Dear Editor,
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) welcomes the decision by the Government of Guyana to remove the curfew. This removal marks the first instance, in seven (7) years, that Guyana reinstated this component of social freedom.
From its initial imposition in 2015, under the pretext of addressing societal issues, the business community has felt the burden of this restriction on the activities of the night economy. The night economy, as the general public is aware, serves as a critical source of income for Guyanese. The arrival of the novel coronavirus dealt a further crippling blow to the already strained night economy.
With the breakthrough of vaccines against COVID-19, the inoculation of Guyanese, and the understanding by the current national Administration of the importance of the night economy, the GCCI believes that this constitutes the conditions for the removal of the curfew and the reinstatement of this component of social freedom.
However, the GCCI urges all citizens to bear in mind that COVID-19 still exists in the society. Thus, the general public must be responsible in ensuring that they continue to follow the guidelines to protect themselves against coronavirus including being vaccinated. These actions will ensure that Guyana achieves herd immunity and life can return to a degree of normalcy.
Sincerely,
Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry
