Expanded measures needed to protect against rampant COVID

It becomes more apparent daily that PPP leaders are all about bluster, which makes buffoons of them. In selling themselves to many, they limited severely their ability to represent effectively and govern wisely for the interests of this country’s peoples.

One need not be a medical professional, or an in-the-know member of the COVID-19 Task Force to comprehend that things have seriously deteriorated in Guyana with regards to the presence of the virus. The government has hamstrung itself to the priorities of a self-enriching private sector that dictates its decisionmaking re a sweeping and potent response to the virus. I agree that vaccination is in full swing, and efficiently handled. But with relentlessly rising numbers of confirmed cases daily (and deaths), I cannot understand what the leaders in the PPP government are waiting for, to issue the orders reflective of sensible protective actions. The first step would be extending the curfew hours, which is being delayed and dodged because PPP leaders owe so much to the private sector for its unwavering support during the last elections, and before; hence, a curfew extension would be hostile to the interests of that sector. Second, it is time that daytime hours are pared back for non-essential businesses, which is sure to bring angry roars from the powerful private sector agency, since its members would be impacted negatively. It should be noted that I am not in favour of a total lockdown just yet, which some favour. Indeed, drastic times call for drastic measures; but I say hold off for now on that nuclear option, despite its possible benefits. But the PPP leadership paralysis is confirmation of how much of its governance control it bargained away.

Sincerely, GHK Lall