All over again

debate among some younger PNCR leaders. In 2003, then president Jagdeo informed the PPP that he was under increasing pressure from the international community to reach out to the PNCR and offer some prospect of shared governance. This gave rise to the PPP’s declaration in 2003 entitled “Building Trust and Confidence,” which promised inclusivity after building trust during the legislative process of reforming the constitution. Nothing happened. Even Jagdeo’s modest effort to engage with the PNCR while Robert Corbin was leader met with stiff resistance in the PPP and eventually failed.

The PNC had the opportunity up to 1991, before the PPP was elected to office, to agree to a form of shared governance as proposed by the PPP. It dropped the ball and spent 23 years in opposition. The PPP had the opportunity to solve Guyana’s ethno-political dilemma in 2011 by inviting the PNCR to join the government. A new dispensation would have emerged and Donald Ramotar would now have been in the final year of his two-term presidency. But by then the PPP had lost its strategic thinker, Cheddi Jagan, together with its raison d’etre and its self-appointed mission to unite the people of Guyana. Cheddi Jagan bequeathed these to his heirs,

This column is reproduced, with permission from Ralph Ramkarran’s blog, www.conversationtree.gy

pharmacies, as well as manufacturers of these essential supplies and medication, to contribute towards efforts to help the people of the country to remain healthy.

The short-term gain of inflating these prices is also short-term thinking. If persons must use their savings or extra monies to purchase these items, it means that they would have less money to pay bills, purchase food items to ensure a healthy immune system for themselves and their family members, etc.

If persons cannot afford to purchase these essential hygiene, sanitation and medical supplies, it means that enough people would not be able to take the necessary precautionary measures; the result of which could be a possible increase in the number of persons becoming infected with the coronavirus. This would negatively impact the workforce, the insurance industry, the financial industry, and the education sector, among others.

It is important to note that the children and family members of persons who own these supermarkets, pharmacies and general stores, are sharing the same environment, breathing the same air, as every other citizen. They send their children to the same schools, their families go to the same restaurants, malls, etc. and will therefore be exposed.

From an economic standpoint, as the demand for these supplies increase, one approach could be to inflate prices; however, the coronavirus has become a serious health pandemic. Therefore another response ought to be that manufacturers increase production of anti-bacterial products and essential medical supplies such as Vitamin C products. This will translate into higher profits also but by applying a more humane response. Prevention must be of paramount importance.

The response from supermarkets and pharmacies in some developed countries is to increase not merely the availability but accessibility of items such as hand sanitizers and face masks. These items are placed in the area next to the cashiers. Ten face masks are sold in a packet for $2.99 and a hand sanitizer costs $1.99.

One of the reasons why developed countries manage health challenges better is not merely because they have better health care facilities, but also necessary supplies are available and accessible to the people who need them the most; whereas in developing countries, the poorest of the poor are often the ones who suffer the most because in situations such as these, they are exploited. Developed countries also have better systems for price control.

According to some medical doctors, the price for a 19 oz. can of Lysol increasing from G$1,200 to G$6,000 in a day, as reported in one of the newspapers, is downright ‘criminal’ behaviour.

Finally, I would call on all supermarkets, pharmacies and other stores, where prices for these products have been increased, to do the moral and humane thing, and reduce these inflated prices by Friday 20 March, 2020.

Yours faithfully, Audreyanna Thomas