…customers prevented from entering area
…even though no activity at GECOM Elections Centre
The management of Silvies Variety Store has advised the public that they would be closed as of Monday, March 10.
Silvie’s Variety Store
The announcement was made on its Facebook page, further stating that this was ordered by the Guyana Police Force (GPF). While many businesses have closed their doors on their own accord, mention was specifically made to the orders given to Silvies in the notice. The Hadfield Street, Georgetown location, which is opposite the GECOM Elections Centre, is a popular spot for many persons to uplift hardware items and spares.
Since March 2, businesses have remained closed as the commercial district remains at a standstill.
When this publication visited several parts of the business hub throughout the week, a few persons were seen walking in the desolate streets as many stores completely shut their operations. Giftland Mall would have opted to close on Friday but reopened the following day for commercial activities. At this time when many business owners are deciding whether or not they should operate as per normal, some have decided to limit their working hours. It is unconfirmed whether other establishments were given similar instructions.
The Police have since denied issuing any such instructions.
On Saturday a few business owners in Georgetown expressed their dissatisfaction with the credibility of the 2020 Elections which has caused an unwarranted political atmosphere that affects their daily revenues.
In an interview with Guyana Times, Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) Gerry Gouveia stated that it is “very worrying” that many businesses are closing their doors which will ultimately result in loss of revenues.
“It is actually concerning to the Private Sector Commission, the current state of what is happening and, in fact, that businesses leaders and business people and their employees are choosing to close their business…It is a very worrying thing because we have seen across the country and especially the urban areas that kind of action being taken and it going take a toll on the economy and it is going take a toll on the workers. So, it is very concerning to us,” Gouveia said.
Republic Bank (Guyana) along with Scotiabank (Guyana) and other businesses took precautionary measures by installing plyboards around their building to protect their establishment in case of any unrests unfolding within the city.
