ERC says COVID-19, electoral impasse double blow for Guyanese

– calls for compassion, cooperation to fight pandemic

Recognising that the country is not only grappling with the ongoing electoral impasse from the March 2 General and Regional Elections but also the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) is calling on Guyanese to come together in this challenging time.
In a recent statement, the ERC made a stirring plea to everyone to remain peaceful and demonstrate “love and compassion” toward each other in the current novel coronavirus crisis.
The Commission reminded that it is a non-political body that was established since 2002 with the support of all sides in Parliament and among its functions is to “Encourage and create respect for religious, cultural and other forms of diversity in a plural society.”
“The ERC recognises that the March 2020 elections impasse and the coronavirus pandemic have dealt a double blow to the social, cultural and economic life of every Guyanese,” it noted.
Only recently, the ERC had urged all political leaders to work in the best interest of the country by endeavouring to diffuse tension and not to encourage behaviours that are counterproductive to peace and unity.
The Commission had stated, “The need for responsible utterances and actions by all, is reiterated as peace and unity are in our hands.”
Nevertheless, in its most recent missive on Friday, the ethnic relations body underscored the importance of Guyanese coming together and maintaining harmony.
It said, “…the Commission desires that in maintaining national harmony, everyone put their head, heart and hands together in their village, neighbourhood or town to fight the disease. In that regard, the relevant collective actions required of all citizens will hopefully overcome the threats all are facing.”
Furthermore, the ERC went on to remind persons that the deadly coronavirus is not restricted to any ethnic-specific group or groups, warning that anyone can be affected.
On this note, the Commission committed to endorsing any initiative which fosters cohesion and understanding as the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic in the months ahead.
It further lauded the actions of many agencies and individuals both in the public and private sectors that have already been rendering selfless services to preserve the health and well-being of everyone during this health crisis.
The ERC said it is mindful of the inundated tasks to manage and safeguard lives, and as such, has specially commended all medical practitioners and support staff in the health system who are on the front line for their unremitting dedication to curb the spread of the pernicious coronavirus.
To date, Guyana has confirmed 63 positive coronavirus cases with seven deaths in total. Nine persons who were infected with the deadly virus have since recovered. Of the 63 cases, the Ministry said four are imported while the other 59 are locally transmitted cases. A total of 305 persons have been tested thus far for the coronavirus.
Currently, there are five persons in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).