POPULAR local men’s store Urban Life and sports store MVP Sports, both located at Giftland Mall, have thrown their support behind the Ministry of Public Health’s (MoPH) effort to fight the current COVID-19 pandemic facing Guyana and the rest of the world. 

The businesses have generously donated in excess of 5 000 pairs of gloves valued just over $500 000 to the MoPH to be used by the frontline health workers at this critical time.  The donation was delivered to the MoPH headquarters at Lot 1 Brickdam on Friday, April 3.

Owners of the stores, Ian and Crystal Ramdeo said, “We cannot begin to express our appreciation for the health workers worldwide, especially here in Guyana. We are more than happy to help in ensuring their safety as they put themselves in danger on a daily basis in the battle against this pandemic.  We feel that it is critical that the entire business community gives its full support to planking the curve in the spread of this pandemic.”

“It is heartening to see that many have already started doing this. However, everyone needs to play their part, in whatever way they can. We urge all Guyanese to be responsible and follow the guidelines of local and international health organisations by staying at home and washing hands among other directives.

“We would also like to thank our customers for their continuous support which has made it possible for us to support this cause,” the Ramdeos noted.

The two men’s stores are closed for the month of April with no income during this period. The Ramdeos said their first priority was ensuring that their employees are taken care of financially and can stay safely at home for the period of closure, even if it extends beyond April 30.

The proprietors stated that in addition to this donation, they are trying to source surgical masks overseas, which are in high demand worldwide, as well as support local efforts of persons producing masks by funding some of the materials for these.

They encourage all  persons to do their part in whatever small way possible so that Guyanese can win the war against this COVID-19.