Guyana’s Covid laws and medical advisory are lacking synchronicity

Dear Editor,

Less than one month ago, an August 11, 2021 media-circulated memo to Minister Dr. Frank Anthony from the Chief Medical Officer (ag.), Dr. Narine Singh, represented that, “It is recommended that persons who tested positive for COVID-19 can receive their vaccines after 90 days (from the date that he/she was tested positive).” This notwithstanding, both airline and immigration officials have been demanding and continue to demand of all incoming passengers - along with evidence of a recent negative PCR test result - evidence of being vaccinated. As a direct consequence of the postures of the two, and against my wishes, I cancelled with financial penalty - my recent travel booking with Caribbean Airlines.

I note too, that the CMO’s referenced recommendation syncs with how I interpreted the pieces of advice from at least three (3) physicians I consulted - one (1) in his office here in Guyana, and one (1) each via phone, from the Caribbean and from North America - during the period I was infected with the COVID-19 virus. In almost photocopy like fashion, each discounted the wisdom of being administered the COVID-19 vaccine, “too quickly after recovery”. Obviously, I’ve opted to follow the advice of physicians who are undoubtedly guided by their conventional medical training.

Like many of my fellow Guyanese, I continue to pledge to be obedient to the laws of Guyana - the land of my nativity, but I’m challenged when the law conflicts with incontrovertible medical advice. It appears that solid medical advice can be illegal, or at least be outlawed even if temporarily. In August:

• I was turned away from the Eugene F. Correia Airport when I attempted to uplift a package sent to me from overseas,

• I was turned away from Camp Street’s Immigration Office when I attempted to do some business there, and

• My charge, in her mid-teens, was denied entry to Guyana Revenue Authority.

The outdoor facilities that worked so well during the early COVID-19 experience have in the main vanished.

On another matter, my teen aged daughter was advised by a rank at Eve Leary Traffic Headquarters that the “packages” required for study to prepare for assessment as a learner driver will not be available until

January 2022 earliest - that’s four (4) months hence. At GECOM, she was advised that no registration is currently being conducted by the facility. The value/importance of a driver’s licence and a national identification card cannot be ignored. Both are foundational to the equipping of our youth for their personal and our National development and security.

What’s the position of a fully vaccinated youth who would have been able to find a job as a driver, but can’t? What’s the position of a fully vaccinated working youth who has no bank account and cannot save toward future commitments, or who cannot apply for a low income house lot - because of “lack of ID”? Are we creating work for the Criminal Investigation Department and for our security services? This can’t be the plan! Or is it?