The APNU+AFC Coalition brings to the attention of the nation that health care workers across the world have been demanding better pay, allowances, and working conditions since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a release from the coalition workers in numerous countries have threatened to and have actually gone on strike when their demands were not met. These include in England, Israel, United States, and Hong Kong among others.
It is against this background that the APNU+AFC Coalition is horrified by the abhorrent and disgusting threats issued by Attorney General Anil Nandlall and the PPP regime against hardworking frontline health workers who have been putting their lives and health at risk to keep Guyanese safe during a global pandemic which has crippled the world. The threats by Nandlall are unconscionable, heartless, wicked and constitute intimidation and bullyism.
Without reservation, the APNU+AFC condemns and rebukes Nandlall and the PPP regime for threatening criminal charges and termination of contracts of health care workers at this time when their services are desperately needed. Industrial action is a lawful option available to all workers and Mr. Nandlall is misinformed, disingenuous or a stranger to the law should he continue to assert otherwise.
The APNU+AFC Coalition is appalled by the callous cold-heartedness being displayed by Nandlall and the PPP regime towards Guyana’s health care workers and the shameless attempt to exploit the circumstances for cheap political gain.
On behalf of the Guyanese people, the APNU+AFC demands that the PPP regime shows compassion, care, and consideration and engage with the health care workers, understand their needs, and provide an acceptable risk allowance, better salaries, and improved conditions of work.
To bring charges against health care workers and terminate their contracts at this time is to jeopardize the health and lives of the Guyanese people and may very well constitute criminal conduct on the part of Nandlall and the PPP regime. Should any Guyanese lose their life as a result of any action by the PPP regime in bringing criminal charges against health care workers or the termination of contracts, the APNU+AFC Coalition puts both Nandlall and the PPP on notice that it will pursue this to the fullest extent of the law.
This is not a time to go to war with the nation’s nurses and doctors and health care workers. This is a time to embrace them, treat them with respect, appreciate and recognize their value towards the health and wellbeing of the nation and reward them for their heroic work over these past months as the APNU+AFC Coalition was actively planning to do prior to leaving government.