The conclusion that 56-year-old Roger Martindale is Guyana’s 20th death from the novel coronavirus brought out a series of emotions from his close family members on Friday, who refuted the Public Health Ministry information.
Dead: Roger Martindale
Martindale, who is a resident of Bartica in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), died on Tuesday but his death was announced three days later by Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Karen Gordon-Boyle during the coronavirus briefing.
When contacted, the man’s family was in a state of emotional turmoil as he was just laid to rest a few hours prior to the Ministry making the announcement. The situation was compounded with the fact that they vehemently disagree with the conclusion that he died from COVID-19.
His sister, Joanne Martindale, was deeply distraught at the series of events, and recalled her brother’s situation from the inception. She said that he was sick for the past four months and upon seeking treatment at the Bartica Hospital, doctors diagnosed him with Tuberculosis (TB) after conducting tests.
“They didn’t keep him in the hospital because of the corona(virus). They said they will treat him at home and we had to separate him from people,” the woman explained.
She related that the family rented a house in front of the yard, where the man stayed, separately from the family. On Fridays, relatives would uplift his medications at the hospital to treat the lung condition. Last week, an X-ray showed that the man’s lungs were deteriorating rapidly, and would affect the functioning of other organs.
The sister added that last Sunday, the man’s condition worsened and he was rushed to the medical facility. Martindale was complaining that he could not breathe and another X-ray was done, showing that his lungs were completely destroyed.
The man was admitted at the facility and his family was not allowed to see him. His sister questioned why the COVID-19 test was not conducted when he was alive among other burning queries which were raised.
“They said the two lungs gone and he don’t have long more to live. He spend two days at Bartica Hospital. Why didn’t they take this coronavirus test?” she questioned.
Joanne said throughout his time in the hospital, her brother was placed in the wing where COVID-19 patients are being treated. On Tuesday, Martindale’s brother visited the hospital and handed some tea to the security guard for the unwell man. However, he then learnt that his brother died and was placed in the mortuary.
The heartbroken woman shared, “Nobody at the hospital can’t even come or call we on the phone. We leave a number and said anything happen to we brother, let them call…When my brother tea carry and give the guard, the guard didn’t see Roger Martindale. When they find out, he’s in the mortuary.”
Up until Friday evening, no official from the Public Health Ministry reached out to the family to inform that Martindale is the latest COVID-19 death. They remain dismayed and furious at the way in which this situation was handled.
Moreover, questions were raised as to why they were allowed to have a normal funeral, if he was indeed positive for the virus. Secondly, persons who were in contact with the deceased were not placed in quarantine.
“If my brother had corona, why they allow us to bring him home?… Up to now, nobody has the manners to call and tell us even that our brother dead. Not a soul didn’t call we. We are human beings,” she expressed.
This incident has left a dent in the lives of his siblings and mother, who are demanding answers from officials. The man is considered the latest death from the virus.
Guyana’s first fatality was recorded on March 11 but the relatives of recent deaths have outspokenly shared their concerns. Some even alleged that their family members contracted the virus from cross-contamination, after visiting the respective hospitals for other ailments.
Meanwhile, within one day, there was one new case of the virus locally, which raised the total statistics to 352.
Statistics from the Public Health Ministry show that the number of active cases in institutional isolation is 154 – a reduction of two cases.
Meanwhile, 33 persons are in institutional quarantine and two new persons were admitted to the COVID Intensive Care Unit, creating a total of four patients. To date, 178 persons have recovered. (G12)
