…as Reg. 10 takes steps to slow spread of coronavirus

THE Linden Chamber of Commerce (LCC), through its President, Victor Fernandes, has endorsed the curfew, which will be implemented by the Linden Mayor and Town Council in collaboration with the Regional Democratic Council from today to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Mayor of Linden, Waneka Arrindell, along with the Chamber’s President, has also sought to dispel rumours that there is going to be a ‘lockdown’, stressing that it is just a curfew because of the impending danger posed to residents by several of their actions. “Let me clear the air and announce that there is no ‘lockdown’, but rather a curfew,” Arrindell is quoted as saying in a release issued by the Region 10 RDC.

Fernandes said that several of the LCCs members are happy with the curfew, as they firmly believe that it is critically important. He said that while the Chamber believes the curfew should have been implemented earlier, now is as good a time as any to do so. “This should have been done earlier, as we recognise that the public has not come to grips with the urgency and impact of the virus,” Fernandes said, adding: “This is a serious time, and we as a Chamber recognise that it has the potential of wiping out not only lives, but ultimately several businesses. As such, stringent measures have to be put in place.”

And while several businesses are firmly in support of the decision, he said, there are some small businesses that continue to exploit the situation as the opportunity presents itself. Noting that there is no earthly sense in making an extra dollar at the expense of people’s lives, Fernandes said that business owners need to recognise that by supporting the curfew, it will be forcing people to remain at home and thereby enforce the social-distancing principle. “The reality is that if businesses choose not to open, how would the public come out, as they would have nowhere to dine and congregate,” he reasoned. “And that is why we, as a Chamber, firmly support this decision, as a simple drive around, and you would be shocked to see that several businesses are operating as if nothing is wrong.”
He is of the firm belief that the owners of some bars and restaurants are encouraging patrons to act irresponsibly, as there are some people who are still unaware of COVID-19 and its far-reaching effects.

PUBLIC AWARENESS
This, he said, is why he and the Chamber continue to call for increased public education. He stressed that leaving the residents to Facebook and the myths being peddled by some persons will do more harm to the Region than good. “We are seeking to ensure that, as a region, we come together to address this situation, so that at in the end, we can succeed together, thus reducing the infections and possible deaths, Fernandes said. “The reality is that we are all exposed, and with the curfew being implemented, it will serve to better help us,” he added.

Fernandes said while it is obvious that there are still some loopholes, “We are satisfied that the initiative being taken by the Mayor is one that should be emulated throughout Guyana. I, therefore, urge that various Chambers of Commerce around Guyana encourage the various municipalities to adopt similar measures.”

Noting that the Linden Chamber will play a meaningful role in tackling the disease through the implementation of measures, Fernandes said that they will partner along with other stakeholders in providing assistance to ensure that a command centre is established in the Region, and that a hotlines are made available for 24-hour monitoring.

He gave the undertaking that the Linden Chamber will ensure that requests are being made to private entities such as GTT and DIGICEL to lend valuable assistance through the provision of handsets, so as to ensure the command centre is up and running.

“The Chamber will help; we recognise that the squeeze will be significant for some,” the LCC President said, as he hastened to reassure businesspersons as well as residents that the situation requires their understanding and patience during this difficult period.

“We can all get through this, once we band together, understanding that what may seem simple can, and will, save your life and those also of your family. Therefore, I urge all that we the business community would like to have an increased population, and with irresponsible behavior, it will certainly affect our population and ultimately our income,” he declared.