few friends. 

This newscast understands that around 23:00hrs Friday night, 3 masked men armed with handguns and a chopper pounced on them and demanded cash and other valuables.

Bisnauth, however refused to hand over any cash or valuables and as a result a scuffle ensued between him and the men after which he was shot by one of the armed men. 

He was taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. 

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence has confirmed that another person has tested positive for COVID-19 in Guyana. This brings the total number of cases tested positive to five.

The most recent person to have tested positive for the virus is a family member of the 52-year-old woman who died from the virus last week.

Minister Lawrence in a message, noted that the ministry through the activated Health Emergency Operations Centre continues to locate and quarantine other persons who came into close contact with the woman and her immediate relatives.

She also emphasized that the COVID-19 situation in Guyana presently remains under control however this does not mean that preventative measures and other mechanisms must be forsaken.

She also noted that these and other efforts have since been doubled.

Some of the measures include the closure of schools for sanitization exercises, closure of airports to international flights, shift system at workplaces for public servants and temporary cessation of large gatherings among others for two weeks.