“We should look at this tragedy as an opportunity, as the new Ministry will be a bigger and better facility that will change the landscape of Brickdam and Georgetown” – Minister Ramsammy
THE health sector suffered a national setback when the main building and another in the Ministry of Health, Brickdam, Georgetown complex were completely destroyed in an arson attack.

But Minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy assured that the ministry is still functional.

Speaking to the media, following the early morning conflagration, he declared: “We have never failed the Guyanese people, so we will do what we have always done and treat this just as any other crisis situation as we try to get our jobs done.”

The compound accommodated five buildings but the main one and the annex next to it were wiped out by the blaze that points to the work of arsonists who started it on the top floor of the three-storey edifice which also housed the offices of Ministers Ramsammy and Dr. Bheri Ramsaran and the Permanent Secretary.

Administration, finance and personnel sections and directors were accommodated there, as well.

The other three buildings were only minimally damaged and two of them were released for use by the authorities as they were determined to be of no risk to occupants, Ramsammy said.

He disclosed that his ministry was in the process of computerising its systems but the records are not irretrievably lost.

Ramsammy said damage was also done to three motor vehicles but several others were saved.

He lauded the supportive efforts that were exerted to help the Ministry.

Ramsammy said he left there around 22:00 h Thursday night and, at 02:00 h yesterday morning, he received a telephone call informing him of the inferno.

He said, since then, he and his officers got together, determined to deal with the situation.

About the cause, Ramsammy said the indication given by uniformed personnel is that it was arson because several explosive devices, commonly called ‘channa bombs’ were recovered at the scene.

ORIGIN
He pointed out, though, that if indeed the origin was arson, it was not an attack on him or the Ministry but on the people of Guyana and the matter will be left to the law enforcement agencies.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Mr. Marlon Gentle could not be contacted for comment.

Ramsammy vowed that the Ministry will not give into the challenges that have arisen whether the occurrence was by accident or design.

He observed that, as availability of health services is akin to the lifeblood of the Guyanese people, steps are being taken to relocate different departments so that operations can resume from Monday.

Public announcements about those will be made but some of the relocations include:

* the Adolescent Health Department to the National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS) building, Hadfield Street;

* the Standards Department to the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) office, East Street;

* the Personnel Department to Guyana Agency for Health Sciences, the Environment and Food Policy (GAHEF) building, Liliendaal and

* the Chief Medical Officer, Minister Ramsaran and the Permanent Secretary to spaces in the unharmed buildings at the Brickdam address.

We have ensured that what needed to be done to have our services uninterrupted has been done,” Ramsammy said.

He said processing of documents that would have facilitated the commencement of training programmes and access to medical assistance will progress as scheduled.

RESOLVED
Ramsammy reiterated that the Ministry is resolved not to lose one minute in responding to the difficulties ahead.

We should look at this tragedy as an opportunity, as the new Ministry will be a bigger and better facility that will change the landscape of Brickdam and Georgetown,” he stated.

However, his confidence was not demonstrated by some staffers, many of whom expressed concerns that ranged from loss of records to retirement plans.

Those who voiced distress said they were shocked and hurt as the reality of what happened set in.

Noting their apprehension, Ramsammy, before the media briefing, called for the employees to gather at the NAPS building where his address left them feeling more convinced.

There, though the anguish in his voice was easily recognized, he advised each employee to pray, hug each other and build solidarity, assuring them that the Ministry will be rebuilt stronger.

Executive Director of the Health Sector Development Unit (HSDU), Mr. Keith Burrowes echoed a similar sentiment.

He said: “We will rebuild and we will not be deterred.”

Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hydar Ally, in an invited comment, said the incident is tragic and unfortunate.

“This is a big blow for the health sector since there was much work done to get to where we are, particularly efforts to build institutional capacity,” he offered.

He maintained, though, that one thing the people of Guyana can rely on is the fact the Ministry will be there.