Orealla facing threats of illegal crossing from Suriname – Toshao

…concerns raised as village now COVID-free

Orealla, a community in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), has managed to erase all positive coronavirus cases which were detected in recent months but is now faced with newer threats that can cause reinfection.
Presently, the riverine Indigenous village is facing an infiltration of persons from neighbouring Suriname and is not equipped with resources to monitor this issue.
Speaking with Guyana Times on Tuesday, Toshao Carl Peneux expressed that people are entering the country via barges. This problem started shortly after the border was opened to allow for ferry service between Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain, Suriname.

“We have the challenge of people crossing the border. When they heard that the ferry started to operate, they thought that the border was now open so we have people infiltrating and coming across via barges. I don’t know what help we can get on a security standpoint,” Peneux detailed.
At this point, the village chief said it is important for authorities and law enforcement to monitor the waters in ensuring that persons do not cross illegally. If this continues, there is a high chance of detecting COVID-19 again in the community.
“We need the authorities to monitor. I don’t have the capability or the authority to get into that sort of operation. It needs speedboats to patrol in that area because the virus can easily come across from Suriname and infect people.”
In Orealla and its satellite village, Siparuta, the situation was labelled normal since new cases stopped emerging. Residents are still urged to follow the national and safety guidelines outlined but roadblocks remain in persuading people to comply.
Peneux highlighted in the interview, “Testing wasn’t done recently but we don’t have any known positive at this time in Orealla or Siparuta. We are still encouraging residents to continue following the national protocols, abide with the curfew and we’re asking the Police to enforce those…The challenge is still there because persons like the bar owners opening their bars and we were not getting the cooperating from the Police. They have not been enforcing these laws so we still have that challenge.”
Permission to enter the village is now premised on obtaining a negative test and following all guidelines when in the community.
He added, “Generally, we expect all residents to be properly educated on what and what not to do. The onus is now on all residents to take care of themselves and their families. They know they have to wear masks, stay home, sanitise and the protocols if they come out at Corriverton.”
The Toshao also spoke on sustaining livelihoods and the economic impact, noting that many persons in the logging industry have continued their jobs. On the other hand, farmers are facing challenges in accessing markets.
“It’s not that perfect but generally, our local workers are carrying on. We are signing a contract with Barama Company for Orealla and Siparuta to supply logs and the loggers will get an opportunity to earn. Our lumbermen have been working nonstop since last year to supply the market on the Corentyne Coast. The farmers continue to fare but there are challenges with markets. At least, there is produce to eat and the fishermen are continuing their work.”
Hampers were sent out to elderly persons and single mothers throughout the community to provide relief.
Orealla and Siparuta had recorded numerous positive cases within a short period last year, prompting health teams to visit the community to test persons and conduct contact tracing. Over 100 persons were isolated after their results were positive. (G12)