– says Sharma Solomon as he urges fellow Guyanese to stay the course in the War on COVID-19

By Tamica Garnett

NOTING that Guyana has suddenly found itself at the mercy of changing times, former Region Ten Chairman Sharma Solomon has, in not so many words, urged Guyanese to do whatever it takes necessary to survive this dreaded scourge that has been visited upon us called COVID-19.

Speaking via a video recording aired on his social media page, Solomon implored his fellow Lindeners, and the nation by extension, to regularly practise physical and social distancing, and adapt good personal hygiene habits so that the country can better pull through safely.
“It will be tough to have to stay home; to stay disengaged and not socialise, but this we must do. It helps the authorities to have better control over the management of this deadly virus. I can assure you that these challenging times will be passing times, and we will be able to socialise again,” Solomon said, adding:

“These small indicators, though insignificant before, are very significant things now. Pay keen attention to our personal hygiene. Wash those hands; wear protective gear; use hand sanitisers; avoid touching your face; take care when engaging with people.”
Of the overall 63 confirmed novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases that Guyana has recorded to date, two are from Region 10(Upper Demerara-Berbice), more specifically from Linden. The two persons at reference would’ve contracted the virus via community spread, as only four were imported incidents.

“What is before us is grave,” Sharma said. “We’ve seen powerful nations being brought to their knees by COVID-19; powerful leaders hospitalised by COVID-19; modern societies grind to a halt by COVID 19. In Guyana; in Linden, we will not be spared. We do not expect that we would not have our own incidents.

“This all the more underlines the need for persons to take extra precaution if they live in Regions where cases of the virus have been recorded.

THE NEW NORMAL

“Lindeners, it now becomes our personal responsibility to practise proper hygiene. What may seem a simple task, now becomes a lifesaving endeavour to ensure we wash our hands; not merely going under the pipe and putting water, but ensuring that we follow those guidelines that will provide for us good hygienic mannerisms, as this is the new normal on how we practice good hygiene.”

Solomon commended the health officials, and the sacrifices they have been making.
“Those on the frontline must be acknowledged. Our healthcare professionals who have diligently performed above the call of duty; our nurses and doctors who continue to ensure that, notwithstanding the challenges, they are going out there to ensure we are all provided for,” Solomon said.

He also commended regional and government officials who have been putting measures in place, as the country valiantly fights to contain the spread of the virus.

“The Mayor, Regional Chairman, Police Commander, all those who have taken bold steps to ensure that we are safe, I want to say, ‘Thank You’. To our Ministry of Public Health: Your performance is one that we commend; recognise. We understand, and are willing to work to support, but we acknowledge that more must be done,” Solomon said, adding:

“Let me recognise the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), which has taken on the herculean task to ensure that Guyanese that are less fortunate are provided for. That is commendable, and must be recognised. We will get a few things wrong, but we must ensure every effort is made to get them right.”

Solomon noted, however, that in just the same way the Region has overcome trials in the past, so will it overcome the current crisis.

“We’ve been here before; we have inspired how in times of need and despair, we come together; we are our brother’s keeper. We look over our fence and ask how our neighbours are doing; we pull closer to one another to ensure we are provided for,” he said.