– East Coast residents call on each other to comply with COVID-19 rules

WITH several villages on the East Coast of Demerara now listed as hotspots, residents have gone into what some would call a frenzy as the reality of the deadly COVID-19 virus is now coming to light for many.

Stating that it is a matter of people’s mindsets, Colin Pellew, a resident of Hope, East Coast Demerara noted that the authorities [police force] have done their part and it is now up to citizens to decide what they wish to do.
Additionally, Pellew noted that while the 6am to 6pm curfew has proven to be effective to some extent, there is still room for improvement.

“Since the curfew, most activities that were somewhat a norm aren’t ongoing but like I said most activities, but some are still up and running, which I was surprised to see…like bro you guys keeping a birthday bash at 8:17 with 30+ persons,” he stated.

He further stated that, “ So to ask if its [the curfew] effective I’d say to some extent, but there is still room for improvement among the people themselves; the authorities shouldn’t be behind grown people about the safety of their own lives.”

Hailing from one of the most popular ‘chill spots’ on the East Coast, Darren Lespuer from Plaisance noted that the curfew should be more intense, forcing businesses, especially those that are not essential to close early.

“The curfew is a good idea, but it should be bit more brought forward like around 4’o clock or so 4 to 6 in the morning or so; most businesses should be closed by 3 o’ clock each day,” Lespuer stated.
Additionally, highlighting that the Plaisance “Line Top” is a known liming spot for many, he noted that greater police presence in such areas may encourage stubborn persons to adhere to the rules.

“Well, the police need do their job; just regular patrols in areas, and break up gatherings, because mostly when people gang up one spot then this virus can get out of hand; people need to stay away from the “line top” for their own safety,” he stated.
‘We have bigger fish to fry’

A vendor from Victoria who wished to not have her name published, stated that it’s all up to the people, since she believes that the relevant authorities have done as much as they can and will continue to do; however, citizens have to play their part.

“We have to do our part the police, the doctors, the nurses and we need to do our part, we need to listen to the curfew, practise social distancing and keep inside, [not going out] only unless you really need to,” she stated.

In addition, the woman further stated that she believes that the current political state that the country is putting a hold on the relevant authorities from tackling the COVID-19 pandemic in Guyana head on.

“We have bigger fish to fry and these politicians are just fighting and fighting for the wrong reasons; if the two bigger leaders would come together, it [would] be good, so we could fight this thing instead of each other,” she stated.