The National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF), today, commended all private sector businesses for the initiatives taken in advancing Guyana’s fight against the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The NCTF noted the decision taken by the Guyana Association of Bankers (GAB) to restrict business hours to four hours per day and commends the banks for taking this action.
Numerous businesses have also implemented measures to foster social distancing and restrict human interaction. Some non-essential businesses have restricted or closed their operations while continuing to pay staff. The NCTF commended them all.
The NCTF further thanked the Private Sector Commission (PSC) for its acceptance of the invitation to contribute to the work of the task force.
Chairman of the NCTF, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had telephone conversations with the PSC representative who was advised of the structure of the NCTF. For clarity, the NCTF said that while it is a ministerial task force, there is a “full national structure” in place in Guyana’s fight against the spread of COVID-19.
The NCTF said that the PSC and numerous civil society organizations are engaged at the level of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) which forms part of the national structure.
Director General of the Civil Defence Commission, Lt. Col. Kester Craig, today held a meeting with several stakeholders. Another meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, with multiple representatives, including those from the PSC, Guyana Manufacturers and Services Association (GMSA) and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI).
The NCTF said that it has received a report that both private sector organizations and civil society representatives have pledged to meet regularly to support the critical work of the NEOC.
The NEOC provides resource mobilisation and financial and economic support towards which the PSC and civil society have worked productively with Prime Minister Nagamootoo in the past, specifically during hurricane relief efforts for sister Caribbean states. In this pandemic crisis, the efforts of all private sector and civic society bodies are welcomed and indeed necessary, the task force said.
