Repatriation of Guyanese stranded overseas

Dear Editor,
I am happy and sad at the same time for my fellow Guyanese, as some may get to come home who can afford to do the COVID-19 test which costs about $200.
And some who can’t come home because the test is not done in many areas where some of them are staying, more so those who can’t afford the $200. Because of these circumstances, the unfortunate ones will be left behind.
The authorities responsible should take into consideration, that those passengers would lose their return passage and their families now will have to pay for another flight for them. Many of those families are also presently not working and finding things hard themselves.
I am wondering what would happen when one pays for their passage and on doing their COVID-19 test their result shows positive. Will they be refunded their passage money, or will they lose their money for the second time? I am asking that if a COVID-19 test has to be done, then the passengers should pay their airfare at the airport and not before because they stand to lose their passage money for the second time. I am pleading with the authorities to please consider the abovementioned points.
From what I am reading, I learnt that you can be tested today negative and tomorrow you can show positive and vice versa. You have to be tested 48 hours prior, and then maybe another 24 hours to board the plane to Guyana. Isn’t it possible during this time that you can get the virus?
I would like to suggest to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to review the abovementioned points. I would now suggest that at Guyana airport, passengers can be tested from the 4 mobile testing units. After which they can be sent home to be self-quarantined at their homes for the 14 days. I am quite certain all may be, and I repeat, may be COVID-19 free. It would be less costly for the Government.
However, when the results are obtained, if, and I repeat, if there is any positive case, then the authorities will take the necessary actions.
Please, Minister, I am pleading with you because at each airport the authorities are doing a temperature test and if any pass with a fever they will not be allowed to board.

Sincerely,
Concerned citizen