The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition over the weekend organised and executed several public meetings across the country, thus breaching the national COVID-19 guidelines.
Region Three Commander Simon Mc Bean
The coalition’s meetings were announced for several locations, with some being held in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara); Four (Demerara-Mahaica); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice)
Presently, the COVID-19 measures only allow for a maximum of 25 persons at gatherings but the APNU/AFC’s public meeting overpassed its quota with little or no sanctions by the police.
When contacted, some Regional Commanders indicated that permission was granted while it was dismantled in other regions.
Speaking with Guyana Times Commander of Region Three, Assistant Police Commissioner Simon Mc Bean explained that the coalition had written to him, seeking permission to have ten meetings across the district.
He said permission was granted under conditions to practice social distancing. He added too that Police ranks were deployed to ensure that such happened – this was never practiced.
Some of the APNU/AFC supporters at a meeting in Region Four
The permission to use public schools was given by the Regional COVID-19 Task Force with the condition that a six feet social distancing be practiced along with the wearing of masks.
“We received an application from the coalition Government to hold public meetings at 10 different locations across the region on Sunday. Along with their application, they were granted permission to use Government schools from the COVID-19 Task Force. Police were deployed at all the locations to ensure that they follow the guidelines that was set out by the Region Three COVID-19 Task Force,” the Commander indicated.
On the other hand, Commander of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Superintendent Crystal Robinson told Guyana Times that the meetings were dismantled and supporters were forced to leave after assembling.
“Nobody didn’t give permission to keep meeting. We tell them to leave,” she posited.
One of the public meetings held in Region Three
Guyana Times understands that the meetings in Region Six were held at twelve locations and law enforcement officials were oblivious to this happening.
The coalition has already been criticised by stakeholders and the parliamentary Opposition for their handling of the pandemic, and this new announcement sparked additional concerns about the health implications involved. Moreover, the non-adherence to the national guidelines have been condemned.
Former opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira in a letter on Monday questioned whether the party had a conscience and any love for country, their supporters or healthcare workers already struggling under the present conditions.
“While the people of this country are suffering, while health workers across this country are asked to function in very risky conditions with very limited protection equipment, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, and health facilities are stretched with limited staff, the APNU+AFC focus is on misleading and mobilising supporters to challenge the inevitable declaration. This illustrates their utter disdain for our people,” she had said.
When questioned about the meetings by sections of the media, People’s National Congress (PNC) General Secretary Amna Ally had said that the meetings were the coalition’s business. This was notwithstanding their ability to spread the virus.
“The PNC’s defiance of COVID-19 measures mirrors the APNU/AFC coalition’s rejection of the results of the recount and repudiation of the report of the Caricom scrutinising team, the July 8 rulings of the CCJ and the July 20 ruling of the Chief Justice,” Teixeira wrote.
