With just two months remaining on his scholarship before he completes his diploma, Jeremy Garrett is now at a crossroads as he searches for the means to complete his schooling amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jeremy Garrett
The coronavirus, which has taken the world by storm and has put all sporting activities at a complete standstill, is now taking its toll on everyday life, as persons are being advised to self-quarantine or socially isolate themselves.
In Garrett’s case, the issue is returning to the Land of Many Waters, but with the ports of entry, the Eugene F. Correia and the Cheddi Jagan International airports closed, that hope is now impossible. The airports were initially closed for two weeks, scheduled to reopen on April 1, but with Guyana’s number of confirmed cases reaching 19, the decision was made to keep the ports closed for another month, leaving the national football star stranded in Miami until at least May 1.
While many other local athletes, especially those based in the Caribbean region, like table tennis maestro Shemar Britton and sprint star Emmanuel Archibald, managed to make it home in time, Garrett was not as lucky. By the time the defense player got to Miami, it was too late to get to Guyana.
Thereafter, the 20-year-old player found himself making bed at the Miami Airport for a few nights, before he was figuratively rescued by the Guyanese Consulate and was put up in a hotel close to the airport, in case of any sudden developments.
“I’m currently with Curtez Kellman, but we have knowledge of fourteen to twenty Guyanese that are in our same position and are desperate to return to our home,” Garrett informed this publication when asked whether he was facing the situation alone.
Speaking on his personal situation, Garrett shared that he is most concerned about completing his diploma in Rehabilitation Science and the threat that this situation poses to that goal.
“I feel as though my diploma is on the line. I understand the seriousness of the virus, but we just want to be home because America is getting worse,” he stated.
With online classes commencing, the Louisiana State University player revealed, he is in a vulnerable position, having limited resources to complete his studies.
“It’s not the best of environments to do so (study/ take online classes) since people don’t want to take the risk of having you at their houses. With that, there is limited to no resources that may assist in the continuance of this diploma,” he explained.
Considering that the numbers of reported cases and deaths in the USA are steadily climbing, the defense player noted that he and Kellman are fearful for their health and safety, should they stay much longer in the USA.
“The main reason we are urging to come home is that America’s number is rising and we don’t want to end up in a situation where we aren’t with our families, or not even close. Not knowing what could happen tomorrow, we understand the seriousness of being isolated, but with the numbers also rapidly growing, we don’t know what more we can do here,” he noted.
Amidst all the chaos, the players have been the beneficiaries of kindness from a number of Good Samaritans, who have opened their hearts and homes to them.
“Since we have been stuck here, the Consulate General has tried his best to keep us comfortable and as isolated as possible, but he, too, is probably tired. His association has to deal with a lot more Guyanese who are also in our situation, but they are still trying to help us,” Garrett explained.“With that being said, we have met some very kind Guyanese people here in Florida. One who stands out — I will not mention a name — but for someone who does not know us, and him being a different race and what not, he has been helping us tremendously.”These local sportsmen are seeking any assistance they can receive to return home. “We are capable of paying our own passage and what not. We don’t mind being quarantined for the safety of our selves and others for whatever period they wish to do so; but being here is not good, it’s getting terrible here,” he declared.
With the closure of Guyanese ports of entry extended to May 1, it is feared that the national players will have to ride out the difficult situation the best way they can. Efforts to contact the National Sports Commission (NSC) on any assistance they can lend the Guyanese athletes proved futile. (Jemima Holmes)
