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Dangerous Guyanese leadership

May 07, 2021 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

I think that the government has done poorly with the COVID-19 pandemic, given current local circumstances. Some positives have been recorded in vaccine distribution schemes and Health Minister, Dr. Frank Anthony, is applauded. Now I differ seriously – with the Hon. Minister, which I register unambiguously.
Our numbers increase relentlessly. Months ago, 60 or 70 new confirmed cases were considered high. Recently, the numbers have increased significantly and almost daily: 60 and 70 new cases touch the low side. It is more like 120 or 130, with the alarming happening at over 200 new confirmed positives on occasion. Additionally, the deaths from the virus has been in the low single digits, in a daily creeping dirge of fallen.
I would have thought that our health authorities led by Health Minister Anthony would have reacted with more urgency to what ordinary laymen perceive as a problem. I say this, because our Brazilian and Venezuelan borders are nearly as accessible as before. Who is coming, how many and what they are carrying are not known. Since this is reportedly a viral airborne assault, this makes us terribly vulnerable. Further, places of public entertainment and routine congregating are conspicuous for ignoring existing protocols intended to protect and minimise. With these foundations, I expected Minister Anthony would have been leading the charge for some limited escalations in our thinking and tactics, to keep this virus beyond arm’s length.
Instead, there has been this numbing lack of responsiveness, almost to the point of nonchalance and negligence. I point fingers solely at the Health Minister. Given intensifying local coronavirus conditions, I say that Dr. Anthony has not helped us, but hurt us, meaning, our prospects of escaping unscathed. To the surviving family members of those struck down by the virus, the departed is not a statistic, but hard and heavy loss. This is regardless of health condition, age, or individual carelessness. Hence, it would have been gratifying to observe Health Minister Anthony (government) manifest the degree of seriousness that places a premium on implementing every reasonable step to safeguard us better. I regret that Dr. Anthony did not go anywhere near to where he should have a concerted response for the wellbeing of Guyanese.
A few simple, concrete, steps are necessary. First, expand the curfew hours from 7pm to 5am; even 8pm to 5am. But Minister Anthony (government, Task Force) has not done so. Second, close all public drinking places indefinitely. Minister Anthony stares in his glass. Third, implement a no-holds barred approach with violations of protocols, as set by the Task Force. Public transportation, pubs and public gambling dens breach such rules. In fact, I am appalled that casinos and betting shops are open. I cannot understand government’s reticence in tightening.
At this rate, Minister Anthony’s sloth risks his being lumped with the taints heaped on some global leaders: Modi (India), Bolsonaro (Brazil) and Netanyahu (Israel); they failed their societies. Dr. Anthony knows better, he must do so.

Sincerely,
GHK Lall

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