Executive Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Zulfikar Mustapha is contending that the government is attempting to breach its own anti-COVID-19 measures by embarking on a series of public meetings on the Essequibo Coast and several other parts of the country.
“I have noted with utter disgust and complete bewilderment, a schedule from the APNU/AFC for a series of Public Meetings on the Essequibo Coast and several other parts of the country. These planned meeting are clearly in breach of the COVID-19 laws in place aimed at preserving the health and well-being of our citizens,” the PPP/C member said.
Item 2 (1) (j) and (k) of the COVID-19 Emergency Measures published in the Official Gazette on 16 July, 2020 clearly states; “ No person shall attend or visit a meeting of a fraternal society, private or social club or civic association or organization; or any other social activity.”
Further, Item 17, under the heading, “Offence”, it is stated that any person who fails to comply with any of these measures commits an offence under Section 152 of the Public Health Ordinance and is liable to summary conviction to the penalty provided under that section.”
“It is for the above reasons I am seeking clarifications from the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leslie James DSM on whether permission was granted to the APNU/AFC for these gatherings. If it is a case where indeed permission was granted, I hope that similar courtesies will be extended to the People’s Progressive Party when and if the need arises,” he said in a Facebook post.
He noted that a PPP/C leader and a democracy advocate were arrested and placed before the courts a few weeks ago while picketing “peacefully and observing all the COVID-19 guidelines” outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“But, supporters of the coalition continue to flout these guidelines without any reprimand. This kind of double standard speaks volume. In conclusion, I am encouraging Guyanese not to participate in these so-called outreaches as they were only events to spew lies and misinformation. Do not put your health and that of your families at risk to satisfy the thirst of a few in the APNU/AFC to illegally hang onto power,” he said.
