PSC Head tests positive for COVID-19

Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Captain Gerry Gouveia has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and is now in self-isolation, he disclosed on Thursday.
In a Facebook post, Gouveia revealed that he was expected to travel to Barbados to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Owen Arthur and took a COVID-19 PCR test, as required.
“Unfortunately, the test has returned a positive result. I am asymptomatic as I have none of the symptoms associated with the virus. However, I am now in self-isolation/quarantine and will be for the next seven days, pending another test,” he wrote in his social media post.
The PSC Head said that while he regrets not being able to attend Arthur’s funeral on Thursday, especially since he is the Barbados Honorary Consul in Guyana, he is nevertheless following all the protocols required of COVID-19 victims.
“[I] look forward to a full and speedy recovery. I have already advised many of those with whom I have been in contact in recent days, to get tested as well,” Gouveia further stated.
This announcement comes on the heels of newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, testing positive for the novel coronavirus. This was announced on Wednesday.
On Sunday, President Dr Irfaan Ali had hosted a working breakfast at State House with the local Private Sector and diplomatic community here to interact with Surinamese President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi.
At that event, Gouveia had interacted with several diplomats as well as Government officials.
The Surinamese leader and a delegation had travelled to Guyana last weekend to attend President Ali’s inauguration ceremony.
During the working breakfast, President Santokhi underscored that the Private Sector has a major role to play in the development of the two countries and invited Guyanese companies to invest in his country.
It has been reported that President Santokhi has tested negative for COVID-19 following his visit to Guyana, where he had several engagements with President Ali and his Cabinet members including Minister Todd.