SHERIFF SECURITY SERVICES, a local Security Guard Service, has pledged to donate GY $5M to the government of Guyana to aid in the fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a message on social media, on Sunday, the company stated: “Sheriff Security Services pledges to donate 5 million dollars GYD to the government of Guyana to help with the corona virus pandemic. We are calling upon other small business owners who profited from establishing their business in Guyana. The people of Guyana need your help.”

There are now 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Guyana, with 4 related deaths.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, Director of Business, Radica Ramdeen-Sears said that the donation will be pledged mainly for the acquisition of medical supplies, kits, masks, gloves, sanitisers and more. “If we haven’t been serious about this pandemic all along, now is the time we should all open our eyes. We have 24 positive cases and 4 deaths. This has affected households, communities and businesses from carrying on their normal day to day activities. Sheriff Security is committed to protecting the lives of our clients and our nation in general,” Ramdeen-Sears said.

She noted that the company’s decision to set an example was based on the recent call of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) for organisations to assist however possible. “This is our organisation doing our part for our community and our country. We encourage all businesses to come forward and donate whatever you can. Now is the time to stand together for our people and our country,” she implored.

As of April 3, 2020, the government put in place stringent emergency measures which restrict persons to their homes except leaving for an essential reason; restricts social and religious activities; restricts visitation at correctional and health facilities; enacts a curfew on citizens and businesses; restricts domestic and international travel and establishes social distancing guidelines. It lasts for one month unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice of the Minister of Public Health after an assessment of the prevailing public health conditions.