-FITUG urges gov’t, as fight against COVID-19 continues

THE effects of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been far-reaching, affecting persons directly and indirectly, so as the fight against this scourge continues, the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has advised government to focus on protecting the vulnerable population.

“Essentially, we must seek to protect the unemployed, the vulnerable, the poor, the elderly and others in need,” said FITUG in a press statement on Sunday.
The federation believes that there is an urgent need to address the plight of this section of the population, especially given that there has been a consistent rise in the number of confirmed cases.

This call from the federation also comes at a time when there has been talk about a possible “lockdown” of the country, something which health authorities denied having knowledge about.

FITUG, nevertheless, said they learnt from several sources that the authorities are seeking to slow the spread of the disease through a “full lockdown” of the country.
According to the federation, on the surface, it may appear to be a prudent idea but such a policy also is “fraught with severe challenges” as well. A lockdown for the poor can be most harmful, said the federation.

“Already, the crisis has seen many workers being rendered jobless, while for other Guyanese, their incomes have been significantly curtailed. With a lockdown, many of those who find themselves in such situations and now dependent on others for their sustenance, could well now see their bad situations taking a turn for the worse. Indeed, it could well aggravate further the perils that many are facing now-a-days,” said FITUG.

The federation believes, a lockdown, if it is really being considered, cannot occur in abstract and divorced from present-day realities. The federation, very early in the crisis, had suggested several initiatives aimed at easing the woes of the Guyanese people, who are significantly challenged at this time. FITUG, however, argued that government did not act on the suggestions.

And, again, the federation listed a plethora of things, which could be implemented by government to improve the lives of vulnerable persons during the pandemic.
Among the suggestions was the distribution of hampers comprising food, cleaning, medicines and vitamins, masks and other essential items to every vulnerable household. Government had already acted on this front, and through the National COVID-19 Task Force and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), had distributed hampers to hundreds of households across the country.

The federation also advised government to pay all utility bills for vulnerable households for the remainder of the year; provide stimulus grants to all Guyanese; and assist vulnerable Guyanese in their obligations to financial institutions and hire purchase creditors.
While payment of utility bills has not been ongoing, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) had announced the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on utilities, and financial institutions have offered moratorium of up to six months, to their clients.

Additionally, government had announced that a stimulus package is being considered, but it would only be a possibility after the protracted electoral process is completed.
Another suggestion by FITUG, which government has already employed, is transportation for frontline workers and the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to those workers.

Government has already initiated the process of “bringing home” Guyanese students, who are studying abroad, something which FITUG also suggested.

Among some of the things suggested, which government has not already acted on, are the waiving of all taxes and duties on all food and other essential items for the remainder of the year; an increase of the income tax threshold to $200,000 per month and the waiver of value added taxes on electricity, water, telephone and internet services for the remainder of the year; and the approval of certain additional payments to all frontline workers, especially those in the medical sector, who are providing dedicated service in this time of crisis.

“The federation, at this time, wishes those affected a speedy recovery as we have high expectations that they would benefit from appropriate and timely treatment. We, at the same time, must express our deep worry and concern regarding the prevailing situation.

“We, at this time, believe that we can surmount the COVID-19 crisis but it requires us to work together and to adhere to all the precautions. Our adherence, we recognise, for many is easier said than done but could be realisable with the assistance of the State. Indeed, the administration has let us all down. We, nevertheless, urge everyone to exercise caution and seek to stay safe,” said FITUG.